Creative Chats With Erykah Chanel (What Does Your Next Level Actually Require of You?)
This is a recording from a series for the podcast at the Mosesian Center for the Arts called Creative Chats. I sat down for a live conversation with multidimensional entrepreneur Erykah Chanel to dig into the question: What does the next level actually require of you?
Erykah shares her personal journey to discovering a framework (which she calls the Life of E's) that prioritizes things such as rest, clarity, and support rather than constantly going with the hustle. Then we open it up to audience Q&A on topics such as how do you ask the tough questions, getting over imposter syndrome to build community, how to prioritize within a life with multiple passions, and how find a balance between finding your tribe and seeking different opinions.
Released February 26th, 2026
(Click here to listen on streaming apps) (Full transcript below)
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Connect with Erykah on social @erykahchanel (Instagram, Facebook)
Join the next Creative Chats event on March 6th
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Thanks to podcast promotional partners the Watertown Business Coalition and Watertown News.
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This program is supported in part by a grant from the Watertown Cultural Council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.
Transcript
Matt: 0:07
Hi there. Welcome to the Little Local Conversations Podcast. I'm your host, Matt Hanna. Every episode, sit down for a conversation to discover the people, places, stories, and ideas of Watertown. This episode is a recording from a live Creative Chats podcast event that I do monthly over at the Mosesian Center for the Arts. So this episode, the guest was Erykah Chanel. And after a short introduction, I'll let her introduce herself and her topic for this Creative Chat, which is, what does your next level actually require of you? If you'd like to come out to one of these events, next one is coming up on Friday, March 6th, 8 30 to 10 a.m. at the Mosesian Center for the Arts. Guest is going to be Alyssa Lawson. And the topic is going to be how do you teach creativity to the next generation? We can find out more information on that at the website, LittleLocalConversations.com/events. But for now, let's get into the talk with Erykah.
Matt: 0:56
Welcome everyone. This is Creative Chats, which is a series in a podcast I do called Little Local Conversations, which focuses on Watertown. I do other series as well, but I come from the world originally of music, so I am partial to the creative life. Aliana, do you have any words you want to say as the executive director of the Mosesian Center, welcoming people here?
Aliana: 1:18
Hi everyone, I'm Aliana, the executive director of the Mosesian Center for the Arts. Not the new executive director. I'm just the executive director now. I think it's been enough months coming through. So yeah, welcome. I encourage you to spend a little bit more time after this and enjoy this wonderful exhibition. One of the artists is here. This is, I think, probably one of our favorite exhibitions because there's so many works. We had over 600 entries and there's about 110 on display. So really, this was a difficult one to adjudicate. And Boriana, our director of visual arts, laid everything out so beautifully. And on your way out, we'll also turn on the TV because there are three films that are also a part of this exhibition. And we have Little Women from our theater company in residence opening up this weekend and lots of other wonderful things. We have a Chords and Cocktails, that's our jazz series coming up. So please check our website and see what other wonderful things are happening. And as always, if you enjoy this series, please use the QR code or visit us online and make a donation in support of Creative Chats and our continued partnership with artists and small businesses in the community. Thank you.
Matt: 2:31
Thank you, Aliana. So yeah, we're just going to have a little chat here. I usually go to the guests and ask them what's a question that's been on your mind recently that you're kind of grappling with. And got away from that for a little bit of with some of these chats, but I'm trying to steer myself back to that because I think it's a really interesting way to have a conversation. So do you want to introduce yourself a little bit and then we can get into your question that you're currently grappling with too?
Erykah: 2:53
Perfect. Okay, thank you. So my name is Erykah Chanel. I grew up in Cambridge, but now a Watertown local. So I love that I'm embracing that and just leaning into the community more. That question of what do you do? Typically I go, depends on the day, because I wear many hats. But I am the founder and CEO of Life of E’s, which is a transformational ecosystem that allows people to go through six pillars of transformation, whether that's your life, business, financials, relations, spiritual, and wellness. Because realistically, transformation takes time. And so having a supportive coach to support you through your journey, I found has been one of the profound things that changed in my life and has supported me. And so I've leaned into this coaching capacity, in addition to being a photographer, which actually helps with the confidence side of things. And as we go through, and I'll dive into Life of E’s, but embracing your authentic self, and as you embrace, you have this new energy about you. And I want to capture that and let you see yourself in this new light. Outside of that, I also have a studio, an event space in Watertown, and will host intimate events. I'm actually working on an international women's event for March 27th over at the Sons of Italy. So I'm a little bit everywhere in a good jazzy way.
