In this episode, Yogi, Photographer, and Designer Ericka East shares her experience as a black, lesbian creative paving space for black and LGBTQ+ yogi practitioners. She took the “try everything” route and turned her creative talents into a set of career options that keep her fulfilled. Oftentimes pioneering in spaces, she challenges the status quo and pushes for accessibility for underrepresented communities. Ericka talks being a curious creative, trying things that challenge you, and showing up to show out.
In this episode, Yogi, Photographer, and Designer Ericka East shares her experience as a black, lesbian creative paving space for black and LGBTQ+ yogi practitioners. She took the “try everything” route and turned her creative talents into a set of career options that keep her fulfilled. Oftentimes pioneering in spaces, she challenges the status quo and pushes for accessibility for underrepresented communities. Ericka talks being a curious creative, trying things that challenge you, and showing up to show out.
If we don't show up in the spaces, nobody's gonna think it's okay for us to be there. So we have to just show up.
Jas, the host:welcome to blackxecutive Podcast, where we share inspiration and actionable advice for black creatives going pro. I'm your host Jas. With each episode, we'll chat with black creatives, thriving in entrepreneurship, corporate careers in the nonprofit sector, all while building a network of black creatives. Six head nods apart, enjoyed the show with the dreamers become doers, and the aspiring become inspired. Let's get started. What's up, y'all? Thanks for tuning in to another episode of black fricative podcast. Today we're talking to yoga instructor, photographer and designer, Erica East. Welcome to the show. Hey, what's up Jasmine? Yay, I'm so happy that you're finally on. I know, it's been like going in circles trying to get you on. Y'all. Erica is a powerful champion of yoga for black folks and LGBTQ representation in several industries, including photography and a master designer. So I am so grateful to be talking to her today. So glad that you're on the show. And I cannot wait to dive into your experiences.
Ericka East:Thank you, Master designer. I appreciate that.
Jas, the host:Was it a party theme here that I have all my guests up? Because I feel like y'all are all superb or open never have asked you to be on the show in the first place.
Ericka East:I'll take it. I'll take it.
Jas, the host:Okay, so I've noticed that not only are you a dope Yogi who champions for fellow black Yogi's, but it seems like based on your social media, you document your journey through photography. So I'm really interested today and talking about like those intersections of yoga photography, your design background and the LGBTQ community in the black community. So can you start off by telling us a little bit about yourself, and how you kind of got started with just any event?
Ericka East:Yeah, sure. So just a big overview. I'm a black, lesbian creative, like you said, yoga, graphic design, photography. Just overall, like I love artistic expression, whether it's moving arts, graphic arts, things like that. So I just, I just have a big passion for art, and expression in general. And that's kind of how I got into everything that I'm into, I just try to explore anything I'm drawn to I research it, I educate myself. And if it sticks it does, I've tried a lot of things. And, you know, these are the main things that have kind of stuck around over, I guess, the course of my life. I'm not that old. But these things have kind of stuck around. And I've just been able to build and grow on these, these main passions that I have. So
Jas, the host:So what which came first, was it like the yoga, the photography, or like the design career?
Ericka East:So I'd say the design came first. And I only say that because I guess I was at five years old. I was like drawing pictures and just exploring and art didn't really take any art classes. I was just really exploratory. I didn't go to school for graphic design. I went to school for business and marketing. Got my Yeah, definitely. Yes. And I took in college, I took one InDesign course. And that was the extent of the formal training that I had in graphic design. Wow. Yeah. So essentially, I just I went the easy route, the safe route did business because you know that that's a safe way to kind of secure a job and pay your bills, right, wanted to go for graphic design and art, but my parents kind of kind of shifted me in another direction. And I kind of went with that went with what was safe. But overall, like after college, I taught myself Photoshop taught myself all the Adobe programs, did a bunch of tutorials on YouTube. So I just really immersed myself in design after college just on my own just kind of teaching myself all of the programs and just educating myself kind of learning to be a designer. So that's so design came first.
Jas, the host:Okay, cool. So you kind of started off in design. And did did you from there? Did you kind of find yourself interested in photography? Was that like a natural progression? Or did you kind of get into yoga and then wanted to document that?
