Drug Store Brands, Celebrity Brands & Brand Partnerships in Beauty

Summary

Beauty with a Twist: Episode Summary Episode: Drug Store Brands, Celebrity Brands & Brand Partnerships in Beauty
Release Date: July 26, 2024
Host: Dede
Guest: Christian Guillermo Ochoa, Content Manager at 2L Skincare and Bardin Wax

---

I. Introduction

In this episode of Beauty with a Twist, host Dede welcomes Christian Guillermo Ochoa, a content manager for professional skincare brands 2L Skincare and Bardin Wax. The conversation delves deep into the dynamics of the beauty industry, exploring the differences between drugstore and professional brands, the impact of celebrity skincare lines, and effective brand partnerships.

II. Guest Introduction

Christian introduces herself as a content manager passionate about skincare, recounting her meeting with Dede in Las Vegas at a major trade show. Their immediate connection set the tone for an engaging discussion on the industry's inner workings.

Christian [00:42]: "I'm the content manager for a professional skincare brand, 2L Skincare and Bardin Wax..."

III. Trade Show Experience

Christian shares her first-time experience at a significant North American beauty trade show in Las Vegas, highlighting the stark contrast between professional skincare booths and more flamboyant cosmetic displays.

Christian [01:33]: "The energy was undeniable between us."

She criticizes the often overly glamorous setups of cosmetic brands, noting how they can be unapproachable compared to the more holistic and serene esthetician brands.

Christian [02:35]: "They do have the five different cleansers, but it's all categorized by skin type. And we make it very simple and like a system."

IV. Personal Journey

Christian's personal story is both inspiring and relatable. From battling rosacea in a conservative small town to overcoming bullying, she emphasizes how her struggles with skin issues ignited her passion for skincare. Her journey through esthetician school, influenced by her desire to manage her own skin condition, underscores her commitment to authentic and effective skincare solutions.

Christian [08:45]: "I was born out of the womb gay, and I was bullied a lot because I had rosacea..."

V. Drugstore vs. Professional Brands

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the disparities between drugstore brands and professional skincare lines. Christian expresses strong opinions about the efficacy and integrity of professional brands compared to their more commercial counterparts.

Christian [05:44]: "Why does cosmetology feel more accessible? It does feel very exclusive."

She critiques drugstore brands for often lacking the necessary actives and scientific backing, emphasizing that professional brands, especially those founded by industry experts, offer more reliable and tailored skincare solutions.

VI. Celebrity Skincare Lines

Christian and Dede delve into the realm of celebrity skincare brands, expressing skepticism about their authenticity and effectiveness. They argue that many celebrity lines are more about marketing and profit than genuine skincare innovation.

Christian [40:18]: "There's no governing body that can certify that is medical grade."

They highlight how celebrities leverage their fame to market products that may not necessarily deliver the promised benefits, cautioning listeners to prioritize professional endorsements over celebrity endorsements.

VII. Business and Marketing in Beauty

Christian shares valuable insights into the business side of the beauty industry, particularly the challenges of inventory management and understanding audience needs. She underscores the importance of knowing your clients and offering products that genuinely address their skincare concerns.

Christian [31:35]: "People think it's easy having whole, like purchasing, having inventory on your shelves is costing you money the longer it sits there."

She also discusses the significance of product knowledge and confident communication in driving sales and building trust with clients.

VIII. Client Relationships

Building strong relationships with clients is paramount in the esthetician profession. Christian emphasizes the need for personalized consultations, follow-ups, and educating clients about effective skincare regimens. She advocates for honesty and integrity in client interactions to foster long-term loyalty.

Christian [52:01]: "You're not following up with them. They're trying a new product for the first time, and you didn't follow up and say, Hey, how would you like it?"

Both hosts agree that genuine client care, rather than coercive sales tactics, leads to sustained business success and client satisfaction.

IX. Industry Oversaturation

Christian addresses the oversaturation in the beauty industry, attributing it to a lack of passion and proper education among many professionals. She warns against the dilution of quality as more entrants flood the market without adequate training or commitment.

Christian [38:15]: "Let's talk about that subject."

X. Conclusion and Inspirational Quotes

As the episode wraps up, Christian shares two powerful quotes that encapsulate her philosophy on success and client relations:

1. "Done is better than perfect."
   "We all suffer from imposter syndrome. Putting yourself out there, opening yourself up to the universe will allow the universe to open itself up to you." [66:00]

2. "Under promise, over deliver."
   "When you do over deliver on that promise, they're going to refer people to you." [66:00]

These quotes serve as motivational takeaways for listeners looking to thrive in the competitive beauty industry.

---

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Christian [08:45]: "I was born out of the womb gay, and I was bullied a lot because I had rosacea..."
• Christian [05:44]: "Why does cosmetology feel more accessible? It does feel very exclusive."
• Christian [31:35]: "People think it's easy having whole, like purchasing, having inventory on your shelves is costing you money the longer it sits there."
• Christian [38:15]: "Let's talk about that subject."
• Christian [66:00]: "Done is better than perfect... Under promise, over deliver."

---

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a candid and insightful exploration of the beauty industry's complexities. Christian Guillermo Ochoa's experiences and perspectives provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within professional skincare. Her emphasis on authenticity, client relationships, and strategic marketing serves as valuable guidance for both aspiring and established beauty professionals.

For more in-depth discussions and expert insights, stay tuned to future episodes of Beauty with a Twist.

Transcript

[A]

We good? Okay. Ready?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Okay. So remember, I'm gonna be like, hi, guys. Welcome back to another episode. For this week's episode, we have a special guest. Go ahead and introduce yourself. And then boom, boom, boom, boom. Okay.

[B]

Okay. Yeah. Got you, Marlo.

[A]

Was this good? Yeah.

[B]

All right. Three, two, and one.

[A]

Hey, guys. Welcome back to another episode of Beauty with a Twist. I'm super excited for this week's episode because we have a special guest. Go ahead and introduce yourself.

[B]

Hola, queridos. My name is Christian Guillermo Ochoa. I am a content manager for a professional skincare brand, 2L Skincare and Bardin Wax, where I met Didi. Yes.

[A]

We met in Vegas. And I was like, I need him on my motherfucking podcast asap.

[B]

The energy was undeniable between us.

[A]

So tell me, because I just seen you working there, right? You were working the booth. You were actually. You were the most, like. How do I say? Like, you stood out to me. Out of everybody that was there, I was like, the. Is this. When I seen Brandy shout out to Brandi, I like Brad. And I was like, okay, who is. Who is this person right now? Because the attention, I could just feel the spark. You know what I mean?

[B]

That's Scorpio Rising, babe. Which you are, too. That intense energy.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. Shout out to our girl, Brandi Rose. Beautiful community builder. But, yeah, so I was in Vegas working professional trade show. Um, it was my first time working that trade show because it's the largest right, in North America for our industry. And, you know, trade shows are where all the big professional beauty brands come together, and they all have different booths. Some are crazy elaborate ones, like the Lashbox one. Right? That one looks like a Tiffany store that was on Avenue. It's beautiful.

[A]

And the Amico one, too.

[B]

Oh, next level.

[A]

I was like, what. What is this? This is crazy.

[B]

No, it's. I've never been to one before or that specific one before, but I know that's, like, the big one.

[A]

Can I get some tea about that, though, really quick?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

We're gonna be honest. Why is cosmetology so fucking lit? And we're over here, basic, boring, bland salt pepper, and then over there is all the seasoning. You know what I mean?

[B]

You're so funny. Because my. The two owners of the company I work for, the company's been around since 1979. They're icons in the industry, and they always say that. They're like, you go on the cosmos side, and it's colorful, it's glitz, it's Glam and sparkle. They're creative, they're done up. She goes. You go on the esthetician side, and it's like, holistic, boring.

