We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica K 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 don’t want to do this!” LOL Promotional staffing was not at the top of my list when it came to this industry but after becoming a resource for events and smaller corporate clients, it just made sense. A lot of former supervisors and co-workers put the idea in my head after seeing me at so many events. Plus I could do it my way, work with who I wanted, build my team how I want so why not?

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Really I got into promotional modeling while vying to be an agency signed model. It was the easiest way in the door plus I was able to work with these notable brands on the ground floor. This industry is very vast, it allowed me to travel and offered flexibility while I worked other jobs. I quit bartending at Twin Peaks in 2016 and have been full time ever since. It has definitely been a hustle. After one event, I watched the event manager try and send us home as she did break down by herself. I told her I wanted to help her out and get experience with managing. Long story short, she took me up on the offer and my career took off.

With the network that I built and the relationships I already had, the transition was easier than expected. I still have my doubts about sustainability but you have to start somewhere. I knew I wanted the pageant rates as well as the exclusivity that comes with working with brands like Ferrari and Saks, so in Jan 2021 I launched Eluxe Society, a luxury experiential agency. I wanted to be apart of curating more intimate experiences for the multicultural market while highlighting minority owned luxury brands. The process is slow but it’s progress. I’ve found the niche I wanted to be in as well as learned how to set my rates which filters out a lot of the fluff.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m an outdoorsy person. I love to hike, spend my work days at the park or someone’s pool with a margarita. I’d suggest going to Atlanta Botanica Garden, Zoo Atlanta, 6 Flags, Tallulah Falls, or the Bamboo Forest for a day with nature. But for drinks, I love BarTaco, C&C Social House, The James Room or if you’re into seafood/fried foods, VVS Restaurant for their fried crab legs!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Absolutely! Definitely my Ego Entertainment family, and all the other teams I’ve worked with and learned from in my 13 years of promotions. They nurtured me, poured into me both financially and emotionally and never asked for anything in return except to be successful. Plus, the agencies that contracted me for management (20.10 Media, Talent Activated, Atlantisite Marketing to name a few) allowed me to get the experience needed to run a team + business.

My friends and family are great! To have them support unconditionally without even completely understanding what I do is top tier.

Website: www.EluxeSociety.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/eluxesociety

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eluxesociety

Other: This is my agency information. For anything regarding my personal brand, please contact me on IG @theericak

Image Credits
CMitchell Studios

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