Matt: 4:20
Yeah. So why don't we pose your question and then we can attack it from lots of different angles.
Erykah: 4:25
Wonderful.
Matt: 4:26
The question you came up with was, what does your next level actually require of you? I think it was interesting that you put that actually in there because that means that there's something that people think what the next level requires of them, and then there's actually something else below it. So do you want to take us a little through your journey of coming up through levels and, you know, what was something you thought it required, and then what did it actually require?
Erykah: 4:49
Yes. Oh, you read all between the lines. I love that. So for me, I started out in front of the lens. So I was modeling. Did that for many years and started dipping and dabbling in like coaching, then photography, and then event planning. That was opportunities of elevating and diving into different chapters and segments of life, but I was doing so much. That continued, honestly, up until maybe seven months ago. And I actually had a hip replacement. So that slowed me all the way down. That said, sit down. And that's where I started to actually embody more of the life of ease and understanding what ease was and knowing that I didn't have to live in exhaustion anymore. I can actually have ease and how to embrace that. And so for me, I thought it was doing more, you know, saying yes and being seen and visible here and supporting this person. And that actually wasn't serving me well when I had this time of rest to realize that being seen and doing more was actually not what I needed to be doing. It was actually resting.
Erykah: 5:57
For me, it was building a stronger spiritual background and, you know, community for myself so that I can just have more discernment about the things I'm saying yes to. Rest is so important. I wasn't resting. Outside of wearing all these hats, I was also working two or three jobs at a time. Again, made no sense. But this is just what I was doing. And I realized that from a young child, this is what I’ve seen around me. I thought this was normal. And so having that break of time, being out of work and really immersing in resting, digesting all of this stuff, because I also realized I was, instead of dealing with feelings and doing the deeper work, I was keeping myself busy with all the other stuff. And so that was the other, you know, quote unquote actually, reflection that I had of, okay, you were keeping yourself so busy and doing so much, but you weren't really dealing with the things that you should be dealing with on the inside as well. So externally we can show up and be powerful and keep our composure, but how are you really feeling on the inside? You know, when we connect with people, to a certain extent, it's very surface. And it's like, no, I don't want to live on the surface anymore. Like I want deep, intentional, aligned connections as much as possible. And so that was kind of what I was able to take away during that time of what I thought I actually needed versus what the real need was. So hopefully that answered the question.
Matt: 7:25
Yeah. So then when you took that step back, what are some of the actual things that you were doing to help? Because you weren't just doing nothing. You were going through some different work, right? So what were some of those actual things that you did?
Erykah: 7:36
Yeah. So for me, I joined a business community. So it was a virtual group of connecting with entrepreneurs all over. So that kept me grounded in that side of the business. But then also wellness. I have my stationary bike. I love to have a whole party. So leaning into that and putting wellness on the forefront and knowing you have to find something that you enjoy doing, if possible, because most people don't want to do it. But just because you don't want to do it doesn't mean you don't need to do it. It's finding something that brings you joy to still do it. Outside of that, leaning into church and spirituality was very important to just elevate kind of these new awarenesses I've had for myself. And doing the deep work, asking myself the hard questions of, okay, you have this time, but thinking of now and looking back, quote unquote, was that worth it or what were your real takeaways? Did you need to exert so much of your time and energy and all these things? And to a certain extent, yeah, they were all part of the curve, you know. I'm very grateful to say, first and foremost, I'm not where I used to be, because it was two, three years ago, very toxic environments and just living in survival and exhaustion mode. That's just what I thought, you know, was what I needed to be doing.
