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

Hi Erica, do you have a budget? How do you make lifestyle and spending decisions?
First things first, the road to entrepreneurship can be challenging in multiple ways. One of my very first reality checks two years ago was that I needed a strategic budget plan where I could still invest into my brand and my personal expenses. Where I could invest and make financial sacrifices without completely giving up the notion of living my life rather than” just existing”. This meant and still means that I have to adjust and train my mindset as the future multibillionaire that I believe I will be. Keep in mind that for me, it does not include just a financial mindset, but what knowledge I choose to feed myself, how I protect my energy, my view of what money means to me, how I perceive financial freedom, who I surround myself and allow to accompany me. Starting out, my personal finances such as expenses and needs became intimidating because I was stressing about how I will be able to afford my own lifestyle as I worked to build clients from scratch. Now, I appreciate my personal finances and view them as teachers to keep me humbled. Living on faith has strengthened my spirituality and reduced my stress over money. I work to create a balance between things that I need and things that I want. Having that balance is significant for me, because I do not feel like I am in a bind nor do I wish to live my life that way. I developed a clearer headspace on budgeting once I understood that money will come and flow regardless; especially, when I began to truly invest in what I enjoy to do. I have to view my lifestyle like I am already a multibillionaire. Now, that does not mean that I won’t ball on a budget! Visioning myself as a multibillionaire motivates me daily to push through and be smart about how and when I chose to spend my money. I do enjoy having nice things so I use my creativity in which I found the best sales, the dopest thrift stores, helpful financial resources, and keeping track of my monthly and weekly income and expenses. My LLC and mission are bigger than me and I do not view it as about me. Instead, I do what I do as the CEO/Founder of I am Rooted LLC because I vision being able to invest and assist others through partnerships, charities, fundraisers, and more! I am Rooted in what I do.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I do not look at what sets me apart from others because I stay true to myself and stay in my own lane; my only competition is with myself. I do value and love engagement! Being authentic with clients is a must for me. I focus on creating a warm and welcoming environment through my interactive services (i.e. coaching, dance classes, mentorship, resource assistance, mental health support, merchandise & clothing, and other) and hospitality with the I Am Rooted Fam. I am most excited about partnering and collaborating with several nonprofits, restaurants, communities, and other LLCs; and, releasing my merchandise soon! I want the world to know that my brand, I Am Rooted LLC, embraces creativity, unity, integrity, innovativeness, community, awareness, and self-growth to name a few. We will go global!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Food spots for the week would be Juicy Crab, Busy Bee Café, Negril Village, BQE Restaurant & Lounge, Paschal’s (would love to try it), Anna’s BBQ, Pure Taqueria, El Bandido Mex Mex Grill, Ben & Jerry’s, and Little Azio. Places for the week would be the ATL beltline, the drive-in, Black Burn Park, Piedmont Park, Civil Rights Museum, Madam CJ Walker’s, Painting with a Twist, Aquarium, and The Ferris Wheel. Hangouts & Drinks: Suite Food Lounge- Josh, the manager is very nice and professional. Anatolia Café and Hookah Lounge. BQE Restaurant, Craves Restaurant, and Oak Comedy Lounge. I am from St. Louis, Missouri but since I moved to Atlanta 3.5 years ago it has been great! Atlanta is always having something new, so I keep finding new things to do!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A HUGE SHOUT TO Melva Paschel (Mother), Mr. Kermit Walker, Collaborative Crew, Vital Elexment, DeCarso Carroll, Nico Church Photography/Destined to Shoot Photography, Elva Mae Boutique/Deanna Rice, Dyneesha Moore, JV (Jon) Speas/DJay Jackson, Sane.in.the.membrane & Jannah, Deaetta Grinnage & Mrs. Dee & April, JD, Ula, Kay’s Hair Extensions LLC, Cassandra May Lorance, Tinnie Garlington- 795 & Company, Action And Adventure, Pure Taqueria, Mrs. Najee Mayfield, Gavin at UPS, Kurrently Kurrency, K&O Barbershop, Jessica & Dan, Bruce & Gretchen and a few others.

Instagram: iamrooted_
Other: Check out the Instagram as I will post updates of my upcoming website and other platforms! Give us a call at 470.465.0170 or email us at iamrootedoffice@gmail.com or iamrootedsecretary@gmail.com

Image Credits
Destined to Shoot Photography, Erica Paschel (myself), & Restoring Ones Hope ATL

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