Meet Erin Swift | Creative Director + Omni-channel Creative Executive + Brand builder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Swift and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Honestly, I never really planned to start my own business; it just happened. Picture this: I was the market editor at Architectural Digest, basically one of the original influencers, deciding trends, scouting the coolest new products, and crafting the AD style. Then, out of the blue, I went from being a part of this huge company to running my own. It was that abrupt, like many things in my career. I’ve always been the type to get thrown into the deep end and somehow learn to swim.

The shift to starting my own business felt like a sudden leap, but in hindsight, it was a natural step. I wasn’t following a meticulous plan; it was more of an instinctive jump. My years shaping trends and styles had sharpened my vision and innovation. And as an entrepreneur? Well, I’ve always been someone who embraces risks and strategies with a kind of eager anticipation. Motherhood added another layer to this – the drive to build something meaningful and make the most of my time.

So, here I am, a blend of a creative director, entrepreneur, and mom, having dived into this new venture. It’s a mix of professional savvy, personal values, and life’s unpredictable twists. Sure, it’s been like navigating uncharted waters, but with resilience, creativity, and a bit of that ‘learn as you go’ spirit, I’ve managed to carve out my own path in this wild journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art and leadership are deeply intertwined, with a focus on understanding people, caring about causes, and harnessing an entrepreneurial spirit. This unique blend sets me apart. While my creative side is instinctive, it’s the people aspect I work on daily.

I’m most proud of how this approach has shaped my journey. It hasn’t been easy; there have been significant challenges. Overcoming them involved persistence, learning from every setback, and constantly evolving my skills in both art and leadership.

The key lessons? Stay true to your vision, be adaptable, and never underestimate the power of empathy. My goal is for the world to see my brand as a reflection of these values – a blend of creativity, leadership, and a deep commitment to understanding and empowering people.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So, I just put together this exact itinerary for a friend. Here’s the deal: I am an NYC vet and I rarely venture above 14th Street – I’m all about downtown vibes. We eat, walk, and look at beautiful things that’s what I like to do. So downtown for most things especially food spots but, when it comes to pizza, that’s a different story. Despite the abundance of great options downtown, we always end up at Paulie Gees at 60 Greenpoint Ave. It’s just that good.

If it’s rainy, or we’re in the mood for some artistic inspiration, we’ll hit up the Whitney. On a nice day, nothing beats a stroll along the Highline. For shopping, it’s CHCM for men’s wear, and Ulla Johnson, Frankies and Nepenthes for me.

And then with my son on every chance I can so we’re strolling through a park. He loves the swings at Stuytown or Tompkins. And to top it all off (or a great start to the day), we never miss grabbing a La Colombe coffee at Lafayette. It’s the perfect spot for coffee and some top-notch people-watching.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely, let’s dive into this! Reflecting on my nearly two-decade-long career, marked by soaring highs and challenging lows, I realize that my journey has been shaped significantly by the support and influence of many incredible individuals and experiences.

Firstly, I must shout out to Laura Harrigan for giving me my first opportunity. It’s amazing how a single chance can set the stage for everything that follows. Then there’s Adam Glassman, the Creative Director at Oprah, who offered me my first major role. The experience I gained there was invaluable.

I must also credit Margaret Russell (my EIC at Elle Decor and AD) and now the Chief Editorial Officer at RH Media for teaching me the tough lessons of the design world. This experience was pivotal in defining who I am today, helping me understand exactly who I want and do not want to be.

The journey wouldn’t have been the same without numerous colleagues and friends. A significant milestone was getting sober eight years ago, which transformed my career and my entire life.

I am incredibly grateful to my teammates and all the people who have worked with me and for me. Special mentions go to Scott Frost, Candice Goor, Martha Abbott, Thomas Tomzcat, Steffi Fitzpatrick, and Eliza Crater. I’ve learned that sometimes the people you mentor can end up mentoring you in unexpected ways.

In recent years, my “husband”/partner has been an invaluable part of my journey, offering calm and logical advice when I most needed it. His perspective has often been the grounding force I need.

Finally, I must acknowledge the role of challenges in my career. They have been tough but have pushed me forward, providing opportunities for growth and making me a better person. I’ve come to appreciate that there’s hardly any situation or experience I can’t understand now. Whether it’s running a multi-billion-dollar company or a small startup, I’ve garnered the experience, know-how, grit, and passion necessary to succeed.

My story is a tapestry woven with the threads of various people’s influences, experiences, and lessons learned along the way. Each of them deserves recognition for their part in my journey.

Website: http://www.erinswift.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erinswift/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinswift/

Image Credits
Nick Eucker, Jonny Valiant, Jonny Valiant, Danielle Levitt, Sean Roberson, David Prince, Sean Roberson, Thomas Tomczak