Our Laner of the Week hails from the Tri-state area: born in New Jersey, then bounced around from Brooklyn to NJ to NYC! You may know Erica as the "Bagel Heiress," due to the fact that her family owns and operates Ess-A-Bagel. She currently helps with Social Media and Project Work, making her a third generation employee. (The business started in 1976!) Aside from her bagel life, Erica is also an actress, traveling all around the country touring and spreading the theatre love near and far. She even got to sing backup for Justin Guarini (if you're an OG American Idol fan, you know!) on the Jesus Christ Superstar National Tour! As if that's not enough -- her current projects include: Erica and Lucas Get Married Fall 2024! ;) There's still more to learn about Erica below...!
What do you like about Mustard Lane or just working events in general?
I actually worked a Mustard Lane event near the beginning of their start as a company! I have always thought them to be a fantastic company, with great judge of character; they get the most fun events, and they are just cool in general.
When you're not on the Lane...what are you doing?!
Taking Social Media reels of delicious Ess-a-Bagel Sandwiches....yum. [cue the cheese pull...]
Favorite restaurant or food?
You may think bagels...but think again. Not that I don't love them, I do, but my favorite food is hands down anything Lucas, my fiancé, cooks...but specifically: his roast chicken.
Salty or Sweet?
Salty.
What is one of your goals for 2024?
Get Married!
What is your favorite place or travel experience?
My favorite place happens to be the place Lucas and I are getting hitched: Martha's Vineyard. If you haven't been, you need to go. Delightful, peaceful, magical, great food, and just overall the best place. So many cool places to name...the ice cream is outstanding, and the vibes are just top notch. There will also be Alpacas at the wedding. Ha!
What's your favorite way to spend a day off from the Lane?
Oman, shamefully, I'm on a video game kick. A super cozy gamer here! I LOVE Spiritfairer, Stardew Valley, and wait for it.... Disney Dreamlight Valley. I also love to get in the car and just go anywhere outside of the city with Lucas and/or my close friends!
Any music you're listening to?
Obviously Taylor Swift...obviously Beyoncé...and everything in between.
What's your hidden talent?!
I am actually very flexible; I grew up dancing and continued to dance professionally in musicals. I can indeed "kick my face."
If you could have your dream job tomorrow, other than Laner of the Week, what would it be?
I would LOVE to be a snazzy backup singer, belt out some "oooohs" and "ahhhs," step touch my life away, wear sparkly dresses and jumpsuits, and be able to travel with my family. I also would never mind a Broadway show, low key. Haha!
What's an essential part of your daily routine?
MORNING COFFEE, WORDLE AND CONNECTIONS.
What life lesson did you learn the hard way?
Life is simply never what you plan. I've had to own every one of my choices and embrace who I am rather than who I thought I wanted to be. I am grateful.
What's a brand or event that you would love to represent or work should the chance ever arise?
Honestly, loved trying on Wedding Gowns at Klienfeld's, and if the chance should ever arise, I would jump on it!!
What inspires you most?
Good People, nature, good food, and MY MOM. She is a person who has and continues to show us how to keep evolving no matter what point of life you are in.
To learn more about Erica, check out her instagram @wilpon.
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