Erin's Story

There was a time when putting myself first proved difficult. A mother of two; a demanding job as District Training and Development Educator for JCP Salons. I was responsible for 26+ salons and over 300 hairstylists throughout the Northeast Region. In 2014 I left corporate America for the even more demanding life of entrepreneurship. It wasn’t until I got into a car accident April 11, 2016 that my life took  a drastic turn and I was forced to stop.  

I suffered many injuries from the accident, to the severity I was unable to stand for long periods of time. Unfortunately I still had to work because I was self-employed —although advised not to. I was prescribed medications that could have been detrimental to my well-being, I chose to listen to my body’s natural cravings instead. I was able to begin healing myself in a non-addictive, safe way. I decided to focus more on alternative and spiritual medicine by tapping into my Ancestral Energy, Ayurveda, Crystal Healing, Herbs, Salves and most important my Diet. 

I was also able to focus on my passions, including art, fashion and travel because I had more time to focus on myself. This level of grace allowed me to curate my brand Genuinely Dope. When you are a genuine person that is what makes you dope. Many of us don't get to be our authentic selves because we have to put on for Corporate America, our families, strangers and those that judge us, including ourselves. I have fought to free myself from those outdated structures and each day I choose to be more of my authentic self. Trust me it’s not easy, especially when society has taught you to go along to get along. 

A thought that has remained with me is how often Black women are the pillars of our families and communities, yet aren’t given the same grace to nourish and heal ourselves. Which can lead to mental and physical burnout, forms of addiction and health issues. I am dedicated to helping Black women like myself prioritize themselves so they can learn to create sanctuary and have a healing impact not only for themselves but those that depend on them. Our communities heal when Black women heal.