Erin Washington is an author, lifestyle blogger, and mother of two from Northern VA. After struggling through two decades of eating disorders, she found her best body at 38 and wrote her first book, “Squats and Margaritas: A Journey to Finding Balance. Her book is now available on Amazon. She hopes to inspire other moms in making themselves a priority while finding true happiness. Aside from her book, she launched a line of Squats and Margaritas merchandise which includes tank tops, water bottles, and (Covid-19) masks. For more from Erin Washington, subscribe to Squats and Margaritas.
Can you tell us who you are, and what your purpose is with your book?
I’m a 38-year-old former division one athlete and mom of two toddlers. I’m proud to say I overcame decades of eating disorders and got in the best shape of my life (after having my kids!) by living life with balance.
My mission is to show other women how to live with balance (squats and margaritas!) to support and encourage them through their journey of finding themselves again. As I dedicate in my book, it’s for “the woman who lost herself”. I remind them that it’s not too late and that they’re not too old. Anybody can change their life.
What is your brand about? How did you come up with this idea?
My brand is about balance! I created it after losing 20 pounds by lifting heavier in the gym, while also allowing myself daily indulgences. For me, that’s a spicy margarita!
After trying every diet out there, and years of abusing my body through anorexia and bulimia, I finally figured out a formula that works. Balance. Balance is sustainable. It’s not a diet that you will eventually end up quitting.
Balance is a lifestyle I teach women, especially those who spend so much time in the gym only doing cardio and heavily restricting their calories. Women have been taught for such a long time that’s what we have to do for weight loss. After changing my process, I went on to lose twenty pounds. I was inspired to share this formula with women who are still frustrated by not losing weight. I’ve been there and understand the frustration. I know it can change their life because it changed mine.
How does your brand work?
I show women how to go harder at the gym, but also teach them to still enjoy life-balance. Women follow me for everyday tips and motivation, and to help them discover their best self.
Also, after finally disclosing my eating disorders to the world (in my book), I wanted my book and brand to have a bigger purpose. A portion of my merchandise sales goes to Project HEAL which helps fund treatment for those with eating disorders. I’m also in the process of becoming a mentor for Project HEAL.
I work hard every day to inspire moms to find themselves again. Once women have children, they no longer make themselves a priority, and it’s easy to lose their true identity. You’re not going to be truly happy every day until you’re happy with your body.
Do you have a giveaway?
I am happy to give away my book and a “WILL SQUAT FOR MARGARITAS” tank top!
What challenges did you face getting started? What are your daily challenges in business?
Growing my audience is a challenge. It gets frustrating to work so hard putting out relatable, informative content, then feeling like no one will see it. It seemed like similar lifestyle brands had huge followings and that was daunting. But someone once told me to stop comparing myself to other brands that have been around much longer.
My brand is still in its infancy. I had to stop comparing my following and engagement to brands that have been established for years. You just have to keep grinding. If you’re putting out great content, people will find you and start paying attention.
How do you manage your business finances?
I opened a credit card to buy all of my merchandise inventory. I don’t receive any funding. I use PayPal and Wix payments to process my merchandise payments. My book is available on Amazon so they process the payments and take care of the printing and distribution. Amazon pays me royalties quarterly.
What do you see for the future? What is the next level for you?
I want Squats and Margaritas to be a well-recognized slogan/motto. I hope to expand my merchandise line, but am starting with just a few items to see what resonates most with my customers.
Ultimately, I would love to host a talk show one day. I recently launched an Instagram live called, “Talks and Margaritas” and have landed guests like Chris Kirkpatrick from NSYNC, Monique Samuels from the Real Housewives of Potomac, and two-time World Series Champion Johnny Damon. I love talking to people and finding out their stories. I could see myself doing this on a larger scale someday once my brand grows.
Do you have a message for other creators who want to build a brand and make a living through it?
Do it. You have to at least try or you’ll never know what could’ve happened. Just make sure you’re passionate about it. If you are, it’s not work. You’re just doing what you love every day.
I would also recommend doing the things that you’re good at. Know your strengths. For example, I used to model and am comfortable speaking in front of the camera, so aside from content creation, I am the model for my products.
I’m also the photographer (iPhone) and video editor (iMovie), so I’m not paying for those services. I give fellow influencers merchandise in exchange for them posting it on their social media, so I’m not paying money to advertise either. When it came to the book, I knew I could write it, but I had someone professionally typeset the interior and another professional design my cover. That was not in my wheelhouse. Take advantage of social media to promote your brand!
Facebook and Instagram make it so easy for you to run highly-targeted ad campaigns. They provide insights so you can see what’s working and what isn’t. You don’t have to pay for a marketing company or publicist to promote your brand effectively.
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
In my teens and 20’s, I struggled so much with self-confidence and body image. You could’ve never told me that the girl who spent a decade of her life abusing her body and hiding a serious eating disorder, would at 38, launch a lifestyle brand to help women find their best selves. It’s honestly surreal.
Squats and Margaritas
Website URL : squatsandmargaritas.com
Instagram URL : @SquatsandMargaritas