We’re looking forward to introducing you to Erika Leigh Nobles. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Erika Leigh, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Talk. It may sound simple, but I’m being asked to discuss not only work, my current life, but also my past. The part of my past that would keep me up at night. The parts that seem when good things happen, they quickly fade away. I see the wrinkles in your face, I didn’t do anything crime worthy, but I did sleep in porta potty’s, take bathes in public restrooms, and I did eat food from others plates for a while. It’s easy to type, but it’s a struggle speak about.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am Erika Leigh Nobles, born and raised in the oldest town in Texas, Nacogdoches. Music is my heartbeat. Literally I find a way to incorporate music in everything I do. There was a time in my life I would ask myself, have you ever asked for something and got more than you expected? Yup, I would respond to myself and say: I have and that was good. However, it seemed like the more I prayed and believed for the things I needed, the more was taken from me. I was homeless. This was a very dark time in my life but it birth something so amazing. Surviving that season of my life pushed me to prepare for my future. The birth of EL Station Rehabilitation Center was created. This year alone, we have fed, clothed, and provided workforce resources for almost 500 people. Being able to share my journey while helping others is a blessing.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
That would be my grandmother, Zelma Mitchell Brewer. When I was young she would take me to work with her. She was a little old lady barely 5ft tall from Mobile, Alabama that cleaned houses in Nacogdoches, Texas. Watching her get up early to make breakfast, care for everyone, no matter if it was sleet or snow outside, she cooked, and cleaned up after another family that wasn’t her own. I remembering hearing her say how she was feeling, her feet and back were hurting, but she was determined to go to work. Not because of the money, which she needed, not even because of what she knew she had to do from the day before, but because doing her job brought joy and peace to that family and that meant she was doing it right. To me, that’s what never working a day in your life when you love what you do looks like.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Of course, Im human, like falling asleep in the porta potty, which was the best sleep ever. One day after throwing up in the porta potty, I looked at my phone and cried. I was really low and didn’t understand why my life had to be this way. I was tired, depressed, and thought after getting a college degree, I have nothing to show for it. I could have given up so many times. I could have called for help, my grandmother was still alive and available. All I had to say was I’m coming back home and my homeless nights would be over. That would mean no more wash offs at Wendy’s, no more porta potty’s, no more fear of someone walking in on me, no more wondering if and when I would get caught, and less stress! But the future Erika Leigh knew going back would delay or alter the future I knew I could have. So I got myself together and walked out of the porta potty like the next top model and decided to do something about my future.
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?
So you gotta meet me! Im hilarious, not because i’m missing some screws up top, but I think people need to meet the real me and know its ok to laugh even smile when you are going through a hard place. I’ve learned if I just be myself, people can relate. I always say things could be worse. At times that’s how I have to look at things because sometimes life hits you hard and will knock the wind out of you. I can’t be the only one that doesn’t see the light at the end of the tunnel at times, but when I share my story, some how, some way, I find encouragement through others and I know I can make. Everyday I have to be intentional! You never know the words you speak to others may be what they needed to hear to get them through the day.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I would hope people would share, that I never gave up. I showed up as myself and fought with what I had. The story of David in the bible is so powerful, but I think we often skip over the best part of it. When David said he would fight Goliath, the people around him were use to going to battle. They knew to suite up and put their armor on. They dressed David the same way, but that wasn’t David’s way of fighting. All he needed was a slingshot and some smooth stones and with that he defeated Goliath. All I’m saying is he used the tools that he knew would give him the victory. As a people, regardless of your race, gender, or even profession, we have to stop using what worked for other people and start using what we know works for us. So for those that said, I could have done more or maybe think I did too much, I can stand tall and say I used what I was blessed with. I used what worked for me and that’s the Erika Leigh you see today. My authentic self!
Contact Info:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-leigh-nobles-418442157/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@elstation4u
- Soundcloud: https://open.spotify.com/user/elwred4u?si=6de9b7a721ff4b98
- Other: https://www.dallaschamber.org/events/
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dallas-regional-chamber_we-are-excited-to-announce-erika-leigh-nobles-activity-7384621714552446978-eGif?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAACWeM9QBdgnEnqhLgUECu0gl3osj-yZmFZw
Image Credits
Judge Clay Jenkins
Dale Petroskey
Derith Jarvis
Lubbock Smith
Dallas Regional Chamber Young Professionals Council 2025
Texas Capital Public Policy 2025
