Story & Lesson Highlights with Erica Manson of Central Virginia

Erica Manson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Hi Erica, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
What I’m most proud of building, that most people don’t see, is the journey behind my business. I worked full-time for the state for 11 years while building my makeup business from the ground up since 2017. Last May, I took a huge leap of faith and left that stable career to pursue my passion full-time. What people don’t realize is that this didn’t happen overnight. It took years of hard work, sacrifice, and the courage to bet on myself with no roadmap or mentor to guide me.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Erica Manson, also known as The Fab Faced. I’m a professional makeup artist based in Richmond, VA, specializing in soft glam and luxury bridal beauty. Over the years, I’ve built my brand from the ground up and have become recognized as one of Virginia’s top makeup artists.

Before becoming a full-time entrepreneur, I spent 11 years working in procurement and politics — a background that gave me the discipline, strategy, and professionalism I now bring to my business. As a wife, mom, and solo entrepreneur, I wear every hat from artist and creative director to marketer and manager and I’m proud of how far that journey has taken me.

Right now, I’m in the middle of a major rebrand that reflects my growth and the elevated direction of The Fab Faced. My focus is on soft, timeless beauty that empowers women to feel confident in every setting, and I’m excited to expand into collaborations with beauty brands and corporate campaigns that share that same vision.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents! They single-handedly shaped my work ethic and taught me what real sacrifice and hard work look like. They showed me that if you want something in life, you have to earn it. Nothing comes free, and anything that comes easily rarely lasts.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
I would say my biggest fear has been public speaking. Running my own brand has pushed me to face it regularly, because I need to confidently present myself and my services to grow my business and achieve success. It’s still something I work on every day, but I’ve learned that the more I practice, the more empowered I feel.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My morals. I am truly a simple girl so my morals and values mean everything to me.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m with my family and friends. There’s no greater feeling than being able to fully relax, be myself, and take off the mask when I’m surrounded by the people I love most.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.thefabfaced.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefabfaced/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thefabfaced
• Other: Tik Tok; https://www.tiktok.com/@thefabfaced1

Image Credits
Breon Corbett
Danielle Canady
Ashley Maton
Virtue The Artist
Taylor Devynn
Chris and Shawna Fredericks
Brooke Lull