Fashion & Lifestyle

Erwin Gomez Salon & Spa

Erwin Gomez has been in this business for 18+ years as a National Makeup Artist and is widely known as the ‘Eyebrow Guru’ for Washington D.C. He, along with his partners launched the Flagship Erwin Gomez Salon & Spa in early 2006. They proudly boast and stand behind their five-star accomodations and a quintessence of professional skin, hair and make-up products used throughout the salon. His belief is to strive for excellence and creativity while maintaining a high standard of artistic integrity. Whether serving the influential international and Washingtonian community, the famous celebrity set, or any individual who is in need of radiating their inner beauty outward is always welcome to be pampered.

A personal friend of Paul’s, with whom he also provides professional services, we recently had the opportunity to speak with Erwin on his business inspiration, beauty techniques, and how he spends his free time…

What or who in your life inspired you to enter into the beauty industry?
Fashion design is the form of art in itself. I have always drawn to and been involved in art, and the two came together and inspired me to be where i am today.

Describe the overall concept of your business and why you decided to open it in the heart of Georgetown.
I wanted to bring the asian culture into georgetown. With the symbol of the dragon, which symbolizes wisdom and power, as well as the tail of the dragon representing the eyebrow and what i am really passionate about. I believe in giving excellent customer service and radiating that to everyone that i have contact with. Georgetown has always been an artistic area in all of dc; we have the flair and the history here in georgetown. Being a 1st time makeup artists and salon owner i really wanted to keep the history and tradition alive.

Your salon is absolutely fabulous, and a “cut above” the rest! Name some of the professional services you have to offer @ the Erwin Gomez Salon & Spa that keeps your clientele coming back for more?
First, i try to give 5-star customer service, and have created a strict concept with our guests that they will “interview” our artists and you the guest decide if you want to “hire” that artist to do your service. I pride myself in the education of beauty and want the guest to understand what is happening while it is happening. Our nail dept. Is something very special. We are very sanitary here at erwin gomez. We do not use jets. We perform everything from your scrub to your massage all by hand, everything that we use is disposable and never used more than once!! We also offer the luxury of ibooks at all of our nail stations for our guests to browse the internet while receiving a service. Five star spa facilities with both facial and body services, and of course our makeup and eyebrow artisty. We are also very known for being the wedding party destination in dc, and we embrace every culture here at the erwin gomez salon. We have also just opened a couture clothing boutique that is 50% off original price. We carry all the hot designers and the special rate is only available by appointment for our guests.

Everything looks so glamorous throughout your salon, from the main floor décor to your private spa rooms. Even your staff is so eloquently ‘coiffed’ and each individual has their own unique look and swagger to them. How does your salon and professional team rise above the competition in the DC area?
FIRST, I DO NOT believe in competition, i believe in delivering and doing our best for our guests, which includes a team that is unique yet professional.

Erwin Gomez is known as the go-to guru for exceptional make-up artistry and eyebrow sculpting. Your clientele list includes many prominent political figures, local celebrities, socialites and pampered princesses! You’ve also worked your magic on countless celebrities from Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives) to Wilmer Valderamma (That 70’s Show) for special events. Is there any celebrity in particular that you would love to work with? Why?
My moto is to treat everyone on the same level, no matter how famous they may be. It is true that i have done people from eva to wilmer, but they are all they same, in that they are human beings. At this time in my life and career i have been very honored to work with some of the great celebrities of the era, but they are all my guests and all treated with the same respect.

Please share some of your beauty secrets and tips that our female and male readers
Would find helpful. (I.e. Products and techniques that you’d recommend for the skin,
hair and make-up) skinceuticals has a great new product that has just come out called phloretin cf. It’s an antioxidant treatment that combines 2% phloretin, 10% l-abscorbic acid and 0.5% ferulic acid. This product boosts the skin’s structure by supporting collagen and elastin levels on the inside- transforming the skin to a firmer, more radiant, visibly younger-looking complexion on the outside, it can be used by both men and women. Techniques: all women have different shaped faces, so techniques vary a lot. I suggest making an appointment for a teaching room at the erwin gomez salon & spa, so i can show each individual woman the correct technique for her face.

What’s next for the Erwin Gomez Salon & Spa? Do you plan on branching out and opening another salon here in DC or any other city?
Any new Erwin Gomez products, endorsements, ‘how-to’ literature or charitable organizations that our readers should be aware of? Eventually we will be branching out in the future, but i want to stress that all my employees and guests are taken care of. I am quite busy with 45 employess and all the great guests, i want to take my time and do everything right! We have our 1st annual erwin gomez dance marathon coming up! All proceeds are being donated to the hispanic heritage foundation, which is a foundation very close to my heart and soul. Your readers should keep their ears and eyes open for more information!

In all the hustle and bustle of running a very successful business, when you work hard, you should be able to play hard as well! What do you enjoy doing in your free time, and what or who keeps you grounded?
I keep myself grounded by believing in myself. My absolute favorite thing to do is watch mtv with my puppy godiva. I however, can’t stay still for very long!! So when i have down time you can find me shopping!! I love to shop!!

Thank you Erwin & James for your providing continued exceptional service, and for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat with us. We wish you all the best in the future!!

To make an appointment or for additional info for any of the luxurious services offered, please contact:

Erwin Gomez Salon & Spa
1519 Wisconsin Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20007
T- 202.333.7290
F- 202.333.7211
Www.erwingomezsalon.com