Erin Feniger
Erin is one of the most inspiring entrepreneurs we've come across. This glow girl created a way to use the therapeutic nature of art to start a philanthropic fashion company, Rialto Jean Project, using jeans as her canvas to effect positive change. Erin was living in New York for over 10 years, running her company Buzz Creative Group--a project management group for non profits, helping them raise money through events--when she realized she needed to move to LA for more chill vibes. After getting diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease (a neuro-vascular pain disorder directly effecting the extremities and then entire body), Erin cut down her work load and began to focus on her health. Out of necessity to seek healing and a more relaxed way of life, she was drawn to the uniquely creative Abbot Kinney community and the healing powers of the ocean. “I began painting after observing a local artist friend, and immediately felt the incredible soothing effects that painting, imagination and creativity could provide,” Feniger says.
A testament to the healing powers of art making, Erin has found great mental and physical relief in painting, using her hands as her paintbrush. She has always been "obsessed with denim," so its only fitting that her newfound passion for painting would manifest into a denim collection. Erin sells her seriously dope wearable works of art with proceeds of each sale benefitting art therapy in children's hospitals. Strengthening a cause thats very close to our hearts, we couldn't be more excited to showcase Erin's incredibly bright glow.
We had a blast visiting Erin's showroom / studio within her dreamy Venice home, which is walking distance from the beach. She told us that the soothing ocean water and turmeric cups from Moon Juice are her every day staples, both helping with inflammation and making her glow like woahh. She has also become quite the surfer babe, which we are a little envious of. The good vibes radiating out of her place are palpable--from Erin's vibrant smile to her sweet, cuddly dog--we left feeling warm inside.
“The Rialto Jean Project is truly a labor of love; my aim was to heal others, and in turn, the process has healed me.” Denim Doing Good is not only her philanthropic mission and platform; it is the foundation for her own ever-growing personal journey.
// Shop RJP here //
HOW THEY GLOW QUESTIONNAIRE
NAME: Erin Feniger
NICKNAME: Eyeball (family only)
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP: Ohio
WHEN YOU ARE EATING HEALTHY, WHAT IS A TYPICAL…
BREAKFAST: Hard boiled eggs and toast, Cottage cheese and English muffin
LUNCH: Tuna salad/crackers, Brown rice and grilled chicken, Salad
DINNER: Chicken and steamed veggies/ Brown rice. Baked yam potato/ Grilled chicken
SNACK: Almonds, apples, dried apricots
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SPOTS/RESTAURANTS TO EAT HEALTHY? Café Gratitude: Bonita for breakfast // Axe: Brown rice bowl with tofu or chicken (anytime) // Moon Juice: I go every morning
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE INDULGENCE? French fries and Ice cream
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SPOTS/RESTAURANTS TO INDULGE? Corner Bistro burgers in NYC
WHAT WOULD BE YOUR LAST MEAL ON EARTH? Cheeseburger, French fries and Chocolate milkshake
WHAT IS THE BEST DISH YOU COOK/ YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE? Roasted Chicken stuffed with thyme, garlic, lemon and butter
WHERE DO YOU GROCERY SHOP IN LA? Whole Foods and Ralphs ( have to go to both to keep costs down ☺ )
WHAT IS YOUR FITNESS REGIME? (HOW OFTEN & WHAT DO YOU GO) I Pilates three days a week // 2-3 mile walk with my dog 4-5 days a week // SUP : Go as much as possible
WHAT IS YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE? (PRODUCTS, FACIALS, ETC.) DNA, Monthly Facials by Heather Funk at Beauty Call LA
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE NATURAL MAKEUP/ BEAUTY PRODUCTS? Chocolate Sun: all natural spray tan and beauty regime, Supergoop CC Cream
IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON A DESERT ISLAND, WHAT 3 PRODUCTS WOULD YOU TAKE WITH YOU?
1. Eye Cream
WHAT PROFESSIONAL BEAUTY/FITNESS/HEALTH GURUS DO YOU SWEAR BY? Anyone that promotes living a healthy well rounded lifestyle, nothing to the extreme as I believe that’s why we have people who struggle so much with these areas in life. There is a middle ground...
TOP 3 FAVORITE SONGS?
1. Marc Cohen "True Companion"
2. Any Bob Seger Song
3. "Fishin in the Dark"
(I'm pretty happy with all country music to be honest)
MOST LIFE-CHANGING BOOK? The Color of Water
WHAT IS THE BEST GIFT YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? A rice cooker from my aunt…don’t laugh it truly is the best thing EVER!!!!
DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY. Wake up early in the morning to take a long walk with my dog by the ocean ….blast music, enjoy the calmness of the day before everyone gets up
Brunch with my dearest friends…of course filled with lots of laughs, go to the beach on a beautiful day and take a long paddle in the ocean followed by dinner with family and friends. Spend a couple hours late afternoon at home reading a great book before getting ready for the night...So many ways to make it a perfect day I could go on and on.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST VALUABLE BEAUTY TIP/SECRET? I wash my face every night no matter what and put Nivea cream on my face before I sleep ( this cream cures all )
WHAT MAKES YOU GLOW? Knowing that I'm a small part of bettering someone’s life
Photography by: Jessica Chanen