ERICA DICKERSON

GLOBAL BEAUTY DIRECTOR, Beautyblender

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What were the defining moments in your career that taught you the biggest lessons?

I would say that there have been a few defining moments in my career at Beautyblender and one of them was transitioning from leading our social content team to being the voice and face of our on air business. Although the Beautyblender DNA is ingrained in me I had to learn a whole new industry and the ways in which to sell product to a demographic that I'm not familiar with. It showed me and gave me a lot of respect for people in the business of selling in all capacities and the nuances of understanding how to sell to a specific market. Being able to elevate our brand voice in a different way and sell out of our product live on a historic channel like HSN was a defining moment because of all the hard work myself and team put into entering a new sector of our business.

Sometimes we're all BAD MUTHAs (as we should be). When did you go against traditional advice that propelled you forward?

Being a bad MUTHA is something I know a lot about. In fact starting my second business was a risk and a lot of people told me that it wasn't going to work. When I started my podcast, Good Moms Bad Choices, it wasn't met with open arms by some friends or family. Talking about sex, dating, mental health, motherhood, and all the things in between are not typically socially acceptable especially as a future CEO in training. But I went against my better judgment and took a risk and my platform has grown significantly over the last year and I've been able to monetize with my business partner in ways that people said we wouldn't be able to, based on the content of our show. I have been able to build a community filled with women who now feel less alone knowing that motherhood and womanhood doesn’t look one specific way. I personally have grown as a mother, human, and business owner by walking in my purpose, following my intuition, and just saying fuck it. You only live in this body once.

"Everyday do something to push the needle forward."

We all need a champion. Who in your life has consistently supported you?

My mom has seen me make many many mistakes and still always accepts me for who I am. My father as well.

Reverse that. Who in your life do you support without judgement?

I support my daughter without judgment. She is my biggest teacher and I really try and be mindful of not making her feel judged so that she always know that door is open to share whatever she needs to. My mom as well. She is my mentor and is always right whether I like it not haha.

Rewind. What is the best advice you’ve received throughout your life?

You can’t be good at everything. Learn every part of your business and then hire people to go the job better than you. Then, let them do their job.

Fast forward. What insight can you give to aspiring women in their careers who want to be a leader in their space?

Everyday do something to push the needle forward. Some days will be hard and you won’t feel like it. Take those days with stride but push yourself to complete something no matter how small. Also, empower the people you employ. You have to allow them to make mistakes in order for them to learn and for you to celebrate their big wins.

How do you like to MUTHA yourself and ensure you still have some 'me' time?

I MUTHA myself by taking long baths, meditating, exercising and connecting with my tribe. I am so blessed to have an amazing group of friends who help me decompress not only by taking my daughter so I can have alone time but also inspiring me with their own amazing journeys and being people I can confide in. A good dance party in my living room naked also helps.

What is your secret to managing career and all other aspects of life?

There are no secrets. Some days I do it with ease and other days I feel like I’m failing and mom guilt takes over. My major key (DJ Khalid voice), is Tribe. My family and friends help me find balance. My daughter has taught me to slow down and that although my career is important, being present with her is such a bigger gift.

Anything else you want to share about your story?

Motherhood helped shape the woman and entrepreneur I am today and gave me real purpose. I have a live-in accountability partner (my 5 year old daughter) and that has really made me have to reflect on the person and businesswoman I want to be. Motherhood led me to start my Podcast, Good Moms Bad Choices, and we are currently one of the top 10 Podcasts in the world which is something that was ever on my radar but I’m very proud of. Talking about my failures, wins, and topics we were told to whisper about has given me community and support that I never knew I needed. Tribe is everything. MUTHAhood isn’t a one size fits all type of thing. Make your own rules, challenge societal norms that didn’t work for you, heal generational traumas, and just enjoy every second because it goes so fast!

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