Hey lovelies!
We’re so excited to announce Erin Peneston as our employee of the month! Erin has been with us for 3 years and performs the following services: makeup application, waxing, tinting, eyelash extensions, and she travels for our larger on-site weddings. She receives raving reviews, educates our younger staff, and is always willing to go above and beyond for her clients and coworkers.
Start from the beginning and take us back to cosmetology school. Where did you go? What made you want to start a career in this industry?
I’ve always had a passion for makeup and skin care- I’m such a product junkie! So for me to pursue a career in this industry was the perfect fit! My journey started about 6 years ago when I worked for Lancome at Dillard’s. After a few months of learning so much, I decided I really wanted to be a true skin/makeup expert and turn my passion into a career, so I enrolled at the Academy of Hair Design for esthetics.
What is your favorite thing about your career? What specialties do you offer?
I truly enjoy every service I provide. In the beginning, I was mostly interested in makeup artistry, but school opened up more opportunities. I quickly became passionate about the knowledge of skin care/facials, eyebrows, and eventually added eyelash extensions to my list of certifications through NOVALASH. Overall my absolute favorite thing about my job is making people feel and look their best! I’m truly blessed to get paid to do something I love.
Do you have any tips and tricks for our readers?
Clients ask me all the time, what’s the best skin care line? There are so many products on the market, it can be more than overwhelming. The truth is everyone’s skin is different and has different needs. The best advice I can give is take ALL of your makeup off before you go to bed (organic coconut oil is a fabulous makeup remover and a great nighttime moisturizer), drink plenty of water, and use products with SPF- your skin will thank you for it down the road! You can add a treatment here and there, like a mask or exfoliant, but no more than twice a week. Lastly see an ESTHETICIAN! Treat yourself to a professional facial. They will do a skin analysis and help you choose products that are perfect for your skin type.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
With Studio 417, of course! I’m a true ride-or-die for this company! I’ve worked several other places in the Springfield area, but my career has grown the most working here! Working with this team has given me the confidence to be the best I can be, and I’m so excited to see what’s going to happen in the upcoming years! I’m also working on some additional certifications to add to my service menu.
What are you doing when you’re not at the salon?
Aside from work, family and friends are super important to me! I always enjoy a good happy hour, a little retail therapy, and traveling anywhere tropical whenever I get the chance! I have two Labradors named Bentley and Willow that are completely spoiled rotten!
Not only is she super talented, but she’s super sweet! We just love Erin so much and all that she brings to our team! Take a look at more of her work and follow her on Instagram!
