Welcome to another exciting episode of Wilder Possibilities! In this podcast, we dive into the transformative journeys of entrepreneurs, capturing those pivotal moments when everything just “clicks.” 🎯 I like to call it The Click—that lightbulb moment that not only reshapes our future but illuminates the path to success. Today, I have a dear friend and special guest with me, Erika Hamilton. 🎬💡

Erika is a powerhouse—an actor, filmmaker, writer, and mom, balancing a life filled with creativity and passion. Our friendship began when our kids met at preschool, and from there, our journeys intertwined. This episode is all about celebrating her inspiring story and the incredible milestones that have defined her career.

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Erika’s Beginnings in a Small Town in Ohio

Erika grew up in a small town north of Dayton, Ohio, a place she describes as being straight out of Friday Night Lights—where high school football ran the town. Despite her wholesome childhood in what she humorously calls “Children of the Corn” territory, life wasn’t always simple. Erika’s older sister had meningitis as a baby, which led to severe cerebral palsy, leaving her unable to talk or walk. Growing up with a sister who had such profound challenges shaped Erika’s perspective, inspiring her to pursue life with passion and tenacity. 💪❤️

“I was the classic middle child,” Erika explains with a laugh, “always trying to be seen, always performing.” Whether it was dancing, cheerleading, or acting, Erika was always on the move, seeking opportunities to express herself.

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The First “Click” Moment: Theater in High School

Erika’s love for performing first surfaced when she joined her high school’s theater program. In her freshman year, she landed a role in Annie Get Your Gun. 🎭 Though it wasn’t a major part, the experience ignited something within her. Erika describes it as her first Click moment—the realization that she loved everything about theater, from the lines to the choreography to the costumes. This small taste of theater set her on a path to explore her creative talents.

But life wasn’t without its challenges. Erika shares an amusing yet humbling story about auditioning for her high school’s show choir, a Glee-style performance group that traveled and competed across Ohio. Despite everyone assuming she could sing (because she’s Black and everyone thought she had the “natural talent” 😂), the audition was a disaster! 😳 But rather than being defeated, Erika took this failure as a lesson in humility and redirected her energy back into acting and cheerleading.

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Finding Strength Through Failure and Success

One of the things I admire most about Erika is her resilience. After high school, she attended the University of Cincinnati, where she danced on the competitive team and studied communications. Although she initially thought about a career in sports broadcasting, life had other plans. Eventually, Erika found herself in Philadelphia, dancing for the 76ers and later for the Knicks in New York City. 🌆✨

New York City was where Erika discovered her true love for acting. She describes her next Click moment as finding herself in an acting class where she could channel her emotions in a raw, authentic way. It was here that she realized acting was not just a hobby—it was her calling. 🎥🎭

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The Power of Writing: The Journey Film

One of the most powerful parts of Erika’s story is her journey into filmmaking. After years of journaling, she finally mustered the courage to turn her thoughts into a screenplay. She tells a heartfelt story of driving along the PCH with the wind in her hair and Journey’s “Lights” blasting through the speakers when she suddenly had an epiphany. That moment became the inspiration for her award-winning film Out of Tune.

“I realized I’d been turning down the volume on who I was,” Erika reflects. “That feeling of not fitting in, of hiding parts of myself, became the heart of my film.” 🎬🎶 The film tells the story of a Black woman struggling to reconcile her love for Journey with the cultural expectations placed upon her. The project went on to win the prestigious PAGE International Screenwriting Award, marking yet another pivotal Click in Erika’s career.

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What’s Next for Erika?

Erika’s journey continues as she develops her film into a TV pilot and navigates new projects, including a recent film called Belief, in which her children also star. But as much as Erika’s career is about storytelling, it’s also about resilience, vulnerability, and embracing life’s unexpected twists.

It’s been an honor to share Erika’s story with you today. Her life is proof that success isn’t about one Click moment, but a series of them. If you want to stay updated on Erika’s incredible journey, follow her on Instagram at @IamErikaHamilton.

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Thanks for tuning in, friends! Keep dreaming, keep pushing, and never be afraid to get a little Wilder. 🌟