Erica Rankin: YOU'RE NOT BEHIND.YOU'RE IN THE MIDDLE.
Notes from the messy middle
What it's really like to build a business and a life while you're still in the trenches, plus the tools helping me dig out. In your inbox every week.
HEY THERE,I'M ERICA!
I'm a founder sharing the in-between: the business that failed, the ones I'm building now (like gaggle, my social walking app), and everything it's teaching me about starting over.
I talk about the things most people only share once they've made it out:
- Starting over after a business fails
- Building the next thing in real time
- Shame, self-worth and accepting all of you
- Mental health while you're in the trenches
- Telling your story honestly online
ONE THAT FAILED, ONE I CO‑FOUNDED, ONE I'M BUILDING NOW
Tap a card to flip it.
Bro Dough
Founder · 2019 to 2024
Protein cookie dough you could enjoy while still reaching your health and fitness goals.
doozi
Co-founder · 2025 to 2026
A marketing agency and platform connecting travel creators with hospitality businesses.
gaggle
Founder & Chief Honk Officer · 2026
A social walking app for you and your silly goose friends.
Trusted by my audience.
Picky about my partners.
Real trust
I've shared the wins and the mess for years, and built an engaged audience that believes what I tell them.
Real use
I only share tools and resources I use myself and find valuable.
Limited spots
I accept a limited number of sponsorships, so yours isn't one of fifty.
Brand partnerships
Sponsored content on Instagram and LinkedIn, plus newsletter placements.
Sponsorship inquiriesSpeaking
Keynotes and panels on failure, reinvention, self-acceptance - and the storytelling of it all.
Book me to speak
You're Not a Bad Person Podcast
Remove shame. Remove fear. Become the best version of you. Welcome to a judgement free space.
Testimonials
Justin WelshSaturday Solopreneur, LinkedIn OS"I've followed Erica for several years, and she's one of the few creator entrepreneurs who has built a truly honest and authentic personal brand — not to mention a highly engaged community. She's showing other creators exactly how to embrace authenticity to achieve real impact — something many entrepreneurs fail to do."
Mike FataBest Selling Author, Investor and 9-Figure Entrepreneur"Erica is an authenticity expert for personal branding & community building. If you are looking to generate more opportunities by telling your story in a meaningful way, she's your go-to."
Brian ScudamoreDragon on CBC's Dragon's Den, Founder & CEO of 1-800-GOT-JUNK?"Erica is a storytelling genius! She understands how the power behind telling stories in a real and authentic way!"
Tobi OluwoleCEO, Magnate"Erica is one of the most authentic voices online. She's mastered the art of building a personal brand and doing it in the most trustworthy way. I love her content."
Peter HwangSerial Entrepreneur & VC, CEO & Founder of Tre'dish"Erica is an amazing consultant and true inspiration for me when it comes to social media and personal branding. She is proof that if you create authentic, honest and real content, your voice will have significantly more influence."
Linda LeCo-Founder, Create With Influence"Erica's vulnerability and authenticity is one of the reasons I was drawn to her content. I love the impact she puts out into the world to inspire people to be their whole and real selves. It's a rarity and one of a kind."
Suzie YorkeFounder of Love Good Fats & The Better Chocolate"I've followed Erica as she built her personal brand on several platforms… she has a magical touch and her authenticity shines through."
Karly JacobsenCo-Founder, Rviita"I've been following Erica's content for a long time now, and she never ceases to me amaze me with the value she provides. She is an amazing story teller, a personal branding superstar and an all around fantastic person to work with!"
Nicole BaranowskiFounder & CEO, Hairstrong"Erica leads by example. She has a lot of credibility because she's done it herself. She's not just reiterating something else she found on the internet, she found what works and is now helping others do the same & find what works for them. Her authenticity lies with her being vulnerable and shaping it in a way that's relatable to so many others who follow her lead."