[A]

Yes. I don't give a fudge if I.

[B]

Yeah, just like, she goes, you know, undone.

[A]

We need, like, seasoning, or we literally need, like, why we don't have music. We don't have, like, our booths suck. You know what I mean?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And then I'm like. I go to the Cosmo, like music, and just the energy is so different. So that's one thing that, you know, maybe it's because estheticians are like skincare. So we're all. They're more about relaxing. Relaxing and nurturing and stuff. But I'm there to, like. You know what I mean?

[B]

Yeah. Right. And, you know, Cosmos might be more of a show pony than we are, but I think maybe that's why I stick out, because I. I'm like, no, I am glamorous.

[A]

That's what I'm saying.

[B]

You know, The LA girls have arrived.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Aquias tamos.

[A]

Like, yeah. And that's what I felt like when I seen you. I was like, okay, that's a whole different type of energy, because every booth that I went, I was like, oh, my God. Like, not intimidated in a way, but.

[B]

More like they're just not approachable. And, yeah, I agree with you, because I was dead set on buying this specific microcurrent device, and I see that the booth is right around the corner from mine, so I'm like, okay, when I get a break, I'm gonna pull up. I start walking up to the booth. The women that were working the booth, I looked at them and they were doing demos on themselves. I couldn't even bring myself to grab a flyer from their table, mind you. I was ready to spend $1,000. And then I just looked at them, and I just was so turned off. I was like, babe, you're selling beauty to who? You're not even about this life for real. And that's something I noticed. You know, it's a lifestyle. It really is. I think, especially if you're a business owner. It's an extension of your brand. It's an extension of who you are, you know?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And, yeah, I just. I can't relate to those.

[A]

No, and I agree, because I'm telling you, a lot of booths that I've seen there, and I actually seen, like, big brands, and, like, I see them on Instagram being this whole different Persona. And then I go to the booth and I'm like, you guys are not. Yeah. You're not like, how you are. And I mean, for sure, like, how you are online. But I'm saying, like, I just didn't feel like they didn't. They weren't very approachable in a sense where they were not intimidating. Again, I was just like, do. Like, I don't know. I don't want to buy from you. You're giving mean girl energy, and it's not. You know what I mean? And I don't want to buy.

[B]

Babe, let's talk about it. I mean, you wanted to open that little can of freaking worms. This industry is very white. Okay, Think about it. Utah master esthetician. It's funny, the other day at work, I brought up something about, like, you know what? I don't want to be another professional skincare brand that gives, like, Utah live, laugh, love white, soulless white.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And a lot of these brands take themselves so seriously. They're in the lab coat. It's super sterile. I get it. Don't get me wrong. There's, like, you know, science, innovative, leading, you know, pioneering brands. But at the same time, why does it have to be like that? Why can't it be approachable? Why. Why can't it feel more accessible? It does feel very exclusive. And it's like, for what, girl? Like, your skin. Your skin doesn't look good. No offense. You're the owner. You're the face of your brand. But, like, what about you? Why is your face.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

The face of this beauty brand and I. Beautiful.

[A]

And I feel like I agree, especially because, like, they're just too serious. And I get it. Like, you want to be serious, but also, like, be fun.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because I feel like if you connect with your audience that way, I feel like, you know, people will like you. I don't know.

[B]

You need to be relatable in a sense, and not intimidating. Right. Like, because it can feel very intimidating, this industry. And, you know, it does feel like if, you know. You know, and like, I'm all that. Yeah. And some of these brands, you have to spend a lot of money to open an account. Account. And see, with our brands, no purchase order minimum. You can open an account. As a student, we offer so many free educational resources. Yeah. We're here to support the esthetician because that's what the brand. That's how it was founded. Yeah. You know, the founder of the brand, Eva Fredericks, actually helped write the curriculum to recognize the esthetics profession in the state of California. So I work for a female Founded female LED brand. And we want to be the approachable brand, the warm and friendly supportive brand, classic brand. We're not trendy. We're not constantly launching new product. And it just felt like the right fit.

[A]

Yeah. And it's like that brand, it's like, you guys know, like, you guys have, like. You know, there's certain brands that have little products, but they put their all into those products because they know that they're so good. And I. I get overwhelmed when, like, a brand has so many, like, five different cleansers and, like, 10 different exfoliators. I'm like, just keep it super simple. You know what I mean? Because it's just too much.

[B]

Which, don't get me wrong, we have. We do have the five different cleansers, but it's all categorized by skin type. Right? So five skin types. And it's very clear. And we make it very simple and like a system.

[A]

Yeah, I like it simple. And that's it. You know what I mean? So tell me how you started. Let's get. We didn't even get to the fucking introduction.

[B]

Okay, tell me how. How long should I go? Because basically my passion for skin started when I was 12 years. And this is pre TikTok, pre YouTube, pre social media. I think I just started my MySpace, like, in seventh grade when I was 13. So that's what was popping back then. I'm 30 now, so it's changed.

[A]

You had the music on your profile and everything.

[B]

Oh, period. Yeah, I was writing in code. I was making those little raindrop on the. On the page. All that corny, like, the glitter. Remember those? Glitter.

[A]

That was my page. It was all hello Kitty. I was one of those. And then I had, like, anyways, ratchet music.

[B]

But yeah, so when I was 12, I'm from a very small, conservative town in Northern California. I'm from Modesto, and it's not known for good things. Scott Lacy Peterson. Okay.

[A]

Scared of that man. That man is.

[B]

And aren't they, like, trying to get him out? Like, they're, like, redoing the case. Right. Women get on so hard by the law, it's ridiculous. But anyways, so I'm from this small, agricultural, very conservative community, and I got bullied a lot, obviously, because I stuck out like a sore thumb. I can't hide the gay. You know what I mean? I was born out of the womb gay, and I was bullied a lot because I had rosacea, and no one in my family knew how to deal with it. So I had this very blotchy red skin that was very irritated. And I begged, beg, bagged my dad to take me to a dermatologist because I was just so tired of being bullied for just the way I look. And I, he took me to a derm and the dermatologist is telling me so. You know, the only thing we can really do since there's no cure for rosacea is laser treatments. You'd have to do a series of at least like six to see a difference. And there it's going to be like thousands of dollars and all you can really use right now is like a green tinted moisturizer to disguise it. Yeah, girl. Even at 12 years old, I knew not to trust people. Especially an old white man with a lobster red face where I'm looking at him like, bro, you can't even help yourself. Why would I trust you, let alone make my dad like my. First of all, my dad's from Mexico, dude, like from El Rancho. He's not going to spend thousands of dollars on laser treatments for his fucking 12 year old. Like, first of all, yeah, I look white, but my family's not white and we don't act like it, you know what I mean? So in that sense then I remember, I'm never going to forget. My first pro skincare product was this green tinted Dermalogica SPF serum. And I remember putting it on and it just made me feel like I looked like Shrek. Okay, was it that bad girl? It wasn't like a Dr. Jart, sick of plastic. So I like that, I like to use that one.

[A]

The tiger cream too, right?

[B]

Yes, to use the. Yep. And, but no, it was not you. And then I'm like, dad, you have to take me to somebody else. Please, please, please. So that girl, another thing, we go, same shit. Another old white beat, red faced man. And I'm like, okay, I have to take this into my own hands. So one day my grandma was watching me and I went to her appointment at her dermatologist office. She was getting like a chemical peel or something and her esthetician happened to be in the lobby and she goes, oh, here, ask her like, you know, maybe she can like recommend something for you. And I'm never gonna forget, in 10 minutes she like gave me like a consultation in the lobby. I'm 12 years old. She gives me this sample kit of an image skincare little trial box, month supply, five little jars. And it was a vitamin C serum, a vitamin C enzyme mask, vitamin C cream, cleanser, moisturizer and a sunscreen. And that Kit taught me the importance of a routine and it taught me the foundation of building a routine. I never purchased those products full size because again, my parents were not going to give me money for professional skin care at 12 years old. But so whenever, like we'd go to Walmart to buy things or the drugstore, I would just like find things and I would just like read and study the back of these boxes. And then I built my own routine and I was able to help control and manage my rosacea. And then as soon as I was old enough to work and I started making my own money, girl, like I was dropping all my money at Sephora. I was like the only teenager I knew was spending hundreds of dollars on skin care. And that's kind of where my passion began. And I just learned all these things on my own, especially as YouTube started coming about. Then I started learning from like the first germs on there and estheticians and other skincare enthusiasts. So I was just this young gay boy who was born in a small town nerding out over ingredients. And that's kind of how it started.

