We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Erika Sheppard. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Erika below.
Erika, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.
okay so picture this, it is May 2020 and the world is shut down! I am living in DC waiting to move to my new place. The property manager said they need more time for updates. I said okay, put my things in storage and load down my car and hit the road to visit my Momma and Sister in San Antonio, TX. I arrived May 17, 2020 and didn’t get a call until November, 2020 that my place was ready. I had already decided to stay and live here. Fast forward to May 2021, outside is starting to open again and I realize I don’t know ANYONE! So I tried to go out a few times alone, but I was VERY shy and nervous. I didn’t make any friends! So I asked in a Facebook group, anyone want to go to Brunch? 4 ladies showed up and we took a picture. I posted that picture and asked again, anyone want to go to brunch?! Over 200 people wanted to join me! So I started a list to try and organize, it was so much fun! Now I plan a monthly event or fun activity so people can meet people! If you’re new to town, fired all your friends and need new ones, OR just want to try something but not alone… Brunch Boss is for you! I have helped so many people get connected, find friends, and just get out the house and find community. The best way to get connected is to follow on social media and join the email list.
Erika, 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 moved to San Antonio, TX from Washington, DC at the height of the pandemic! I had left a terrible relationship and was trying to find myself. I literally sold everything I owned, packed my car, and came to see my Mom. She is born and raised in San Antonio and joined USMC retired to San Antonio. When I arrived, I spent the first year getting myself together. Fast forward to May 2021, outside is starting to open again and I realize I have no friends and I don’t know the first thing about San Antonio. So I posted on Social Media, Anyone want to go to Brunch?! and 4 ladies responded! We went to Nola Brunch and had a blast. Took a picture and BOOM! So many people resonated with this idea! I started creating processes to make sure we could start a community. I try to find fun activities that everyone can enjoy! We have dressed up, travelled, tried multiple restaurants, etc. If there is something you want to try, email me! I will fit an event in just so you won’t do it alone!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I think being relatable has helped me reach my target audience. I have been a lot of places and seen many things. I continue to strive to be better and grow. I am very open about my journey including trials and tribulations! I never claim to be perfect. My signature saying has always been, ” Thank you for helping me grow”. When you attend an event, I make sure I speak to every person and I connect you with someone who I think may have something in common. My timeline is filled with people who have met at my events and hang out together wherever they are! They continue to come to events and ever carpool!
How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?
Funding! The scary word most entrepreneurs cringe when thinking about. Majority of my funding has come from my own personal pocket! Along they way I have received donations and freebies from businesses that support that cause and I am always grateful when I can collab with local businesses. I am always looking into new ways to grow and stretch my business!
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/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/brunch-boss-san-antonio?osq=Brunch+Boss
Image Credits
KRS Media Destani Michele Photography