We recently had the chance to connect with Erica Gibbs and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Erica, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: When was the last time you felt true joy?
The last time I truly felt joy was back in June when I won the Leap of Faith Award at the 7th Annual Side Hustlers Award Show. I’d never even been nominated for any type of award before, so standing in that room full of entrepreneurs like myself, people who took their own leaps of faith, was incredibly special. It wasn’t just about the trophy; it was the feeling that, maybe, what I’m doing really can make a difference in the world. That moment reminded me that taking risks pays off and that I belong in this space, making moves and lifting others up.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Erica ‘Belle’ Gibbs, and I turn moments into memories. As the owner of Reserv’d Events Venue and On the Go Entertainment, I’ve made it my mission to create experiences that bring people together, whether that’s a wedding, a block party, a women’s empowerment event, or a backyard movie night. My work is special because it’s rooted in connection; I don’t just set up an event, I craft an atmosphere where people laugh, network, celebrate, and feel like they belong. My journey started with a big dream, a lot of hustle, and a deep love for my community. Today, I’m building not just events, but a legacy, expanding my services, hosting signature community programs, and making Reserv’d the go-to place for celebrations that people talk about long after the lights go down.”
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
What breaks the bonds between people is often a mix of miscommunication, unspoken expectations, and forgetting to truly listen. Life gets busy, pride steps in, and before you know it, the connection starts to fade. What restores those bonds is intentionality, taking the time to show up, to listen without judgment, and to create shared moments again. I believe laughter, honest conversations, and a willingness to meet people where they are can rebuild even the most strained relationships. At the end of the day, people remember how you made them feel, and when you lead with love, the bonds can always be mended.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me resilience in a way success never could. When everything is going right, it’s easy to think you’re strong, but it’s in the nights you cry alone, the times you’re unsure how you’ll make it through, that you truly learn your own power. Suffering taught me humility, empathy, and how to find light even in the darkest spaces. Success can celebrate you, but suffering shapes you, it’s the grind, the lessons, and the scars that give your victories meaning.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
The public version of me? Oh, that’s me alright, just with better lighting and a fresh lip gloss. What you see is what you get, but I’ll admit, I know how to turn up the volume when it’s go-time. I’m the same Erica, “Belle” whether I’m hosting a community event, planning a wedding, or sitting in my sweats at home looking ugly because I don’t believe in being fake for the crowd. The difference is, in public, you’re getting the polished, ready-for-business version. At home, you might catch me with my hair wrapped and a plate of wings, but the energy? The love? The drive? That’s all 100% me.”
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Oh, for sure. I’ve gotten things I swore up and down would be it, the big moment and then sat there like, ‘This is what I was losing sleep over?’ Sometimes you’re chasing the picture in your head, not the reality. I’ve learned that if it doesn’t feed my soul, make me feel proud, or have me doing a little happy dance when no one’s looking, it’s not worth keeping. I’m done mistaking shiny for fulfilling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://reservd-events.square.site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reservdevents_venue
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19NiBoJ1j6/
