Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Lorenzo.
Hi Erika, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m Erika a.k.a @chewithme, and Co-Founder of @thebarzaar and women entrepreneur talks @girlt_lk. I opened my account @chewithme on instagram in 2014 as a hobby. We’re talking 10 years ago when the term “influencer” wasn’t a thing. I had my own personal Instagram profile to share personal photos, but I took so many food pics at restaurants I visited that I needed a place to save and share them along with some recommendations — my mom proposed writing a book, but that was a lot of work and meant publishing several books so I decided to open a different account, @chewithme! I’ve always been a foodie at heart, fitness and movement have always been a big part of my life. That’s what I call balance 🙂
This is what @chewithme is all about. I started by posting only food-pics and restaurant reccomendations, then I showed my face on my profile, started showing more of who I am, my personality, my taste and started creating a community of people who now trust in what I recommend and somehow can relate to my personality, my taste in food, lifestyle, and some fun events from @thebarzaar and @girlt_lk throughout the year.
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?
of course not! opening your own business and being your “own boss” is not easy. It takes a lot of work, dedication, consistency and discipline to get everything done. If you don’t move your business does not move. It has been a fun ride, I’ve learned a lot about myself, I’ve learned to open up and work with other people. I’ve been in marketing, HR, PR, event planning, photo and videographer you name it! In order for you to know your business and hire the right person for different positions in your company you must know every little corner and inch of your company. It is never a smooth road but it sure is fun when you do what you’re passionate about.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
chewithme is an open road. It’s now my online profile and personality where I show who I am and what I like. I am currently working on a dream of mine that hopefully will be out soon. so stay tuned around here @chewithme on instagram.
the barzaar is my other baby. A pop-up shopping experience I started with my business partner Maria Julia in 2018 — We take over different and trending venues around Miami and convert them into a one or two day shopping experience where we hand select around 40+ local miami brands. We’ve hosted more than 30 events in 6 years. One in Orlando, a few in Caracas, Venezuela and we’re hoping to take over another city soon!
don’t forget to follow us @thebarzaar to know when our next one will be, we’re planning a totally different edition next, partnering with a local company you will love!
What are your plans for the future?
I am looking forward to a new project I’ve been working on and dreaming of for years. It’s currently in the works. This “thing” defines me and when it comes out I think it will make sense ! I am working on this project with a lot of help and dedication from business partners, a team, and years of savings, planning, thinking, and making things happen!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thebarzaar.com
- Instagram: chewithme
Image Credits
@pictoriag vico
