Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Miles.
Hi Erica, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hi there, I am Erica Miles! I am a Permanent Makeup Artist, Makeup Artist and Paramedical Tattoo Artist in Austin, TX. I specialize in Powder Brows, Lip Blushing, 3D Areola, Scar Camouflage tattooing and makeup artistry for headshots and events. Beauty is my thing! I love making people feel confident in their own skin by enhancing their natural beauty. Everything I do is customized for my clients, from the blended inks for eyebrows to the makeup shades I choose for their headshots! A strong checkpoint I instilled for myself 20 years ago and I think about every time I work is a simple question, “Does this add beauty?” If an aesthetic choice will overpower, detract, or manipulate a client’s features or colors in a negative way, I don’t do it.
I moved to Austin from New York in 2013, where I had been a professional makeup artist and eyebrow expert for 11 years. I had a successful wedding business and I also learned to style hair which landed me a full-time position on Martha. Having a BS degree in TV/Film production from TCU helped with my comfort level being on various TV shows behind the scenes. I made the jump from production to makeup artistry in 2003, having dabbled in makeup since 1997! Oh, and I played in my mom’s makeup drawer starting at age 3, so it has been an interest my whole life!
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?
My career path has not been easy, however it has always felt right! Being an entrepreneur requires an instinct, skill and perseverance to turn over a rock and find business underneath it! It’s this that thrills me and keeps me going!
Having been a makeup artist for over 20 years, I was ready to add a new skill. Thinking of my passion for eyebrows (more like an obsession), I decided to learn permanent makeup, specializing in the semi-permanent tattooing technique called “Powder Brows!” Just as I made my decision, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in February 2020, unfortunately. My exciting plans were put on hold and my future was foggy during my double mastectomies, lymph node removal and reconstruction surgeries! I fell into a very dark place during recovery and felt I needed to claw my way out of it by pushing forward with my plans. I enrolled in an online permanent makeup class and sat there day in and day out to complete 75 hours of training. I then went to an academy in Dallas for in-person training before officially starting my new business in November 2020. This new career was my lifeline!!!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My work has now evolved with several new skills! Not only am I still doing makeup artistry, powder brows, and brow shaping, I also do henna tinting, brow lamination, lip blushing (tattooing), areola tattooing and scar camouflage (both inkless and with pigment).
Lip Blushing is amazing because it can give a hint of color to people who have pale lips or want definition or an even tone. It can also be a lipstick look if desired! The lip tissue is numbed so clients are comfortable during the procedure.
The “paramedical” tattooing is very interesting to me! Areola tattooing makes a 3D looking nipple for people who have had their nipples removed during mastectomies. Also, scar camouflage can diminish the appearance of a scar from surgery or injury! All my services help restore confidence for people, which is what I love! So, I think what sets me apart from other permanent makeup artists is my makeup artistry background, keen eye for color theory and my medical tattoo training. I offer a variety of services from temporary to permanent!
My beautiful studio is inside Adore Makeup Salon in Westlake Hills, just 10 minutes from downtown Austin.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
There have been many special people who have supported and mentored me along my path! Most recently, the owner of Adore Makeup Salon, Rhea Craft, who opened her doors to me to start my brow business in her salon in 2020. Also, master trainer Kristina Melnicenco, owner of 5 Star Brows in Dallas who has continuously given me artistic advice and support since my classes with her. From my New York days, Amy Kernahan of Amy Kernahan Studios taught me so much about eyebrows, areola tattooing, business and about being an entrepreneur. Vicky Martin has been an incredible 3D areola teacher and mentor. My childhood friend Katie Thebeau is who gave me the shove I needed to learn a new skill. And, all along, my wonderful parents, especially my mom who even helped us decorate our new studio at Adore. Also, my husband Mark for helping me think through business decisions and talking me off the ledge sometimes!
Pricing:
- Powder Brows $499
- Lip Blushing $499
- Makeup Application $100
- Brow Shape and Henna Tint $90
- Brow Lamination $45
- 3D Areola Tattooing $600-$800
- Scar Camouflage $200-$800
Contact Info:
- Email: ericamilesbeauty@gmail.com
- Website: www.ericamilesbeauty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericamilesbeauty/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Erica-Miles-Beauty-1567262556739870
