Meet Erika Kendrick of Lake Balboa

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Kendrick

Hi Erika, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey has been anything but linear, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. I was diagnosed with clinical depression in college at Stanford University and bipolar disorder shortly after graduation before becoming an NBA cheerleader – both major turning points in my life. It took over a decade for me to understand how to live with my diagnosis—what I often call “fitting the square of me into the circle of life.” It wasn’t easy, but that journey taught me resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of mental fitness.

Writing saved my life during those challenging times. It gave me a voice when I felt silenced and a purpose when I felt lost. It started as a personal outlet and grew into a career as an author. My middle grade novels—Squad Goals, Cookie Monsters, and Instafamous—all weave mental health themes into fun, humorous, contemporary narratives, with characters navigating anxiety, depression, and ADHD. It’s intentional because I want young readers to see themselves in my stories, know they’re not alone, and feel empowered to embrace their unique journey.

Beyond writing, I found another passion in speaking. My national award-winning mental fitness tour, Who Moved My Happy?, allows me to pay it forward. I share my story of beating my mental monsters and slaying my brain pain to inspire others to prioritize their mental well-being, build resilience, and thrive despite life’s challenges. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see the impact of starting these life-saving conversations and breaking down stigmas, especially for younger generations.

Now, I’m also helping aspiring authors realize their dreams through my online boutique curriculum, Publishing Prep. This program equips writers to navigate the often-intimidating publishing world with tools like a signature course, mini courses, bestselling author panels, one-on-one guidance, feedback sessions with editors, and agent webinars. Mental fitness remains at the core of everything I do, so these resources are always packed with modules to help writers stay grounded, confident, and inspired throughout the publishing process.

Looking back, my path from struggling college student to bestselling author, speaker, and mentor has been all about transformation. I’ve gone from surviving to thriving, and my mission now is to help others—whether through my books, my talks, or my courses—discover their potential, prioritize their mental health, and achieve their dreams.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey hasn’t been easy, but every challenge has shaped me into the person I am today. Two decades ago, I survived a suicide attempt—a moment that could have ended my story but instead became the spark for a life filled with mission-driven purpose. In the years that followed, I made the decision to fight for my happiness, and that commitment led me to graduate with an MBA, sign with a literary agent and get my books published, and speak to audiences around the world about resilience and mental fitness-because we are all worth it.

I poured everything I’ve learned into my workbook, Who Moved My Happy?, a tool designed to help others stay anchored in wellness. Whether I’m on stage, writing books, or teaching aspiring authors through my courses, my mission is the same: to empower them with the tools and confidence to live an emotionally abundant life, no matter the challenges or obstacles.

But thriving didn’t happen overnight—it took intentional choices and a commitment to my happy. I wouldn’t let my mental monsters win. Instead, I surrounded myself with a dynamic support squad, created intentional playlists to lift my mood, prioritized clean eating (most of the time!), and embraced consistent exercise—these days, I’m a walking queen. I also pull from my “bedazzled toolbelt” of strategies whenever I need to realign and stay on my mental fitness course.

Today, as a bestselling author and award-winning speaker, I’ve had the honor of partnering and speaking for organizations like the US Army and Air Force, the Girl Scouts of the USA, Stanford, and so many more. I take Who Moved My Happy? to audiences large and small, helping people realize that their happiness isn’t just possible—it’s worth fighting for, they are worth fighting for.

This journey has taught me that resilience isn’t about avoiding challenges; it’s about meeting them head-on and choosing to move forward with courage and purpose. My hope is that through my work, others can find the tools to not only survive but to truly thrive.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a bestselling author, award-winning national speaker, and mental fitness advocate, but at the heart of everything I do is a life mission to empower others. Through my middle grade books—Squad Goals, Cookie Monsters, and Instafamous—I specialize in weaving mental health themes into engaging, relatable stories that are packed with humor and resonate with young readers. My characters face challenges like anxiety, depression, and ADHD, and I hope these stories help normalize conversations about mental health for kids and their families, especially those who don’t have the language to articulate their experiences with their mental health.

I’m also the creator of Who Moved My Happy?, a workbook that combines my personal journey with actionable tools to help others stay anchored in their happiness. It’s a resource I bring to audiences across the country through my national mental fitness tour, where I’ve partnered with phenomenal organizations and colleges and universities. What sets me apart is my ability to blend authenticity and expertise—I bring my lived experiences as a suicide survivor and mental health advocate into every book, every stage, and every safe space created for life-saving conversations.

I’m incredibly proud of the impact my work has had on people’s lives. Whether it’s a young reader feeling seen for the first time, an aspiring author gaining confidence through my Publishing Prep program, or someone finding hope through Who Moved My Happy?, each success story fuels my passion.

What truly sets me apart is the way I integrate my personal story with a deep commitment to helping others. I’ve faced my own challenges, but I’ve learned how to thrive—not just survive—and I want to share that with as many people as possible. My work combines storytelling, mental fitness, and practical tools, all delivered with the energy and empathy that come from living these lessons myself. It’s not just a career; it’s a calling, and I feel incredibly honored to do this work.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
One of the most fulfilling parts of my work is helping others realize their dreams. Whether it’s guiding someone through finishing their big book, finding the perfect literary agent, or designing a mental fitness game plan that works for them, my goal is to empower people to see what’s possible. I want aspiring authors to feel confident in their stories, parents and loved ones to feel hope that their person is going to be okay, and anyone struggling to know that it’s perfectly okay not to be okay.

What matters most to me is creating safe spaces for life-saving conversations. I know firsthand how isolating mental health challenges can feel, but I also know the power of connection, hope, and community. When we talk openly and create room for vulnerability, we can heal, grow, and thrive together.

Every book I write, every speech I give, and every course I design carries that mission at its core—to meet people where they are and remind them they’re not alone. It’s okay to stumble, to ask for help, and to take things one step at a time. What’s not okay is giving up on yourself. I want readers and listeners to know that their dreams, their mental fitness, and their happiness are worth fighting for.

If I can inspire someone to take that first step—whether it’s picking up a pen to start their story or reaching out for the support they need—then I know I’m doing the work I’m meant to do. Together, we can create lives filled with purpose, resilience, and joy.

Contact Info:

• Website:  xoerika.com
• Instagram: @erikajkendrick
• Facebook: @erikakendrick-johnson
• Other: https://publishingprep.com