HERMITAGE, Pa. – When Sherris Moreira moved back to western Pennsylvania in 2016 to care for her aging mother, she adjusted her career to fit her new priorities.
The former marketing, tourism and business development professional found that doing those jobs was no longer feasible.
So she started a “side hustle” of writing press releases and résumés and handling social media for small businesses.
Moreira launched The Small Town Storyteller Communication & Consulting Co. in 2021, formalizing her business and giving it a name, while continuing to work at another full-time job.
When she moved her mother into her home in 2022, she had to make more changes.
“Once she moved in, I realized that my life was no longer conducive to a 9-to-5 job,” Moreira says.
She leaned into her Small Town Storyteller company in 2024 to make it all work.
Moreira specializes in corporate communications, digital and traditional marketing, business consulting and event planning.
“I’m not alone in this ‘forced’ career deviation,” she says. “I have clients that are also caring for loved ones and have had to adjust their careers to match – whether young kids, aging pets or elderly parents, especially in this aging region.”
Moreira has expanded her services to meet the needs of her clients.
“I’ve been helping clients with case studies, website content, grant research, loyalty programs, business development and board presentations, among other things,” she says.
Her company also coordinates a holiday meal delivery program, Operation: Cheer, at both Easter and Christmas.
“At Christmas, we delivered 300 meals to people in need or elderly that were shut in, and provided another 100 meals to our first responder community as a thank you for all they do. Plus we were able to support five restaurants,” Moreira said, adding that she is always assisted by her friend Courtney Cilli and other volunteers.