[A]

So then you went to esthetician school.

[B]

Or did you so work somewhere straight out of high school? I really wanted to go to fashion school. My for my 21st birthday. Well, let me go back. I didn't get accepted cuz grades were not my thing. Not that I had bad grades, but I was just not into school and I went to community college and then I started applying for universities in New York City because I really was dead set on going to fashion school. My dad took me to tour the schools for my 21st birthday and then he passed away. But right before he passed away, he found out that I had applied to some backup schools here in California, one of them being Cal Poly Pomona. And he was very surprised that I ended up applying to a university and state. And he goes, oh, you should really consider going to that school. Like it's really good. And I was like, yeah, if I get in and you know, the other schools don't work out, that's what I'm gonna do. Well, two weeks later he passes away. And a week after. So clearly I'm not going to leave my family. I went through this very traumatic experience at 21, I'm not going to go to New York City. So I felt like my, my dreams kind of died a little bit. I always wanted to go to fashion school. I was a heavily influenced by Lauren Conrad and watching the Hills and that reality TV era. But a week after his Passing. I got my acceptance letter to Cal Poly Pomona.

[A]

That's crazy.

[B]

And I just felt like it was a sign that I needed to go. A few weeks later, my best friend from that I met in community college, who I'm still best friends with, he got accepted. So we were transferring at the same time. At the same time. My other friend at the time was also transferring to go to Cal State Dominguez Hills. And so I was like, you know what? I'm just going to do this. It's going to be an easier transition. I'm going to know some people. So I moved out here. But I remember looking at a map of LA county, and I look and I see that Cal Poly Pomona is very far from la. And then I see weho and Beverly Hills is on the west side. So I'm looking at this GPS map and I'm like, I just have a feeling I'm not going to want to hang out on campus or hang around campus. Bitch, over my dead body was I going to live on campus, get told what to do, live with strangers, and pay more money to have, like, five roommates? No, thank you. I was like, no, I'm gonna, like, get my own apartment. Because I was working, and I was always working through school. And I just pointed out a map, and I looked at the middle, and it was Alhambra, which is on the border of South Pasadena. And I've lived there for nine years now. And I just commuted, like, what, 18, 22 miles to Cal Poly Pomona. And then I worked full time in West Hollywood.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

So you're like, in the middle. And then you would be like, okay, I'm fucking going to We Hope.

[B]

I'm going to We. I'm working in, We Hope five days a week most of the time, or interning over there. I just had a feeling. My intuition told me all of your career opportunities are going to be on that side of town. Because I was still in a fashion program at Cal Poly. But then my first quarter there, I realized this shit is way too hard. And on paper, they're not going to respect my fashion degree. So then I transferred over to the College of Business, and now I. Then I ended up with my degree, my BS in Business Administration, Marketing Management was my emphasis. And then my minor is fashion merchandising.

[A]

That's amazing.

[B]

Honestly, I'm gonna keep it a buck right now. College was a very unnecessary experience.

[A]

Oh, they always say that they need.

[B]

To go through that. I did not need to get myself into student loan debt. Because then what ended up happening was I'm working in my first career out of college for this fashion startup. A year and a half later, I get furloughed in a very unfair way. There were a lot of class action lawsuits against the company. They're still around their horrible work culture, very toxic. And all of the rhetoric of the fashion industry being a toxic industry is very true. And I realized it's never going to work here. In fashion, you have to wait for a dinosaur to die for the person under them to come up. Then for the person under them to go up. It's very double. Whereas Prada, it really has that reputation for a reason. And so while I was furloughed, I was freaking out. I'm like, what am I gonna do? The year is 2019. Somehow I've had friends tell me forever, you should go to esthetician school. Like, you belong there. You belong there. And I'm like, I don't know. I don't know. Well, I was like, fudge it. I'm on unemployment. What am I going to have? This opportunity to get paid half time off and be able to go back to school. But I almost didn't go through with it because I felt silly going back to community college. Yeah, I felt like, dude, you have a whole ass business degree and you can't even get another job. It was so hard for me to. I was applying everywhere. And girl, you know me, I'm a go getter. I'm a hustler. I make opportunities happen for myself. I don't wait things for it to happen for me. I've never been that person because I'm from a small town where opportunity's always been scarce. So I take opportunity very seriously. And I ended up applying. I got into the program at Citrus College in Glendora, which I hear I'm very lucky because they did have a wait list of like 50 people. I was like, one of the last ones to get admitted. And I almost didn't show up on the first day of class because it was the Monday after Valentine's Day weekend. And the first guy I ever fell in love with at the time, now that I know what real love is, that was not love, but that was like hardcore infatuation. Ended up gaslighting me over the weekend.

[A]

And you had school Monday, your first day.

[B]

So get this. So it's Valentine's Day weekend. It's the day after Valentine's Day. We all went out with a bunch of friends. I started not feeling well halfway through the night. So him and all my friends went to this afters and I was like, I'll just wait for you at my house. Like they're all gonna spend the night at my place. And my best friend saw him cheating on me in the dark room with a guy that I had introduced him to the night before. He was getting crammed while my best friend's right there. You think he's not gonna tell me? Wait, do you know what a dark room is?

[A]

Yeah. Oh yeah.

[B]

Girl. So she knows.

[A]

She's down with the girl? Yes. You know I'm an actor's girly. Ah, Emma. Before I got preg knit, I'm a. I used to go to afters all the time in la. Come on. You know EDM is like everything to me. Okay, anyways.

[B]

Yeah, so. And then my friend tells me I'm like extremely distraught because I just felt like, wow, I really got charmed and duped by someone less charming than me. Like how did I sell myself short? And so I was running late for. For class. I couldn't find the. The class. I was just so distraught. And I remember I walked in like 45 minutes late again. I was just woke up defeated. And that's not like me, you know what I mean? I've always been able to pick myself up, dust myself off and just set that to the side. But for some reason it was really getting to me. And I showed up to class and the professor went and made an example of me to the whole, whole class. There was at least 60 plus people in it. And she goes, if you're ever late one more time. Gave that whole spiel, Crucified me. I'm already feeling so vulnerable. It was like raining that morning. Girl, I was a mess. And let me tell you one thing, this woman really did save me. And there's. She changed my life. And she's an incredible educator. Ann Everett, if you guys are lucky enough to have her. She's probably the best. One of the best educators I've ever encountered. But she is the reason why I'm on time to all my client appointments and for the things that like really matter. Because after that I was always early. And you know, beauty school, you start really early. 7:00am Okay, 7:00am I had a commute 30 minutes and I was always 15 minutes early.

[A]

That LA traffic coming there too to stitches that 210 cuz it's off of. It's in Glendora. I know.

