Meet Erika Salas

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

Hi Erika, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I am a born and raised proud Hialeah girl with Cuban Immigrant parents. Growing up my dad always had more than 1 job and my mom focused on bettering herself by studying to obtain better job positions. Once my parents divorced, both my parents were entirely present in my life but I was mostly raised by a single mother. So, I can say that I know what struggle and sacrifice looks like. I also know what it looks like for two parents to give their daughter the world, even when they couldn’t give it to themselves. I come from a very humble background but my parents made sure I always had everything. Growing up I understood what “We can’t right now, but when we can we will” meant. So, I had to mature at a very young age and I was very comprehensive which resulted in me always have a set goal and that was: “I will be the one to give my parents the world.” This has made me ambitious, goal oriented, determined and at times very stubborn but it’s who I am. I’ve never compared my upbringing to others because I’m proud of who I am because of it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I don’t like to specify that I’m in any specific profession, I like to say that I do a little bit of everything because as of now, that is exactly my life and I absolutely love it. I have my Bachelors degree in Psychology with a track in ABA (Applied Behavioral Analysis) and I was able to begin working in the field before I graduated and I’ve been doing so for almost 4 years now. I love this profession and I love what I do, but my dreams are bigger than working set hours that can fluctuate based on other factors that I can’t control. I’ve always had a vision for more and I’ve always known that I’m destined for greatness and so about two years ago, I decided to take a risk on myself and invest into a spray tanning course which resulted in me starting a spray tan business of my own. I, now have a suite where I am able to spray tan from after my work hours, and I can’t be more thankful. I would’ve never thought I would be doing something in the beauty industry, but I completely fell in love after seeing the impact I have on other women and how I instantly boost their confidence after offering my services.
I am now 23 years old and feel like my life is starting to get a bit more serious. In my mind, I have a ticking time clock and I’m at a point where I think about when I have kids in what financial position would I be, individually.
This is when it hit me… in my full-time job if I’m not physically working, I can’t make money. As well, as a spray tan artist, if I’m not the one actually spray tanning the clients I don’t make money. That means I’m a full time “employee” and I also own a JOB, not a business. Owning a business means, it can generate money without you. Since realizing this, I’ve focused solely on building something bigger.
And by the Grace of God, I was presented a life changing opportunity. The chance to get licensed in the financial services industry and begin building a business in this field while creating a team of coachable, ambitious, like-minded people. Working in this field means that I can work my own hours from anywhere, which gives me the peace of mind that when my time comes to be a mom I’ll be okay.
Lastly, aside from all of these professions, I have also been a content creator/ “influencer” for the past seven years and I absolutely love it, it’s definitely what I am the most passionate about. The community I’ve built because of it, the events, places, and brands I’ve been able to enjoy and connect with due to my social media presence is one of the many reasons I know there’s so much more out there.

So how did I get to where I am today? I’ve always been open to better opportunities and I’ve never closed my doors and if there’s a way I can learn from people whose lives resemble the life I want as my own, the better. I feel like nothing in life is easy nor does it come easy, but that’s the exciting part of it. Having a partner who shares the same ambition, goals and dreams is definitely a plus because it becomes that much easier to overcome challenges because we’re able to do it together. Throughout these years, I’ve learned that no matter what profession/career(s) you have decided on, you have to remain faithful. I’ve always had faith in God and myself and no matter how many times I fall down, I know I will find a way to get back up. I am going to learn through all of my mistakes and one way or another my faith is going to get me exactly where I needed to be.

So what I want the world to get out of this is that, I am a regular Hialeah girl raised by two immigrant parents, if I can do it so can you. There is absolutely no excuse as to why you can’t reach your goals and be one step closer to your dream life. God didn’t place that fire in your heart for wanting more out of life if it wasn’t destined for you to have, you just have to work for it. I will do a million things if it means that in the process i’ll find my ONE thing. Believe me, I am nowhere near the life that I know I will have, but best believe I will not stop until I have it.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Miami has amazing spots all around and it’s definitely a city where you will always have a good time! These are some recommended spots:

Hotels to stay at: Fountainbleu, The W, The SLS, The Hard Rock, Eden Roc

Clubs: Baroom, LIV, Tu Candela, Any club in Wynwood, Space, Perro Negro, Eleven

Brunch: Cafe Bastille, Bacon B*tch, R House, Little Hen, Baia Beach Club, Copper Blues

Fun Dinner Restaurants: Otro Tiesto Miami, Jaya at Setai, Kiki on the River, Komodo, Seaspice, Mayami

Fun things to do: So much to do in Wynwood, City Cruise to see millionaire homes, jet ski rentals, yacht rentals, Miami Icecream museum, Selfie Museum, Frost Museum, Xtreme Action Park, The Basement, Venetian Pool, Candleland Miami

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want give a huge shoutout to my parents. All of my success is because of them, their support, love, and encouragement has never failed me and is the biggest reason I’ve been able to succeed in so many things in life and why I will continue to do so.

However, I want to also give the biggest shoutout to my boyfriend, Hasiel who for the last four years has been my biggest supporter, and the one who claps the loudest every time I cross a new milestone in my life. We started doing life together at a very young age where we were both lost and no matter what part of his journey he is on individually, he always makes sure to support my dreams and help me get to them if I need it. Of course, the same is reciprocated from my end when it comes to his dreams and hustle. This is why I know that having these qualities in a partner is so important and is definitely super impactful. For that I am beyond blessed to have him in my life.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kikaa.6?igsh=czRuMzJkY2d4eHFo&utm_source=qr

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kikaaa.6?_t=ZP-8v0lDtkgG5v&_r=1

Image Credits
1st personal image of myself with the blue skirt set:

Photographer: Jesus Sanchez