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

Alright, LaPortia thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear from you about what you think Corporate America gets wrong in your industry and why it matters.

I’ve worked in Corporate America as well as the beauty industry and what they both get wrong is that they forget that they are working with other humans. While working in Corporate America as well as working in a well known salon, I realize that they do not understand the needs of the people who work for them. People aren’t machines. However, Corporate America doesn’t care if you need a mental health break. Most times you aren’t recognized as the human who brings gifts and talents to a certain industry. When I worked in finance, I was the youngest employee there. I became ill working there. My body felt overworked and one day I had to leave early. That wasn’t my norm. I rarely took any time off because my role was very important. I wen’t to the ER and was told that I needed to stay home for a few days to rest. I had a doctors note and while I should have honored my bodies need to repose, I did not. I placed the need of others before myself. My boss came to my cubical and asked me what was wrong with me and what did the hospital say. It wasn’t anything to hide, but I didn’t think it was tactful to ask someone something so personal in front of several others. I told my boss that I was advised to rest and take a few days off and she said “It’s all in your head. You’re young.” That statement alone showed that there is a lack of empathy for the next person in Cooperate America.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I got into the beauty industry around age 14. It began when I had to start doing my own hair. From there, I began to do hair for others. After graduating college, I went on to get my cosmetology license also. I began to create content online while I was in college. The problem that I solved for my clients who came to me for hair or makeup was allowing them to experience great customer service with someone who cared about their health of their hair. There is always a lot of talk about the lack of professionalism and empathy within the beauty industry today and because I have a wealth of customer service skills, I was able to bring that with me. I was also able to foster great relationships with my clients through offering great customer service. Today, I create content about beauty, Selfcare, and lifestyle and I am most proud of my ability to start a business from scratch, maintain it, & grow financially through it.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Being able to express myself and create content surrounding the things that bring me joy has been one of the most rewarding aspects of being a creative.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Those who do not create content think that content creating is your entire life. They began to dehumanize you and treat you as if you live a fairytale life. They also think that you have no real life issues. They also think that creating content is always easy and a quick process. Some do not understand that this is real work.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @laportiaermilus
• Facebook: La Portia Ermilus
• Youtube: glambyportia
• Other: tiktok @laportiaermilus