[B]

And I busted my ass and you know, I loved it. And I just remember when we finally got our textbook it was placed on my desk. And that was the first I felt like the universe clicked, mind you. I was 26, 27, 2019, what, five years ago? 26. And so I started my Saturn return, right? I was coming on it and I felt a click in the universe. I don't know how to explain, explain it, but it was the first time I ever felt like I belonged anywhere in my life. I've never felt like I belonged anywhere. There's been very few instances where I was like, this is where you're meant to be. And that was the first time I felt that way. I was broke as I was unemployed for one of the first times since I ever started working. I had all this college debt. I had a whole ass degree that I couldn't use. Yeah, I felt like. And I was back in community college, in trade school, but it was the best. And then six weeks later, Covid the lockdown, the shutdown, and then you're like taken away from me and I'm like, wow. The first time I ever felt like I belonged anywhere, this took this one. And I was like. I just kind of laughed because I was like, honestly, Christian, like, it's never been an easy battle for you. You've always had a swim upstream. You've always had to go against the grain. Why would you ever think something would ever come easy to you once in your life? Like, girl, you're used to this.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Get over it. Get through it, girl. I had to finish beauty school on Zoom and that sucked, you know, But I always knew my. My skincare knowledge. And the week that I graduated from beauty school, I remember him freaking out. It's mid pandemic height of it. And I'm like, this is the worst time to get into this industry. I can't work legally. Everything's shut down. You know, what am I gonna do? How am I gonna make money? Like, like, wow. Like again, what am I gonna do? No.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

No way to make money, no job. I feel like I'm on my ass all over again. And that week, my ex coworkers boyfriend at the time, Matt Brooks, I love you, you're the best. Reached out to me on Instagram and I had only met him once, mind you, and he goes, hey, I saw that you posted about too well before on your stories because that was. I went to a partner school of the brand that I now currently work for. And he goes, are you interested in being a freelance social media manager for them? It's part time right now, but I have a direct line with the owners and they're looking for someone. And I know you have a background in marketing. And the funny thing is I was applying for jobs at the skincare brand he was currently working out there. So it's just who was founded by my boss's son.

[A]

That is so crazy.

[B]

Yeah. So like the universe just works in mysterious ways. And the fact that I studied these two owners in school and I learned about this.

[A]

So you really, like, it was like to be.

[B]

Yeah, yeah, I got the job. And I remember we had a rep from Dermalogica come in before the shutdown when I was still going to class in person. And she was like, okay, everyone go around the room and tell me what you want to do with your license. You know, a lot of girls were like, oh, I want to lash. I want to be a makeup artist. You know, I want to do facials, wax, whatever. And I was the only one that was like, oh, I think I want to be a sales account manager for a pro grade skincare brand. You know, I never thought I wanted to do physical labor.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Because I know this is so taxing on your body, on your hands. Right. And I just knew it's a limited career and I still wanted to put my marketing degree to use. And sales is something I'm incredibly passionate about. And I really went to esthetician school and I got my license for very selfish reasons. I was like, well, I'm spending all this money at Sephora. Might as well just get an esthetician license to get wholesale pricing. And I'm going to save money. And it's like girl math. I'm going to make money. I literally did it for that reason. And because I was also getting tired of all these, like fudgeing 12 year olds on TikTok, giving advice and I'm just like, I can't believe. But first of all, let's actually talk about the real issue that adults are actually considering and taking advice from fucking teenagers. You're the problem, not the teenager. Good for them. You know, at least they're putting themselves out there. Hey, they're out here getting brand partnership.

[A]

Yeah, yeah.

[B]

But like, and I'm not going to lie, I don't want to be a hater on them, but I'm also like, wow, like 12 year old is listening to these people.

[A]

12 year olds using retinol on their skin from drunk elephant is ridiculous. I can't grow because it turns into a flower. You pump it and it's a fudgeing flower. Did you see that glow recipe down the fucking drain. Because 12 year olds are using pomegranate serum, pineapple, whatever. And you know what I mean, it's crazy. And guess what? They. Millie, Bobby Brown got a skincare brand at 13 years old.

[B]

I think it closed. No, like, I think it's.

[A]

But she. The thing is, it still happened. And guess what? Adults were buying it.

[B]

Well, we're gonna talk about celebrity skincare lines later. But yeah, girl, that's basically. I got my license and then I got my job and I've been there for four years this August, and then I created my current position. And it's just been amazing growing with the company, being a part of, like developing a product, A K I Creative director, productions or photo shoots. And that's amazing. Always been my dream when I was this like, young little gay kid who was constantly being shitted on at school, hearing family member members make comments about you. Because, girls, I'm first generation Mexican American, raised in a traditional Catholic household. That shit was not easy for me, you know, and no one understood me. Never felt understood by anyone. I had friends, but it was still very lonely, very isolating. And I would just. My dreams just kept me alive. I just kept telling myself, it's going to get better, you know, you're a flamingo in a flock of pigeons. They don't understand you. You guys can't speak the same language. Christian, it's not their fault. Fault. Your parents are a product of your environment. Of their environment. You know, your friends are a product of their environment. Your classmates are a product of their environment. It's. It's not their fault almost. I just knew this at such a young age. I had this wisdom that I was just kind of born with. So I just kind of did my own thing. And school was hell. Like every day. I got called names. I got so much. I ended up becoming a bully from being a victim of being bullied. And I was like Loki, the Regina George of my high school. So I took that back, but not the way to go about it. But yeah, then beauty found me is what I like to say. It saved me. And I just had these dreams, like, I'm gonna be a creative director one day. And then I can't believe I did it at such a young age.

[A]

And it's so crazy that you went to school. Cool. And like, you're the first person on this podcast because I usually have like lash checks or like waxers or like, you know, people that own businesses, but you're over here. Like, I don't want to do that. Like I wanted to be a creative director. And that's the. And that's where you are.

[B]

And how did I know at 12 years old I was like, I want to be a creative director. I always used to have a fashion brand, but now it's beauty. And I will never leave the beauty.

[A]

And when do you hear you? When any school, when they do introduce yourselves, like you don't hear someone, I want to be in sales. I want to do this. Like I've never heard of that in fucking me. My ass was like, I want to be a business owner. And I knew what I wanted, but I never said anything in sales. But if you really think about it, for us too, because we sell our retail products, we have to sell it. So we also sell. We're in sales. And I worked at Sephora for like five years and I worked at Morphe and then I was a coordinator for Urban Decay. So I no sales. So for me it's like easy. It just comes naturally. But I hear a lot of people that struggle kind of with like, you know, they have this brand and store they're going to start selling, but they don't really push it because they don't really know how. And then it's also like, you need to have product knowledge on the stuff that you're selling. Because if you don't have product knowledge, then what the fuck are you really, you know what I mean?

[B]

I can't stand a bitch that can't speak confidently.

[A]

Exactly.

[B]

To what they're pushing, what, what's on their shelves, what they're using even for.

[A]

Their box, what they're believing in their, you know, man.

[B]

Yeah. Aligns with their morals. Right. I'm very selective with the lines I carry. But yeah, just like what you're saying, like I have 10 years of luxury retail experience, you know, bitch, I've sold Birkins, Chanel bags, you name it. And I, I just remember thinking, I'm making all these people so much Money, I'm selling $50,000 worth of product out like while I'm in college. If I just sold a few hundred bucks a week for myself, that would make a world of a difference. So I just knew I just want to start my website, carry my retail, make my content, link it, sell it. Yeah, yeah.

[A]

And then also too like what a lot of people understand is like there are certain brands. Like for example, there's a brand, a serum, we buy it for like 150, but we have to retail it for like 280. Right.

[B]

And it's one.

[A]

I can't say it.

[B]

Oh, okay.

[A]

You know, I'll tell you later.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

But it's like, it's like who the wants? And then the opening art is like crazy.

[B]

Oh, yeah.

[A]

You know what I mean? But anyway, so it. There's certain brands that I do, you know, because I believe in them, but there's just like, I had to also think of my. My clients, like, are they willing to buy that? Like, there's certain people in areas, like in LA, of course they can buy a 300 serum, you know, but there's certain areas and a certain clientele that won't buy it.

[B]

Very true. You have to know your audience.

