Meet Erika Walton | Boutique Owner

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

Hi Erika, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’ve always been into clothes/fashion. When I was younger I took sewing classes and would make purses, jackers, anything and sell them at the family cookouts. I was always a hustler. When I was finally old enough to work I got a job in a retail store called DTLR which specialized in mens clothing which was super fun. Almost every job I had after that was in retail and I loved it. Eventually the work vibe got old to me and I started trying to find ways to make money without having to clock in. Eventually my mom convinced me to go and buy my first load of inventory. I hit the ground running and haven’t looked back since!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
There have been so many (HARD) lessons I have had to learn throughout this journey. I lost a lot of money before I started making some due to bad investments and a lack of financial literacy. All the lessons turned into blessings. I wouldn’t change a thing about my process.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Virginia made me, but Atlanta raised me. I love everything about the city. If its your first time in the city, I would definitely suggest grabbing something to eat at busy bee, mary mac’s or any of the soul food places here. Drinks are great at bar taco on marietta street and at cirque. The trap museum is a great tourist spot and also has good food and drinks.

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?
Theres so many people that I feel played a a part in my success. I’m a 3rd generation entrepreneur. My grandma is a life coach who has been in business over 30 years. My dad owns a landscape company and has also been in business over 30 years. I definitely feel that representation is important and growing up in a household where you are able to witness people who look like you venture out and make there businesses shake on there own for sure gives you the confirmation that you need to know in order to go and do it yourself. I have a super supportive family and a great circle of friends around me who constantly remind me every day that this business is dope and that the sky is the limit. I also believe my late friend Braxton Baker deserves some credit. Although she is no longer with us, she inspires me daily. She was a fashion guru and risk taker and always encouraged me to the fullest.

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