Katie Manning
Product Designer / Business Strategist / Founder of Beyond Believed
Charleston, SC
Q What do you do?
“As a product designer, my craft is to merge function with form, creating experiences that resonate and simplify life’s complexities.”
I take pride in considering every interaction users have with our products, ensuring that each detail contributes to a seamless and enjoyable experience. My role allows me to shape the future direction of our products, from the overarching roadmap to the meticulous design details that make our interfaces both beautiful and user-friendly.
After hours, I pour my heart into my entrepreneurial venture, Beyond Believed, a self-care and healing companion for survivors of sexual assault.
In addition, I offer my strategic skillset to startups, particularly in the wellness and tech sectors. My freelance work goes beyond consulting—I aspire to forge partnerships with founders with big visions for improving the world.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
My journey began with an undergraduate degree in advertising and branding, where I discovered a passion for strategic creativity. My innate curiosity (the kind that I had labeled me as a "why" kid since childhood) propelled me to delve deeper into understanding how things work.
After graduation, I found myself in Seattle through the serendipitous opportunity of an internship that caught my eye at a college career fair. I happily accepted and moved across the country to a city I had never been to. There, I was introduced to a world brimming with futurists and truly mind-blowing work. That experience and being surrounded by the inspiration Seattle offers shaped my career trajectory, steering me away from advertising and towards the fields of user experience and product design—however, I still get to flex my branding skills now and again.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
Being a slashie has proven to be a significant advantage. Skills in design, strategic thinking, and business acumen are invaluable assets in any creative field.
Q What are you working on right now?
I am currently forging design initiatives at Microsoft for the Bing search engine, focusing on enhancing job search experiences, recipes, and related features.
I'm currently juggling a few projects:
→ Designing an AI chatbot for Beyond Believed.
→ Freelancing for founders on product design and strategy.
→ Studying for my MBA program.
→ Acquiring software engineering and coding skills to enhance custom coding practices and explore artificial intelligence programming.
Q What’s your style?
I’m drawn to vibrant, bold colors and a design aesthetic that’s clean and straightforward, with some unexpected elements—be it a playful interactive feature, an unconventional button, or other creative details.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
I would love to write more. I often jot down chaotic thoughts in my notes app when I feel inspired. I want to spend more time transferring these thoughts from my notes app, where they will often be forgotten. I recently started a blog on my website.
Q What is frustrating you right now?
The pressure to become a motion designer or videographer. Video/motion as a I'm eager to find a co-founder or expand the team at Beyond Believed. Networking has presented challenges, especially given the sensitive nature of the mission. Ideally, I'm looking for a founding team member who has personal experience with the subject matter, as this brings a necessary level of empathy and understanding to serve our audience effectively.
If the mission of Beyond Believed resonates with you and you're interested in partnering on an innovative product and support services for survivors of sexual assault, I would love to have a conversation!
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Assist me in promoting myself and my work without it feeling awkward or forced.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Everything is going to happen for you at the right time.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
Software engineering experts and researchers actively contributing to AI products.
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
I am actively looking to support founders who need help with product design, strategic business consulting, and user research.
I'm particularly passionate about collaborating with founders who are innovating in the following areas:
→ Future Tech such as AI, Web3, and VR
→ Transportation and Autonomous Vehicles (AVs)
→ Technology for Social Impact
→ Wellness and Mental Health
→ Responsible Money Management
→ New Business Development
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
I love passionate founders who want a partner and collaborator in their growth. These founders are typically in the wellness or tech spaces and are committed to working with a consultant over the course of a few months.
Q: What is your rate?
My experience working with founders has shown me that there's no one-size-fits-all pricing model. I'm flexible and willing to work within your budget. In some cases, I'm also open to contributing without immediate payment, with the understanding that I may seek your expertise in return to help address challenges in my own venture.
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
Q Who is a creative you admire?
My talented graphic design friends! Kierra Byrd and Amelia Meno.
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
Explore different mediums. Painting, photography, and sketching have been inspiring for me lately. Also, taking extended breaks away from screens can be hard when you work in tech but sometimes a quick walk outside really resets the brain.
This member profile was originally published in April 2020, Updated in June 2024.