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

Hi Erica, did college have a meaningful and positive impact for you?
I do believe that college made a positive impact on my life and my career. I have my Bachelor’s Degree is Supervisory Business and Management and with me currently owning my own business, it has helped in some ways. I do often times wish that High School did provide us with the option of going to school for specific trades because college is not for everyone. If I knew I could obtain my Estheticians License right after high school and start a business earlier on, then I would’ve taken that route instead of going straight to college. I do appreciate what I have learned but I do think I would’ve taken a different route.

What should our readers know about your business?
I am a Haitian- American that owns her own business at the age of 26. While some may think that is a little late due to the social media age where people are starting businesses a younger ages, this is young to me and I am proud! I am a Licensed Esthetician and the name of my business is Lovely Touch Studios. We specialize in professional Makeup & Bridal services, Full Body Waxing, Facials, and Lash Extensions. I was able to get to where I am now by simply trusting the process and understanding that everything has its timing. I always wanted to have a Social Media firm, that was my goal but it changed due to me not enjoying my work experiences. I grinded and work a full-time job until God said it was time to do my own thing. I do believe that it is doable to work a full-time job and pursue your passion on the side which is exactly what I did. Throughout this journey I learned the importance of patience, faith, courage, winning, and failure. Not everything is going to go your way when you’re pursuing entrepreneurship, but if you have the guts to stick it out you will reap the benefits. I believe that who I am as an individual and how I run my business is what sets me apart. We have to know that plenty of people are in our industries, but how you conduct business and reach your clientele will always stick with them. I am proud to have my own studio and can’t wait to see how much further I expand and grow!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I currently live in Florida in a city named Fort Myers and we are still growing in this area but I always try to make the best of it! If we wanted to grab breakfast/brunch then I would do Skinny Dogs. If we were doing dinner, definitely Bravo or The Hampton Social. Some exciting things to do or check out would be the movies, Headpins bowling alley, or Dave & Busters.

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?
If I am going to give a shout out, then I would love to shoutout my husband Chris, my best friends that continually support me. my family, and my clients and supporters online. I believe that in the work that you do, there is always someone to recognize in your journey! Once you take a step back and acknowledge the growth that you’ve had in your life, you also remember the people who have pushed you to continue to be great and never give up!

Website: http://lovelytouchstudios.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovelyericabeauty/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lovelybeaute
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LovelyTouchStudios/?ref=bookmarks
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCK4MrmOFy_Dy2nR1E-bbS9Q?view_as=subscriber

Image Credits
Marissa Parriman Lebert Photography Chris Kovaz Images Ralph Raphael Photography