Welcome back to Threadlines, our monthly blog that celebrates the extraordinary individuals who bring Mansawear to life in vibrant, unforgettable ways.
This October and November, we’re turning the spotlight on the formidable and multi-talented Erica Bryant — a woman whose creative energy seems to flow effortlessly between worlds. As a model, she commands attention with quiet confidence; as a visual artist, she reveals beauty in everyday dreams; and as a journalist, she gives voice to stories that matter. Erica embodies the spirit of Mansawear — expressive, intelligent, and unapologetically original.
How We Met
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Erica for nearly 24 years. We first met through her mother, Jackie, and at a Democrat and Chronicle event in 2002. Around that time, I created a custom Mansawear piece for Erica — a timeless design that she wore again, 22 years later, during Mansawear’s 10th Anniversary Celebration in 2024. Our paths continued to intertwine — my daughter, Mansa, was one of the flower girls at Erica’s wedding in 2007. Over the years, I’ve attended her memorable Whiskey and Halloween parties, each a reflection of her creativity and warmth.
From the Gym to the Runway
Fast forward to 2018 — I ran into Erica at the now-closed Carlson Metro YMCA, and with a little persuasion, convinced her to join the 5:30 AM Run n Ride group. The rest, as they say, is history. Since Mansawear’s transition from a hobby to a business in 2014, Erica has been one of our core models. Whether it’s for photoshoots or runway shows, she consistently brings her unique je ne sais quoi to every appearance. I often tease that she missed her true calling — she should have been a full-time model!
A Journalist with Depth and Purpose
Beyond her poise in front of the camera, Erica is an accomplished journalist. She currently serves as a long-form journalist for the Vera Institute of Justice, where her work amplifies voices and stories that drive social change. Before joining Vera, she covered the Education beat for the Democrat and Chronicle Newspaper, earning a reputation for her thoughtful and impactful reporting.
A Visionary Visual Artist
Erica is also a self-taught visual artist, best known for her intricate paper collages inspired by dreams, memory, and the subconscious. Her art fuses surreal, narrative, and imaginative elements, transforming fragments of dream imagery into cohesive, thought-provoking worlds. Her work invites viewers to reflect, interpret, and connect with their own inner landscapes.
Family and Full Circle Moments
Yet, of all her roles, Erica shines brightest as a devoted mother and wife. She and her husband, Rajesh, are proud parents to three wonderful middle and high schoolers. Life has come full circle — my daughter, Mansa, now babysits the very children who were born from the wedding she once participated in as a flower girl.
A fun fact: Erica was a “political wife” twice — supporting Rajesh when he ran as a Green Party candidate for Monroe County Executive in 2015 and later as a Democratic and Working Families Party candidate for Monroe County Legislator in 2021. Through it all, she has remained a pillar of grace, creativity, and grounded strength.
🌸 Here’s to Erica!🌸
Erica Let's toast Erica — an extraordinary woman whose talents and heart inspire everyone around her. A model, journalist, artist, mother, and wife — she embodies the spirit of Mansawear: timeless, multifaceted, and beautifully authentic.
🖤To see Erica’s favorite Mansawear styles, check out the Debora Long Sleeve Dress and other made-to-measure pieces at this link.
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