Meet Kerry Wee

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kerry Wee. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kerry below.

Kerry, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

I was accustomed to being the only Asian in the room growing up in rural Ohio. When I moved to Los Angeles, I was surprised to be somewhat intimidated by other asian women and competitive with them.

I began my career in the commercial dance industry. The diversity around me sometimes felt like the hug that I never knew I needed but at other times felt as if I had lost a super power. I convinced myself that I stood out only because I was alone. In reality, growing up I had just learned to survive without a tribe.

I hadn’t yet found my voice back then, but figuring out how to be yourself in an uncomfortable environment can become a skill set. It informed me and now I’m comfortable walking into all types of spaces where I lean into my voice and talk as much as I can to as many people who will listen.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

Throughout the years of performing and building my business, there was something missing. I was able to express myself on the stage but now I wanted a mega-phone for my voice. I started podcasting during the pandemic and today I host & produce:

The Expecting Aerialist, a niche interview show that discusses how aerial athletes experience becoming mothers as well as topics like pelvic floor dysfunction, prenatal fitness and postpartum mental health.

Greener Grass with Kelli McVay – We’re hometown friends who went in wildly different directions. I toured the world as a professional dancer and she had four kids and thrives in the corporate world. In short, we were jealous of one another but in reality, we each had our ups & downs. Our show talks to ordinary people doing extraordinary things watering their own patch of grass.

And *NEW The Artist Entrepreneur with Amanda Ritchie & Noah Dach, a show that examines how to create businesses out of artistry. We discuss the grit & risk taking it requires, how creatives branch out in a multitude of ways and why it’s worth it.

If you love talking to people, have things to say and are capable of churning out weekly content, now is the best time to start a podcast. They say that the best time to plant a tree is twenty-years ago, but if not, do it TODAY. Podcasts aren’t going away so if you haven’t already started, do it, do it, do it!

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Grit is defined as sustained hardwork and determination over a long period of time despite setbacks combined with a deep interest in a particular goal. Grit is THE quality that successful creatives have. If not for grit, none of us would be prosperous because it’s that hard to knock the same door down everyday when you’re not always getting paid. Create a VISION for your future and work with unwavering consistency towards it.

That brings me to risk tolerance and how much you need . Those with salaried jobs may only feel financial insecurity when they’re in danger of losing it. Dissimilarly, we feel it often, sometimes daily. Practice taking risks by starting that podcast, writing that book or starting that business you’ve been dreaming of. Luckily, it’s not unlike a muscle that can be exercised and strengthened. When times are tough, we sit in it and dig out of it all at the same time.

We get there by getting good at finding ways to make ends meet and problem solving. I’m a dancer & aerialist by trade, but podcasting also fits. I never thought I would become a podcast producer, but now it pays some of the bills. I learned how to edit, sound master and I continue to listen to dozens of other podcasts to grow my skill set.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The challenge that’s right in front of me is starting over in a new city. My partner, daughter and I have just relocated to San Antonio after living in Los Angeles for the last twenty-four years.The biggest problem to solve is re-building my clientele.

Starring at an empty contact list is really intimidating but I tell myself, “I’ve done this before and I can do it again.” The best part about having to rebuild is that you’ve got evidence that you’re capable of it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wrapyourheadaroundsilks.com
• Instagram: @kerrywee1
• Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-expecting-aerialist/id1552816289
  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/greener-grass/id1557177452

Image Credits

Jenny Choi Photography