Recently, I caught up with award-winning actress Erica Hubbard! She is also a producer, writer, author, and philanthropist!! Erica can be seen gracing our screens in a plethora of films like “Akeelah and the Bee, Save The Last Dance, Black Coffee, The Assistant 1 & 2, and many more, portraying some of the most amazing and intriguing characters we’ve ever seen. Currently, she is portraying the role of “Ernestine” SO exceptionally in Carl Weber’s The Family Business: New Orleans, which you can watch on BETPlus! Not only does she have a passion for acting, but she also is passionate about giving back and helping others. Erica is a true example of what it looks like when you let your passion guide you leading you on a path of following your dreams while remaining open to learning new things. What an inspiration she is to us all!! Check out her interview below to learn more!

What led you into a journey of acting? 

My journey in acting began at the age of nine in Chicago, where I took theater classes with Piven Theater. My dad helped me find agents once he knew I loved the performing arts business. I ended up booking a lot of commercials, such as Chick-fil-A, and was suddenly asked by my agents to seek roles in TV and film. Once I booked a role on the series ER, I found myself working on a film called Save The Last Dance, which helped to launch my career. I went to Columbia College, took classes in theater, and graduated with a Communications Degree. Once I moved to California, I instantly found myself on the set of Akeelah and The Bee filming the role of Kiana alongside Keke Palmer, Angela Bassett, and Laurence Fishburne!

Let’s talk about Carl Weber’s The Family Business: New Orleans! You are phenomenal!! I think the role that you portray is so intriguing. Tell us about it! How did the role of “Ernestine” come about for you, and what was your preparation like?

So great to have worked with some of the producers before on “Black Coffee,” and the working relationship was truly amazing! I’m very happy that we are working together again! The producers sent me the scripts, and I connected with the role of Ernestine immediately. I signed on to be a part of the project once I read the remarkable writing of Carl Weber. The layers this character possesses are very intriguing, from her love life to her fortune-telling work. The character grasped my attention because she has a multi-faceted personality, and I love the fact that we get to see her at work in a professional environment but open up in such a vulnerable way during her leisure time. It’s a tremendous honor to be in a series with so many talented individuals. Such a great experience working opposite so many talented thespians!

 Let’s talk about your excellence and the many beautiful hats you wear in the world of acting. I understand that you are also a writer and producer as well. Having produced “My Perfect Wedding,” “The Deadly Type,” and more, How imperative was it for you to learn these different skills within the acting world?

I think it’s very important to learn other aspects of creating a project as a writer and producer out of love for the arts. Being so passionate about storytelling has led me to learn how each department on a production thoroughly works in film as well as television. Everyone’s job is vital in the creativity process on a project, and I love assisting to make the best possible production as a producer, actress, and writer so our audience wholeheartedly enjoys our hard work.

As an actress, you have so much range!! I think that with anything we do in this life, our evolution and elevation are endless in whatever field we choose. With all that you’ve accomplished thus far in the entertainment business, what more do you hope to accomplish in the future? How will you continue your evolution and elevation as an actor?

I hope to keep creating stories our audience desires to see and work with many more talented individuals in our entertainment industry to hopefully receive more awards through my production company, E. Hubbard Production’s. We are looking to film a multitude of genres to keep entertaining our followers. We have comedy, Holiday Mistletoe written by me, as well as a period piece. I am reading all the messages from supporters of my work and making sure I choose projects that people are requesting I do more of. I love reading all the feedback, and I am so appreciative of everyone’s response to all the work I put into the arts. 

Out of all the many roles you have portrayed thus far, which one was your most memorable and why?

I loved being Cassie on Lincoln Heights while it lasted, but I immensely enjoy the role of Ernestine! I’m honored to be given the opportunity to portray a fortune teller on Carl Weber’s The Family Business New Orleans. I learned a New Orleans accent, and I was thrilled every time someone sent me a message saying how impressed they were with my character overall. My grandmother is from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and I am extremely thrilled to film in NOLA because my heritage is from Louisiana! 

Not only are you an exceptionally talented actor, producer, and writer, but you are also a philanthropist!!! You’re so amazing!! Tell us about “The Erica Hubbard Foundation” and why you started it. 

I am always glad to give back to our community, either by working with another philanthropist or working for my non-profit! My non-profit mentors at-risk youth to empower and inspire them to further their education and motivate everyone to stay in school. Also, we offer scholarships to those students who excel in school and are graduating and attending college/university. I just completed a course at Yale University, “The Science of Wellness” and received a certification, and I feel it’s always vital to keep learning. 

When you’re not busy, how do you practice self-care in order to maintain your well-being?

Practicing self-care is detrimental to our well-being. I love exercising, meditating, journaling, reading books, and traveling as a form of relaxation. Spa days are a great way for me to unwind as well, and I love getting massages regularly. 

Before you go, drop a gem or some great advice for our readers out there. Feel free to say whatever compels you. I like to call this section Unpacking Her Thoughts. Let them know, Queen! 

Each of us goes as far as we think we may go! Our minds are very powerful, and once we activate it to aim high in our achievements, we all can inspire each other to unlock greatness. Keep striving daily to become better at achieving your manifestations and empower others to believe that dreams do come true! Operate in love as well as gratitude in life, center yourself around optimistic individuals, and always try to be of good cheer to thrive in happiness. 

Thank you so much, Erica!

Keep up the amazing work, Queen!

Keep up with Erica Hubbard:

Website: http://www.ericahubbard.info/⁣⁣⁣
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1ericahubbard?igsh=ZjhoamkwaXZhcnV1⁣⁣⁣
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@1ericahubbard⁣⁣⁣