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Manhattan Chapter

Member Spotlight: Erika Saucedo

15 days ago
rex-aquirre

Erika Saucedo’s story begins in Zacatecas, Mexico, a place rich in history, architecture, and the arts. Growing up in a family of musicians, writers, and artists, creativity was part of everyday life and left a lasting imprint on how she sees the world.

As the eldest of four, Erika learned early how to lead and adapt. Her father, who worked for the Department of Agriculture in water resources, and as a waiter while pursuing marathon running, instilled in her a simple mindset: “No matter where life takes you, strive to be the best at what you do. ”It is advice she still lives by..

An Unexpected Path

Erika’s academic background began far from the design world. She earned a degree in Clinical Psychology with training in forensics from the Autonomous University of Zacatecas. Still, her interests were wide-ranging. She was active in sports, theater, and dance, and drawn to both psychology and language. Her first job at 13, working at Blockbuster, sparked a love of storytelling through film. That early curiosity about people and human connections continues to shape how she engages with others today.

“No matter where life takes you, strive to be the best at what you do.”

Learning Through Experience

Before entering the luxury appliance sector, Erika built a diverse career. She managed a restaurant and co-founded a mobile bartending business in California, then moved into sales roles with Miele and Dyson in New York. Each role sharpened her skills at reading people and responding to their needs.Her interest in design developed over time, influenced by exposure to shows like Property Brothers and architecture and design videos. What began as inspiration quickly became a clear direction.

The Work Today

Today, Erika is Showroom Manager at Dacor Kitchen Theater in Manhattan, where she focuses on creating elevated, memorable experiences for consumers, designers, and architects. For her, it’s not just about showcasing appliances. It’s about helping others connect with the craftsmanship, performance, and lifestyle that Dacor products represent. As she puts it, "It’s not just about showcasing appliances…

“It’s about creating a luxurious, lasting experience."

Community and Connection

Erika joined NKBA through her work with Dacor in 2021 and quickly found her place within the Manhattan Chapter. Volunteering with God’s Love We Deliver was one of her most meaningful and personally fulfilling experiences. She values the opportunity to network with others in the industry and enjoys hosting events that bring people together. She has also been involved in Earth Day programming for several years, helping to spotlight sustainability and energy efficiency within the industry.

Life Beyond the Showroom

Erika finds work/life balance in cooking, participating in a book club, hiking, traveling, and writing poetry. When it's time to recharge, she will find a quiet moment or a weekend escape.

Looking Ahead

Erika’s goals reflect both ambition and curiosity. She hopes to travel to places like Transylvania and eventually own a home in a small town in Mexico or Costa Rica. Long term, she envisions opening her own store focused on naturally sourced home and skin-care products, and writing a memoir. For now, she continues bringing her perspective to an industry that blends design, performance, and storytelling.