We were lucky to catch up with Erin Bowlware recently and have shared our conversation below.

Erin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I recently returned from a van-life trip in the Rocky Mountains and taking that risk changed my life. Seeking Discomfort reset my brain, my anxiety, and my depression. This trip- without my husband, child, comforts of home and phone- helped me find myself again. THIS I believe is how we encourage change. A shift of focus in life. A bigger picture.

I’ve learned to embrace my thoughts and emotions, both good and bad, with compassion and curiosity.

I’m in the last year of my 20s as a new mom, and I don’t want to look back on this season as the time my life was over… rather, the time my life had just begun.

My trip was a huge mental and emotional risk, but it’s a risk that in my eyes is absolutely necessary for personal change, growth, and a more fulfilled life.

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.

One day in 2019, I was sitting at an airport waiting for a flight home from a wedding in Hilton Head Island. We took some really fun photos of our trip and I wanted to share them to a large audience. I randomly decided to google “How to be an influencer” (cringy right? lol) and from then on… I knew I wanted to use my creative energy to create content that I can monetize from.

Fast forward to current day. In 2020 I left my job in medicine and now work full time as a content creator. My work is found both on and off Instagram as promo and UGC for big and small brands alike. I love creating eye catching and creative content for my clients that match each brand’s unique aesthetic.

I’ve accumulated tens of thousands of dollars in payment and product as a creator, and I am very proud to say that I am self made and enjoy my work.

Something I take pride in is how transparent I am and have always been on my platform. You will always get the most genuine version of me- whether I’m telling you about a product I ACTUALLY like or just crying on IG Stories from a rough day as a new mom.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think there’s this misconception that content creators and “influencers” have it easy, as if it isn’t a real job. When in fact, there is SO much more to the process than just a pretty picture or video. Behind the scenes, there are hours of planning, self-written contracts, professional negotiation, hours of shooting and editing, and a lot of time spent engaging to boost analytics (yes… there really are formulas and math involved), to not only create the content- but then also achieve the goals you’ve set with your client. Needless to say… the screen time gets crazy.

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

I love seeing my work come together at the end of a project. There’s nothing more satisfying than finishing that final edit on a video and watching everything come together with music. Music and creativity are very emotional things to me, and I love being able to use my emotions productively.     

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @heyitserintay
• Email: Erin@herhappyhustle.com

Image Credits
Morgan Elizabeth