Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Smith.
Erika, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I become heavily involved with kids and video production starting in high school. This soon made me realize that these two are my passions. I was a Teacher Assistant at the age of 15 and I knew I wanted to be a Summer Camp Counselor. Years later, it manifested and I became a Summer Camp Counselor at Redan Recreation Center. This led to other cool occupations such as Academic Tutor, currently an Afterschool Counselor, currently a Mentor of three young adults, and currently a Track Coach for Georgia Thoroughbreds.
Video production started with my broadcasting class in high school. When I went to college I started as a biology major (big mistake!). It was a foreign language to me. I went undeclared for a year trying to figure out what I wanted to do. True story, I had a dream about being in the film industry. I asked my mom, “What major is broadcasting/film?” She said, ” Look it up!” I found out that broadcasting was Mass Communications major. I went to my advisor and she put me as a Mass Communication with a minor in Film Studies. I took my first film studies class and I knew I was in the right place. Since my sophomore year in college, I started to become heavily involved at our television station and started during internships. Fast forward, I’m the Director of Scheduling and Programming for Blossom and a Production Coordinator for PenHaus Media. One of my goals is to start teaching editing classes for small businesses, adults who want to learn, and the youth.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t even know what a “smooth road” is. After I graduated from high school, this has been the most crazy journey yet. I’ve been to three colleges, two degrees, and took six years to complete get my B.A. I wouldn’t trade this journey thus far because it made me stronger, I learn how to be versatile, built and still building relationships, made understand my shortcomings and realize to embrace every trial and tribulation. Figuring out what my passions are took me a while to understand. I thought I wanted to be a Sports Physician but God led me and he still leading to becoming greater than what I am today. Times in college where I would say “Yes, I’m good”, but secretly trying to figure it out for myself. After graduating from college in December 2013, I was depressed for five months back at home in my room applying to jobs. Post-graduation depression hit me hard. I felt useless as if no one wanted to hire me. I wanted somebody would give me a chance.
I decided to call my old job to go back to Summer camp as a Counselor until I figure it out. Later in 2014, I realized since no one else would give me a job. I’ll create my own. I created my own business to help film and edit videos for friends, businesses, and events. It took a while for my business to pick up traction. By the end of 2015, my business took off and I created more videos then I can count. Also, I was interning at Mark Squared Studios. Everything was going great.
I continued to work with kids and video production. That was the best feeling ever. Until 2017 when I decided not to film and edit videos anymore. I wanted something that can challenge me in a different way so that’s when I started working for Blossom as the Production Coordinator. That’s is when I figured out that’s is what I want to do. As far as kids, parents, and friends always ask me to become a teacher. I am a teacher just not in the classroom. I love working with kids.
I noticed that everything that I do it all results back to teaching. I realized that teaching a new skill, giving advice, etc… is what I love to do.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Blossom and PenHaus Media – what should we know?
Blossom is a lifestyle and media network elevating the voices of women of color through storytelling. I’m the Director of Scheduling and Programming. Not to brag, I’m known as the G.O.A.T. on the team for various reasons. I’m most proud of our company enduring all the obstacles we face thus far. Being that we serve women of color is already a challenge in our industry. Due to other obstacles, we faced our challenges head-on and our team is stronger than ever. I love that I get to work these amazing women and men creating amazing content.
PenHaus Media is a production company that works with clients to develop content strategy, custom digital multimedia design and branding, and video production. I’m the Production Coordinator. I’m known for making sure everything is ready for production (still known as the G.O.A.T.). I most proud of our company creating strategies, branding, creating content, and building relationships with our clients. We are a multi-talented group of individuals who love what we do.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Blossom and PenHaus team (Natina, Torrie, Sarah, Rachel, Imani, J.Carter, and Kaila): for believing in my talents and challenging me.
Melani and Shelly: Who always have my back when it comes to being involved in crazy world of film/media.
Brittany P, Brittany K, Cierra, Beaunca, Katrina, Alem, China: Who I talk to all the time. I can talk to you all about anything and won’t feel like I’m being judge. I thank you for our friendship. Also, supporting me in the crazy risks that I take.
Friends (too many to name): Who supports me in everything that I do. Being there is enough.
My parents: For being supportive, loving me, and always there when I need them. I love you!!!
Grandma: She tells it like it is. Something that I know I need to hear. I love and thank you for your wisdom.
My family: Even though I don’t see you all that much, definitely my cheerleaders!
My bro Dukk: Always there for me and ready to film something. Love you, bro!
My mentees (Sanora, Josh, and Zoe): Even though I’m here to support you in any way I can, you are also teaching me as well. I’ve learned so much from you all that it challenges me to work harder. I appreciate that you confide in me, believe in me, and trust me enough to be your mentor.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.watchblossom.com | www.penhausmedia.com
- Email: erika@watchblossom.com
- Instagram: @knownas.kali | @watchblossom | @penhausmedia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kali724
- Other: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-kali-smith/
Image Credit:
Chris Payne: @christopherjamarpayne
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