Today we’d like to introduce you to Ericka Harris.
Ericka, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I grew up in Corpus Christi, Texas and as a kid, I loved all the things. I loved people, I loved sports, I loved going to church, I loved singing and the arts. When I graduated high school, I went the traditional route and went to college to become a music teacher and was also serving as a volunteer at a high capacity in my church. A singing group of college-aged students came to perform at my church and said they were auditioning for new team members. I auditioned, got accepted and delayed my education for three years to travel with this non-profit full time. During the week, we would travel into elementary schools and perform character education shows and on the weekends we would sing in churches. This changed the trajectory of my life and this is where I met the love of my life. My husband and I have been married now for over 13 years and have been in full-time ministry ever since. We have three beautiful little girls and I have been a stay at home mom off and on but have always wanted to do something that combined everything that I loved, on my own terms and provide it for others.
For years, the concept of MADE has been on my heart. I have been in the fitness industry, continually learning about health and wellness, and developing opportunities to teach dance and performing. Almost two years ago, I spoke at an event and someone approached me and said, “You were made for this.” This struck a chord with me and my husband because we believe that God made us for more than we could ever imagine. On a long road trip, we looked at each other and decided to name our business MADE. It stands for Making A Difference Every day through health, fitness and the arts. We offer healthy teas, shakes, and coffee to the community. I am a personal trainer and fitness instructor and have the privilege of teaching kids, adults, and families through classes in the community at various gyms/studios. I also teach dance and voice lessons for kids as well. We are in the business of serving others and serving them well. We want to help our community be happier and healthier and that is how we got to where we are today.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
This road of life and business is never a smooth path, but the most beautiful trails rarely are. Being a mom, and at some points a stay-at-home mom, has been a joy but also very challenging. It took me years to get to this point in life as a business owner but the thing that propelled me into creating MADE was actually the toughest road my husband and I had ever had to travel. We announced on Christmas of 2017 that we were expecting our 3rd child. However, in January 2018, we miscarried. We were devastated. At that time, I was overworked, stressed and both my husband and I were at the unhealthiest weight we had ever been in our marriage. We decided to start a health journey and started training for a marathon to honor our baby that we lost. Fast forward just 5 months from then, and we had lost 70 pounds together and just wanted to share with others our journey to health. We had never really aspired to own our own business, but we have found ourselves surrounded by people who have helped us learn and grow along the way, and that shared or caught onto our vision. The greatest struggles in our lives have only led to the greatest opportunities. The heartache of miscarriage was not for nothing. It is amazing how God used that little life, no matter how brief, to truly change ours for the better. I truly believe that because of our intentional focus on our own health, physically, mentally, relationally and spiritually, we were blessed with being able to welcome into the world our precious third daughter in the Summer of 2019.
Please tell us about MADE.
MADE stands for Making A Difference Every day through health, fitness and the arts. Our business flyers say “How can we serve you?” This is what we set out to be known for in our community, that we serve others well. Whether it be through healthy teas or shakes, or through fitness classes or through dance and voice lessons for kids. We want to serve our community and meet their needs with what we offer. For instance, we were able to provide a pop-up for a fundraiser for a local high school, serving healthy energy drinks and coffee. While we were there, I was able to provide a free Zumba class for upwards of 50 people within their special needs department. I also teach a kid’s dance class on Wednesday nights (seasonally throughout the year) and we offer our drinks to the kids and parents. I teach a family fitness class at a local gym where I can encourage families to get healthy together. I am also honored to be in charge of the personal training and group fitness department at an all women’s gym in Gilbert, where I can encourage and empower women to be the best version of themselves. MADE ultimately exists to serve people and organizations, bringing healthy options, focusing on community and nutrition and making a difference every day. We want people to feel loved and to learn to be healthier… and in turn that will leave them happier. My husband and I are proud that MADE can make an impact on our community and we hope that is what people see and we hope that is what sets us apart.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I would have started sooner. In fact, I would have looked at life and business the same way you train for a marathon. You start small and you start with the end in mind. At some points on the journey, I sacrificed my health and my family time for the sake of going fast and not planning for the long haul. I know everything that has happened has shaped us and grown us to be able to run a business and to serve people well. And I truly believe that God’s timing is perfect. I have learned to trust that and to focus on the balance of business and family.
I love what I do… it just took me a little longer to see the vision and to believe in myself to be able to do it with confidence. My husband has always seen it in me… but I needed to see it for myself. We have a bigger vision for what we are doing and want to accomplish big things, but owning your own business is not a sprint… it’s a marathon.
Pricing:
- $7 teas
- $7 shakes
- $50 for dance (8-10 weeks)
Contact Info:
- Phone: 361.563.5179
- Email: made.ericka@gmail.com
- Instagram: Made_gilbert
- Facebook: MADE: Making A Difference Everyday
Image Credit:
Kayleigh D’arezzo (family photo)
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