Erykah: 8:55
And so a lot of rest, a lot of walking, connecting with great people was some of the things I started implementing in this time because I didn't have the time before. So you're running off of fumes, some people it’s coffee, some people it’s, you know, other things, but like that's what was going on for me. And so really sitting down to be in community, leaning to my spirituality, wellness. Eating was also really important because doing all that, I realized I wasn't eating, quote unquote, properly or in timely manners. We get so sucked into our work that you're like, wait, did I eat? Did I even drink water? So really sitting back and having these deep conversations with myself to be like, in the perfect world, or more importantly, stick with the Life of E’s, your epic day, what would your epic day look like? So I really sat and charted what that epic day would look like for myself. So it was waking up, you know, movement, time blocking, and really ironing out these days. Not that I live it perfectly, but at the end of the day, I have a foundation and a baseline and a reference point that I can kind of bounce back on. So that's what the time was allowing me to really restructure things from a new lens. Because you're so in it at times as well that you can't step back and say, all right, how do I refresh this? Or how do I take everything that I've just gone through, internalize it in a positive way, and use it for the greater good or myself or the community that I serve? And so that was what the time was really allowing for me to do and really actually just confidently embrace my authentic self wholeheartedly. I think when we go online and talking, or we want to sound like, oh, I like this person, how they do it. I actually don't care anymore. Like I truly I'm figuring it out. I like to use the word power pivots. Try this, figured out, okay, this worked in this capacity, it didn't work in this way, but now I know how to do it better or from a different lens. And I wouldn't have known that if I didn't go through that experience, you know?
Matt: 10:57
Yeah. I think this is a good topic in general because I feel like when we have a lot of talks about creativity, it's always like focused on the practice of the actual art, but the whole what's behind supporting that is important. So, how did you come up with this framework that you work for yourself and you try and help others out with? Was this something you've had for a few years that you've been tinkering on, or did this really come about, like you said, seven months ago, or where has this come about?
Erykah: 11:20
So I've been touring around with it for I would say the last year, give or take. Before I was going with triple E transformation, and it was like evolve, energize, and embrace. For me, there was this inner resistance of some sort that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I was like, the E’s. Like, first of all, triple E, triple E virus. I started stressing. I said, we can't go that route. This is not the type of brand we want to be running with, you know. But then I was like, three E's. I can't stick within that box. I'm someone who doesn't like to be in the box, first and foremost, clearly. But yeah, there was this resistance. And so it was also, kind of goes back to your first question, but like learning to trust my gut and lean into understanding with this resistance I'm feeling. Because what I realized for myself is the resistance is actually leading me and guiding me where I actually and ultimately should be going. And it's uncomfortable. A lot of people want to stay in comfort. We're not supposed to be comfortable people. Like we're really not. Like you have the ability to grow, evolve, to learn. And so leaning into that has helped me.
Erykah: 12:25
And so I was on a drive home, and there was the E method, E something, like started just popping to me. And I was like, okay, I don't know what this is about. But again, you feel the resistance, but then you feel things that, like, oh, this feels good and I don't understand it. I recorded myself like the E method, I don't know what this means, but just I'm recording it. It's supposed to be something great. And then I was coaching a photographer, and we were diving in about something, and there were a few keywords that they said where it was just like, you know, you're providing this experience, you're transporting someone into their higher level self. And I was like, ooh, the E method, this is coming back, this is great. So I started toying around with that. And then ultimately, though, the three E's were still stressing me out. So I said to heck with it, we're just gonna go for it. And I was like, what is this process? So it was for me, it was the first E is embrace. You're embracing your authentic self. You're also embracing where you are today, and more importantly, you're embracing everything that you've gone through. For me, it was embracing everything I've gone through means that I've healed in a different way. And a lot of us haven't healed and we're still carrying this weight, this baggage that we're just carrying unnecessarily. And so it was peeling that off, first and foremost. Like, yes, these things might have happened, and it wasn't that victim mentality. It was like it happened for me, not to me, and owning that.
Erykah: 13:41
And then from the embracing, then I started getting energized. Energized with clarity on where and how I should be moving. Energized with the movement because I understood how important that was, especially for my nervous system, because that was a whole nother thing of understanding the nervous system. And then from energizing, it's expanding. Expanding my reach, my connections, my opportunities to empower myself. And empowering myself is being my authentic self, is stepping into my authority without caring. And when I say I don't care, it's not in a sense I don't care about people. It's just I know who I am and I know whos I am more importantly. And so I don't have to tiptoe or wear the mask that I once was wearing to try to fit in and be in certain communities and spaces.
