We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Sweed and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Erin, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Balance is the most important thing when it comes to work and life. In the beginning of my career, I was super eager to get active. I was so excited about getting started that I didn’t realize I was sacrificing my own balance to accomplish goals for my career. When I was in college, I was involved in several organizations, jobs and other extra curricular activities. At the time, I had a newborn and I was focused on working and providing a better life for her. The problem was I started to put her needs before mine. I was crashing when I got home and barely had time to spend with her. My mom would always say, “when are you going to get a routine?” My answer was always the same, “never”. Now 10 years later, I’m practically begging for routine to help keep me balanced. You can be the most talented person in the world but if you are not balanced then how do you expect your foundation to last.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I handle so many aspects of business including the administration, the creation, the development, the maintenance, the staffing, the marketing, you name it. I think what sets me apart from others is my education and experience. There are a lot of people who are in college or even out of college who have no clue what they want to do in life. I was fortunate to know almost exactly what I wanted to do at a young age so I began to make decisions to get me on the right track. Ive worked with and for some of the largest companies in the Nation and made business deals in more than 4 countries including New Zealand, South Africa, Europe and of course the USA. I am most proud of my experience and what I’ve been able to accomplish with little of nothing. When I was in high school I knew I wanted to be a model but I was extremely attentive to detail, great with numbers and I was super shy. So, when I got out of high school, I knew what I needed to do, but of course, I was also pregnant. I had to make a decision to go far away and try to make it or stay close and take advantage of having family and friends close while I was trying to raise a young child. I chose to stay, graduated top 10% of my class and gained so many scholarships I was able to start at Texas A&M University 4 days after graduation to jumpstart my freshman year. I spent the 1st 3 years studying the basics for business. Junior year, I was accepted in a Marketing Study abroad program that allowed me to travel to London, Paris, Nice, Monaco, Lucerne, Switzerland, Innsbruck, visiting more than 10 of the largest and most influential companies such as Apple, Johnson & Johnson, Riedel, Audi, BMW, Harrods, Galleries Lafayette, Bucherer. When we got back to the USA, I went to meet with my advisor and declared my major as a Business Administration with a minor In Psychology, Communication & International Marketing. Traveling overseas at that time was not easy, I had to find proper care for my daughter for a month and make sure I had enough money to eat each day. I was so broke when we were there, though my expenses were paid, my fun/eating budget was non existent. I had a group of 8 friends and we called ourselves the “Wolf Pack”, each day we went out to eat they would all contribute a little extra to cover me. It was people like them that gave me hope and helped me to carry on in the midst of trial. Along the way I learned to be resourceful and use my time wisely. Always focus on what can make you better, not what got in the way or what could get in the way. We often get so distracted by things that are around us and forget that we are still in control of our destiny. If I could send a message to the world about my brand or story, I would say, If you open your arms in acceptance, your basket of opportunity will overflow. Don’t stand in your own way and never get so focused on someone else’s bag that you forget to pick your own up. Rome wasn’t built in a day, but that didn’t stop them from getting started.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I have a friend in Sugarland who owns a Winery and I love taking people to his house as a pregame to sit on the dock and enjoy the sunset while drinking some good organic, chemical free, wine. Since all the clubs and lounges are closed now I don’t go out too much but when I do step out I’m looking for @bookedbymolo or @waynecole07 to see where the safe hot spots are.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
In my life I have been blessed with so many mentors it’s hard to point out just one. However, there is one person who entered my life about 8/9 years ago as a friend. At the time he was in a relationship and I would not give him the time of day. Years passed and every time I saw him or talked to him, It was always love. He never wanted anything from me but to see me smile. I’ve had plenty of mentors and friends. My family is extremely supportive as well. But up until I began to build a closer relationship with him, I didn’t even realize I needed him. He came in my life and helped me to see me. He slowed me down and helped me realize there was more to life than just work. He reminded me that I was beautiful and had everything I needed to be great. That changed my life because I never thought it was possible to find Real Love, especially not in Houston, working in entertainment. His name is Issac White aka Sir Issac (@TheSirIssac1). He’s the BEST basketball player in Houston for sure, and definitely at the top of the charts World Wide. Everyone thinks he’s only good at Dunking since he has won so many contests but he is really talented and very wise. Typically, I’m not a big fan of “new” relationships because I’m in the entertainment industry and I’ve seen so many relationships turn bad, but Issac has to be one of the greatest things to ever happen to me and I am forever grateful for his efforts to support, mentor, love and encourage me and my daughter everyday and night.
Website: www.ErinSweed.com
Instagram: @BeautyTh3Model
Twitter: @BeautyTh3Model
Facebook: Erin Sweed
Image Credits
Erin “BeautyTh3Model” Sweed