We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Ero and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, what principle do you value most?
I would say there are two Rule of 3’s that I use to keep my life on track, and my personal attitude in check. The first is there are 3 solutions to every problem – accept it, change it or leave it. If you can’t accept it, change it. If you can’t change it, leave it. Fairly simple, but I think so many people are afraid of change. They accept situations knowing they do not contribute to their success or happiness. When you realize change is an opportunity, the world opens with possibilities.

The second Rule of 3 is the 3 R’s of life: Respect for Yourself. Respect for Others. Responsibility for All your Actions. To me, the 3 R’s represent the best attitude one should have to strive for happiness. How someone behaves towards you is his/her karma, how you react is your own. So, by living the 3 R’s, I am giving myself the power to live my happiest life and giving myself the grace to admit mistakes, but treat others with the respect I give myself.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Pink Jacket is a design and marketing agency focusing on brand development with a strong, core competency in the digital realm – website development, social media, email marketing, lead generation, and technology integrations. About five years ago, I was having some wine with a good friend and neighbor, Bill Breedlove. He and his incredibly talented Art Director wife, Elena Baca, started Pink Jacket over a decade prior and I’d always admired their zest for life and how that translated to their business. Over the course of a few meetings, I learned they were exploring semi-retirement so they could continue to travel the world. Elena’s son, Ryan Wilson, was the Technical Director and he and I had similar ideas on moving into a 21st-century focus. We took controlling ownership and it’s been an incredible journey so far.

My first job in marketing/technology was for a dot com in Houston. Well, we know what happened to the dot com industry, so I then went to work as an Advertising Executive for the Houston Press. Over the course of my years there, I was promoted to Sales Manager, and then Sales Director. When the sister paper, Dallas Observer, had an opening, and I was promoted to Advertising Director and relocated to Dallas. That was 14 years ago.

Having a career in Marketing during this era of rapid technological change has been both exciting and challenging. I believe one of the reasons I’ve had success is because I find it fascinating how quickly science and technology has evolved. Nothing in life is as thrilling as pursuing new knowledge. To quote Albert Einstein, “I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you were to tell me 14 years ago that I would love Dallas as much as I do today, I would have thought you were crazy! But it’s true – I do love it! We bought a home in a historic district in Oak Cliff over 10 years ago and I absolutely love living here. Working with restaurants, bars, clubs, music venues and events means that I’m often asked for recommendations.

Here are a few of my favorite spots in DFW:

Our neighborhood hang-out is Nova. If you live in North Oak Cliff, you equate Nova with Cheers. Great spot for drinks and they have a chef-curated menu. Ask for the specials – get one. Perfect spot for pre or post drinks and nosh if you’re seeing a show at The Kessler Theater.

Speaking of which, The Kessler Theater is a historic Gene Autry theater that’s been renovated into one of the best music venues around. Small, intimate setting with a nice bar and the audiences are always so respectful to the artists. Wanda Jackson, Roky Erickson, Edie Brickell, Lucinda Williams – just a few of the shows I consider to be the best I’ve ever seen.

Another awesome live music venue is Granada Theater over off Greenville Avenue. The owners, Mike and Julia, are so passionate about music and creating a space for those who love and appreciate it, you know any show you see there is going to be epic. They’ve recently done a bit of renovation and have treated that lovely, historic building with love and respect for its history. The Sundown next door is a fun spot for drinks and food – one of the best rooftop patios and a fantastic view at brunch.

A few other places we love include Boulevardier in Bishop Arts – hit them up on Tuesdays for their steak and frites special and incredible wine list. Encina over off W. Davis and Llewelyn (formerly Bolsa) is owned by chef Matt Balke, and had a craft cocktail menu and local, seasonal focused menu.

Deep Ellum is a must-see for out of towners and I always take them to AllGood Cafe for the most incredible pancakes, chicken friend steak and locally-sourced food around. The owner, Mike Snider, is a Deep Ellum music icon and he books some super talented Americana singer/songwriters on weekend nights. Another must-see is Kettle Art Gallery where the Godfather of the Dallas art scene, Frank Campagna, gives local and regional artists the space to show their works. Stick around at night if you want to catch a punk show at Three Links or a rock show at Trees or Bomb Factory.

Non-Texans always want some Texas flair so head over to Mama Tried for country music and their huge backyard. Or even the old standby Adair’s Saloon for a cheeseburger and beers while you listen to some C&W.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Over the course of my career, I am often asked, “What or who has been the biggest influence in your success?” My biggest influence is my sister, Judy Bewley. Growing up, she taught me that happiness isn’t something you can expect another person will give you. Happiness comes from your own actions – you are responsible to yourself, and only yourself for making this life your own. I believe her mentorship was the building block of my incredibly strong sense of self reliance.

Anyone who’s ever met my husband, Korbyn Ero, would quickly realize he is the President of my fan club. We’ve been together for 20 years and married 17 years, and every single day he tells me or shows me how proud he is of my success. Even when things can go sideways and I beat myself up over mistakes, he’s the one who reminds me of all the accomplishments I’ve made. Having a partner who truly makes you want to be a better person makes all the difference in the world.

And finally, the love of learning and reading continue to play a role in my success – both work-related and personal happiness. Margaret Fuller, one of my personal heroes, once said, “Today a reader. Tomorrow a leader.” Education is something that happens long after you are done with school, it’s a life-long pursuit.

Website: https://pinkjacket.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pinkjacket/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-ero-49b6414

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

Image Credits
Suzi Paparazzi photo credit for Amy in PJ office, Amy seated office and Amy Bookshelf

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