Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika Pareja.
Hi Erika, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey in the beauty industry started about 17 years ago with a genuine love for making people feel relaxed and pampered. I initially began my career as a massage therapist, which gave me a strong foundation in caring for people and creating a relaxing, personal experience. From there, I found my passion for beauty and quickly discovered that makeup artistry was where my creativity truly came alive.
Makeup has always been my biggest creative outlet and the heart of my career. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of makeup projects, including doing makeup for the Titan cheerleaders, creating my own signature makeup look for RAW Artists, and working on countless weddings where I’ve helped brides feel their most beautiful on one of the most important days of their lives. I’ve also done a variety of Halloween makeup looks, from fun and creative to full special-effects-inspired transformations, as well as editorial and creative photoshoots that allowed me to really push my artistry and imagination.
Alongside my makeup work, I’ve also gained experience in spas, medical aesthetics, and headspa settings, which has helped me grow as a well-rounded beauty professional. I’ve had the opportunity to train new estheticians and travel to help train teams, which has been especially rewarding and has allowed me to share my passion and knowledge with others in the industry.
Today, after 17 years in the beauty industry, I’m still just as passionate about makeup and beauty as I was when I started. I love that there is always something new to learn, whether it’s a new technique, trend, or creative concept. For me, the most rewarding part has always been using makeup to help people feel confident, expressive, and like the best version of themselves.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. The beauty industry can be incredibly rewarding, but it’s also competitive and constantly changing. There have been times when I’ve questioned myself, had to start over, or wondered if I was on the right path. I’ve experienced slow seasons, career changes, and moments where I had to step outside of my comfort zone and completely rebuild.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that you can’t let rejection or a setback define you. There have been opportunities that didn’t work out and seasons where I felt like I wasn’t moving forward, but each experience ultimately taught me something and led me somewhere new. I’ve had to learn to trust my abilities, keep learning, and be willing to evolve.
Looking back, I’m grateful for the difficult moments because they’ve made me more resilient and confident in who I am as a beauty professional. I’ve learned that success isn’t necessarily a straight line. Sometimes the unexpected turns are what lead you to the opportunities that are meant for you.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My work as a makeup artist is a combination of artistry, connection, and helping people feel confident. I specialize in creating polished, natural-to-glam makeup that enhances someone’s features rather than masking them. I love creating looks that feel beautiful and elevated while still feeling like you.
Halloween makeup has always been one of my favorite areas of artistry and truly feels like my specialty. I love the creativity and transformation that come with creating a character or bringing an idea to life. It requires incredible attention to detail, patience, precision, and a strong understanding of color, texture, dimension, and facial structure. I enjoy the challenge of making every detail count, whether I’m creating intricate special effects, realistic textures, or dramatic beauty makeup. For me, Halloween makeup is where creativity and technical skill come together, and it’s a craft I’m especially passionate about.
Every project has challenged me creatively in a different way and has helped shape me as an artist. What I’m most proud of is the longevity of my career and the relationships I’ve built along the way. After 17 years in the beauty industry, I’ve continued to evolve while staying true to the creative side of what initially drew me to makeup.
I think what sets me apart is the way I bring my esthetics background into my makeup artistry. I understand the importance of skincare and creating a beautiful canvas before makeup even begins, and I’m passionate about making the experience feel comfortable, personal, and enjoyable. Whether I’m working with a bride, a model, or someone who simply wants to feel extra beautiful for an event, I want every client to leave my chair feeling confident, seen, and completely themselves.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I love most about Nashville is the sense of community and creativity. There is such a unique mix of music, art, beauty, and entrepreneurship here, and I love being surrounded by people who are constantly creating and pursuing something they’re passionate about. It’s also a city where you can build meaningful connections, and I’ve met so many wonderful people through both my personal life and career.
What I like least is probably how much Nashville has grown. The growth has brought so many amazing opportunities, but it has also brought more traffic, higher costs, and some of the charm and slower pace that originally made the city so special can feel harder to find. That said, I still love Nashville and appreciate how much the city continues to evolve.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/ohdarlingartistry
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ohdarlingartistry
