We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jeff Mendoza. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jeff below.

Alright, Jeff thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

Dead Skin Club was born because I saw a gap in the market that needed to be filled. I longed for designs that not only resonated with my identity as an esthetician but also harmonized seamlessly with my everyday style. I found myself on a quest for apparel that could express my love for skincare while reflecting my unique personality.

Our handpicked selection of products is thoughtfully designed to cater to the distinct tastes and needs of estheticians just like me. I’m delighted to share that you can find our range of apparel and lifestyle items on both our website and Etsy shop.

Jeff, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

In 2020, when things were tough because of the pandemic, I started my journey in the beauty industry. I realized that even during uncertain times, looking and feeling good is really important. So, I decided to create something special, not just for my clients in the studio, but for estheticians all over the world.

My brand is all about two main things. First, I design clothes just for estheticians. These aren’t just regular clothes; they show my love for making people look and feel their best. The clothes are comfy, stylish, and proudly say that we’re passionate about what we do. I understand how hard estheticians work, so I wanted to make clothes that celebrate and support them.

But I didn’t stop there. I also started helping estheticians with social media. Nowadays, being on social media is super important for businesses. So, I decided to share what I’ve learned about it to help estheticians grow their businesses and show off their skills online.

What makes me different is that I really care about this industry. I’ve been through the same things as many estheticians, from the challenges of working in a studio to figuring out how to be successful online. My personal experience helps me understand what estheticians need, and I’m dedicated to providing it.

The thing that makes me the proudest is the online community I’ve built around. Dead Skin Club is not just a brand; we’re like a family for estheticians all over the world. We celebrate each other’s successes, share what we know, and support each other. This sense of togetherness means a lot to me.

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

I began building my social media following as a solo esthetician by being myself and sharing my genuine love for esthetics. Authenticity was my foundation. Consistency played a crucial role; I posted regularly and maintained a consistent schedule, helping my audience know when to expect new content. Quality content, with well-lit photos and engaging captions, was my focus.

Engaging with my audience was key, responding to comments and messages promptly. I also used relevant hashtags to increase the discoverability of my posts and collaborated with other estheticians and influencers to introduce my content to new audiences.

I shared educational content, providing tips and insights related to esthetics, which established me as an authority in my field. Storytelling was another effective strategy; I shared personal or client stories to connect with my audience on a deeper level.

For those starting to build their social media presence, I recommend understanding your audience, choosing the right platforms, and creating a content calendar. Engage and interact with your audience consistently and use analytics to adjust your strategy. Be patient, as building a following takes time, and keep learning about the latest trends. Networking and collaboration within your industry can also open up new opportunities. Building a social media following is a journey; stay true to your passion, and success will follow.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

My journey began with a humble side hustle while I was employed at a fitness studio. I started a small studio offering facial services while juggling a full-time job. For a year and a half, I poured my heart into serving clients whenever I could find the time. As my client base grew, there came a point where I had to turn down potential clients due to my packed schedule.

That was the turning point when I made the courageous decision to transition from my full-time job to fully embrace my business. It was a leap of faith, but my passion for what I do and the support of my clients fueled my determination.

Today, my business has flourished, and it’s not just about facial services anymore. It has evolved into something much bigger, with the launch of my successful apparel brand. This brand is becoming an entity of its own, gaining recognition and a following of its own.

I’m incredibly fortunate to have a strong support system – clients, friends, and family who believe in what I do. They’ve played a pivotal role in my journey, and I’m grateful for their unwavering support. Looking back, it’s been a journey filled with hard work, dedication, and taking risks, but it’s also been a rewarding one. My side hustle has transformed into a thriving full-time career, and I’m excited about the future ahead.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.skinfactoryla.com & www.deadskinclub.com
• Instagram: @skinfactoryla & @deadskinclub
• Facebook: facebook.com/skinfactoryla, facebook.com/deadskinclub
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-mendoza-67614849
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/skin-factory-pasadena
• Other: Threads: @skinfactoryla

Image Credits
Michael Timmons