Eryka Becker, founder of Angels and Divas is the talented jewelry designer who has created the exclusive collection of bracelets for the Red Shoe Movement. What is amazing about her is that not only does she create beautiful custom jewelry but she has recently purchased along with a partner a franchise of Edible Arrangements. This mom of three who’s lived with Cerebral Palsy all her life, went back to college after her kids were born. She’s unstoppable, wears a smile as her signature accessory and is without a doubt one of the most positive and inspiring women I know. Here’s her interview.
How did you start your designing business?
Angels and Divas started as a hobby. I just designed a collection for a friend’s show and I got such a great response that I continued designing.
How do you manage to keep up with all your responsibilities? Not only do you have your jewelry business but now you bought the Edible Arrangements franchise?
I make time for everything. My family is really important but my career is also very important so I just don’t sleep a lot.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your career?
My disability is probably one of the hardest things I’ve had to put up with in my life but luckily my parents have always told me that I could do anything so I keep with that. I don’t like to be told no and that I can’t do things so when I put something in my mind I get it done.
How do you overcome those who say “no”?
My strategy is to figure out why they said no and what it is that I need to do to turn it into a yes. Life is difficult but if you put your mind to it, everything is possible.
Could you share with us what you’re currently doing to support other women’s career aspirations?
Most of my employees are women and I’m helping them advance in our business and also I’m doing special bracelet designs for the Red Shoe Movement because it is an initiative of women supporting women.
Can you share with us the names of some women who have helped you throughout your career?
My mom has helped me because she’s always giving me the confidence and the support that I need to reach my goals and my business partner for working with me in this project, us women working together to reach the goal we set up for ourselves.