Erykah: 14:28
So what do we got? Embrace, energize, expand, empower, then you evolve. And as you're evolving, you are elevating. And then as you're still going through all this whole process, the ease starts to come in. So the Life of E’s is E apostrophe S because of all the E's that are part of it. And the eighth E, more importantly, is after you go through this, you're gonna start to embody the Life of E’s. And it's a philosophy, it's a lifestyle, actually, in a framework that will support you in any situation as you start to learn to embody it. Things that used to stress me or have me overwhelmed, uh, it's not that bad. You know, I handle it with more ease in my life. And I think ultimately the goal is to support everyone else to get to that point where there are things that are gonna stress us out, but there's little things that we make really big. And the real question is, why is that so big? What is that really about? A lot of time it's gonna be some childhood trauma or beliefs and there's situations that you've experienced that you haven't yet worked through because we haven't made the time to work through it. And it's coming out in the different forms.
Erykah: 15:36
During this time frame as well, I've also learned to speak more, in a sense of owning my voice. Before, as a model, you're in front of the camera, you don't have to talk. As a photographer, you're behind the lens, you don't gotta talk. And prior, I used to go by this tagline of more than just a pretty face. And I would say it, but I knew something inside was still, there was that resistance. I was like, well, are you really being more than just a pretty face if people don't get to hear you speak? Like there's more to you besides the looks and the creativity, but they need to hear you. And I've always been so scared to do that until now. So, yeah.
Matt: 16:12
So now you're trying to coach people through this process. So how do you do that? When they come in, do you start them from that first step? Do you see where they're at in it? Or can you take us through an example, without too much details obviously on somebody, like how you've guided someone through this framework.
Erykah: 16:26
Yeah. So working with the individual, yes, we're gonna do a check-in of where you're at right now. And based off of what they tell me, I will, you know, note that, but you're still gonna go through the process. Because at least through my experience and the people I've coached thus far, there's still levels of like the embracing certain aspects. You might have the confidence and be authentically yourself. Love that. Okay, let's take it back. Some years of childhood stuff that we still need to embrace and figure out and go through, or situations that are still nagging at you that you haven't truly figured out how to embrace so that you can move forward. And so we will ultimately go through the framework, but it's also meeting each person where they're at. So that's what I love about the framework is that it's adaptable to people, situations, et cetera. It's just I need to know where you're at so then I can support you. It's the life roller coaster that we're on. So we might jump around a little bit based off of where you're at, but ultimately we still will go through that framework to support an individual.
Erykah: 17:26
So there's journal prompts. I've personally been a part of a few coaching communities, and I had that deep question for myself is well, Erykah, what were your real takeaways in that? And it was the sacred space. And so I've been part where they have the training portals. I love it. And no disrespect to, you know, people who operate like that. It is great. But for me, I wasn't making the time to do it, you know? And I'm like, what I make time for is that sacred space and time of showing up to be live or on the call, so to speak. And I was like, that's the value. There's so much going on, and people have great intentions. Oh, yeah, I'm gonna listen to this back and I'm gonna do this. Life is happening. But if I know I'm intentionally showing up for this one hour, two hour block to be tunnel vision in on myself and where I'm going and get that support, that is the value. And so I try to strip a lot of things away from my program that I thought was needed to support someone to the bare basics because it's really about the connection and the supporting and meeting them where they're at and just guiding them.
Erykah: 18:35
Because ultimately we all know what we should be doing. We have the answers a lot of the times. It's just we now quote unquote need permission from someone else to say, oh yeah, I could definitely do that. You're right. Or on the other side, I have individuals who have been interested and haven't jumped because they're like, well, I feel like I'm losing control. You're not losing control. You're actually leaning into your control. You're leaning into support, you're leaning into self-love, actually. And so it's coaching people sometimes, again, even if you don't want to work with me, that's fine. But I just want you to understand it's not about working with me. It's about loving yourself. It's about being so sick and tired of certain aspects in your life that you're ready to make a change in some capacity. And even if it's not me, it will be someone else who can support you. But that's what I've learned for myself. Because, like I said, three years ago was a very toxic time in my life. And I went to a conference, David Bayer, who's amazing, his powerful living experience, and we were doing a lot of deep work. That was my first introduction. I said, okay, this is wild. But I'm leaning in, and at that time, my core thought was I didn't value myself. And so I was like, I have the awareness, because you need the awareness to actually make a power pivot and make some changes in your life. I said, Well, what are you gonna do about this now that you have this light bulb? I said, Well, I'm gonna make a new powerful decision and I'm gonna do things that scare me.
