By: Ananta Ripa Ajmera, Founder, SoulWisdom Press & PR, Co-founder and Director, The Ancient Way and Jennifer Waters, SoulWisdom Press & PR
“A winner is a dreamer that never gives up” – Nelson Mandela
Author and successful real estate investor Erica Odom gives the youth of society a compelling practical guide, “Journey to Success The “Unforgotten” Teen: (All the Things You Don’t Get Taught),” in which readers discover that they don’t have to come from riches to build wealth and prosper. Odom started out as many people do, struggling to make ends meet to now having assets, options, time, wealth, and multiple streams of income that give her the financial freedom to live her best life. Her story challenges what it means to fail and teaches that people often underestimate their abilities to obtain financial goals. Odom’s book gives youth the vital starting tools they need to demystify finances so that they, too, can find success as a regular person from any background.
In this interview, Odom shares the inspiring story of how she overcame adversity and encourages that anyone can take control of their financial future.
What inspired you to write your books?
Erica Odom: I wrote my books because of my journey. When I was able to rebuild myself and continue to go after my goals to be a real estate investor and a millionaire, I told myself I wanted to be a part of the change in the world by individually doing my part. My books are meant to give people factual information, basic concepts, and all the things needed to get them going on their journey. I always told myself that I never wanted people to experience the things I had to experience due to my lack of knowledge, and I am determined to break negative habits and generational cycles when it comes to financial literacy and wealth building in my personal family but also in several minority families around the world.
What challenges or obstacles have you faced in your life or career, and how have you overcome them?
Erica Odom: As a woman in what they call a “man’s field,” I have faced many challenges. People are often shocked and in disbelief when I tell them I am a real estate investor and that I flip houses. I have experienced sexist comments, inappropriate comments/gestures, and several times have been attempted to be taken advantage of from contractors trying to over-price me for a job. In November 2023, I actually had a contractor take my $1,500 deposit and never complete the job or return the deposit. I had to take him to small claims court and am still awaiting to be compensated for the judgment. I have maintained my sanity through all this through positive affirmations, through prayer, and reminding myself that I can do this and I am doing this. I also receive a lot of emotional support from friends and family. It also has helped that I have built my own team, so oftentimes, I work with individuals that I have worked with several times before, and the respect is mutual.
What is your core message that you feel called to spread and share in the world via your book?
Erica Odom: My books teach the basic fundamentals of financial literacy and the home-buying process, but they are meant to give people a different viewpoint on failure and challenges. In my journey, I face “failure” and challenges. I lost everything: money, had to file bankruptcy, intentionally ruined my credit, lived paycheck to paycheck, sold my home as a short sale, and the list goes on. The key is I didn’t allow these challenges to make me quit. Failure is needed and necessary on everyone’s personal journey, and it helps them grow. Failure is not a bad thing. Failure is only failure when a person stops and gives up on themself and their dreams and goals. But if you “fail” and continue to strive forward and don’t quit, you are actually the definition of true success and a winner.
What sets you apart from others in your industry, and what unique perspective do you bring to the world through your books?
Erica Odom: I believe what sets me apart is number one: I am a real person. I have struggled, I have lived paycheck to paycheck, and have failed more than once on my financial journey to success. The difference is I have never quit. I always keep going. I don’t just throw stats and things from a book I read to people. I give experience through things that I know to be true because I have personally experienced them. I didn’t come from a family of wealth, and I was not the “rich kid” growing up who knew financial literacy. I had to grow through life and figure it out!
Where do you see yourself in a few years? What are some of your dreams and aspirations?
Erica Odom: I believe I will be very wealthy and in position to help people all over the world. I will have real estate all over the world. In 2021, I had the opportunity to tour Egypt for 8 days. This was a very impactful experience, and ever since my goal is to make it back there to help the children who live there.
You can learn more about Erica Odom here and find her book on Amazon.
Published by: Holy Minoza
