girl crush: erika veurink
on saying no, creating connection, and getting excited for baby
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I feel like writer and brand consultant Erika Veurink needs no introduction, but I will try. I first met Erika over Zoom about a year and a half ago when we were both working in-house for baby/family brands and she reached out to talk shop. I was immediately struck by her kindness and no bullshit attitude: she didn’t put on a know-it-all air like so many brand people I’ve met with do, and yet she was clearly very capable and knowledgeable. I liked her right away.
After that initial call, we found each other on Instagram and my girl crush blossomed. I was drawn to her fashion takes, her love for secondhand clothing, and her unapologetic way of putting herself out there on social media.
Shortly thereafter, her hard work paid off and her presence and prowess exploded: from her extremely popular Substack Long Live (you’ve probably seen this viral post), to her coveted invite-only event series EV Salon, to top name brand partnerships and features on Cup of Jo, Erika is busy.
And so, I’m beyond honored and grateful to have her on girl crush. She’s a gem.
Meet Erika Veurink:
Where are you from & where do you live now?
I’m from Iowa and live in Brooklyn, NY.
Who (&/or what) lives with you?
I live with my husband + an ever-expanding baby bump!
How do you spend your days? (ie. “What do you do?”)
I’m a writer and brand consultant. I write a Substack called Long Live and run an event series called EV Salon.
Your business and presence has grown SO much in the last ~year. Can you share a few tips for growing your own business?
It’s nice to have lots of irons in the fire or spoke on your flywheel, however you think of it. It keeps any one endeavor from feeling too much pressure. I’d suggest establishing multiple streams of income from the jump, whether that’s paid subscriptions, affiliate links, brand partnerships, or consulting gigs.
Pretend you’re speaking to your mentee — what’s one piece of career (or life) advice you would have for them?
Say “no” so your “yeses” can be bigger.
What’s one mistake you’ve made and what did you learn from it?
I make a new mistake every week. My biggest learning is that no one cares and everything’s a lesson.
Your event series, EV Salon, has become my obsession from afar. Can you talk about how you came up with the idea and how you got it up and running?
I was working in house at the time and had to see about 30 of my close friends/colleagues, but didn’t have the time to get coffee with all of them one on one! So I invited them to my apartment, paired them up, and the rest is history.
One recent favorite meeting at EV Salon?
The magic of EV Salon is that nothing is by chance, since I know every single person on the name tag board. That way, you know showing up without a +1, there’s someone waiting to meet you that I’ve personally considered a great match. I just found out about a match who invested in an angel round for her match’s company yesterday!
You recently announced your pregnancy and I’m SO excited for you. What are you most excited about in this new chapter and what (if anything) feels scary?
Thank you! I’m really excited to be a mom. I’m an eldest daughter and have felt maternal toward my siblings my whole life, so I’m excited to experience actually being a mom for the first time. I’m a bit overwhelmed by the tiny clothes and how to organize them, but mostly, I’m just filled with anticipation and awe.
I love a city kid — what went into your decision process to start your family in New York?
My husband and I have been here for twelve-ish years, my sister’s here, his family’s in New Jersey, and all my baby’s future aunts/my closest friends are here, too.
How do you carve out YOU time and what do you spend it doing?
I’m bad at this, but my idea of me time is seeing a movie, stopping by the bookstore, taking a walk, or getting a massage. I tend to do at least one of these every weekend.
Currently reading?
Second Life by Amanda Hess
Currently watching?
The Righteous Gemstones
Three Substacks to recommend?
Thank you, Ok by Katie Merchant
Trademarked by Tariro Makoni
Following Up by Clare Moore
One thing in your closet you come back to time and time again?
I wear a black and white striped tee shirt I thrifted in high school, originally from Liz Claiborne, all the damn time.
A favorite spot (or two) to find secondhand gems in the city?
I hate secondhand shopping in the city, but if I have to, I’ll go to The RealReal in Soho or a Housing Works on the Upper East Side.
One thing you’re lusting over?
Jenna Katz jewels as push present inspo.
A favorite place you’ve traveled to?
Copenhagen
One thing you’re looking forward to?
My babymoon in Maine this summer.
What’s your superpower?
Connecting people.
Who do you look up to?
Nancy Meyers!
A girl crush of yours?
Katherine Hepburn.
Where can people find you? (plug yourself!)
I’m @erikaveurink on social channels and Long Live on Substack! And I have a romance novel coming out in Sept you can preorder here.
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Iconic - and also Ariane if this newsletter is showcasing anything it’s that you too are an ultimate connector!
connecting people really is your superpower, Erika!!