Meet Erica Jones | Makeup Artist & Social Worker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erica Jones and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erica, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
Yes, I think we’ve all been there. Being honest with yourself is key and it’s definitely easier said than done. Having a clear purpose and vision can help you decide which direction to turn in times of ambivalence. Remember that quitting is not the only option. It’s okay to take a break, slow down, and seek guidance on how to pivot when needed. Reflecting on the progress I’ve made, the people I have impacted, and the lifestyle I want to live, helps me to move forward when having a rough patch. Think about if your future self would regret quitting. This can be a powerful question and really lend some clarity.

There are some circumstances when giving up may very well be the right choice at that moment in your life. But, I think if you are real with yourself and give yourself grace, you will know if it’s time for that chapter to end. We should all learn to be okay with accepting hard choices and move forward to embrace the next thing that is right for us versus feeling like a failure.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
The Erica J grind is real! I am a licensed social worker, makeup artist, and consultant. I’ve always known that I was supposed to help people and create beauty in the world. I am guided by that vision and creating an awesome life for myself in the process.

I got my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Mississippi Valley State University and University of Georgia, respectively. I have a passion for serving vulnerable and marginalized populations. I’ve worked with people experiencing mental health & substance abuse issues, homelessness, and currently work in a hospital with patients who have had strokes, neurosurgeries, and other medical issues. Social work is hard work; often thankless but so essential. I have learned so much about relating to people, dealing with very difficult situations, and also acceptance of reality in negative circumstances. I am a better, stronger entrepreneur because of my experiences and am forever learning.

I started doing makeup in graduate school, after some encouragement from friends. I was not confident enough in my skills to think people would pay for my services. After a couple years of honing my skills, I had figured out my aesthetic and the type of clients I wanted to serve. And thus, Superb Faces was born!

I specialize in soft glam makeup and aim to provide a superb experience. I want my clients to look and feel like an enhanced version of themselves. I get the most excited seeing my clients look in the mirror for that 1st time. The excitement in their eyes truly makes my heart sing! And then they start feeling themselves, taking selfies. THAT’S what it’s all about! You can literally see the boost of confidence! It’s an honor that women choose me to be a part of their most memorable days and when they do, they know I am going to deliver! I also offer classes for those that want to learn how to do their own makeup. It’s a skill that can be invaluable and I am always happy to share tips. The way makeup is portrayed online can seem intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be.

Lastly, I have a business through Beautycounter’s Independent consultant platform. Beautycounter’s sole mission is to put safe products into the hands of everyone. I never knew that the personal care products that we use day after day, were riddled with harmful chemicals. Even worse, the Food Drug Administration does not have the authority to tell companies to remove toxic chemicals. Laws in the US are pretty dated so consumers are on their own to find products that are safe. Beautycounter not only provides access to clean luxurious skincare, makeup, bath and body products; we are also committed to changing legislation so that all personal care products are safe for all of us and our families.

One of my biggest challenges has been maintaining balance. It is easy to get lost in the 9-5 as you build your own business. I recently moved back to ATL to really push my entrepreneurial goals forward and have found this year to be challenging. I have learned that having visual reminders of my goals and action steps, helps me to stay focused and motivated. Building a tribe of like minded entrepreneurs has been of great value. You need folks with varying perspectives who can support and encourage you or call you out, if needed. And make time for self care. You deserve to be kind to yourself, whether a bubble bath, a massage, time with friends…. whatever helps you decompress. I like to call it essential maintenance — it keeps me running smoothly.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I actually just moved back to the Atlanta area late 2020 after being away for about 8 years. So there is a lot I still haven’t seen and experienced. If there’s one thing I enjoy though, it’s brunch! I’ve enjoyed 10th and Piedmont, Negril Village, and The Breakfast Boys. As for an activity, I’m open to anything but enjoy anything artsy fartsy like the High Museum’s Friday events. Oh, and if I’m out with a friend, we are 9/10 going makeup shopping. As for a hangout or a drink, BlaqHaus in Marietta is a cool spot.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I dedicate my shoutout to my Mom – in her 60s she took a leap of faith and started a food truck business and fulfilled her dream. No matter the challenge, she let her passion for food and her love of people fuel her. I will always admire her determination and grit. She is a true superwoman!

I also want to shout out my very first clients from my UGA days that still call me whenever they are in need of a little glam. I wasn’t always serving these Superb Faces, so I appreciate their loyalty and grace as I have grown over the years.

Shoutout to my family and friends who has encouraged me over the years, Chan for pushing me out of my box since moving back to ATL and capturing my work so well, and of course, God for blessing me with the talent and desire to spread joy and beauty to others.

Website: wwwSuperbFaces.com

Instagram: www.instagram,com/ericajmua

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SuperbFaces

Image Credits
Chanden Marzette – Marzette Media FiveFourteen Photography