We had the good fortune of connecting with Carla Erskine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carla, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have always been purpose driven and very much a people-person with a business and entrepreneurial mindset  –  I chose a path which allowed me to embrace those characteristics and one in which success is not simply measured by financial abundance but also considers the importance of relationship building. Additionally, I have pursued a life in which my actions and choices serve a bigger purpose and can make a positive impact in my community, that’s always my North Star! When one knows they are living authentically and in their purpose, in a manner that positively impacts the lives they touch, success will naturally follow in all pursuits.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

About my career/ business: 

By career and training, I am an attorney. I have been a practicing lawyer since 2013 and have specialized in business/corporate transactions and real estate matters. I have provided legal support to small business owners, entrepreneurs, real estate developers, social media influencers and more, whether they are launching new business ventures, brokering real estate deals, or negotiating contracts for new partnership deals. I enjoy supporting clients in development of business strategy and contract negotiations.

The experience I have gained in the legal arena has also prepared me to succeed in any business, including taking the lead for Hotel Grand-A-View and Grand-A-View Restaurant & Event Place, my family-owned businesses based in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The importance of black ownership and family legacy has been instilled in me since my youth and so taking the lead role in these businesses has felt like a natural next step, in addition to my legal career. For those looking for a vacation getaway (with an authentic island experience) or a destination wedding, with some of the most beautiful island views, the Grand A View hospitality team looks forward to hosting you and providing excellent service so you can have an exceptional experience.

Additional reasons behind my success:

Growing up as a competitive tennis player, being self-motivated, goal oriented and success driven is now embedded in my DNA and those personal characteristics are likely some of the most significant contributors to my success. However, “no man is an island” and so I have always recognized that the support of my family/friends and efforts of my team members are integral to my success – I always consider their happiness and well-being because I know that impacts my ability to thrive in my career or business ventures. I never lose sight of the fact that “every business is a people business” and I’m a servant-leader before everything else.

From a more pragmatic standpoint, here is the approach that I believe has helped me succeed:  (i) resilience when facing challenges, (ii) being calculated when taking risks, (iii) being open minded when problem solving, (iv) finding time to prioritize self-care and implement work-life balance, and (v) being a supportive and positive team member and/or team leader.

Overcoming challenges:

All my life, I have operated from the prism that giving up or failure is not an option. A quote by Calvin Coolidge that often comes to my mind during challenging times: “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent…” When faced with challenges,  I don’t let those situations overwhelm me and prevent me from achieving goals. Instead, I pause, plan and pivot as needed but always keep working towards the goal at hand.

Lessons Learned:

1) Patience is a virtue; 2) One size fits all is not an effective approach in business because you have to meet different needs and expectations; 3) The most respected leaders are the ones who make the selfless and necessary sacrifices for those relying on them, and; 4) The energy you put out into the world is the energy you will receive.

What the world should know:

Providing exceptional service with a smile is always the priority, in both the legal arena and hospitality industry.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

  • In my opinion every trip should have a little rest and relaxation so we would make some time to head to the Esencia Spa at the Eden Roc or the Lapis Spa at the Fontainebleau.
  • For evening outings, fine dining with a view of the water is essential and some great options are Kiki on the River, Seaspice and The Deck at Island Gardens. Other noteworthy restaurants with an elegant atmosphere and fun vibe are Papi Steak (for the meat lovers), Swan (for European Cuisine) and Sexy Fish (for Asian cuisine).
  • In my world, Sunday Brunch is practically a requirement, and we could check out Strawberry Moon at the Goodtime Hotel for brunch and a fun day at the pool.
  • My Frenchie Zeus loves to join the fun, an outing at the Wharf Miami is a great dog friendly outing.
  • For sports lovers, I would add a Miami Heat Game or Football Game at the Hardrock Stadium to the itinerary. If you come visit me in March, we would go the Miami Open to get some tennis action into the mix.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

My family and friends are my village. All my achievements and success are as a result of having their support, even when we don’t see “eye to eye” on all things.

Other:

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.