Meet Erika DeRoberts | Creative Entrepreneur: Painter, Muralist & Illustrator

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

Hi Erika, what role has risk played in your life or career?
At the end of 2020, I left my 20 year corporate career to pursue a life as a full-time artist. I had been preparing to make this big life change by downsizing my home, saving money and paying off debt. But the lessons from Covid and the sudden reminder of life’s brevity, served as a motivating force to pursue this dream more quickly.

Taking this big risk involved facing uncertainties and navigating the unknown. As the breadwinner in my family, I was unsure of how we would survive financially. However, I no longer fit in corporate environments that limit individual creativity and come with rigid rules and hierarchical control. The artistic path would provide a flexible lifestyle to sustain rhythms of creativity, personal and family needs. So I took a step out in faith to leave behind the security of my corporate career and turned my artistic aspirations into reality.

By taking risks and pursuing ambitious goals, I hope to inspire those around me. Leading by example and showcasing the rewards of bold decision-making can have a ripple effect, encouraging others to embrace risk and live authentically.

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.
Curiosity serves as a powerful catalyst for my personal and professional growth.The insatiable desire to explore, learn, and understand propels me toward new experiences, connections, and possibilities. During my corporate career, I was hired to draw caricatures of my colleagues, I designed the office dry erase boards and would often sketch or doodle during meetings. I was known as the “artist” everywhere I went, even though that wasn’t my job. I took art classes in my free time, and even taught art classes at Vino & Van Gogh during evenings and weekends. Art filled in the margins of my life, and I relentlessly pursued it every chance that I got. This passion for art fostered personal growth, resilience, and the acquisition of new skills. All of the side hustling helped give me the confidence and experience when the time was right. When I began my art business, I would take long walks around my home in downtown Fountain Inn. I heard that Voodooo Brewing Co was coming to town, and I would walk past the location and imagine the murals and art I would create for them. I then began talking about it with folks in town…”I’m going to paint murals at Voodoo”, I announced with full confidence. By the time they started renovating the building, I reached out and introduced myself. I now have over 15 murals in their brewery. I believe in manifestation and positive affirmations- put out into the world what you hope to achieve and get out of your own way! I have now completed over 20 murals across the Upstate, including Stax Omega, Condado Tacos and Bloomwell Chiropractic(and many more).
My art is often born from my adventures. I have licensed artwork to a luxury hotel in Scottsdale, Arizona after sketching and watercoloring in their courtyard for fun. I love to hike, and paint the trails and vistas I discover. I am traveling to Paris in a couple of weeks and will be throwing my art supplies in my suitcase, you just never know when inspiration will strike!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I believe in hospitality, in creating an environment for people to relax and breathe. I think the best time would be coming to my home, my kitchen and relaxing around my island with a cocktail or glass of wine. While I chop and prepare some delicious vegetarian food, we would listen to good music- maybe some Fleetwood Mac or Spanish guitar and discuss our latest favorite books. I have a garden, so I would serve something fresh with herbs, perhaps some homemade sour dough, and some fresh vegetables. By welcoming people and caring for them, the conversation flows and it is easier to listen and understand. We can wear comfortable clothes, kick off our shoes and relax, and we can play with my yorkie, Ernesto de la Cruz. We could also visit my studio at Good Art Co, off of North Main in downtown Greenville. With 15 studio artists, a gorgeous gallery with rotating shows and a gift shop full of bespoke gifts and art – we would surely find artistic inspiration and some very cool artists to hang with!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As I was wrestling over the big decision to leave behind my corporate career, I spent a lot of time in prayer. I credit my resilience and ability to thrive during change to my relationship with Jesus. In prayer, I was reminded that I am “daughter of the Most High”, and the affirmation of my identity bolstered my strength. We often mistakenly find our identity in the roles that we serve in life, and when those change we feel lost or doubt ourselves. When I keep my mind fixed on my identity in Christ, I am assured that changes in my position or roles will not shake me.

What shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? – Romans 8:31

Website: cherrylaneart.com

Instagram: instagram.com/cherrylaneart

Linkedin: @ErikaDeRoberts

Facebook: Facebook.com/cherrylaneart

Image Credits
Tara Ashton