Inspiring Conversations with Erika-Lauren Mastroddi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika-Lauren Mastroddi.

Hi Erika-Lauren, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My love for baking began at a really young age. I have vivid memories of sitting on the kitchen floor elbow deep in flour and powder sugar, as my grandmother baked every dessert you can think of. My family has always gathered in the kitchen, surround by the most amazing food- those moments are always filled with so much joy. Because of those moments, I fell in love with two things- bringing joy to people’s lives and their tummies!

After high school, I studied Bake and Pastry Arts at Johnson and Wales University in Providence, RI. My dad had a huge part of this step for me. He saw my love for the industry long before I did. So much so he nicknamed me ‘Baker’ at a very young age. I had the privilege of learning from chefs from all over the world. It was such an incredible experience, to say the least.

After college, I moved just outside of my hometown for a few years and launched my first project ‘a girl with a cupcake’. It was fun, a learning experience, and a stepping stone in my career. Five years later, I visited Nashville. As soon as I stepped foot in this city, I knew this is where I would flourish. I loved the idea of being able to bring joy to not only people who live in this city but the ability to connect with people visiting. Making a lasting impression on their music city experience. I moved here three months later chasing my dream. I took a few years to really network and connect with the city by taking on work here and there. It wasn’t until a year ago that I did a full launch of ‘ A Girl With a Party’. It has been the most rewarding experience watching what I love bring so much happiness to others.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This journey has definitely had its ups and downs. Upon moving to Nashville, I became a mama to the most wonderful boy in the world. I was put in a position where I could have given up on my dream and just fallen into what I knew was consistent and comfortable, but instead, I pushed through. I knew pursuing what I loved and what brought me joy, no matter how difficult, was what was best for our future. Throughout this journey, I have bartended late nights, 40 hours a week. When I’m not bartending I am making cakes and when I’m not making cakes I’m being a mama.

It has been the most tiring, but rewarding journey. The beginning was tough, but as the years have gone by and my client base has grown, I have been able to step out of the bar industry almost completely and focus solely on my business and my boy. Those sleepless weeks, months, even years have been the most rewarding of my life. It just goes to show you that every challenge in life is truly a gift. I fought harder for what I wanted because of what life had given me.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about a girl with a Party?
A girl with a Party offers custom cakes, cupcakes, doughlicious pops & party packages for any occasion. The custom cakes and desserts are made to order. I do offer two unique items. The first doughlicious pops! These delicious pops are edible cookie dough popsicles coated in chocolate. they are customizable to any event and are great as party favors! The second are my booze-infused cakes- You heard me right! I will infuse any cake with your favorite liquor. My best-selling boozy batter cake would be the peanut butter chocolate cake that is soaked in the very loved Skrewball Whiskey.

The party packages are for Airbnb guests in the Nashville Area. What I do is deck out your Airbnb before you and your guest arrive! Decorations custom to your occasion, a stocked fridge, snacks and sweet set up for your arrival, and even a Photo Booth to capture treasured moments. It is such a fun way to really surprise the guest of honor! It doesn’t stop there. I am a go-to guide for my client’s whole trip- suggesting dinner, events, and even helping with reservations.

My favorite part of this process is personally connecting with each client to make their vision come to life. I take pride in building relationships with my clients, especially when the mass majority are people who are traveling into town for a celebration. I do offer delivery for all of my out-of-town clients- I think it is so important to give them a small-town feel in a big city. I want all of my clients to feel that they are taken care of from the very beginning to end when working with me.

What makes you happy?
I have always had such a passion for bringing joy to those around me. I just love the feeling of making others happy. Being able to work with others and make them or their loved ones feel special literally fills my soul to the very top. Connecting with people and bringing their vision to life is an absolute dream.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.agirlwithaparty.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/agirlwithaparty
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/agirlwithaparty