Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Elle Miller.
Erica Elle, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I experienced tragedy at a very young age, my mother passed away when I was just six years old. From that moment on, I knew that I wanted to cherish every second that was granted to me and live and dream beyond what was in view. I never wanted to be average. My ultimate goal was to reach for the stars.
Through elementary school and high school, I was very active. I was Captain of the track team, on the newspaper staff, academic decathlon, and on the dance team. I always had this unexplainable drive and I exemplified leadership. I was President of my 8th grade class and Vice-President of my high school class.
Along the way, I experienced motherhood at the young age of 16. I was pregnant at 15 with identical twin boys. I felt at that moment that my hard work and dedication was owed now to her children. I didn’t know exactly what to do, I just knew I had to take care of my responsibilities. I worked two jobs and went to school to take care of my children.
I graduated high school at the top of my class and was accepted into Tennessee State University for college. College was a very different experience. I didn’t have my dad around and I had to learn how to be an adult 500 miles away from my family with two children. I almost completely failed my freshmen year. I had to find a balance. I had to learn how to pay bills, balance money, and find resources to assist with the children. In college, I learned a lot about myself, finances and life.
I always have had an entrepreneurial spirit which lead me to co/found my first organization, “ Hip” Notyze Dance Troupe a co/ed dance organization at Tennessee State University. These people in this organization became like family to me, we laughed cried, and helped each other through college.
I started a second organization my junior year at TSU called, “Women of Infinite Potential” a business organization for the collegiate woman. Which also help the business aspect of my abilities. I sat and spoke with many established owners and entrepreneurs and learned that an organization is a business. In addition to learning the business aspect, I started my own business an entertainment and event planning company, “Erica Elle Presents & Erica Elle Productions” and opened a beauty salon, “Vanite’ Luxe Studio.” To date, both organizations at TSU are still thriving.
Great, 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?
I learned very early that somethings that seem like it’s amazing when you are actually in it, it’s not the same. I had issues being paid, I was doing all this work, with a college degree and broke. I’ve been homeless before. I remember being so broke I had to get pennies out of my daughters’ penny bank just to buy her diapers. I believe losing a mother so young, and being independent, I had to learn a lot of things along the way on my own. I’ve been a single mother to four kids for almost 17 years, I had trials and tribulations but I’ve learned from them, and I think that’s important, as long as you learn. I think it is best to go for what you want, but when you are after something be sure that it will make sense. For years after. I always knew my next step but I didn’t consider the step after. For example, I knew I wanted to go to college, I had no idea what I wanted to do after college. Have a plan, preferably a 5-10 year plan. Everything is a learning and growing experience and we can’t take those components of our lives for granted.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Currently, I am a Hybrid Fiber Coaxial Technician at Comcast Division Headquarters, I spear-head the Atlanta Fiber Deep Project. What I do is a component of engineering and construction. I look at the check customers modems, CMTS, NCP, Nodes, check the Upstream, downstream levels, close tickets, open tickets, start Signal interruptions for splicing, Check the four carrier, run reports, check the biller, speak with the contractors in the field, stay in contact with the maintenance techs and assure everything is going accordingly. I really love what I do.
I have an organization, which used to be classified as nonprofit but I changed the status 2019, as just a business. Grit, Grace & Glow is an organization that helps women and teenage girls (12-17-Gems) with spiritual growth, emotional stability, cultivating healthy relationships, providing a variety of therapeutic outlets, lifestyle changes and providing resources for financial and long term stability.
I love planning events. I have always been that person to plan a showcase or a party and now because I love it so much I’m turning it into a business. Erica & Family Events, Rental, and Decor. I am also taking additional classes in project planning/ management.
In April of 2018, I release my self-published book, ” Gumbo”, Ingredients of being a Woman. I am a lover of New Orleans food, culture and people, so I chose Louisiana’s official state cuisine, “Gumbo,” as the title of my first literary offering as an extended metaphor for the experiences of women. It is a collection of short stories and poetry, “Gumbo: Ingredients of Being a Woman,” represents a unique mixture of good, bad, hurtful, exciting and terrifying experiences women encounter.“Gumbo” explores a number of vignettes that range from being a single mother, insecurities of women, domestic violence, sexual abuse, life-threatening diseases, suicide, love, trust, dishonesty, friendships, and women looking for love in all the wrong places. In fact, “Gumbo” is an inspirational message for women, so they will understand that they are not alone in their life journeys.
What sets me apart is my drive, despite adversity. I don’t know many people that have seen what I have seen, make it through and have faith and won’t give up.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
I believe for myself, being a black woman makes me the minority in my industry. It’s difficult. If I speak my mind, I’m being too aggressive and the crazy black woman, if I’m meek, I will get walked and ran all over. Sometimes, I have to work harder to prove myself, sometimes I’m ignored or overlooked only because of my sex and race. I have to be cautious with every move I make and I have to work harder to know more.
Event Planning, Rental & Décor Pricing:
- Consultation – Free
- Event Coordinator starting rate – $500
- Coordinator and Decor Rental starting rate -$700
Contact Info:
- Website: www.GritGraceGlow.com
- Phone: 404 590 3553
- Email: erica.elle.
miller@gmail.com - Instagram: TheEricaElle
- Facebook: EricaElle
Image Credit:
ArMand, ArVante, Amaiya-Acire, Alyse
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
