[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”26580″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]The acclaimed TV and media host recently turned CEO after creating Passion to Paycheck, the annual conference where you can join the hosting & entertainment community as well as learn from Hollywood’s top television presenters, media personalities hosts and professionals! The 2018 lineup included Entertainment Tonight’s Keltie Knight, Golden Globes pre-show host AJ Gibson and more.
Erika has a long history in the media, attending various high-profile red-carpet events on behalf of a variety of media outlets. Her personal struggles have allowed her to create a business of helping others after she and her family were left with almost nothing after the economy crash of 2008. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, her perseverance and clear head enabled her to find her passion and turn it into a career. Her Amazon best-selling book Passionistas is a compilation of tips, tales and tweetables from different women pursing their dreams. Erika De La Cruz, combined with a powerhouse group of fellow #Passionistas, including entrepreneurs, founders of brands and small businesses, women in business and the entertainment world, and speakers and authors, share their authentic, from-the-heart stories. This book will touch and relate to exactly what the reader may be going through with some powerful tips and inspiration on how to get through obstacles they encounter and come out the other side more determined and validated than ever.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”26579″ img_size=”large”][vc_column_text]Do you support any charities?
Yes, my fiancé and I are very passionate about supporting the National Suicide Prevention Hotline as well as organizations aiming to bring mental health discussion to the forefront of society and provide freedom around chatting about the topic of mental disorder. A long term goal is to actually start one.
Can you describe a typical day in your life?
Yes, a typical day alternates between shoot days and work days. On a shoot day, I’m reviewing material, finishing up research, getting the glam team in and actually working on set, but on work days- I’m typically fresh from the gym, looking a beautiful mess, in meetings with my team and assistant to plan Passion to Paycheck, manage brand deals and make sure big projects are moving forward. One thing I rarely skip is mediation, or some sort of mind set material before diving into any day I have. That, and coffee!
Who is your favorite Actor/Actress? And why?
I think that’d be Jim Carrey. Because, “Jim does Jim.” If he wants to paint, he paints. If he wants to act, he acts. He has shared a lot about his experience with the Law of Attraction publically that has really moved me in my my career as well. I respect his commitment to being who he is and not allowing any shred of judgement to disrupt that.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Martin Luther King.
Your idea of a perfect Sunday is…?
Again, I’m so happy on either end of the spectrum, as long as they’re the complete opposite: I’d be ecstatic at an award show on a Sunday night, or doing absolutely nothing… with not an ounce of makeup on, watching good movies.
Something people don’t know about you?
Probably that I take such meticulous care of my well-being. I’m talking, sleep management/no calls or meetings before a certain time in the day and even prioritizing massages over works emails if it’s been a really packed week. (I had a health break down last year and since, I’m really disciplined about tending to the body I get to live in the rest of my life J. )
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
ARROGANCE! Or BRAGGING. Come on, be humble, sweet, let me discover who you are 😉 #Notsexy
Name 3 things you can’t live without?
Coffee
Leggings
Gowns
What is your favorite healthy food?
Definitely vegetables. I used to oddly choose broccoli to cookies as a child. I guess that hasn’t changed too much.
And your favorite cheat food?
BREAD: All kinds of bread! Cheesy bread, chocolate bread. You name it, I’ll eat it.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
Probably a collaboration at Sundance. Moderating a film panel, or accompanying one of the long standing media outlets to facilitate the off-site, activation interviews.
Who are some of your favorite models and designers, and why?
I love MILLY and Michael Costello, Jay Godfrey and Andrea & Leo Couture. The day-wear is bright and well made, always with some sort of classy “statement” attitude and the evening wear (Costello & Andrea and Leo,) Well, they each make dresses, both at very different price points, that fit the body so well and are so unique and beautiful, you can’t help but feel FABULOUS in them!
How would you describe your fashion style?
Elegant, classy, chic. With a punch of color. I’m not very “hipster/boho/trendy.” (I always joke, that I’m just not “cool” enough to be boho haha.) I like to stick to classic pieces, with modern, updated elements!
What do you think of the Social Media?
I love it. I think it’s one of the greatest tech and social progressions of our time, but I ALSO think we should be focusing on how to use it in healthy ways. For example: Everyone knows the phrase “drink responsibly,” I believe we need a new tagline “Use social media responsibly.” To me, that means monitoring frequency and becoming literate on deciphering what is real and what may be staged in your feed.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram: @_erikadelacruz
Twitter: @_erikadelacruz
Facebook: Erika De La Cruz
Quote: You can Never Be Over Dressed or Over Educated
Book: The One Thing
Celebrity Crush: Bradley Cooper (obviously)
Movie: Peter Pan
Tv Show: I’m a sucker for This Is Us!!!
Holiday Destination: Definitely New York City! Ok fine, Australia too.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator][vc_column_text]Photos curtesy of Erika De La Cruz / Passion to Paycheck[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
