Today we’d like to introduce you to Ericka Smart.
Hi Ericka , so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My journey started with a genuine love for hair and confidence it gives women. I grew up with my Aunt and I admired how she made women feel. She was so amazing, although she was raising three children… being a hairstylist was her creative outlet! Her personality showed in every client she touched.
I started behind the chair pretty early, learning through hands on experiences as a middle school child. Walking to my aunt’s salon after school was the highlight of my day. I would drop my backpack and start my assistant duties as soon as I arrived.
After completing my degree at The University of Texas at Austin, I immediately enrolled into Ogle School of Hair, Skin and Nails.
Over time, my focus grew beyond just styling hair. I became ten times more passionate about healthy hair practices, premium raw extensions, and educating both clients and aspiring stylists. I traveled to New York Fashion week to style hair, one of my favorites. I even traveled with Kerastase Haircare as a brand educator. This one was big, we had to upload our audition videos to YouTube, then wait to hear back from corporate. One of the best days of my life! I recall being very passionate about the technology in different hair products and the manipulation effect they gave.
That passion pushed me to build a brand rooted in quality, integrity and results today, I’m not only a hairstylist, but a wife, mom, entrepreneur, and educator. I’ve created products, services, braid pop-up bars and educational programs that empower women to look and feel their best. While helping other stylists elevate their skills and businesses.
Alright, 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?
The journey hasn’t been linear, but every step and every lesson shaped where I am today. For many years I worked in a high-end commission based salon. Open floor plans with twenty plus stylist. Learning several extension techniques, I immediately learned I couldn’t take my certifications with me to other salons. Yep, the salon trained me under their business name, therefore the method stayed once I left. This made me eager to invest in my education and the Ericka Smart Brand.
I joined a wonderful salon that changed my life. Meeting men and women that taught me so many different techniques. Then, BOOM…. Covid-19 changed everything. The salon was told to stay home on lockdown until further notice. In person services stopped overnight, and income became uncertain. Well, during that time, I sat on my porch with a 2 week old baby and 3 year old toddler wondering how my husband and I would navigate Covid.
Many clients soon learned at home maintaince on a different scale. While stylists had to quickly adapt, rethink, and find new ways to stay connected and relevant.
I soon launched Smart Growth Elixir, designed to promote hair growth. my serum has been promoted on WFAA Good Morning Texas. As well as my Leave-in conditioner. Which are both available at Erickasmart.com! Then, what do you know… 4 years later my Braid Bar Pop-up was invented. I debuted the Braid Bar at one of the biggest girls basketball tournaments in Texas! Over 1500 teenage girls were in attendance. My team Brittany, Ashley and Tania were booked and busy!
I learned obstacles will arrive and boy are they tough. They tend to push entrepreneurs to pivot and use our creative skills to elevate to new levels.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a professional extension specialist, and I love the immediate change that occurs during the service. My main focus is to allow growth for your natural hair while you become a new woman with extensions!
I provide luxury seamless installs that prioritizes your natural healthy hair. I’m known for my ponytails, hybrid sewins and haircare techniques. Not to brag, but my shampoo and deep conditioning treatment will make you fall asleep! That deep massage at the temples and nape… works every time!
I’m most proud of having a brand rooted in quality, education, and most importantly… trust. Beyond my chair, I’ve been able to educate clients and other stylists on proper haircare, extension maintenance and business practices that support long-term success.
What sets me apart is my attention to detail and my stern honest commitment to healthy hair. I don’t believe in shortcuts! My main focus is customized installs, premium products, braid bar pop-up, and client education. My goal has always been to elevate the experience, not just the style hair.
Be on the lookout for my new business adventure, The Ericka Smart Collective! A Community grounded in Entrepreneurial Systems where independent professionals thrive together, through shared systems and shared success. We’re educating other beauty professionals to think big. Open enrollment will happen soon! This will be my greatest pivot yet, all praises to God!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
I love that it’s a place where creativity, culture, and ambition all intersects. There’s room to grow both personally and professionally. This city inspires me to think bigger, stay innovative, and continuously elevate my craft.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.erickasmart.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericka.smarthair?igsh=cWFqZXhueWczeThm&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=7941896&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=Nxcs7RufgR4C1gjT&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F16nbYj7vkp%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr
