From Passion to Business: How My Love for Shopping Led to Sourced by Erika
The Early Years: Where It All Began
As early as I can remember, I’ve loved fashion. Shopping became my thing in grammar school, even though I had to be very selective with how I spent my allowance. Every week, I’d visit the local mall, waiting for my IOU sweatshirt to go on sale—because that was the key piece for my outfit at the Saint Margaret’s Dance!
Spent my entire allowance on an IOU sweatshirt from The Merry Go Round.
Let me just say, those dances were it. I’m from the era where you knew to be home when the streetlights came on, and in my opinion, it was the best era for hip-hop. But back to the subject at hand—my story.
For me, shopping wasn’t just a habit—it was a necessity. Money was tight, so I learned how to get the best prices and focus on quality over trends. Fast fashion always existed, but back then, we had The Merry-Go-Round, Rave, G+G, and DEB! While I loved the thrill of shopping, my mom was strict—so I was rarely allowed to buy from those stores. Instead, she took me thrifting, where I got creative—grabbing a pair of jeans to cut into shorts or scoring a cool men’s blazer to style my own way.
Looking back, those early experiences shaped the way I shop today—seeking out high-quality pieces with a story, curating items that feel intentional and timeless rather than just trendy. And that’s exactly what Sourced by Erika was built on.
From Hobby to Hustle: How Reselling Became a Business
Sourcing isn’t just what I do—it’s who I am. Before luxury reselling took off, I was tracking down rare, hard-to-find pieces for people who truly loved them. When the Chanel XL Coco Cabas hobo bag was released, I called every Chanel boutique in the U.S. until I finally found one in Las Vegas. I hope she still has that bag. Before "side hustle" became a buzzword, eBay was the only place to buy and sell—long before Instagram Live sales or online boutiques took over.
Throwback from the early days. Before Instagram- we had Ebay, straight from the Yahoo Mail archives!!!!
For me, shopping has always been more than just self-expression—it’s about discovering pieces with history and connecting them with people who truly appreciate them. So, when I was accepted into Yale's MBA program, I almost fainted when I saw the tuition costs. I didn’t want to take out loans, and I had to think outside the box.
By then, everything was happening online. Instagram Live shopping was booming, and the world was adjusting to life during COVID lockdowns. That’s when it hit me—I could use what I love and do well—sourcing timeless luxury—to help fund my EMBA.
On top of that, I had been privileged to live abroad in Asia and Europe, where I built trusted connections who gave me access to exclusive, one-of-a-kind pieces. This gave me a unique edge in sourcing rare, high-quality items and bringing them to people who appreciate their history, craftsmanship, and beauty.
The Birth of Sourced by Erika
While still in my MBA program, I started hosting private shopping events with close friends—giving them first access to the incredible pieces I was sourcing. The response was overwhelming. People loved having a trusted source for authentic, well-curated luxury items, and my small side project quickly grew.
The "soft" launch of Sourced by Erika private event.
Now, I’m fully dedicated to Sourced by Erika, sharing timeless, handpicked luxury items with a broader audience. What started as a way to fund my education has now become my passion—curating the best designer handbags, accessories, and rare finds for those who appreciate quality and craftsmanship as much as I do.
Arguably the world's most famous bag, The Hermes Birkin
Join Me on This Journey
Sourced by Erika is more than just a business—it’s an extension of my lifelong love for fashion and my commitment to helping others find pieces they’ll truly cherish. I take pride in sourcing only the best, authenticated, and unique luxury finds, ensuring that every item has a story to tell.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’re here to shop, learn, or just connect, I’m so happy to have you here. Stay tuned for more stories, fashion insights, and, of course, the best curated pieces.
Follow along on Instagram @willshop4school and explore the latest arrivals at Sourced by Erika.