We were lucky to catch up with Erika L. Sheppard recently and have shared our conversation below.

Erika, appreciate you joining us today. The first dollar your business earns is always special and we’d love to hear how your brand made its first dollar of revenue.

I am going to tell you how Brunch Boss got their first clients that wasn’t a friend/family/friend-of-a-friend/etc.

I moved to San Antonio, Texa May 17, 2020. I left my entire life behind in DC. It was at the height of the pandemic. I got an opportunity to get closer with my mom who is a retired Marine. She was born and raised in San Antonio, joined USMC and when she retired 31 years later she came home. Fast forward back to 2020. I joined her here accidently. So now fast forward to May 2021, outside is starting to open again and people are going back to restaurants again. I realized I did not know anyone in San Antonio. My sister would be moving to the East Coast soon so I had to figure something out quickly! Personally, I am really shy and not super outgoing. I like ot have fun but I do not just open up to strangers very easily. So I decided to challenge myself and see if I can get to know people. I posted on a group on social media: “Does anyone want to go to brunch?” 4 lovely ladies responded to the post! I made my sister come along to help me feel brave! We went to a local spot and ended up waiting for a table for such a long time that we went next door and played some games ( I brought just in case it was awkward) and finished an entire bottle of champagne for mimosas! We took a super cute photo had brunch and parted ways! I felt so liberated! I posted that picture on the social media groups and received soooo many people wanting to do the same thing. Boom! Brunch Boss was born. Why Brunch Boss? Well most events revolve around brunch and when I was in a car club my rode name was Bossy. I developed some processes to inform people about upcoming brunches and have been planning monthly events ever since. We now do brunch and game nights! It is perfect for people who want to get outside but not big on clubs and want to meet new people. I continue the tradition of playing games and supporting local owned restaurants to help build community! I am no longer afraid to talk to people and look forward to going to another event soon

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello there! I’m Erika, the founder and Lead Experience Curator of Brunch Boss, a vibrant community in San Antonio dedicated to bringing people together for memorable brunches and game nights. My journey into this industry was a personal one—I moved to San Antonio in 2020, leaving my entire life in DC behind. Feeling the need to connect with others and having a passion for brunch and games, I took a leap of faith.

The idea sparked after a simple post on social media asking, “Does anyone want to go to brunch?” From that moment, Brunch Boss was born. It’s more than just events; it’s about creating a space for individuals aged 30-45, especially those who have recently moved to San Antonio, may have social anxiety, or are on a personal growth journey after reevaluating their social circles.

At Brunch Boss, we curate monthly events, alternating between brunches and game nights. What sets us apart is the emphasis on fostering genuine connections with other members who we call Brunch Bae / Beaux in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. We support local-owned restaurants, play games, and create a welcoming environment for those who may not resonate with traditional social settings like clubs.

Our events provide an opportunity for people to step outside their comfort zones, make new friends, and enjoy the vibrant community that San Antonio has to offer. I’m incredibly proud of the positive impact Brunch Boss has had on individuals seeking connections and the sense of community we’ve built together.

If you’re someone looking to expand your social circles, enjoy fantastic brunches, and engage in fun game nights while supporting local businesses, then Brunch Boss is for you. I’m excited to continue this journey, and I look forward to welcoming you to our next event!

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

In October 2021, I faced one of the most challenging moments since starting Brunch Boss. We had a Halloween Wine Brunch planned—a sold-out event featuring costumes, a bus tour to five wineries, and a Best Dressed Contest with a fabulous prize. Anticipation was high, and excitement filled the air.

However, less than 12 hours before the event, the vendor abruptly canceled. It was a devastating blow. The financial and emotional investment had already been made, and now I was left with the daunting task of salvaging the situation. The real struggle began when the vendor refused to refund my money, leaving me unable to refund our participants.

Undeterred, I pivoted, communicated transparently with everyone involved, and initiated a dispute with the credit card company. It was a lengthy and emotionally draining process, stretching all the way to May 2022 before the funds were finally returned. This setback took a toll on Brunch Boss, both financially and morally.

I found myself at a crossroads, questioning if Brunch Boss was truly for me. Rebuilding trust became a top priority, and I doubled down on transparency and communication with our community. Many people understandably felt let down, and I had to work tirelessly to regain their confidence.

As of 2024, I can say with pride that we’ve managed to overcome this significant setback. It was a true test of my commitment to Brunch Boss and the community we’ve built. This experience has reinforced my resilience, and I’m grateful for the continued support and trust of those who stuck with us through thick and thin. It’s a testament to the strength of the Brunch Boss community, and I’m more dedicated than ever to creating meaningful connections and unforgettable experiences.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

When I embarked on the journey of creating Brunch Boss, I knew that building a strong social media presence was crucial to connect with my community. Starting with a brand new page, I dove headfirst into attending networking events, sharing my story, and expressing the intentions behind Brunch Boss.

One person who played a pivotal role in kickstarting my social media journey was Clifton. At a networking mixer he hosted, Clifton went above and beyond to champion Brunch Boss. He actively introduced me to attendees, urging them to take out their phones and follow me right then and there. Thanks to his genuine support, I quickly gained my first few hundred followers.

As the audience grew, I recognized the importance of showcasing our brunch experiences through engaging content and recaps. Learning from the community, I began collaborating with local businesses to highlight the delicious food they offered, encouraging others to join our events and explore the culinary scene in San Antonio.

The key lesson I’ve discovered along the way is to focus on one platform at a time. Consistency and authenticity have been the pillars of our social media strategy. By understanding the unique dynamics of each platform and tailoring content to reflect the essence of Brunch Boss, we’ve witnessed organic growth and genuine engagement.

For those just starting to build their social media presence, my advice is to attend networking events, connect with influencers like Clifton who genuinely support your mission, and focus on creating content that authentically represents your brand. It’s not just about the numbers but about building a community that resonates with your vision. Be patient, stay consistent, and let your passion shine through—your audience will follow.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brunchbosstx.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brunchbosstx/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrunchBossTX
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brunchbosstx/