We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Erika Johnson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Erika, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s talk about innovation. What’s the most innovative thing you’ve done in your career?

The most innovative career decision I’ve made was creating a small marketing firm after college. Although I no longer have this business, it taught me life skills in marketing, working with others, and representing myself. Building a marketing business that represented others gave me the confidence to represent myself and start my journey as an influencer. My family has a saying, “If not you, then who?”. Graphic design and corporate communications was my passion, but I was doing something different during my 9-5 right out of college. I had just graduated from James Madison University with a major in Media Art & Design. I knew one day I wanted to be in marketing but could not afford to work within the industry due to the pay grade and struggled to find a position due to the competitive entry-level jobs straight out of college. I felt defeated I had not been selected for positions that would allow me to live at a feasible wage. I received very few offer letters in marketing straight out of college. I told myself if no one else would give me a position, I would create my own opportunity. I decided to find my own clientele, help them build websites, and logos, and draft their messaging. It brought me the sense of joy and purpose I was looking for. Before I knew it I had a portfolio of work that allowed me to apply as a Marketing Director for a cybersecurity firm selling gamified learning. The owner was looking for a Director who understood how to run a business. I spent 3 years managing my own website, networking, and practicing my skill set to qualify for the executive position. Deciding to represent myself when I received no’s allowed me the yes I was looking for.

To receive my dream position as a Marketing Director was one of the biggest highlights of my young career. Within my tenure at that cybersecurity firm, I ran a marketing department that reached a global clientele in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East and ran several global online events with over 1,000+ participants. My message to those reading is that it’s okay to go off the beaten path to get what you want. The traditional way isn’t always for everyone. Starting a small business gave me the confidence I needed to pursue my dreams. It landed me the marketing job I always wanted. Although I am no longer in that position, I took a lot from it. After 3 years in cybersecurity, I gave birth in 2020 and decided to pivot my career. I created Lifestyles with Erika where I share daily finds in home decor, fashion, and travel as a content creator. I have taken my previous background in graphic design and marketing to represent myself.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am the content creator and blogger of Lifestyles with Erika, a social media page and blog that discusses home decor, renovations, fashion, and travel. I specialize in showcasing my everyday journey through social media. My main audience are women or Mom’s looking for fun activities for their children, the best sales on seasonal clothes, those deals on holiday gifts, or home decor you’ve been looking to decorate your home with. In recent years I spent much of my time highlighting our house projects. Its honestly the every day adventures we all deal with and can relate to. One day you’ll find me discussing lessons I’ve learned from building our home to the best restaurants to eat at in South Africa. Its a genuine depiction of my life and who is in it and the lessons I’ve learned along the way.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

I started blogging and growing my social media page when I was 7 months pregnant. Content creating was something I always wanted to try my hand at. Many pregnant women nest by finalizing their child nursery. I instead decided to throw together a website, a YouTube page and Instagram to share my favorite passions. During maternity leave I spent every day for 12 hours a day working on my brand. I wanted to make sure that after maternity leave I was in a rhythm with my content to also survive my 9-5/

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I may be one of the few who may have not made it to the mountaintop on social media. It’s hard work and I am still trying. I’ve built the following I have through genuine connections, making honest social media engagements, and getting to know my followers in DMs. Holding sideline conversations with my followers is important to me and how I maintain my following. Often once they get to know me they are kind enough to share my page. Other ways of me growing have been other larger businesses reposting my work. Next Day Floors, Lands End, Pottery Barn are a few who re-shared my work.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lifestyleswitherika.com
• Instagram: Lifestyleswitherika
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiQo0XrT130drrCqwmNWKdw

Image Credits
I have taken all these images myself.