We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica (Kika) Charleston (Heart) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica (Kika), why did you pursue a creative career?
I choose an artistic or creative career because, I could never go one day without being creative. I would have dreams of performing on stages, and crowds cheering as a little girl. I began singing at the age of six in church. I started rapping by age twelve. In elementary school my music teacher notice, I had a passion for music. My teacher would always tell me to never smoke or I would lose my voice. I never did smoke, I already knew what I wanted at a very early age && I definitely knew I would need my voice. Acting started at home. My siblings and I would actually put on gospels plays at home for our parents. My sister && I would play angels, while my oldest brother was the devil && we would try to persuade my youngest brother to come to christ while my oldest brother would antagonize him to come to his side. We would sing as a group at the end of the play and also performed in church as well. I remember telling my mom I wanted to be a singer, an actress, or the first black women president. She would laugh and just say, oh girl you can be anything you want to be. I believed her. My 5th grade teacher gave me a performing arts application && said she believed I could get in && she talked it over with my parents. I auditioned and I got into the school and as soon as I got my acceptance letter, I was all in to be a singer and actress. I knew my mind was made up.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am mostly proud and excited about the fact I am actually doing it. I am an actress, a label owner, and a recording music artist. This journey was not easy. I had many adversities. A lot of times I would be discouraged because of not having everything that I thought I needed to achieve my goals. I would sometimes be depressed if things did not always go right. Sometimes, I would just be confused on how to do paperwork for my business. During this time period is when I established a personal relationship with God. I begin to take one day at a time && just pray. I knew God got me to the destination so there was no way he would just leave me without instructions. So while praying and waiting on God is when I began to become strengthen. Once I heard God speak, I moved and made decisions. He began to open up my knowledge about my business, I started reading, I started researching, I began to understand paperwork. I also learned how to use what I had to get to where I want to go. I began to be more creative with tools around me, if I couldn’t financially afford it. I learned how to budget, my needs and wants. I learned how to take risks. I had to learn how to trust and depend on God fully. In Acting I had to learn not to take things personal. That was probably the best lesson, not caring so much about feedback but embracing when I did my best. The most important, valuable lesson ever was NEVER give up. I had to cry, I had to restart, I got frustrated, but I never gave up. I still face adversities today but still learning to never give up. My brand will always stand on a story. My journey is to help others along the way && I may have went through different situations just to specifically help someone else. My brand will always be unique because of my journey. These stories will be funny. sad, happy, and some angry. Hopefully my brand allows me to keep bringing people together && allow us to keep passing these stories on to help someone else.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my bestfriend was visiting in Atlanta, for a week I would take her to a couple places. My favorite food place is definitely tacos and burritos they have the best birria tacos you dip in the sauce. Their food is simply amazing. Another place I enjoy is Atrium, I love there drinks, the atmosphere, and it is really beautiful. We would definitely go shopping at Lenox. Each night we would definitely have to go to different locations. I would take her to Escobar Restaurant & Tapas , gold room, republic, or opium. Day activities definitely six flags, the aquarium, or botanical garden. The last day I would take her to brunch at breakfast at barney’s. Their food is delicious. There is a lot to do in Atlanta. We definitely would not get any rest. There is so many exciting places I still want to try.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have so many people that deserve credit and recognition while helping me through my journey of success. I definitely put God first because he was everything to me and sent people in my path just for me. I would give credit to my parents for just being there. I really want to take the time to thank my teachers. My teachers had a really huge impact on my success. Ms.May, Ms. Davis, Ms.Brown, Ms.Winfrey, Ms.Boynes, Ms.Brinker, Ms.Richardson, Ms. Elmore, Mr.Peters, and Ms.Oliver. I would never forget these teachers each of those teachers taught me a lesson, worked on my craft, and was hard on me because they saw potential in me that at the time I did not see in myself. They were patient with me. They loved their career and it showed. I am very grateful and blessed that God put me under their wings. I also would love to thank my mentors that are currently in the industry that help me understand the business side of my career. && Lastly I give credit to my bestfriends && siblings for encouraging me, especially on the days I wanted to quit. As well as my actresses and actor friends who also stay rooting for me to win, encouraging, && staying extremely positive. I love each and every last one of them. This journey is not for the weak but having a strong support system behind you is definitely key.

Website: https://legendarymusicback74.wixsite.com/kikaheart

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kikaheartc/?hl=en

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/KikaHeartC/

Other: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm12574303/

Image Credits
Treyshotme

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