Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Faye.

Hi Erica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

My journey into theater began in a rather unconventional way. After transferring from a traditional high school to an alternative one, I found myself in a unique situation. At the alternative school, theater was the only class left available that I needed to take in order to graduate. Initially, it wasn’t a subject I had planned on pursuing, but little did I know that this serendipitous turn of events would shape the course of my future. It was a class that would not only fulfill my graduation requirements but also spark a deep passion for the art of performance and storytelling.

The decision to leave a traditional high school and attend an alternative one turned out to be one of the best I could have made. While the transition felt daunting at first, it ultimately became a pivotal moment in my life. The alternative school offered a creative and open environment, free from the constraints of the conventional academic system. This newfound freedom allowed me to explore my interests, and through theater, I found my true calling. What started as an unexpected necessity soon turned into a fulfilling path toward a career in theater and filmmaking. It was in that alternative setting, through the lens of performance and creative expression, that I walked into my destiny, discovering a world where I could truly thrive and create.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?

My acting career has not been a smooth transition, but rather a journey of perseverance, self-discovery, and faith. In 2020, my mother passed away from Covid. It was one of the most difficult times of my life. She was my friend, my advisor, my mother, my everything. A very classy wonderful woman, she was indeed. As she was in the hospital, passing away, I became physically and mentally ill at home. I couldn’t leave my bed for three weeks. I couldn’t cook for my children, I couldn’t bathe myself, I couldn’t clean. Every time I tried to get out of the bed, I became extremely dizzy. It was like my babies had to take care of me. They checked on me constantly, asking if I was OK, if I needed anything, and snuggled close to me to let me know that I was not alone and we were in this together. Such a difficult task for an 8 and 10 year old, but by the grace of God, we made it through. My mother went into the hospital on March 28, 2020 and never came out. She was on a ventilator for 43 days. Her name was Linda Anita Williams, and she was indeed a fighter. When I was finally able to feel like myself again, I wanted to do something to make my mother proud. That is when I first started auditioning for film and TV roles. But, I was faced with a harsh reality: casting directors weren’t willing to give me a chance because I didn’t have the acting credits on my resume that they were looking for. It was discouraging. It felt like I had the passion and the talent, but the doors were firmly closed because of the lack of experience that others valued.

Rather than giving up, I realized I had to create my own lane. I couldn’t wait around for others to validate me, so I took matters into my own hands. I decided to write, produce, direct, and star in my own short films. These weren’t just projects; they were my way of proving to myself and the world that I had something to offer, regardless of my lack of credits or connections.

To my surprise, these films started gaining recognition. They went on to win multiple awards, including prestigious honors from the Iowa Motion Picture Association, as well as several online accolades. It was a validation I never saw coming, and it fueled me to keep pushing forward, even when things got tough.

But it hasn’t always been easy. Along the way, I’ve battled procrastination, depression, and anxiety—feelings that often cloud my judgment and make me question my worth. There have been days where I felt like I wasn’t good enough, where I doubted every choice I made. The pressure to succeed, to prove myself, and to meet my own expectations felt overwhelming at times. I thought about quitting on more than one occasion.

However, through all the struggles, I’ve learned that the power of God has been my anchor. It’s in those quiet moments of doubt that I’ve found strength, a reminder that I am not alone in this. My faith has given me the courage to keep going, to overcome the obstacles, and to rise above the feelings of inadequacy.

Each project, each award, and each step forward has been a testament to the power of persistence, faith, and self-belief. I’ve learned that while the journey may not always be easy, God’s guidance has led me through. It’s not just about getting the job done—it’s about trusting the process and knowing that with faith, all things are possible.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

I am the founder of Erica Faye Studios, a non profit film studio dedicated to the inner city, an actress, writer, producer, and director, with a deep passion for both writing and acting. Over the years, I’ve embraced various roles in theater, musicals, and now movies, each one shaping me in profound ways. What I am most proud of is not just my work, but the journey of overcoming myself—facing self-doubt, moments of inadequacy, and the voices that tried to silence me. Instead of shrinking, I took up a bullhorn and spoke unapologetically, embracing the strength within. I am proud of who I’ve become and the God within me that fuels my purpose. What sets me apart is my unwavering love for my craft, my love for people, and my love for God—the ultimate gift giver and creator. It’s this love that drives me to continue creating and sharing stories that resonate with the soul.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?

One quality that I feel is most important to my success is my deep love for God. My faith is the foundation of everything I do. Consulting Him regularly, asking for His guidance and wisdom, helps me stay on the right path and make decisions that align with His purpose for me. I truly believe that trusting in His plan provides me with the strength and clarity to face challenges head-on, and I feel that His presence in my life helps me navigate the journey with confidence and peace.

Alongside my faith, I also value maintaining my character and integrity. No matter what comes my way, I believe it’s crucial to stay true to my word and actions. I strive to mean what I say and stand firm on my beliefs, even when faced with opposition. I refuse to let anyone diminish my voice or self-worth for their own gain. Staying positive, no matter the situation, is essential for my growth and success—because negativity only holds you back. By staying focused on the good, I find that I’m better equipped to overcome obstacles and keep moving forward with faith and resilience.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/15UuMrpfuU/?mibextid=qi2Omg
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ericafayeofficially3428?si=MRLzXStlGPXpCjqX

Image Credits

Len Struttman Photography
Kevin Thorn
Caleb Davis
Brittany Benedict