122. How to Embrace the Best of Los Angeles with Erika from The LA Girl
Show Notes:
About the Guest(s):
Erica de la Cruz is a successful entrepreneur and media professional based in Los Angeles. Initially hailing from a small town in California, Erica has built a name for herself in the sphere of media and marketing. She is known for her role as the current owner of “The LA Girl,” a popular lifestyle and informational brand that provides insights on Los Angeles life, events, and attractions. Previously, she made significant strides as the youngest marketing director at Intercom and as an on-air personality. Erica’s passion for sharing the beauty and excitement of Los Angeles influences the curated content offered by The LA Girl, which she has continued to evolve since taking the reins from her close friend and brand founder, Gwen Lane.
Episode Summary:
In this engaging episode, Stefan welcomes Erica de la Cruz, the dynamic force behind “The LA Girl.” Erica, originally from Los Banos, California, shares her fascinating journey from a rural upbringing to establishing herself in the vibrant media landscape of Los Angeles.
Driven by her affinity for the city’s fast-paced, creator-centric environment, she discusses how her experiences shaped her professional journey, ultimately leading her to acquire and transform The LA Girl brand into an essential resource for exploring the hidden gems of Los Angeles.
Throughout the conversation, Erica highlights the unique allure of Los Angeles as both a city to live in and an iconic destination for travelers seeking exciting experiences.
She offers valuable insights into making the most out of a visit to LA, emphasizing the importance of having a plan and seeking local recommendations for a truly enriching experience.
Erica also touches on her vision for the future of The LA Girl, including expanding community meetups and increasing the brand’s reach and influence. Through her infectious optimism and deep love for the city, Erica underscores why Los Angeles remains a compelling hub for dreamers and doers alike.
Key Takeaways:
- Erica’s Path to LA: From small-town roots to becoming a media influencer, Erica’s journey emphasizes the transformative power of passion and ambition.
- Unique LA Experience: To truly appreciate Los Angeles, visitors should plan carefully and seek advice from those who know the city intimately.
- The LA Girl Evolution: Erica’s acquisition and rebranding efforts aim to elevate the brand, focusing on editorial excellence and community engagement.
- Vision for the Future: Erica envisions expanding real-world community events and further amplifying The LA Girl’s influence in the Los Angeles lifestyle space.
- Embracing Positivity: Despite criticisms about LA, Erica champions a perspective rooted in optimism, seeing Los Angeles as a perpetual magnet for talent and creativity.
Notable Quotes:
- “LA is a feeling. It’s like, it’s a vibe. The vibe is here.”
- “If you’re not loving it, then like, it’s so funny, people will put their feet in the fire, even living here.”
- “I love being driven and that’s how I like to see the city.”
- “Everyone is from somewhere else typically, and they’re all here to build something fabulous.”
- “I feel like LA is beautiful if you live here, but if you come as an outsider, you’re kind of like, it’s hideous.”
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