Today we’d like to introduce you to Ericka Bates.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always been a passionate and creative person. As a kid, I loved telling stories and was drawn to books and magazines early on. I even wanted to be a journalist because of Khadijah James. That love for storytelling stayed with me, and over the years I explored it through writing, radio, and contributing to online publications.
For a long time, my life looked stable on paper. My background includes more traditional career paths that didn’t fully fulfill me, but I continued to pursue my passion on the side. Eventually, I reached a point where I wanted more alignment between what I do and who I am.
In 2024, I started my company and brand, I Pick Passion Productions, along with my podcast, I Pick Passion. As I grew, I evolved the podcast into I Pick Passion and Funny after realizing that life is also hilarious and laughter is necessary. That shift led me to lean more into conversations with comedians and storytelling that reflects both honesty and humor.
I’ve also been expanding as a content creator, especially on social media, where I’ve recently been sharing more content around Michael Jackson and really enjoying that space. This is just the beginning. I’m continuing to build in storytelling, journalism, and producing, and I’m excited for what’s next.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Most recently, last year brought a major and unexpected professional shift that wasn’t part of my plan. I found myself in a space where I didn’t know what was next, and in many ways, I’m still figuring that out.
I had to step away from my government job rather abruptly, and that came with a period of real grief and adjustment. It forced me to confront a lot about what I truly wanted versus what felt safe or expected.
Relocating to Los Angeles has also come with its own set of challenges, both personally and professionally; also some unexpected. Through it all, I’m staying committed to taking things one step at a time and continuing to move forward, even when things feel uncertain.
My faith has been a big part of that. I trust God through every challenge, even in the moments that feel difficult. That trust, along with my passion, keeps me grounded and moving toward the life I know I’m meant to build.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a podcaster, journalist, writer, and producer, but at the core, I’m a creative. Creating and telling stories is what I do and what I genuinely love to do. My work centers around storytelling that connects, whether that’s through my podcast, digital content, or written work.
My mission is to educate, inspire, and entertain while building a real sense of community. I’ve been especially focused on growing my presence on YouTube and social media, and I’m excited to see that growth happening in real time.
What I’m most proud of right now is my consistency. Showing up, even when things feel uncertain, has been a huge part of my journey, and I’m starting to see that pay off. I’m also incredibly proud of the community I’m building. That connection means everything to me.
What sets me apart is my passion and my willingness to be real. I’m not interested in presenting a perfect version of life. I care about honesty, humor, and telling stories in a way that feels authentic and relatable.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I’m still figuring this out myself, but one thing I’ve learned is the importance of showing up as yourself. Something as simple as a smile can go a long way.
When it comes to mentorship, I believe in both being intentional and allowing things to happen naturally. My first mentor came from a relationship I built as an intern. He took the time to guide me, offer advice, and support me simply because of the rapport we developed. Shout out to Sean Anthony for that.
If there’s someone you admire or feel aligned with, don’t be afraid to ask if they’d be open to mentoring you. It can feel intimidating, but sometimes it really is that simple.
Networking, in general, can feel overwhelming, but I’ve learned to approach it differently. You don’t have to connect with everyone in the room. Start with one person. Focus on one genuine connection instead of trying to do it all. That shift makes it feel a lot more natural and less intimidating.
Honestly, just being open and approachable matters. You’d be surprised how often the right people will come to you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erickalbates
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1E9o6CyvaE/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ipickpassion
Image Credits
Photographer: Joseph Armstrong
