Meet Erica Doggett Alphin | Painter, Creative Director and Author | Atlanta Creative Woman Entrepreneur
Branding sessions with Erica Doggett Alphin are always good for my soul. These are the sessions I wish I would remember to record some audio or an Instagram Reel or something (next time..) because our behind-the-scenes conversations are hilarious and podcast-worthy. Erica and I met up in one of my favorite Atlanta neighborhoods Castleberry Hill on a particularly humid day and vibed out like it was 75 degrees and breezy. Erica is the perfect gal to kick it off my new weekly series ‘Self-Made Magic’, can’t wait for you to meet her!
Name: Erica Doggett Alphin
What do you do? For who?: I am a painter, creative director and author
What city do you live in? Lawrenceville, GA
Where are you from originally? Memphis, TN
What’s one thing the average person wouldn’t know about you? I'm addicted to anything Bob's Burgers, Ursula and Maleficent. My favorite song is the Jurassic Park theme song. Oh...you said ONE thing? Ooops I got too excited.
What made you want to become a painter? I've always been awkward and overwhelmed in the corporate world. I'm a creative so I hardly ever fit in. In 2009 when I became a stay at home mom, it was very challenging on my mental health. I decided to tap into my artistic roots and began painting out of my garage, What started as self care and alone time turned into an enjoyable career!
Who would you love to work with one day? Issa Rae and Jade Novah
What did you do to prepare for your branding photo session with me? Sessions with Kelley are always an opportunity to just be me! I can take the cape off and just be Erica. I prepared by simply relaxing and finding a look that showcased my personality. I often find myself getting overwhelmed with finding the "right" outfit that I feel comfortable in, but I decided to shift my mindset, breathe and consider the day a "feel good" day. I got my nails and my makeup done and felt beautiful.
Were you nervous? If so, at what point were you able to overcome those nerves?: Heck yea I was nervous! I ALWAYS get nervous before a session. I can get so far in my head. Ummm what do I do with my hands? Did I put on enough deodorant? The questions are endless! One thing about shooting with Kelley is that once you see her face and she cracks that first joke, the weight has been lifted. It's like hanging with one of your girlfriends...and oh BTW she has a camera in your face lol. I felt comfortable instantly and the photos turned out great.
How do you build/maintain your confidence? Staying confident is an ongoing challenge for me especially during these times. Honestly I can be very hard on myself. I do a lot of positive self talk and inner reflecting. There are many days I "fall down the rabbit hole," but I always give myself grace and try to live in gratitude every day, Tomorrow is a new day!
Describe your personal style: My personal style changes with the day of the week, the weather and my mood. Some days I feel vibrant with mixed prints and a bold red lip but others I just want to relax in my Voltron shirt, sweat pants and Converse sneakers with a messy bun, unbothered. I'm all over the place.
What countries have you traveled to? Where would you like to travel? I haven't traveled out of country yet but I've always wanted to travel to Fiji, Hawaii and Barbados
What’s your personal manifesto? I trust myself and listen to my inner voice. Live in gratitude. Never give up your seat of power. Walk in love. My gifts are a part of my life source, use them. Every day, every minute and every second is a new opportunity.
What’s one accomplishment that you’re super proud of? One accomplish that I'm proud of is finally releasing a children's book with my husband called ‘Uh Oh Kenzo!’ this year. We've been working so hard on it for 3 years and I'm excited that it is released into the world.
What book are you reading right now? I just finished ‘Sacred Woman’ by Queen Afua and starting on ‘Sacred Contracts: Awakening Your Divine Potential’ by Caroline Myss
Where do you see yourself this time next year? I take every day at a time. COVID has made a lot of plans uncertain. Next year I'm hoping to do more traveling and showcasing my work. I love interacting with people so hopefully this time next year I can do more of that.
“My personal style changes with the day of the week, the weather and my mood. Some days I feel vibrant with mixed prints and a bold red lip but others I just want to relax in my Voltron shirt, sweat pants and Converse sneakers with a messy bun, unbothered.”
What are three words your friends would use to describe you? Honest, affectionate and funny.
What’s keeping you busy these days? My two boys and a dog! That's a heavy combo...whew! Lol
I'm also working on music right now and am the vocalist and writer of the music group "Yesterday's Voyage." Music has always been my first love.
Any advice for an up and coming self-made boss? Keep going! Sometimes you just need to hear that. There were a lot of days that I felt like quitting and I constantly had to remind myself to keep going. You also have to get other people's thoughts, opinions and expectations off of you and out of your mind. They're just serving as a distraction.
Where can we connect with you? @ericaronellearts and @crownthekidbooks
Check out more of Erica’s work at http://www.ericaronelle.com
atlanta Branding Session Details
Photographer :: Kelley Raye
Makeup Artist :: Arielle Antionette
Location :: Castleberry Hill
Duster :: Rue107
Hat :: Goorin Brothers
Shoes :: Converse
’Hey Brown Girl’ Mural :: Nikia Phoenix
