Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Wright.
Hi Erica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
I am a 40-year-old trans woman who grew up in a smaller town called Waskom, Texas. In a town where no one understood me because I looked and acted different. In 2009 I made the decision to move to Dallas in order to be me. Live in my truth. I started hormone therapy and went through the process of changing my name legally. Erica Denise Wright everyone shall and will call me. Since then, it was a struggle. Until now. Life has changed drastically. From sleeping on a friend’s couch, finding a job that is trans/gay friendly without being discriminated against, an abusive relationship for almost 7 years, being disowned by family members, and going through depression and gaining a lot of weight to now having a growing social media platform, YouTube channel is building traction, I am in a healthy relationship, closer relationship with my family/friends, and recently had weight loss surgery. Five years ago, I met a group of ladies. Mj, Jordyn, and my cousin Kerii. We bonded, traveled, and eventually built a lot of traction on Facebook by going live and having entertaining conversation not knowing it was way deeper than what we thought. So many people enjoyed us and suggested we start a group… Discussing trans-related topics and telling our story about our lives as trans women. From the effects of hormone treatment, relationships with our family and friends, mental health, and just overall the struggles of being open and comfortable with who we are. We later created a group called All4One. In June of 2021 we had the opportunity to film and get interviewed on United Shades of America hosted by W. Kamau Bell on CNN, Season 6 Episode 7 ” Trans in Texas” It was an amazing experience and really allowed us to grow our platform. From then I knew that I enjoyed being in front of the camera. A few months later one of the girls of the group had to leave to further pursue her education. Later replaced by our best friend Yeo Roman who is an awesome videographer. Unfortunately, the group ended and I was stuck trying to figure out what was next for me. Eventually, people started reaching out to me on my social media wondering why we split. And if we were coming back , I should create my own platform. So, I did. I really got into fashion and style. It was there but I did not see how others enjoyed how I put things together. Along with the dope personality I have, it just felt right to begin influencing, I started my own YouTube channel. I have a lifestyle channel that includes, get ready with me, travel, mukbangs, and overall daily duties. On July 19th of this year, I had gastric surgery. I went from 344 lbs to now 242 lbs. So, I vlog my journey weekly. I also invite guests throughout the channel. The most important mission for me would be to inspire people to be who they are despite adversity. Live in your truth and take control of your mental health. Choose you always. Don’t care what others think or have to say about you. And never dim your light to please other people. I am now at peace and so happy with where I am at. It’s only up from here. My supporters motivate me to keep going.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being trans in the workplace. And letting my work speak for itself. Being in an abusive relationship. Mentally and physically trying to figure out how to get out of it. Not having a relationship my now deceased father and everyone on that side of the father. Learning how to be comfortable with myself. Mentally accepting myself as a trans woman and not leading with that to get validation from other people. Now being a content creator there’s those small but added struggles Not knowing if people would be receptive to the content I put out. What is my niche and what that looks like. Along with the fact I just had surgery in July and trying my best to be the healthiest I can be.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a social media influencer and content creator. I promote self-motivation and people living in their truth regardless if your, heterosexual, gay, lesbian, or trans. I shop a lot so I have content from home decor and Inspo, putting fits together, make-up, and mukbangs. I have recently became an Amazon Influencer with a storefront as well. For the month of October, I have been doing Vlogtober on my YouTube channel. I post videos every other day. Vlogging my daily activities. Shopping, laser hair removal, travel, DIY projects in my home, unboxing new finds on Amazon, etc. Also weekly on Instagram, I post new pics showcasing new fits I have put together along with where I get my Inspo
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Yes, that one job isn’t enough lol. But seriously since Covid and having to permanently work from home it was an eye opener. It allowed me to really self-evaluate. Making my mental and physical health primary. I was depressed, gained a lot of weight, and just lost drive for a while… But I eventually signed up for therapy for mental balance, started my weight loss journey, and regular mediation along with daily workout.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ericdiamondkutvickers
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/diamondkut1982
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Diamondkut1908
Image Credits
Erica D Wright
