Meet Erika Lee

We recently connected with Erika Lee and have shared our conversation below.

Erika, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Finding my purpose has been a journey of self-discovery, filled with challenges and opportunities for growth. It began with my love for dance, which I pursued with passion and dedication, even moving to New York City to study contemporary dance and arts management.

However, as much as I loved dance, I began to feel burned out and in need of something more. That’s when I discovered the world of buttercream floral art. As I immersed myself in learning this new skill, I realized that my purpose was about more than just the specific art form I was pursuing. It was about using my skills and passions to bring joy to others and create something beautiful and meaningful.

Through my transition from dance to buttercream floral art, I learned that my purpose is deeply connected to my family’s happiness and my own personal fulfillment. I discovered that when I am pursuing the things that bring me joy and satisfaction, I feel a deep sense of meaning and purpose.

Finding my purpose has been a process of listening to my heart, embracing challenges, and trusting in my own resilience and adaptability. It’s been about discovering the things that truly matter to me and using my talents to bring happiness to others while nurturing my own well-being.

As I continue to create beautiful buttercream floral cakes and share my skills with others, I am grateful for the journey that has led me to this point. While my understanding of my purpose may evolve over time, I am thankful for the experiences and challenges that have shaped me and brought me to where I am today.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

In this interview, I’d like to share my journey from being a professional dancer to becoming a buttercream floral artist. I majored in Korean traditional dance and had the opportunity to perform internationally since I was 16 years old. When I was 25, I decided to pursue my passion further by studying contemporary dance and arts management in New York City.

Starting a new life in NYC was challenging, as I had to learn a new language, adapt to a different dance style, and build a new network. However, I embraced the experience and found joy in every day. I began working as an intern at a dance school called Peridance, where I created dance programs and assisted aspiring professional dancers. My past experiences helped me climb the ranks, and by the end of my time there, I had become the Operations Director, learning valuable lessons about running a business.

The COVID-19 pandemic hit the performing arts industry hard, and many of our international students had to return to their home countries. I worked tirelessly to support them during this difficult time. As things began to settle, I found myself drained and exhausted. I decided it was time to find something that brought me happiness and could be a profitable, long-term career.

After researching, I discovered buttercream floral art, which is a popular and unique art form in my home country, South Korea. I bid farewell to my old job, flew back to Korea, and immersed myself in learning this new skill. Just like when I practiced dance as a child, I dedicated myself to mastering buttercream floral art.

In my first year, I aspired to create wedding cakes, and I’m proud to say that I have now made a 4-tier wedding cake! Although this work is time-intensive and can be expensive for customers, those who appreciate the art form will love my cakes. My goal is to continue practicing to create even more beautiful flowers and delicious cakes using premium ingredients.

Recently, I’ve also developed a desire to teach others the skills of Korean-style buttercream floral piping. By sharing my knowledge, I hope to spread awareness about this beautiful art form.

What excites me most about buttercream floral art is the endless possibilities for creativity and the joy it brings to people’s special occasions. I’m thrilled to be on this new journey and look forward to growing my skills and sharing my passion with others.

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 on my journey, I believe that the three qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that have been most impactful are adaptability, dedication, and the ability to find joy in the process.

Adaptability has been crucial in navigating the challenges and changes I’ve faced. When I moved to New York City, I had to adapt to a new culture, language, and dance style. Later, when I transitioned from the performing arts to buttercream floral art, I had to adapt once again. Embracing change and being open to new experiences has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally.

Dedication is key! Whether I was practicing dance moves for hours on end as a kid or learning how to pipe the perfect buttercream flower, I’ve always put my heart and soul into mastering my craft. Sure, there were tough times, but my dedication kept me going.

Finally, finding joy in the process has been essential in maintaining my passion and motivation. Even during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, I sought out opportunities to find happiness and fulfillment in my work. This positive outlook has helped me stay resilient and continue pursuing my dreams.
For those who are early in their journey, my advice would be to cultivate these three qualities. Embrace adaptability by stepping out of your comfort zone and being open to new experiences. Stay dedicated to your craft, even when faced with setbacks or challenges. And always strive to find joy in the process, celebrating the small victories and learning from the difficulties.

Additionally, I encourage you to seek out “RIGHT” mentors and build a supportive network of people who share your passions and can offer guidance and encouragement. Never stop learning and growing, whether it’s through formal education, workshops, or hands-on experience.

Remember that everyone’s journey is unique, and success often comes from a combination of hard work, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks. Trust in yourself, stay true to your passions, and don’t be afraid to forge your own path.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?

I feel overwhelmed with almost every order I take and every new student I get. It’s a lot of pressure knowing that they are paying a significant amount for my skills, and I always strive to give them my best. To manage this feeling, I try to focus on what I’m offering and prepare for every possible scenario.

It’s still challenging for me, but I’ve learned that even when I receive negative feedback, it’s important to take it as constructive criticism. It may be bitter to hear, but in the end, it’s very helpful for my growth and improvement.
I’ve also discovered that taking care of myself is crucial when dealing with overwhelming situations. Getting enough sleep and exercising regularly can make a big difference in my ability to handle stress. In fact, when I was really overwhelmed, I even ran a marathon!

It’s all about finding healthy ways to cope with the pressure and maintain a positive outlook. By focusing on what I can control, taking feedback in stride, and prioritizing self-care, I’m better equipped to navigate the challenges that come with pursuing my passion and sharing my skills with others.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://peorycake.com
• Instagram: peorycake

Image Credits

peorycake