Today we’d like to introduce you to Ericka Connor
Hi Ericka, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Curated Taste: From Passion Project to Creative Outlet
Curated Taste began as a way to express my love for food, music, lifestyle, and travel. It quickly evolved into something more meaningful. I wanted to curate content that would entertain, educate, inspire, and ignite a spark of exploration and self-discovery in others.
The idea came about during a casual dinner with my cousin. We both shared a knack for finding hidden gems – the best restaurants, travel destinations, and everything in between. We decided to start a page to share our discoveries with a wider audience, making them easily accessible to our network of friends and family. That’s how “Curated Taste” was born.
Curated Taste has not only provided a platform for my creativity but also served as an unexpected outlet for coping with grief. Almost simultaneously, I had experienced the loss of a special loved one and a job. Losing my mom, my biggest supporter and friend, was devastating. The job loss, however, felt like a sign – a chance to grieve properly and pursue my own path.
Instead of succumbing to grief, Curated Taste became a channel for my energy and a way to refocus. While it might not have been the most conventional coping mechanism, grief is a complex process with emotions that can shift daily. I allowed myself grace, leaned on my faith, and took things one step at a time.
From Content Creator to Travel Entrepreneur
Today, I’m not just creating content. I’m also the proud owner of Yolo Travel Collective, a travel company also born from that dark period in my life. Yolo Travel Collective focuses on crafting unforgettable group travel experiences.
Social media has been an incredibly powerful tool, allowing me to connect with other creatives and those who follow my journey. Every comment, message, and new follower fuels my passion. Knowing there are people who connect with my work, who share laughter and tears with me, and who offer encouragement is what propels me forward. Their engagement is a huge part of why I’m here today, and I try to express my gratitude every chance I get.
Join the Adventure!
If you’re a like-minded wanderlust looking to explore the world with others, join me on these amazing travel experiences! Visit my website, travelytco.com, to discover our upcoming destinations. Follow my travel business, Yolo Travel Collective, on Instagram and Facebook at @yolotravelco. I’d love to welcome you to “The Collective”!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Heck no, it hasn’t been a smooth road! The ever-evolving landscape of social media presents constant challenges. Algorithms are constantly shifting, making it difficult to predict what content will perform well and reach the intended audience. The good thing for me though is that I don’t make content for the algorithm.
One of the biggest struggles has been gaining recognition and appreciation for the value I, and so many other creators, bring to businesses. Many businesses still don’t understand the significant reach and impact that creators can have in promoting their brands and driving success. It’s disheartening that they often fail to recognize the importance of our role in this ecosystem and that content creation is a legitimate job, not just a hobby. This lack of recognition often translates into underpayment or even no payment at all, which is unfortunately a frequent occurrence.
Despite these challenges, I strive to maintain authenticity and create content that I love and truly reflects my personality and unique perspective. I believe everyone has different tastes and experiences, so I rarely engage in traditional business reviews. My audience trusts me to share honest and genuine experiences, and I uphold that trust by ensuring that businesses with negative experiences never make it onto my page.
I believe what makes me different from other creators is that I approach content creation as a form of storytelling, aiming to share my experiences in an engaging and humorous manner. I also often incorporate music and visual elements to evoke the emotions I experienced, creating a mini-movie or music video effect. This approach allows me to connect with my audience on another level and share my unique perspective with the world without using words every time.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Who are some of your favorite businesses to work with?
I don’t have a favorite business that I’ve worked with, but I appreciate collaborations with businesses that empower me with creative freedom. That trust allows me to genuinely connect with my audience and represent their product or service in a way that resonates.
How do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is experiencing and showcasing opportunities and experiences that act as gateways for others to explore the world beyond the familiar. I find so much joy in witnessing others embrace new experiences, step outside their comfort zones, and become more well-rounded and culturally aware. I believe that these shared experiences are crucial for fostering understanding and acceptance among people from diverse backgrounds and life experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://travelytco.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curated_taste/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093703153523&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@curated_taste?_t=8sT70bnDpFf&_r=1
Image Credits
First photo by Richard Barlow (@threeoaks.studio)
Sixth photo by Faith Jones (@lovejonesphotography)
Last photo by Reggie Hester (@rjhester22)
