At Inspiration Mississippi, we have the great pleasure of working with some of Mississippi’s kindest, warmest and smartest people. Mangia Bene recently passed the keys from one extraordinary Marketing Manager to another. We are thrilled to honor Liz Lancaster as she departs for her new life in Oxford; we are also excited to welcome the brilliant Susan Farris! Today we are sharing a little more about each of these incredible women.
LIZ LANCASTER:
Tell me a little about you! Your background, where you grew up and how you came to Mangia Bene!
“I was born in Jackson, MS, but grew up in Corinth, MS. I went to college at Millsaps College and it was 'home.' I knew that after I graduated with a B.A. in Communications that I wanted to stay in Jackson and really become a part of the community. March of my senior year, I met with Jeff Good and the rest is history! Jeff was doing all the marketing for Mangia Bene all by himself... you know, on top of owning 3 restaurants and a catering business and being one of the most involved people in the Jackson community. I began my job as Marketing Manager immediately after graduation and was with the company for 5 years. It was such an amazing roller coaster! I learned so much... so much more than any master’s program could offer.”
How long did you work for Mangia Bene and what was your role? What was your favorite aspect of the job?
“I worked for Mangia Bene for 5 years as Marketing Manager. Although the job is mostly marketing through print, digital, and social media, there is so much more to it. A large part of this position was event planning and community relations. Through this position, I helped our company collaborate with hundreds of non-profits in the Metro Jackson Area with community events and donations. Just one great example is the Ice Cream with Friends fundraiser we're doing right now with Inspiration Mississippi that is benefiting Friends of Children's Hospital. Although marketing is the main function of this position, working with people through community projects and events was definitely one of my favorite parts.”
~ Tell us about your new adventures in Oxford and what is taking you there!
“Mangia Bene was not just a job for me... It became a part of who I was. I have learned so much about life and myself from working with Jeff Good and the amazing team that is Mangia Bene. I hated leaving my position, but for everything there is a season. After years of being single and working hard, I finally found the love of my life. Andrew, my fiance, is a ceramics professor and technicians manager for the ceramics department at Ole Miss. Once we were engaged, we wanted to start our lives together as soon as possible. That is how I found my new job as the new Marketing Manager for The Inn at Ole Miss. As sad as it was to leave my life, my home, in Jackson, I am so excited to see where this next road takes me. I could not be more excited to start my new job Monday, July 11th. Although I will always 'bleed purple' for 'Mother Millsaps,' I'm excited to break out the red and blue! Hotty Toddy!”
SUSAN FARRIS:
Tell us a little about yourself! Where did you grow up?
“I grew up in the suburbs of Brandon and enjoyed a classic Mississippi childhood. I spent the days playing outside with my brother, and when the heat finally drove us inside I’d devour books that were much too old for me. If I’m honest, there were a lot of video games involved too. Many weekends were spent in the Delta visiting my grandmother, exploring the fields and woods, and generally getting into trouble and a lot of poison ivy.
I graduated high school from East Rankin Academy out in Pelahatchie and earned my Bachelor’s in English from Mississippi College in Clinton, where I also met my husband. For the last three years, I’ve been working as a Creative Production Manager for EdgeTheory, a social media startup in Ridgeland specializing in growing their clients’ conversations and influence online. Outside of work, I love reading, gardening, watching Doctor Who, playing board games with friends, and being confused by sports- yes, I’m that kind of nerd.”
What attracted you to the job at Mangia Bene?
“What initially attracted me to Mangia Bene? The people! Jeff has a wonderful reputation in the community and everyone I’ve talked to who’s known him has responded with ‘What a great guy. You’re going to love it!’ And they were right! I’m honored to be part of such a tight-knit team, and I can’t tell you how fabulous Liz has been during this transition. She’s been truly generous in helping me learn the ropes and making sure I have everything I need to be successful here. It’s easy to see why everyone she’s worked with loves her. Oxford won’t know what’s hit ‘em.”
What is your background?
“My background is in copywriting, editing, and social media. Through MC’s English program, I am firmly grounded in wordsmithing and how to appeal to others through stories. It was a very natural step from writing my own stories to telling stories on social media for my clients and from there to the broader world of marketing. However, I still love working with language; you hand me a piece with words on it and tell me to play with it and I’ll love you forever.”
What excites you most about your new opportunity?
“It’s not just one thing that gets me really excited about being here. There’s of course the possibilities for using a lot of neat platforms, both online and off, to spread the word about Bravo!, Broad Street, and Sal & Mookie’s. There’s coming up with some hare-brained scheme to create a fun event or cool ad campaign- and then being given a high five and told to run with it. There are the amazing people behind those restaurants and seeing them work so hard to bring good food and fun places to be to Jackson. In the three weeks I’ve been here, I’ve seen so much generosity and kindness and authenticity and a real love for Jackson and the people in it. And that is where all this leads to: getting back into Jackson, getting involved, getting to know the people, and giving back.”
What can people expect when working with you?
“Sass. Lol! I do say what I think but my rule is to be kind first. I am very direct because I believe my time and yours is too precious to be wasted in beating around the bush, but that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten my manners! You’ll always get a heartfelt please and thank you from me and I’ll go out of my way to help you out too. That’s just what neighbors do.”
Is there anything else you want to add?
“I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me here. It’s going to be a wild ride!”
