Manhattan Village

Above L to R: Jill McCurry, Ryann De La Torre, Sher Willis

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Highlights

  • Culinary Paradise
  • Premium Brands
  • Signature Events
  • VIP Concierge Service

Manhattan Village shopping center is a premier lifestyle destination offering a curated blend of shopping, dining and leisure experiences. It showcases a diverse selection of popular brands, high-end retailers and boutique shopping in an indoor/outdoor environment. Sher Willis, senior marketing manager, Jill McCurry, specialty licensing manager, and Ryann De La Torre, assistant property manager, oversee the retail center and are all active in the South Bay community.

How does Manhattan Village contribute to the South Bay community? 

Sher: Being a regional shopping center, we feel a deep passion for the South Bay community. We support various nonprofit organizations and host free community events all year round. 

What does “local” mean to you? 

Jill: “Local” means being a good community member—respecting your neighbors, our environment and local businesses. It’s about being invested in where you live and contributing positively. We live in such an amazing community, and it’s something that shouldn’t be taken for granted. 

Ryann: As a woman born and raised in the South Bay, “local” isn’t just where I’m from—it’s who I am. My family often jokes that we never want to leave “our bubble,” and honestly, we wouldn’t have it any other way. There’s something special about walking into a store or restaurant and inevitably running into a familiar face.

How long have you lived in your community?

Sher: I am an Orange County girl who moved inland to Temecula back in the early 2000s. After joining the retail property management industry, I transferred to Redondo Beach. Fun fact is that I have lived on the same street for almost 13 years—four different homes, but all on the same street.  

Jill: I’ve lived in the South Bay for 10 years and wish I had gotten here sooner! It’s the best community, climate and people. 

Tell us about a time when you felt like giving up. 

Ryann: Early in my career, I was still learning something new every day—often feeling overwhelmed and questioning whether I’d made the right decision to completely pivot my career path. During one of those moments of doubt, my GM shared a phrase that has stayed with me ever since: “Ryann, if it were easy, everyone would be doing it!” She had faith in my ability and knew I wasn’t like everyone else. Those words still motivate me and keep me pushing forward today.

What strategies have you found most effective in growing your business? 

Sher: Being great partners to the community and surrounding businesses makes us more than a shopping center. Those one-on-one connections help grow our business.  

Jill: Networking is key! I love connecting with other business owners in the community. Someone usually knows someone who could be a perfect fit for what we’re looking for. 

How do you avoid burnout? 

Ryann: Having a strong work ethic can be a double-edged sword. It’s easy to push yourself to the point of burnout. That’s why maintaining work-life balance is crucial for me. Running is my go-to stress reliever; it helps me process challenges and clear my mind. I’ve also learned that you don’t need extended vacations to recharge. Sometimes just a day or two off here and there is exactly what I need to reset and manage my stress levels effectively.

Jill: Taking time for yourself and having a hobby outside work. For me, exercise is my go-to. Whether it’s a walk or a HIIT class, it helps me recenter and come back refreshed.  

Sher: I travel a lot. Visiting new places is so educational, plus you can escape your day-to-day activities. It’s the best!

Whom do you credit for your success? 

Sher: I had strong women who taught me along the way, which was essential, but my mother will always be my driving force. I hear her voice in my head daily, making sure I always do the right thing. 

Jill: I took a break from my professional career when we started a family. Once our children got older, I went back to a corporate job with the support of my husband and family. It’s good to have everyone take more responsibility around the house and know that Mom can’t do everything!

Photographed by Fabien & Laura Castro