Hi Johnny , thanks for joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
A defining moment in my professional career came when I started offering internships to cosmetology students who were eager to get into the spa industry. Up until that point, I had built a successful career in skincare, working in private spas, hotel spas, franchise locations, and even corporate settings before launching my own business. I was thriving as an entrepreneur with Del Carmen Skin, and I thought that was my ultimate path. But everything shifted when I began to see firsthand the gaps in these students’ education. They were enthusiastic, but many lacked the real-world skills needed to succeed.
That was the moment I realized my purpose was bigger than just running my own skincare business—I wanted to make a meaningful impact on the beauty industry as a whole by transforming how education was delivered. It became clear to me that the current system wasn’t equipping students with the hands-on experience they needed to thrive, and I couldn’t ignore that. I had been mentored and inspired by my adopted parents, Roger and Tatiana Schorlemer, who always pushed me to think beyond the status quo, and this was my opportunity to do just that.
So, I made the difficult decision to close the chapter on Del Carmen Skin, a brand I had poured so much of myself into, and pivoted towards education. I began developing a curriculum that focused on practical, hands-on learning, addressing the real issues students would face in the industry. I also teamed up with Vashtai Wright to launch an academy that would set a new standard for beauty education.
That decision completely changed the trajectory of my career. Instead of continuing as just a successful business owner, I stepped into the role of an educator and innovator. The lesson I learned from that experience is that sometimes your passion can evolve, and when it does, you need to be open to following it, even if it means taking a different path than the one you originally envisioned. For me, that shift has been incredibly rewarding, not just in terms of professional success, but in knowing that I’m helping to raise the standards in an industry that I care so deeply about.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’ve been immersed in the skincare industry for years, having worked across every facet—from private spas and hotel spas to franchise locations and corporate settings. After gaining vast experience in the field, I successfully ventured into business ownership with Del Carmen Skin, a brand I named after my mother. However, after providing internships for cosmetology students aspiring to enter the spa industry, I discovered my real passion was in teaching. And not just teaching, but teaching the correct way.
What started as an internship program turned into a drive to address the serious gaps I saw within beauty education. I realized the industry was often missing the mark in properly preparing future professionals. That’s when I decided to dive into curriculum development. Throughout my education career, I’ve been deeply influenced by my adopted parents, Roger and Tatiana Schorlemer. They showed me what it means to strive for more than what society expects of you and instilled in me a strong belief in educational standards that are both high and meaningful.
With this newfound purpose, I closed the chapter on Del Carmen Skin to focus on inspiring the next generation of beauty professionals. Partnering with Vashtai Wright, we created an academy that emphasizes real-world, hands-on training and provides the education the industry desperately needs. Our academy is built on a foundation of authenticity and rigor, ensuring that students not only learn but thrive in their careers.
What sets me apart is my holistic understanding of the industry—from the business side to the educational side. I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t, and I’m proud to say that the academy we’ve developed brings together all the best practices I’ve learned over the years. What I’m most proud of is the fact that we’re not just teaching students—we’re equipping them to truly excel. Our academy is a place where education meets passion, and where students leave ready to make a real impact in the beauty industry.
If there’s one thing I want potential clients and students to know, it’s that we are committed to doing things the right way. We believe in elevating the standards of beauty education and ensuring that everyone who walks through our doors leaves with the skills, confidence, and drive to succeed.