We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gina Maltese a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Gina thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

To be successful, I believe it takes clarity of purpose, resilience, and a deep respect for the journey — not just the destination. For me, success isn’t about fame, followers, or even financial milestones, although those can be part of it. It’s about showing up fully, doing meaningful work, and staying grounded in why I started.

I opened my business when my son was just three months old. It wasn’t easy, I was sleep-deprived, learning how to be a mother, and building something from scratch. But I was clear about my ‘why’: I wanted to create a life that allowed me to be present with my son, while also honoring my passion for helping people feel confident in their skin. That vision gave me strength and focus, even when things were uncertain.

So, what does it take to be successful? It takes heart. It takes persistence when no one’s clapping yet. And it takes the courage to keep evolving while staying true to your values. For me, success is being able to look at my son and say, I built this with love, for both of us.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Gina Valentine Maltese. I’m a licensed esthetician, educator, and founder of a bi-coastal skincare practice operating in both Pennsylvania and Ventura, California. With over a decade of experience in the aesthetics industry, I specialize in delivering customized, technology-integrated facial treatments that prioritize both visible results and long-term skin health.

My practice combines advanced modalities, including LED light therapy, radiofrequency, and chemical exfoliation, with a personalized, client-focused approach. Every treatment is tailored to the individual’s unique skin concerns, whether that’s acne, aging, pigmentation, or barrier repair. I’m fully certified in over eight advanced techniques and continually invest in ongoing education to stay at the forefront of industry standards.

I launched my business shortly after becoming a mother, with the intention of creating a professional model rooted in flexibility, integrity, and meaningful client care. Today, my focus remains on providing a high-quality, elevated experience that blends science, precision, and a deep respect for each client’s goals.

Clients choose my practice because of the results, but stay because of the trust, consistency, and education they receive.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

In the early stages of my career especially after launching my business while raising a newborn, I felt pressure to do it all, all the time. I equated fully booked days, packed schedules, and constant motion with growth. And while it did help me build momentum, I eventually realized I was sacrificing the very balance and presence I set out to create, both for myself and for my son.

The turning point came when I found myself completely burned out, emotionally depleted, and disconnected from the joy I used to feel in my work. I was giving so much to clients and my business that I wasn’t giving enough to myself. That’s when I began to reframe my idea of success ,not as doing more, but doing the right things, with intention.

Now, I prioritize quality over quantity, in how I serve my clients, structure my days, and even in how I rest. Slowing down doesn’t mean falling behind; it often means leading with more clarity, energy, and impact.

Unlearning that “busy equals successful” has allowed me to build a business that’s sustainable, purposeful, and aligned, not just productive.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

I built my audience on social media by focusing on connection over perfection. In the beginning, I wasn’t trying to go viral or keep up with trends I was just showing up consistently, sharing real client results, tips that actually work, and honest glimpses into what it’s like to build a business while raising a child.

At first, it felt intimidating like I needed to have everything perfectly branded or curated. But I quickly realized that what people respond to most is authenticity. So instead of overthinking, I started posting with intention: sharing my process, educating my audience, celebrating wins, and even talking about the tough parts of entrepreneurship.

Over time, that consistency built trust. I learned to treat social media the same way I treat client relationships, by listening, showing up, and being of service.

My advice to anyone starting out:
• Don’t wait for perfect start with what you have.
• Be clear on who you’re speaking to and how you can help them.
• Share value consistently education, results, behind-the-scenes, your “why.”
• And most importantly, be yourself. You are your brand’s biggest asset.

Your energy is your brand. When people connect with that, they stay ,not just for the content, but for the person behind it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theskintherapistgi.com
• Instagram: Givalentine_skintherapist
• Facebook: Gi Valentine
• Linkedin: Gina Maltese

Image Credits

Jossy Photography