Eyrica: The Interview

Written by Jessica Brown

March 15th, 2024

Eyrica D’Rozario is the manager of the student-run enterprise Breakthru Events. Eyrica always

knew she wanted to get into music from a young age. She started studying Music Business after finishing her undergrad at Laurier. She wanted to become the manager for Breakthru Events so she could build on the skills that she already has in event planning and put them to the test. As Manager, Eyrica is responsible for mentoring her team and bestowing her wisdom on event planning onto them.

What made you want to be in the Music Business program?

I had a friend that was in the Public Relations program and now she works for the Universal Music Group and is in Los Angeles, CA, getting ready for the Grammys. After finishing my time at Laurier, I think I applied to Sheridan, Humber, Centennial, and Durham College. I don't know what it is about Durham College, but it felt like it’s where I needed to be. After coming here and hearing all these stories from other students who are now working in major labels and have gone on to achieve great things, I think this is the best choice.

How do you measure the success of an event?

It’s something I really had to work through as a manager, because I used to think success was based on the number of people that attended. Now that I am a manager, it’s not about how many people attend, it’s about the impact that you make in their lives. Even if you have 100 people come to an event, but they all walk away without making good memories from it, then it’s not worth having the event. If you have 10 people come to your event and they have the best time ever, that’s what I think is important.

What are some goals you have as an enterprise for the semester?

I would like to have a lot of events this semester. Last semester I think we had four events and my goal was three. This semester we have two in February, two in March, and two in April; so, six events. So, my goal is to have more events, especially now that we have people coming in from high schools for the last open mics. I think it’s so cool that people outside Durham College are coming to our events, so I think that’s another goal, to get more people coming out.

What is the best event planning advice you could give someone?

I would say (to try) multitasking while having a lot of patience. When you are organizing an event there are so many things going on. You are talking to vendors, multiple people on your team, different venues, but you’re also trying to work with these people. Not everyone is going to answer fast enough or give you the answer you’re looking for, so you have to be patient while working with all these people and I think that’s how you maintain your composure and not get overwhelmed.

How did you get started in event planning?

When I was in high school, I really wanted to do music, everything had to be music. So, in grades 9 and 10 I was mostly on the performance side;, I kind of just showed up, performed, and that was it. In grade 11 my high school music teacher let me take control of our coffee houses, our talent shows, and musicals and I really liked doing that. Once I realized what I liked I went to university, but the event planning didn’t come out until my last year in university. We had to do a project that encompasses everything you learned in the last four years. I worked with a classmate of mine and hosted a big benefit concert for his dad, who had a really bad heart condition. I think we made over $3,000 that went straight to him and that made me feel so good, and I think it definitely confirmed that it’s what I want to do. After coming to Durham College, it really solidified it.

We just had the first open mic of the semester. How do you feel about the overall outcome

of the event?

I was really, really happy about it. I am a really anxious person when it comes to stuff like this, and I was nervous that not a lot of people would come out because it’s the first open mic. We didn’t have as many performers, this time; we had 10-12, which is a few less than we usually get. I think it was the environment as a whole, everyone was so cheerful and so supportive. Anyone who was nervous, it didn’t affect them at all because they had these people who were there to support them. Like I said, it helps build a lot of artist's confidence and I think that’s the point of Breakthru. Not to be corny but to “break through” that boundary of yours and put yourself out there. Everyone has been saying it’s the best one yet.

What are the most challenging and most rewarding parts of event planning?

I think it’s more of an internal challenge but it’s wanting to please everyone. I am a people pleaser; I need to make sure everyone is happy, and everyone is having a good time, but you’re not going to get that at every event. You are going to get a variety of personalities coming out to your event. So, I try not to focus on that and to focus on executing a good event. The challenge is to try to not get overwhelmed. The rewarding part is that I have always loved seeing people smile and be happy. I think I get that from my mom. My parents are both great hosts; they always make sure someone has a drink in their hand or that they’re eating and that everyone is happy. I think seeing happiness in my events is what makes me happy and feel like I accomplished something.

Do you have any advice for first year students in MBM?

Attend events and network as much as you can. When I was in first year, I didn’t realize how important networking was until I actually got to meet some amazing people from the first semester last year. Just getting out there and putting yourself out there, because no one is going to hand it out to you on a silver platter. This industry is really tough and cut throat so if you want to make it, you really have to work for it. So, go to all your classes, do all your homework, and network.