Joann Zehenni
For her products, Zehenni researched different natural ingredients and their unique benefits and worked with labs to develop specific formulas for each. She still talks to the chemists at the first lab she worked with for advice as she works on new products. “There’s only so much I can read online, and read in books, and watch YouTube videos,” she says, “I just want to talk to someone who works every day in a lab … Because I want to know what’s in my products, and I really want to understand it.”
She grew up watching her dad and older sister struggle with the autoimmune disease lupus. The symptoms of this chronic disease range from mild to life-threatening, and can affect a variety of body parts and systems, including the skin. When she was young, Zehenni didn’t understand why her dad always wore long sleeves, even in 90-degree weather, and why her sister’s energy would be completely drained just from going on a walk. More recently, Zehenni found out she has what is known as “borderline lupus.” In her case, this means her only symptom is highly sensitive skin, at least for now.
In creating Gemini Beauty, Zehenni wanted to create products that would help others with skin issues like those she and her family members suffer from. She designed the “Daily Glow Serum” with her older sister in mind. Lupus makes her sister’s skin very sensitive, and Zehenni explained that her skin will appear “dull” after spending time in the sun. “I wanted something that would illuminate her skin even when it was feeling really dry and dull,” Zehenni says about the serum.
She’s currently working on a rebrand and new line of products. Zehenni says that while the current products were created with sensitive skin in mind, the new products will be formulated specifically for people with conditions like lupus and rosacea that make it difficult to find products their skin can tolerate. “I’m very, very picky, even to the littlest ingredient,” she says, “I do my research, and I ensure that it’s all made for sensitive skin because that’s most important.”
‘BEAUTY FOR A CAUSE’
Zehenni’s family’s struggles with lupus also inspired her company’s motto, “Beauty for a Cause,” which refers to the brand’s mission, stated on its website: “To create skincare with unique ingredients and to support Lupus warriors all over the world.” In pursuit of this cause, Zehenni donates a percentage of Gemini Beauty’s profits to the research foundation LA Lupus, which also supports awareness and advocacy initiatives, and helps lupus patients pay for medical care and treatments. Dr. Daniel J. Wallace, who is on the organization’s board, has helped Zehenni’s dad and sister manage their disease and the many challenges it creates.
“I just wanted to give back in any way I can, because I saw how [lupus] affected specifically my dad, and how it affects my sister. And I want to help the community in any way I can,” says Zehenni. She also hosted Instagram Lives on the brand’s Instagram with Monica Blied, a psychologist who focuses on mental health and gave viewers advice about mental wellness and reducing stress. Zehenni is planning to increase Gemini Beauty’s focus on holistic health, “Skincare is just one part of your routine like you have to take care of your mind and your body.”
As Gemini Beauty continues to grow, Zehenni hopes to eventually expand the brand to include body care products as well as more facial skincare products. She would also like to start working with larger lupus organizations to increase her company’s contribution toward raising awareness of the disease, supporting patients, and eventually finding a cure.
For now, Zehenni is adjusting to life as a business student and business owner. She’s looking forward to the rebrand and new product line that will be released within the next year — and excited about what the future holds for Gemini Beauty. Ultimately, her goal for the company is the same as it’s always been, “I just want to help people to find confidence, find their comfort, because I didn’t have that for a very long time.”
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