To learn more about Mangia Bene Catering, please click here! For incredible dining in Jackson, visit BRAVO! Italian Restaurant & Bar, Sal & Mookie's New York Ice Cream & Pizza Joint (also open in Biloxi!), and Broad Street Baking Company & Cafe!
Tell me a little about you! Your background, where you grew up and how you came to Mangia Bene!
“I was born in Jackson, MS, but grew up in Corinth, MS. I went to college at Millsaps College and it was 'home.' I knew that after I graduated with a B.A. in Communications that I wanted to stay in Jackson and really become a part of the community. March of my senior year, I met with Jeff Good and the rest is history! Jeff was doing all the marketing for Mangia Bene all by himself... you know, on top of owning 3 restaurants and a catering business and being one of the most involved people in the Jackson community. I began my job as Marketing Manager immediately after graduation and was with the company for 5 years. It was such an amazing roller coaster! I learned so much... so much more than any master’s program could offer.”
How long did you work for Mangia Bene and what was your role? What was your favorite aspect of the job?
“I worked for Mangia Bene for 5 years as Marketing Manager. Although the job is mostly marketing through print, digital, and social media, there is so much more to it. A large part of this position was event planning and community relations. Through this position, I helped our company collaborate with hundreds of non-profits in the Metro Jackson Area with community events and donations. Just one great example is the Ice Cream with Friends fundraiser we're doing right now with Inspiration Mississippi that is benefiting Friends of Children's Hospital. Although marketing is the main function of this position, working with people through community projects and events was definitely one of my favorite parts.”
~ Tell us about your new adventures in Oxford and what is taking you there!
“Mangia Bene was not just a job for me... It became a part of who I was. I have learned so much about life and myself from working with Jeff Good and the amazing team that is Mangia Bene. I hated leaving my position, but for everything there is a season. After years of being single and working hard, I finally found the love of my life. Andrew, my fiance, is a ceramics professor and technicians manager for the ceramics department at Ole Miss. Once we were engaged, we wanted to start our lives together as soon as possible. That is how I found my new job as the new Marketing Manager for The Inn at Ole Miss. As sad as it was to leave my life, my home, in Jackson, I am so excited to see where this next road takes me. I could not be more excited to start my new job Monday, July 11th. Although I will always 'bleed purple' for 'Mother Millsaps,' I'm excited to break out the red and blue! Hotty Toddy!”
SUSAN FARRIS:
Tell us a little about yourself! Where did you grow up?
“I grew up in the suburbs of Brandon and enjoyed a classic Mississippi childhood. I spent the days playing outside with my brother, and when the heat finally drove us inside I’d devour books that were much too old for me. If I’m honest, there were a lot of video games involved too. Many weekends were spent in the Delta visiting my grandmother, exploring the fields and woods, and generally getting into trouble and a lot of poison ivy.
I graduated high school from East Rankin Academy out in Pelahatchie and earned my Bachelor’s in English from Mississippi College in Clinton, where I also met my husband. For the last three years, I’ve been working as a Creative Production Manager for EdgeTheory, a social media startup in Ridgeland specializing in growing their clients’ conversations and influence online. Outside of work, I love reading, gardening, watching Doctor Who, playing board games with friends, and being confused by sports- yes, I’m that kind of nerd.”
What attracted you to the job at Mangia Bene?
“What initially attracted me to Mangia Bene? The people! Jeff has a wonderful reputation in the community and everyone I’ve talked to who’s known him has responded with ‘What a great guy. You’re going to love it!’ And they were right! I’m honored to be part of such a tight-knit team, and I can’t tell you how fabulous Liz has been during this transition. She’s been truly generous in helping me learn the ropes and making sure I have everything I need to be successful here. It’s easy to see why everyone she’s worked with loves her. Oxford won’t know what’s hit ‘em.”
What is your background?
“My background is in copywriting, editing, and social media. Through MC’s English program, I am firmly grounded in wordsmithing and how to appeal to others through stories. It was a very natural step from writing my own stories to telling stories on social media for my clients and from there to the broader world of marketing. However, I still love working with language; you hand me a piece with words on it and tell me to play with it and I’ll love you forever.”
What excites you most about your new opportunity?
“It’s not just one thing that gets me really excited about being here. There’s of course the possibilities for using a lot of neat platforms, both online and off, to spread the word about Bravo!, Broad Street, and Sal & Mookie’s. There’s coming up with some hare-brained scheme to create a fun event or cool ad campaign- and then being given a high five and told to run with it. There are the amazing people behind those restaurants and seeing them work so hard to bring good food and fun places to be to Jackson. In the three weeks I’ve been here, I’ve seen so much generosity and kindness and authenticity and a real love for Jackson and the people in it. And that is where all this leads to: getting back into Jackson, getting involved, getting to know the people, and giving back.”
What can people expect when working with you?
“Sass. Lol! I do say what I think but my rule is to be kind first. I am very direct because I believe my time and yours is too precious to be wasted in beating around the bush, but that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten my manners! You’ll always get a heartfelt please and thank you from me and I’ll go out of my way to help you out too. That’s just what neighbors do.”
Is there anything else you want to add?
“I can’t wait to see what the future holds for me here. It’s going to be a wild ride!”
To learn more about Mangia Bene Catering, please click here! For incredible dining in Jackson, visit BRAVO! Italian Restaurant & Bar, Sal & Mookie's New York Ice Cream & Pizza Joint (also open in Biloxi!), and Broad Street Baking Company & Cafe!
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