We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erica Faye. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erica below.
Erica, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What do you think it takes to be successful?
To be truly successful, I believe it’s essential to keep God at the forefront of everything you do. Consulting Him in every step of the journey is key, because when you align your goals with His purpose for your life, you’re not just moving toward personal success, but a fulfillment that transcends anything material. It’s about seeking guidance through prayer, trusting His timing, and acknowledging that He’s in control, even when things don’t seem to go as planned. Keeping faith that He is leading you, even in the tough times, allows you to stay grounded and focused on what really matters.
Achieving success takes more than just wishful thinking—it requires dedication, hard work, and unwavering faith. The road is not always easy, and there will be times when you’re exhausted or want to quit, but that’s when your passion for what you do will keep you pushing forward. True success comes from a deep, genuine love for your craft, and even on days when you don’t feel like doing anything, you’ve got to lean into that passion. It’s not about waiting for motivation to strike; it’s about showing up, putting in the effort, and trusting that every step, no matter how small, is bringing you closer to where you’re meant to be. With God guiding you and passion driving you, there’s nothing you can’t overcome.
Erica, 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 passionate, God-fearing woman, and a proud mother to two teenage boys, ages 13 and 15. My journey into the entertainment industry began in an unexpected way. I attended an alternative high school where theater was the only elective left for me to pass. I didn’t know it then, but this would be the beginning of my long and fulfilling career. Since 2005, I have acted in multiple plays and musicals, eventually transitioning to writing, producing, directing, and starring in my own films in 2021.
The journey to becoming a multi-talented filmmaker wasn’t easy. When no one would offer me an acting role due to my lack of credits, I took matters into my own hands and began creating opportunities for myself. By writing and producing my own projects, I built the resume I had been lacking. Now, I am not only writing and producing my own films, but I also hope to collaborate with other creatives to bring their visions to life. I’m passionate about working with other writers, directors, and teams to produce commercials, movies, and all kinds of projects that have the power to move people.
What truly sets me apart is my undeniable passion for what I do. Whether I’m on screen, behind the camera, or in the writer’s room, I pour my heart into every aspect of my work. It’s clear that my love for the craft shines through in everything I create, and you can feel that energy through the screen. I take great pride in the fact that I did not have formal training in acting, directing, producing, or writing, but instead, I believe that my God-given talents have guided me every step of the way. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to do this work, knowing that it’s a blessing from God, who chose me to carry out this purpose.
Family and friends have been able to watch the art come to life, and I am incredibly proud to share my work with them. I believe in taking my craft seriously and dedicate myself to ensuring that every project I work on aligns with the vision of my future clients. I am thankful for the unwavering support of my fans and followers, who have played an integral role in helping me get to where I am today. In September 2024, I became the founder of a non-profit profit organization called Erica Faye Studios. Here, we we will teach the inner city the basics of acting, directing, writing, etc. This place will be a one stop shop for any and all work one could do. Erica Faye Studios will eventually become a pillar in the community for many generations to come.
Most of all, I am grateful for the task that God has chosen for me, knowing that He could have chosen anyone, but He chose me. And for that, I remain thankful and committed to making the most of the opportunity.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I’m actually a very shy person. It’s hard to believe, especially when people see me acting and singing, sharing things online, but for the longest time, I was terrified of putting myself out there. I’d hold back, thinking that maybe I wasn’t good enough, that I’d look foolish, or that no one would care. It wasn’t until I had a heart-to-heart with my sister, my best friend, and my role model, Shinita, that everything began to shift for me.
We were talking about me doing monologues and sharing them on my YouTube channel. I remember feeling hesitant, doubting myself, and worrying about what people would think. But Shinita looked at me and said, “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. You never know who’s watching, who looks up to you. Whem sje said that, I thought about how my resilience could inspire someone to take that next step toward greatness.”
Those words hit me hard. It wasn’t just about posting monologues anymore—it was about how, by showing up and pushing through my own doubts, I could be an example for others in so many areas of life. It was a shift in perspective that I didn’t even realize I needed.
Sure enough, I would post a monologue, and then after a while, I’d take a break. And every time I came back and posted again, people would ask, “Where have you been? We’ve been waiting for more content!” And it made me realize Shinita was right. I wasn’t just creating content for myself; I was building a connection with others, even when I didn’t know it.
So, if there’s one piece of advice I’d give to someone looking to build a social media presence, it’s this: stay consistent, no matter what. Even if you feel like your posts are corny, or if you don’t think they’ll get noticed, just post them. That could be your golden ticket to reaching the people who need to see it.
Most importantly, be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. I remember something my former pastor/father figure, Wendell Beets, used to say: “What comes from the heart, reaches the heart.” When you pour your heart into what you’re doing and do it with excellence, there’s nothing that can top that. And when you do it with excellence, no one else can do it better than you.
So, if you’ve got something to share, go for it. You never know who’s watching and who you’re inspiring along the way.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Building a reputation in the acting industry takes more than just talent; it’s about how you engage with others and the attitude you bring to every project. For me, what has been crucial in shaping my reputation is a mix of networking, being open-minded, staying focused, and above all, being kind. I always make it a point to connect with others, build relationships, and show respect for everyone I encounter, no matter their role.
I never brush anyone or their ideas aside. Every person has something valuable to offer, and by being receptive to new perspectives, I’ve learned so much along the way. I also believe in staying grounded—I never consider myself better than anyone, whether it’s the director, crew, or fellow actors. Everyone is contributing to the creation of something special, and we all play an important part.
The focus on the task at hand is important as well. When it’s time to work, I’m all in. No distractions, no second-guessing, just doing what needs to be done to bring the project to life. But at the same time, I think success isn’t just about getting ahead individually—it’s about helping others succeed too. I genuinely want to see everyone win, whether it’s someone on their first gig or someone with years of experience. A positive and supportive attitude goes a long way.
At the end of the day, I believe being a good person can take you further than you might think. People remember how you made them feel, how you showed up for them, and how you contributed to the collaborative environment. A strong work ethic, kindness, and mutual respect can open doors and build a reputation that lasts, because in this industry, it’s the people you work with who often help you get to where you want to go.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ericafayeofficially
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ericafayeofficially3428?si=MOMX7a8uxjR9iAok
- Other: ericafaye_00@yahoo.com
Image Credits
Brittany Benedict
University of Iowa Theater Dept
Iowa Motion Picture Association
Zoe Mckenzie Photography