We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Weiss and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was ready for a change and to try something new. I had spent years working for other people, in jobs that didn’t fulfill me. Starting my own business gave me the opportunity to do what I love, how I want to do it. It’s been an incredible ride and learning experience and I wouldn’t want it any other way!

What should our readers know about your business?
My company, Erica Lauren Events, specializes in weddings. I enjoy being a part of every step in the process, from idea to execution. Seeing the smiles on my clients’ faces when I’ve successfully given them the event they’ve always imagined is the most rewarding feeling.

Before starting my own company, I spent six years working for two of the top talent agencies, Creative Artists Agency and United Talent Agency, with a focus on events. I learned so much working with high profile clients, including logistics, planning and the ability to listen to others, and I brought these skills to the wedding space. I came into the wedding industry with a different background than most, and I believe that foundation sets me apart from my competitors.

Becoming a first-time business owner definitely wasn’t easy. There were many things I had to figure out on my own, including securing insurance, building a company website and hiring staff. But knowing I did all this makes it all the more gratifying!

I’ve learned the best way to overcome challenges, be they weather-related or unpredictable vendors, is by remaining calm and flexible. Ultimately, no challenge will solve itself. In fact, when I first started out there were steep learning curves. But I took what I learned and carried that with me to the next event. Every event I continue to learn something new!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m a big planner (surprise, surprise)! So, as someone who doesn’t live in San Diego, I would do all the research on Yelp, Tripadvisor and other internet blogs to see what people are loving!

I’ve visited San Diego a bunch though, and I highly recommend spending the morning at Coronado Beach, having lunch at a great taco spot, then enjoying an evening barhopping in the Gaslamp. If there’s time, we’ll take in a Padres game at Petco Park!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to Genna and Paul, my first full-service clients after I started my own business. They took a chance on me, and I learned so much during the planning of their wedding. They were awesome clients too, who I still call friends.

Website: www.ericalaurenevents.com

Instagram: erica.lauren.events / https://www.instagram.com/erica.lauren.events/

Other: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/erica-lauren-events-studio-city-ca-2057351

Image Credits
Indigo West Color & Catchlight Chernogorov Photography Lupe Juarez Photography

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