Skin and the City Podcast Summary Episode: Jeff Mendoza: Success Doesn’t Happen Overnight
Release Date: November 4, 2024
Host: Kasey Boone

Introduction: Reconnecting with Jeff Mendoza

In this heartfelt episode of the Skin and the City Podcast, host Kasey Boone sits down with long-time friend and skincare entrepreneur Jeff Mendoza. Known on Instagram as Skin Factory, Jeff shares his decade-long journey in the esthetics industry, highlighting the trials, failures, and triumphs that have shaped his path to success.

Early Beginnings and Initial Challenges

Jeff reminisces about his early days in the skincare industry, starting in 2013 when he first rented a room from Kasey through a Craigslist ad. At that time, Jeff was six months into obtaining his esthetician license but struggled to secure employment, prompting him to venture into entrepreneurship despite limited business experience.

Jeff Mendoza [07:17]: "I had to force myself to start one because no one wanted to hire me."

Jeff’s initial business, a bubble soap venture, didn’t succeed, leaving him feeling embarrassed and depressed. This period was marked by uncertainty as he juggled various jobs, including managing a Press Juicery and later transitioning into the fitness industry. These experiences, though challenging, were pivotal in teaching him essential business skills.

Kasey Boone [09:34]: "You had to kind of, like, learn the hard lesson and, like, feel kind of bummed out."

Pivoting During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Fast forward to 2020, amidst the global pandemic—a time that forced many to reevaluate their careers. Jeff decided to reignite his passion for skincare by reopening his business, Skin Factory LA. Navigating the restrictions, he initially limited services to outdoor appointments before fully reopening when allowed.

Jeff Mendoza [12:59]: "I just need to try this again."

Balancing a full-time managerial role in the fitness industry, Jeff leveraged his experience in social media, graphic design, and customer service to grow his skincare business. His supportive boss played a crucial role, encouraging Jeff to follow his heart despite the risks.

Jeff Mendoza [16:14]: "It really is important to really surround yourself with those people as well."

Building a Supportive Community

Jeff emphasizes the significance of community and relationships in his success. His existing relationships from his previous job provided a strong client base, with gym members becoming his first customers and referring friends to Skin Factory LA. This network effect was instrumental in establishing a steady flow of clients.

Jeff Mendoza [20:08]: "If you're starting out in the aesthetics world, start building that community."

Kasey echoes this sentiment, highlighting that esthetics is a relationship-based career where trust and comfort are paramount for client retention.

Launching Dead Skin Club: Expanding Creativity

Two years ago, Jeff ventured into the apparel industry by launching Dead Skin Club, inspired by his creative instincts. Initially aimed at providing apparel for his clients, the brand quickly gained traction, with over 100 orders on its first day.

Jeff Mendoza [25:28]: "The first day I launched, I had over 100 orders. I was shocked... I was crying."

This success motivated Jeff to refine his apparel line, focusing on timeless and high-quality designs. The rebranding effort aims to create a more classic and enduring product range, moving away from fleeting trends.

Jeff Mendoza [40:18]: "I want it to be more classic, something that's more timeless rather than trendy."

Daily Routine and Work-Life Balance

Jeff shares his disciplined daily routine, which balances client appointments and creative endeavors. By limiting his client load to three per day and working five days a week, Jeff ensures he maintains high energy levels and personal fulfillment.

Jeff Mendoza [34:04]: "Typically I'll see three clients a day. That's kind of my average."

His commitment to personal time allows him to engage in creative projects, such as designing apparel and managing social media, which are essential for his mental well-being and business growth.

Jeff Mendoza [36:34]: "I have to force myself to really go to work. There's no one telling you to like, you're not making money."

Healthy Relationship with Social Media

Jeff adopts a relaxed and authentic approach to social media, prioritizing personal enjoyment over algorithmic success. This mindset not only sustains his creative passion but also fosters genuine connections with his audience.

Jeff Mendoza [29:29]: "I stopped caring about the algorithm, like, years ago."

By focusing on quality content and community engagement rather than follower counts, Jeff has cultivated a substantial and supportive online presence that aligns with his artistic values.

Lessons Learned and Insights on Success

Throughout the conversation, Jeff underscores that success is a gradual process, built on persistence, learning from failures, and maintaining a positive mindset. His journey illustrates that enduring success requires balancing business acumen with personal passion and community support.

Jeff Mendoza [05:11]: "Instead of, like, end game. Right. Like, instead of being like, I have to get here, it's just like, enjoy the journey."

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey

Kasey and Jeff wrap up the episode by celebrating Jeff’s accomplishments and emphasizing the importance of authenticity, community, and creativity in building a successful career in esthetics. Jeff’s story serves as an inspiring testament that success doesn’t happen overnight but is achieved through dedication, resilience, and unwavering passion.

Kasey Boone [45:20]: "But I'm glad it is about you."

Key Takeaways:

• Persistence is Crucial: Jeff's journey highlights the importance of enduring through initial failures to achieve long-term success.

• Community Building: Establishing strong relationships is foundational in the esthetics industry for client retention and referrals.

• Balanced Workload: Maintaining a manageable client load ensures high-quality service and personal well-being.

• Authentic Social Media Usage: Focusing on genuine engagement over metrics fosters a loyal and supportive audience.

• Embracing Creativity: Diversifying business ventures, such as launching an apparel line, can provide additional fulfillment and revenue streams.

Jeff Mendoza's story is a powerful reminder that with passion, resilience, and the right support system, success in the esthetics industry is attainable, even when it doesn't happen overnight.