When your day job is to “make people feel and look beautiful” for weddings, commercials, television and theater, your style game has to be strong. With more than 10 years of experience, Erick Gerson Rodriguez has mad professional makeup chops. He’s from Carmen City, Mexico, he owns E.G. Makeup, and he’s making a name for himself in Grand Rapids.
When did you first start paying attention to style?
It was in my teens. My mom used to make beautiful dresses for my sisters and styled them and I loved seeing all the hard work she put into it and seeing my sisters looking so pretty and happy. I loved creating my own clothing and accessories. I still do it when I get a chance, whether for a concert or going out to parties.
What is a style trend you’d like to see come back?
I love the ’70s. I wish I could have lived back then. Something about the ’70s look feels sexy. Think Charlie’s Angels. It’s fun, sun-kissed and sometimes hippie, minus the blue eye shadow.
Describe a typical day for you.
My schedule is very unpredictable. On my days off, I’ll get last-minute calls to do makeup for a commercial shoot or special event. Most of the time, I work on my business — emails, bookings and scheduling — making sure my clients get the attention they need. I meet clients and brides for their engagement pictures, boudoir sessions and makeup trials for their weddings.
What are you working on right now?
My focus is on education. I’ve been teaching makeup for five years now. I teach private lessons to the everyday woman that wants to improve her style, along with group classes and professional makeup workshops for beauty schools, salon owners or stylists.
Current makeup product obsession?
The new Patentpolish Lip Pencil by MAC in the shade Clever. It’s in my makeup bag right now and adds just the right amount of color to my lips.
Let’s talk about giving back to the community.
I’ve teamed up with The Women’s Resource Center creating a class to help women who are in need — who have been abused, are homeless or are single mothers — to help them get back on track and find a job, by teaching them how to look at a job interview (and) helping them with makeup, hair and fashion tips. I’ve also worked with the executive director of Dégagé Ministries, providing makeovers and styling services to homeless women.
More at erickmakeup.com and on Instagram at erickmakeup.
