Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ericka Padilla. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Ericka thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
I recently created a mariachi hat decorated with virgin and synthetic hair, it actually won a small competition. Day of the dead was coming up and I wanted to embrace my Mexican culture as sometimes it is easy to forget how rich and beautiful my cultural background is. My grandmother passed when I was very young, but every Dia de Los Muertos we honor her, I didn’t have a layout I just knew I wanted to created something artistic, peaceful, and beautiful…just like my grandmother! I allowed my creative juices to flow and along came this beautiful mariachi hat that had braided detailing and finger waves all around, I was allowing my heart to guide me and I was so proud. When I submitted it into the competition I wasn’t expecting to win as there was amazing entry’s, I just wanted to share my art because it meant so much to me! Hair is art, hair is beauty, hair is security, hair is confidence, hair is so many things to us, when I was notified I won I felt thankful because I got to share such a meaningful project, something that was made with so much love! I’ve been in the hair industry since I was in high school, and sometimes it’s easy to fall into the rhythm of things. Allowing my creativity to flow limitlessly on that project helped remind me why I do hair and how it makes me feel as an artist. I love what I do and I am blessed to do what I love!!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Ericka Nannette, I just turned thirty, and I feel like my life has just begun. I’ve been in the hair industry since I was about 17, I worked at a salon sweeping up hair, making extra money to go to the movies with friends…as I spent more time in the salon I realized this isn’t just a superficial line of work, some people are going through rough patches and when they look good they feel better! When I realized how happy I can make people, I enrolled in beauty school and knew exactly what I wanted to do in life. I’ve become not only a hairdresser, I’ve also become a therapist and a friend, my chair is a zero judgment zone! I am artistically content as I get to do what I love everyday, I am also emotionally content as I connect with people every single day, I’ve been there through weddings, baby showers, graduations, birthdays as well as loss of loved ones and not so good moments…so yes, you start building relationships and you can’t help but care and want to Be a cheerleader for them! I feel that’s what I am most proud of in my career! My work and my connection to my clients is what I feel sets me apart.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Back then society had to sit In our chairs to support us, with social media growing Day by Day supporting artists has become so easy! A simple share of our Business or a tag, comment, and like on our photos bumps our Business algorithm. We appreciate something so small as it creates such a big outcome for us.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I am a new mom and having my son was the biggest blessing of my life. My mission is to be an example for him and show him to follow his dreams and goals. I want him to understand that his happiness comes first, and to pursue the things that make him happy. The goal is to be successful yes, but what would success feel like without happiness? I am a big believer both can be achieved in harmony and everyday I ask myself “am I being productive enough” if not what can I do to get further towards my goals and dreams.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @eri.does.hair