From Cancer and Divorce to Multi-Millionaire: Erica Carrico's Story of Unstoppable Spirit
When we think of "success," we often envision a seamless journey—a life paved with lucky breaks and little hardship. But the reality is often far different. Resilience, our ability to navigate life’s challenges, plays a pivotal role in shaping success. While some of it is innate, resilience can be strengthened by learning how to face adversity with courage and adaptability. Erica Carrico’s story redefines success. As a single mother who overcame cancer, weathered a painful divorce, and still built a multi-million-dollar soul coaching business from the ground up, Erica’s journey is a powerful example of resilience, determination, and the unyielding strength of the human spirit.
Today, Erica Carrico is the CEO of Soul Business Collective. An award-winning Soulful Business Coach and self-made millionaire, she views those past challenges as opportunities—a mindset she couldn’t embrace at the time.
“The challenges I faced as a mother dealing with cancer and subsequently choosing divorce were monumental,” she says, “but now I can see they were also catalysts for profound change in my life."
For years before her cancer diagnosis, Erica was deeply unhappy in her marriage and career. “I had been living a life that wasn't truly mine,” she says, “trying to fit into a mold that didn't align with my soul. When cancer struck, it was like a stark wake-up call. Facing my mortality forced me to confront the truth of my existence and the compromises I had been making.”
This is the story of how one woman faced life's greatest challenges head-on and emerged not just as a survivor, but as a visionary leader, entrepreneur, and role model for others facing adversity.
The Darkest Days: Cancer and Divorce
Erica's story of transformation began during a tremendous personal struggle. While grappling with the emotional strain of an unhappy marriage, she was diagnosed with cancer.
Facing mortality had a profound impact. It not only pushed her to fight for her physical health but also forced her to reevaluate her life entirely. After her recovery, she made a courageous decision: to walk away from her marriage and the life that no longer served her.
"It felt like I was throwing a grenade into my life, but I knew I had to do it," she says. "I couldn't continue living inauthentically." As a newly single mother, Erica was faced with rebuilding her life from the ground up. She now had to navigate legal proceedings, manage the emotional well-being of her children, and begin her journey as an entrepreneur. This was no small task, but she was determined.
Building Strength: A Holistic Approach to Healing
One of the key elements that allowed Erica to thrive during this difficult time was her deliberate approach to both her physical and mental health. Therapy, she says, was essential to help her process emotions and develop strategies for coping with the massive changes.
"I also worked with coaches and healers, who helped me transform my traumas, reprogram my subconscious mind, and create a vision for my life," she explains. "That vision became my anchor."
She also embraced a healthier lifestyle. She overhauled her diet, committed to regular exercise through activities she loved, and, significantly, gave up alcohol. This holistic approach, she notes, played a pivotal role in maintaining her strength – both mentally and physically.
Through it all, she maintained a mantra: "Hell yes or no." This philosophy of only allowing positive influences into her life became a guiding principle. By setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and remaining intentional about her mental diet, Erica emerged from her trials stronger than ever before.
Turning Adversity into Opportunity: The Entrepreneurial Journey
Building a business from scratch is difficult under the best circumstances, but Erica's vision of becoming a purpose-driven entrepreneur was unwavering. Despite the challenges, she committed herself to not just surviving but thriving.
"I had a vision for my life, my children’s future, and my business," she says. "That mental image kept me going, even when times were tough."
Several key strategies helped Erica overcome adversity and pursue her entrepreneurial dreams. One of the most powerful tools in her arsenal was focusing on her mindset. She became deeply immersed in personal development, studying figures like Wayne Dyer, Louise Hay, and Abraham Hicks.
"I rewired my thought patterns using positive affirmations," she says. "I constantly listened to ‘I AM’ affirmations, which helped build my self-belief."
She also broke free from generational patterns around money, committing to changing her family’s relationship with wealth. Erica didn’t just want to build a business for herself; she wanted to create a legacy for her children. "I made every decision based on where I wanted to be, not where I was," she says. "That shift in perspective empowered me to take bold steps toward my goals."
Resilience and the Power of the Human Spirit
Erica's journey transformed her understanding of resilience. Cancer, divorce, and single motherhood all taught her valuable lessons about the strength of the human spirit. She learned that true resilience isn't about enduring hardship; it's about growing through it.
"Resilience is a choice we make every day – to get up one more time than we fall, to grow rather than stagnate," she says. "I discovered a strength I didn't know I had, and it came from aligning with my higher self and trusting my path."
Today, Erica views every challenge she faces as an essential part of her journey, one that has equipped her to help others. "I trust that everything we go through serves a greater purpose," she says. "The challenges I faced are now the wisdom I use to guide others at my business Soul Business Collective."
Her journey also deepened her compassion and appreciation for the power of perseverance. "When we align with our purpose, we are truly unstoppable," she adds.
Words of Wisdom: Embrace Adversity, Trust Your Journey
Science reveals that only 8 percent of people achieve their goals—a sobering statistic that makes Erica's journey even more inspiring. Reflecting on her path, Erica shares a powerful message for those facing adversity: Never give up. She believes every challenge, no matter how overwhelming, is a stepping stone in preparing us for something greater.
“You are here for a reason,” Erica reminds us. “Your story matters, your voice counts, and your unique journey holds the power to inspire and uplift others.”
She encourages others to embrace adversity as a teacher, to find support, and to remain focused on their higher purpose. "Trust that everything you're going through is shaping you for something greater," she advises. "Hold onto your dreams and your ‘why,’ and let them be the light that guides you through the darkest times."
As Erica's story shows, adversity is not the end – it's often the beginning of something extraordinary. From cancer and divorce to building a multi-million-dollar company, Erica Carrico is proof that the human spirit is capable of remarkable transformation.
