LOVE Yourself: Erica Miles

Erica and I were connected by one of our mutual friends about 7 years ago mostly because we worked in complementary industries.  While we connected this way, I personally bonded with Erica over much more than just beauty.  Erica has such an incredible work ethic, kind heart, fun loving personality, a collaborative spirit, and positive mindset.  These are just a few reasons why I admire Erica. 

I’ve watched Erica persevere through health challenges and major life changes with such grace and determination.  She is such a wonderful example of what it takes to balance it all from family, career, health, mental wellness, and happiness.  She’s a girl's girl, but don’t underestimate her fierce determination.  Not to mention her wealth of knowledge within the beauty industry!  I’ve always thought I had a pretty good grasp on hair and make up, but I’ve learned SO much from Erica.  I think she does such an incredible job of teaching women how to look age appropriate but current.  She also is an incredible resource for young women just getting started with their skin care routines, hair routines, and learning how to apply makeup without looking like a clown 🙂  If you can’t tell, I adore this woman and appreciate her take on LOVE Yourself from someone that has worked in the beauty industry for many many years.

1. What does LOVEyourself mean to you?

Acceptance. Looking at myself like I’m my own best friend, I ask, what would I want for her? How can I give her what she needs? Accepting things about myself like I do with the people I love, I do that with myself. I am unique and special, and have different needs and wants that only I can give myself. It feels amazing to give myself what I need, no external person is needed. I feel safe with myself, I trust myself, and care about my own opinion. 

2. Did you have someone that exuded a positive body image for you growing up?  A family member, friend, mentor, etc.

Not really. Unfortunately. And a lot of emphasis was put on me to be pretty growing up in a cosmopolitan, patriarchal culture in the 80’s and 90’s, it was very unhealthy in my opinion. I did not have any women around me who spoke positively about their bodies, and it would be confusing because they were fat and complained about it. They didn’t take healthy eating and exercise into consideration. But, they would comment about my body if I didn’t look thin and model-like. I was told to model and not go to college, actually. So that’s what I did, until I got myself to college anyway! 

3. Do you tear your body apart vocally?  Do you praise your body vocally?

I did tear myself apart verbally and sometimes hoped I would get feedback that disagrees with me. I needed external convincing that I was OK. Now though, things are different. Although I do not praise myself vocally, I definitely do in my mind! I love my body now after overcoming body dysmorphia. 

4. Are you working to improve your mindset around body image or is it a neutral mindset for you?

I did a lot of work for about 5 years, and changing my self talk and thoughts was constant. I have reprogrammed myself and now it’s just normal and neutral! 

5. Do you have anyone that you are trying to set a healthy example for?

Yes, my two daughters are who I want to set a healthy examples for.