Inspiring Conversations with Erica Valdez of Chic Event Designs & Valdez Homes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Valdez.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My entrepreneurial journey began in the in the late 90’s when balloon decor was booming but it wasn’t until the early 200’s when it all started for me rooted in pure necessity. As a single mother, I had to find creative ways to make extra income while balancing the demands of raising a family. With a background in dentistry, office administration, and management, I began using my skill set to help people decorate for their special events.

In 2013, I took a leap of faith and launched Chic Event Designs, stepping into the world of wedding planning with no real roadmap just passion, grit, and a strong work ethic. I had no formal training, but I was determined to learn, grow, and succeed. I poured myself into every event, studied the industry inside and out, and built my business one wedding at a time. There were sleepless nights, trial and error, and a lot of figuring it out as I went, but the experience taught me resilience and resourcefulness.

By 2020, I could no longer ignore my passion for real estate. I decided to pursue my license and expand the way I serve my community this time by helping people build wealth and security through homeownership. In 2023, I launched Meraki Staging Studio, blending my eye for design with my real estate expertise to help clients present their homes in the best light possible.

Today, I proudly run two businesses: Chic Event Designs and Valdez Homes. I also serve on the Board of directors for NAHREP Los Angeles. Chic Event Designs is approaching its 12-year anniversary, we’ve weathered challenges, including a pandemic, and continue to thrive in an industry where Latinas only make up of 16.5% in the Us. In real estate, I’ve had the honor of helping many families achieve their goals, and this year I closed the largest transaction of my career: a $5.75 million deal. Every chapter of this journey has been driven by faith, family, and the belief that no dream is too big when you lead with purpose and perseverance.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road has definitely not been smooth but every challenge has taught me something valuable. In the early days of wedding planning, I quickly learned that I couldn’t do it all on my own. I needed a team, and I needed structure. Having systems in place and learning how to delegate was a game changer.

In real estate, one of the hardest lessons has been realizing that not everyone has your best interest at heart. It taught me to pay closer attention, to trust my instincts, and to always do my due diligence. I’ve had moments of deep doubt, times I questioned my path but I also discovered that every setback carried a lesson that pushed me to level up.

What keeps me going is my commitment to my kids, to integrity and transparency. I never want my work to feel transactional. Whether I’m helping someone plan their wedding or guide them through buying real estate. I lead from a place of purpose, not just profit. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s absolutely been worth it.

We’ve been impressed with Chic Event Designs & Valdez Homes , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Chic Event Designs and Valdez Homes are both rooted in service, creativity, and heart.

Chic Event Designs is a full-service wedding planning and coordination company that specializes in curating stylish, deeply personal, and memorable events. We’re known for our attention to detail, our ability to bring any vision to life, and our calm yet confident presence on one of the most important days of our clients’ lives. Whether it’s an intimate ceremony or a large-scale celebration, we create elevated experiences that feel effortless but are backed by strategy, structure, and years of hands-on experience. What sets us apart is our ability to combine elegance with authenticity, and to make each couple feel truly seen and supported throughout the process.

Valdez Homes, on the other hand, is where my passion for helping others build generational wealth through real estate comes to life. I specialize in guiding first-time buyers, investors, and sellers with transparency, patience, and strategy. My role goes beyond just being a real estate agent, I act as a real estate advisor, walking my clients through every detail so they feel informed, empowered, and protected.

What sets both brands apart is that they’re built with intention. I don’t believe in a one size fits all approach I customize everything based on my clients’ needs, their goals, and their story. I’m most proud that both brands have grown through referrals and real relationships. I’ve built a reputation based on trust, integrity, and heart and to me, that’s everything.

If there’s one thing I want readers to know, it’s that working with me means working with someone who truly cares. Whether you’re planning your dream wedding or looking for your dream home, I bring the same level of dedication, passion, and purpose.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Finding a mentor and building a solid network has been one of the most valuable parts of my journey. My biggest piece of advice is to lead with genuine connection don’t just network to get something, network to build something. Be intentional, be present, and be of service. The right people will align when your energy and your purpose are clear.

What’s worked well for me is putting myself in rooms where growth is happening even if I felt uncomfortable or underqualified. I’ve learned the most by being around people who inspire me, challenge me, and pour into me. I also believe in showing up consistently to events, to conversations, to collaborations because you never know who’s watching or who you might impact just by being yourself and I know it’s difficult sometimes, I still struggle at times.

Mentorship doesn’t always have to be formal. Some of the best mentors I’ve had didn’t even know they were mentoring me they inspired me through their work ethic, values, and how they carry themselves. The key is staying humble, staying hungry, and staying open.