Meet MamaRoot Erica | Holistic Loctician

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

Hi MamaRoot, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risks are crucial in flexing that faith muscle— whether it be faith in God, yourself, your vision, or all of the above. In business and life, you’ll have to take chances to see the results you want.

Even if you take a chance and stick to a routine that doesn’t require an “unknown”, the not knowing that comes with taking risks, you still have faith that you’ll be disciplined enough to stick through with your plan.

I took a chance as a single millennial mother who wanted to feel fulfilled in my career. It felt like I had so many odds stacked against me that I had to take that risk then— while my child was still young and while I had the courage and trust in God.

In my career now I use that same energy to level up my craftsmanship. If a task feels “scary” I take a chance to learn it and then execute it just to please myself. Prices are going up because I’m continuously adding value to my skill set and keeping faith that I will be successful at anything I put my name on.

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?
Down 2 Root started as a vision of shared healing within my community. With that, my personal healing journey grew and matured. Naturally, my methods of sharing healing evolved.

I started selling crystals & sage, next, I created LocGems (hair adornments), and then I started caring for and maintaining locs. My favorite part is how it all comes together!

I’m excited to grow and expand in my industry. I plan on bringing more diversity & holistic healing practices to loc culture and building off of the original idea of your barber/stylist & salon being the place that you go to find peace and healing.

Anytime you move towards alignment there will be hazards. I’ve always been taught to pray through everything. In the same way we sharpen our skills/craft through continued education & practice, we sharpen our spirit & faith when we seek God. Staying consistent in both realms allows me to stay focused and rooted. Pray. Listen. Go get it!

Knowing that my calling is bigger than me and that my little one is watching keeps me going. My testimony drives my brand forward and beyond. The world will know and remember Down 2 Root for expanding loc culture.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?

Ok so boom! My friend is visiting and I want to show them a good time? If my friend is anything like me they’ll love what Georgia has to offer! First I’d start off with some bonding time at the house. That space and intimacy is the most important part of the trip. It sets the tone…along with the houseplants, incense, burning oils, and tunes! My crib is the most fun and exciting place in my opinion.

Next I’m taking friend to Little 5 Points. We’d shop at Junkman’s Daughter, explore stores like Moods Music, Wax ‘n Facts, and Psycho Sisters. Then we’d grab a mean slice from Little Five Pizza. We can’t forget to take 100 pictures in front of the OutKast mural! L5P is one of my favorite places in Atlanta. There’s so much culture jam packed in those few blocks. It’s an experience that you can’t miss out on in ATL.

After L5P, we’re going to Ponce City market to shop and grabbing some of the best ramen at TonTon! If friend is up for it we can walk the belt line and catch up on some soul talk and nature sounds. This would be a great time for drinks! Alkaline water us! The alcohol is not for me.

Lastly I’d take friend up to north Georgia where they have the Getaway cabins. We’d spend some quality time there, in the mountains, away from all the noise and chaos. Friend isn’t going back home the same after the hike up blood mountain. The healing and transformation is unavoidable! Did I mention the views? We’d end the trip sitting around a fire at the cabin laughing, singing, and soul talking. Incense, oils, and tunes still setting the mood under the trees and stars..

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 this shoutout to my daughter, Nala. She’s helped me find drive, vision, and purpose. My daughter has loved me like no one else. I know unconditional love and support because of you. Nala you are and always will be a Godsend.

Website: down2root.com

Instagram: down2root

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-p-504bba26a

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erica.pittmon.7?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Other: TikTok: @down2root

Image Credits
Personal photo by Jakendria Johnson Client photos by Erica Pittmon