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

Erin, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I have been “unemployed” since 2020, and even then I was working a 1099 job so Im still accountable. Long story short, it took a lot of balls to go full time self employed. I have always managed to have a “hustle” that helped me earn money. First it was doing raking yards, doing hair, washing cars, baby-sitting, anything the “people” needed, that I was capable of, I was doing it. Even volunteer jobs, I was always eager to learn. By the time I got to high school I already worked a job, did sports and organizations so balance was easy. The curve ball came in when I got pregnant at 18. Not to many people push you but boy am I grateful for my few who did. The road got harder but I was determined to succeed. I started college 4 days after graduating high school and delivered a beautiful babygirl on Thanksgiving Day 2007. After that I took one summer off to adjust to being a new mom and then I went hard for the next 3.5 years. I graduated a semester Early in December 2010.

I never really wanted to go to college, my dads idea, but since he pushed me, I went. while I was in college at Texas A & M University in College Station, TX I was also taking classes at Page Parkes Center for Modeling & Acting. Nothing was going to stop me from reaching my goals. Page Parkes staff told me that I was too short to be a runway model, my dream, and that I should do commercial modeling. I didn’t listen, again, I was determined. The next few years were filled with fashion shows, photoshoots, music videos, movies and more media. I was grateful for the acting classes I did take. On paper, for most fashion jobs, I was not meeting requirements, but my walk is fierce so I booked local jobs here in Houston, Atlanta & Los Angeles.

Living in Houston is no easy feet. I struggled job after job, car after car, apartment after apartment, eviction after eviction until finally I got fed up. We had some deaths in the family that changed my life. Made me grow up and realize my life was in my hands and I had to make the right choices to get to the right places. Once you get a taste of success, its hard not to want more, you realize your worth and act according. Years and years I dedicated to building the entertainment industry in Houston, in 2015 I moved back to college station for a year. When I came back in 2016, little did I know the struggle was about to get real. My personal life was starting to catch up to me, I had been neglecting life for so long to “reach success”. My career was taking off but my personal life was in shambles. What a ride. The next 3 years were rebuilding.

In 2020, an old love rekindled. A whole new struggle. A blessing in disguise but you know the story, “first comes love [we getting married] and we have a baby in the baby carriage”. Now im balancing being a working mother of 2 (14 year old daughter, 5 month old son) and a wife. Each day gets easier but the long years of experience and footwork have built up trust within the industry and I have been blessed to get calls from great creatives when they need someone with my skillset. My Fiancé, Sir Issac, is one of the highest jumpers in the world and one of Houstons most prized possessions. Naturally I work with him and helping organize his business, create events and content and much more. He is one of my 7 clients that allow me to be able to work from home. Im able to do what I love, with the people I love, what more can you ask for. While balancing everything is not always easy, the freedom and trust built around my business resonates with my clients and it is truly a blessing.

I’m not exactly where I want to be, but Im far from where I was and still moving…

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

I have wanted to be a model since I was in the 8th grade but I was super nervous about getting up in front of people. I started getting into classes that were along the lines of my future like theatre. I did every pageant and talent show that came my way that I could afford. When I was able to start training with a professional agency, I dove in like a sponge, soaking up all the knowledge. It is so important to always be a student and willing to learn. The day before my College Graduation I went to my first fashion show in Houston, TX. I made a few connections and the rest was history, show after show, event after event, photoshoot after photoshoot they started piling up. I gained experience in front of the camera and worked behind the camera on sets.

Currently I am focused on Acting and Advising.

I offer Services such as
– Talent Staffing & Training
– Production Management/Staffing
– Media placement and sponsorship
– Event Coordination, Marketing and Promotion
– Social Media Management & Web Development
– NEW Online Boutique

I love to help clients realize their full potential. I pride myself on being a team player no matter the job. I am most proud of my diversity, however it is easy to spread thin, so advising clients allows me to assist each client with their unique needs and bring in 3rd party vendors when necessary. In 2018, I launched Houston’s Got Talent to recruit, develop and place talent and brands in the public eye.

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

Being able to work from home is definitely the most rewarding aspect of being a creative. I lost a lot of time with my daughter when she was younger because I was trying to set a foundation. Now with my son, he hasn’t even been to daycare and I don’t plan on sending him.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Falling in love made me have to pivot in life, career and business. It reclaimed my time and made me realize how many people were wasting my time. Sometimes you need a close outside eye to give you affirmation when you don’t want to believe something. Every thing and every person has a season, you can’t be afraid to let go and start over. Remember why you started, refocus and get back to work.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.HGTInernational.com
• Instagram: @BeautyTh3Model
• Other: www.ErinSweed.com

Image Credits
Melodrama Boutique