We recently had the chance to connect with Erika Lucas and have shared our conversation below.
Erika, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. Who are you learning from right now?
My children. Growing up an only child, until my parent remarried when I was in middle school, I knew I wanted to be a mother more than anything in the world. Since becoming a mother, I’ve stepped back from my day to day roles inside the restaurant and I work as an owner, on the outside, while raising my children. They teach me something new every single day. Being a mother is my greatest accomplishment.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Erika Lucas – Owner of Sandy’s Restaurant in Blue Springs, MO. 10 years ago, my world was turned upside down when I lost my mother, Sandy, unexpectedly. I made the decision to continue her legacy of love, and giving back, by keeping Sandy’s Restaurant going. Sandy’s has been a staple in the Eastern Jackson County community since 1998. She began in Independence, MO almost 3 decades ago and we now reside in Blue Springs, MO.
My managers and staff currently run the day to day operations. We not only serve our community by dishing up the best home-cooked, scratch meals around, we also give back to our community by serving others as often as possible. My General Manager founded a non-profit called You Matter, after losing his brother to suicide a few years ago. Sandy’s is a proud partner, and together, we strive to ensure that we not only feed the ones who can afford it, but also the ones who can’t.
Many staff members of Sandy’s have been with me for more than a decade now – our employees are family at Sandy’s. We also ensure that every guest that walks through the door leaves a friend.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My husband, Casey. He’s been my biggest supporter since day one and he believes in me more than I believe in myself. Casey reminds me of who I am when I lose myself. As a wife, mother, and entrepreneur, it’s easy to get lost in the beautiful chaos, sometimes.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I’ve wanted to give up many times – especially after the pandemic. Small businesses are suffering and sometimes it would be easier to give up vs keep fighting, but giving up just isn’t in my blood. We have a huge support system from our community that keeps us going. I saw a recent quote that said, “Behind every successful person you admire survived a season you didn’t see,” and I’ve never read anything so true.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
That if you were cheaper than your competitors, you were doing it right. This is such a false belief. Cheap doesn’t equal good.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Have you ever gotten what you wanted, and found it did not satisfy you?
Yes. In our old location, the building was falling apart so I set out to find Sandy’s a new home. I got everything I wanted, and everything I didn’t. Almost a year to the date after we opened in our current home, we had to shut down for 2 months due to health dept regulations. We’re one of the lucky ones that made it through as many others did not.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Sandysbluesprings.com
- Facebook: Sandy’s Restaurant-Home-Cooked-meals
