We’re looking forward to introducing you to Erika Degraff. Check out our conversation below.
Erika, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Something outside of work that has been bringing me joy lately is being able to go out and serve the community. I have been a philanthropist for many years now and lately I have had more time to go out and volunteer and help those in need. I find it not only has allowed me to stay present and grounded, but also see beyond the “glitz and glam” of my day to day. It continues to show me that Yes, being an actress is great, but the true value of what I do is the ground work and helping those that may not be able to help themselves. That is the REAL work, it is IMPACTFUL, it changes lives.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Erika Degraffinreaidt (Degraff) and I am an actress originally from the suburbs of Chicago, IL. I have been a working actor for 6 years receiving my start in New York Off-Broadway plays, then branching into film and television. I have been a story teller through the arts for many years. Starting as a celebrity fashion stylist, which I believe has made my story quite interesting. With many people wondering how I was able to make the transition from behind the camera to in front of the camera. My response is always, a story will always be a story no matter the medium. Every story has the 5 w’s (Who, What, When, Where, What is the need/objective). In my opinion, once you truly answer those questions, you can transition to any role on set and bring value.
It’s all about bringing value, creating stories that start conversations, while still being authentic to yourself. Which segues me to my upcoming projects (that I am able to speak about). I will say, stay tuned to my Instagram: @frenchvendette I will be sharing a lot more content that I am creating on my own. Content surrounding the behind the scenes aspect of being a working actress and answering questions that many have on the industry.
This is the PERFECT time to tell your own story. Again as a story teller, (actors, writers, directors, etc.) if this is who you proclaim you are, you will not wait for permission or the opportunities from others. Tell the stories, write the scripts, do the work and remember the reason why you started following your dreams in the first place. I guarantee if you go back to that why, you will see, you weren’t doing it for the fame or the money, you did it because you had an idea that you needed to get out.
If you ever feel discouraged, ALWAYS go back to your Why. It will give you all the fuel you need to keep going!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My mother saw me clearly before I could see myself. As far as I can remember, my mother has always been my protector. She has always been by my side as my BIGGEST cheerleader, she has always spoken life into me, and given me the strength and motivation to keep going, even when I thought I couldn’t. I thank God everyday for choosing her for me to do life with. I am forever grateful.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Wow, now this is a beautiful question. One kind thing that I would say to my younger self, would be:
You are ENOUGH, What you think are flaws, are what makes you unique. You are PERFECT just how you were created to be. Keep your chin up and keep moving forward!
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
YES, the public version of me is the real me. Yes, I am Quirky, Yes, I love God, Yes, I am EVERYTHING that I put out to the world. I have learned that on this journey it’s way easier to be yourself, then pretend to be someone else. That just sounds so stressful. (laughs out loud)
Not only that, its just something beautiful about showcasing all that you were created to be. God created you and needed you to be who you are, in this time for a reason. The more you lean into that, it gives others the permission to do so as well. There is nothing more boring than seeing a copy/paste of things. I love being able to meet different people from all walks of life. I learn so much from those that are different from who I am. It truly has expanded my knowledge, has made me curious in wanting to know more about the world and how it works and just overall has made me interested in the stories that people tell about their lives.
So in all, BE YOURSELF!
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel the most at peace when I wake up at 4:30am. Yes, I wake up at 4:30am everyday. I know what you’re saying, “that is crazy and why?” It’s a very peaceful time. I found that waking up at that time you have no distractions, because no one is up, not even the birds.
You can hear your thoughts clearly, it’s a great time to pray, it’s a great time to build strategy on accomplishing goals and even a great time to work out (don’t ask me about that, it’s been a while since I hit the gym at that time). But I can honestly say, some of my greatest works have come from waking up at that time. It has allowed me to stay focused and committed to the task at hand and just be present.
It is important to be PRESENT especially in our very fast, paced, moving world. To sit in stillness, To sit with yourself, I’ve learned it answers a lot of questions of who you are, without the world trying to tell you who they want you to be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.erikadegraff.com/
- Instagram: @frenchvendette
Image Credits
All images were taken by Erika Degraff
