Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Grundon.
Erika, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in southern San Diego in Eastlake, Chula Vista. When I was very young, around five-six years old, my parents enrolled me in acting and modeling classes that I absolutely loved! After a few years, I was given a choice to pick between modeling and the other sports I was playing such as softball and soccer. I choose softball and played throughout my adolescence and went on to play during part of my college career. After graduation I had a hard time finding my passion. I tried many jobs such as Sales, Behavioral Therapy, Human Resources, Client Management for SaaS Technology Companies and now I am in the Insurance Industry. During that time period, one of the main constants in my life was my landscape photography, yoga, and desire to try modeling again. I became more serious about these passions in 2017 after taking a small break from work to develop some goals for my future career. It began as a hobby and I worked with photographers as a model to help build their portfolio and hone in on my skills. I paired this with my personal landscape and yoga photography over time. As my skills grew, I became invested in modeling, yoga, and my own photography which has led me to many opportunities like modeling in content for companies like Café Moto, Amari Active and some other projects I am currently working on finalizing.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t think anything is ever a smooth road. Life is full of complexity, challenges, and obstacles throughout any path we choose during our lives. I personally struggle with loving myself through the process and understanding that things aren’t perfect. I had moments where I wanted to give up because I couldn’t nail a new yoga pose, my landscape captures didn’t turn out the way I imagined, or the modeling gig that I just booked decided to go with someone else. I had to stay resilient. There were times that I did give up, but I used my own practice of yoga and meditation to remember that this process is beautiful although it can be trying. If I were to give anyone advice, it’s to enjoy the process. Work hard and research the best ways to become what you desire and know that any obstacle is another opportunity for you to grow no matter how difficult it may seem in the moment. Remember that you can create the life you want and love yourself no matter what failure slows you down.
Please tell us about your work.
I’m mostly known for modeling in landscape backgrounds paired with my own personal photography content on Instagram. As a brand, I am representing my values and who I truly am through these pictures and captions. My online portfolio has allowed me to partner with athletic wear, restaurants and more through showcasing not only my modeling style but also my mantras and beliefs. I really want to convey how important self-love, mental health, and natural care is to our lives. I used my own practice of gratitude and positivity to share with my readers how to live a brighter life. I use a lot of my own personal struggles and tips on how to continue to be gracious for the life that I have been given through my content. I hope that these words can help others in need that may be struggling and need to know they aren’t alone and that things will improve if you put the effort into changing your circumstances.
Often it feels as if the media, by and large, is only focused on the obstacles faced by women, but we feel it’s important to also look for the opportunities. In your view, are there opportunities that you see that women are particularly well positioned for?
I think it’s a beautiful time for women to voice themselves. There have been so many movements focused on women’s empowerment over the last few years. I think this is a great time for women of all backgrounds to fight for what they really want to be. I’ve seen many women throughout my own professional career being promoted into executive level positions because they went after what they wanted. With the media surrounding the issues that we face, I believe people are more aware of the gap for us and I think we are being given an opportunity to show society why there shouldn’t be a gap. We have so much power with our voices and actions, it’s time pursue the goals other generations never dreamed about. There are currently three women that have announced they are running for president. More and more women are being elected into Congress as well. Opportunities are opening up and we just need to seize the moment and act on our passions.
Contact Info:
- Email: grundon.erika@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erikagrundon/
Image Credit:
John William, Andrew Le, Erika Grundon
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