During the LPC December Trunk Show in Los Angeles, we donated $1,500 in honor of Eriq to Kidsave and their mission.
Makeup artist and friend of LPC, Eriq Moreno ended up in foster care as a child. At the age of 18, he found himself homeless and says he called the streets of downtown LA home for two years. He was lifted up by friends and is now a beauty expert and makeup artist. His advice for other at-risk youth, "You've got to be unrelenting. It's so possible"
Eriq introduced Melony Huber and the LPC team to Kidsave, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping older kids in foster care find forever families. Older kids are often overlooked when it comes to adoption. Kidsave’s Weekend Miracles program finds families who want to adopt a child and lifelong connections for older kids in foster care in Los Angeles and Houston.
THE INTERVIEW
Tell us a little bit about yourself? How did you become a makeup artist?
I'd have to go back to living in skid row and having absolutely nothing. I was a homeless foster kid, I ended up in the streets for about two years, at the end of those 2 yrs, I met my partner, Neil, who has since passed, but because of him, him offering his tiny hotel room in skid row to me and being my angel for almost 18 years, he helped me get on my feet and become the person the professional I am today. I still do what I do to honor him..every Wednesday I am at the Cancer Center in Burbank where I give patients undergoing treatment for Cancer a day of beauty. What I do means the world to me because I feel like I am making a difference in my own way. My inspiration is self care, acts of kindness, music, art and good food, with that, my soul is fulfilled.
Can you share a little about your experience with Kidsave? How can we help foster children?
I wish there was something like this when I was homeless and had no one to turn to. I feel like Kidsave is doing for foster kids what needed what anyone with a family would do and that's be a source of support and encouragement for these kids that feel alone and thrown away. I'm so excited that LPC is giving back to this worthy foundation.
I wish there was something like this when I was homeless and had no one to turn to. I feel like Kidsave is doing for foster kids what needed what anyone with a family would do and that's be a source of support and encouragement for these kids that feel alone and thrown away. I'm so excited that LPC is giving back to this worthy foundation.
WATCH HIS STORY
Tell us about your experience working with Melony and LPC?
I freaking adore Mel! She is the absolute best, I've been doing what do professionally for almost 12 years and in my time doing this, Mel, is top 3 of my favorite clients. Her passion for her craft and giving back is very inspiring! I actually look up to her and her business motto where every single thing is ethically sourced and produced. I feel blessed to be part of this mission as well.
