#SMASHTESSFAM FEATURE - ERIN SOUSA
MEET ERIN SOUSA, FOUNDER OF SPARKLE MEDIA AND LIFESTYLE BLOGGER
Erin is the Founder of Sparkle Media, a visual communications company based in Vancouver, Canada, which also happens to be where Smash + Tess was born. Erin began Sparkle Media five years ago in response to significant changes in the marketing industry and how brands used social media to market themselves. As Instagram became more integral for businesses, Erin had the magic touch to build brands through authentic connection and community by offering services in photography, content creation, social strategy, influencer collaborations, and more.
Erin (@erincg) has actually been working with Smash + Tess for 18 months and has been instrumental in the development of our amazing community of #smashtessgirls and in the evolution of Smash + Tess as a brand. She has a keen eye for style and she has been one of our biggest cheerleaders since the beginning. We love working with Erin but we're definitely not the only ones! Her work has been featured on Goop, The Wall Street Journal, Lauren Conrad, Glitter Guide and Jillian Harris.
We sat down with Erin to learn a few things that even we didn't know about her:
What inspired you to create Sparkle Media?
I love the industry of building a business, and in Vancouver, there are so many amazing women creating their own brands and companies. I wanted to be a part of that, and figured that social media and non-traditional PR like influencer outreach was the best way to do that! This was five years ago when the approach wasn’t as commonplace as it is now, and it’s so great to see how far it’s all come since. Having clients grow their Instagram following (and thus their business!) to tens of thousands of followers which forms their community; helping my brands grow in a sustainable way feels just like my own success!
What's the best piece of advice that has shaped your journey?
“This too shall pass” which is something my mom always told me growing up. As a business owner, there are so many challenges that arise, whether it’s a slow period, or a sticky situation. Whenever this happens, it really can get you down (especially as a solopreneur!), so I always remember that everything is temporary, and the tides ALWAYS turn.
One tip for building your own brand and business?
Be completely yourself. Authenticity is such an overused word these days, but when it comes to building your brand, whether that’s a personal one, or a business, it’s key. Find your niche, and the followers/customers will come. Also, don’t look at what your competition is doing! Just do you, and do it the best.
What does your ultimate Sunday consist of?
Sunday is my favourite day of the week. It’s the one day I try to slow down, and that means no work for me! We sleep in, I have coffee and toast while watching Barefoot Contessa (Ina is my spirit animal!), cook breakfast for my husband (pancakes or an egg dish), and then we lounge around catching up on the PVR or Netflix. It’s always family day on Sunday, and I make dessert or we pick something up for family dinner with my husband’s fam!
Current Netflix binge?
The Affair (which isn’t on Netflix, oops), Black Mirror, Chef’s Table, The Crown (season 2 was SO good!).
Who inspires you?
Honestly, my husband. He’s the kindest person I know. My mom, who shows me resilience each and every day. And Ina Garten, because I want her life (in a non-creepy way!)
Desert Island beauty product?
A lash lift from Bare on 1st! I need one at all times because no one likes straight eyelashes in the tropics! OK, ANNND I have a million others, but my fave beauty product of all time is Biologique Recherche P50 Lotion. It makes my skin glow, and keeps it in check like nothing else – I immediately look like I’ve slept for 40 hours when I use it! Looking well rested is important on a desert island…
Fave place to rock your Romper?
At home, after a busy day! The thing I love most about the romper is that it’s like a reward and it means the day is done, and I can relax.
Which guilty pleasure Instagram accounts are your fave Insta-follows?
OH YES. First of all, I keep my follows low so I don’t miss content I really want to see. I just started following a Megan and Harry account which is kind of a guilty pleasure! There are so many people and brands I love following that aren’t guilty at all like @jillian.harris (décor and lifestyle), @brooklynblonde1 (beauty and fashion), @glossier (brand ideas), @studiomcgee (décor) and so many more, but I won’t bore you.
Whose poster did you have on your bedroom wall when you were 12 years?
Probably Kurt Cobain and Smashing Pumpkins. Emo for life!
Next time you see Erin at one of our events, make sure you say "Hi"!