We recently had the chance to connect with Erv Brown and have shared our conversation below.
Erv , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
Honestly, I think a lot of people are struggling with mental health, especially when it comes to work/life/dreams. There’s a power struggle that many of us face when trying to prioritize those things. I think some people feel there’s a certain point in life when their “dreams/passions” don’t matter anymore. That responsibility to family or simply working to provide for them becomes the entirety of one’s existence. This isn’t a bad thing, it’s actually something I struggle with myself. I feel selfish at times, that I put so much into pursuing my dreams, but my wife is extremely supportive and her belief in me drives me a lot more than she probably knows. Though, I’d be lying if I said I don’t have days when I feel like putting all of it on hold and going back to corporate just from a financial stability perspective, because the industry can be so volatile. But if you really love something or have a dream that is close to your heart, you have to at least give it your best attempt or you’ll never know what could’ve been. I just want to encourage people to pursue what makes them feel happy, whole, and fulfilled, because we only get one shot at life. This is all easier said than done, but it CAN be done! The beautiful thing is, you don’t have to do it alone or at a certain age, those are misconceptions. It takes consistency, discipline, a solid support system, a solid team, and self belief. Whatever that “thing” is for you, do it for the younger version of yourself that was full of hope and imagination. There’s a sense of freedom in the pursuit of your dreams. A wise man once said “If you don’t build your dreams, someone else will hire you to help them build theirs.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Erv Brown, I’m originally from New Jersey, but I’ve been living in the Austin area for 10 years now. I work as the Assistant General Manager for a social performance club here in Austin called, Kollective. I also work as an actor, which I’ve been doing professionally for about 8 years now. I’m currently represented by both Bennett Connection Talent Agency (Austin) and Daniel Hoff Agency (Atlanta). Probably the most important update, is that the feature film, Hierarchy (starring Chiderah Uzowulu & Xavier Alvarado), is now available on Apple TV & Prime Video after being in select theaters for a week. I had the pleasure of playing a supporting role in this film, which was shot and produced in Texas with a budget under $100k. Over the past few years I’ve also done some other cool things on the acting scene. I performed at the Alchemy Theatre for 12 shows, in a play called Pipeline, by Dominique Morisseau. I was nominated for Outstanding Featured Performer in a Drama by the B. Iden Payne Awards Committee. I didn’t win, but I’m honored to have been considered and nominated. I’m also forever grateful to my director (Simone Raquel Alexander) and producer (April Patterson) for the opportunity to play the role of Xavier in Pipeline. I’ve also worked on the following feature films in supporting roles: Isolation – directed by James Drake Coleman, Armstrong: Dark Secrets – directed by Trayvon Williams, and To Will The Sunrise – directed by David Shen Miller. Over the past couple years I’ve done a lot of commercial/print work for brands like: UPS, Pepsi, Cheetos, Electrify America, Dallas College, Topo Chico/Airstream (featured in Food & Wine), and more. On a more personal note, me and some of my close friends started a podcast/series called More Than A Podcast (ATX) highlighting Austin culture and influence through our personal experience. I know podcasting is a highly saturated space at the moment, but we definitely bring a very real, vulnerable, and accountable approach to the work. Myself, Denzel Ross, and Cameron Wilson host the show and Michael Baker Jr is our videographer/editor. We have some incredible guests on our show this season and it’s now available with episodes dropping bi-weekly on Spotify & YouTube (@MTAPATX)! Lastly, I’m currently building my own production company called, Sasori Vision. It’ll be centered around the freedom of expression and highlighting underrepresented people in a broad range of storytelling. So far, I’ve just been messing around with personal workout content, vlogs, and short form videos. Admittedly, it’s been tough to stay consistent with building this company while trying to juggle everything else I have going on. God willing, I’ll have things moving forward with more storytelling in 2026, so be on the look out!
