Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Key.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am from Gwinett County and grew up in Lawrenceville, GA. I spent 4 years in Chicago and returned to Atlanta. I have chosen to call Atlanta home. The community, location and incredible opportunities that the city provides.
I have always had a passion for going out to eat. Growing up going out to eat was a treat and we often went out on weekends. I love trying new foods and have always had a very adventurous palate. A lot of my friends and family would ask for my recommendation for dining opportunities for special occasions. I decided to make an online directory, to share inspiration with my friends and family. From that inspiration, I started Eating with Erica.
My blog has grown beyond my wild potentials to my full-time job. Eating with Erica is my business and my brand. It has positioned me to meet influential, brilliant people, travel the world and make my mark in the southeastern culinary scene.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I don’t think any entrepreneur will tell you that their road has been perfectly smooth. Since I am putting 100% into my business, it is easy for other areas of my life to be neglected. I am lucky to have a very understanding family. They encourage me to put my business first. They inspire me to believe in myself. When I left my corporate job to pursue Eating with Erica full time, I relied on their support and my own courage to succeed.
Please tell us about Eating With Erica .
Eating with Erica features restaurants, innovative recipes, incredible chefs, my favorite travel destinations and authentic brands. I visit restaurants all across the southeast and share my dining experience on my blog and social channels. I work with brilliant chefs and my own creativity to produce unique recipes for my readers. I also provide behind the scenes looks at the chef’s process. I visit destinations all over the world to share international, regional and local dining and travel experiences. Lastly, with an avid readership, I like to share additional tips or exclusives from brands that I use and trust.
I have grown Eating with Erica to include more than just content for my readers. I also work with brands all across the world to curate exceptional content featuring their products for my readers and their audiences. I work to connect other influencers with the brands that I work with to help those brands and influencers gain an even larger exposure.
I am most proud of our recent accolades. Last year, I took Eating with Erica to Good Morning America and won the Super Bowl Recipe Challenge. I partner with Reese Witherspoon’s lifestyle brand, Draper James, to showcase recipes and entertaining tips for the modern day southern woman. This winter, I just got back from a culinary trip to Thailand. I partnered with Thai Selects to highlight the authenticity of American Thai food by comparing local restaurants with restaurants in Thailand.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I could start over, I would have started Eating with Erica a lot sooner. I would have told my younger self, “I can do this and there is no reason to wait!”
Contact Info:
- Website: http://eatingwitherica.com/
- Email: eatingwitherica@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eatingwitherica/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EatingwErica/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/EatingWithErica
- Other: https://www.belleislecraftspirits.com/story/how-to-create-the-ultimate-spiked-hot-chocolate-bar
Image Credit:
Kayla Maddonna
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