Ericka East:So after after design, definitely it came photography because I'm just in like doing like my own side projects. In building out my portfolio. I wanted to take my own photos and just put those on my website and things like that. So I just I started kind of playing around with different branding, did some product branding and things like that. So that's kind of where I landed with photography, I A while ago, I started a clothing line. This was like, Okay, this was right after college, this was my, like experimental phase, like I started doing, I designed some t shirts and accessories and things like that hats, it was called a point apparel. And essentially, we partnered with a nonprofit that was based in DC, and they were over in Tanzania doing mission work, building schools for kids in Africa. So Wow, any of the proceeds that we got from those short sales, we donated to that nonprofit to kind of help with their mission and their building schools and helping people in Africa out there. So that was pretty short lived, I did it for maybe two or three years. And then I kind of shifted to just doing photography fully after that, you know, shot friends, I got a couple of like side projects and things like that for freelance work, and just kind of, you know, just enjoyed myself taking photos kind of learning about, you know, photography, and digital imaging and things like that. So,
Jas, the host:okay, that's nice that you kind of had like this clothing line for a cause. You see people start clothing lines, everybody's busy, everybody has a clothing line now, like everybody's or a boutique that they're trying to get started. But you don't always necessarily hear that they're doing philanthropy work, you know, associated with it. So I think that's really cool that you associate with the cause. And I think, in modern times, now we see more and more that customers most identify with brands that they know are actively engage in philanthropic endeavors, because we want to feel like we're good people, and we're buying products from good people. So that's pretty cool. I definitely, if you still have that going, I would definitely support, I feel like this is a great cause.
Ericka East:Thank you, thank you, I appreciate that. I mean, that nonprofit is kind of they've shifted their mission, and I think they still do work out in Africa. Um, but I don't have that website up anymore. But I do have some kind of shirts and things like that, for social justice and things like that. But um, yeah, I thought it was important to kind of give back and, you know, back then, when I, when I had that line, I wanted to, I didn't just want to sell shirts, I wanted to, you know, have a mission behind what I was doing and, and just kind of partner with people and share my talents. And also, you know, give back any way I could if if I was able to profit from that. So
Jas, the host:I think that's very telling about your character. Because even like with you being in yoga, and no, and we talked about you being on this show, one of the first things that came up was like being a black Yogi, and having that representation in that space. And then also, you know, more LGBTQ representation and photography. So I like this, this greater purpose behind a lot of the things that you're into as a creative in, I mean, of course, creating for the sake of creating but also having a greater cause behind that, that could somehow shift or change the culture or the mindset of the world in some type of way. So absolutely not from that, when you decided to get into yoga. Can you talk a little bit about that experience? Getting Started in attending studios and kind of looking around and realizing, you do feel out he will look like you?
Ericka East:Yeah, sure. So my first experience with yoga was, I think it was in 2012. I was in Atlanta, I went to a yoga class for the first time. And you know, in, in high school, middle school, I was I ran track played tennis, basketball, all those things. So I was really active. I was like, Okay, I can do this yoga thing. went into the yoga class, I was so sure that we're about to do some easy stretches, and like, you know, just some kind of meditation type things and I got in that class and I was struggling, like I was really, I was struggling to hold warrior one all that I like a challenge. So, you know, throughout the class, they call poses you can modify, you can level up and you know, do more advanced things and I was in there trying to do crow pose and all those other, you know, crazy poses.
Jas, the host:Trying to do crow first
Ericka East:in first class and I was struggling, so I was in there and then I was, you know, I was I was humbled. First of all because I went in there thinking we were just about to do some stretches, but um, I was humbled and what I got out of The practice just perspective. You know what I mean? And it took a lot more yoga classes after that to really get into the, the spiritual side of it for me. But that first class for me was, it was kind of like a wake up call, like, okay, yoga is more than just these simple stretches that you think it is. So that challenge of Right, right, that challenge of doing a, you know, those those advanced poses and things like that really kind of hooked me. And I didn't go back for I didn't go back for a while when I moved to Charlotte is when I really started going to yoga regularly. And that was not that long ago, that was probably in 2016. So I kind of let go yoga for, you know, for a few years. And then when I moved to Charlotte, I really got into it started going to classes weekly started really getting into the practice. For me, it was it was just a different experience, something that really added benefit to my life. And it sounds really cliche, but but when you do the practice, and you're consistent in the yoga practice, like you really feel this emotional, mental, spiritual and physical connection. Yes, you feel grounded in all those aspects. So that's why I kept going. In 2018, I got my yoga certification to teach from yoga one I've been teaching for over the past two years, so I just