[A]

You have to know it. And yeah, so I know that I have affordable brands that work that my clients love and I still get a really good commission on those brands as well, you know, for the price that I get it for.

[B]

People think it's easy having whole, like purchasing, having inventory on your shelves is costing you money the longer it sits there.

[A]

Absolutely.

[B]

Buying inventory is such a huge cost. Some of these companies are like, oh, it's a 500 minimum order. And yeah, you're going to make a 500 profit on there if you know how to sell it and if you know how to retail it. But girl, you don't know when you're going to get that money back. You know, you have to be able to predict trends. You have to be able to predict your client needs. It's hard. It's so hard.

[A]

So, yeah, so for Baradin, right, Barrett and Wax, you, what do you do for them? You're the creative director for them.

[B]

The content. Yeah. So they're sister brands, they're owned by the same family and I'm the content manager for them as well. So as a content manager, I have to make sure that the Tick Tock has content, the Instagram, the Facebook, our masterclass series. So I produce all of those videos, like all of our email campaigns, our blogs for SEO, our landing pages on our website, our web banners. So I kind of take the lead. I work with a team of graphic designers, our social media manager, our digital marketing manager, and we just create campaigns and then we build off of it and I kind of oversee the esthetic of it and the creative process behind it.

[A]

So now that you're in like the waxing industry, do you, you know, the tea, right, with other waxing?

[B]

Absolutely, girl. Because I work for an OG brand, you know, and she created her wax out of kind of being screwed over by one of the most og Wax brands. And so she goes, you know what? I'm going to make my own.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Yeah. So I do definitely know the behind the behind the scenes.

[A]

So are you a hard wax girly or you're a soft wax girl?

[B]

What are you? I'm, I'm a hardcore believer of you should know how to use hard and soft wax. And if you only stick to one, it doesn't make sense for me to do body waxing with hard wax because it's costing you more money, you're using way more product and you're, it's way slower.

[A]

Okay. And I'm a hard wax girly. That's crazy.

[B]

But hard if you're only a hard wax girly and you only focus. Like I know that you're basically only doing Brazilians and underarms, right? Yeah, that's what I use hard wax for. That's what you should use hard wax for. So if you don't do leg waxes, arm waxes, back waxes, then you really don't need soft wax. Maybe it's good to have a can for special occasions, but like no hard wax. I believe on using, in using hard wax for face, underarms, intimate body parts.

[A]

Yeah. And I use, I like soft wax for brows though. That's my jam. I have to use.

[B]

Definitely, definitely. Because soft wax does stick to the skin. It is more abrasive, ripping the hair. So it is better at getting the finer hair out. But you're not really, you like, you can't really go over that area more than once. You know where with hard wax you can go over that area A lot of times I'm not, you know what it. Because I believe in shameless promotion. You know, my boss is in developing a really fierce hard wax for brows and face.

[A]

Really?

[B]

That is going to be a game changer.

[A]

And because there's nothing like that.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

There is no hard wax for brows that I know of.

[B]

Yeah, well, I mean wax is wax. You know, I think it's really silly. I recently saw a product launch from a wax brand. I was like, this is the first wax made just for brows, girl. Because wax is made for fudgeing hair and brows have hair and you use it for hair. What do you mean? That is the most redundant shit, gimmicky shit. And that's the thing with this industry, girl. All of a sudden social media and you know, listen, I believe there's enough pie for everyone.

[A]

I.

[B]

There is abundance, but girl, let's keep it real. That's the dumbest shit I've ever heard wax is for ripping hair out. What do you mean? Wax is made for hair?

[A]

That's crazy. You're so right though.

[B]

Gimmick. It's all again.

[A]

But it's all a marketing thing, boo. It's all about cells.

[B]

That's why I can't get mad at them.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know what I mean? Because at least they're out there doing it.

[A]

Doing the fudgeing thing, you know? Yeah.

[B]

They're taking advantage of all the sheep center field. And I've never been a sheep. I've always questioned authority. I will always question what I'm told to do. I want to know the why. I practice skin tuition. I'm not a paint by numbers esthetician. I always say there's two types of estheticians, especially, like in the skin care space. If you offer skin care services, the skin to it is esthetician that knows. I know how to mix and match. I know how to customize. I know what this ingredient is going to do. I know what reaction it's going to yield, what results it's going to yield. I don't need to look at a tech manual and follow it to the fucking book and follow it to the T. Because, you know, I listen to estheticians all the time complain, like, wait, but you said it has to be in this order, girl. Not all skin is the same. Everything is nuanced. And if you understood the logic and the science behind this, you would be confident and you would be assured. But oh, girl. Okay, so I guess you don't know what you're doing and you need your fucking handheld and it's paint by numbers for you because you don't actually know this.

[A]

That is so true. And that is why a lot of people. That's why this industry is so oversaturated too. You like.

[B]

Let's talk about that subject.

[A]

I feel like estheticians. I feel like it just blew up. It just fudgeing. I feel like people are just using Sephora brands, using drugs. Like, I seen this. I'm not even joking. I should. I'm gonna send it to Marlon so he can like, input that tick tock video. I found this esthetician was using sort of a. On her clients using this hydro. It was a hydro jelly mask from Amazon. And it was like her. She was like setting up and it was like, survey. I think I seen like a set of fill moisturizer in there, a fudgeing glow recipe serum, like, for her clients. And it was like. And she was dermaplaning. Guess what the fuck she was dermaplaning with? I'm not joking.

[B]

Please don't break.

[A]

I swear it was a razor. Like those Chinese razors and dry dermaplane too. And then after that she put like this fucking jelly mask. I'm not joking. It was like crazy. And I was like there's no fudgeing way.

[B]

Okay, so let's get into the reasoning behind this. So girls, let me just tell you right now, girls, gays days, I don't care who you are. Hetero esthetician men, whatever. Which I have never met a heterosexual male esthetician actually neither ever work anyways. But you're fudging up the game, okay? You're not being professional. And this is the problem though. These Sephora brands amongst these drugstore brands, they're all poaching licensed professionals, dermatologists because they're trying to establish their authority and trying to claim this professional grade medical grade skin care. News flash. There's no such fucking thing. There's no governing body that actually can certify that that is a. What, what does professional grade mean? And what certified body is actually certifying that this is medical grade?

[A]

Maybe they're saying like a dermatologist tested instead of pride on their skin. Okay, it's good.

[B]

But even then you're paying for that. You're paying for a dermatologist to say that that's good.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And so now there are some exceptions against. Again it's very nuanced. My friend's brand, Prakash Organics, her oils are actually considered medical grade by the FDA because they're unrefined, organic, cold pressed extracted. That is classified as a pharmaceutical nutraceutical by the fda. So that's legit.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But most of these brands don't have a certifying body that can actually say that that's medical grade. And also medical grade doesn't necessarily mean better all the time. And not everybody needs necessarily that level of actives. You have to understand your goals, you have to understand your skin's unique needs to.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You know, and how to treat it, how it's going to react, how to yield the best results. But yeah, these brands are poaching, these estheticians and these fucking bend the house are out here like oh my God, I got a package from survey, I have to make a TikTok because I want PR and you know they're going to lie and they're going to use this shit. There's not a single brand from the drugstore, not A single drugstore product I've ever used in my goddamn entire life that my skin will ever agree with. It feels like sitting on my face. I feel like I'm disrespecting my face. I will end up homeless on the street and I will still find a way to not use drugstore on my face.

[A]

Kenny, you're calling me out.

[B]

Why?

[A]

Let me tell you. No, no, no. I don't post it, but I get a bunch of pr. But they get send me emails and emails and emails. Why haven't I made a video for them?

[B]

Are they. If they pay you for it.

[A]

No, no, I haven't done it anything.

[B]

But this is the thing. If you're not getting paid.

[A]

No.

