Passionista, Erika De La Cruz on starting an entertainment media platform
Last updated on April 29th, 2016
Today we get to interview a rising young entrepreneur, Erika De La Cruz, and celebrate the launch of her new entertainment business – passionista.com as well as the release of her book “Passionistas: tips tales and tweetables by women pursuing their dreams,” which has become an Amazon #1 Best Seller and resource for young women everywhere .
Tell us a little bit about yourself?
Well, I’m a native to the broadcast industry, I became the youngest ever female marketing director at Entercom in the San Diego market at 23 years old. That was a wild ride! During my time there, I met so many fabulous brands and people looking to support young women and so I began speaking in my spare time, sharing my story. This led to meeting my (now) business partner, launching “Passionista” as a brand supporting the dreams of others and sharing vulnerability, no matter how much it looks like you’ve “made” it.
What is Passionsita?
Passionista is a lifestyle! More specifically, it’s a tool for women pursuing their dreams. Now, in the form of a book, a digital series (stay tuned on televised plans) and also a community of women thriving together, gaining personal power over their lives and what is most important to them!
What is your #1 piece of advice for anyone who feels “stuck” in pursuing their dreams?
Look, I’d say first: recognize that no one always feels 100% certain! The doubt around taking risks, or doing what isn’t traditionally considered “unsafe” takes guts! I often do an exercise where I mentally fast-forward the timeline of my life 20 years. Am I proud of myself? Reconnecting with the fact that you only have one life is a huge help. I’d say tap into that, and acknowledge what it is you’d actually like to be doing with your time. What would light you up? Trust that the universe will reward steps taken in alignment with that.
Three books that have helped the course of your career?
Easy! I’d say The Alchemist (for increased self trust,) Rocket Fuel (to allow me to ask for help in areas that weren’t my strong point) and The Big Leap (a huge game changer in how I approached my fears.)
What are you most proud of to date?
Well, obviously the book is a huge achievement and I’m proud of the team it took to release it! On a deeper level, I’m really proud that I get to share inspiration that’s authentic to me- for a living! Speaking about concepts on the Passionista TV episodes, or meeting with these wonderful women in real life who have read , Passionistas the book ,is the most rewarding experience I’ve ever had.
What can we look forward to from the brand next?
Well, there’s been a lot more demand lately for talks and coaching, and there’s only one of me. Haha. So, being a good entrepreneur, I’m looking to make this “passionista magic” available on a more scaled level. The episode series has been great for that, but maybe it’s time to throw in a few live events or start a mentorship program. Skies the limit!
Follow along on Erika’s Journey HERE
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