A native of Manila, Philippines, Erwin Gomez
is much more than fashion and beauty. He is an all-around artist, with talents
in each arena. From
drama, photography
and fashion design, Gomez pretty much had it all. Until his ultimate dream came
true when he and his partner, James Packard-Gomez, opened Erwin Gomez Salon & Spa
in Georgetown, D.C.
Keeping to his Asian roots, Gomez remains inspired by the philosophy of the
East. My inspirations come from my heritage and culture,” Gomez said. “I
am very careful to create the right environment for my clients and I hand pick
each artist to learn my culture and vision. They must be willing to adapt to
the methodology.”
Gomez started with a sincere passion for the artistic side of the world and
there was no doubt that he would make his mark on the world of beauty.
“I was artistic since I was a kid – drawing faces, reading fashion
magazines, watching music videos,” Gomez said. “Now I’ve
been in the business FOREVER! I just couldn’t stay away from it all;
I love to touch people’s faces!”
Gomez got his start working behind the Chanel cosmetics counter at the age
of 17, the first man hired to work behind the counter of the famous brand.
With a slight detour when he studied and became a surgical nurse, Gomez
had already proven himself worthy of recognition in the beauty industry, and
couldn’t
wait to get back to it.
Now a salon owner of a top-end full service establishment, Gomez can live
out his dream of offering beyond quality services with customer service that
can’t be beat.
“
Customer service is so important to me,” said Gomez. “My mission
is to accommodate and alleviate the stress of each client.”
The Erwin Gomez team is just as special indeed. Each salon staff member, named ‘Dragonflies’ are
taught the same model of respect, humility, and superior customer service.
The atmosphere and culture within the team is truly unique and each
dragonfly is treated with the utmost regard, each having their own name tag
mounted next to their station which ties into the salon and creates mutual
respect between the team leader and the team.
“My recipe for creating the perfect atmosphere is being humble, real,
and hands on. I treat my guests as friends,” Gomez said. “My dragonflies
are the biggest thing in my business – I salute them.”
Gomez has recently begun a new project to add to the salon and spa that will
add another floor to the facility. “The top floor will be a men’s only salon where the boys can go
to relax away from the busy world of Washington,” Gomez said. “Men
are becoming more and more aware of the benefits that a full service salon
and spa can offer and I am going the distance to make sure that they too can
have this experience in a boys’ environment.”
The new floor will be called EG 4 Men and the project is due to be completed
in September with the grand opening of the new level along with a garden memorial
in October. “This is the happiest point in my life,” Gomez said. “We’ve
worked so much and so hard – I am excited to watch the company grow.”