Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin N. Pea.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Erin. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
Usually, I tell the story of my bestfriend suggesting I become a makeup artist after doing her makeup for an impromptu photo shoot as how I got my start. However, this time around I want to give some credit to my father. My dad made growing up so easy. He made being unapologetically myself so easy. He always encouraged me to do whatever I wanted, and he approved of it as long as I was happy and having fun.
As a result, I started my artistic journey long before my medium became makeup because my dad never allowed the kid in me to die. In fact, he influenced it. He constantly reminded me to do what was best for me; which, meant I didn’t have to live my life in a way I didn’t see fit and certainly did not have to live up to any of his expectations. When I would get in trouble, he would always say “Don’t tell me what u think I want to hear, tell me the truth.” He initiated my transparency.
Although that would frighten me, it was a pivotal point for me to understand that no matter what I did or didn’t do, said or didn’t say he would love me regardless. That same love, support, and encouragement I’ve received from him since day one is the reason I am able to be a fearless creative today. Given all of the above, I would like to thank my dad for not putting a limit on what I can achieve! Furthermore, I would say I am where I am today due to dedication, hard work, plus patience word to Nip.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has not been smooth for me. Aside from more personal struggles, I would say being a freelance artist in any field is not a walk in the park. I can go from booked and busy to no work at all in the same month. Freelancing forces you to constantly be on your toes and never become too comfortable because the industry is so fickle. It ain’t for everybody.
During slower periods sometimes I will question if I am good enough? Should I get a full-time job? Does hard work really pay off? Or should I continue to trust the process? With all that uncertainty in addition to maintaining my mental, physical and emotional health I sometimes find myself drained and unmotivated.
At the end of the day, you want reassurance that it will all be worth it, but you don’t get that with freelancing; you have to keep going and have faith that everything meant for you will align for you. You can’t quit on the harder days. You have to charge it to the game and stay down for the come up!
We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am a makeup artist and creative director. I am most proud of building my own lane in such a saturated industry. I am known for no makeup-makeup looks, and I specialize in Afrocentric beauty. Through my work I’ve attracted a specific demographic, people know exactly what to come to me for.
Additionally, I truly do my homework before any appointment or photoshoot. I study my client’s facial features, I research the photographer, stylist, and model’s aesthetic thus adjusting my style to create a cohesive project. My efforts to customize each makeover to best fit the individual or concept truly sets me apart from others.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and the least?
What I like best about my city is the fact it is the LAnd of creatives. I am surrounded by dozens of creatives, it’s inspiring. I never realized how hard it might be to embrace who I am or the difficulty of collabing with other like-minds if I was from somewhere else.
I also enjoy the unlimited amount of healthy food options here in Los Angeles. I know that my decision to eat or not eat healthy is solely up to me because the resources are certainly available. What I like the least about my city is the lack of support from natives for other natives.
We should be the strongest platform for our own, but instead, there is constant competition or envy. It is honestly disappointing because a win for one is a win for all and there are plates in abundance for us to all eat. Honestly, Los Angeles, we must do better.
Contact Info:
- Website: erinnpea@gmail.com
- Email: erinnpea.com
- Instagram: @erinnpea
- Twitter: @erinnpea
Image Credit:
Brandon Hicks, Avery Brockwood, Melian J., Hannah, Uzumaki, Iyana, Heywan, Brianna, Ambrie
Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
