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

Erica, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

Momma Francis always taught me to never give up. It’s something I almost did my Freshman year in college at Central Michigan University. Before we get into that, it’s important to know that I’ve had a dream of being a news anchor and reporter since high school, whether it was singing or acting, I’ve always loved performing; the bright lights, anticipation and excitement. I figured reporting the news would be fun as well. Turns out, I was right. I took a class at West Ottawa High School named WOBN, or West Ottawa Broadcasting News. I fell in love with telling stories, camera work and anchoring. I decided I’d make it a career. That brings us back to CMU, a college that is known for its intense and insanely good broadcasting program. I so badly wanted to be involved. News Central 34, a college-run news station, is where I wanted and needed to be. Tryouts were nerve-racking. At this point in my career, I wasn’t good, but I was dedicated. If my memory serves me right, I made the team my first semester Freshman year. Second semester, I did not. I was cut and I was devastated. I wanted to quit. I clearly wasn’t good enough, right? I called my mom in tears. She told me to look up the song “I Hope you Dance” by Lee Ann Womack. “Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens, promise me that you’ll give faith a fighting chance and when you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance.” It was in that very moment I realized I’m going to make my dream of becoming a news anchor and reporter a reality, no matter how many people tell me “no.” I practiced, I studied, I got six internships, I failed so many times, but I always got back up. It’s all because of my mom, who was a single mom, by the way. She taught me to work hard and to never quit. Life is hard, but it’s what you make it and dreams don’t work unless you do.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m an early-morning news anchor and reporter in Detroit, Michigan. I turn 30 in late October. I’m actually excited. I’m even more excited that I’ve reached many of my career goals in my 20s, it’s actually wild. As I mentioned, I fell in love with the industry in high school, after getting involved in what my high school called West Ottawa Broadcasting News. Reading the school announcements gave me life, so I figured I’d make somewhat of a life out of it. I worked my butt off in college. I was a restaurant server, in a sorority (my last two years), a sports reporter for CMU Athletics, and throughout my four years at school I juggled six internships. If I give the younger generation any advice it is this; get that real world experience and get a lot of it Networking is so important in life, no matter what your career. It’s also important to learn what you like and don’t like early on. I locked in my first news job in Grand Rapids, Michigan. At the time it was market 39 and for a newbie, who was fresh out of college, that was huge. Well, at least to me it was. I was finally living my dream, but that didn’t mean the hard work was over. During my time in Grand Rapids, I improved tremendously, and I learned a lot. After getting the opportunity to both anchor and report in that market it was off to my next challenge in Nashville, Tennessee. Down south I anchored the 4:00 p.m. show and focused mostly on real estate and the growth and growing pains surrounding Middle Tennessee. It was a great gig with even better people, but I had bigger aspirations. That leads us to where I am today. FOX 2 Detroit as the 4:00-6:00 a.m. morning co-anchor. Funny enough, FOX 2 is where I interned nine years ago!! Talk about a full-circle moment. I now start my day at 2:00 in the morning. I put on my makeup at home and I’m out the door by 2:45. I read over my scripts, do my hair, then it’s show time. After I anchor the 4:00 and 5:00 a.m. shows, I either go out on a live shot on the news of the day, to a fun restaurant opening or event happening in town, or I go shoot a story that I will write later in the week. My job offers variety. Every day is different and that’s what I love about it.

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

It’s really important to be yourself. Be organic. People eat that up. I’m a huge dork and I don’t hide it on social media. Whether I’m on TV, on a Facebook live, Instagram story or talking to someone in person, I’d like to think I’m the same. I think finding confidence within yourself takes time, but if you can find that confidence now and not be afraid to show the world who you truly are, you’re going to be miles ahead of everyone else. People love when you interact with them on social media. Ask your audience questions, care about who they are, thank them for following and/or watching you and your craft. Don’t focus your social media solely on your craft, spice it up and sprinkle in some fun behind-the-scenes pictures, or show off you and your pup at the beach. Showing others that you’re human, that you mess up at times, that you have a goofy side is great. People feed off that and, in my opinion, it makes them like you more. Take risks and I think you’ll find the followers will come. Oh, lastly, post often! Consistency is key!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Giving a voice to the voiceless and helping people when they need help the most.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.fox2detroit.com
• Instagram: EricaonAir
• Facebook: EricaonAir
• Twitter: EricaonAir