Meet Erica Renee Walker | Author, Speaker, Filmmaker & Traumatic Brain Injury Coach

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

Hi Erica Renee, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
My favorite quote is “Accept what was and now what is.” This quote to me means accepting everything that has transpired in your life, both good and bad, and accept your present state for what it is. I love how it empowers and causes me to be thankful for the life I live.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
To know my art and creativity is to understand that it’s multifaceted. It cannot be put in a box because it wouldn’t close. I consider myself to be creative in every form of the word because my creativity expounds is more than one area. For example, I’m an Author who creates stories, a Filmmaker who captures stories, an editor who brings stories to life, I cast actors for films, and have managed productions.

However, what sets me apart from others is that I’m also a Traumatic Brain Injury survivor who speaks and shares my story with the masses, my ability to continue to press forward and not allow my gunshot wound to the head to derail me from my purpose.

I’m most Godly proud and excited about my upcoming book, “Dear June 1st,” which is about my survival story and how I’ve learned to overcome the obstacles thrown my way and also the second season of my online show that God inspired me to create entitled, TBI Uncovered. It’s a platform that allows Traumatic Brain Injury survivors, those with brain injuries, brain conditions, stroke survivors, the wheelchair community, caregivers, medical professionals, and anyone associated with brain injuries to share their story, bring awareness, provide tips, and resources to those impacted.

I’m where I am today professionally by God’s grace, walking by faith, and not being afraid to take risks. It’s not easy going into the unknown, but the biggest challenge is not living up to my potential and wasting the greatness that God placed inside of me.

I overcame those challenges by renewing my mind. I believe that I don’t have a choice, but to win and continue to move forward because other people are counting on me to win, I’m counting on myself to win, and most importantly, God expects and wants me to win.

I’ve learned numerous lessons along the way, such as, accepting my circumstances, rejection, what it means to show honor, and the importance of moving forward.

I would love the world to know that my story and brand are not just for me. I’m here to be the example that shows others what’s possible and how to be resilient because there’s greatness in all of us.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting my area, I would take my best friend Downtown Saint Louis. There are various restaurants, activities, and things to see. First, we would go to the Soda Fountain and enjoy a tasty classic diner lunch meal. We would then visit the Arch grounds and have a fun photoshoot before going inside the Arch and traveling to the top. Last, we would go to the Escape Room before having dinner at Sugarfire Smoke House Downtown.

In my view, some of the most fun and beautiful places to check out are the Arch, The Escape Room, City Museum, The Selfie Room, The St Louis Aquarium, The Wheel, Forest Park, and Botanical Gardens.

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?
It’s so hard to narrow it down to just one person, but I would have to say my cousin Raynera. She has been there for me through the good and bad times that I had to endure. I can be myself and even when she doesn’t agree with some of my decisions, she remains the same, and still gives her support, wisdom, and extends kindness. Overall, I’m thankful to have someone like her in my corner.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericarwalker878/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-walker-42a335210/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EricaReneeWalk8

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EricaRWalker878/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxgDYjxwPn9mzMH85FmUIkg

Image Credits
Zachary Scott Clark