Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Manzano.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I graduated University of Houston in 2019 with a dual degree in Marketing and Public Relations. While in college, I had a full time job along with being an intern in a political campaign. After graduation, I ended up in Healthcare, so it’s safe to say I have been all over the place when it comes to my work history. I now realize that this had to do with the fact that I was always looking for something that would give me new challenges everyday.
In the midst of it all, I started decorating for family events which became a hobby of mine and decided to go back to school to pursue a career in real estate all while working in Healthcare.
My decorating hobby became more and more fun for me. I started off with birthdays for my nieces and nephews and decided to make an IG page to just showcase my balloon garlands. My page started off being named “eri creations” and people, other than family members, started reaching out to help with their events, which I would. When the freeze storm hit in Houston, a family member’s wedding got cancelled and we decided to have a backyard wedding instead! People had flown in from out of town, so the celebration had to go on. My sister asked me if I could help with the decorations, but I remember thinking to myself “this has to be my best work, it’s a wedding!”
I knew I could not do it alone, so I asked my sisters for help. From balloon garland, to aisle decor, down to the flowers, we got it done, and it looked beautiful. After this event, I asked my sisters if they would like to be in business with me, which they agreed to and I am so happy to say we have been in business for over a year as “HTX Party Committee”!
As far as real estate, I finished my courses and passed my test about two months ago. It took me almost a year to finish my courses since I was taking online courses while working Monday-Friday and getting booked for my business most weekends. I am now with Keller Williams Houston Central and am eager and hungry to become the best version of myself that I can be in this field. I have learned to be patient, but also to be consistent in my goals.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It most definitely has not been a smooth road. Working full time in healthcare, while doing real estate and owning a business has challenged me in ways that I did not even see coming, but it has also taught me a lot about myself and my work ethic.
I have had to make best friends with my planner in which I have to now plan out my days in advanced. I have had to miss out on events, friends, dinners, nights out, family gatherings, because I had work to do.
I would not change a thing, this just proves to me that my end goal is all worth it. Which is to be a boss in the real estate world and be able to leave a legacy for my future children and grandchildren. I am striving for generational wealth.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I do a little bit of everything. I am currently in healthcare and real estate as well as own my own party decor business.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success is being better than you were yesterday. It’s doing something every day, no matter how big or small, that will bring you closer to your end goal. It is not about wearing the best designer, making the most money, etc. It is about being happy with who you are and confident that you are the best version of yourself.
Contact Info:
- Email: erikamanzano@kw.com
- Instagram: erika_htxrealtor
- Facebook: erika manzano
