We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Washington and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Erica, maybe we can start at the very start – the idea – how did you come up with the idea for your business?
My skin was breaking out badly; I was trying product after product but couldn’t find anything that seemed to work. I went to the dermatologist and they prescribed me products that had my face on fire, looking bleached and inflamed, and still, nothing would stop the breakouts. I was trying everything under the sun to clear my skin!
I knew I wasn’t ugly but it was hard to see the beauty in me with acne and dark marks everywhere. I refused to post a picture on social media because I was embarrassed about what my skin looked like. If I did it was far back and not noticeable.
Once the pandemic hit my face broke out even worse, God whispered in my ear and said, “Now are you ready!” I knew it was time to walk in my destiny and start my natural skincare line because the vision had been impregnated in me for the longest time. I just never dared to step out on faith. I was my first testimonial, and I can proudly say I wasn’t my last!
So many people feel like being themselves is not enough when being YOU and being confident in who you are is your SUPERPOWER! Every product was designed to give you the strength to fall in love with yourself again, and the courage to embrace the natural beauty that already lives within you.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Right now, in my position, I’m responsible for our onboarding process, ensuring that our new employees understand our system and embody our company’s values. Every day I work to ensure that our team provides our customers with the best possible service and results by training them to always strive for successful outcomes. I guess you can say the passion for teaching never left!
What sets me apart from others is my determination to be the best version of myself. I always tell people that I’m never in competition with the next person because I want EVERYBODY to win…but I definitely compete with the older version of myself. Every time I discover a new level of Erica; it’s game time to try and reach new heights within myself. It’s my healthy way of holding myself accountable for my future and destiny.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Not to brag about Chicago but it’s definitely a vibe. Now I could be bias but then again who doesn’t love Chicago? When family or friends come into town the following restaurants and places would be on the itinerary:
• Raymond’s Tacos
• Al’s under the L
• Chicken and Waffles on 39th
• Kitchen & Kocktails
• Caribbean Jerk Palace on 79th
• Sanchez Tacos on Cermak and Pulaski Rd
• Oh Wee It Is on 83rd
• S2 Grill on Stony Island
• Naperville Wellness & Salt Cave
• AIRE Ancient Baths Chicago
• Shedd Aquarium
• United Center (watch Chicago basketball, hockey, and more)
• The Morton Arboretum
I don’t want to overload you so I’ll just name a few of the places that will definitely be rewarding for a person’s visit.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First and foremost, I would like to thank God because without God I am nothing. I thank God for trusting and believing in me to fulfill the vision he has for Perfection In Beauty.
I would like to thank my wife who believed in my business when it was nothing more than a name and an idea. The constant reminders and pep talk reassured me that I could accomplish anything I set my mind to as long as I had faith in myself.
I also would like to thank my mother who was so proud of me for stepping out on faith and giving my dreams everything I got. When I first launched my business my mother text EVERYONE in her phone my flyer and website information. She purchased a bulk load of products just so she could give them away as gifts to people she knew, which converted them into paying customers.
Finally, I want to give recognition to my entire village for believing in me to break generational curses and build an empire for our family. One of those people was my little cousin Aliyaha Frierson, who lost her life due to domestic violence. She came to my first pop-up event and supported my business but most importantly every opportunity she got she informed me of how proud she was of me and to keep building no matter what. So for all the people that had faith that I could do what most people thought was the impossible, I will forever love and appreciate you.
Website: perfectioninbeauty.com
Instagram: perfectionin.beauty
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnhancingTheNaturalBeauty
Image Credits
Photo Credits: Erica Washington Before and After Photos Credits: Real Customers…Real Reviews Carla H. Vandella D. Janesha W.