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In this engaging conversation, Katarina Forster and Candace, the LA Facialist, delve into the world of self-care, facials, and the beauty industry. They discuss the importance of facials as a form of self-care, the misconceptions surrounding them, and how Candace built her brand on expertise and community. The conversation also touches on the significance of mindset, manifestation, and personal growth, as well as the transformative power of retreats. Candace shares her insights on skincare essentials and the importance of celebrating personal achievements.

Candace:

https://www.instagram.com/thelafacialist?igsh=MWJ2bGE2cW16aDh5Ng==

Retreat!!!!

https://www.instagram.com/radiantretreatcr?igsh=cXJuejh2dWwxa3h2

Takeaways

Facials are a luxury and a form of self-care, not a necessity.
Understanding client expectations is crucial for satisfaction.
Building a brand requires focusing on one's expertise.
Creating community is essential in the beauty industry.
Mindset and manifestation play a significant role in personal growth.
Self-care routines should include effective skincare practices.
Celebrating personal achievements is important for self-confidence.
Exfoliation and hydration are key to healthy skin.
Real connections in the industry foster collaboration and support.
Investing in oneself is the best way to create a fulfilling life.

Chapters

00:00 The Essence of Self-Care and Facials
02:55 Building a Brand on Expertise
05:59 Creating Community Through Retreats
08:54 The Power of Manifestation and Mindset
12:13 Navigating Personal Growth and Mentorship
14:44 Skincare Essentials for Radiant Skin
18:01 Celebrating Success and Personal Achievements

📲 Connect with Me:

• Instagram: @your.master.aesthetician
• Jacksonville Florida Spa: @your.honest.glow
• Website: yourhonestglow.com (code UNWRITTEN for 10% off)
• Podcast: Unwritten Beauty Talks – available on Spotify, Apple, and all platforms
• If you are a professional and wanting to carry factor five skincare use code katarina20 for 20% off.

Send us a text

In this episode, Katarina Forster sits down with Jena Mehlberg, a seasoned beauty industry professional and entrepreneur with nearly two decades of hands-on experience.

Jena’s journey in beauty began early. Inspired by her mother, who owned a massage therapy business, she launched her own mobile beauty business at just 19 years old. Over the years, she grew that mobile venture into a successful brick-and-mortar salon, which she owned for eight years before selling it to pursue her next chapter in tech.

Having worked in nearly every role — employee, renter, salon owner, and employer — Jena brings a rare, well-rounded perspective to the conversation. With a degree in Business Management and a passion for blending beauty with business strategy, she has spent the past three years coaching beauty professionals across the country.

In 2024, Jena began building her own CRM platform designed specifically for the beauty industry, aiming to bridge the gap between beauty and technology. Her mission is to create tools that elevate the client experience while empowering beauty pros to grow, streamline, and adapt in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Beyond her work in salons and software, Jena has spoken at conferences nationwide, sharing her expertise on entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, diversity in beauty, and creating authentic client experiences. She uses her platform to advocate for greater representation industry-wide. Outside of work, she is a proud mom to her son, Hayden, who already mirrors her entrepreneurial drive and love of travel.

What We Cover in This Episode

• Building long-lasting client relationships
• The deeper emotional meaning behind beauty services
• Jena’s shift from service provider → educator → tech founder
• Client retention strategies that actually work
• How automation can support human connection
• The future of beauty with AI and emerging technology
• The importance of constant education and mindset work
• Creating emotional and transformative experiences for clients
• Navigating growth and adaptation in a fast-changing industry

This conversation is packed with insights for beauty professionals at every stage, whether you're behind the chair, educating, or building something new.

Connect With Jena

Salon Software: https://salonflow.io/home

Mastering Beauty Academy: https://www.catalystbeautygroup.com/mba

Instagram: @jenamehlberg
Facebook: Jena Mehlberg

📲 Connect with Me:

• Instagram: @your.master.aesthetician
• Jacksonville Florida Spa: @your.honest.glow
• Website: yourhonestglow.com (code UNWRITTEN for 10% off)
• Podcast: Unwritten Beauty Talks – available on Spotify, Apple, and all platforms
• If you are a professional and wanting to carry factor five skincare use code katarina20 for 20% off.

Send us a text

In this episode of Unwritten Beauty Talks, host Katarina Forster sits down with Dr. Dave Stachura and Tiffany Underwood from Factor Five Skincare to explore the science behind growth factors, stem cells, exosomes, and clean beauty.They discuss Factor Five’s mission to create effective, clean skincare products without fillers or unnecessary additives, the science behind their formulations, and how their products address a wide range of skin concerns. The conversation also delves into how skincare treatments promote healing, collagen production, and client confidence, while highlighting the differences between stem cells, growth factors, and exosomes.

• Factor Five Skincare focuses on growth factors and stem cells to deliver effective skincare solutions.
• Their mission is to provide clean, additive-free products without compromising results.
• Understanding the differences between stem cells, growth factors, and exosomes is key for informed skincare decisions.
• Skincare treatments often involve controlled disruptions to promote healing, collagen production, and skin renewal.
• Factor Five products are designed for a wide range of skin types and concerns, including sensitive skin.
• Their eye and lash cream is highly effective and safe for daily use.
• Retinol can be safely included in skincare for sensitive skin when formulated correctly.
• Exosomes need to be stabilized for effective use in topical skincare products.

Dr. Dave Stachura – Chief Operations Officer and Chief Scientific Officer at Factor Five Skincare and SpecBio, Dr. Stachura leads the science behind all Factor Five formulations. He holds a BSc in Molecular Biology from Lehigh University and a PhD in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Pennsylvania, followed by postdoctoral training at UC San Diego. His career focuses on genetic control of adult stem cell biology using hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs). Dr. Stachura has several patents, published over 40 peer-reviewed articles, contributed two book chapters, and edited an immunology textbook. He continues research in stem cells, immunology, exosomes, skincare, and wound healing and founded Philanthropic Pharma, a nonprofit pharmaceutical company aimed at discovering new treatments for human diseases.

Tiffany Underwood – Director of Education at Factor Five Skincare, Tiffany works closely with professional partners and brings a strong clinical perspective to the team. A licensed esthetician and founder of SkinCo, she blends biology, product formulation, and advanced esthetics to deliver results-driven treatments while empowering professionals to stay connected to their “why.” Inspired by her journey with cancer.

📸 Instagram: @_skin_co
📧 Contact: david@factorfiveskin.com

🔗 Connect with Factor Five Skincare:

🌐 Website: Factor Five Skincare
📸 Instagram: @factorfiveskin

📲 Connect with Me:

• Instagram: @your.master.aesthetician
• Jacksonville Florida Spa: @your.honest.glow
• Website: yourhonestglow.com (code UNWRITTEN for 10% off)
• Podcast: Unwritten Beauty Talks – available on Spotify, Apple, and all platforms
• If you are a professional and wanting to carry factor five skincare use code katarina20 for 20% off.