[B]

And if it's not a legitimate brand partnership.

[A]

Free.

[B]

And it's just for free. Pr. Girl, please.

[A]

That's why the fuck I don't do it.

[B]

And unless you really, really like it and you really believe in it. Exactly. Because you have integrity and you're not about to fuck up the game like Neutrogena.

[A]

Hit me up. Hit me up.

[B]

Oh my God, that is so 12 years old. Let me tell you.

[A]

They hit me up last week. Paid partnership. This isn't that. And my assistant.

[B]

What were they trying to offer you?

[A]

It was. It's a new product. They came out. It's like a hydro boost. But you know they have. That have the.

[B]

Yeah. Hyaluronic.

[A]

So it was like a hole at the serum that they're coming out with. Anyway, so my assistant looks at the email, she's like, gina. I said, she's like, I'll just delete it. She already knew.

[B]

How much were they gonna pay you?

[A]

It was 150 per. It was just a quick shout out for my. On my podcast.

[B]

No, not enough. And that's the thing. These brands want to use your likeness that you've worked your ass off to create and build your own platform in your own way. And they want to give you a hundred and fifty dollars to exploit your likeness when they have millions of fucking dollars.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Beauty is a multibillion dollar, recession proof industry. If it's not like a trillion something dollar industry. Oh yeah, let's be fucking real. No.

[A]

And. But you know who paid really good? Dermalogica.

[B]

And because they're still a professional skincare brand at the end of the day.

[A]

And I like Dermalot. Some products.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

From Dermatologica.

[B]

But I will say Dermalogica is a sellout brand. You know, they sold out. And you know they do have some Good products. I agree with you. I am certified in the line because of school, but I don't think it's worth the money.

[A]

Yeah, but I 100 agree.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And especially these celebrities like JLO came out or no, who came out with I just said Millie. Bobby Brown came out. I don't know what the happened to that girl.

[B]

All the celeb lines are such cash grabs.

[A]

Rihanna came out with her fancy skin, Kim's.

[B]

Kim, Kim, Kimmy skin, Kim, whatever the fudge. Let me tell you one thing, what pisses me off the most is that these people, The Rihannas, the JLo's, the Kims, they are beauty icons.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

If you're gonna come out with another skincare line, create more waste in a planet that we're already destroying, that we are already promoting a culture of over consumption, we are overproducing, we are stripping mother Earth of its natural resources. Because the dark side of this industry and this, in this beauty as a whole is the consumerism, the capitalism, and it's destroying our planet, our home. And these people have the resources and the connections to actually create something worth just doing all this for, putting all this time and effort into. They can actually innovate and create something that might be new, that can yield very effective, amazing results. They could do something totally different and then they just come out with some generic run of the mill, nada, que vera. That's not worth the money because it doesn't even yield the number of actives in it. Now let me tell you something. I don't think all skincare from Sephora is shit. Right?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

I just know now that I've gone to esthetic school and I actually fudgeing paid attention and read the textbook because it shows that most of you bitches didn't or most of you bitches aren't even passionate about it. Let's be honest. Because if you were passionate about it, you would do your own research and you would go above and beyond because it should be a hobby to you. But they don't innovate, they don't come up with anything and these people just buy it. And then it's a waste. Because what I learned is that the skincare at Sephora, it's not necessarily shit, but it's not worth the money, it's not worth the price tag at all. That's what I learned.

[A]

So tell me your favorite brands for not favorite. Let's say if someone. Because I know people are going to comment and they're going to ask. So then what? What is he like from Sephora.

[B]

Girl, listen, I am Vib Rouge. I stay Vi. Okay. I do shop out so far I spent a lot of money there. What I love from Sephora, Skincare wise Charlotte Tilbury. Not the skincare makeup. Makeup. I love the makeup from Sephora. That's just really the only thing I buy. I love House labs. I love Hourglass.

[A]

Love her foundation.

[B]

First of all, it's amazing.

[A]

It's amazing.

[B]

It's amazing.

[A]

Not just because I'm a Gaga fan, but I really, truly know same.

[B]

Honestly, I was a little scared because I'm a diehard Gaga fan. She's my, my Jesus. She's the one who got me through very hard times as a young person.

[A]

Yeah. People ride and die for her and I love her music. But I wasn't like crazy. So I was like, I'm kind of iffy. I'm buying this product because I'm not like a die hard fan. But I looked at reviews on it and I swear by it. I love her foundation.

[B]

The price point is good, the quality is there. And I was very scared that my girl was going to put out some bullshit that I could not defend.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

And I'm like so thankful. It's amazing. And I agree. It's amazing. So my favorite brands at Sephora sh. Hourglass, H. Slops. I'm wearing and yeah, Nars.

[A]

I like Nars.

[B]

Nars is good. Nars is good. But honestly, it's very hard for me to.

[A]

How about Tacha? Let's get into it.

[B]

Not worth the price. No, not worth the price. Definitely not worth the price.

[A]

What's the other one? Used to the people.

[B]

So I like you to the people. And you can ask your future guests about that brand because she started it and she sold it to L'Oreal and it's kind of amazing.

[A]

We're gonna talk about that.

[B]

But yeah, so you should definitely pick her brain at it. But. Or yeah, because it's kind of amazing.

[A]

How about Dr. Jart?

[B]

Dr. Jart is okay. Dr. Dennis Gross? Dr. Dennis Gross. I don't like Murad. It feels very Neutrogena vibes to me. But honestly, out of the skincare that I fudge with there you to the people is good. Actually it is safe for all skin types. What I will say, this is what kind of distinguishes a pro brand, in my opinion, from an over the counter brand that you could just go and walk in Sephora or a Target and buy, you know, as a professional, what I retail to you and I recommend to you if it is A professional brand, I am liable to you if you react to it. If something happens, if we're giving you a service and you know, something goes down. But that makes the company liable to me. When it is an over the counter brand, think of it kind of like prescription strength, what you have to go to a pharmacy for versus over the counter medication where they can just go, where you could just go and grab it. It's not the same strength, it's not the same level of actives. Right. So that's how I look at professional grade skincare. I only like it when the founders are professionals. When it's made by professionals for professionals, that's when I'm passionate about the skincare line.

[A]

Yeah. And you know what, another thing too is like I feel like my clients, for example, they always come to me when they're even new clients and then I give them a consultation first about their skin, what type of facial to get and they know that I'm like, when I give the consultation, I put them under the light because I don't, I touch them obviously, you know, because I want to check out their skin. But when I give them all the information that I know and all the knowledge that I've learned and also at the end of their consultation I'm like, well, what are you using on your skin? And I'm like, well that's, let's, let's speak about it. Majority of the time it's like cetaphil, sort of a Neutrogena.

[B]

Cetaphil and survey are like the two C words. You might as well call me a see you next Tuesday. Because those. When my clients say that I die on the inside, well that's me.

[A]

And I'm just like, you know, Neutrogena. And then they have Pacifica or they say these other Aveena. Yeah, okay, so they tell me that, right? And I kind of like, I don't tell them in a mean way. But I'm like, well that's why, you know, so I'm like, let's change up the whole skincare regimen that you need to be on. But it's also like they have to trust me and they have to know that I know going back to the product knowledge because I need to know what the fuck I'm trying to sell. And I know that it works because I've tried it on my own, right? And also too, I'm like, it's not that more pricey than it's.

[B]

And it lasts you longer than a drug store product. And it's not that much more.

[A]

Yeah, it's not that much more expensive.

[B]

Quality is significantly better.

