Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Wilkes.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My story starts in a small-town Jackson, TN. I was raised by my dad who had no idea when it came to how to maintain hair. So, every Friday, I went to one of the local hair salons… “Opals Beauty Bar.”
Because it was my dad and I only, visiting opals gave me the opportunity to learn everything beauty such as hair care, makeup, fashion, and other tips. Tricks ladies love to share when they are amongst each other. Most importantly she kept my hair healthy and beautiful from week to week which was very important being a young African-American girl with extremely kinky hair. This had such an impact on my life. I knew at an early age, I wanted to become a hairstylist, just like the ladies at Opal’s Beauty Bar!
I graduated from hair school in 2001, my first job as a stylist was at Opal’s! I was very excited to begin my journey in the very place that inspired me. In 2003, I opened my first salon where I catered to adults and kids. I quickly realized I had more creativity and passion when servicing my younger clients. In 2009, Pressed Pink Kids’ Salon went from a vision to reality.
Having a salon exclusively for young ladies ages 2-17 that includes hair service, nails, and makeup all while being inspired with words of affirmation in a positive environment, and a wonderful staff of ladies reminding each girl she’s beautiful inside and out!
I understand firsthand how vital a kid’s salon can be in the life of many young girls. This is absolutely a dream come true!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The hardest obstacles and challenges I faced would be having a clear vision of what I wanted the end result of my kid salon to be and not having all the pieces to put that vision together. It was many times I didn’t know where the piece would even come from!
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me would be having a career where I now have the ability to make an impact on the lives of others, Leaving a lasting memory, or simply putting a smile on a young lady’s face!
Contact Info:
- Email: Pressedpinkkidsalon@gmail.com
- Website: Pressedpinkkidsalon.com
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/pressedpinkkidsalon/
