Daily Inspiration: Meet Jessica Manning

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Manning.

Hi Jessica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story is a tapestry of Atlanta grit, Southern sophistication, and a lifelong love for storytelling and connection.

I was born and raised in Atlanta, and even as a young girl, I had a natural gift for bringing people together and helping them see what’s possible. That curiosity — that instinct to create, connect, and elevate — has guided me through every chapter of my life.

I began my career in hospitality with powerhouse brands like Marriott and Hilton, eventually serving as a Director of Sales & Marketing. That world taught me how to build unforgettable experiences and how to think with both strategy and heart. But I’ve never believed in living life inside a single box. I’ve always seen career pivots not as detours, but as divine invitations to explore new passions.

That mindset led me to build Eleven20 Agency, my boutique PR, branding, and creative strategy firm. It’s where I lean into storytelling as my superpower — helping brands, leaders, nonprofits, and visionaries show up boldly, purposefully, and unapologetically themselves.

As a result of my love for storytelling, I really wanted to express this passion creatively through filmmaking. As the Executive Producer of “Love, Patrick: The Forgotten Story Of A Fashion Icon” , I’m telling the story of fashion designer Patrick Kelly — someone who, like me, redefined what it meant to carve your own path, fearlessly.

Every pivot I’ve made has been an expansion, not a departure. I’m living proof that your career doesn’t have to be linear to be meaningful. In fact, the most extraordinary lives are often built by people who refuse to be pigeonholed — people who follow their passions, honor their talents, and stay open to reinvention are always lead the most interesting lives.

Today, everything I do sits at the intersection of creativity, culture, and connection. My journey continues to evolve, and I’m grateful for every pivot, every lesson, and every opportunity to tell stories that matter — including my own.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road has been anything but smooth — but it’s been sacred.

I think people often look at the titles, the projects, the highlight reel, and assume the journey was neatly mapped out. It wasn’t. There were seasons of deep uncertainty, moments where I questioned my worth, and times when life required more of me than I felt I had to give.

I’ve walked through imposter syndrome — the kind that whispers, “Are you really qualified to do this?” even while you’re exceeding expectations. I’ve experienced exhaustion from being the strong one, the creative one, the dependable one. I’ve poured into others until my cup was empty. And I’ve felt the heartbreak of dreams deferred — not denied, but delayed in ways I didn’t always understand.

I’ve also lost relationships along the way. Growth will sometimes cost you people you thought would be with you forever. Choosing yourself, your peace, and your purpose has consequences — but so does staying small. I had to learn that not everyone can go with you to the next level, and that’s okay.

There were moments when I had to hold myself accountable, too. Moments where I had to be honest about my patterns, my fears, my procrastination, my need to be perfect. Sometimes the obstacle wasn’t the world — it was me. That realization hurt, but it freed me.

But here’s the truth: every challenge carved something in me. Every disappointment strengthened me. Every pivot made me wiser. And every tear watered something I would eventually harvest.

As a Black woman, as a creator, as someone daring to build something that didn’t exist before — I had to become comfortable walking roads that weren’t smooth, weren’t predictable, and weren’t always kind. But I kept going. I kept choosing myself, choosing my calling, choosing the vision God placed on my life.

And I say all of this because I want people to know:
You can experience all of that — the doubt, the fatigue, the losses, the silent battles — and still rise. You can keep moving and still become everything you’re meant to be.

My story isn’t perfect, but it’s powerful. And if you’re reading this, I hope it reminds you that your road doesn’t have to be smooth to be meaningful. Just keep going. Your future self is waiting for you at the finish line.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I’m a creative with sharp business sensibilities — a combination that has become essential in an age where storytelling, branding, and technology are deeply intertwined. My work lives at the intersection of culture, connection, and strategy. I help people, brands, and organizations show up with clarity, confidence, and intention.

Through my boutique firm, Eleven20 Agency, I specialize in public relations, creative direction, branding, and communications strategy. I’m known for helping clients find their voice, elevate their visibility, and build a brand presence that feels both magnetic and meaningful. My approach blends creativity with data-driven thinking — because in today’s landscape, artistry is powerful, but strategy makes it sustainable.

I also wear the hat of Executive Producer for Love, Patrick, the documentary honoring fashion icon Patrick Kelly. This project has allowed me to merge storytelling, culture, and legacy-building in a way that feels both personal and historic. It’s a testament to my belief that stories — especially Black stories — deserve to be preserved with excellence.

And as a Realtor with Keller Williams West Atlanta, I bring a unique blend of creativity, negotiation, and community expertise. I help people envision not just the home they want, but the life and lifestyle they’re building toward. It’s brand-building, but on a human level.

What sets me apart is my ability to move fluidly between worlds — PR, film, branding, real estate — and bring the same level of excellence to each. I see possibilities where others see limitations. I build connections where others see closed doors. And I stay rooted in authenticity even in spaces that often reward conformity.

I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve built a career that reflects my full identity — not just one version of myself. I didn’t choose between creativity and business; I merged them. I didn’t wait for permission; I created opportunities. And I didn’t allow myself to be boxed in by traditional career paths.

I believe the future belongs to multi-hyphenates — people who honor all their gifts. People who innovate, pivot, and build boldly. I’m proud to be part of that movement and even prouder to use my work to empower others to do the same.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
For me, connection isn’t a strategy — it’s a lifestyle. It’s one of the most valuable currencies we have as humans, and it has sustained me in ways that go far beyond business. Some of the most respected and influential people in Atlanta and beyond will pick up the phone when I call — not out of obligation, but with genuine joy. That’s not luck. That’s connection done with intention.

My biggest advice for finding mentors and building a real network is this:
Lead with authenticity, curiosity, and generosity.

Don’t approach people only from a place of “What can you do for me?” Instead, lean into “How can we pour into each other?” Mentorship — at its best — is reciprocal. Even if you’re the mentee, you bring something of value: fresh perspective, support, insight, presence, gratitude.

Nurturing connections requires consistency, not convenience. Send a text just to check in. Celebrate people when they win. Offer support when they’re going through life. Show up in ways that don’t have a transactional end goal. People remember how you make them feel more than anything you can give them.

One thing that has worked well for me is treating every interaction with care. I listen deeply. I value people’s time. I speak with intention. I stay present. When you show up as your full, authentic self — instead of a polished version of who you think you should be — people respond to that. They trust it. They respect it.

Mentorship and networking are really about relationship-building. And relationships require heart. If you nurture your connections with honesty, kindness, and consistency, you’ll find that doors open organically. People will advocate for you when you’re not in the room. And your network won’t just support your career — it will support your spirit.

Real connection is one of my superpowers. It’s how I’ve moved through rooms, built a multi-hyphenated career, and stayed grounded through all of life’s pivots. My advice? Build relationships the way you build anything you want to last: with intention, authenticity, and care. I know this is a long answer, but this is a topic that I love to talk about passionately because so few know how to connect, especially in the age of social media.

Contact Info:

• Website: Eleven20agency.com, oneluxegroupllc.com and lovepatrickmovie.com
• Instagram: @jessisonitnow, @jessknowsatl and @lovepatrickmovie
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jess.manning.7
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicalmanning1120/