Meet Shannon & Nicole: How Pomp’s Co-Founders Are Empowering Estheticians to Change the Aesthetics Industry
Pomp's female co-founders are redefining the aesthetics industry as we know it. Empowering hundreds of estheticians daily, they're trailblazing a new way to approach skincare. Shannon and Nicole share how desiring to support other women led them to the creation of Pomp, an esthetician client and retail management platform. Because elevating the voices of estheticians directly elevates the voices of women in the beauty industry.
A Dream Born Out of Necessity
Shannon Erley's story begins with a 12-year tenure in the beauty industry. Despite her background, Shannon lost herself in the overwhelming sea of skincare trends. Marked by a constant battle with adult hormonal acne, a solution seemed out of reach. Until she partnered with a licensed esthetician.
Nicole Cox's journey also begins with a rich history in cosmetics buying. After 13 years, she became frustrated over the inefficacy of "trendy" skincare products. She and Shannon first connected as friends when her family moved to Denver. One day, she and Shannon talked about their skin struggles as adults. Their conversation threaded with their shared experiences laid the foundation for Pomp today.
“After I met Shannon, it was an ‘ah ha’ moment of yes. Listening to skin experts, not influencers, is the way to achieve the results that you are looking for.”
Championing Esthetician Expertise in a Trend-Centric World
Estheticians are often the last source to trust when it comes to skincare even though skincare is their area of expertise. The rise of (sk)influencers and celebrity skincare lines makes it difficult to expand their business. Shannon and Nicole leveraged their struggles with skin health as a catalyst. Creating a tool that estheticians can use to thrive as entrepreneurs. While also giving their clients access to their personalized, professional recommendations online. Pomp stands as a testament to the belief that true beauty and confidence stem from expert care, not fleeting trends.
Navigating the Beauty-Tech Space as Female Leaders
It is no surprise that beauty and aesthetics are primarily marketed toward women. It is a surprise that a primarily feminine-driven industry lacks women executives. According to an article from Vogue Business, representation is rising in the beauty industry. Women are receiving more senior roles within the industry, but not as decision-makers. Reports find that the most important decision-making positions are still male-dominated."In the top 20 beauty groups in Europe, three have a woman as chair of the company, three have a female CEO and four have a female CFO.”
Entrepreneurship as a woman in the tech and beauty industry is daunting. Investment dollars aren't often allocated to female-led ventures. "With less than 3% of total investment dollars going to females, the tech industry has a long way to go," Shannon recounts.
Against these odds, Pomp is working to change them. Nicole's history works as a beacon of inspiration. Underscoring the importance of supporting and uplifting women to leadership regardless of industry. This gap in female decision-making positions fuels their drive and shapes Pomp's mission. To empower every esthetician and woman to recognize and assert her worth.
“I’m proud that we have a very diverse team, including being over 75% female.”
The Heart of Pomp's Mission
At its core, Pomp is more than a tech platform. It is a resource for recognizing and valuing the expertise of estheticians. Hundreds of estheticians find business management and community using Pomp.
Shannon and Nicole envision a future where estheticians are acknowledged and respected. With consumers trusting their knowledge and contributions to the wellness and beauty industry. "We have only scratched the surface on how we empower the estheticians we work with to share their expertise," Nicole says. "Our team works every day to listen to them and build a platform that gives them the resources they need to thrive."
“Pomp has solved and exceeded any expectations on how to provide my clients with the best home care using corrective, professional brands while providing so much education.”
With Grace and Grit
Despite extensive scientific training, estheticians learn little to nothing about running a business. Navigating the complex terrain of entrepreneurship is intimidating, let alone without education. Pomp is the result of pursuing their passions with courage and conviction. With unwavering belief in your vision, you can't lose. Shannon and Nicole offer their own words of wisdom in light of what they've learned throughout the years...
The Women Who Pave the Way
When asked about their inspirations, both founders reflect on the profound impact of their mothers. "I watched my mom work full-time to support two kids. All while still showing up at school and sports events," Shannon remembers. "My mom was the first person to teach me to believe in myself," Nicole offers. "She has been a role model in how she treats others. She has also been honest with me even when the truth hurt or was hard to accept." It is often a woman's strength, integrity, and compassion that guides our lights.
Respecting Women in Leadership Every Day
Pomp's origins are a powerful reminder for aspiring estheticians and entrepreneurs. Shannon and Nicole are building this tool so estheticians can invest in their dreams, their clients, and their skin. Celebrating International Women's Day makes space to bring women to the forefront of business and beauty. Because women are pillars of strength, innovation, and resilience in every industry.
Shannon Erley
is the Co-Founder & CEO of Pomp. Before starting Pomp in 2019, Shannon worked in the beauty industry for 12 years building brands digitally and expanding into high-end mass retail (Sephora, Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, ULTA, Amazon, etc.). Shannon was consistently frustrated with the beauty industry, and used her frustration to change how consumers discovered and experienced skincare.
Nicole Cox
is the Co-Founder & COO of Pomp. Before joining Pomp in 2020, Nicole was a cosmetics Buyer at Bloomingdale’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, and managed North America accounts for La Mer/Estee Lauder in New York City. After the first 13 years of her career, she moved back to Denver in 2018 to start a family. She knew she still wanted to continue a career in beauty. After meeting Shannon, Nicole knew that Pomp was her next step.