Today we’d like to introduce you to Ericka Smith.
Hi Ericka, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I had always wanted my own business especially seeing everyone be so successful with theirs on social media. However, I wanted to create my own lane. I knew I couldn’t do anything in beauty but I’ve always had a thing for clothes and colors. I started to take a hard look at what I was already good at, which is organizing; it came naturally since I was a kid. I still didn’t know how to create a business with that. One day a cousin of mine had me organize her front desk in her hair salon. It took me all of 10 minutes and she was blown away. She then suggested you need to figure out a way to combine that with your love for clothes. So that’s what I did. I created the business right then and there. I went home, made my logo and created an Ig page which is called (Spruced by Emarie) and it honestly, by the grace of God, took off from there.
My closet at home and in college was always very particular. Anytime someone would want to borrow something I made sure they put it right back in the same spot they got it from because I have OCD! I’ve always been such a vibrant dresser who loves patterns, eccentric things. My nickname in high school was Jazzy because of it. Jazzy means (bright, colorful, showy, vibrant, bold, exciting). I remember doing my first closet of a coworker and shocked myself. I was super happy to have finally found something I was good and passionate about. I just throw some music on and go to work. My goal is to help people declutter and organize their space, whether it’s the closet, office space, garage, pantry, hallway closets, etc. My slogan is Sprucen up your space because everything has a place. I started this business December 17, 2019, and had just got it running right before Covid and ruined it all. Here we are a year later and I’m trying to get it back up and running.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was a smooth road at first until Covid happened. I remember my first big project, I made a lot of mistakes but it was a great learning lesson. As we all make them in running a business.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a paraprofessional, a server, a broker’s assistant and have my organizing business. I am most proud of my ability to do more than just one thing. I like/want to be the jack of many trades. What sets me apart from other is my joyous, outgoing, bubbly, adventurous personality.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was actually shy until about middle school and quickly grew out of it. I’ve been the same person as I explained in the last slide since then, just more mature with more responsibility.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @jazzemarie @sprucedbyemarie
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCW0nFY6g02Hqf74q7jeaYkg
