We were lucky to catch up with Ericka Hammond recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ericka, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

Building The Wicked Market with my partners has been the most meaningful project for me. I appreciate working by myself, and I would say I’m kind of a loner in general, so being part of this market and creating something with my friends and the community has been significant for my mental health and creativity.

The Wicked Market has allowed me to witness the power of art in bringing people together, fostering creativity, and women supporting women. We have had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the best bars and restaurants in Nashville, and we have worked with so many amazing artists and small business owners. The chemistry, the teamwork, and the love surrounding this project is rare and infectious. I am beyond grateful for the relationships I’ve made and the inspiration I experience daily. It has been a lot of hard work, but it has been even more rewarding. This project has taught me the importance of collaboration, inclusivity, and the profound impact that art can have on individuals and society as a whole.

The market has not only provided a platform for artists to share their talents but has also served as a catalyst for community empowerment and inspiration. It’s a safe space where creators, local residents, and visitors can connect, engage, and experience the Nashville art scene under a full moon on a cute patio. This project has been a significant reminder for me that everything is better when shared.

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 proud owner of Delight Eclectic – an online gift shop specializing in demi-fine jewelry and unique gemstones. I’ve felt connected to stones and raw materials since I was a small child. My curiosity, tactile nature, and grandparents who insisted kids stay outside till dark were conducive to my creative career today. I play with many mediums, and I struggle with which plum to choose because they all look so tasty. Graphic design has become a significant focus over the last couple of years, and I really enjoy the freedom it brings. Additionally, I serve as a co-founder of The Wicked Market. Alongside these roles, I am a private yoga instructor and certified Reiki practitioner with a background in the hospitality industry that spans most of my adult career. As an artist and energy worker, I am constantly refining my skills to be more present and less judgmental.

In all my endeavors, I strive for my brand to reflect the essence of the divine feminine, the beauty of allowing, and the pure joy of being in the moment. It is my belief that these qualities are essential in creating a space where individuals can find peace, connection, and inspiration. Through my work, I aim to spread positivity and create environments that nurture self-care. Thank you for the opportunity to share a glimpse of my journey and aspirations

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

There have been numerous books that have significantly influenced my entrepreneurial spirit, but the one’s that hit home the most are ‘Be Here Now’ by Ram Dass, ‘The Power of Now’ by Eckhart Tolle, and ‘Women Who Run with the Wolves’ by Clarissa Pinkola Estés. These reads helped me to dive inward and build a more intimate relationship with myself. Tolle’s frank and almost simplistic approach, Ram Dass’s healing poetry, and Pinkola Estés’s ability to illustrate the depths of the human experience through storytelling have been truly life-changing for me.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

As an artist or creative individual, I believe that the most rewarding aspect is the profound sense of freedom and liberation that comes with the territory. The ability to play and bring forth something purely for the joy of creation, without any predetermined purpose or constraints, is incredibly fulfilling. This unrestricted creative process allows me to explore new ideas, experiment with different mediums, and express myself authentically without limitations.

Having control over my time, being able to make decisions that shape my work and career, and steering the course of my creative expression gives me a deep sense of fulfillment. This autonomy allows me to take charge of my vision, navigate challenges with resilience, and celebrate the successes that come from following my own path. The combination of creative freedom and personal agency in my creative pursuits is what fuels my passion and drives me to continue to expand.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.delighteclectic.com
• Instagram: @ericka.hammond @delighteclectic @thewickedmarket

Image Credits
1st photo Alden Allen 2nd photo Kayleigh Walder