We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kerry Maunus. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Kerry , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Most recently I am obsessed with Mahjong! I love that it is time where no one is on their phone, there’s no eating or drinking involved, just focus and time with friends. It is a great way to use your brain outside of the normal emailing and strategizing. It also is fun to bring new hobbies into your life at any age!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Kerry Maunus and my business partner April George and I started Turkey on the Table 11 years ago. Being a small business we have ridden the rollercoaster of ups and downs for sure. During our tenure we had great success in the beginning with free publicity and press from many major magazines and influencers. It was so fun and rewarding. As COVID hit and the influencer landscape changed. We faced increased shipping costs (paying 5x what we had in the past), then paid post requirements from social media, and also tariffs. It was frustrating, but we continued our business because the need for Feeding America also grew with increased grocery pricing and food insecurity in the US. While we are not a nonprofit, now we mostly work to continue our mission of gratitude and giving back vs. our bottom line.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
I believe lost trust is the most difficult for most people to get past. To get past this bond, I think forgiveness is the only answer. If you believe the person is truly sorry for their actions, carrying around dislike, distrust, or hate can be a burden on YOU. It is hard to move past, especially when there is immense hurt involved, but forgiveness can be very powerful in life. The person issuing the forgiveness reaps tremendous benefit of letting that insidious feeling inside go.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. We have faced declining sales and numbers that are not what we had hoped. Each year as a seasonal business we have to assess whether the time spent and efforts are worth it. As we build momentum each year it diminishes by the next season, which is tough. We have to remind people and build our following each year after months of no posts or engagement. Gearing up for this each year can be intimidating.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my biggest goal in life is to be an impact on others lives. My family, my friends, my community are all part of my legacy and I hope that I leave them all better than if they had a life without me. Special thoughtful gestures, being there when life is hard, and giving back are all part of my life’s work when it comes to others that are important to me.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
If I had 10 years left I would stop two emotions: guilt & regret. I would do would I could to absolve any feelings of regret, and fix what I could. I would let go of any of the things I could not change. I would also stop feeling guilty for things that I cannot do, do not have time for, or assume I should be doing. I know I am doing the best I can with the time and energy I have, but feeling guilty as a mother is inevitable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.turkeyonthetable.com
- Instagram: @turkeyonthetable
Image Credits
Megan Gery Photography
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