Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Erica Patterson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Erica, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Going back to the beginning – how did you come up with the idea in the first place?

I first came up with the idea of skincare because of my need for a different type of skincare. I had the need for skincare to help with hyperpigmentation, oily skin, etc., and I wasn’t really finding things out in the skincare market that were really made for my skin type. I had been studying and taking courses in herbalism and learning to grow my own herbs and starting my own garden. And that just gave me more of a drive to do what I felt I needed to do. As for my artistic side (nails and fashion), I have ALWAYS when artistic. I have always loved art, growing up with an art major as a dad, and he has always taught me, even when he was in the military. I also went to school for Fashion Merchandising, and am currently working on adding my custom fashions to my website.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am an 80’s baby, grew up an Army brat lol. I have one younger brother. I have always been into art and been a Creative. With my skincare, I can custom create products specifically tailored to their skincare needs. I also create press on nails, for any and every occasion, need, and want! I feel what sets me apart, is the time and attention I take with making any of my products and what they mean to my client. A lot of my skincare could mean significant change for one person, while having a great set of reusable press on nails could mean a lot to someone else.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, it would have to be bringing joy/happiness/satisfaction to others through my work. I love coming up with new ideas and new items, that speak to me and hopefully speak to others as well. I also pride myself on being able to find ways to create things that others are not able to do, and I’ve also been known to create things for folks that need things last minute lol

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

There are many resources for small business owners or beginners that I never knew about until I had already started. Many different avenues to get yourself noticed, to get even small funding, etc. I am still learning these things and taking part in them, but I really wish I knew about them ahead of time.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.peanutbutterchocolateskin.com
• Instagram: peanutbutter_chocolateskin
• Facebook: Peanut Butter + Chocolate Skin

Image Credits
All images were taken by me and Stephanie Patterson (my wife)