NAME: Keri Sinclair

JOB TITLE: Marketing Assistant at Spirit Studios. I mostly focus on content creation and social media.

When and Why did you make Manchester your home?

I moved to Manchester on October 11th, 2018 from my home in Ottawa, Canada. I knew for a long time that I wanted to move to the UK, so for me it was more a question of where and when. I did a lot of research prior to deciding on Manchester - I was really looking for a place where I would fit in and feel accepted - and 5 minutes after Googling 'Manchester' I had made my decision. It felt like the right place for me, somewhere I would feel part of the community, rather than an outsider looking in. There's been some really hard days, some days I've second guessed myself, but I know deep in my soul that I made the right choice moving here, so in that sense I've never looked back. 

What makes Manchester special?

Manchester is so beautiful. England as a whole is beautiful - there's so much history and so many stories to listen to, and such diverse populations - but Manchester is truly unique. The fashion, the music, the history, the architecture, the people, the ideas that come out of this city, everything. Everything about this city is special, and that in itself is special. 

What drives you?

Myself. I know what I'm capable of, I know who I am, I know how I deserve to be treated, so I'm always pushing myself to reach my true potential. Every setback is a learning opportunity for me, and every day poses new challenges for me to face. I've been in the depths of the dark, so my personal drive to never go back there keeps me going and keeps me running when I feel like collapsing. I want to live a life I can be proud of, one where I can be my most authentic self, and so that's constantly driving me to be better than I was yesterday.   

Where would you like to be in 5 years?

I'd like to be successful, in whatever way that works for me, and I say that because I think goals and dreams look different to everyone. I'm finally in a job I am proud of, one where I want to work hard, so I think this is definitely the first step towards a rewarding career. I'd also like to fall in love with someone, and have someone fall in love with me - preferably the same person! Obviously you can't plan these things, so this is more just something I want to achieve someday. I love love, so for me, finding my person, my twin flame, is a huge goal for me.

What is the biggest issue at the moment for women which needs to be talked more about?

I think that question should be reworded to "What isn't a big issue at the moment for women" (haha.) I think there are so many things women face every day that should be talked about; it's really hard to pick one. It's scary to be a woman right now, it's even scarier to be a woman of colour, an Aboriginal woman, really just any woman who doesn't fit in to what society feels is an "acceptable" way to be a woman.

We have to continue building each other up and strengthening our bonds as sisters, because only together can we enact true, lasting change, and only when we fight together as allies can we start to be taken more seriously and have our voices and stories listened to. 

What is your favourite Manchester Girl Event and why?

Book Club. I've always been a big reader - my parents encouraged that and I've always been grateful they planted that seed as early as they did - but you know, life happens and I found myself reading less and less, and it bothered me. So this club was the universe aligning itself so that I'd have an excuse to read more. I love the community I've found in this club and the hilarious/thoughtful/insightful discussions we have - it's a really beautiful thing. 

Why did you choose the location you were photographed?

Spirit Studios has a history deeply rooted in the Manchester music scene. It started as a recording studio in 1980 and has been home to lots of well-known Manchester bands such as 808 State, The Smiths, and The Stone Roses. It now serves as a school where students can learn about audio engineering and music production.