Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Clark
Hi Erica, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Wow! This is truly a full-circle moment for me. Many people know me from ISUPPORTBOBS (I Support Black-Owned Businesses), a business/movement I founded in 2016 while in graduate school. ISUPPORTBOBS was born out of my desire to create a platform that uplifted and empowered Black-owned businesses, while also influencing Black entrepreneurship. It was something I was incredibly proud of and very passionate about. We did more than just support businesses; we invested our time, money, and energy into those making a difference both inside and outside of the Black community.
Fast forward to 2025, and I’ve been creating content since 2022. As the content creation and influencer world evolved during the pandemic, I wanted to bridge the gap—my own gap. I wanted to figure out how to turn what I was already doing and what I was passionate about into content for the world to see. So, I began highlighting Black-owned businesses and local businesses on social media.
Around the same time, I became really interested in the coffee community, and I was very surprised by the number of Black-owned coffee brands that were in that space. That’s when I started my “Coffee at Home / Sunday Reset” series. On the surface, it may look like regular coffee content, or a typical Sunday reset routine. But for me, it’s bigger than that and always will be. I was very specific and intentional about what I wore in the videos, the coffee I used, ensuring that I am highlighting Black-owned brands, small, and local businesses through visual storytelling. Businesses began reaching out for collaborations. That began opening doors for me. Simply me being me.
Shortly after, I began collaborating with other creatives, coffee influencers, and content creators who shared the same interests and vision as me.
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 been aligned, to say the least. While I’ve encountered some struggles along the way, I’ve also learned valuable lessons. One of the biggest realizations I’ve had is that just because I’m part of certain communities doesn’t always mean that everyone in those communities is for me. I’ve also faced challenges in receiving “nos” from brands, which at times has been tough, but also eye-opening. What I’ve learned is that for every “no,” there are usually several “yeses” that follow. It’s taught me to stay true to myself through the ups and downs.
Creating content and being a coffeefluencer has been incredibly fulfilling. Throughout it all, I’ve made it a point to stay in my lane and focus on my “why,” which has helped me avoid unnecessary struggles. Once I figured out how to combine my passion for supporting Black-owned, small, and local businesses with my love for coffee, everything just fell into place. From the people I’ve connected with to the opportunities that have opened up for me, that clarity has made the journey much smoother. It continues to be a rewarding and fulfilling experience.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What do I do? Honestly, it’s hard to put it all into just one box because I do whatever it is God guides me to do. My main goal has always been to do purpose-driven work, and my journey has taken many different shapes along the way. I share my love for coffee while making sure I uplift and highlight Black-owned, small, and local businesses. I also have a full-time job in cybersecurity, but no matter what I’m doing, I always try to stay true to my values and purpose. At the heart of everything I do is my faith and the belief that community and ministry will always be a priority for me.
I’m probably most known for my love of coffee and my commitment to supporting local businesses. What I’m most proud of, though, is the relationships I’ve built and the collaborations I’ve had along the way. I’m especially proud of where I am right now—sometimes, sticking to the fight when things get tough is the biggest win. Currently, I’m working with two incredible local coffee shops in Atlanta: Coffee Was Black and LaRayia’s Bodega. At Coffee Was Black, I have my very own curated coffee drink called “Carolina Blue,” which is a special tribute to Raleigh, NC, where I’m from. At LaRayia’s Bodega, we created a “Coffee + God Trucker Hat” that speaks to how my faith is at the center of everything I do, and coffee is the fuel that keeps me going.
What sets me apart is the clarity I have about who I am and what I stand for. I think a lot of people can lose sight of their “why,” but I’ve been intentional about staying connected to mine. I’m also deeply passionate about community. I don’t see others in the same space as me as competition; I’d much rather collaborate with those who share similar passions. There’s so much room for all of us to grow together, and I’m proud to be part of that collective energy.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Looking ahead to the next 5-10 years, I think both coffee culture and content creation are headed in some dope directions. Coffee will continue to grow as a lifestyle, with sustainability and ethical sourcing becoming more important. People are increasingly interested in where their coffee comes from and how it’s produced, so brands will need to focus on being transparent and eco-conscious. At the same time, health-focused coffee options and specialty brews will keep rising in popularity. What excites me the most is how Black-owned and local businesses are becoming a bigger part of the coffee scene. I’m passionate about highlighting these brands, and coffee culture will continue to merge with aesthetics and fashion. Whether it’s through the vibe of your favorite coffee shop or the products you use at home. Coffee is no longer just about taste; it’s about the entire experience, and that connection to fashion and lifestyle will only deepen.
When it comes to content creation, the future will be about balance—both short-form and long-form videos will continue to play major roles. Short-form videos, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, will remain dominant, offering quick, engaging glimpses into coffee culture and fashion. These videos are perfect for sharing ideas, products, and moments in an instant, which is something I’ve been very excited to explore. But long-form content will also have its place, allowing deeper storytelling, more in-depth brand collaborations, and the opportunity to share the full experience behind the businesses and products I support. The beauty of both formats is the ability to connect with my audience in different ways. What’s also exciting is the trend of collaboration over competition. As creators and businesses come together, rather than viewing each other as rivals, it’s all about building a community. I can’t wait to continue using my platform to uplift Black-owned and local businesses, blend coffee culture with fashion and aesthetics, and connect on a deeper level with my audience. The future is full of potential, and I’m here for it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @thatsericaclark and @godilovecoffee
- Twitter: @thatsericaclark
Image Credits
The cartoon animation – artwork by @dear_stephen
