Meet Erica Treat | Esthetician + Aveda North America Educator

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

Hi Erica, what do you attribute your success to?
From the outside, the beauty industry can seem saturated—but once you’re in it, you realize that while there are many of us, everyone’s goals, paths, and talents are uniquely their own. That’s what makes this industry so special. No one can offer exactly what I offer, and the same is true for every artist. Once you discover the part of the industry that truly lights you up, success comes from putting your whole heart into it and consistently showing up.

I owe much of my success to the people who supported me early on. Having mentors and apprenticeship experiences was essential, especially in the salon world. If you’re looking for a mentor, don’t just look for someone with talent—seek out someone who’s committed to growth through continued education, who finds inspiration regularly, and who genuinely wants to include you in the process. Those are the mentors who will not only help you sharpen your skills but also help you uncover what makes your artistry your own.

What should our readers know about your business?
I’m a licensed esthetician with over 7 years of experience, and I specialize in customized facials, dermaplaning, chemical peels, and waxing. I work out of a salon in Denver where I’ve built a practice focused on results-driven skincare and intentional self-care. What sets me apart is how I combine technical skill with a deeply nurturing approach—my treatments are just as much about skin health as they are about creating space for clients to slow down, feel supported, and leave feeling like their best selves.

One thing I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built with my clients. Many of them have been with me for years, and they come not just for skincare, but because they know they’ll be listened to and cared for. I take pride in continuing my education, staying up to date on the latest ingredients and techniques, and using high-quality products like Aveda and Oway Organics, which aligns with my values around sustainability and holistic wellness.

Getting to this point in my business took time. I started with a strong foundation but still had to navigate the challenges that come with building a loyal clientele, managing the ups and downs of the beauty industry, and finding balance as a provider. It wasn’t always easy—but I kept showing up, stayed curious, and leaned into community and mentorship whenever possible.

What I want people to know about me and my brand is that I genuinely care. Whether someone comes in for a quick wax or a 90-minute facial, they’ll receive thoughtful, personalized care. My work is rooted in connection, healing, and helping people feel more at home in their skin.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d want to show them all my favorite parts of Denver—the kind of mix that includes amazing food, some nature, a little pampering, and of course, plenty of time to slow down and connect.

We’d start one morning with breakfast at Sassafras American Eatery—it’s cozy, classic, and such a perfect welcome to Denver. After that, we’d head to RiNo to wander the murals and stop at Lavender Coffee Boutique for something beautiful and delicious to sip while we explore a few local shops and galleries.

Another day would be more relaxed: we’d grab coffee and pastries from Devil’s Food Bakery and take a long walk through Cheesman Park or Washington Park, depending on the mood. If it’s a weekend, we’d absolutely hit up one of the local farmers markets—maybe Platt Park or South Pearl—for fresh flowers, snacks, and browsing local makers.

We’d plan at least one night to catch a Rockies game at Coors Field—even if you’re not a huge baseball fan, the view of the mountains and the energy in the stadium at sunset is something special.

When it comes to dinner, we’d definitely go to Perdida for margaritas and coastal-inspired dishes—such a fun spot with a great vibe. For cocktails, we’d go to Local Jones in Cherry Creek or catch the sunset at El Five with tapas and a view.

We’d spend a day hiking in Golden or Boulder, depending on the weather, and end the week with a show—maybe live music or theater—just something memorable to wrap it all up.

To me, the magic of Denver is in the balance: great food, beautiful nature just minutes away, and a community that’s grounded, creative, and always evolving. There’s always something inspiring to discover.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Without hesitation, I want to dedicate my shoutout to Brad van Dyke. Brad has been one of the most influential people in my career and personal growth. His mentorship, support, and the way he leads with both creativity and heart have made such a lasting impact on me.

Brad taught me so much—not just about technique and the beauty industry, but about professionalism, showing up with intention, and the value of continued learning. He believed in me from the beginning, created space for me to grow, and always pushed me to trust my own voice as an artist.

I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without his guidance and encouragement, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from someone as inspiring and generous as Brad.

Website: https://www.threecutters.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ericatreat/