Well Done with Kat Vong

EP 14. Are you drowning in beauty products but your skin still looks dull, irritated, or aged? In this episode of Well Done, I sit down with Jessica Rose, licensed cosmetologist, wellness educator, and author of "Healthier Beauty," to completely flip the script on everything you think you know about skincare and beauty.

Jessica reveals why the "more is better" approach to beauty is actually aging your skin faster, how your immune system is directly connected to your skincare routine, and why that expensive retinol might be doing more harm than good. As someone who's struggled with chronic skin issues myself, this conversation opened my eyes to how overuse of actives and products, and not paying attention to toxins, may contribute to a weakened skin barrier, and how a simpler, science-backed approach can transform not just how you look, but how you feel.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The surprising link between skin health and immune function
• What most people get wrong about “clean” and “natural” labels
• A game-changing method for achieving great hair that goes beyond knowing your hair type
• The ingredients Jessica considers most overrated 
• Three product swaps you need to make TODAY
• The NUMBER ONE factor affecting how your skin looks
• The food that Jessica calls "liquid beauty gold"
• How lifestyle factors can age your skin faster than sun damage
• How Jessica uses goat kefir as a natural exfoliator and other must-try DIY beauty recipe

Resources from this episode:

• Jessica’s book: Healthier Beauty: The Ultimate Guide to Radiant Skin, Hair and Wellness (available on Amazon, Apple Books, Kobo, or Jessica’s website)
• Jessica’s Website: jessicarosewellness.com
• Follow Jessica on social media: @jessicarosewellness_

Guest Bio:

Jessica Rose is the Author of Healthier Beauty: The Ultimate Guide to Radiant Skin, Hair, and Wellness, Certified Nutritionist, Licensed Cosmetologist, and Holistic Beauty Expert. With over 15 years in the beauty and wellness industry, her mission is to empower women to create a wellness focused lifestyle for radiant beauty, inside and out.

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EP 13. Joy Kirst, founder of Modern Age Skin, joins me in this eye-opening episode of Well Done, to discuss how sudden skin breakouts, mood swings and sleepless nights could be a sign of perimenopause, and how she turned her own experience into a beauty brand supporting the changing needs of maturing skin. We talk about the beauty industry's "anti-aging" narrative, how Joy took matters into her own hands, and her mission to empower conversations about whole-body health and feeling good as we age.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How perimenopause can start in your 30s—and why most doctors still miss it
• The surprising connection between cortisol spikes, sleep issues, and food sensitivities
• How hormonal fluctuations affect your skin 
• The concept of "anti anti-aging" and how it's gaining momentum in the beauty world
• Ingredients to look for in skincare if you’re navigating hormonal changes
• What it really takes to launch a skincare brand in a saturated market

Resources

• Modern Age Skin 
• Follow @modernageskin on Instagram

Guest Bio

Joy Kirst is the founder of Modern Age Skin, a skincare line formulated specifically for the needs of women navigating perimenopause and beyond. After a successful career as an executive search consultant, Joy combined her research background and personal journey through hormonal upheaval to create products that work with the body—not against it. Her mission is to destigmatize aging, educate women about whole-body wellness in midlife, and create skincare that truly serves. 

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EP 12. What if the products you use to feel beautiful are actually making you sick? In Part 2 of my solo Toxin Detox series, I reveal the hidden dangers lurking in our everyday beauty and personal care products and provide practical tips on how to reduce our toxin exposure. We get into the harmful ingredients to watch out for, the marketing buzzwords we can ignore, and how to read labels. Plus, I share my holy grail products, ones I’ve used since having ultra-sensitive, eczema-prone skin, and which I still use today because they’re just that good. 

What You'll Learn

• The harmful ingredients hiding in everyday beauty and personal care products
• How to spot red flag ingredients on labels and marketing buzzwords
• What third-party certifications and patient advocacy seals mean 
• How common acne treatments could contribute to long-term health risks
• My exact method for vetting products I can’t find on clean beauty apps
• My current skincare essentials for ultra-sensitive skin

Studies & Research

• 2024 Front Public Health Article: “The Dark Side of Beauty” 
• EWG Article on The Toxic 12 Ingredients in Cosmetics
• 2022 study that uncovered that 83% of products contained parabens
• ScienceNews article on PFAs found in cosmetics
• Helpful article breaking down Fragrance and Natural Fragrance
• Article on benzoyl peroxide causing benzene in common acne treatments
• 2022 study - “Natural is not always better” 

Other Resources Mentioned

• EWG Skin Deep app/database for product safety ratings
• Think Dirty app for ingredient analysis
• Perplexity AI tool for researching product ingredients

Products Mentioned

• Hanskin Hyaluron Skin Essence
• Hanskin Pore Cleansing Oil PHA
• The Klog Plant Rich Antioxidant Cleansing Oil
• Soon Jung 2x Barrier Cream
• Earth Mama Nose & Cheek Balm
• Ciele Prime & Protect SPF 30

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EP 11. When I got my toxin test results back, I discovered I had extreme levels of uranium in my system, and that was JUST the beginning. In Part 1 of my solo toxin detox series, I'm sharing the complete breakdown of what was found in my body and the initial protocol that changed everything. After years of dealing with severe eczema, I finally got answers to why my skin was flaring up on a regular basis—and they were more shocking than I ever imagined.

