Meet Ericka Brown | Philanthropist, Public Speaker, Mentor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ericka Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ericka, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
My name is Ericka Brown born and raised in the projects of Columbia, SC. I was raised in Gonzales Gardens. The stigmas placed on youth raised in single parent homes and/or the projects. We deemed as a menace or destined  to be a single mother on welfare. Going through the trenches of life has humbled me tremendously. God, my parents and my children. It’s made me who I am. It’s humbled.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

However, I made decisions at such a young age that had life-changing results that were prevalent in her adulthood. Living a hidden lifestyle from her family, Ericka encountered her first experience of domestic violence at the tender age of 13 that continued as a vicious cycle of abuse into her adulthood. Ericka, a graduate of The Art Institute of Atlanta with an associate degree in Fashion Marketing. The vicious cycles, trauma bonding and victory of overcoming abuse has turned Ericka’s pain into purpose. Her life experiences and searching for a way to give back, educate and empower inspired. I establish Be Kind Be Great in 2016. Be Great Be Great is a 501c3 charity organization in which assistance is provided for unhoused, low-income families, mentorship, public speaking and more. It has taken years of self-reflection and accountability to heal and restore from her life experiences. In triumph, I found my her voice… Her voice to speak out. I enjoys spending time with her four sons, fashion, traveling, mentoring, and reading.

My  motto is “Through Faith We Can Do Anything but Fail”.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
River Bank Zoo is one of my all time faves to relax and visit. Congaree National Park for a scroll and to enjoy nature. Any venue for live music is my go to.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My father & mother, my four sons Tyler, Justin, Elijah and Isaiah. Chris Carey whom was a complete stranger initially. He turned out to be one of my biggest supporters. Timberly Griffin, Janis Wise, Elenor Williams, Annette Smith, Celeste Sherer and The Pilot Club Columbia, Ruth Hunter, Serdaria Bouknight, Slyvia Jackson, Lisa Watson-Ramos, Regi Sloais, Pamela G. , Cheryl Scales, Jason Lyon with You Are The Power, Latasha Barker, Kimberely Barker, Ruth Hunter, Avery Brown, Natasha Johnson, Latasha Briggman, Tanya Lin, Avery Brown, Gregory Pugh, Ed Brogman, Cal Jones, Sortie Boudoir, Nancy Rhoads, Karla Bates, YA’LL MART, Janice Davidson, Lisa Perry and so many others. We’re truly appreciative of everyone.

Website: https://BKBG.org

Instagram: Be_kind_ begreat

Linkedin: Ericka Brown

Twitter: Bekindbegreat1

Facebook: Be Kind Be Great

Yelp: Be Kind Be Great