Erin Vavasseur - Inspirational Women
FULL INTERVIEW
MGM: Where were you born and raised?
Erin: Born right here in Baton Rouge, Louisiana!
MGM: In which city do you mostly reside?
Erin: Although I live in Baton Rouge, I spend most of my time in Central!
MGM: What is you educational background and/or experience?
Erin: I graduated from Dutchtown High School back in 2012, and studied Microbiology at Southeastern University of Louisiana. The unconventional creative in me eventually realized the medical field was not my true passion and I left traditional schooling. Since then, I have been continuously expanding my education in Photography, having taken extensive courses on Lighting, Composition, Set Design, Body Language/Posing and Social Media Marketing!
MGM: Currently, where are you employed?
Erin: I work full-time with Moody V Photograph, Lead Model at Modern Grace Magazine, and part-time at Coconut Willy's Daiquiris in Central.
MGM: What is your job title?
Erin: Owner/Photographer, Model, and Bartender!
MGM: If you haven’t lived in Louisiana your entire life, what led you to move here?
Erin: So I have lived here MOST of my life! I did move to Colorado Springs in 2014 and it was the experience of a lifetime! The weather and mountains were some of the most beautiful views I have ever had a chance to witness. But as beautiful as it was, it just wasn't home!
MGM: What is your favorite part about living here?
Erin: As much as I want to say the food (because seriously, our food is INCREDIBLE), I've got to go with the people! There is absolutely nothing quite like true Southern love and hospitality, as many of us have witnessed first hand over the years with all of the natural disasters that pass through our home state. The kind, giving, warm and welcoming nature of Louisiana people will always leave me proud to call this place home!
MGM: What is an event in your life that significantly changed the course of it?
Erin: Something significant that changed the course of my life would definitely be the attempt on my life when I was 16 years old.
MGM: What negative impacts did that event have for you, even if only temporary?
Erin: There were so many negative impacts from that event in my life. At that time I was suffering from severe depression/anxiety, trauma, body dysmorphia and struggled to find or recognize value in myself. I truly felt that life would have been better for everyone if I was no longer around.
MGM: What good came out of that event for you? How did it improve your life?
Erin: If my suicide attempt was successful, my life would have ended at 16. I never would have graduated high school or made it to college. I never would have gotten the chance to meet my husband, get married and start a family of my own. My business would not exist today if I never stuck around to further my passion for photography and the arts. As much as it didn't seem like it then- Nothing BUT good came from that experience.
MGM: How do you feel you have overcome that event?
Erin: I am a walking testimony of being able to overcome some of the darkest moments in your life! I have gotten the opportunity to achieve so many great things in the past 12 years. On top of just being alive, I no longer have severe depression/anxiety, struggle with self-image OR self-worth! I am excited to wake up every day and experience all of the beauty this world has to offer, and I owe it all to that 16 year old girl.
MGM: What advice would you give to someone who is going through something similar?
Erin: If I could give out any advice to anyone who may be going through something similar, I would say this: Please do not try to solve your temporary problem with a permanent solution. I PROMISE that your best is yet to come!
MGM: When was a time that you stuck up for yourself and how did that enhance your life?
Erin: 2016 was the year I first stood up for myself. In 2014, I was living 1200 miles from the only place I had ever called home. I was also in a relationship that was very toxic and, at times, even abusive. I was not allowed to have friendships, wear the clothes I wanted or even leave the house by myself. Feeling more alone than ever, I began to recluse back into the familiar mental anguish of anxiety, depression, and disassociation that I escaped from just a few years before. It took 2 years and a visit to Louisiana by myself for me to remember my worth. 2 years before I finally said "I don't deserve this and enough is enough." I reached out to my boyfriend and told him I would not be returning on my flight home. I had never felt so free in my life and from that moment on, I have never allowed anyone to make me feel less than what I am.
MGM: Have you received any special awards, recognition, or acknowledgements?
Erin: I have been published as a Photographer, Model AND Author! How cool is that?!
MGM: What quality about yourself are you most grateful for?
Erin: The quality that I admire most about myself would definitely be my caring/compassionate nature. I am 100% EMPATH!
MGM: What about yourself are you most proud?
Erin: I am most proud of myself for getting over my fear of living. Growing up, I was very timid. I was very anxious/nervous/scared about a lot of things. That carried over into my teenage/early adult years, and I would constantly procrastinate or give up or miss out on certain things. After a bad relationship and making MANY promises to myself, I finally got out of my own way and I am so glad I did!! Ever since, so many incredible opportunities and life events have come to fruition for me and I could not be more grateful!
MGM: What do you consider to be your life motto?
Erin: My life motto is actually a C.S. Lewis quote! "Hardships often prepare ordinary people for extraordinary destiny"
MGM: Who inspires, or has inspired, you in your life? (I.e.: a parent, an author, a civil rights leader)
Erin: One of my role models is Boudoir Photographer/Mentor/Educator Alaynna Marr! She is such a kind, helpful, encouraging and uplifting asset in the photography community, all while being her creative/weird/genuine self!
MGM: Here can be the hardest one for many, tell us about yourself. Anything additional you want to share? It can be anything from your favorite recipe, to the worst time of your life. Anything more you want to share with us.
Erin: I absolutely LOVE vegetables!! I have been trying to incorporate more vegetarian meals into my diet so here is one of my favorite recipes I have come across so far! *** I added bacon because who doesn't love bacon?!
Creamy Garlic Brussel Sprouts
10 ounces bacon, cut into strips
2 tablespoons butter
2 pounds Brussel sprouts, washed, (trim bottoms and cut sprouts in half)
Salt and pepper to season
5 cloves garlic finely chopped
1 1/2 cups (400 ml) light or heavy cream, (thickened cream)
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (cornstarch slurry -- optional)
1/2 cup fresh shredded or grated parmesan cheese
Preheat oven to 375°F | 190°C.
Fry the bacon in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel lined plate to soak up some of the oil. Set aside.
Drain most of the bacon fat from the pan, leaving about 1-2 tablespoons for added flavor (adjust this amount to your liking). In the same pan, melt the butter, then add the Brussels sprouts and season with salt and pepper. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, and cook while stirring occasionally, for about 6 minutes. The edges should start crisping and slightly charring.
Add in the garlic and stir it through the sprouts for a minute, until fragrant. Pour in the cream, reduce heat down to low and allow them to simmer until tender (another 3-4 minutes).
If the cream is too thin for your liking, add in the cornstarch slurry, stirring it through immediately, until combined.
Add the bacon in and give everything a good mix to combine all of the flavors together. Top the sprouts with the parmesan cheese. Bake until cheese is bubbly and sprouts are done to your liking (about 15 minutes). If you like your cheese browned, change oven settings to broil for 2-3 minutes, until golden. Season with more salt and pepper to taste, and top with parsley!