My journey into the world of beauty began in a tiny 5×10 kitchen in Queens, accompanied by the soulful voice of Audra McDonald and the comforting presence of my sleeping dog, Jasper. Beauty has always been a part of my life, inspired by my mother’s daily lipstick and my grandmother’s weekly beauty parlor visits. However, my personal experience with skin was far from glamorous. From high school well into my thirties, I struggled with persistent acne, enduring the shame, frustration, and countless remedies in my desperate search for clear skin.
Moving from Texas to New York City in 2000 to pursue musical theatre, I unexpectedly found myself drawn to the world of makeup artistry. My path led me to Urban Decay and deeper into skincare with brands like Philosophy and Awake. I was fortunate to learn from industry giants like Elisa Flowers and Mally Roncal, embarking on a career in editorial makeup.
In February 2011, after another hectic New York Fashion Week, I realized something was missing. I yearned to reconnect with everyday women – the teachers, mothers, lawyers, and actors I had enjoyed working with during my time at beauty counters and as a brand trainer. That night, seeking clarity and purpose, the seed for Erin’s Faces was planted.
That small kitchen in Queens became the birthplace of Erin’s Faces for five transformative years. It was largely a solo endeavor, with my husband Daniel joining as we outgrew our space and moved to New Jersey. Our new home, with an addition, provided room for my burgeoning inventory. Soon, one hire turned into two, then three, and a full-fledged business emerged. By 2019, we transitioned from my home to a dedicated commercial space – a daunting yet exhilarating leap.
When I launched Erin’s Faces, “clean beauty” was not the industry buzzword it is today. Mineral makeup was available, and our initial products leaned in that direction. We started as a more “conscious” conventional brand compared to typical department store offerings. But as my knowledge grew, so did our commitment to cleaner formulations. We began eliminating petroleum from our glosses, chemical SPF from sunscreens, sulfates from cleansers, and continued refining our ingredients until we became recognized as a truly clean brand. Today, every new product is developed with this principle in mind: to offer impeccably clean ingredients without compromising performance, meeting the high standards I hold for effective skincare.
My core mission, returning to that initial desire, is to empower, educate, and include women (and men!) of all backgrounds. For me, it’s about more than just selling products; it’s about providing a valuable service. Erin’s Faces is the vehicle through which I can fulfill this purpose. Thank you for being a part of this journey.
If you are a small business owner seeking guidance, you can connect with Erin for coaching HERE.
