Meet The Team: Erica Bermudez
Lightward is a direction, yes—and it’s also an energy. And rather than talk about that energy, we’d rather introduce you to the people who embody it, here—the people we get to work alongside on a daily basis.
Erica started at Lightward in March 2021, and we’ve been enthralled by her creative and compassionate core ever since. We asked her some get-to-know-you questions and she was generous to share some of her essence—and pictures of her beloved dog Yami— enjoy;)
Preferred pronouns? She/her/hers
Where are you currently based? Chicago, IL
How long have you been working at Lightward? 1 year
How would you describe the work you do here at Lightward?
Assisting and empowering people to use our handy Shopify app, Locksmith. Many times it involves creative problem-solving and reinforcing what I’ve learned by teaching it to Shopify merchants. Sometimes a solution involves adding custom code to a store theme, which makes me feel like a baby wizard. :)
What’s your favorite way to recharge and relax?
My favorite way to recharge and relax is by doing yoga, dancing, messing around with producing music, listening to music, spending time with my partner and my dog, and eating delicious food. :)
What makes “home” feel like home to you?
To me, home feels like a place I can unwind and be my most authentic self. It’s somewhere I can relax fully into myself and be with my partner and dog. I’m autistic and many autistic people learn to mask their traits in public, so home also feels like a safe space where I can unmask and stim freely.
The last piece of art that affected you?
I couldn’t pick one piece, so here are two:
This remix of “Dream of Love” by Mimi Page & Nox Vahn:
This song ”2005 NYE” by Model Man:
How do you prefer to express yourself creatively?
My favorite ways to express myself creatively is by dancing, creating music and making up lyrics or short poems.
When/with whom do you most feel like you?
I feel the most like myself when I get to be alone (I really crave solitude), with my partner, my dog, and/or friends with whom I can celebrate quirkiness.
Favorite place you’ve ever traveled to, and why?
Japan. It’s beautiful and really clean because the culture promotes social responsibility. You won’t find many trash cans in the streets of Japan because people are expected to carry and dispose of their own trash. Also, I found the people in Japan to be generally very polite and helpful. People tend to keep to themselves, so it’s an introvert’s paradise in some ways. I’m also a huge fan of Japanese design—whether it’s architecture, gardens, printed media, or product packaging. Lastly, I love anime and the food—I had the best ramen of my life in a train station shopping mall in Tokyo and I’m a fan of their “konbini” (convenience) stores.
You’re hosting a dinner party for friends. What meal do you make?
I’d make something comforting:
Goat cheese baked in a spicy tomato sauce with lots of garlic and basil (eaten with garlic toast) or white bean parmesan soup made with parmesan cheese rinds that make broth taste like magic—rosemary, fennel, dark leafy greens, and farro.
What supports your flow?
Music is my #1 way to set the vibe for my daily flow—I have playlists for all sorts of activities and moods. I probably have music playing for 80% of my waking life. I also like to burn incense, light candles (some real, some are fake battery powered candles for when I feel like being witchy without risking burning my apartment down), and buy myself flowers. I like being surrounded by house plants too.
What song is playing in the title credits in your life’s movie?
“The Journey” by Sol Rising
How would you describe your experience of working at Lightward so far?
Working at Lightward so far has been empowering, humbling, and supportive. My job involves a lot of problem-solving and troubleshooting, so I’m constantly challenged and never bored. I’m constantly learning something new. I have a tendency to be a bit of a perfectionist and hold myself to ridiculous standards sometimes, and working with Lightward on the Locksmith team has been great medicine for this side of me—it’s not a job where you can master everything. I feel incredibly grateful for the entire Lightward team. My teammates are all people I feel I can trust with hearts of gold.
What does “Lightward” mean to you?
To me, “Lightward” means trusting your intuition and following what feels right, as defined by each fully autonomous individual. Lightward feels like an ever-evolving entity that expands and changes to meet the moment.
What lights you up?
Seeing people I love smile and express themselves fully. My partner’s laugh, especially when they snort. A good beat that inspires me to dance.
What are five things that are bringing you joy right now?
Playing with my dog, Yami, and his napping head in my lap while I work.
Roasted dandelion root lattes with chai spices
This playlist: