Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin McKenna.
Hi Erin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Love Cheeky evolved from my life journey of health, wellness, and all things vintage. When I was 16, I worked as a page in a library in my hometown, Bethpage, Long Island. There was a time that I really wanted to be a librarian! I recorded “Days of Our Lives” and watched it after school before going to work at the library. Do you remember Jack Deveraux? He was diagnosed with Hodgkins Disease and explored the alternative health healing process. This intrigued me, so I spent my days during my 4-hour shift reading on the subject and was immediately drawn in. As a senior in high school, I was diagnosed with allergies and was told my diet had to change. Health food stores at that time were not as available as they are today, so my mother had to find specialty stores to find foods that would help me. Together we found a whole new world and this way of living stuck. Gluten-free foods sure have come a long way since then, let me tell ya!
In college, I studied Dance and had to take an “anatomy for dancers” class. I fell in love with anatomy after that course. My instructor was a physical therapist and massage therapist. I automatically wanted to go to massage school, but my instructor told me I shouldn’t because it is tough on the body long term. I am glad I didn’t listen and went to massage school after graduating because it was the best decision of my life! It led me to explore the DIY lifestyle of making my own products for fun. Years later, I moved to Key West, became a burlesque performer, started doing massage, and now make my products for fun. People seemed to like my products, so with the gentle nudge of friends in graphic design, I figured why not make a label for my products and see what happens. I love the old apothecary way of life, going to a witchy woman and she makes a potion. I only use glass bottles or jars and offer refills to locals when they reuse their bottles at a discounted rate. I wanted to include my love of herbs, wellness, and all things vintage.
In October 2019, I created a hand sanitizer called “CLEAN,” which was more for fun because of Fantasy Fest coming up. Months later, Covid hit and nobody could find hand sanitizer. Suddenly, so many people were asking me for mine. This is when I completely dove into Love Cheeky. We were shut down for a few months and I couldn’t work or perform. I had nothing to do like everyone else. I do not do well with idle time, so I just created more products. I live on the tip of the equator and its HOT, so I developed a cooling mist. We sort of opened up where people could carry out beverages at bars. I have friends in the industry, and one asked if I could make him a face mask spray. That’s where “Multi Masker” came from and was a huge hit! And so it goes. I make custom blends as well, which is exciting. I love to consult with a customer to create an individual scent that is completely their own and meets their personal needs while smelling amazing! Sometimes I feel like a mad scientist and make quite a mess. I have to restrain myself when I get inspired after 10 pm – I’ve learned from those mistakes! I am so grateful for the plants and what they offer us. Every scent inspires me. There is so much beauty in this world. It’s a sensory overload!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Life is never a smooth road, but I’m the kind of person that likes obstacles so that I can be more compassionate and empathetic to others’ struggles. I had a near-death accident when I was 19. I was told I could never dance again and that my lungs would only function at 80 percent. I cried for a day or so. Growing up, I was told you can sulk for three days, but then you have to pull up those bootstraps! I got up out of that hospital bed and just walked the hospital floors for weeks. Three months later, I sat in front of the doctor as he reviewed my report. With a wide-eyed surprise on his face, he said I was back to 100 percent on all counts! Long story short, I became a massage therapist and had my fair share of ups and downs along the way. I’ve suffered physical and emotional pain (as a result of my accident), as many have, along the journey through life.
So, the smooth road question has a deeper meaning to me. Once you almost die, the road is more open and some struggles just aren’t that bad. Through my massage work, I dove into the powerful effects of essential oils and experimenting with my own skincare products. I learned a lot about things I didn’t know, like chemistry and the effects of oils on my own skin. I am my own guinea pig, so I suffered a time or two. I feel the more you know, the less you know, and there have been times I wanted to throw in the towel and just give up on Love Cheeky. I’ve spent many sleepless nights working on the creative process, which to me is exciting! The business side, however, is not, yet it can be once you figure it out! When I finally figure it out, which I’m still working on, at least I learned something new! That’s rewarding!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I have been a massage therapist for 20 years and an esthetician for about eight years. I recently started a small business named “Love Cheeky Key West Apothecary,” which is a small batch body and mind care company that specializes in body balms, custom-made face serums and body oils based on the needs of the customer, Palo Santo and Selenite bundles, and sprays. I use the highest quality farm-sourced sustainable ingredients and organic essential oils. When I moved to Key West in 2008, I was searching for a dance class. I studied dance since I was a child, so it was very important to me to find some classes to take. I started taking a Burlesque dance class led by Tatah D’Jour, who started the burlesque scene in K.W. and I immediately fell in love with this art form. I quickly joined Key West Burlesque and that’s when Cheeky Derriere, my burlesque alter ego, was born. Cheeky allowed me to be the person I always wanted to be! She is silly, quirky, sexy, confident, and so on.
The minute I put those eyelashes on, Cheeky took over and the shy Erin just kind of hibernated for a couple hours. It was so liberating to feel comfortable in my own skin! Coming from a dancer’s background, I was always insecure about my body. I did burlesque for a few years and one day I was approached to audition for some plays. I never acted before other than some high school and church plays. I finally mustered up the courage to go audition and have been doing plays in Key West ever since. I have been lucky to perform on stage with some outstanding actors and directors in the field. I guess the thing I am most proud of is that I took the leap to try new things. We all have thoughts of doing things, but we rarely have the courage to follow through. I’ve been dabbling in making my own products for myself and friends for years and was encouraged to pursue the Love Cheeky business.
I think what sets my Apothecary apart from others is that I try to make my products multi-functional. Not only do they smell good, but I carefully choose the essential oils in the products to help with various things. For example, my mask and mind refresher, “Multi Masker,” not only refreshes your face mask but refreshes your breath, gives a boost of energy and stimulates the mind. This has been a top seller recently. Some people wonder about the origin of the name Love Cheeky, so here is the reasoning behind the name. Love Cheeky is a play on words, which I love… It’s a gift from me, Erin and Cheeky. I went back and forth about the comma. The grander version of the name is to love life in a bold, silly, playful, smart, and witty way. I feel Love Cheeky is a giant hug that includes all of those things. I love things with multiple meanings and my products reflect that because they are multi-functional. Everyone needs to be a little Cheeky! I certainly need the reminder! A dear friend of mine who has since passed once said to me, “Life is too serious to be taken seriously,” so I try to remember that.
Pricing:
- 15 to 25 dollars
Contact Info:
- Email: LoveCheekyKW@gmail.com
- Website: LoveCheekyKW.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lovecheekykeywest/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Love-Cheeky-A-Key-West-Apothecary-100846458347926/
Image Credits
Florence Nebbout
