We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ericka Lopez . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ericka below.
Ericka , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later
I started Honeybox out of my apartment kitchen at the beginning of the pandemic in 2020. In a lot of ways the timing didn’t make sense but it ended up being perfect. Honeybox has always been about bringing people together to gather & enjoy in community. To be able to deliver boxes from one friend to another, or surprise a loved one with a “date night” at home; helped people feel connected during a time of social isolation. It was really a beautiful experience and allowed me to feel connected to others as well during a very lonely time.
Ericka , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’ve always dreamed of owning my own business. My original daydream was a coffee shop & one day I still have plans for that. HoneyBox is my first baby! A charcuterie, catering, and event business. With charcuterie specifically it’s been a fun, easy, and beautiful way to express myself through bright & edible joy! I love hosting, throwing parties, creating an aesthetic, and cooking for my loved ones. It really is a privilege when someone comes to me and says “I’m proposing” or “my girlfriend got her dream job” or “we’re surprising our parents”. To be entrusted with the most intimate moments in our clients lives is why I love Honeybox. There is so much detail & intention that goes into it. When we host charcuterie classes I always start by telling our students that “charcuterie” in its truest form is meat and cheese but Honeybox charcuterie is anything YOU want it to be. I live my dream out every day by crafting a personalized & custom experience for people to enjoy. It really is so much fun!
How did you build your audience on social media?
Instagram was where I first launched Honeybox! At the time I didn’t understand the technicalities of it all. I just started making boxes; taking pictures, and posting. Social media is a full time job in itself keeping up with the constant trends. Although it can be overwhelming it truly is one of the most valuable and affordable marketing tools for any business in our generation. I’ve had a lot of new clientele come in because they saw us on Facebook or Instagram. Even if your engagement seems down; or the time it takes to create a reel feels daunting; keep posting! People are watching & it’s one of the easiest ways to steadily increase your visibility with minimal cost.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
As a business owner & human I am currently learning just how unpredictable life can be. I’ve had so many plans as of late that have shifted both personally & in business. Sometimes I forget that I’m 27 years old and I have my whole life ahead of me. Sometimes I forget that I don’t necessarily need to have everything mapped out. I’m learning to extend myself grace as the current state of the world is ever changing. I’m learning to navigate what that looks for my business. I’d be lying if there weren’t days I wanted to throw in the towel & find a “ comfortable” and “secure” 9-5 job. In theory it sounds good but in actuality that could just never be me. I thrive in “figuring it out” and “making things happen”. I’m still finding my footing in the unexpected but resting in the comfort of knowing that I will always land somewhere beautiful. That is my wish & hope for every entrepreneur & dreamer. To know that you can’t always predict what’s coming but you can always pave a way for your dreams to become a reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: Honeyboxbakersfield.com
- Instagram: Honeyboxbakersfield
- Facebook: Honeyboxbakersfield