MY JOURNEY
Erica’s path into entrepreneurship began early. While growing her family’s business, she gained hands-on experience in real estate, design, and leadership—learning what it truly takes to build and sustain a business long before starting her own.
After spending two years living in China, where she developed a deep appreciation for tea culture and daily ritual, Erica returned to Portland and founded Tea Bar at just 23 years old. What began as a single shop has since grown into a trusted, community-centered brand—one built on intention, consistency, and care.
Building Tea Bar taught Erica every side of entrepreneurship: from concept development and location buildouts to team leadership, operations, and brand growth. She experienced the challenges of building from the ground up, as well as the fulfillment that comes from creating spaces people return to and feel connected to.
Today, Erica works with aspiring and established founders who want to build thoughtful, sustainable businesses. Through one-on-one consultations and design guidance, she shares real-world insight—helping clients open their first shop, refine their menu, design their space, or navigate the day-to-day realities of running a business.
Her approach is practical, honest, and grounded in experience. Erica believes strong businesses are built not only on good ideas, but on clear decisions, intentional design, and long-term thinking.
Whether you’re at the idea stage or looking to grow what you’ve already built, Erica offers guidance rooted in having been there herself.
Big Ideas, Real Impact
After spending two years living in China, where she developed a deep appreciation for tea culture and daily ritual, Erica returned to Portland and founded Tea Bar at just 23 years old. What began as a single shop has since grown into a trusted, community-centered brand—one built on intention, consistency, and care.
Building Tea Bar taught Erica every side of entrepreneurship: from concept development and location buildouts to team leadership, operations, and brand growth. She experienced the challenges of building from the ground up, as well as the fulfillment that comes from creating spaces people return to and feel connected to.
Today, Erica works with aspiring and established founders who want to build thoughtful, sustainable businesses. Through one-on-one consultations and design guidance, she shares real-world insight—helping clients open their first shop, refine their menu, design their space, or navigate the day-to-day realities of running a business.
Her approach is practical, honest, and grounded in experience. Erica believes strong businesses are built not only on good ideas, but on clear decisions, intentional design, and long-term thinking.
Whether you’re at the idea stage or looking to grow what you’ve already built, Erica offers guidance rooted in having been there herself.