Episode 223: From Hustle to Healing: Erica Rankin on Identity, Shame, and Starting Over

In today’s episode, I’m joined by the incredibly brave and beautiful soul, Erica Rankin. From the outside, Erica had built what many would call success — a business she launched into hundreds of stores, a growing personal brand, and all the achievements we’re taught to chase.

But what she shares with us today is the truth behind that success: the patterns, pain, and stories that kept her running — and the moment she realized none of it was ever going to make her feel “enough.”

Erica opens up about the parts of her journey that most people would keep hidden — her time in sex work, the spiral of seeking worth through her body, business, relationships, and performance. More than anything, this is a conversation about courage. You’ll hear how she learned to stop abandoning herself and start writing a new story — one that aligns with the woman she was always meant to be.

I hope this conversation serves you. If it does, I’d be honored if you shared it with someone who needs it. Your healing is powerful. And your story — just like Erica’s — matters more than you know.

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Connect with Erica:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/acceptingerica/

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

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Connect with Deanna:

Instagram: @deannaherrin

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanna-herrin/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thedeannaherrin

Website: http://www.deannaherrin.net

If you or someone you know is looking for support while exiting the sex industry or healing from exploitation, here are a few trusted resources offering confidential help, compassion, and tools for rebuilding:

• Treasures (US): iamatreasure.com
• The Cupcake Girls (US): thecupcakegirls.org
• Beyond the Streets (UK): beyondthestreets.org.uk
• RESET (Canada): reset.ngo
• A21 (Global): a21.org