Erika Heynatz

Name: Erika Heynatz
Age: 33
Occupation: TV Presenter, Actress, Recording Artist

She's a model turned TV presenter, actress and singer /songwriter, having worked acrossfilm, television, radio and print media. Erika is motivated and inspired by creative communication and thrives on having a multi-faceted career. Herr passions include music, art, travel, culture, fashion, film, food, family and friends.

Who was your role model/s when you were a teen?
I don't remember having a role model although my older sister was essentially the closest and most readily available role model, and probably a couple of her cool friends.

How did your role model/s help you?
I think I probably just followed my sister around and watched closely, read her magazines, borrowed her clothes, eavesdropped on her experiences, tried out her makeup, and lusted after her boyfriends. She was the initiator of most of the new and exciting and unknown areas. I shamelessly copied her style, her new words, her body language and other behaviour.

What role or influence do you think role models have?
They have the potential to provide an insight to new experiences and ideas, offer guidance, motivation, and inspiration.

What were some of the issues you faced as a teen?
As a teenager my main concerns were simply fitting in at school. The big worries were my skin, my clothes, my body (period, boobs etc), boys, grades, sports ability and performing ability (theatre, ballet etc) and independence. In the later years there was issues related to drugs and alcohol, sexuality, sex, getting a driving license and university admission.

How did you overcome these issues?
I don't know that I did overcome many of them; I simply learned to handle/navigate a few of the issues slightly better. I eventually learned to leave my skin alone (nurture rather than attack) and let it run it's course.I simply endured the teasing and taunting, I accepted that I would wear clothes Mum made me rather than get new stuff (and appreciate it). I learned to fight fairly, ask for help, drink responsibly, say no when something wasn't right or I wasn't ready. I poured energy into study rather than partying and assured myself that most of the discomfort was temporary. I chose creative outlets for most of my frustrations and as a result I was able to distance myself from some of the trouble I experienced. I was regularly reassured by my mother that the kids at school weren't going to be the people I would be stuck with forever and that was a comfort.

What do you remember most about being a teen?
I remember my teen years as being a pretty tough time. Friendships were mostly difficult and fickle, and the physical and hormonal changes were awkward and unkind at the best of times. There was a great deal of confusion and anger towards my family (who I was convinced were against me). I was in love with a boy who wasn't in love with me for most of my high school, and they weren't exactly flush times financially. But it was also a time where I was really passionate about study and sport, public speaking, music and drama, because they gave me a real sense of personal power, expression, connection and achievement.

What qualities do you think you possess that has helped you succeed in your chosen field?
I am very ambitious by nature. I have a strong work ethic, I adapt easily and flourish with change and challenge. I am resilient, I nourish my professional relationships and environment, and I am never complacent and I really love what I do.

Outside of career success, what is it that you are most proud of?
I am proud of the strength and depth of the friendships (both professional and personal), the contributions I make to the charities I support, the incredible relationship I have with my partner and the life we have built together, and how I have evolved as a person.

Do you undertake activities to help others/community?
I am an ambassador and passionate supporter of the AIDS trust. One of the most significant moments in my involvement with the charity was raising funds to record an album by HIV/AIDS affected Indigenous artists based on education and healing. I work with a number of Cancer charities, and recently ran my first half marathon for Cure for Cancer. I am an ambassador for the Humane Society, campaigning for causes such as anti-whaling, anti-fur.

Your advice to youths about realising their own potential…
I believe it's really important to enjoy the process of working towards goals, realising your potential is a process that should be constant because we are always capable of doing/being better, more and differently. Learn to thrive on challenge, and seek environments and people who push you to be your best. Be patient with yourself, there's a real joy in discovering things about yourself and the world step by step. Faith and persistence are really important qualities to have, don't give up on yourself if it doesn't make sense, feel right, and yield results, or success immediately. Don't underestimate the value of your contribution in whatever you choose to do at any stage of your journey. Genuine effort and the energy is felt, recognised and rewarded in weird and wonderful ways when you least expect it.

When it comes to how you live your life, what are the most important factors/values?
I value love, happiness, health, respect, honesty, passion, equality, freedom, wisdom, humour, hope, adventure, fun, empowerment, spontaneity, courage, creativity, and spirituality. The list goes on…

Why do you think you make a good role model?
I'm the first to admit to being far from perfect, but I've embraced the faults and defects, jumped more than a few hurdles, and I've survived in a notoriously difficult industry and remain driven pursuing my goals. I'm committed to making a contribution to the happiness of the people in my life and I'm constantly striving to achieve a balanced and healthy life for myself. I think this perhaps allows me to offer some perspective to others. A good role model needs to have the desire to share their experiences, and use their insights to help where and when they can. For me, that's a start!