Erykah: 20:02
And I signed up for his program. That was really expensive. Mm-hmm. Really expensive, Lord. I said, I don't know how I'm gonna do this at all. There was that, again, that resistance versus like what feels good, and it was like, it just feels good. This is where I should be going. I don't need to know the how. That's not my job. I don't want that job, actually. Like, I just need to be obedient and surrender and follow suit. And so that was a pivotal time and shift for me of understanding, like, oh, this is what a community can do. Oh, this is what a coach can, you know, provide for me. And normally I would be in that primal state of being of, oh, that's a lot of money. I'm not doing that. And I was like, no, I have this awareness about not valuing myself. And I'm gonna step into my CEO powers and start valuing myself and do things that scare me and say yes to this, and it's gonna just be figured out. And you know what? It got figured out. Doesn't mean bills are paid on time all the time, but it worked out. And that was able to help me start understanding the coaching side of things and then realize there's something in me that's pulling me towards this and that I need to lean into more and how to now navigate how I coach and support individuals I work with now.
Matt: 21:13
Yeah. And from a creative specific perspective, for creative people, is there anything that you think pops up the most as an area that needs to be worked on for making that next level jump?
Erykah: 21:25
Ooh, that's a really good question. For creative people, I feel like it's kind of twofold. It's the time and then the money. Yet in our brains, we're just overthinking a lot of things. So sometimes I have these big grand ideas. I'm like, okay, Erykah, let's get real. Let's peel it back and like how do we simplify this? And I truly believe that if we slow down enough, forget the hustle bustle that is going on in the world, it's gonna be there. Doesn't mean you have to be part of it. You have a choice that you can make first and foremost. So slowing down to peel back and think about, how can I simplify this? What do I actually have of my own? What are the resources I have to support me? Because we actually have a lot of what we need. We're just not thinking about it or so overstimulated in other areas that we can't focus on it.
Erykah: 22:13
And so, for example, like photographers, everyone has that goal to a certain extent of I want to have my studio. It's great to have ambition and to have this goal. But do you need it right now? You know? And I think it's understanding the need right now versus understanding that's the long game. And you can put it out there, visualize it. But like, what do you have right now? Do you have friends who have a studio that you can connect with? Do you have different communities or facilities that you can go work in as well to support you? Community and unity are so important for creatives, especially, because it feels like the lonely road. And it's only lonely if you decide that. It doesn't have to be lonely. There are literally people who would love to support you. And I think if people slowed down enough and leaned into community, they would actually have the support. And like when I said that financial, like maybe that financial piece is not there. It's in your mind. Because someone might say, hey, you can use my space for free. You don't know unless you actually speak on it.
Erykah: 23:18
So it's great to have the big picture, but how do you start to peel it back and say, Who do I know? How can I actually do this within my means? And then, yeah, there are going to be some times where maybe I do need to spend a little bit of money. But does it make sense? Because we also spend a lot of money in places that we do not need. You know, no disrespect, Starbucks or Dunkin’s on a regular basis. You have dreams, goals, and desires. And that does require money sometimes. And so, what do you need to sacrifice now in this season to get to where you're going? And that's more of a mental awareness that I feel like a lot of creatives or even entrepreneurs don't really lean into to understand like, it's not forever, but I have to say no right now. I would love to go to this event, but it doesn't serve me right now. And having that confidence and authority in yourself to communicate that to people so that you can do the work you need to do. But I will say you need to have balance. You can't do all the work and no play. So figuring out how to straddle that and fit that in is key. Yeah.
Matt: 24:17
Yeah. Balancing yes and no is the toughest thing in life, right?
Erykah: 24:21
Yes.
Matt: 24:22
Any other things you want to wrap up this topic with before I open up to some questions from people here?
