ABOUT

I’m Kristin Keeney Forbes, a marketing and branding consultant rooted in the power of storytelling, community and design — and a deep love for all things local. Over the past decade, I’ve worked to uplift small businesses, nonprofits and mission-driven organizations — and to strengthen local economies — through creative, community-focused marketing.

Both on staff and as a marketing consultant for MainStreet Oceanside, I played a key role in positioning Downtown Oceanside as a vibrant destination for dining, shopping, arts and culture — an effort that helped earn the California Main Street District the titles of Best Downtown and Best Downtown for Shopping in Best of North County 2023 and 2024. I also created and promoted ’Tis the Season to Shop Local, named one of the most innovative small Business Saturday campaigns in the nation three times by Main Street America and American Express.

Now based in Ocean Beach, I continue to serve small businesses and nonprofits through digital marketing, branding, social media and campaign development. I also co-founded a youth basketball analytics company serving elite circuits, including Nike EYBL, where I led marketing and operations.

At the heart of my work is a passion for elevating stories that connect people — to each other, to their communities and to the causes they care about.