Compton, California boasts a multiracial and multicultural community. Although recognized for its thriving hip hop music scene, it is often depicted for its infamously high crime rates. Erica Harris set out to change that.
Born and raised in Compton in a multigenerational home, she always had the entrepreneurial bug. After attending UC Davis, she launched an allergy- and gluten-free baby product vending machine business. But after five years, she was forced to shut it down. Having invested her life savings into the start-up, the closure led to financial difficulties, and she soon became unhoused.
Erica took the lessons learned and dreamed of once again opening a business. In 2019, her transformative journey to Ghana reignited her passion. She participated in the “Year of the Return,” a celebration of the resilience of the African Diaspora. Inspired by the pride and heritage of the people she met, she returned home, and Compton Soul was born. READ MORE on LISC LA's website.