Meet Erika Urbina | Professional Face Painter | Lover of all things music & art

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

Hi Erika, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind the success of my business has been having the will and determination to just give my ideas a try! Sometimes having the courage to just do it can be the hardest step – and understandably so. It is easy to get overwhelmed with the process of starting, the possible challenges, and the potential risk of failing. However, if you get wrapped up in the what-if’s you’ll never get a concrete answer!

When I first started my business, I wondered if I would be taken seriously because I was so young. I had also just started my freshman year of college at UT Austin and if I decided to pursue my business I would need to drive back to DFW every weekend that I was booked. Nevertheless, instead of dwelling on these potential “setbacks,” I was further excited by the challenge and focused on their silver linings. Four years later, I have learned and grown so much and have been incredibly lucky to meet amazing mentors and clients throughout my journey. This would have never happened if I hadn’t just taken the risk – so go out and just pursue your ideas!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Starting my own business has been an invigorating and motivational experience unlike any other. As I mentioned earlier, I was nervous to begin because of where I was in my life. I had recently moved to Austin to get my bachelors at the University of Texas at Austin and I would have to travel back and forth every weekend that was booked. Doing so would also mean that the weekends I had to spend time with my family, I would dedicate them to my clients to ensure they had the best experience possible for their family and friends. My business would add so much more for me to do, but it would also be full of opportunities for growth, love, passion, connections and creativity. And it has all been worth it! When I first registered my business, my Dad wanted to take a picture of me in front of the building. While he was taking my picture, another dad that was passing by said to his three young daughters, “Look! She just started her own business!” I could not help but feel overjoyed to see that even in taking the first steps, I was inspiring younger women to pursue their dreams. To see the little one’s faces (and even the adults!) light up when I hold up the mirror for them to see their design is absolutely priceless! I always strive to offer the very best designs using the most professional materials to provide an unforgettable experience that is hard to top. Providing special moments for my clients has been an absolute blessing and could not have asked for a better way to spread some happiness and glitter!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would have to take them to all the key tourist attractions first! All of the classic DFW spots are must-sees and there are enough to fill up the entire week!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would have never been introduced to the beautifully colorful world of face painting if my first mentor, Lupita (Alegria), hadn’t given me the chance to give face painting a try. When we first met she was incredibly willing to show me the ropes and helped me get started. She has been in the field for more than 15 years and I will forever be grateful for the experience she shared with me! Along with her help, I also learned a lot from the DFW Facepainter’s Guild. Everyone there has always been so welcoming and willing to support everyone in the industry. I now serve as the organization’s vice president and I do my best to give back to those who were there for me as well. The industry’s community is absolutely incredible and our passion brings us together in more ways than one.

Instagram: @pintacaritas_corazon