We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Erika E. Wade a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Erika, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you take vacations? Why or why not?
Unfortunately, I haven’t been on an actual vacation in years. My work takes me to some amazing places, but I think it’s safe to say I’m in my Grind Season. I don’t advise business owners to neglect themselves or to forget to live. I’m also wise enough to know taking vacations as you’re building momentum and success isn’t for everyone. So, if you can’t travel to a place, create that place. I make regular practice to create spaces of rest and rejuvenation for myself often. Even if that’s just a walk through my neighborhood with my dogs or a day without tech, I make sure to listen to my body and my mind when I need a day or two off.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a writer, producer, actor, and founder of a creative company called Glenda’s Baby. We help under-resourced creatives learn more about the entertainment industry and offer them a chance to join a community of creatives dedicated to changing the way we tell stories….My work ruptures those gates and creates platforms for diverse and interesting stories.
How did you build your audience on social media?
A lot of creatives avoid social media marketing and branding because it can feel fake and forced if approached in the wrong way. Still, using a built-in audience of fans and supporters to promote your brand and projects is powerful. You can reach new clients and build buzz for projects in a few posts, and you can control your own story. You get a chance to represent your brand and business in the way you best see fit as an owner. I built my social media brand by accident. I was totally against the idea of using social media to brand myself because I felt it would manipulate people into believing my life was much more put together than it actually was. Initially, my accounts and posts reflected exactly that. I posted the best aspects of life: awards, announcements, trips, and performances. It wasn’t fake news; it just wasn’t a full account of the branding I wanted for myself as a creative and owner. People like to see inside the creative mind, into the person behind the art. Posting day-in-the-life content, and even reposting from accounts that show your sense of humor and aesthetic are all great ways to humanize the truth behind the glamor. In truth, if you’re working hard and have found your groove, awards and accolades will be a part of your reality. Being human and vulnerable are all parts of the reality of being a working creative as well. Find a comfortable balance of aesthetic and authentic. Your audience will respond organically, and your business and brand will surely grow in the way you want it to as a result.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
No one’s journey is linear, but unless you’re a creative, you might not appreciate just how much of a rollercoaster ride our careers might take us on. Success to a creative is a journey. It’s not easily measured by financial or physical rewards. Some Oscar winners are at their lowest points by the time they earn their fame. Hearing things like “one day it’ll pay off” when you know how far you’ve come as a creator is frustrating. Simply put, if you don’t understand the trade, it’s best to hold the criticism.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.glendasbaby.com
- Instagram: @erika_glendasbaby
- Facebook: Glenda’s Baby Productions
- Linkedin: Erika E. Wade
- Youtube: Glendas Baby Productions
Image Credits
GB Pro Image Credit @Andres Poch TRDB Poster Artwork Telly Awards Winner Social Media Graphic