Meet Kerry Damiano | Ms. World Traveler

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kerry Damiano and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kerry, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
The road to Ms. World Traveler spans 22 years. I left a “regular” job in 2000 as a President/COO of 2 multi-million dollar companies in different states, where I commuted between them, to start my own business. My initial endeavor was as a professional entertainer, but soon added pageant coach, wardrobe consultant, Christian speaker, my own television show (2 years), and a women’s fashion line (3 years). Some of the ventures were more successful than others, but I was busy and loved what I was doing. However, I always knew something big was coming. As each new element was incorporated, I would wonder, “Is this it? Is this what I’ve been waiting for?” And until June of 2022, the answer was always No.

But one day, it was like God removed the scales from my eyes, and I could clearly see what the big thing was, what I had been searching and hoping for the last 20+ years. As I looked back over that time, each of the various ventures gave me the experience, skills, network contacts, the funds, the technology, and basically, everything I needed to finally take on the challenge of Ms. World Traveler. All the waiting was so that I would be ready.

My first overseas trip was in 1984, and since then, I have been to over 130 countries and all 50 states, so calling myself Ms. World Traveler, the Queen of Travel and Shopping (a Registered TM), was a perfect fit (it’s also an homage to my 40+ years in the pageant industry). Ms. world Traveler is also a web series, where we explore great shopping destinations across the country and around the world to discover style, design, fashion, art and antiques, with the mission of inspiring women to travel and shop local. Each YouTube segment highlights women (and some men) designers, artists, entrepreneurs, and independent businesses by telling their stories, how they got started, and what inspires them.

When we started a year and a half ago, I had never been on social media, and now, the whole business is based on it and utilizes a digital platform to share our content. I’m late to the party…..but it’s never too late to try something new.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
When I realized I was being called to turn my passion for travel and shopping into a viable business, I started researching what other travel websites/bloggers are doing, knowing that there are tons of sites and videos, and that we had to be different. Fortunately, my background in pageantry, beauty, fashion and entertainment gave me a unique perspective that I believed would interest women of all ages.

My focus is not on where to eat, where to stay, how to save money, or getting off the beaten track when you travel (as this is already being done). Instead, I showcase where to shop, the fascinating people who create things, and all things stylish. My thinking is that when you hear someone’s story, you feel like you know them and have made a friend, and that way, when you travel to a new place, you’re not alone.

One of my challenges is to shop a whole city, craft a story and write a script all in 2 days, and then film everything in one day. It is very fast paced and stressful, as I really want to find the hidden gems, but this is what the budget allows. By being careful with our time and the budget, we can go more places!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
To go antiquing, I would make sure we hit Call it New/Call it Antique in Mesa, Merchant Square in Chandler, Flip Consignment in Peoria, and Brass Armadillo in both Phoenix and the West Valley.

For dining options, I would take them to family-owned Namaste in Grayhawk Plaza for fresh, excellent Indian food, Dick’s Hideaway on 16th Street/Bethany Home for a southwest fusion brunch, and Siam at 51st Ave./Northern for their Massamun Beef (they make it fall-apart tender by roasting the beef first).

After a fun day of shopping in Old Town Scottsdale, we would take in a movie at Harkins Theaters, a locally owned company, where I would use my Loyalty Cup and Popcorn perks to treat my guests to an evening of snacks and entertainment.

To get out of town for a day trip, we’d head south on I10 to Tubac to see artisans at work, and then on the way back toward Tucson, tour the Titan Missile Silo from the Cold War Era.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My niece, Gianinna Damiano, is my partner in Ms. World Traveler, and actually moved to Phoenix from Chicago to take on the role of social media manager, videographer and editor. She had never done anything like this before. But with her enthusiasm for learning and her inquisitive mind, she set about to teach herself by reading books, watching YouTube tutorials, and asking questions from others in the industry. I’m so proud of what she has accomplished in such a short time!

After over 30 years of traveling solo, it’s been wonderful (and a serious adjustment!) to bring her along on my adventures.

Website: www.Ms WorldTraveler.com

Instagram: @kerrymsworldtraveler

Facebook: facebook.com/msworldtraveler

Youtube: YouTube.com/msworldtraveler

Image Credits
One Fine Day Photography