really loved it. And being a black lesbian, in Charlotte, going to yoga was interesting. I'm sure. The first class I went to, I can't remember the name of the studio. But uh, the first class I went to, I think it was only black person in there. The woman kind of came up to me and was like, you know, have you been? You done yoga before? And I'm like, Yeah, I've done yoga before. And after that she just really didn't say anything else to me in the class. She was assisting other students helping them greeting them. But it was just this weird, separate experience. Yeah, in class. And, you know, I'm new to Charlotte. So I'm kind of hopping around at different studios, trying to find like, what feels good, what feels like home for me. And I went to literally I went to maybe five or six different yoga studios in Charlotte, all of them kind of the same vibe, mostly all white, just this kind of cookie cutter, yoga studio vibe. And I was just like, this is not going to work. I don't I don't feel good here. So I found Kelly Carr, Bonnie woods, she was teaching like a community yoga class. And this is a black yoga teacher. And she I can't remember somebody that was living in my apartment complex told me about her class. So I went to her class. And it was amazing. There were people that look like me, there were all body types, you know, queer people, you know, it felt good, it felt really good. And it wasn't like this fancy, you know, showy type five at all. So that space was something that I really appreciated, because after being to like six, seven, other yoga studios Previous to that one, I was kind of discouraged. Like, I don't know if this thing's gonna work. So, so I found Kelly studio. And she does. She does private lessons. And I think she teaches a community class still now. But after Kelly, I was introduced to yoga one, which is where I got my teaching certification. And when I came in there, the vibe felt like really warm, it felt welcoming, it felt inclusive. So it was that was kind of my yoga home. That's why I did my yoga teacher training. There were brown people, gay people, like every every kind of person you can think of, and this yoga studio wasn't perfect by any means. But they were making steps to recognize their faults in you know, whether it's discrimination or you know, not being as inclusive as as people would like, you know, things like that. So that was appreciated. Essentially, yoga one was my my home studio, that's kind of you know, where I got my start, I taught there for a little bit. They closed down their studio, Cali yoga open. Almost a year ago today. They open and I teach there on Sundays, and also teach online a little bit too. So um, so yeah, that's kind of my yoga journey. In a nutshell.
Jas, the host:There are two things I want to kind of touch on there. The first being what was the catalyst that made you want to be an instructor? Was it more along the lines of you know, I I'm really passionate about this, I want to help people. Was it more along the lines of there's not enough representation? I want to be a part of that representation was a like a combination of both? Was it a different reason? Like, what what was your motivation for that?
Ericka East:Good question. My main reason for wanting to teach was I guess it was twofold, like pretty much what you said, the experience that I had in, you know, visiting previous yoga studios, it wasn't a welcoming experience. I got yoga one. And I saw people that look like me, I think our yoga teacher training class had, we had, how many people we have maybe seven, brown people in our yoga teacher training out of there were about 2929 people total, like we had the biggest teacher training class. But in general, like you look at all the photos of the yoga teacher trainings, in previous years, there's maybe one black person, look at it today. And you know, you look at different yoga studios, you'll see one or two black people in there. So I really wanted to show up. And even being in the yoga teacher training. Initially, it was for a better standing understanding of yoga and the practice, and how to integrate it into my life. But when I got into teacher training, it was great to see a handful of black and brown people. And that made me want to continue to show up. So I'm just not seeing that representation in the other yoga studios, going to yoga. And like me being the only brown, black and brown person in the room. wasn't cool. Like they were, there was there was one. No, there were two black yoga teachers at yoga one outside of me teaching like so before I started my yoga teacher training, there were two black yoga teachers. And I think there were about 30 teachers total at yoga one because yoga one was two studios, huge rooms. So out of maybe 30 teachers, maybe more, there were two black teachers before I started teaching. After our teacher training, they hired like four, four of us. So now there's like six total, you know, so it was cool to see that change and see, see those shifts, but, but still, like me wanting to be a black teacher and then see a black student come into the room, I'm like, running over to them, like happy greeting them because I know how it felt to, you know, face and not be greeted and just kind of be treated like, okay, you don't know anything, you're this, you know, you're this person is just walking in that it is not familiar with this practice. But just just to try to be in that space, where it's like a whitewashed yoga, energy. Like, that's just like be I wanted to show up in those spaces. And even though it was uncomfortable, like I wanted to be in those spaces, so when other black people came in, they saw me and we stood tall. And we you know, we were able to get in the front of the room and practice and you know, and do our so that was that was mainly my motivation. I really wanted to help people, everybody overall, but I really wanted to show up and let black people know that we can show up in these spaces, even though it doesn't seem like Well, welcome. Let's welcome ourselves and, and and let's continue to, to support each other in these spaces.
