Meet Erika Sheppard | Brunch Boss

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

Hi Erika, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Brunch Boss was born out of a need. I moved to Texas at the height of the pandemic on accident. I am from Washington, DC as much as a military kid can be from one area. I lived most of my life between the West and East coast graduated from Archbishop Carroll High School in DC and NCAT in Greensboro, NC. My mom’s side of the family was in San Antonio, TX. I was waiting for my new place to open up and went to Texas to visit my mom. Ended up staying! Well fast forward… “outside” started opening back up and I had no friends and no idea how to meet people. I wrote in a Facebook post, Anyone want to go to Brunch?” Picked a day, and 4 people showed up! We had so much fun playing games and connecting, I decided to do it again! Posted a picture and so many people wanted to join! So Brunch Boss became a place where if you are new to an area, fired all your friends and need new ones, OR just want to try to meet new people or new food places but not alone… we connect together! Creating a safe space. We play games, make tiktoks, relate and connect! I do giveaways and contests all the time! I have since expanded to Washington, DC, Austin, TX. Houston and Atlanta chapters are opening later in 2022! I am a community builder that supports local and small business owners and building a community that allows people to meet people. So come out and meet your future bestie!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am a firm believer in collaboration over competition. I not only built a community for people trying to meet new people but I also like to support business owners. I have a thing called Big Business Community. Big Business because there is nothing small about your business! I collaborate with business owners that can donate products/services for swag bags. Every Sunday, I have an open Google Meet call called Focus Strategy Call… join anytime during the call and be as quiet or as interactive as you want. The benefit, we are building a community based in collaboration. You work on anything that you need for your business, get stuck? Speak up someone on the call can help guide you or at least brainstorm.

Every Wednesday, we go live with a different business owner on Instagram to expand the platform. Discuss your business, upcoming products, etc. Both of these can be signed up at www.brunchboss.com/BigBusinessTools.

I am most proud of trying to really meet the community where it is! Social media isn’t going anywhere so trying to help those who may be fearful to get on live alone, now you can have a group “facetime” call that others just happen to be able to watch and comment!

It hasn’t been easy to build the network, not everyone understands the value but thats okay. The ones who truly understand have been easily aligning with the brand! I have learned to be okay with not everyone being ready! One thing I love, I will still be here when you’re ready!

On a personal note, I have overcome so many personal challenges. If I can help anyone, I will! I want everyone {who is willing} to win! I am a super mom to an amazing boy. I have struggled. I have lived check to check. I had to deal (and still deal) with mental health issues but I am constantly learning and growing!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love Atlanta! I am planning a trip in September to bring the Brunch Baes and start the next chapter! I have attended many great things on my multiple trips to the area! If you want to see my favs you will have to subscribe to email list on www.BrunchBossTX.com to get a glimpse of the Brunch Boss Verified list! Signing up also gives you exclusive access to travel events, first to hear about new events and offered the lowest price for the first week!

I always love to Brunch at The Social House and walking around the area afterwards as one of my favorite things to do!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Eugene & Patrice Sheppard (Grandparents) of Living Word Church and Lydia’s House in Washington, DC. They raised me and showed me what building a community looks like.

Laura Brown, SgtMajor Mom USMC retired, was a single mom who gave everything to achieve greatness and show me how to organize and lead.

NCAT taught me how to run a business, achieving a Business degree and being the first in my family was the only start of my path to greatness.

Aleshia Vannoy, an Atlanta based makeup artist of Enhance Beuti has been a lifelong friend. We started out making plans together and dreaming. Constantly still pushing each other to success.

Shan Dunlap, CEO of Infuzionz Dessertz and DMV Host of Brunch Boss. She helped expand the dream and helped me realize Brunch Boss can be a Nationwide brand.

Nola Brunch, the first place we ever held a brunch! We had such a great time and we have since organized the 1 year anniversary return to Nola Brunch.

Brunch Baes, we are always expanding! Every new person who signs up is known as a Brunch Bae! Without you there is no Brunch Boss!

ersonalErikaSheppard_

Website: https://www.brunchbosstx.com/events

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brunchbosstx/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brunchbosstx/

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

Other: Google: https://g.page/r/CXYecwkDbrmVEAE

Image Credits
Destani Michele Photography KRS Media