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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.

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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.

Send us a text

In this engaging conversation, Tash Bennett, a seasoned skin therapist from Australia, shares her insights on skincare — particularly focusing on the differences between Australian and American practices. The discussion explores a wide range of topics including training regulations, popular treatments, the importance of consistency in skincare routines, and stress management for better skin health.

Tash emphasizes the importance of using high-quality products and supplements, while providing valuable, science-backed advice for maintaining youthful, resilient skin as we age. The episode concludes with a heartfelt reflection on authenticity, self-love, and the true meaning of beauty — reminding us that aging gracefully begins with balance and inner confidence.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Tash has been a skin therapist for nearly 30 years, inspired by her own acne journey.
• Australian skincare training is more rigorous and regulated compared to the U.S.
• Treatments like dermaplaning are less common in Australia due to differing philosophies.
• Overdoing treatments can damage the skin barrier and hinder long-term results.
• Consistency in skincare routines is key for healthy, glowing skin.
• Stress management plays a critical role in maintaining skin health.
• For mature skin, SPF, antioxidants, and retinol are essential.
• Injectables can have mixed outcomes and aren’t right for everyone.
• High-quality supplements, especially EFAs (essential fatty acids), support skin from within.
• True beauty is about authenticity, confidence, and self-love, evolving beautifully with age.

🌿 About Tash Bennett

Tash Bennett is the founder and lead skin therapist behind Skin & Body Lounge by Natasha in Brisbane, Australia. With nearly three decades of experience, she’s a self-confessed skincare junkie with a passion for skin health, holistic wellness, and helping clients feel confident in their natural beauty.

Tash specializes in skin needling and sculpting lymphatic facial massage, blending clinical expertise with holistic techniques to achieve real, lasting results. Her approach combines science, intuition, and a deep respect for the skin’s natural rhythms — creating a space where education and self-care meet.

🔗 Connect with Tash Bennett

🌐 Website: www.skinandbodylounge.com.au

📸 Instagram: @skinandbodyloungebynatasha

📲 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.