Jas, the host:Yeah, I think I think that is so dope. My yoga journey started when I was back home in Arkansas. So oftentimes, I was the only black student in the class, I did not come across a black instructor until I had been practicing maybe two to three years. And once I came across him, I was loyal until the end until I moved. I went to his class every week, right? Only his class, like, even if I took a break, I wait to go to somebody else's class, I would only go to his class. And I remember him leaving his full time job. And he talked about opening his own studio and I was like, Where are you go, I will follow, you know, because like he was a black person and a black male doing yoga, which was even more I think this is one of the yoga maybe one of the few places where black men are even more rare than black women, right space. So I was just like, oh man, like I really, I really hated to have to leave him when I came to Charlotte. But I know that there are so many other wonderful instructors, as you've already talked about, who are pioneering including yourself. So one thing I kind of want to talk about with that is how did you decide or what are your thoughts more? So I would say that I know that this has kind of been controversial before but what are your thoughts on monetizing yoga because I I remember at one point I considered being certified back when I was maybe like five third year in and like one of my friends who was also practicing, you know, he was like, I want to be an instructor of I don't want to charge, like, I just want to be free, because I just want people to know. And I want to teach them the ways and I was just like, I respect them, but the capitalist American in me basically this system, so like, what are your thoughts on that?
Ericka East:Right? I'm, I'm with you, I'm with you on on. Like, we should participate and and not to be greedy, but we should value our own time and others should value our dads, right. Yes. So that's, that's how I feel about it. Um, some people kind of take it over the top, which everybody has their own. They have their own preference for how they want to run their business, how they want to run their life, and I don't judge that. But for me, I definitely like when it comes to photography, design, yoga, all those things I have to put my time and my creative efforts into, and I do feel like that's worth something, you know what I mean? So I had to learn that a while ago, because I was, when I first started, all my design stuff, I was new to it, I was teaching myself and I was like, well, I could do this for you for free, I can do this for free, I can do and then I'm like, all my time is being spent doing stuff for free. And I'm like, I really need to, I really need to start charging because somewhere there's a market for somebody, you know, is in your range of, you know, what you're offering monetarily. So, I mean, I had to learn it, and everybody's probably going to have to do the same. But just for me, my personal experience, you know, I had to learn how to value my work and my time. And now I'm not, I'm not afraid to ask for what I'm worth, you know what I mean? So, so yeah, and there are times where I will offer, offer up community classes or offer up, you know, social justice work, things like that for design, or photography services, you know, just on a one off basis based on you know, whatever the project is, or whatever the initiative is, and I think it's important to to give back and have that balance.
Jas, the host:Yeah, I think that's, that's super important to mention. And I feel like it one of the reasons why this podcast is exist is I feel like a lot of times when you're a creative, especially when you're getting started, like you mentioned it like that imposter syndrome can kind of play into how much you charge or if you charge at all, because you're like, I'm still learning. So I don't feel comfortable charging you as I'm learning. Like, what if I mess something up? Or what if I don't do a good job, and then I you know, I feel bad because I've charged you for this service. But you know, at a certain point, you realize, like, you know what I am doing decent quality work in I should be being compensated for my time and like you said, the creative energy that I'm putting towards this, I think that's very important. And a lot of your a lot of creatives just have to kind of learn it in their own time. Like, at what point do you decide, like, Look, I'm gonna, I'm gonna have to start charging.
Ericka East:Right, right. And I feel like it's a, like you said, imposter syndrome. Am I good enough? I just started this, you know, do I know what I'm doing? You kind of have those voices in your head, and you're like, you know, trying to justify what you're doing. But I think yeah, I think, you know, at some point, you're going to say, you know, you know, I am worth it my time my efforts are worth it. So, um, so yeah, and it's a good lesson that to have because you have to go through it to kind of see it but um, but yeah, yeah, I appreciate that lesson. Definitely.
