How Family—and Being a Twin—Inspired Joann Zehenni’s Skincare Brand, Gemini Beauty
Joann Zehenni may be just 18 years old, but she's already founded the successful skincare brand Gemini Beauty, and it's clear to us that she's only getting started.
We've tried out a few products ourselves and were instantly obsessed, and we just had to find out more about Joann and the story behind the brand. We got the chance to chat with her about how family is at the heart of everything she does, her entrepreneurial spirit and what being a Gemini—and a twin—means to her. Keep reading to discover everything she shared with us.
Name: Joann Zehenni
IG Handle: @geminibeautyproducts
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
1. Joann's grandmother has been an instrumental figure in getting her interested in skincare.
"When she was younger, living in Russia, she would grow her own fruits and veggies to then apply onto her skin. I lived with her over quarantine and she began to do this once again! This was part of the reason I was inspired to pursue my own line, using fruits and veggies to hydrate the skin. I vividly remember sitting in a virtual college meeting for USC when I was 16, and the virtual tour guide encouraged us to find our passion and pursue it. All I could think about was skincare. My skin had also struggled greatly during that period of my life, my borderline lupus was acting up and my skin flared, leading my mind to automatically go to beauty and skincare."
-Joann Zehenni
(Image courtesy of Joann Zehenni)
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2. Her family's history with lupus has been important to her pursuit of making the best skincare products possible.
"My late father and my older sister struggled greatly with lupus, this being shown in their skin. My sister often battled with the butterfly rash, and I have very sensitive skin. I would break into a rash (especially when I was younger) when I would go into the sun. After taking years to find products that worked for our skin, I wanted to pursue a career in skincare to aid people with sensitivities so that I could help people find comfort and confidence in their skin, something I lacked for a long time"
-Joann Zehenni
3. Joann is currently 18 years old and started developing the brand when she was just 15.
4. Her one must-have beauty product is the Gemini Beauty Daily Brightening Moisturizer with Lychee & Cowberry.
"Enriched with six different fruits and purple and green tea, this moisturizer is a lightweight fix to dry skin. I apply it three times a day and pair it with our Daily Glow Serum and All You Need Eye Cream."
-Joann Zehenni
(via Gemini Beauty)
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5. Being a Gemini is more than just a zodiac sign for Joann.
"The astrological sign of Gemini is often represented by the twins, Castor and Pollux, aka "The Great Twins." I myself, am a twin! My twin sister, Katherine, helped me form Gemini Beauty. She even came up with the catchphrase, "You're a Gem!" Gemini Beauty is a representation of who I am, and a big part of who I am is my twin sister. Gemini Beauty is not only a big part of me, but her as well."
-Joann Zehenni
6. Above everything else, Gemini Beauty was inspired by family.
"Each product is dedicated to a specific member of my family. The moisturizer is dedicated to my grandma, the eye cream for my mom and sister, and the Daily Glow Serum for my older sister and dad. Gemini Beauty is a reflection of my family and me, and that's what makes it different. We believe in more than beauty for beauty's sake. We believe in beauty for a cause. Our cause? To create skincare with unique ingredients and to support lupus warriors all over the world. Your wellness inside and out is our top priority because, in case no one has told you recently, #youreagem! I hope you find comfort and confidence in your skin with Gemini Beauty."
-Joann Zehenni
(via Gemini Beauty)
7. Her dad gave her the best advice in the form of Frank Sinatra's "That's Life."
"That's life (that's life), I tell ya, I can't deny it
I thought of quitting, baby
But my heart just ain't gonna buy it
And if I didn't think it was worth one single try
I'd jump right on a big bird and then I'd fly"
"My dad always used to play this song, and these lyrics have encouraged me when my planned path often goes astray. Gemini Beauty is worth more than a single try. It is my career and my future. There are always ups and downs in the industry, but that's life!"
-Joann Zehenni
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8. She says that planning out each element of every day has gotten her to where she is today.
"I try to balance productivity while also having fun with my family and friends. I also always seek advice from others to learn and grow as a person."
-Joann Zehenni
9. Her biggest skincare tip is that hyaluronic acid is key.
"Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! It is so important to deeply hydrate the skin because that is the stem of most skin issues. Always lay down a skincare foundation before combating other issues, such as scaring or acne."
-Joann Zehenni
(via Gemini Beauty)
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10. Family is everything to Joann.
"This brand is dedicated to my family. They have helped me grow my brand, and in turn, they have helped me grow as a person. I hope you enjoy Gemini Beauty products as much as I do! Thank you for your support, you're a gem!"
-Joann Zehenni
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