Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Pope.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I went to school for Retail Merchandising, and from there, I started off on the corporate retail side of the business, but in the fashion industry. I’ve dabbled in multiple facets of the business along the way, at each stop taking on new responsibilities and gaining new skills and knowledge. This set me up for the ability to switch over to the vendor/manufacturer side of the business and really make an impact!
Has it been a smooth road?
No road is easy, but the lessons I learned along the way have been worth it. In life, we’re always going to be faced with some sort of adversity, everyone is not going to be “your biggest cheerleader” and once you face that reality you have a choice to make… either they will win or you will win. And I choose to win.
I also have learned to pick my battles. I spent a lot of time and energy fighting wars that didn’t benefit me or my purpose. I also learned how important your personal brand is. Understanding the notion of the perception of yourself doesn’t always align with how you are perceived by others took me a very long time to cope with.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
By day, I’m a global marketer with a love for product development and brand management. Currently, I work in the haircare and beauty industry as a global brand and product development manager for multiple brands worldwide. With my out of the box approach to creative marketing and branding, I’ve increased one of the brands I manage social footprint by 60% in a year. Aside from my career, I am a Women’s Empowerment Enthusiast. Social media has become cluttered with meaningless affirmations, leaving young women to aspire to do nothing more than promote their vanity. I am creating a new lane for influencing that involves showcasing internal beauty, intellect, and motivation. This past year, I have been working on my personal social media that speaks positivity into women’s timelines on a daily basis. I also launched my podcast ‘Boss Moves’ that seeks to produce inspirational stories for young black women to use as their motivation to keep striving for greatness. My latest work is my e-book, Making Moves, which provides an outlined guide on how to achieve your goals and overcome setbacks, I eventually plan to use my platform to start self-help courses as well as do motivational speaking. I think it’s important for young women to see other women doing positive things and working towards what they aspire to achieve.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Yes, I believe Atlanta is the perfect place for young entrepreneurs! Not only because it’s fully embraced and full of resources, but also because there is such a supportive community where you can continue to not only be inspired but build a network.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.erikapope.com
- Email: admin@erikapope.com
- Instagram: @therealmrspope
- Facebook: @therealmrspope
- Twitter: @therealmrspope
Image Credit:
Lauren Taylor, StephonX
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