Jas, the host:Okay, another hot take that I have. And this is brought to my attention before and I just, I didn't really know how to respond, because I've been practicing yoga, but I'm, like I've told you before, I'm definitely not on your level with my consistency is something I need to be better about. But I have been practicing for about eight years, on and off. So one thing that's come up like I know a lot of times especially being a black Yogi, we talk about like almost hashtag yoga so white, you know, like it's just like we're not even be a representative these bases libelium Here we doing yoga, we need to be you know, represented. But you know, yoga in itself, especially hatha and big ROM, which has been like westernized so much has really been whitewash and Western is, as he said, so what are your thoughts on like yoga for Western culture being like, considered appropriation of Indian culture practices, like, do you do you agree with that? Do you disagree? Do you feel like we've kind of made it our own in a sense,
Ericka East:right. So first, I'm gonna say hashtag yoga so white. I like that. I'm gonna start putting that in there putting that in my pose. Because it's very true, but um, So, do I feel like the Western culture has appropriated those kind of styles of yoga and made it their own? I, I do feel like that. And I think, you know, without being whitewashed and like we have all these, like, fancy yoga clothes and you don't need all of that for yoga, like you really don't need all that for yoga and we have the culture is just kind of been shifted to be like divisive kind of separate energy. And for me, like, like, it's not like if you look on and just recently, I've seen this because I kind of follow yoga yoga magazine, or yoga journal, I follow yoga journal and yoga Alliance and all those. And with all this stuff that's been happening since February, it's been happening for us, since forever, all the social justice issues, but people are seeing it and they're saying, Well, let me put all these these images of black Yogi's on these Instagram pages, and then these magazines and write these articles. And it's, it's this like, reactive, like surface level, you know, actions that they're taken. And it's sad. It's really sad to see. I mean, outside of that, like, there were white images everywhere of Yogi's on, you know, yoga Journal's Instagram page, and in their magazine, like, like, no, you're not, you'll see 1% of black and brown people on their posts and in their magazine, things like that. And just, it's, it's just been this really divisive space. And that's why I'm in it, you know what I mean? Because it doesn't need to be like that. And just by me showing up, you know, makes it okay for other black Yogi's, to show up instructors to show up students, whatever that looks like. So yeah, and it's been appropriated in the majority of the people just like in society, like, they rule the white people rule right now the, the yoga space. So that's what we're going to see. And they're going to put whatever spin they need to on it, they're going to make money off of it, they're going to charge I don't know how much Listen, these yoga memberships are like $250 a month and like crazy prices. And listen, I became a teacher and I'm, I'm, that's why I go to yoga so much. It's because I'm not having to pay so much to do that. And it's just, it's crazy that they don't make it assessable. And that's why I say divisive, because it's not assessable for you know, black and brown people or people, you know, that are just underrepresented in these areas. So, so it's not assessable. So it definitely needs to change. And, you know, I try to show up in these spaces and, you know, share whatever resources and things that I have for studio owners and people that I know that do offer community classes and things that are accessible because it's important, and we all need it.
Jas, the host:Mm hmm. Yeah, yeah, definitely. Definitely that for sure. I've been to a fair share of community classes. There was one particular class I went two years back and the instructor was black. And she taught committed yoga, which was supposed to be based off of ancient Kemet. Right, which I thought was really interesting. And it was my first time hearing about that. And she was very much an advocate of not practicing yoga practices that are rooted in like Indian culture, because I felt like, you know, we were appropriating, like, all of us were appropriating their culture as well. So I never quite had an opinion on that. I was kind of just like, I like yoga. You know, I don't care. I don't really care which way I prefer big rock. Right? You're just doing the practice. Exactly. The End the benefits, as he said earlier, the emotional and physical benefits spiritual benefits that come with practicing. I don't feel like that should always just like I don't I don't know if it's appropriation to want to participate in that. Like, I think if you're being disrespectful to it, that's one thing or like, as you said, as in like yoga for White. And you got Lululemon charging $80 for leggings. Right? Yeah. So, I see that, like, you're, you clearly are very intentional about like your yoga career and how you kind of move through that space as a student and an instructor and, you know, an activist, how does that translate over to your photography and just in your photography in general How do you use that as like, I don't want to say maybe more sell to shine a lens on black Yogi's and also the LGBT community with your work.
Ericka East:Right. So I just I just like exploring and kind of learning new things, when it comes to like digital, digital art, photography, things like that. So I pretty much use my camera to kind of capture my practice to share it. And I'm working on doing like some more like tutorials and videos and things like that. For you know, just for people that are just starting out that can't afford a yoga membership. So I do that I also, you know, I shoot some some of my yoga friends that I that I know. And their practice, you know, so I just kind of use, I pretty much as us all of the things that I am passionate about photography, graphic design, and kind of help people and offer you know, my services to people, you know, in the yoga space, so I, I just have a passion for all of those things. And to be able to kind of use that creative energy to bring all of those things together is really exciting for me. I love it. I you know, I have fun with it. So that's that's kind of where, where I'm at with that. Yeah.
Jas, the host:I know, you talked about that off offline. We talked about you wanting to shoot more and bring more awareness to like LGBTQ couples, and visuals and photography. How have you been working on that? And like, what is your planning or your mission?
Ericka East:Right? So, um, and I've been kind of planning it and I and I say it, you know, I'm going to do it. I'm gonna do it. And I just haven't taken that step. But I am I have
Jas, the host:alysus paralysis. Listen, my listeners, my listeners, they know that phrase by now. Cuz my week has been smashed a couple of times.
