We recently had the chance to connect with Erica Passic and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Erica, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Absolutely, I’d hire me in a heartbeat! I’m a relentless go-getter with a ‘find a way or make one’ attitude—if the answer doesn’t exist yet, I’ll manifest it. I bring a rare blend of deep empathy and a visionary lens; I can see the end goal clearly and effortlessly pull it into reality. While I know I have the engine to work harder, I’ve learned the power of giving myself grace. I wear many hats—mom, wife, community partner, and entrepreneur—and I’ve realized that if I don’t set boundaries to be present, I’m just a ghost haunting my own life. I’m here for a great time, not a long time, so I work with intention and soul. Plus, I’m resourceful enough to survive a horror movie, which is exactly the kind of energy you want in a fast-paced environment. I’m the ‘final girl’ of productivity—resilient, focused, and always one step ahead of the chaos.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Erica, aka Dawl.
I am a lifestyle content creator with over five years of experience specializing in high-engagement storytelling. My content spans from home decor to culinary reviews and family-focused travel. What sets my channel apart is my deep connection with my community—I don’t just post; I start conversations. With my experience in the digital space, I have mastered the art of blending aesthetic inspiration with real-life relatability. My journey started with a passion for home decor and food, but has grown into a full-scale lifestyle platform that includes family adventures and seasonal celebrations.
For me, Halloween isn’t a season—it’s a lifestyle. I’ve carved out a unique space where home decor meets horror culture. Whether I’m documenting the latest horror convention, reviewing spooky-themed eats, or traveling to find the world’s most haunted stays, I bring my community along for the thrill. I specialize in blending family-friendly lifestyle content with a dark, aesthetic edge that keeps my audience engaged 365 days a year. I am a firm believer that the best content is a two-way street. I pride myself on the tight-knit community I’ve built—one that trusts my recommendations for everything from the best travel gear for kids to the perfect spooky-season setup. I don’t just create content; I create connections.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was the moment I finally found my voice to set up boundaries and protect my peace. For a long time, that voice was buried under fear, but bringing it into the light changed everything. I realized then that true power isn’t about control; it’s about escaping, “fight or flight”, and finally stepping into the light. When you are truly present in the moment—not haunted by the past or anxious about the future—your soul becomes light and bright enough to scare away any lingering ghosts. It turns out, the most terrifying thing to the darkness is a person who isn’t afraid to say “no” and stand their ground.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that haunted me the most was the desperate need for outside validation. I spent too much time surrounded by noise—voices that didn’t belong to me—which led me to sell myself short at every turn. It was like I was waiting for someone else to hand me a map of my own worth.
I eventually realized that the most terrifying thing to the darkness is a person who isn’t afraid to say “no” and stand their ground. When you stand tall and refuse to let doubt take root, you reclaim your power. I’ve learned to love myself so deeply that the only validation I ever truly need is the reflection in the mirror. Now, I live by the rule: **Water what waters you.** Remember, you aren’t just a guest in this life; you are the garden itself. If you nurture your own soul and become your own highest authority, you become a force that no shadow can dim.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
I think the public version of me is as genuine as it gets—just with a slightly higher brightness setting and a few more smiles! I’m a firm believer in transparency; I don’t have the energy to maintain a facade when I’m busy building a life. What you see is me!
Whether I’m tagging brands I love or “delusionally” chasing my next big goal, that’s my authentic spirit in action. I might polish the delivery for the world, but the core—the mom, the wife, the friend remains exactly the same. I’ve worked too hard to find my voice and stand my ground to ever hide it again. I’m an open book, just written in a very bold, slightly spooky, and incredibly resilient!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am definitely doing what I was meant to do! To quote the legendary Britney Spears: “There are only two types of people in the world. The ones that entertain and the ones that observe. Well, baby, I’m a put-on-a-show kinda girl.”
For a long time, I thought I was supposed to do what I was told, but that was really boring. I knew I was meant to shine. Whether I’m combining my skills, building my brand in public, or planning my next big move in Tennessee, I am in control now. I’ve stopped following the script given to me and started writing my own—one that’s vibrant, a little spooky, and full of authentic energy. I am an entertainer, a visionary, and a creator. I’ve never been more excited about the bright, loud future I’m building.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.whatadawl.com
- Instagram: @whatadawl
- Facebook: @dawlsbowtique
- Youtube: @whatadawl
- Other: Threads: @Whatadawl
