Today we’d like to introduce you to Ericka Smart.
Hi Ericka, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began watching my aunt (Bonus Mom) as a hairstylist. She took me in and raised me as her very own. She had two boys of her own. My younger cousins Courtney and Corey, we were raised as siblings, and I loved it. She’s only 18 years older, so to me, she was the cool aunt and cool mom. I idealized many things she did.
I was one of her first practice models. Omitting the hot comb, I enjoyed it just as much as she did! You could tell she loved it, not to mention… She was good at it.
I can recall a time when my uncle (Bonus Dad) picked her up from hair school. She got in, put her bag down, and talked about her day. I wasn’t listening because I was more interested in that heavy book she brought home every day. Page after page, I flipped. Oftentimes, studying the step-by-step pictorials. I learned a lot from that Milady’s Cosmetology book. Not to mention her chic mannequin heads she brought home. Covered in hair products, showcasing styles set in from theory that day.
Her homework was the best part, and I LOVED It! I would ask question after question, “What is that called? Why are you using that comb? What kind of roller is that?” Often times cutting her off as she was answering my previous question. Once her mannequin table clamp was set up… I knew it would be a night of learning! So, I’d sit on our green carpet floor, with my legs wrapped tight around one of my Barbies or an extra mannequin, and duplicate everything she did. At least, I thought I was duplicating everything she did. From finger waves to French rolls to roller sets and pin curls. I wasn’t afraid to try it all.
I became blown away at how one could manipulate hair. Straight hair, wavy hair, and curly hair. I would have to study her really hard; you see she was left-handed, and I was right-handed. To me, she was Superwoman, and I wanted to be just like her! I can recall times when she would take clients at our home. Those were some of the best one on one classes a hairstylist could ask for. Today those same classes could cost you hundreds if not thousands of dollars. I took full advantage, sitting and staring for hours or until she forced me to go to bed. I admired watching her marcel iron twirl in her left hand. She would often blow it to cool it down from one of two things. Our electric coil stove burner or her shiny silver marcel stove shaped like a mini rectangle. Often times testing the temperature on an old rag or perm rod and paper.
Watching her was so much fun for me. But you see actually doing it myself, actually putting my hands on someone’s head, that was and still is THERAPY. It takes me to a place I didn’t know existed. You know the so-called American dream. Somewhere between heaven and earth. A place where a small girl from Pleasant Grove aka “The Grove”; could become whatever she wanted. Her mom and dad read her books at night before bed. Took her and her siblings on road trips to Disney World. Threw her grand birthday parties with cake and presents. Went on college tours and helped her purchase her first car. Although some of this may not have took place with my biological parents, God saw fit to send my Aunt Joan, Uncle Derrick, and Grandmother Doll. This is just a brief intro as to how it all started; you’re not even close to how it’s going or where God is sending me.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This hair journey wasn’t always smooth. Life happened, and when it did, I just rolled with it. I lost a sibling two days after my college graduation to gun violence. We had just shared my college graduation experience together, so my life was never the same. He was so proud to witness his little sister graduate from the University of Texas. I think he was more excited about the diploma than I was. He didn’t know there some days I felt like coming home and enrolling into cosmetology school. Becoming a hairstylist was my dream, and college… well that was my way of proving myself to everyone that didn’t believe I could finish. Little did I know United states would face the “Great Recession”; there was nothing great about it. For months I was turned down; no one was hiring. So, I followed my first love. You got it; I went after my hair dream. I was fresh out of college and had nothing to lose.
Way to change the trajectory, right? Well, in 2010, I enrolled into Ogle School of Hair, Skin, and Nails. This experience took me back to my childhood. My teachers saw my talent and eagerness to learn, and they ran with it! Some would even conduct one-on-one lessons. While attending Ogle, I went out to “Uptown Downtown,” “Preston Hollow” and “Highland Park.” In hopes of finding a part-time salon that would allow me high-end salon experience.
I was turned down about 12 times. Almost 13 times. One, in particular, had a manager that was God sent. I learned a lot from Rose. At the time, this salon didn’t have any positions available.
I would call often to follow up; at one point, I had even did the impossible. Told them I would come work for free during the holidays. I just wanted the experience. Sure enough, I was hired as a front desk staff. You heard that right, I wasn’t allowed to touch hair for months. I laugh about it today, but at the time, I was a little somber. I didn’t let it break me, I used my eyes and ears to retain as much information as possible. That was until the owners found out I could blow dry hair. In all honesty, I couldn’t! I would watch them and practice everything on my mannequins at home and school.
I was soon on the floor learning from some of the best in Dallas, as well as building my clientele. Some of which are still with me today. I give God all that glory.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Hairstylist and CEO of Smart Growth Elixir
I specialize in soft hair with a twist! You may have heard the term “business in the front, party in the back!”
Most of my styles have a small surprise somewhere; that’s pretty much my personality. You’re destined to get a surprise here and there! My styles consist of contrasting elements. Sleek ponytails with multi-dimensional segments and etc.
Bridal looks are one of favorites, and that’s all I’ll say about that! For more details, visit erickasmart.com or go like and share content on Instagram handle @ericka.smarthair.
We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I’ve styled Diddy’s twin daughters’ hair; it was a great learning experience. Kim Porter actually walked up to me and spoke softly to me. “I want you to do their hair” I’ll never forget this day. I had even styled Heidi Klums. I even worked alongside Taylor Swifts hairstylist during New York Fashion Week.
What’s next? Well, I would love to pass my knowledge to the next generation!
I’m a lover of God, a growing wife, and a proud mother of two amazing boys. They keep my world full of love and laughter, I must say… I love it here.
Contact Info:
- Website: erickasmart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericka.smarthair/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=7941896
Image Credits
D. Lacy Photography
