Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Westbrook.
Erica, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My story begins as a child, playing with my cousins hair and painting her nails for fun. My Aunt, being one of my biggest encouragers growing up, told me I’d be great at Cosmetology! I must have tucked her little affirmation away in the back of my mind and when college turned out to be a bust- I headed straight for cosmetology school.
After graduating school I started my career at Toni and Guy specializing in Haircuts. I worked there for a few years, got married in 2011, and moved to Tucson, AZ. My husband was serving in the military so I worked at the Davis Monthan AFB salon. I charged next to nothing but gained so much experience in everything service wise. Working there exposed me to every kind of diversity possible- which was so much fun!
Fast forward a few babies later, I stepped away from the salon for 2 and a half years to be a stay at home mom. We moved back to Texas in 2015 and I knew when I moved back I had to work for myself. I didn’t know how I would do it, just that I had to. Not going to lie though, transition was so hard, every week I wasn’t busy somehow defined me! Without my faith in Jesus, I wouldn’t be where I am today or who I am today. I absolutely love what I do. The flexibility I have working for myself has been such a blessing to my family of 5!
Everyone who sits in my chair- no matter their background, their current season, how they think about themselves, the choices they make- will be received with love. Im a firm believer that you can never be told too much that you are loved, valued and believed in! That’s my fuel, my heart, and goal of my business
-To share that love with others.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wish I could say it’s been all rose-colored glasses and smooth sailing but that’s not the case. I’m human so that gives me permission to fail right!? It still stinks.
There are always challenges you have to push through and keep moving forward because there is no perfect business.
My biggest challenge in being in business for myself was not having boundaries. I desired to make everyone happy!! Which is a beautiful thing but not at the expense of someone else’s happiness. I would have clients misbook, and rather than having the courage to say I didn’t have capacity to do the service I’d do it anyway. Some days it went ok, others it caused me to get so behind it had a domino effect to my day. I wish I knew this when I started that it is ok to say no sometimes.
Please tell us about WestbrookCo.TheSalon.
I am most proud to be able to represent myself and my beliefs. I believe there are so many wonderful, talented stylists out there. If I had to say what sets me apart it would be my attention to detail. I focus on the Quality of my work not quantity. I also place integrity of the hair above any desired outcome.
I am known for my Bob/ Lob haircuts, and dimensional color.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
It’s hard to nail down just one, but for sure the common denominator is the great outdoors. I feel so fortunate to be able to say that I played hard, and stayed outside till sun down. Any memory I have includes that! Exploring, playing with my siblings and neighborhood kids, and trying desperately to fit in among the boys. I was such a tomboy!
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.facebook.com/WestbrookCo.TheSalon
- Instagram: @WestbrookCo.TheSalon
- Other: https://squareup.com/appointments/book/44EPAZTDDNXW0
Image Credit:
Logo made by Whitney Redman
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