Today we’d like to introduce you to Erika White.
Hi Erika, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born a leader for this industry and from a very young age, I was fascinated with hair. I constantly was reprimanded for socializing in class and playing in my classmate’s hair from first grade. Most girls do spend time in the mirror choosing their outfit, picking the perfect hairstyle to look just right but for me, it was much more than that. I would spend countless hours mixing and matching ensembles from head to toe. I can remember listing every article of clothing I had (shoes included) on a piece of paper and creating something like a spreadsheet for my closet.
I matched everything up in great detail, down to the right hairstyle for each outfit. I was so specific about my style that I didn’t realize I was creating an outer mask to hide from the world what was really there. This was a means of escape for me; it was the only thing that brought me joy. I was constantly changing my look to become someone else, anyone else but me. I suffered from depression, low self-esteem, abandonment and great anger. I grew up quite angry at the adults around me because of the decisions they made concerning me that I had no say in. One thing that I’ve learned about myself over the years is this strong drive to do things on my own terms, in my own way, by my own rules. As I moved into my adult years, I didn’t focus as much on hair due to my upbringing; hair wasn’t viewed as a real career however I had small reminders along my path to nudge me back into the field. I began to study English education because of my love for writing but I soon realized I didn’t love writing that much to get me up in the morning for class.
I then moved into the workforce bills needed to be paid and school just wasn’t my cup of tea. I worked in the fast-food industry for a restaurant we all know that has become a giant. Those golden arches taught me so much! What I can say about my experience there is that is where I began my leadership training. Within months of being there, I quickly moved into management. I soon realized I was working way too hard for pennies and moved into banking. Within a year of being a banker, I soon moved into leadership there as well. Once I realized I had reached a ceiling at that bank, I left and moved to another bank for a higher position. I kept that position for close to a year until I was furloughed, last in first out. At that point, I was at a pivotal point in my life. I had just gotten engaged had a wedding to pay for and the responsibility was on myself and my fiance’. After a week of fasting and praying for direction on what to do next a woman approached me from my church who I’d only seen in passing and asked if I’d help her with her hair. She had no idea I did hair on the side for fun. I was floored to say the least. She became one of my first consistent clients and to this day, I’m forever grateful for her insight. I shared the news with my fiance,’ and he exclaimed, “why don’t you go to hair school?” The light bulb went off and life became very exciting.
I put on my best outfit in my closet, my best wig, and best makeup I could muster. I went to a face-to-face interview with Aveda in Tallahassee. From the moment I walked in the door, they were taken with my excitement and charm. They were excited to have me and a whole new world opened up for me. There were many challenges I still had to face while attending. My fiance’ and I were married, and shortly after, we were homeless due to unforeseen circumstances. He decided to go back to school to finish his degree and the financial aid we were promised never came through thus rendering us homeless. We still persevered despite everything. We held fast to each other and both completed school in the same year. During my graduation ceremony, I was the spokesperson for my class and when I gave my speech, there was hardly a dry eye in the place. A few months after graduating, my husband and I were in our own place again. I was working in a high-end salon and he worked for the state of Florida.
For our one-year wedding anniversary, we visited Orlando, Florida and fell in love. Within a few months, he found a job here in Orlando. I was six months pregnant with my daughter and we transitioned without hesitation. I had always made myself available to my clients for whatever they needed from me. It showed in my character, my work ethic and my listening ear. Many women came to me broken, battered and abused by life. Through my own journey, I learned so many lessons to where I could offer guidance and hope. From looking at someone’s hair, I can tell exactly where they are, what they need and their purpose for being in my chair. Just as I masked myself, God along with my husband, helped me to take off my mask and accept myself for who I was.
I discovered my purpose for all of the pain and heartbreak I endured. It was for each woman or man I have touched. I am equipped to offer guidance and direction and to help unmask their true selves while creating beautiful hair. My mantra is the health of your hair first then beauty. We get to the root of your hair issue (life issue); treatment is prescribed (direction/guidance) and together we reach a sustainable end (new direction). I am Lady E (excellence) and that is what I operate in, Excellence! 2020 produced so many underlining issues in people who hadn’t recognized were there. After being a mobile stylist for seven years march 2020 is when so many were in need of my services and gifts of my hands. Over the years many of my giftings have been developed including cooking, writing, inventions, hair products, makeup, wig making, fashion design and the list goes on… my husband and I are now full time entrepreneurs with several businesses each that we cultivate and pour into everyday. Our daughter is now five and she has been a highlight and joy to us and she wants to be just like mommy.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My road was not smooth or easy. I did have to pick myself up many times and start again. There were peaks and valleys throughout my entire journey. I’ve learned to accept the good and the bad because it all worked for my good. It’s called beauty for ashes.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an entrepreneur/hair stylist, makeup artist, chef, inventor. What sets me apart is that I truly care about each and every person I come in contact with. I am most proud of the state I leave my clients in once my work is finished.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Never judge a book by its cover! Open that book get in there and read the story! You’ll be surprised at what you find. Everyone is an open book we must care enough to hear their story.
Contact Info:
- Email: ldyeclass@gmail.com
- Website: Ladyemobilehair.com
- Instagram: @ladyesmobilehairexperience
- Facebook: @ladyestylist