Erykah: 24:27
So I would just really say, in terms of like the Life of E’s and just in general, being a multi-passionate, multi-talented individual, that speaks to all of us a lot of times. And just remembering and keeping in mind that you do not have to feel so all over the place. And again, whether it's a Life of E’s framework or just being authentic and vulnerable, more importantly. So a lot of people want to connect with people, find their tribe, their community, but you're not being vulnerable. How do you find your tribe, your community if you aren't being real? And so that's, I would say, one thing I would just want to have be on the radar for people is, for example, if you like to go for bike rides, don't go ask your best friend who you know really doesn't. And then you're like, but come on, please, I want to do it with you. And then they go, and then it's really not a good time, and then you're kind of annoyed. You knew that already. But if you go online and say, hey, I want to go for a bike ride today, you'll be surprised at how many people would say, I would love to join you. Maybe not today, per se, but you know, in general. So I think if we take off the mask, step into your CEO power. When I say CEO power, it's not just for business. You are the CEO of your life, right? So step into your CEO of power and be vulnerable, connect with community, find your tribe, and build the unity that is necessary to thrive. Because there's seasons, chapters, and knowing that yours is yours. Everything you go through is for you. Might not be pretty, you might not like it, but when you get out on the other end and you step back and take time to reflect, you know it was necessary. There was growth that was able to come from that. You could have read it in a book, it wouldn't have done what it needed to do for you. So yeah, those will be my takeaways.
Matt: 26:17
Awesome. Well, thanks for all those thoughts to take some time to reflect on. Anyone out there have any questions or comments to throw out there to add on to this?
Speaker: 26:27
Erykah, that was really wonderful. Thank you. I would love to hear more about how to ask yourself the hard questions. And you and I have spoken about when your body pushes you to the point where you need a hip replacement and it's telling you all of these things. And I think for you, that's probably when a lot of those hard questions emerge so that you could ask yourself them, or maybe not. But how do we get to those questions in the absence of pushing ourselves to the breaking point? And I'd love your thoughts because we all have access to all these prompts and these things out there, but how do we get to what we really need to be looking at?
Erykah: 27:10
I love that question. Thank you very, very much. So for me, I would suggest creating a vision plan, a life plan. Like you have to have some type of desire and direction. And so when you create that, it will energize you in a certain way. That will start to shift the needs because now you are visualizing on a consistent basis of like, this is what I'm desiring. This is what I think I need, right. So you create the vision. But for me as well, it's like creating that vision, yet surrendering, yet being obedient. And so when I talk about obedience, for me, it's that resistance feeling versus what feels good. That's your innate internal compass guiding you that a lot of us will just bypass. You know, it's like when you're driving, you're like, oh, I feel like I should go right, but I'm gonna go left. And then you end up in traffic or something, and you're like, I should have listened. I knew better. That's it, you know? And so we have to create the time though.
Erykah: 28:06
And so I will say these conferences that I go to and these retreats, it's time away. So it's making time and space to step away from your environment because you're so engulfed. And even if you work from home, it's like, all right, I'm in the zone. Oh, those dishes are there. I'm in the zone. I gotta get that laundry done. Like, you're not present where you need to be to really start to allow your mind to wander, to ask these questions, to let things come up to the surface. So I would really say, if it's possible, create a little retreat time away from your space, create this vision, but really sit still and listen. See what comes up for you because you have to decompress as well. So hopefully that answers your question because there's no right, you know, do this. But I do believe if you make the time and space, that's where the shift starts to come. That's where you can feel and have a little better discernment about what you're feeling and what's coming up and write it out, just let it flow. Because we have a lot also just we're holding on to. And so to heal as well, whatever you're feeling, just get that out in some capacity. So, yeah, that would be my answer.
Speaker: 29:22
Good morning, lovely talk. Thank you. My question for you is kind of a two-parter where I'm asking about how do you get over imposter syndrome when you're trying to create a community and connect with those to make things happen, to find opportunities where you guys can work together, but you don't feel like you yourself are ready to even take on that responsibility of connecting and growing something like that?
Erykah: 29:48
Okay, love that question. So, imposter syndrome, yes, that is something we all feel and have experienced at, you know, different phases of our lives. For me, the imposter syndrome was again, it's that embracing authentic self and doing that deep work. Because a lot of us don't feel capable or that we have the skill set, the means, but people are also coming to you for a reason. There's evidence that supports you being who you need to be for other people. And if you take the pressure off of I, it's the ego. The ego will come in and tear everything down. And so learning to be more of service will help, personally, I feel like, with the imposter syndrome. It's not about me showing up and being the certain way. It's like, how can I help serve? Because when you're serving, it's not about you. And that's when you get to show up as your authentic self. And that's where this value and this knowledge comes in. And it's taking that pressure off yourself of I want to be the certain way, you're just being you. And the more I think you connect with people.
