Each & every Wednesday for “Woman Crush Wednesdays”, an entrepreneuHER is selected to be featured in the “Boss Babe Spotlight” Series. This series has been curated to shine some light on the small businesses of women who are unapologetically and authentically being themselves while leaving a footprint behind in the world that they live in.

WHO’S UP NEXT?

Today, I am featuring Erika King! Recently, I had the chance to interview Erika of Business + Brunch and learn some new and exciting things about her. I want to thank her for taking the time to speak with me so that I could shine some light on all of her dopeness and share it with you all. I certainly look forward to continuing to curate, collaborate, create and celebrate with her in the future! You can shower her with your love by supporting this entreprenHER in all of her business endeavors! Sit back, relax, pour a glass of wine and read about what she shared with me:

What do you want people to know about you and your business?

I would like people to know that Business & Brunch is not “just another women’s empowerment group” that hosts brunches and events that will look good on Instagram. Yes, we care about the experience but even more than that, we go into each event asking ourselves” What opportunity are we affording our guests?” And that’s what most important! WE believe in showing up, not just theoretically via quotes and inspirational posts, panels and words, but actually lending our voice and our talents to help. Giving is the basis of our platform and we use that to guide in this crazy entrepreneurial journey we are one.

What drives you as a business owner?

I would have to say giving back! I love when my services have made a difference in someone’s life. I love when a small piece of advice has been a game changer for someone. I’m always highly aware of the story that I write for myself. The things I want people to say about me when I’m not in the room.

What kind of legacy/footprint do you want to leave behind?

I want to leave a blueprint of how you can wholly enjoy your life and be selfish a little with your time and energy, but still give in so many ways. A lot of people think you have to choose either or and that’s not true. Both giving and receiving go hand in hand. You can’t have one without the other.

What knowledge would you like to impart on other small business owners, both new & aspiring and old & experienced?

Geez! There is so much advice, but here are a few things my experience has taught me. 1) Continue to work on your mind and your craft. I’ve changed my train of thought from fearing and loathing competition as a new business owner to viewing competition as a positive sign of market growth! Look at the opportunity in everything that you do. Spending the weekend and sacrificing fun nights out means I’ve saved a few hundred dollars and made some money, not that I missed out. Someone copying your ideas or doing exactly what you’re doing, means that you are doing something right. Just changing my perspective on negative things and looking for the opportunity. Continuing to work on craft is essential, don’t think you can learn something in five minutes and then think you’re an expert on it or buy an ebook on marketing and think that makes you a marketing guru. Intern, ask questions, get experience by doing pro bono or extremely discounted work. This will help you work out all the kinks in your business plan and your work processes first starting out. 2) What’s for you is for YOU. You cannot be envious of the blessings that other people will reap because while you are focused on that, you are neglecting the work you need to do to reach your blessings. 3) For experienced business owners, you cannot be afraid or apprehensive about lifting as you climb. It’s kind of your duty to enlighten and share your experiences and knowledge with new and aspiring business owners. It keeps you relevant, relatable and sharp.

What does being a “boss babe” mean to you?

A boss babe is a woman who is confident in her ability to get shit done. She’s successful or on her way to success but more importantly she shares that success with others. She leaves the door open behind her and in some cases holds it open, saves a seat at the table and even helps set the table. Anyone can put Boss Babe or CEO in their title but a true CEO has a whole board of directors that helps them make wise decisions. A CEO has the best interest of everyone invested in the company, the employees that depend on the company and the clients/customers whom the company services. It’s more than just “ownership” It’s how you use that ownership to uplift, empower and promote.

If you had to pick a phrase to serve as your words of affirmation, what would it be?

I would pick ” I like who I’m becoming” because this phrase has not always been true. I see my future self and I do the work to be her every day.

Are there any other special gifts or talents that you have that you’d like to share?

I’m an avid Taco Tuesday-er, an aspiring Sommelier and I’m really good at finding the best places to eat with the best food! I also love to write!

Photo Credit: All photos were taken by Shekeidra Booker