Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Cieslik
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started making music when I was in my 20’s in Orlando. I met some really great artists, producers & videographer’s in our city. I’ve seen some really great talent perform before they blew up like Jelly Roll. Jelly is such a inspiration & my favorite artist. He is a kind soul that has been through a lot of past difficulties but never gave up much like myself. In my late 20’s I stopped recording but ill always have a passion for it. Fast forward few years later I started collecting vintage toys about 10 years ago it just became something I really enjoy doing. I have a variety of vintage toys from the 80’s & 90’s like Ghostbusters,Food Fighters,Filmations Ghostbusters, TMNT, Back To The Future,Gremlins ,AAAHH!! Real Monsters ,Beetlejuice & the list goes on…Over the past few years during the pandemic I joined a few Facebook toy auction groups like LXC aka ” League of Extraordinary Collectors” & that is when the collection really took off along with the fun of finding vintage toys & just unlocking memories & making new ones with my kids.I have 3 kids Kayle 22 ,Serenity 8 & Max 7. My son Max is Autistic & we have really connected over the years collecting.Max he has a keen eye for toys & movies & you guessed it he loves The Ghostbusters! His favorite movie currently is Kong vs Godzilla he absolutely loves it! My dad always said before he passed that Max would be a movie director one day. If you’re the father of a autistic child in Orlando please checkout “Autism Dads of Greater Orlando” run by Joseph Barton on facebook & also checkout “The Jonathan’s Landing Foundation” Building the world’s most comprehensive community for adults with Autism, where live & work existing equal pillars from day one. These days I’m on Tiktok,Instagram & Facebook posting brief videos of new toys when we get them. I’m also going to pursue acting this year so in September I’m really looking forward to starting some classes locally at Class Act Studios & Art’s Sake Acting Studios that a buddy of mine “Adam Murray” from the new movie “Ghostbusters Frozen Empire” put me onto.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We are not meant to walk through all open doors. Some experiences are solely meant to strengthen us on our journey to something greater…. No it wasn’t a smooth road at all but after 41 years on this earth I’m thankful for each day I get to spend it with my family & the people who love me. I’ve recently have gone back to church its been over 20 years but when God calls you listen that is what you do & I’m thankful I did!! I am thankful for my parish because when my Dad passed away last March of 2023 they were there to help! It’s been hard for myself & my family. I’ve suffered great loss of Family & Friends over the years but a long time friend of mine “Breeze” once said Erin, there’s “Nothin To It,But To Do It”! So that is what I’ve been doing building, creating & networking while staying humble & thanking God for another day & another chance to go get it to chase my dream! A great quote from my friend “Justin Hernandez” once said “One thing games taught me,some side-quests are needed too finish the story”…. I’ve learned life is very short so just try to enjoy it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a artist, inspiring actor/comedian, toy collector & entrepreneur.. I guess you can say I’m just a hustler trying to give my family the best life they can have. I have always been in love with entertainment & people have always told me I should try acting or try stand up because I’m funny & do characters very well so 2024 I am working towards that! Im manifesting being on “The Pete & Sebastian Show” one day! I will say I am most proud of my kids they are my greatest accomplishment they give me the fuel to keep going! I would say what separates me from the rest is authenticity. What you see is what you get!!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I’ve lived in Central Florida my entire life yes I’m a true Floridian born n raised & there is not many of us left ! It’s family’s,friends,beautiful sun rises & beautiful sun sets , beach days & trips to the park that make days amazing in Central Florida but its also bad storms, hurricanes & coming together as a community when things get tough. I’d say what I like the least is the new construction tearing down the wildlife around our homes. The animals have no place to go like this Red -Shouldered hawk I took a picture of in my backyard. We also have black bears & wild turkeys It’s definitely not the Florida I grew up in with orange groves for miles but like time it changes.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_fla_toy_collector?igsh=eG52M2Q3eWx1Z295
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EZMONEY407?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Image Credits
Erin Cieslik
