Ella Ervin shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Ella , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
As a business owner, I’m not just chasing success—I’m chasing purpose, healing, and a legacy built on love. My entire business, FaceCard, is rooted in my brother Lance’s belief that there’s beauty in everything. Lance was the most loving, loyal person I’ve ever known. He saw me when I didn’t even see myself, and poured belief into me in a way that changed my life. That same spirit is what I now pour into every client who walks through my doors. Whether it’s making someone feel beautiful after an appointment or offering a conversation that reminds them they matter, FaceCard is about connection, upliftment, and presence. If I ever stopped, it would feel like losing Lance all over again. This isn’t just a business—it’s the one place where I still feel that same kind of support, that same kind of love, that reminds me I am someone.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ella Ervin the owner of FaceCard INC.. I’m a 24-year-old esthetician who’s spent years in the beauty industry, but my journey truly began the year I started esthetician school—the same year I lost my best friend and older brother, Lance. His passing changed my life forever, and from that moment on, every achievement has been dedicated to him. Lance believed there was beauty in everything, and now his legacy lives on through me and my business, FaceCard. After graduating and experiencing firsthand how superficial and status-driven parts of the beauty industry could be, I made a promise to be the change. At FaceCard, we don’t care about your follower count—we care about people. We focus intentionally on every client, creating real connections and making everyone feel seen, heard, and at home. FaceCard is more than just a studio—it’s a space built on love, loyalty, and genuine care. We’re also expanding with new educational programs to teach aspiring professionals foundational beauty skills and boost their confidence, including our latest innovation: an LED lashing system that helps lashes last for months. Everything we do is with purpose, and every step forward is for Lance.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
I’m not sure I’ve ever truly seen myself as powerful. Even now, I wouldn’t call myself that—I’d say I’m strong. Power, to me, doesn’t come from status or titles. It comes from the people. It’s not something you build alone; it’s something that’s built through trust, loyalty, and how you show up for others. But if I had to name a moment where I first felt powerful, it would be the first time someone came to me for advice—not just about lashes or skincare, but about their business or even their personal life. That’s when I realized people were listening. I was being seen. I was being heard. My business gave me a voice I didn’t always have and a foundation to stand on. And funny enough, as soon as you start to succeed—even the people who once doubted you suddenly want your guidance. Maybe that’s where the power lives: not in proving them wrong, but in knowing that I became someone they now look to for strength.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There wasn’t just one time I almost gave up—honestly, it’s something that creeps in more often than I like to admit. Every day brings a new challenge, and I think it’s only human to wrestle with the thought of giving up sometimes. But nothing tested me like the first year of opening my business. That year hit hard. I faced the real fear of not knowing if I’d make rent, and even harder than that was realizing some of the people I thought would support me never really did. The silence from friends and family cuts deep, especially when paired with the constant voice in your head saying you’re not good enough, you’re in over your head, and you don’t belong in the room. So yes, the truth is—I’ve almost given up, faintly and frequently. But every time that thought comes, I remind myself that I have something to prove in this life. If not to myself, then for my brother. His legacy will forever be my fuel when I’m running on empty.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies the beauty industry tells itself, and others, is that you can easily make six figures in your first year. You’ll see it all over social media: flashy posts, luxury lifestyles, and captions promising instant success. Then you scroll down and surprise—they’re selling you an eBook or course on how to “copy” their earnings. Honestly, I call BS. As someone who’s been in the industry for years, I know firsthand that building a loyal clientele takes time, effort, and consistency. Even with over 7,000 followers, my business still has slow days—and that’s normal. Success in this industry isn’t built overnight, and it definitely isn’t guaranteed by a PDF. What matters most is your authenticity, your relationships, and your ability to keep showing up even when it’s quiet.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope people tell the story of a woman who gave 100% in everything she did. That if you told Ella “no,” she’d turn it into a reason to go harder—not out of ego, but out of purpose. I want to be remembered as someone whose heart was bigger than her body, someone who never let the weight of the world break her spirit. Even on my darkest days, I made sure the room still felt my light. I hope they say I was the kind of person who kept showing up—stronger, softer, wiser—every time you saw me. And most of all, that I lived for something greater than myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Theofficialfacecard.com
- Instagram: @Theofficialfacecard
- Other: TikTok: theofficialfaceca
