We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ms. Erika Toraya. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Erika, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I enjoy cycling and I have been training for a century ride that is in a couple of weeks. It has forced me to ride longer miles and although I don’t want to do it many times, I have found determination in reaching this goal. I’ve ridden several centuries, so it’s not new, but since moving back to San Diego, I haven’t done one, so it’s been almost 3 years since my last one.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am an active, faith-seeking woman in the entertainment industry. This past Saturday, I had a screening of the feature film I wrote, directed, produced and acted in two years ago, so it’s always great to have the opportunity for more people to watch INsight.
It’s an inspirational film, true-story based story we can all relate to and grow from. I am happy to announce it now has spanish subtitles available. I may continue forward with spanish dubbing in order to reach the spanish speaking communities even better. It’s available on Amazon and Tubi, as well as DVD.
Since completing this film, I have returned to San Diego, continue auditioning for film/tv, have been in theatrical productions and am currently cast for another Jury Experience show which will open in December. I enjoy the challenge and fun of acting and hope it continues with more collaboration with amazing people and projects.
I am grateful for the friends, faith, health, joy and beauty of where I live and where I am in life.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
I have lost a lot of loved ones. I seem to attend about two funerals per month, the past couple of years. It teaches you a lot about appreciating those in your life, but also recognizing there is only so much we can do so don’t blame yourself for not being in contact with everyone. They know you loved them.
Life is short, so loving everyone, forgiving those who have hurt you and forgiving yourself, and embracing that life is challenging and painful at times, has allowed me the wisdom to strive to live a life I am meant to fulfill.
My faith leads me, fulfills me, inspires me, corrects me, and reminds me to love. The most important relationship first and foremost and the one that matters the most and determines where I will spend my eternity, is that with our loving and just God, the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, whose power lives in us if we understand it and use it for good.
It takes work to strengthen this relationship and why would I not entrust and devote myself to Him, who loved me first, gave me life, wants me to prosper and grants me a purpose on this earth.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
We all have crosses, limitations, pains and setbacks. I find it important to see the beauty of our scars, how we have suffered and how those inflictions have allowed us to grow in our faith, depth of love and wisdom. The challenges we see that others go through, may seem larger than we could ever handle and that our own are not that extravagant, and yet, others can see what we have gone through is indeed is a large cross.
Mine have included- several intense and serious accidents/concussions, etc, emotional/ physical abuse in upbringing and past relationships, sadness over the lack of close family relationships, single hood that feels lonely at times, and the common betrayals, work instability and fears in my ability and future.
How I have healed? Taking it to God, surrendering to His will, learning about and relishing in His love, forgiveness, strength, love and peace that heals and exults.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
The me you see and know is the same everywhere, however, I would say, when I am free to be myself, accepted and surrounded by like-minded people who know and love me, then I can feel confident and peaceful, fun and engaging. It is a challenge to be in the presence of those who are judgmental and have other altered values. I keep more quiet about strong beliefs and allow them their space and my own.
I am pretty open and there are times I feel called to share on some tough topics. I have an instagram where I post videos to help encourage anyone who finds me.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If immortality were real, what would you build?
Immortality is real. Well, eternal life, that is. So I strive to live a life that touches others, grows my spirit, considers God in everything and leads me to a life with Him.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.erikatoraya.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erika.toraya3
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/Erika Toraya
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Erika Toraya
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/Erika Toraya
