Living Fully

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Mallory Ervin

@MALLORYERVIN | LIVINGFULLYCO.COM

“I’d had a big life shift, coming from pageants and reality television, and was looking for a way to still have a career in the public space but do something new,” says Mallory Ervin, who became known to the world first as Miss Kentucky and Miss America runner-up and then as a contestant on The Amazing Race. After taking a few hits from life and battling mental illness and addiction post-TV fame, Ervin knew she was meant for more and wanted a fresh start and a way to help others by sharing her story. “At the time, everyone was doing blogs, and I jumped into that first. Shortly after, I started a YouTube channel and gained quick success, and it kind of went from there!”

We had the privilege of meeting Ervin and shooting a spectacular VIE cover for the March 2023 issue, and we were delighted to catch up with her again to talk a little more about what it means to be an influencer!

VIE: What is your favorite part about your job, and what is your least favorite?

Mallory Ervin: My favorite part is that I can really do anything on any given day! I can do a recipe, a podcast, a makeup tutorial, or share something I’m struggling with. It’s never the same thing, and I love that. My other favorite part is the community! It’s incredible the community that forms around you from sharing your life on social media. They then support every endeavor you do. Every new product, video, or collab I come out with, my community is there busting the doors down to support me! It’s incredible.

I don’t actually have a least favorite part. Maybe it’s that Instagram is a platform that’s a little up and down, so it’s shaky ground to build your entire business on. But I am spread across many platforms for that reason.

VIE: What is a highlight moment you’ve had as an influencer?

ME: When my book came out. It felt like such a huge thing to have come into the world! And anytime I get a magazine cover, like my VIE one this year, it’s such a highlight!

VIE: What words of wisdom would you give someone interested in becoming an influencer?

ME: Come on in! There is plenty of space, and it’s never too late to start. Also, get out of your own way. You don’t have to figure it all out or have a website, professional photos, or all these things people think they need. Just start. It’s an incredible career!

VIE: What are you currently watching, listening to, or reading?

ME: 90 Day Fiancé, podcasts constantly, and audiobooks! I’m a creature of habit and listen to the same books over and over. The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and The Source by Dr. Tara Swart are my two go-to books! I’ve probably listened to them a hundred times or more. I only listen to books (busy mom life).

VIE: Besides your phone, what’s one thing you can’t leave home without?

ME: Diapers or lip liner!