We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Hill and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
The most important lesson my business has taught me is that financial empowerment is not just about making money—it’s about understanding how to keep and grow it strategically. Early in my career, I was making great money, but I didn’t know how to make it work for me. I was raised in a system that didn’t teach financial literacy, and even with a college degree, I found myself making costly mistakes. I realized I wasn’t alone—many women, especially female business owners, were in the same boat, making incredible revenue but unknowingly giving it all away because they didn’t understand how money really works.

That’s when everything changed for me. I became passionate about educating myself on how to leverage business credit, secure funding, and create sustainable financial systems. This journey taught me that true wealth isn’t just about what you earn—it’s about what you’re able to preserve and grow. Now, I’ve made it my mission to pass that knowledge on to others, especially women.

I want to help other female business owners break the cycle of financial disempowerment. I’ve learned that when you understand the language of money, you don’t just thrive in business—you set the foundation for generational wealth. For me, it’s not just about scaling businesses but about changing legacies for the next five generations. That’s the most important lesson I’ve learned: financial literacy is the key to freedom and sustainability.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is centered on empowering female entrepreneurs, specifically those who run online businesses, by teaching them how to leverage business credit and secure the funding they need to scale without sacrificing their personal finances. What sets my business apart is our laser focus on creating sustainable financial growth and breaking the cycle of underfunded, overworked women business owners. I believe it’s not enough to make great money—you have to know how to keep it, grow it, and use it to build a legacy.

What I’m most proud of is seeing my clients not just survive but thrive. One of the most exciting moments in my career was helping a client secure $100k in 0% APR business funding in just 60 days for her winery business. Seeing women uncover that kind of financial power is what fuels my passion.

But getting to where I am today wasn’t easy. In the beginning, I struggled with many of the same challenges that my clients face today. I was making money but didn’t fully understand how to manage it. I made mistakes, and there were moments when I questioned whether I’d ever break free from the financial cycles I was stuck in. What got me through those tough times was my relentless determination to educate myself. I dove deep into understanding how money works, learning everything I could about business credit, funding, and financial strategy.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that the road to financial freedom is paved with intention and knowledge. It’s not about chasing every dollar but understanding how to make every dollar work for you. I also learned that challenges are just opportunities for growth. Every setback I faced taught me how to come back stronger, and it’s that resilience I aim to pass on to my clients.

What I want the world to know about my brand is that it’s more than a business—it’s a movement. I’m on a mission to change the narrative for women business owners. I want them to know that they don’t have to choose between thriving in business and having financial stability. They can have both, and my business is here to help them make that a reality.

At the core, my story is about taking control of your financial future, creating a legacy that lasts for generations, and empowering women to do the same.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit, we’d definitely go all out! I’d want to give them a mix of relaxation, great food, and a taste of the local culture. Here’s how I’d plan the perfect week:

Day 1: Welcome & Relaxation After picking them up from the airport, we’d start with something relaxing—a spa day. There’s nothing like unwinding at a luxurious spa, where they can shake off the travel fatigue. We’d then head to a cozy little wine bar I love, perfect for catching up and enjoying some great local wines.

Day 2: Explore the Outdoors For Day 2, it’s all about nature. We’d head out early for a hike through the most beautiful trails in the area—maybe somewhere with a waterfall or breathtaking views. After working up an appetite, we’d grab lunch at this charming farm-to-table spot that serves the freshest, most flavorful food. I love connecting with nature and food that feels nourishing, so this would be a perfect pairing.

Day 3: Shopping & City Life What’s a trip without a little retail therapy? We’d spend the day exploring some local boutiques and unique stores, picking up treasures you can’t find anywhere else. Then, I’d take them to my favorite rooftop restaurant for dinner. Great food, amazing cocktails, and the best city view to watch the sunset. We’d end the night with a little dancing at a cool lounge, where the vibe is just right—lively but not too crowded.

Day 4: Cultural Immersion On Day 4, I’d want them to get a sense of the local culture. We’d spend the day visiting museums or art galleries, exploring the history and creativity that make this area special. For lunch, we’d dive into some authentic local cuisine at a hidden gem of a restaurant—one of those places only the locals know about.

Day 5: Foodie Adventures This day would be dedicated entirely to food! We’d start with a breakfast at a cozy cafe with the best pastries and coffee. Then we’d do a food tour around the city, tasting all the iconic dishes. Street food, gourmet spots, the works. For dinner, I’d take them to my all-time favorite restaurant—one that serves a killer tasting menu with wine pairings. It’s the kind of meal that makes you slow down and savor every bite.

Day 6: Chill by the Water Day 6 is for unwinding by the water. Whether it’s a beach day or a trip to a serene lake, we’d pack a picnic, bring some great books, and just soak up the peacefulness. After a day in the sun, we’d grab fresh seafood at a laid-back restaurant by the shore.

Day 7: Good Vibes & Farewell For our last day, we’d keep it chill. A leisurely brunch with mimosas, followed by some light sightseeing or maybe visiting a farmer’s market to grab some goodies to take home. We’d end the trip with a home-cooked dinner, sharing stories, laughs, and reflecting on the amazing week we just had.

In my view, it’s all about creating a balance—adventure, relaxation, amazing food, and experiencing the local vibe. These are the moments that make a trip memorable, and I’d want my best friend to feel like they experienced the best the area has to offer.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the incredible support and guidance of several people and groups who have played pivotal roles in my journey. First and foremost, I have to give a huge shoutout to my mentor, Jessica from Ignition Zones. Jessica has been instrumental in helping me refine my vision and framework, pushing me to dig deeper into my purpose and hone in on how I can best serve my audience. Her guidance gave me the clarity and confidence to build my business on solid ground, with a focus not just on profits but on impact.

But if I had to trace the roots of my passion for financial empowerment, I’d have to honor my grandmother. She may not have understood how to pass her financial acumen on to her family in a practical way, but she instilled in me the importance of leaving generational wealth. She always said that we should strive to ensure the next generation doesn’t have to start over from scratch like she did. Her wisdom planted the seed that grew into my mission to help others understand money, preserve wealth, and create a legacy that extends beyond just one lifetime.

I also owe a lot of my growth to the amazing community of women entrepreneurs who have shared their stories and supported me along the way. It’s a circle of strong, driven women who understand the challenges of being a female business owner and the extra hurdles we often face. They’ve been my sounding board, my cheerleaders, and my accountability partners.

There’s also a book that changed the game for me: “Rich Dad’s Cashflow Quadrant by Robert Kiyosaki. It gave me a new perspective on how to think like a business owner vs an entrepreneur and how to leverage other peoples money to scale and grow your business. This was a game-changer for how I viewed business finances.

Ultimately, my success has been a team effort, shaped by those who saw potential in me and encouraged me to keep going. I’m incredibly grateful for every bit of mentorship, love, and wisdom I’ve received along the way. My success is just as much a reflection of their investment in me as it is of my own hard work.

Website: https://www.askericahill.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askericahill1/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/askericahill1/

Image Credits
Photos by Elisha Akram. Stylist Areanna Arclease Makeup Remix by Re’gena Dee

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