Ericka Lopez is the owner and CEO of Honeybox Las Vegas and Honeybox Bakersfield, handcrafting curated charcuterie boards and grazing tables. “We are passionate about serving our clients in every small detail. We pride ourselves in tailoring each box, board and table to the vision of those entrusting us with their most special events!” Learn about Ericka Lopez…
Follow at: @honeyboxlv; @honeyboxbakersfield; @erkamarielo
Hometown: Bakersfield, CA
First job: My first job was rolling burritos at Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Favorite ways to spend your free time in NV: My favorite way to spend my free time in Nevada is exploring local small businesses! I love going to new coffee shops, pop-up shops hosted by local makers and finding new restaurants.
Your biggest accomplishment and why: My biggest accomplishment has to be starting my own business. I was going through a hard loss when I opened Honeybox Bakersfield. Throwing myself into this dream brought light and joy back into my life.
The biggest obstacle you overcame: The biggest obstacle I’ve faced is probably the one I’m currently overcoming. Starting a second branch of my business in a new state entirely alone. I left the comfort of my hometown and the security of an already-established business to plant a dream in a place I’m unfamiliar in. It’s challenged me to get comfortable going to events alone, reaching out to others for help, and seeking out other entrepreneurs who are on the same journey. I am thankful that the small business community has been very welcoming and inclusive!
Someone who inspires you and why: They say you are who you hangout with, and I’m thankful to have friends who are constantly fighting to be the best versions of themselves. My friend Bekah inspires me as I watch her make her clients shine in beauty and confidence. Joey inspires me by the way he loves others so deeply. Ri inspires me because she’s putting fear aside and going back to school. Mariah inspires me as I watch her navigate work and mom life while furthering her education; I’m not sure how she makes it all look so effortless, but I’m real proud of her. Tamra inspires me to be fully and unapologetically myself; she encourages me to be faithful in the waiting and have fun along the way. Nick inspires me by his tenacity to pursue his goals in the face of hardships. Marc inspires me to love like I’ve never been hurt before. And my beautiful, strong, boss of a sister inspires me as I watch her pave a bright future for her and my niece by owning up the salon of her dreams.
Advice to someone pursuing a career path in what you do: Take a chance on yourself and go all in on your dreams. You will always be your biggest cheerleader. Believe that you can accomplish it and then run after it.
Favorite quote: “Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.”
Something someone would be surprised to learn about me: I love charcuterie but my first business dream was always to open a coffee shop of my own. I have a blueprint for my future Vegas storefront that includes all of the things I love wrapped into one perfect little dream store.
What makes someone fabulous: A fabulous person lives and loves out loud unapologetically. A fabulous person leads in kindness.