Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Annika Egerstedt. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Annika thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?

I earned my first dollar as an aerialist when I was just 13 years old. It wasn’t much for the industry but for me it was my first money earned from a job. I worked as a performer at a charity event in Atlanta with my coach at the time and twin sister. This was also the job where I did my first double routine and first Lyra routine. Definitely one of my fondest memories and a great accomplishment.

Annika, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a circus performer and teacher practicing for over a decade. I started training at just 5 years old at a summer camp in Atlanta and have practiced my craft consistently since then. I am currently a sophomore in college studying kinesiology but hope to get into performing full time after graduation. I perform with my identical twin sister.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

There is much competition and jealousy in the circus community I grew up in. It seemed that if other people got opportunities it was something that was either taken away from me or someone to compare myself to. Since moving to college I have realized the joys of watching friends succeed and learned to put ego aside in my craft. I still struggle with ego sometimes but I understand it’s my own self creating false competition and there are plenty of opportunities out there.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

I started my circus account with my sister about 10 years ago. It wasn’t a quick growth but a slow and progressive one as we became more well known in the circus community. My advice is for growing an account is to post regularly, have a business account on Instagram, and to live what you do. Instagram can be toxic but if you love what you are putting out and using the platform fir connections and inspiration it’s a really great tool.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: The_egerstedt_twins

Image Credits
@robriingenphotography @corryngoldschmidt @shotbymatty