Erwena Sharine’s Stories, Lessons & Insights

Erwena Sharine shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Erwena, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
Yes, I would hire me because I genuinely care. I’m naturally a caring and detail-oriented person, and that shows in everything I do. I take pride in being fully invested in every step of the process, from the initial planning to the final execution. My goal isn’t just to bring your vision to life, but to create an experience that’s thoughtful, seamless, and memorable for you and your guests. That level of care makes a real difference, and it’s something I consistently bring to the table.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Erwena, the founder and heart behind Bubbalou Catering, a woman-owned luxury catering company specializing in private events, weddings, and elevated small bites with beautifully crafted charcuterie. At Bubbalou, we believe food should be more than just delicious – it should be creative, thoughtful, and unforgettable. Every event we serve is treated like a story waiting to be told, with careful attention to flavor, presentation, and the overall guest experience. What makes us unique is our blend of freshness, creativity, and genuine connection – because for us, catering isn’t just about food, it’s about creating meaningful moments. This business is also deeply personal to me. As a proud autism mama to two incredible boys, Bubbalou was built on love, resilience, and community. We’re not only woman-owned; we’re autism-mom-owned, and we proudly support and collaborate with the autism community in meaningful ways. Right now, we’re focused on expanding our offerings while staying true to our roots: delivering exceptional food experiences that bring people together, spark joy, and leave a lasting impression.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed that I had to be small, quiet, and agreeable to be loved and accepted. That my worth was tied to how well I fit into what others needed from me. Over time, through my experiences as a mother, entrepreneur, and woman navigating life’s challenges, I’ve learned that my voice, my strength, my energy and my authenticity are not just valuable – they’re necessary. I no longer believe I have to lower my volume, shrink, dim myself to belong. Instead, I know that my true self is exactly who I was always meant to be, and the right people, opportunities, and blessings come when I stand in that truth.

When did you last change your mind about something important?
The last time I changed my mind about something important was when I realized that Bubbalou Catering didn’t just need to be about food. It needed to be about creating experiences. In the beginning, I thought people would remember us most for the flavors alone. But over time, I saw how much the details – the presentation, the atmosphere, the small touches of love mattered just as much as the menu. That shift changed the way we operate, and now we design every event as a full experience that leaves a lasting impression, not just a meal.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
I believe that food carries energy, love, and intention – that when something is created with genuine care, people can feel it even if you can’t measure it. You can’t prove it on paper, but I’ve seen it countless times: a thoughtfully crafted spread can shift the mood in a room, ease tension, spark conversations, and create memories that last long after the plates are cleared.
I also believe that the love and resilience you put into something whether it’s raising children, building a business, or serving a table – finds its way back to you. Bubbalou Catering was born out of that belief: that food can be more than nourishment, it can be connection, comfort, and even healing. For me, it’s never just about feeding people – it’s about showing them they matter, that their moment matters, and that even the smallest detail can carry meaning. I can’t prove it, but I know deep down that when we pour our hearts into what we do, people feel it in ways words can’t explain.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing? 
What I’ll regret most is not taking every chance to pour my creativity and love into something bigger than myself. I never want to look back and feel like I played it safe instead of sharing my gifts, building memories, and creating impact through food, community, and love. With Bubbalou Catering, I’ve learned that the biggest regret would be not saying yes. Yes to the opportunities, to the growth, and to the moments that bring people together. At the end of the day, I don’t want to regret holding back when I was meant to give my whole heart.

Image Credits
Bri Lae Photography
M.A.K.E Fall Event