Daily Inspiration: Meet Erika Mays

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Mays.

Hi Erika, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As a former figure skater and Connecticut native, I began my professional acting career in 2015 after moving to New York City to continue theater art studies at Hunter College. Since then, I’ve booked several indie projects, including the webisode “Amsterdam Ave.”, recognized as a 2020 Official Selection in the Worldwide Women’s Film Festival. I’ve also worked with talented industry professionals including Cate Curtain (Orange is the New Black, Homeland), Taral Hicks (A Bronx Tale, Belly) and Jimi Stanton (The Punisher) to name a few. I will next be seen in a prank show pilot and two untitled TV mini-series.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road has definitely NOT been a smooth one. I’ve had several challenges along the way…starting with navigating such a huge city like New York. Through my journey, I’ve learned how important taking care of mind, body and soul is and how it directly correlates to having a successful career — regardless of profession. For example, I couldn’t truly focus on anything while still living with roommates and working so many survival jobs. It was detrimental to my passion and was discouraging me to continue my acting career. It wasn’t until I secured my own space, got into therapy and became a full-time entrepreneur that I was able to mentally dump all the traumas from my journey and see the road ahead as a positive experience. I’ve been enjoying it ever since.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I consider myself an Actress, Voice Artist and Content Creator. You may know me from the webisode “Amsterdam Ave.” where I play Mel, the spunky high-maintenance MAGA teen Maya (played by Dionne van den Berg) can’t seem to befriend. The webisode received rave reviews internationally and was recently featured in Elle Netherlands and Grazia India Magazines. The series also won the 2020 Spot for Best Web-series in the Worldwide Women’s Film Festival.

I’m so excited for me and my team to have won the 2021 Best New Media Short Film Award in the Urban Action Showcase Film Festival for “NINA”. I also won Best Actress!

And if you haven’t seen me then maybe you’ve heard me as the voice on for the new Kellogg’s Special K Dipped Commercial.

Some other credits include Amazon Prime’s Sex and the Single Lady, Investigation Discovery’s The Perfect Murder, and Angelfish on Tubi.

Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My greatest advice when finding a mentor and networking is honesty to relax! You’d be so surprised how far genuity gets you. “Networking” sounds like such a scary word but in reality it’s just being curious about other peoples’ lives. Truly find interest in being somewhat social. Taking career interest out of the equation, we are all human and we all seek connection. Being quick to encourage others rather than judge them will always be well received.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.linktr.ee/erikasway_
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/erikasway_
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/theerikamays
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/erikasway_
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/c/ErikaMays
• Other: IMDb.me/erikamays

Image Credits:
Coco Jourdana Stills by Vanessa JM3DIA