Meet Erika Pareja of Nashville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Pareja

Hi Erika, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been a makeup artist and licensed aesthetician for the last 15 years. While I love what I do, never thought I would be changing career paths so late in the game. I’ve been interested and focusing on photography, primarily pet and portrait photography. There’s just something about it that excites me and I love working with dogs. It started back in 2020 during Covid lockdown. I purchased a camera on Amazon and would photograph my dog and take self portraits. It was something to kill the time and occupy myself. Fast forward 4 years later, I began photographing foster dogs to promote on social media and taking photos of friends and their furry babies. I love it, it brings me so much joy! It’s definitely a work in progress but I’m determined to make a career from it.
I still love and will always love doing makeup, I don’t think I will ever fully stop. Figured photography and makeup combined could be a benefit.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, not at all, lots of struggles along the way, still to this day, always questioning myself if I was good enough. Do I even know what I’m doing? It is such a saturated market for both makeup and photography, it’s a struggle to keep up. I went through some really tough personal matters over 2 years ago and I took a step back from doing makeup. I wasn’t interested in it anymore, it didn’t give the same excitement it once did. I’ve found photography is filling that void for me. I’m trying to put all my energy into teaching myself photography. Learning the math is probably the hardest part for me, but everyone has their own style, same as with makeup. Starting any new business from scratch is always tough, time and determination.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I would like to think I specialize in halloween/theatrical makeup looks. It is definitely what I was most known for but I do it all, from bridal to natural to dramatic glam to avant garde to editorial. I am certified in airbrush makeup with Temptu.
As far as the photography goes, I would like to specialize in pet and portrait photography. Candid photography is my favorite, capturing those special moments.

The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I have learned to appreciate the simple joys of life. Before the pandemic, I was always busy, stressed, chasing after goals and overworking, forgetting to enjoy the present moment. When the pandemic hit and everything changed, I realized how much I had taken for granted. I learned to slow down and savor the little things that make me happy. I also learned to be more grateful for what I have and not to complain about what I don’t have. I learned to be more flexible and creative in finding solutions and opportunities in every situation.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/ohdarlingartistry and Instagram.com/erikavanessa20