We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica L. Taylor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica L., what do you attribute your success to?

The most important lesson I’ve learned behind my current level of success is to believe that the purpose that I’ve been given through dreams, passion, epiphanies and visions are real and obtainable. It’s so easy to dismiss our thoughts of grandeur and prosperity as fiction, especially if you’re surrounded by messages of ‘realism’ and fear through friends, family, media or politics. As someone who’s overcome real life traumas and drama, I found myself at a crossroads where I could choose to believe that I was only meant to achieve a minimal amount of triumphs, digestible for the surrounding controlling voices whom, at one point, shaped my habits and opinions, or I could reach for the recurring and seemingly impossible dreams I’d had in my heart and my head that grew stronger with every year of wisdom. I chose the latter and eventually, the latter chose me.

Freeing myself from the expectations of others and the pressure I had put on myself, opened my mind so that I could see the path to success clearly. When I began to meditate and reflect on the achievements that I had accomplished already but somehow minimized in my own mind, I realized that I was ahead of the game.

When going through the paradigm shift as you step into your potential, it’s extremely important to have genuine supporters around you who are with you during your episodes of clarity as well as those moments when you stumble upon a pothole on that path to success. I remember being faced with a career challenge once and talking to my best friend about it who replied, “you can do that in your sleep, you’re a pro!” Her confidence in my abilities was a pleasant affirmation of my existing inner strengths. It was nice to hear that from a trusted voice. With that said, it was also just as important that I payed that same compliment forward to another colleague having a similar issue. Remember, the universe is listening.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
For as long as I can remember, I have always welcomed challenges in my life. Even at five years of age, when the teacher gave us an assignment asking us what we wanted to be when we grew up, I simply put, “I want to make my mark in this world.” Looking back at that as an adult, I can see how every decision I made, good or bad – every person I encountered, good or bad, and every opportunity I reached for and received, made me who I am today and is helping me to build my legacy.

I’m a survivor. I’ve survived abuse, domestic violence, depression, infertility and miscarriage and a severe hemorrhage. Instead of going into to detail about those life-endangering occurrences, I chose to focus on what lessons I’ve learned from them and how to move forward with more vision, insight and determination. I’ve chosen to fuel my soul with positive energy knowing that it is my purpose to ‘make my mark’ in this world and build a legacy that I can be proud of and others will use to improve their own lives.

Who are we and what are we here for if we’re not interested in help other through our own experiences? I wouldn’t have achieved the success I have had thus far if someone hadn’t shared their knowledge, time and resources with me. Not one of us can experience our best lives and best selves without help and connection from others. For me, that’s powerful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Over recent years, Dallas has extended their robust restaurant culture to reach out to the most discriminating palets, including vegans. Speaking as a lover of all things plant-based, I’ve found plates and bowls of happiness closer to city, in uptown, downtown and south Dallas. Newer places like Belse restaurant on Pacific avenue whisper “we got you” to my tastebuds. Not to be outdone, Bishop Arts District has added their two cents in on vegan food with the illustrious vegan food house. The VFH will not be out-flavored with their special blend of spices on just about any mushroom you can imagine. It’s one of my go-to favs when looking to really eat well and show your carnivorous friends that you too can have a burger with fries and a po boy. I’m looking forward to trying their Mexican equivalent, Cafe Del Vegano.

I was super excited to discover that one of my favorite west coast sandwich spots has popped up in several Dallas locations, Mendocino Farms. The thoughtfulness this anytime joint has about the definition of a sandwich takes my whole heart.

I hesitated to mention my absolute favorite spot that both me and my steak-loving husband can enjoy together (simply because I want to make sure we’ll still get a table for dinner), Ka Thai on McKinney Ave in uptown Dallas. If you like Thai food, this place gets the crown. Not only is their food absolutely amazing and super fresh, the atmosphere is relaxing and makes you feel like you’ve just stepped off ‘the strip’ to have dinner or perhaps the beach is nearby. It’s a getaway inside the city and the service is spot on.

Lastly, I’ve recently discovered that Grapevine is an awesome getaway for wine aficionados that are looking for a staycation that feels like a vacation. Hotel Vin is a great place to gather at an impressive bar for the evening and enjoy a selection of tasty wines. If you’re visiting or looking to make a night of it, the modern and comfortable suites are simply perfect for a getaway. The complimentary glass of wine upon check-in is just icing on the cake.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I am nothing without God’s active hand at work in my life. He will always receive the glory and praise above anything else. There are people that have been introduced into my life who believe in the purpose God has for me and I am honored to work alongside them to build a message of inclusion, hope and healing. My husband, Michael V. Davis, Jr., who is my biggest cheerleader and unofficial PR agent! My mother, Everlean Taylor, who was my original inspiration with her huge heart and ability to be compassionate and tough at the same time. My brother, Andre Taylor, who was my first real best friend (we just didn’t know that until I was an adult LOL!). My dearest sister friend, Arika Cason, who has made it her business to reach back and help her friends anyway possible. While there are a countless number of individuals along the way who came into my space for a reason or a season, I want them all to know that they have played an integral part in my lifetime success.

For all those in the uterine fibroid advocacy space – it is because of you that I had a starting place in the fibroid awareness community. These groups help me transform from filmmaker to Impact producer and women’s health advocate. The Fibroid Foundation, The White Dress Project, The Fibroid Fighters Foundation, The Fibroid Pandemic, Myovant Sciences, Pfizer, Her Nexx Chapter Organization and all the women that have suffered in silence for so many years. Thank you.

I’d also like to thank the Documentary Producers Alliance, an international organization in which I sit on the Board. I can appreciate the brilliant minds collaborating to make the film industry a more inclusive, thoughtful and responsible environment.

Website: https://www.redalertmovie.com

Instagram: @imericataylor

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericataylor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericalatricetaylor

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqiBvX6YNx5AMoJ2t3QtXPw

Other: https://hernexxchapter.org/donate-red-alert/ https://www.wegetproduction.com

Image Credits
Jackie Hicks Photography

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