Erykah: 30:52
And so, even going to networking events, sometimes I would walk in, and if my energy's off, guess what? The room is gonna feel it, you know? And you're like, well, that networking event wasn't for me, or those people were weird. No. Did you check yourself before you arrived? You have to be good and centered in. Trust me, it's scary, it's nervous. Even here, I've been here before and I'm still like, oof, anxiety is kicking in. I don't know. But you still have to just keep in mind I'm being of service. I'm taking the weight off that I'm carrying of this imposter syndrome because it's just weighing me down. And I had to realize I have a choice to make. Do I want to continue to live in imposter syndrome, or am I gonna take the mask off and just own and be? And when you show up as your authentic self, that's where the community starts to come to you or you start to meet the right people and the energies start to align. And so it's being okay, knowing that maybe that's not the right people for you, or that's not the right crowd, and that's okay. But you will find and connect with your tribe as long as you're showing up as your authentic self, is really, I think, the most important side of that. Yeah. Hopefully that answered.
Speaker: 32:01
That's great. Thank you.
Erykah: 32:02
You're welcome.
Matt: 32:03
Just tag on to that. Before we did the official talk here, we were talking before how sometimes you can think and think and think and just especially with creating communities like do, just do it. Like this event, I don't know more than half of you here, and you know, I'm bringing other people in and I'm shining a light on them. It's not about me. So like you can create a community without making it about, like you were saying, without making it you at all.
Erykah: 32:24
Yeah, being of service. Like literally, you are a prime example of that.
Speaker: 32:31
I was interested by the word you mentioned, the multipassions. So for example, when slowing down, there might be multiple things that are interesting to do. So how do you prioritize which way to take? Is it by means, evaluating what means do you have available? Or do you have other criteria?
Erykah: 32:55
So, yes, if you're multi-passionate, multi-talented, yes, we're all over the place in a good way. But it comes back to where I'm at and this understanding the season I'm in and what do I want to accomplish. Because if I don't have the clarity of what I'm trying to accomplish, then I can't kind of tunnel vision on the actions or the steps that will get me there. And yes, there's still things that will pop on the radar, like, oh, well, this is a great idea. And I'm like, okay, Erykah, let's look at it. It is a great idea. Well, we're gonna park this. So it's having that discernment of understanding like there's a time and a place for everything. And just because it's coming up for you right now doesn't mean you have to do it right now. So getting clear about what I am wanting to accomplish or do in this season, and then creating that game plan of the steps that are necessary.
Erykah: 33:47
And more importantly, having accountability partners, someone that you can talk to to help keep you on track. Like, that's a great idea, but aren't we supposed to be focused? Okay, yep, you're right. Because we're gonna, it's just natural for us to be distracted in good ways or bad ways, but that's where the community does come in to support you. Because I don't feel like we really, any of us should be doing any of this alone. So I get on weekly calls with different people, whether it's a 30-minute check-in, an energy call, just like, hey, what are your intentions for the day? We send text messages, voice messages, you know, how's that coming along? To help keep us on track. Because one of the things, exercises that I do go through with individuals I'm coaching is, if they're an entrepreneur, is we do a job description. Because when you go to a job, you have a job description. So you know what to do and what's expected. As an entrepreneur, you're like, oh, freedom. I get to be here, do this. And to a certain extent, yes, but we do have things we still need to be doing in our business, in our life. And so that's where the prioritizing comes in because you have the clarity of understanding I want this, this is what it's going to take. So I have to prioritize this and say no to this or push it off a little later to stay focused on the goal. So hopefully that answers your question. Perfect.
Speaker: 35:08
I keep thinking about this question of finding your tribe and the play of tribe and tribalism. And the if you want to be uncomfortable, sometimes you need to not be with your tribe and how hard that is. And how much so many communities are self-sorted into people who think about things in a similar way. Whether it's politics or it's like how to raise your kids or it's what you think about immigrants. And it's like if you don't know anyone who doesn't think differently than you about immigrants, then like you don't know half of the people out there.
Erykah: 35:38
Correct.
Speaker: 35:39
But it's hard. It's hard to want the other thing. But you won't be able to reach people until you are in those conversations. So how do you think about the sort of pros and cons of tribes?
