Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Cooper
Hi Erica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I think it’s important to point out that as a child, I always felt most content in a service role. And I was quite intrigued by anyone who was different than myself. I wanted to know their story, what made them tick and how they felt about anything and everything. I was hardworking and committed in the roles I supported and at the age of 19, I joined the military. I served in the U.S. Air Force for 24 years before retiring. While in the military, I deployed multiple times, traveled the world, made amazing friends who I consider family and experienced awesome opportunities like serving the Executive Office of the President of the United States (only the top 1% of every military branch is honored to serve in this capacity). While most of my time in the military was really fulfilling, there were times where I experienced trauma as well.
After I retired from the military, I worked for the government as a civilian contractor and government employee. I enjoyed both roles but felt a void. That service aspect was gone and I felt the need to connect with it again. I was also experiencing the challenges of trying to make a long distance relationship work. After much thought, I decided to resign my position, sell my home and move across the country. I was excited to be closer to family after almost 30 years, I hoped to salvage a long distance relationship and I wanted to volunteer more of my time to hospitals and children.
Unfortunately, a few months after I arrived to my new location, COVID hit, the world stopped, I lost my relationship and my mum died unexpectedly. Exactly a year from my mum’s passing, I lost my eldest brother as well. It was the most challenging and heartbreaking time of my life. I took the necessary time to seek therapy and rebuild myself (and my life) from the inside out.
Looking back I realized my entire life, I was the strength for others and I didn’t know how to be the strength for myself. I swore if I ever made it to the other side of healing successfully, I would dedicate my life to helping others. Hence, Excel with Erica was born!
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 absolutely has not been a smooth road! I think the catalyst of my life changing was losing my mum and everything that came after that. Throughout our lives, we experience pain and turmoil, and we always seem to maneuver through. But, sometimes there are moments that challenge us so significantly, we are forced to decide to give up or fight harder than we ever have before. When I moved, it took over a year for my home to sell which was rather stressful. I didn’t have a job upon arrival and was quite concerned about how long I could financially keep up. At the same time, COVID hit, the world stopped, I lost my mum, my brother, and my relationship. I would say that’s when I hit my rock bottom. But, I do believe it’s in some of our darkest times that we can find clarity, passion and the strength to rebuild and soar!
As you know, we’re big fans of Excel with Erica. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Excel with Erica is a life coaching business. We serve those truly interested in improving their lives however that looks to them. From wanting to improve a professional/personal relationship, to starting a new career, improving self confidence, setting and achieving new goals, learning to problem solve, becoming more self-aware, we support communication coaching, developing skills and overcoming challenges to name a few. We are honored to support veterans, the LGBTQ+ community and women mostly. However, if you’re passionate about wanting to improve your life, we’re passionate about helping anyone!
What sets Excel with Erica apart from others is the experience and our commitment to you. I created this business because I want see everyone succeed. I am most happy when I see others living their best life. I am a Master Certified Life Coach with 50 years of life experience, I hold a Master’s degree in Business Management and Organizational Development, DEI certification from Cornell University, I have 24 years of military service and life experience. I’m a disabled veteran, a woman, a Cape Verdean American, an ally for the LGBTQ+ community and I’m a survivor. I don’t just talk the talk, I’ve walked the walk and successfully made it to the other side. Now, I want to walk side by side with others as they find their confidence, passion and true purpose in life. I’m most proud of our vision statement which is “Envision Your Dreams…let’s make them REALITY!! It 100% captures what we want for you!
Any big plans?
I am currently working full time and building Excel with Erica. My intention is to leave my current place of employment and expand Excel with Erica. I’m excited to spend more time helping others to achieve greatness while volunteering and supporting causes that matter to me.
Pricing:
- I offer a 1.5 hour initial consultation for free
- For individual sessions, I presently only charging $150 per hour
- I have very reasonable packages for 3, 6 and 12 month
- I’m willing to reasonably negotiate package pricing as well
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ericapcooper.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/excelwerica/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571309792993
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ erica-p-c-a25b303b
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@EricaCooper-n2z