[A]

A lot more better. And I tell them like, okay, you're paying the same price for the cleanser that you're getting at Target. You're paying a couple of extra dollars here for something that actually is doing something good for your skin. You know, and I always tell them like, and I feel like with clients too, it's kind of tricky. You have to tell them like, and this is when you're a good esthetician. You have to be honest and tell them 50% is here, but 50 is at home. Because you also need to come up, like, how are you, we, how are you going to get facials every month but then go home and use a nutrition cleanser? Yeah, that's not going to work because we're not magicians. We can't. You know what I mean? So you have to have your at home regimen with a good skin care regimen and also come get your facials. And then also too, like, I feel like a lot of clients and that's what a lot of estheticians don't understand. Oh, I'm not getting booked, I'm not getting busy. Maybe because they're not seeing results and.

[B]

You'Re not following up with them.

[A]

You're not checking with.

[B]

They're trying a new product for the first time. And you didn't follow up and say, hey, like, how would you like it? Yeah, actually thank you for calling me because I haven't used it because I don't know how to use it after.

[A]

You just gave them a whole 20 hour minute consultation. Maybe they just like were so tired that day they didn't listen to you. That's why we have this iPad here from my assistant and she literally texts my clients, say, how was your facial? Is there any questions that you need? Because that right there is showing them that you care.

[B]

It's a partnership with your, with your client.

[A]

And that's how you get returning clients.

[B]

Absolutely.

[A]

And for us too, it's like they need to see results. If you're not seeing results after like at least three facials, two facials, and they're like, oh my God. Actually, the first time I came, I just felt like this. And immediately they tell me that. But that's how a lot of estheticians are like, well, I'm not getting booked or for whatever reason, but it's because you're. They're paying hundreds of dollars and that's not seeing anything.

[B]

Yeah. And you Know what? A lot of the time, especially because I live in la, these facial prices are insane. And then I go and see what they're doing and I'm like, that was basic as fuck.

[A]

Let's get into that. Fuck, do they charge $300 for a basic ass?

[B]

Because people pay for it. People don't know.

[A]

And the cost of microdermabrasion that they got on Amazon, please.

[B]

Before I forget though, baby girl, the reason why dermatologists recommend cetaphil, for example, is because cetaphil is not actually cleaning your skin. It's actually not doing anything. And that's why dermatologist recommends it because it's not going to interfere with whatever medication they're putting you on, which I'm very anti in most cases. There is room for it at times, but whatever procedures they're on, cetaphil is not doing shit for your face. It's not cleaning your face.

[A]

No. Let's talk about the huge marketing thing that they did with Certive A though. They collabed with sir what's his name? The survey. His name is. Last name. The actor. Oh my God, the funny actor. They collab with him like, oh, I thought that was his brand this whole time. Let me pull it up because it's gonna piss me off.

[B]

Yeah. I mean, to be honest with you, those, just those brands I'm just, I'm not a fan of. Again, it's Michael Survey.

[A]

Let's see who.

[B]

It's not in my. It's not in my ethos. It's not something I think about. It's not. You know, and you know what the, the thing is? I mean, it. Use something, you know, it's better than not using anything.

[A]

Michael Survey. Look at this collab. Can we inp.

[B]

I don't know who that is.

[A]

Is that.

[B]

Oh, Michael, Sarah, Michael, Sarah. And then they're like, okay, so from a marketing perspective, I thought it was genius. They're genius. Genius marketing. That's what I'm saying, like really funny. He told people it was his brand. He's a comedian. He's kind of been like out of the limelight for a while. You know, I thought that was genius marketing. But if you think some fucking dirty silver lake looking ass hipster comedian is going to influence me, but to use any skin care. Bitch, you got me fudged up. Yeah, but the problem is b tches are buying it from him. You know, bitches are buying into the thing and you know, it is all a lot of marketing. And I work in Marketing, I see.

[A]

Through it like fucking Kylie Jenner just collabed with crumble cookie.

[B]

For what?

[A]

Because she was eating crumble cookie two weeks ago with Stacy on TikTok Live. She created like a crumble cookie collab with her and said hey, for her we'll give you a Kylie Kylie Kylie cookies. Only in West Hollywood. You can go pick them up tomorrow.

[B]

I've never understood that crazy session with these grown ass adults that are running to Erwan for a Haley Bieber smoothie. Like, girl, be so serious.

[A]

$30 smoothie.

[B]

Oh my God, girl. And when there are age or older, I'm like, have you tried one?

[A]

I've never tried one.

[B]

I'm not going to go out of my way and there's an Erwan by me, you know, but I'm not going to go out of my way. Like it's just. For what? Just to see, girl, I will just look up what's in it because it's on their fudgeing menu and I can blend my own shit at home. First of all, smoothies aren't even that good for you. You should not consume that much fruit in one sitting. It's not realistic for you to consume that much fruit. It's not realistic for you. Like juices take away the fiber. Yeah, I'm not into that stuff. I am big on my protein shakes and stu, but I blend just like the powders and the supplements with the water with just. I'm big on drinking tinctures and making, you know, new health is wealth and beauty does come from the inside, you know, but it's like, no, I'm not, I'm not into any of that shit at all. It's so gimmicky. That's what they're fudgeing, spending their hard earned dollars on.

[A]

I know. Before we move on to the drugstore, can we talk about really quick because this is so. I haven't talked about this on my podcast. What about TJ Maxx Skincare? What about products at Marshalls and TJ Maxx and why do you think? Why are they so. Oh my God here. They're so discounted or here that you know what I mean, girl, why are.

[B]

You trusting that shit? You're doing it to yourself. It's really not that much cheaper. You also don't even know what the fuck you're using. You don't know what you're doing. You. It's most likely expired or there's a reason why it's there, babe. There's a reason why it's there. Do you think it's going to be a good reason why it's there? You know, I know girls. I went to college with girls that are beauty buyers for Marshalls, for TJ Maxx Ross and stuff. You know, certain makeup and stuff. I can see, like, okay, like a palette, for example, that's powder that can't really go bad. And, you know, if it's discontinued and it's something you really like, go for it. But to be honest, I just don't know why you wouldn't partner with a professional and just stick to a streamlined regimen and get with that. But these are the people. Okay, story time. A few months ago. So I'm also a hit trainer, a group fitness instructor in Pasadena. And, you know, I had a client that was. Was a fitness client who had extreme melasma and hyperpigmentation. Fitzpatrick 3 Latina.

[A]

Oh, shoot.

[B]

She's always asking me, oh, my God, Christian, what do you do for his skin? What do you do? Oh, my God. Like, your face is just so perfect. Your glow, your glow. And I'm like, you know, I do a lot of. For my face. A lot of. Most people aren't willing to do to yield these results. I've healed my own skin. I've managed my skin. I've treated myself, and I've treated at least over 100 faces, different faces. And she overhears me talking to someone while I'm in the bathroom, and I'm like, you know, people will drive a Mercedes Benz and then freak out when I tell them that I spend 85 on an oil and 165 on an eye serum for night and 125 on my eye serum for day, and 85 on my eye care oil that goes under both of them. And, you know, $80 on my fucking sunscreen. Like, you know, and then. But they're driving a fucking Mercedes, and then they're using drugstore shit bullshit on their face because they saw it on TikTok and it's normalized. But then, bitch, you're the one who has a fucking cow print on your face, and I'm the one that looks like this. Who the fuck are you gonna trust?

[A]

Yeah, that's so true, though. I really. And you know what? Hold on.

[B]

Yeah, I stun, but they're the. At the TJ Maxx and wanting the discounts.

[A]

That's what I was just about to say.

[B]

Go ahead, do your. But you're not my client, and I'm not gonna spend time and waste my time on you. I Don't give free consultations. I'm not wasting my time.

[A]

She has had a client like this. She's. I'm talking a millionaire. Okay. She's come to me so many times. She is, she is. She always comes with her G wagon, her and her daughter. I'm not gonna say anything about this client but her name, but she asked me for a discount and I had the audacity and I was like, no.

[B]

And just come for a while for facials.

[A]

Because she's like. I referred my daughter. She's come to you. And I'm like, okay, thank you and I appreciate you, but what the. I'm gonna give you a discount.