Erykah: 35:49
Still positive. There's always growth. In order to be elevating in life, it's going to require being uncomfortable. It's going to be exposed to different situations, whether you're choosing to be exposed or you're just exposed and, you know, immersed in it. And so the more you do that, the more you learn about yourself, first and foremost. And I personally feel that every experience we go through, whether good, bad, the ugly, is for a reason. That reason is not always just for you. It's actually to serve someone else. So one of my core pillars that kind of keeps me grounded, anchors, is it's bigger than me. Really understanding that everything I go through is bigger than me. This traumatic experience that I went through, yes, might have been terrible, but now I'm in a position to support someone else and see them and help them through it. Or be in a different community. And I don't have to agree, but like you said, just being open to receive and listen because I want to be exposed. And that's the other thing is do you desire to be exposed and evolving in this level and layer of it? Because it is very uncomfortable. But that's really life. It's about change.
Erykah: 37:01
So the more you can embrace change and being uncomfortable, the better you are for yourself, your life, your business, and all categories. It's just being open to that. And also having that discernment of speaking and valuing your voice. A lot of times we might be in situations or rooms and, like, oh, I wish I would have said this. Why didn't you? Like you said, it's a give and take. I don't know what you know, you don't know what I know. And unless we actually share that, no one's going to know that. And so really having the uncomfortable conversations, having with yourself, have them with other people, have them with family members, those are things we don't do. But that is what's going to shape us and mold us and allow us to continuously diversify our tribes and our communities because you're going to connect with people on certain levels in one group and then another here. And that's okay. That's the fun and beauty of it. So yeah.
Matt: 37:58
All right. Well, thank you for sharing all your thoughts and all the work and reflection you've done and hope people got something out of this. And if people want to find out more about you, get in contact with you, people here and people listening later, where should they find out about you?
Erykah: 38:13
I was literally dreading that question, like for days. For right now, I'm just gonna say on social media handles, et cetera, it's gonna be Erykah Chanel. So that's E-R-Y-K-A-H-C-H-A-N-E-L. I’m diverting people there right now because as a multi-passionate, multi-layered entrepreneur, my website is being layered in. I'm working on a new system, so it's a learning curve and it's almost there, but I feel like that's the best place to redirect people, and I will put the information on there and you'll find out about the new website and magazine features and all the other jazzy things going on.
Matt: 38:45
Cool. Well, we'll wrap it up for the podcast here. But people, feel free to chat some more and get into your own little conversations. Thank you, Erykah, and thank you, everyone here.
Erykah: 38:54
Thank you, Matt. Thank you, everyone, as well. Thank you.
Matt: 38:59
So that's it for the conversation with Erykah. I'll put links in the show notes to find out more information about her. And again, if you like this conversation and you want to come out and be part of the next Creative Chats event yourself, they're free on the first Friday of the month. Next one is on Friday, March 6th. Guest is going to be Alyssa Lawson. And the topic is going to be how do you teach creativity to the next generation? So come out, mingle with some other creative folks, hear a good talk. To find more info at LittleLocalConversations.com slash events. And if you like the podcast and you want to hear more episodes, more Creative Shats, you can find all the recordings from the Creative Chats, other live podcast events, one-on-one interviews that I do with people across town, and other special episodes, head on over to LittleLocalConversations.com. You can find all the episodes there, information on upcoming events, and you can sign up for my weekly newsletter that I send out so you can keep up to date. So again, all that is at Little Local Conversations.com.
Matt: 39:50
All right, and I want to give a few shout-outs here to wrap things up. First one goes to podcast sponsor, Arsenal Financial. They're a financial planning business here in Watertown that's owned by Doug Orifice, very committed community member, was the first guest on this podcast, and his business helps busy families, small businesses, and people close to retirement. So if you need help in any of those areas, reach out to Doug and his team at arsenalfinancial.com. Also want to give a thank you to the Watertown Cultural Council, who have given me a grant this year to help support the podcast. So I want to give them the appropriate credit, which is, this program is supported in part by a grant from the Watertown Cultural Council, a local agency, which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. You can find out more about them at WatertownCulturalCouncil.org and MassCulturalCouncil.org. And a couple more shout outs to promotional partners. First one goes to the Watertown Business Coalition, which is a nonprofit organization here in Watertown, and their motto is Community is Our Business. Find out more about them at WatertownBusinessCoalition.com. And lastly, Watertown News, which is a Watertown Focus Online newspaper. It's a great place to keep up to date with everything going on in the city. Check that out at WatertownMANews.com. So that's it. Until next time.
