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

Hi Ericka, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
People matter the most to me! When I think of being successful I think of the kind of imprint both myself and my product are leaving. It’s important to me that the people who entrust us to create spreads for them feel heard. valued, and seen. We love to create a custom and individualized experience that “wows” but also feels intentional.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
HoneyBox is unique because we are currently the only charcuterie storefront in Bakersfield, CA! We offer grab & go charcuterie boxes, boards, and customized orders. We also cater large scale events with full sized charcuterie tables! In January we started offering charcuterie classes, private events, and themed cheese nights in our adorable new space! It’s been very cool to grow this dream but it has been a journey to see it all come to fruition. Not a single part of this road has been easy if i’m being honest (something i wish more entrepreneurs would admit to!) but I will tell you that in every trial it’s always been worth it. I’ve learned to take a chance on myself, to ask for help, to trust the process, to embrace the fear, and to function off 4 hours of sleep some nights. I learned how to file for licenses, rip up baseboards, change tile, and have worn caps I never thought I’d need to but I would do it all again. I want anyone who is chasing a dream to know that it’s feasible if you put your all into it. I wanted to quit so many times! I’m thankful for a strong community of cheerleaders willing to pick up paint brushes and push me on. I want that to be my legacy not the meat and cheese but how me overcoming the adversity and running towards my dream just might help someone else do the same!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Being that I love A good food and drink tour we would sip, eat and see our way through the city! TLO wines is our favorite! They have a beautiful tasting room and they serve Honeybox charcuterie so win win! Good Mexican food is a weekly staple around here and no one does it better than La Costa Mariscos. Hit their happy hour for the Jalisco fries or shrimp sliders and don’t forget your pink tequila! Luigis is amazing and you need to go on a Wednesday for the baked stuffed chicken with a side of truffle sacchetti. For the breakfast lovers brunch at Pappy’s of course! Their biscuits and gravy > everything. And for a good drink start downtown at Bill Lees for the best blended man tai of your life. You only need one because they make a mean drink but you’ll probably want two. Don’t forget to head on over to the sinking ship and have a Saturn or shark attack in the cutest tiki bar you’ve ever seen!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My father is and will always be my biggest supporter. I couldn’t imagine experiencing the success I have had I not grown up with the example of resilience he has modeled for me. He’s fought hard to build his own business from the ground up and taught me to push forward and do the same despite the hardships many entrepreneurs face. I don’t have enough words of gratitude for him but I hope when he looks at HoneyBox it’s a reminder of the pride and love I have for him and all he’s done for me.

Website: honeyboxbakersfield.com

Instagram: honeyboxbakersfield

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