The Magnolia Media Group team has been growing this year, and one of our newest members is Carlie McMann. Starting as our Brand Storyteller this June, she’s a wanderer at heart and a vital part of what we do. We asked Carlie a few fun questions; read on to find out more about her!
MMG: What kind of stories speak to you most?
Carlie: I love working for Magnolia Media Group, because I get to tell stories of ordinary people, people who would often get overlooked. I love that I get to learn and share about people in situations that – if circumstances were different – I could have been in. These stories matter, because these people matter. And the stories we tell are always about real people with real needs and how our clients are working to fulfill those needs.
It’s so rewarding to connect with people from all walks of life and bond with them. I recently moved from Tennessee back to Georgia, and two of my latest story features had also relocated in the past few months. It was so cool to connect with people who are decades older than me over this shared experience and encourage each other. I love the authenticity this kind of writing and interviewing promotes.
MMG: What’s your favorite part of your role at MMG?
Carlie: The people – and I’m not just talking about my coworkers, though they are AMAZING. I love that I get to connect with a variety of nonprofit organizations and support different causes.
MMG is a unique agency. I’m building relationships with our nonprofit clients – and I know that the work I do genuinely impacts others – so it’s very easy to find purpose and value in this role. I get to see the impact of our work firsthand, and it’s more than numbers. Helping people and serving my community through sharing stories and writing… I can’t think of a better fit for me!
MMG: What are some things that make your heart happy (hobbies, pets, favorite foods, etc.)?
Carlie: I love the outdoors, adventure and quality time with friends and family. I really enjoy finding a good spot and taking my time just existing in nature. I also love board games, all things enneagram, wildflowers, notes and little voice messages from the people I love, swing dancing, rainy days, John Mulaney, ramen from Pao Pao, my church community, spontaneous experiences, and travel.
MMG: If you could go anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
Carlie: There are so many places I’d love to see, but right now, I’d choose to go back to Iceland. I spent a month there last summer and was completely in awe of the scenery. There are lava fields, at the time an erupting volcano, black sand beaches, breathtaking waterfalls, iceberg lagoons, hot springs and so much more. Almost every terrain can be found on the one island. We spent the month living out of a van and hiking; it was an absolute dream come true. The people I met were also so welcoming, and I had the best meal of my life on this trip.
MMG: What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
Carlie: I took aerial silk classes for two years when I was in high school. It was definitely just a phase, but I really enjoyed that time and the people I met through it.