Erica Lynn Haley Williams is a fourth generation vocalist and guitar player in the Haley Family. She isn't alone with her son, cousin, an aunt actively playing today. Moreover, her father, grandfather, great-uncles, and great-grandfather possessed the skill. Erica's other grandfather was an accomplished visual artist who used his talent in marketing. His focus was painting murals. Erica inherited her passion for art and music and was encouraged to draw and be creative.
When Erica was six her parents separated. Her father became disabled from bi-polar disorder and her mother leaned further into alcoholism and addictions. Life rocked and rolled until it no longer resembled the family. With both parents spiralling, Erica had entered a new chapter. However, she loved the opportunity she still has living in and around Dallas because it gave her a wide perspective of culture especially artistically. Even at a young age, Erica was an optimist.
Despite the setbacks her parents continued to raise her a Christian with high standards and expectations to fulfill. All the while, Erica mother made her hide deep family secrets. This led to adult size worries, PTSD, and anxiety starting at 8. School and books became her escape. Despite moving and changing schools almost every year, she excelled. She credits her brothers as her role models encouraging her to work hard.
Erica and her sister had a complicated childhood that led to them growing up too fast. Later, the separation from her sister and transition into living in another state was difficult. However, it was in these moments Erica knew she would tell her story one day and write a book.
The following year after moving to Kentucky with her father, Erica was awarded Art Student of Year at her 8th grade graduation. The next year Erica was awarded a scholarship from the Mayfield Graves County Art Guild to attend a week long drawing and painting workshop at Murray State University. She attended the workshop again the following year. Erica was listed in Who's Who twice in high school. She received Art Student of The Year in 1999 when she graduated.
After high school Erica was employed by Hillview Studios. Later she became assistant manager of the call room. She married in 2003 and had a child. Then started taking classes part time at WKCTC until she graduated with an Associate of Art. Then she earned a BA in HR from Ashford University years later. Teachers complimented her writing and encouraged her to pursue her dream of becoming an author. Business classes equipped her with the knowledge to become an entrepreneur.
Erica was diagnosed with scoliosis in her twenties. Her condition was painful. Later came more diagnosis and several surgeries. Meanwhile, she started writing her memoirs and taking extra writing classes. Her journey included overcoming obstacles with healthy eating, exercise, and meditation. She used therapy, deep breathing, sound therapy, and tapping to overcome these challenges.
Currently Erica is a mentor and volunteer in her community. She is a musician, artist, author, and entrepreneur. After her next writing projects, she plans on releasing books. Her long term plans include building her brand around her art and music and opening an art studio.
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