President and owner of THE Artist Agency, fashion guru and RHODC star, Lynda Erkiletian talks about her life, career, Real Housewives, charities, dyslexia, family and more in this exclusive interview with iRealHousewives
iRH: Hi Lynda, welcome to iRealHousewives, how are you?
LE: Better than ever. Thank you.
iRH: How were you approached to be a “Real Housewife of DC”?
LE: I was approached by a production company who purported
to be looking for interesting, intelligent women in the district to share their
personal and professional lives. We did not initially know the show was to part
of the Real Housewives franchise.
iRH: What made you decide to be part of the show?
LE: I thought the show would be a perfect opportunity to
showcase THE Artist Agency and acquaint the viewing public with the Washington DC
iRH: How is life after being on “The Real Housewives of DC”?
LE: In the beginning it took some adjusting to not having
the cameras following me around but my life continues to be full; full of blessings
and tests, or rather opportunities. And thankfully, both THE Artist Agency and The
James and Paula Coburn Foundation continue to grow and thrive, providing a
sincerely gratifying outlet for my professional and creative energies.
iRH: Do you still keep in touch with any of your DC cast
members?
LE: I am still very much in touch with Cat and Mary, and occasionally I will
see Stacy.
iRH: Last time we saw you, you were in a relationship with
Ebong, are you guys still together?
LE: My mom moved in last year to undergo cancer treatment
and recovery, which was an extremely emotional time for me. I found my main
focus became her well-being and I was tapped out physically and emotionally.
Ebong and I had a very special relationship that like most had its share of ups
and downs. So when push came to shove I had little to give and he deserved
more. As many of the viewers came to know, he is an incredible person and
bestowed many blessings in my life. I will love him always.
iRH: Are you currently single?
LE: I am currently single (laughs), I have donated that one
to the divine.
iRH: Can you give my readers an update on how your kids are
doing?
LE: The kids are great! My oldest sons both graduated
earlier this summer; Aaron from the Corcoran College of Art and Design, and
Mihran from St. Joseph's University, where my youngest son, Sam, has just
completed his Freshman year. Jessica has moved with her boyfriend to the Philadelphia
iRH: You've been very vocal about being diagnosed with
dyslexia. At what point in your life did you realize you were dyslexic?
LE: When I was young, not many people were familiar with or
considerate of learning differences like dyslexia. I had an unnecessarily
difficult and discouraging educational experience and was thrilled many years
later to find an academic and professional network of support when my son was
diagnosed. It was a blessing in disguise however in that it was the dyslexia
that drove me to seek out alternative options in different creative fields.
Also the key to success with dyslexia is surrounding yourself with a team of
English majors.
iRH: Lynda, I know you've mentioned this on Paul Wharton's
show that your Mom is or was battling cancer; can you give us an update on how
she is doing now?
LE: My Mom was diagnosed with Level 4 Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
in June of 2011. She moved in with me weighing 86 pounds and moved out weighing
106 with a big smile on her face and in full remission. This experience was a
bittersweet but valuable opportunity to renew and rediscover our relationship.
Her inspirational battle has left her stronger-willed and feistier than ever.
She has been looking forward to dancing at Aaron and K.C.'s wedding coming up at
the end of August. So needless to say, our family has much to celebrate and be
thankful for.
iRH: Before breaking into the Fashion industry, you used to
be a backup singer to R&B gospel singer Candi Staton. Do you still have a
passion for singing?
LE: Music is a natural part of my life as 3 of my 4 children
are musicians. Vocal cords like any other muscle need exercise and if my voice
were what it used to be, I would have released a single on iTunes ages ago. But
for now I am only singing alone in my car.
iRH: I know you’re the Executive Director of the James and
Paula Coburn Foundation. Can you explain what this charity is about?
LE: The James and Paula Coburn Foundation (JPCF) is a
tax-exempt private foundation that supports charitable organizations devoted to
the arts and sciences. The mission of the JPCF is to sustain and develop the
Coburns’ legacy, as bequeathed to the LA Philharmonic, the LA County Museum of
Art, the Clairbourn
School
iRH: Any plans for THE Artist Agency to expand outside of DC
in the near future?
LE: No. Though we often work with agencies in other markets,
THE Artist Agency continues to represent talent and models exclusively within
the DC Metropolitan area. Actually the timing of this question could not be
more appropriate as last week, it was brought to my attention, that there was
an intentional imposter fraudulently using THE Artist Agency's logo and stating
that I personally was his business partner. This person was attempting to abuse
our trusted reputation for potentially dangerous ends. Because I am all too
aware of this industry’s important however unintentional role in human
trafficking, I reported him and the fraud to every possible authority and venue
of recourse. So if any of you happen to see our logo floating around overseas,
please let us know.
iRH: Who is your celebrity crush?
LE: My celebrity crush is still and has been since Remington
Steel, Pierce Brosnan.
iRH: Are there any other charities you support or sponsor?
LE: I both personally and professionally work with many
incredible charities, including Men Against Breast Cancer, Key to the Cure, St.
Jude Children's Medical
Research Hospital
iRH: Anything you would like to say to your fans?
LE: I am so grateful for the fans' interest, insight, and
support. RHODC may have only lasted one season, but I have and continue to
encounter so many amazing and interesting people who are fans, and I love our
conversations on Twitter and Facebook. So, I'd like to say thank you and stay
in touch. You can subscribe to my Facebook,
follow me on twitter at @THERealLyndaDC, and like my Facebook Fan Page
Stay Connected with Lynda:
Twitter: @THERealLyndaDC
Websites: www.lyndaerkiletian.com www.theartistagency.com
Photo Credit: @TheRealLyndaDC
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