Erica
Erica is a passionate artist who is always up for a challenge. She is grounded by nature and inspired by creativity. For a career, she captures happiness - she takes photographs of people who have come together to celebrate love and passion. Through her art, she is able to freeze those moments of pure joy so that they live on forever. Meet Erica. This is her story.
“I have never let being a woman define me, but I’ve never let it stop me either.”
Erica, in nature (her happy place)
Photo by @outshinedelopements
P: Please introduce yourself!
E: Hey, I'm Erica, an adventure elopement & wedding photographer based in Bend, OR. I started my business in 2016 as a hobby, but it's evolved into my life's work.
P: Describe or define yourself in your own words.
E: I would say that I'm an eclectic person, kind of a introverted extrovert. I love people, but I also really need my alone time in nature to decompress and recharge. Art is something I've always been drawn to and I'm so happy that I've found a way to make a living with my art.
Photo by @LadyJMemories
P: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
E: I love that I'm always up for a challenge and that I push myself to always grow and learn.
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
E: I definitely have had many experiences that have made me stronger. The biggest one was launching my business. I struggle with self-doubt, like many artists, and overcoming this and putting myself out there has been huge for me. Whenever I feel that voice of doubt creeping in, I have to remind myself of how much I've grown and that people love me and my work exactly how I am.
P: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
E: Don't put off tomorrow what you could do today. Travel, quit that job you hate, and don't have any regrets!
Photo by @LadyJMemories
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
E: I love being a woman. Women are strong, resilient, and badasses! I have never let being a woman define me, but I've never let it stop me either.
P: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
E: Oh man, this is a tough one, but I would have to say Rosa Parks. She risked her life to get on that bus and sit where she wasn't supposed to. She stood up to racism, sexism, and demanded respect. What an amazing thing that is! If she were here now I would say thank you. Thank you for being courageous and paving the way to eliminate segregation and work towards equality.