[B]

Even like a really good client. Like, does she tip you well?

[A]

Can I tell you what she did to me? Christian and I love. I. She doesn't. She's an older client, so I'm pretty sure she won't watch us. But she. She had. Her service was over a hundred dollars and she needed a change. She needed a change for attention. I need to give her ten dollars back. So I gave her like, like five. A five dollar bill and one just in case, you know, maybe she'll give me the ones. No, she wanted the exact change. No tip. She never tips me. But. But it's crazy ridiculous that we get clients that are coming in with G wagons and I have clients like that. But like you said, they really don't. They expect that discount. You know what I mean?

[B]

Absolutely not. My favorite clients are like my single mother clients. I work their ass off to provide for. For their family that don't have it easy. But this is their thing. This is the one moment that they have to themselves. And I'm going to give them the best service. They tip me above and beyond.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And mind you, I factor my tip into my price. I'm not really a fan of tipping culture in our industry. It's kind of awkward. Babe, just factor your tip into your price if you're that desperate for it and tell your clients like I tell my clients, at least one. They all appreciate that because they don't feel uncomfortable sometimes. They still tip me.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Okay. Which is awesome. I'll accept that. But I tell them I'd rather you buy retail. That's a bigger tip for me, but it's also going to help me with your next service and it's actually going to do something for you at home.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

So if you really want to tip me, buy something from me.

[A]

Yeah. And also too, like, it's not something that it's expected you know, it's not like, oh, you were going to ask for it. Never ask for a fudgeing tip, by the way. But yeah, it's just. Don't. Don't do that. What's. And if they're going to give you a tip, it's like, I have my regular clients, okay. My OG from home clients, they still tip me and I'm like. I tell them, like, girl, like, you're fine, you know, but it's like, they just respect you. Those are the clients I want to come back. I like the clients that rebook. I like the clients that give you referrals. I like the clients that give you.

[B]

Tips no matter what, that are just genuine people. Yes.

[A]

And they're just like, they. They are. They always come every month. You know what I mean? It's super. I. I don't know. There's just. Yeah, those are the clients that I like.

[B]

See? Those are the clients that I will always find a way to make them feel special.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And I might give them a discount. I might give them an idea. I might give them a free product because I had an extra. I will do shit for them. I will go above and beyond for.

[A]

Those of the clients. Yeah, those are the clients, too, that I go above and beyond for. And I'm like, after hours or before hours? Because I know those are the clients are going to be with me for a long. And they have been. You know what I mean? But if you're a fudgeing new client, you're coming and ask me for a discount. Hold on.

[B]

Pulling up in a G wagon and shit, girl, Those are. But you know what? It is what it is, girl. It is what it is. There's always going to be those kind of people.

[A]

Yeah. Well, it was so fun having you on my podcast, Didi.

[B]

Thank you so much. The time flew, girl. We're over an hour, girl. You know me, girl. I'm a Libra. I can fucking. Yeah.

[A]

My manager is the one that's like, okay, it's an hour. We got to go. We got to cut. And I'm over here like, okay.

[B]

But anyways, you'll part two eventually.

[A]

Yes. Listen, you're going to come when that's special guest comes.

[B]

I'm so excited for you guys. You guys don't know she's such an icon and an og. Just. I love when she speaks to how the industry was back then and how it's.

[A]

I can imagine. And I can't wait.

[B]

The changes she's been a part of. It's so cool.

[A]

And you know what I like about her, too? She's still on social media and she's like, fudgeing groovy. Like, she's just so. When you mentioned her, I already knew who she was, obviously, but I was just like. Like, oh, my God. Like, she's so hip. You know what I mean? Like, you could see it on her tick on her videos.

[B]

Well, I produce her content, but yes. Now, honestly, she is one of the most down to earth. She believes there's room for everyone in this industry. Do I think this industry is oversaturated? Yes. But guess what? Everyone has a face. And you should never be competing against another person, another esthetician, another professional for clients, because, girl, there's enough for everybody.

[A]

Absolutely.

[B]

You know what I mean? You could do my client's underarms. I could do her face. Or, you know, it doesn't matter. And I'm like, I said, my friends are all in this industry. I'm always referring people. If I know people out here, I'm going to be like, you should go to Didi spa.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Full service spot.

[A]

You know, and that's how I am too. Like, if I. And this is one thing that I always do, too. If I feel like I can't fix the person's skin and truly, you keep it real. I keep it real. And I in my clients will vouch. Because if I say if I can't fix it, I will be completely honest with you because there's things that I know will fix it but are illegal for me to use.

[B]

Right. Or out of your skull.

[A]

Yeah. Like microneedling. I wish I could do it, but I know a lot of estheticians that do here, but it's illegal for us, you know, So I know nurses. I have a nurse that works here, and I have real. I refer a lot. If I know that I cannot do it right. And especially if I'm not in that area.

[B]

Right.

[A]

You know, I get people like, I get clients that move to Texas and like, hey, do you know somebody here? And it doesn't kill me to freaking tell them who I believe in. You know what I mean?

[B]

Yeah. Well, are we doing our quote?

[A]

We're gonna do your quote.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

What's your quote? You said you had a quote.

[B]

I have two quotes.

[A]

Okay, let's hear.

[B]

Okay, my first quote is done is better than perfect. I just feel like we all get in our own way of our success. We all suffer from imposter syndrome. And putting yourself out there, opening yourself up to the universe will Allow the universe to open itself up to you. And you just have to do it. You just have to keep making the content, keep putting yourself out there, keep doing the services. The only way you're going to get better and get to your future is through doing it. And my second tip is under promise over deliver with your clients at all times. Don't sell them sweet nothings just like what you said. That's why you reminded me of the second quote, because you're not gonna promise them a result you can't deliver, you know, and that's what's gonna make. And then when you do over deliver on that promise, you always want to be conservative with what you tell your client you can accomplish for them. They're going to be so happy. Then they're going to go above and beyond. That's when they're going to refer people to you. And you know what I mean?

[A]

Yeah, that's beautiful. We never got two quotes in a podcast, Milo. Well, thank you so much for being on my podcast.

[B]

Thank you so much for having me gor. Yes. Well, I want to have you on my podcast.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

We're about to launch. It's called All Peras Go to Heaven.

[A]

Shout it out. Boo.

[B]

Go to my link in bio. It's there. Start following the page because we're about to start dropping nuggets. And our pilot, our first episode, my co host, who's also an esthetician, shows me her clit because I've never seen a female clip before that. Are you joking? And I. And we talk about both of our experiences with micro penises. What the hell did it, girl? It's basically a nub, girl. It's a grain of rice that's attached to a man and ejaculates and pees out of. But yeah, girl, she handled it one way and handled it the other way. And if you guys want to see all that and if you guys wanna, you know, be a part of our shenanigans, it's called All Peras Go to Heaven. All Peras on Instagram.

[A]

Well, I'm gonna be the first to.

[B]

Subscribe anyways, so you're gonna pull up and tell us how you got pregnant. That's the sunset, girl. I want to talk about your love story. Listen, there's some parallels here, and I feel like this just predicted my future. And it's kind of scary.

[A]

It's a little juicy. You know, in First Story, everyone wants to know how the this got pregnant.

[B]

Okay, but everybody wants to know about your personal life, right?

[A]

Oh, yeah, that's what I'm saying. That's how it always is. But you know what? I give details, but I'm like, I can't give too much details.

[B]

You maintain some privacy to yourself.

[A]

But then, like, my real. Like, I'd be outside looking. We're not on camera. And I'm like, okay, this is a really.

[B]

I go on the close friends, right?

[A]

Yes.

[B]

Now I need a close friend. Speed. Well, thank you so much. Gorge.

[A]

Well, thank you, Boone. We'll see you next time. Bye.