Meet Erykah Robinson | Ebony Gaze Founder & CEO | Licensed Esthetician

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

Hi Erykah, what are you inspired by?
I am deeply inspired by the resilience, authenticity, and beauty of Black women and women of color who continue to redefine what it means to show up boldly in a world that often overlooks them. My inspiration comes from the stories of women who have embraced their truth, celebrated their individuality, and turned pain into purpose. Ebony Gaze was born from that same spirit, creating a space where beauty is not about perfection, but about self-discovery, healing, and empowerment.

What inspires me most is witnessing transformation, when someone begins to see themselves in a new light, when they choose self-care without guilt, or when they find confidence in embracing their natural essence. That spark is why I do what I do. It’s not just about products or services, it’s about permitting people to evolve, to love themselves deeply, and to stand unapologetically in their power.

Every time I see someone lean into that journey of self-love, I’m reminded that beauty is more than skin deep; it’s a reflection of resilience, authenticity, and the courage to evolve. That’s the heartbeat of Ebony Gaze, and it’s the inspiration I carry with me every single day.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Ebony Gaze is more than a beauty brand; it’s a movement rooted in self-care, self-love, and self-discovery. What sets us apart is our mission to redefine beauty standards and create a space where authenticity is celebrated. We’re not just offering products or services, we’re offering women permission to evolve, to embrace who they are, and to find beauty in their own unique journey.

One of the moments I’m most proud of is The Sassy Stroll, a community initiative that celebrates confidence, empowerment, and sisterhood. Seeing women come together, walking boldly and unapologetically in their truth, reminded me of why Ebony Gaze exists. It’s about building a community that uplifts and inspires, while reminding each of us that our individuality is our power.

The path to where I am today wasn’t easy. Like many entrepreneurs, I faced setbacks, doubts, and challenges that made me question if I was capable of carrying this vision forward. But each obstacle became a lesson: resilience is built through perseverance, growth requires vulnerability, and purpose will always outweigh fear. I overcame challenges by staying rooted in my “why”, the women I serve, and the mission I carry.

The lessons I’ve learned are simple but powerful: stay authentic, trust the process, and never be afraid to start over stronger. I want the world to know that Ebony Gaze is not just my story; it’s a collective story, a testament to the beauty, strength, and evolution of women everywhere. We’re here to remind every woman that her journey is worthy, her voice is powerful, and her beauty is limitless.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting Atlanta for a week, I’d want to give them a balance of culture, food, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences. Atlanta is such a vibrant city; you can feel the creativity, the history, and the energy everywhere you go.

We’d kick things off with brunch at Toast on Lenox or Breakfast at Barney’s, because in Atlanta, brunch is a whole experience. From there, I’d take them to The BeltLine for a stroll filled with art, music, and people-watching, and then we’d unwind at Ponce City Market for some rooftop fun, good eats, and city views.

During the week, I’d definitely carve out time for wellness. A self-care day at JeJu Sauna or one of the many local spas would be a must, because what’s a trip without a little recharge? And of course, I’d bring them to The Wellness Spot for one of our community-inspired events or workshops to get a real taste of how Atlanta fosters connection through creativity and healing.

We’d explore history at The King Center and National Center for Civil and Human Rights, then balance it with some fun nights out, live music at City Winery, poetry at a local open mic, or catching a game to feel that Atlanta pride.

Food is a big part of the Atlanta experience, so I’d make sure we hit staples like Slutty Vegan for a one-of-a-kind vibe, Old Lady Gang for comfort food, and maybe a fine dining experience at Garden Room or Canoe for something magical.

The week would end with The Sassy Stroll, because what better way to leave Atlanta than strutting in confidence, laughter, and joy? I’d want them to feel the spirit of this city: bold, creative, soulful, and full of love.

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 want to dedicate my shoutout to Chic Noir Creative, the branding agency that not only brought Ebony Gaze to life visually but also believed in the heart and mission behind it. Their creativity and support helped shape how the world experiences Ebony Gaze, and I’m so grateful for the way they poured into this vision with me.

I also hold deep gratitude for the women who continue to inspire this journey, the women who embrace self-care unapologetically, thrive in self-love, and courageously lean into self-discovery. They are the heartbeat of Ebony Gaze. Their stories, resilience, and authenticity are the reason this brand exists and why I remain so passionate about this work.

Website: https://www.ebonygaze.com

Instagram: @ebony_gaze

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ebony-gaze/

Image Credits
– Chic Noir Creative & Legendary Flicks