Welp, let's see where this goes

Simply put, it's my birthday and I'm ready to write.

So I decided to start a newsletter. I’ve been on social media professionally for 4 years and I’ve always run from writing. I literally hate writing. I’m more of a video girl because I get my words out better through talking.

The camera has always felt like a friend to me. Almost like I’m talking to my homegirl from back in the day. (Not me being old enough to say back in the day… make it stop). Actually, my birthday is today, June 16th and I’m 29. Whew.

Feeling 29! A few flicks from our Europe trip + my bday gift from Cameron (aka Hubs).

Stay focused, Erin. See what I mean? This always happens when I write.

Since starting Erin On Demand, my brand kinda just naturally evolved into what it is: a resource for budding entrepreneurs and content creators. I recorded my journey of bootstrapping my way to becoming a successful social media marketer: someone who people look to for advice on how to market and grow their businesses on social media.

And I love it. But in the back of my mind, I keep thinking to myself, “Is this sustainable?”

When I’m 50 (or shoot, 40), with a family, am I still going to want to create YouTube videos and TikToks on how to grow on social media? Prolly not. Actually, definitely not.

I’ve realized that there’s more to business and creativity than posting, sponsorships, and selling digital products.

I mean, obviously you can make a lot of money doing those things. But over the last year, I’ve learned that that does not mean you are a true business person. That means you’re a marketer. That means you’re great at social media. That means you know how to make money. But that doesn’t make you a true entrepreneur.

One day, I felt so stuck in my head about everything I’ve built up to this point. I started feeling like an imposter and unqualified. My mentor asked me, “If you stopped working for 6 months, would your bottom line be negatively impacted?” And my answer was yes. A hard truth. And embarrassing, tbh.

The main revenue streams of my business rely on me. I have to show up in my membership club. I have to show up for my course. I have to show up for my social media. My YouTube channel. Sponsorships. I am the thing that keeps the business moving. People have bought into me.

And even though I have an incredible team who helps me keep things moving, starting a business that centers around you is a slippery slope. Personal brand businesses are great until they’re exhausting and full of pressure. We’ve seen many content creators admit to suffering from extreme burnout, severe depression and anxiety, taking sabbaticals, or quitting social media altogether.

It’s sad because a lot of the social media “business” gurus make it seem like starting a business is so simple. And in the grand scheme of things… it is. If there’s a problem or need and you have a solution, you fulfill it through your business.

But these days, starting a business has taken on a whole new meaning. We’ve gotten away from problem-solving by creating scaleable businesses and have instead leaned into personal brand businesses that fill a content gap, though not necessarily a problem.

I can admit that if I had to do things all over again, I’d probably change a few things. Can’t lie… I’ve thought about shutting my flagship membership down multiple times over the years. And on the brink of stopping the program was when I really began to look at my business differently.

Here’s the thing… You have a routine, a staff to pay, people are relying on you… people are paying you. And it can often feel easier to keep your sailboat floating than to jump off and swim to a cruise ship. I’ve had to find a new purpose in continuing my membership, and lean into new ways of building Erin On Demand that feel sustainable and creatively exciting.

Right now, I’m in a very transformative space. It’s giving “Middle Child” by J. Cole vibes and I’m not mad at it. I’m in the middle of Erin On Demand and Erin the boss. I don’t even think I’ve tapped the surface of who I am becoming.

I am so thrilled to share my experience as I create a more scaleable business model over the next year. If you’re a fan of my Top 3 Notebooks, you are going to LOVEEE what we have coming. It may or may not be a full productivity product line.

I’m really just ready to tap into a whole ‘nother level of me. My girl, Donyé Taylor, calls this Level 2 and I’m ready to unlock the next level with y’all!

I know many of you in my community are coaches, influencers, and service-based business owners who have a similar story. I’m excited to engage in a different way. Feel free to share your candid thoughts in the comments.

This newsletter actually wasn’t so bad to write lol. I’ll think of it as my creative diary. So, here’s what you can expect:

1. Candid thoughts of my life and business experiences

2. Behind the scenes of running EOD

3. Exclusive podcast episodes

4. Creative analyses of some of your fave content creators, campaign breakdowns and inner-circle industry news

5. A community of creatives that you can engage with in the comments!

Simply put, I’m here to have a good time. We’ll try to mix up the newsletters and keep it spicy. Lmk what you think because a girl just poured her soul out - HA!

In love & creativity,

xx Erin