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
That’s an interesting question really. I feel like every relationship has taught me something about myself in a way. I already hold myself to a certain standard because of my upbringing and the example set by my family. Honestly, I would say that my relationship with my wife has been the most significant in how I perceive myself at this present moment. She knows I’m a very humble and laid back guy, so she’s always reminding me that she sees beyond that. She reminds me of how hard I work, how consistent I am with my craft, how I show up and support her, and even how I have an impact on others around me without really being aware of it at times. Speaking of supporting my wife, my love, Mrs. Keysha S. Brown owns and operates an online fashion boutique called, DIVNTY Collection. She does pop-ups all around Austin, and I couldn’t be more proud of her; so make sure you support this black woman-owned business! Back to the question, I’ll also acknowledge that I have some amazing friends who help me realize my value, and I appreciate them for that. It’s important to keep your circle tight and have solid people around you. I believe we can all be pretty hard on ourselves as individuals. Personally, I’m my biggest critic, and I often don’t give myself much credit for things. So it’s nice to have people that speak life into you and let you know – “You work hard, and you’re going to be great in life no matter what, just keep going.”
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
GRATITUDE! Man, let me tell you. Nothing teaches you gratitude like suffering, losing, failing, or having things taken away. Humility as well, there are many lessons that come from feeling like you’ve hit the bottom. I have a ton of examples. One that stands out in my mind: Back in 2022, I got laid off from my job (tech sales) 3 months before my wedding. I don’t think I’ve ever felt a gut punch like that as a man. It’s like the biggest moment of your life, with the pressure of being a provider, it’s just not what you want to be dealing with at that time. You have to understand, everything wasn’t even paid for yet, and we had financial deadlines to meet. So I was still acting, but I started substitute teaching, doing club security, door dash, you name it. I’m a hustler by nature, so I’ll do whatever’s necessary to take care of mine. Interestingly enough, the embarrassment/frustration I initially felt, didn’t really last long at all. I mean, the anxiety showed up here and there as I tried to keep things under control. However, I was firmly confident that God would make a way, and he did. God’s provision showed up in ways I didn’t expect and I was so grateful that everything came together. It was a valuable lesson though. You have to remember that God gives and takes away, so don’t go through life feeling too entitled to things or that people owe you anything. Work hard for what you want, and appreciate what you have; all the while staying humble through every phase.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I’d like to believe they would say, what matters to me is being a solid human being and being successful, but in my own way. Of course serving God, and taking care of my wife/family/friends in any way that I can as well. I’m a simple guy, I don’t do too much, I don’t ask for much, I just strive daily to let God lead the way. I’m trying to figure out life, be open about my purpose in the world, keep my head high, and be grateful along the journey. Like I mentioned earlier, my friends know me well, and they know what I’ve gone through, just to get to where I am now. They know I’m intent on forging my own path through life no matter what it takes; I feel confident they’d be able to reiterate that.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I love this question. This takes me right back to my formative years and the many lectures from my dad. My intrinsic motivation in life comes from the underlying value of this question more than anything else. That value is, integrity. My dad preached integrity to me so much, it was like a broken record. But I’m glad he did and I’m glad it resonated with me. “Do your best, even if no one is watching, do it because it’s right”. He used to say things like that all the time. I started recognizing the lack of integrity in others around me throughout life, and that discernment is a great skill to have. I think it’s even more prevalent today; people doing things solely for attention or for their own benefit. I believe the measure of a man is rooted in his integrity; his ability to show up and stand up regardless of the circumstances. It’s not always easy, especially if you feel undervalued, unseen, or even underpaid in some situations. But in life, you never know who’s paying attention to how you conduct yourself. Even if no one around you is paying attention, God is. So if anything, you should strive to give everything you have for Him, that makes the effort worth it. So to answer your question, yes I can.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erv.brown/?hl=en
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ervin-brown-28aa1a89/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MTAPATX
- Other: Linktree: https://linktr.ee/ervbrownacting
Image Credits
Abraham Musalem, Christin Rose, Kelly Serfoss, Christopher Shea