Ericka East:I know in the Listen, accountability, definitely. Thank you for that. But yeah, analysis is paralysis it is. So listen, I so I do have a photoshoot scheduled with an LGBT couple. And I'm going to Oh, you're going to hold me accountable. Now you're going to hit me up on slack and be like, did you schedule that shoot?
Jas, the host:Yeah, I am
Ericka East:So my plan is to you know, kind of more intentionally capture LGBT love the community, just kind of what we stand for, I guess through through my lens, no pun intended. So so I want to really capture couples do like lifestyle, photography, things like that. And like just really embodying the LGBT community. And just, you know, and and be able to show people what love looks like, what community looks like, things like that. And just, you know, do that through my work in photography, I think. You know, that's something I've been thinking about a lot. And I haven't taken a whole bunch of action toward it, but it's something that I definitely am, you know, moving towards and making plans for And now, I'm going to have an accountability partner. Really? Yeah, I think that would be dope. Um, I have a makeup artist friend in New York. She, she, she had a few ideas, you know, with us working together on some stuff. So um, yeah, she's she's really dope. She's really talented. She's her energy's awesome. Shout out to Patrice. So, yeah, that's something I definitely want to start, start moving on and capturing. And then even, you know, capturing Yogi's in, in the space, like, we need to be seen, you know, in the spaces, Google, like, I don't know where you're one yoga pose. And if you got to images, you're probably going to see like, all white people, you know, so I just feel like maybe we need to do a big photo project and just flood the internet with with black Yogi's everywhere.
Jas, the host:I don't know, we need and we need to reach out to some Google algorithm engineers. Yes. And get our stuff to rain because I tell you one thing if I google black hairstyles one more time and a white woman pop up, Google is gonna hear from me. Nothing I can't stand more than when I intentionally put black women and still don't get black women. I'm like, come on. It's 2020
Ericka East:I can not we got to take over? We got to take Yeah,
Jas, the host:yeah, definitely. Well, I'm definitely gonna hold you to that project. And I'm looking forward to seeing that photography. I love seeing representation of all underrepresented groups we need to be seen, and especially the LGBTQ community in photography, because, like, and I feel like you get some of the dopest pictures, because you just have these different couples that appeal to these different audiences. And I love how it shakes the room. Right? It's like we're here we in this thing, right had to deal with it.
Ericka East:Yeah, exactly. And it's not it's not the cookie cutter, you know, white picket, no. White family? No. So no. Yeah, definitely.
Jas, the host:Yeah, I feel like I feel like when I see photography like that, on sites, especially business oriented sites, it automatically taps into my brand loyalty. Because I'm like, you're showing right, something different, you're showing that you are inclusive, not just, you know, presenting, but you are actually just placing people on the site. It does, it shouldn't have to be a discussion of, do we need to include this particular person here, this particular person there, they're just people. We're all just people
Ericka East:that and I'm right with you. I think like it starts with the people. Behind the scenes, the people that are making the decisions. It starts with their values, it starts with what they stand for, because you can slap a picture on a website, but like, are like, what, what's your company really behind? Are you being reactionary? Because like, somebody got shot yesterday? Or are you like, you know, are you really standard for this? You know what I mean? So um, yeah, and it'll show, it'll show because I go right to Instagram on a yoga Journal's Instagram page, and I scroll all the way down to December 2019. I see all these white Yogi. So like, really? What do you stand for? For real? Exactly,
Jas, the host:exactly. And as you can tell, I know, there was a discussion about like, imagery on site that came up the other day that I was in. And one thing an example that came up that was really interesting to me was someone mentioned, they were placing a photo on site, like a stock photo for like, how to reorganize your kitchen. So the designer chose to use a photo of a person with a disability who was in a wheelchair. And the pushback from the editor was like, well, I this article isn't about people with disabilities. It's about redesigning a kitchen. It's like so people with disabilities can't redesign their kitchen. Exactly. You know, like, what, how does that matter? I'm pretty sure wheelchair not I need, I need my forks over here in my place over there. Like, what? What does that have to do it? You know, and that's what I'm saying. It's like, why can't we're all just people just place the photography on sites stop going with what you think is the norm, and what is your environment people get so caught in their little bubble, and I want my space or whatever I work on to be representative of my little bubble. And that's not the world.
