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

Hi Erica, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

From a young age, my goal was to be a successful, criminal lawyer. I grew up watching The Cosby Show and A Different World so I knew I would go to an HBCU, become a lawyer, wife and mother all before I turned 30 years old. However, soon after I graduated from college, VSU, life changed and that vision I had for myself changed quickly. I planned to take a year off from school so I could work and save a good chunk of money before heading to law school.

Interestingly enough, I ended up getting hired and working for the legislative branch of state government. This institution has a very, conservative culture based in traditions stemming from the late 1960’s. Needless to say, after graduating from a HBCU, my job’s work culture can be extremely suffocating and frustrating. I needed an outlet but I also needed more money back then because of my regular bills and my sky high student loan payments. I did my makeup practically everyday in school and I played around and did several friend’s makeup here and there throughout college. So, I decided to apply for a makeup artist position with a prominent bridal glam squad in the area. I got hired and I was one of their best makeup artists. I was booked for weddings every weekend but I was barely making any money.

How am I one of the top artists, working every weekend, driving long distance and working large bridal parties but barely making a couple hundred dollars a paycheck? I decided that I can do makeup on my own and start my own business. Thus, I resigned from the glam squad and started my own business in the fall of 2017. Since then, I have been striving to grow my business while still working full-time in the office. I never saw me pursuing makeup full time until last year. My business has grown so much and business has been booming! This year has been my busiest, most consistent and profitable year yet! I have gotten to the point where I need to choose between working both jobs or leaving my safe career for good and pursue doing makeup full time.

I now know that I can do this! This would be a huge pivot from the political realm but this route will make me happy. This route will make my soul happy. This route will give me freedom. I have the support of my husband, my family and friends so I know will be okay. God has always taken care of me and I believe He will continue to do so.

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 hail from the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. I am a daughter, sister, wife, mother and a friend. I take pride in my family and friends and they are the most important people in my life. I have been married to my husband for almost three years now and we have a two year old daughter, Gigi.

I try not to take life so seriously all of the time. I am an extreme goofball. I love to laugh and have fun. I am somewhat off a home body but I also like to be outside in the mix. I love to listen to music and I also love listening to YouTube interviews and podcasts. I love a good debate.

Clients should know that I take my business extremely serious. I always want my clients to feel like celebrities and to feel like they can tell me anything. I truly do care about every client that sits in my chair. Makeup is my craft and I am continuously learning and growing as an artist and businesswoman. Professionalism and proper business etiquette are top priorities of me and my business. I strive to provide experiences for my clients whether the client is getting glammed for a wedding or an intimate, birthday dinner.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely! My goal for the last two years has been to leave my full time job and become a full-time makeup artist. I’m striving to be my own boss, make unlimited money, feel fulfilled in my life’s purpose, be happy and do what I love to do. Of course, leaving a stable job to be an entrepreneur doesn’t come without its challenges but I actually look forward to the ride.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Show more love to up and coming artists on social media. Social media is the way of the world now and so much of how people view your business is based on your follower count. With the change in the algorithm, it’s more challenging than ever to get your posts seen by your own followers much less a new audience of non-followers. Just by liking a post that you actually like, you support someone and their dreams more than you know. It seems like people only want to support you when it’s cool to do so and not when you’re not popular. Interestingly enough, you will get passed up for opportunities because your follower count is low and some would deem you as “unworthy” or not qualified because of such factors.

Contact Info:

• Website: thefabfaced.com
• Instagram: @thefabfaced
• Facebook: The Fab Faced

Image Credits
Terralynn Mikell Amber Mae Photography (Amber Lamphere) Valerie Demo