Meet Erica Patterson | Skin Care & Artistic Creative

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

Hi Erica, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I have always been a Creative, ALWAYS. My father is an artist, and I have always followed in that path. With painting, drawing, fashion, etc. And I still enjoy all of those. I decided to pursue this type of career because that has always been within me. Though I do have a 9-5 job, being artistic and creative has always been a passion.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I decided to create Peanut Butter + Chocolate Skin because I felt and saw a need for skincare for POC. I studied for a few years, gaining knowledge about the best herbs, creams, and oils that aid specifically in the care of POC skin, but can be used by anyone! I’m most excited about one day having a physical, brick and mortar storefront, or having my products available in giant retail stores. I am where I am today because of the support of my wife. she pushes and drives me everyday, as well as helps out with the business whenever or wherever she can. She assists me when I do street markets, pop ups, etc, and I wouldn’t be able to get it all done without her. It definitely has not been easy, because there is so much competition in this industry. But all industries have more than one company or person doing the same type of thing, right? That doesn’t mean what you have or what you are doing is invalid. Its just means maybe you have to work a little harder to stand out. I keep going, I keep having faith in myself, I keep what motivates me day in and day out in my head and heart. I learned that just because you don’t blow up overnight, does not mean your work/ your product is not making a difference in someone’s life. I’ve also learned that strangers support you a lot more and faster than you would have even believed! Do not limit yourself! I’d love for the world to know where my business name came from, which is Peanut Butter + Chocolate Skin. I came up with the name in honor of my wife and I. I am the Peanut Butter and she is my Chocolate! And we plan on helping any and everyone who is struggling with skin care issues, hair growth issues, etc!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely take them downtown! Downtown is growing so much, and there is so much to do! I love mexican, so we would go to Lakeview and eat at Los Amigos. We love sweets, so I would definitely take her to K & J Elegant Pastries, then hangout at Unplugged for a 90s throwback night, and 90s themed drinks! We’d also have to hit up the Grand River Drive in theater, and shopping out there. There are so many different restaurants and bars downtown to go to, there is no shortage of which ones to go to! Street markets are awesome to go to, especially on the weekends!

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?
Shoutout to my Daddy for passing down his artistic/creative genes to me and my brother. And I’d definitely HAVE to give a shoutout to my wife, Stephanie. Without her love and support, I don’t know how I’d get through most days, let alone working a regular day time job AND running my own business. Stephanie definitely motivates me to want better, to DO better. I do this because it is my passion, but also I do this for our family. I want to leave an amazing legacy for she and I’s family. There would be no Peanut Butter + Chocolate Skin without My Chocolate, Stephanie! I love you, Baby!

Website: www.peanutbutterchocolateskin.com

Instagram: peanutbutter_chocolateskin

Facebook: Peanut Butter + Chocolate Skin

Image Credits
All photos are credited to Stephanie Patterson