Ericka East:Right? Exactly. Exactly. Yeah, people get like, they're so used to seeing slim white blonde model. Like no, like, let's put some some larger body people on websites on products, like things like that, because people historically we haven't seen it. And now we're starting to shake things up and people are getting uncomfortable. Yeah, but we need to keep putting it out there. So we can be Yes, commonplace for just for business for life. You know what I mean? So
Jas, the host:yes, yes, I think there's even more recently a discussion has been happening because of I don't know, if you seen it on social torrid has been using models. And torrid is a site that traditionally markets towards heavier set people because that's their demographic. That's it so of course, they they market to plus size customers, and one of the images that's out now that's going viral is a person who does not have an hourglass shape, and woman who's not hourglass shape. And so of course, the internet being ruthless and immature as it can be, are just like ridiculing this person for their, their body type and Torrid it for using that person. And it's like, this is this is real life. This is what people's bodies look like, right? And it should be represented. And more specifically, this is their customer base, their shoot, they're trying to sell to plus size people. So it makes sense for them to have these images on their site. And so there's just a lot of fat shaming in or, you know, just going on with that and I'm just like, one day, we're gonna get to a place Wait, this is not a conversation, right? It
Ericka East:should not even be a conversation. Like Come on. People are just there. They're kind of they have this laser tunnel vision about what things should look like how things should be that you know, when they see something that's, that's not in their cookie cutter image. They have an issue with it, because it makes them uncomfortable like no, this is these are real people like This is what reality is so yes, crazy.
Jas, the host:Yes, but your work is much needed and much appreciated. So thank you, you know, for for every one person that is ever offended or whatever about whatever. And I'm very ridiculously pro black on social media, so I piss off a lot of my white classmates in college. So I'm used to people like being pissed, but it's like, regardless, there's one person who was pissed, there were 10 to 15 other people who felt seen, right, who felt heard, and who felt interested in learning more at the minimum. So your work is needed. It is necessary as a black Yogi as a black LGBTQ person who is a photographer who is creative, and just representing in these spaces, we need you in these spaces.
Ericka East:Thank you so much. I appreciate it. I'm glad to be in the spaces and just you know, support other people and encourage them because if we don't show up in the spaces, nobody's going to think it's okay for us to be there. So we have to just show up. You know what I mean? So,
Jas, the host:Yes, yes, that is so that is so so, so important show up. Even if we're not asked. Matter of fact, I don't want you to ask, I want to disrupt your space. I am an intentional disrupter.
Ericka East:Yeah. I love it. I love it.
Jas, the host:Yes. So as we get ready to wrap up, what advice do you have for aspiring black professionals who are looking to use their art to bring awareness?
Ericka East:just be curious, I think really be curious. A lot of times, like throughout my whole process, from starting out, I was just curious. I figured out what I liked what I didn't like, I failed a lot. I kept trying. You know, and these few things really stuck with me. And I'm like, really passionate about it. And figure out why you're doing what you're doing. You know, what's the purpose behind what you're doing? What value are you adding to the world not just monetarily, but you know, spiritually, like for humanity, like, how are you? Yeah, how are you like, bringing people together? You know, and be yourself and share what you love. You know what I mean? And I feel like if you do that, you'll be good. Just logistically, I'd say get feedback from people who are where you want to be. You don't want Yes, people telling you yes to everything you do, because it might be trash.
Jas, the host:Yes. The truth right there. You don't need Yes, people in your corner
Ericka East:Right? So I say, you know, surround yourself with people who are already where you want to be, who are where you aspire to be. And, you know, just learn from them. And just keep practicing, hone in on your craft and get an accountability partner that's going to, you know, call you and be like, Did you do that thing yet that you said? This? So um, so yeah. Just surround yourself with positive people and just do what you love. Really? That's it?
Jas, the host:Yes, that that is so true. And I love bringing in that anytime there's an opportunity to say I'm going to say, Do not be the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room. you are in the wrong room. And it took me it took me a long time to really get that, like I heard it, but I don't really get that because I kind of liked being the smart person. And I know that and I have my degree in love nose in the air, you know, Pinky in the air SpongeBob. But, you know, just like just like being that person to being able to say like, be that bravado. But it's like, what am I learning? How am I growing? If I'm not learning from the people I'm surrounding myself with on a regular basis.
Ericka East:right? That's and that's that ego thing. You know, if you want to be the smartest person in the room, you need to get humbled a little bit and just like when I did yoga for the first time, I'm like, Yeah, I can do this. I you know, I workout I do this, but I was definitely a beginner and I was humbled so so make sure you humble yourself and you know, just keep coming back to why you're doing what you're doing.
