Rising Stars: Meet Erica Benefield

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Benefield.

Hi Erica, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’m a wife and mom born and raised in the south. I was the day dreaming entertainer in a family of non-entertainers. I’ve always loved performing and making people laugh but growing up, I didn’t realize that it could be a legitimate career aspiration.  I thought my options were the generic “accountant, lawyer, doctor, teacher”. So I went to UGA, got a degree, and started working in the corporate world. I got married, had a baby, and ten weeks after her birth, my life trajectory changed. I found myself alone just outside of Seattle, WA 3,000 miles away from my family in Atlanta with a newborn baby. So I packed us up, moved back home, and started to piece my life back together. I found a better job and was able to get a nice apartment for my baby girl & me. Eighteen months later, I met my forever husband. We got married and our son. I had a couple of upward career moves so the corporate world was doing what it was supposed to: provided a stable source of income, health benefits, retirement savings but the work was soul-crushingly monotonous. Day in and day out, sitting behind a computer screen, crunching numbers for a company that would replace me in a heartbeat. I wanted something bigger, more meaningful. I felt like I had a story I could use to help others see their potential or overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles. I started toying with the idea of starting a blog to build a funny, positive online community. At the time, I knew the market was saturated & it was unlikely that anyone would find it but I figured “what the heck”. It would break up the monotony & maybe provide a creative outlet. So I did.

I created my website atleastimpretty.com back in 2015. Through managing my site and writing posts I learned how to communicate to an audience. I learned the importance of providing useful and quality content. But after a few years, I found myself still wanting more. The feedback & support I received from my writing was strong. A few people told me I was funny & that I should try stand-up comedy. I was intrigued. But I had a family! I had young kids who needed my time & energy. My husband works in medicine so his job is demanding. Not to mention, not many spouses would be ok with their significant other, seemingly out of the blue, saying “Hey! I know you worked a full day, & so did I, but I want to try something new so I’m gonna leave you at home with the kids while I go hang out at bars by myself & try to make people laugh. Could you stay here and put the kids to bed? Kay, thanks, byee”. PLUS, I was 36 years old. Comedians don’t start careers at 36! But to credit my wonderfully amazing husband, he did nothing but support me in my new adventure. I couldn’t go out every night to do open mics like most comics do because I had family obligations or had to work late. But I did as much as I could because after that first set, I was HOOKED. It was my calling & I knew that everything I’d been through personally & everything I’d learned while writing was so that I could maybe help others laugh through adversity or find a funny escape for a little while. Laughter has always been such as gift to me. If I can regift it to just one person, I count myself successful. I get on stage as much as I can. Two years ago, my friend Mookie G & I started a comedy production company called Twisted Dreams Comedy, producing upscale comedy experiences. We also started a podcast called That’s News to Me under the Twisted Dream Comedy network where we highlight feel-good, funny, or crazy news stories. Being a part of Atlanta’s comedy scene has opened up a whole new world to me. I’m so blessed to be a part of it & call so many of the comedians I’ve met my friends.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely hasn’t been easy. Learning & honing the craft of comedy takes time. Writing for hours to produce one joke can get frustrating & overwhelming. Trying to write is tough because my kids will ALWAYS find me to ask me random questions, especially when we were in lockdown and I couldn’t go to a coffee shop or cafe. There’s no concept of “Hey! Mom needs quiet time.” Instead it’s, “MOM! WHERE’S MY SPIDERMAN COSTUME FROM 3 YEARS AGO???” But that’s just part of my journey. I love every bit of it. Having family responsibilities means I’m constantly reminded that my family is why I’m doing this. I want my kids to see me pursue my dreams so that they know their dreams are worth pursuing, no matter what. I brought them into my comedy dream early on so that they could feel like they are a part of it, too, which helps me not feel like I have competing lives. They’re just as excited about my shows as I am, which is so cool. But I’ve had to learn that having a family means I have to be more purposeful & methodical about the shows I accept. I can’t keep up with the single 22-year-olds who are out doing this, too. I can’t always do two shows a night. I can’t always do five shows a week. Finding balance is tough but critical because comedy is addictive. My husband is great at telling me he misses me when I get carried away. Through all the challenges, I wouldn’t trade anything. I love it all.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a comedian known for my very direct brand of “female” comedy from a southern perspective. I think that, in and of itself, sets me apart from others. I didn’t start comedy until I’d already experienced so much life. I use those experiences to draw from the stories I tell on stage. I’m most proud of every laugh I get. Those laughs are in response to words that I wrote and that I perform. It’s all me. For it all to come together: the wording, the comedic timing, the reception of the audience… it all has to align to be successful. I’m currently focused on writing more jokes, building better content, and growing our podcast community.

What makes you happy?
Looking back at all of the things I’ve been through to get to where I am today makes me happy. My husband and I have worked so hard to love each other every day, love and support our kids every day, and build a life we’re proud of living. That’s everything to me. Hearing my family tell others about my comedy with pride makes me happy. I (try to) make people laugh for a living and they love it. Giving the gift of laughter… that makes me happy.

Contact Info:

• Email: ericadbenefield@gmail.com
• Website: atleastimpretty.com
• Instagram: atleasturpretty
• Facebook: atleastimpretty

Image Credits:
Roman Campomanes Elle Wood