Meet Erika “Kalacey” Seabrooks

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Erika “Kalacey” Seabrooks a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Erika “Kalacey”, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

I grew up between New York City and Washington, DC, two places full of people from all walks of life, which meant different cultures and perspectives always surrounded me. But even with that diversity, I often found myself in rooms where very few people looked like me. I went through periods of self-doubt, but I learned to reframe those moments as opportunities. I realized I could shift perceptions, not by changing who I was, but by showing people what someone who looks like me can bring to the table.

What made the difference for me was pairing confidence with preparation. Before any meeting, project, or trip, I make sure I’ve done the work. I lean into my passion and experience in travel and event planning, industries where adaptability is everything. If you can adjust quickly and still deliver excellence, you earn respect. Being “the only one in the room” taught me to treat difference as a strength. I’ve found success by showing up prepared, staying authentic, and offering value that no one else can.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m a creative person who works at the intersection of experience, culture, and connection. I started in event production, juggling multiple departments and programs in Washington, D.C., and New York. The pace was fast, the learning curve was steep, and I thrived in that environment for the last 10 years. It taught me how to lead from both the front and behind the scenes.

In 2014, I launched House of Dash, a collective for stylists, creatives, and event pros across the DMV. By 2019, the brand evolved into a travel and lifestyle brand inspired by my real-world adventures. That shift gave life to Kalacey Explains It All, where I document travel experiences from a 16-day trek through Spain, Portugal, and Morocco to a spontaneous flight to St. Louis to catch a Yankees vs. Cardinals game. I’m a Yankees girl through and through, and I’m also an Aruba travel expert. Whether I’m planning a trip or curating vintage finds, I focus on stories that resonate.

I am a proud member of the Yelp Elite Squad, and have been for the last 6 years. My photos get consistent recognition with 67,000 views in a 90 day period as I travel the country. I get to connect people and business owners with photos and reviews.

When the COVID-19 pandemic started, I became a certified travel agent. It was the best pivot I could’ve made. Now I get to plan dream trips for others while still chasing my own. One of my goals is to create travel opportunities for high school students in Washington, D.C., especially those with 4.0 GPAs, students from overlooked communities, LGBTQ youth, and young women who deserve to see the world.

My brand is rooted in access and experience, and I love helping people feel seen through their experiences.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three things have shaped me the most.

First, a love of learning. Both of my grandparents were educators, so knowledge was never optional. I’ve always been encouraged to stay curious, take classes, earn certifications, and step into new rooms that stretch me.

Second, digital fluency. I grew up with just enough technology to be comfortable but not reliant. I learned to type on Mavis Beacon, took Microsoft Office seriously, and even earned help desk certifications early in my career. That digital foundation helped me move confidently in any professional space.

Third, structure and organization. It may not sound glamorous, but managing my files, time, and systems is one of the reasons I can handle big projects with ease. It frees up space for creativity.

If I could advise anyone starting, this: stay curious, embrace tech early, and build systems that let you move fast when the opportunity shows up. Success is not about being the loudest; it’s about being prepared, adaptable, and reliable.

Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?

My journey hasn’t been a straight line, and I never claimed to have it all figured out early on. What kept me grounded was having a strong foundation from both family and friends. My family encouraged me to explore. They made sure education mattered and introduced me to travel early, primarily through family trips to Aruba. That became a core memory and a big part of who I am today.

Outside of my family, I’ve had mentors and friends who saw something in me before I even saw it in myself. Some started as coworkers. Others came into my life at the right time. Every one of them played a role in helping me grow personally and professionally. People cross paths for a reason, and I try to leave every space having made a connection.

Maintaining an open mindset, building relationships, and honoring your roots keep me grounded when challenges arise.

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