Jas, the host:Yes, yes, humility is key. For sure. Definitely a yoga will definitely humble any athlete. I challenge any single person listening to this who has never been to yoga class, especially if you consider yourself an athlete to take your behind to a yoga class. I guarantee it.
Ericka East:Yes, in fact, Sunday's 8:30am at Khali yoga studio in Charlotte, NC, come through an hour. I would love to meet y'all.
Jas, the host:Yes, yes, plug plug, plug plug.
Ericka East:And I was just gonna say Khali yoga they offer a $10 drop ins really assessable price points for everybody. You know what I mean? Really good community yoga studio. So um, definitely check them out if you get a chance.
Jas, the host:I love that you mentioned that too, because that's definitely a barrier when you know Yoga is being priced just ridiculously and people can't even attend the class.
Ericka East:oh right. Yes.
Jas, the host:Yeah, we definitely anytime you can find a community yoga class near you, or definitely if you're in the Charlotte area, and you can't make the trip to Erica's class. Definitely drop in. You might see me too, because I'm definitely going to be attending some of your Yes.
Ericka East:Yes, definitely.
Jas, the host:Okay, so how can people find you online to keep pace with your creative journey.
Ericka East:So you can find me on Instagram, my yoga account for Instagram is at Erica yoga, that's e ri ck a yoga, all one word. If you want to follow my design slash photography page on Instagram, it's Erica underscore east. That's e ri ck underscore e a s t. And then you can go to my website, all my stuff is on my Instagram page. Or you can go to Erica East calm.
Jas, the host:And there you have it. Thanks again, so much for being on the show. So happy that I finally we finally got the schedule,
Ericka East:Yeah you made it happen definitely. Thank you so much for having me it was it was so awesome to kind of talk about my journey and just be able to share it with people. So you know, hopefully, there's some impact, some positive impact from you know, this talk. And it was just really good. Just connecting and talking with you through, you know, my process and you know, my creative passion. So thank you so much for having me.
Jas, the host:I love, love, love the representation that Erica just provided today for the show, she came in and shared so much insight on the power of representation in so many spaces across the creative spectrum. As usual, I'm going to hit you with five key takeaways. Number one, use creative energy to bring all of your creative interest together. Erica talked a lot about being a jack of all trades, sort of, you know, being interested in multiple things. And she is able to use all of her powers combined to be a super representative creative across everything that she's interested in. Number two, be curious. And don't be afraid to try things. Figure out what you like and don't like fail a lot. Fail fast. Keep trying. Stick with what sticks with you. And then be passionate about that. Find out why you're doing what you're doing. What value are you adding to the world beyond money, but spiritually for humanity? How are you bringing people together such a powerful quote from Erica. Number three, sometimes your passion isn't something that you're already good at. Sometimes it's something that challenges you, you may actually be really bad at. And I heard a really good quote the other day that said that the first step of getting better at something or becoming an expert at something is being not good at something and it being kind of okay, something so small steps to get you there. And I seen I might be an expert, you may want to do that for a living and monetize it. Number four in industries dominated by majority culture, push back, Erica spoke a lot about the plight of black Yogi's instructors and students fighting to make yoga less divisive and more inclusive and more accessible. So that includes everything from creating welcoming spaces for Yogi's of color of all body types, all the way to affordable pricing for classes. Number five, even if you feel like your craft is a spiritual practice, and you should be giving it away You're like, you know, I really just love this, I want to do this, I want to give it away. Because you want to empower the community you want to share that you can still find a way to balance that low monetization, there's nothing wrong with wanting to monetize a part of your craft. It's the society that we live in. We live in a society that functions off of you know, monetization, you have to be able to survive, so value your time and others will have to and you can always do community events, you can always take on an occasional pro bono client or partner with a nonprofit to give back. That's all I have for you today. As usual, if you liked the episode, if you don't like the episode, give me feedback. I just want to hear from you. You can email me Jas at blackxecutive.com. You can also submit feedback on blackxecutive.com And you can leave a review on Apple podcast. Until next time, keep aspiring to inspire. Thanks for listening to another episode of black executives. If you enjoyed listening in on this combo, leave a review on Apple podcasts or wherever you found us. Follow us on facebook instagram and twitter at Black executive have something to add to the conversation. Is it black executive that Constantly feedback and your thoughts could be featured on a later episode. While you're there, pick up your exclusive black sensitive gear and wrap the culture and spread the knowledge. If you know a black creator trying to go pro, a corporate mogul looking to advance or a cousin that's always hustling but never gets an idea going. Drop them a link to the show. Until next time, keep aspiring to inspire