Stay tuned for Part 2 next week, where I'll dive deep into beauty product ingredients, what I threw out, what I kept, and how to read labels like a pro.

DISCLAIMER: This episode shares my personal experience and is for educational purposes only. The information discussed should not be considered medical advice or used to diagnose or treat any condition. If you're dealing with chronic symptoms or health issues, please work with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your individual situation.

In this Episode ,You'll Learn:

• The shocking heavy metals and toxins found in my system, including uranium and arsenic
• The hidden sources of toxins lurking in your beauty products, food, and water
• The connection between toxic load and skin inflammation
• How leaky gut and gut imbalances can lead to severe skin problems
• Why even “healthy” foods like oats and dried fruit may be harming you
• The exact detox protocol I used following my wake-up call
• Why I no longer need deodorant!

Resources

Previous episodes mentioned:

• Episode 2 - Tired, Bloated, or Foggy? What Your Body is Trying to Tell You with Mary Tufano
• Episode 3 - Is Your Home Making You Sick? Exposing Hidden Toxins with Caitlin Fierro 

Products:

• Purity Coffee
• Aquatru Filter
• Zeolite Drops

Studies & Research:

• UK Food Safety Report (2020) about co-exposure of mycotoxins
• Ochratoxin A and Human Health Risk (2015)
• Columbia University Study 2022 where uranium was found in two-thirds of US community water systems
• Uranium's Hazardous Effects on Humans (2025 ScienceDirect Article)
• Michigan State University Study (2025) that found brown rice contains higher levels of arsenic than white rice
• Harvard Health article about supporting gut health and leaky gut
• CalMatters Water Contamination report that revealed PFAS were prominent in tap water across California
• 2010 Study on Styrene & PGA and its effects on rats 

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EP 10. Former ad exec turned clean beauty pioneer Lynn Power joins Well Done to share her unfiltered journey from leading the launches of the world's most iconic beauty brands, to building the mission-driven haircare brand, MASAMI. We dive into how cancer changed her relationship with wellness and business, what it means to be truly “clean” in an industry riddled with greenwashing, and how her platform the Power Beauty Collab is creating a space for indie clean beauty brands to learn and support each other.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• What inspired a former ad agency CEO to walk away and launch a clean beauty brand
• The toxins lurking in your haircare, and why clean haircare is more than a marketing trend
• The hero ingredient in MASAMI's formula that also has cancer-fighting properties
• What beauty consumers need to know to avoid greenwashing and shop smarter
• Lynn’s honest take on entrepreneurship, burnout, and building community after a life-changing diagnosis
• How the Power Beauty Collab is changing the indie beauty landscape

Resources from this episode:

• MASAMI Haircare
• Instagram: @lovemasamihair
• Power Beauty Collab (previously Conscious Beauty Collective)
• Instagram: @powerbeautycollab
• Think Dirty App
  
  

Guest Bio

Lynn Power is the founder of MASAMI, a clean premium haircare brand powered by the Japanese ocean botanical Mekabu, and the visionary behind the Power Beauty Collab, a growing retail platform for indie beauty and wellness brands. With decades of experience in advertising—having worked with major haircare brands like L’Oréal and Nexus —Lynn left the corporate world to build something radically different. Her journey took a personal turn when she was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, deepening her commitment to health, sustainability, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship. Today, Lynn champions clean beauty and supports fellow founders in creating products that are as ethical as they are effective.

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EP 09. Diets don't work, and neither do extreme wellness goals. In this episode, I chat with certified health coach Lindsey Kaszuba about why chasing weight loss often leads to burnout, how diet culture and over-the-top wellness goals disconnect us from our bodies, and the mindset shifts that helped Lindsey—and now her clients—let go of guilt for good. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by supplements, strict food rules, or pressure to “do it all,” this episode will help you reset your approach to health in a way that’s sustainable, intuitive, and built for real life.

What You'll Learn:

• The mindset shift that helps women let go of guilt and take ownership of their health
• Why wellness routines are often unsustainable—and what to do instead
• How to build confidence and energy without counting calories or following strict rules
• The role of diet culture in shaping our relationship with food, movement, and self-worth
• How to simplify your habits without sacrificing results

Resources :

• Connect with Lindsey: lindseykaszubahealth.com
• Follow Lindsey on Instagram: @lindseykaszubahealth
• App mentioned: Yuka App

Guest Bio

Lindsey Kaszuba is a certified health coach, mom of three, and the founder of Lindsey Kaszuba Health, where she helps women simplify their wellness routines and build sustainable habits that support energy, confidence, and well-being—without guilt or overwhelm. With a focus on mindset, movement, nutrition, and intuitive daily rituals, Lindsey’s work empowers women to feel strong and grounded in their bodies. 

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EP 08. If you get your nails done regularly (guilty), this episode will make you think before booking your next appointment. I chat with Dasha Minina, a licensed nail tech, beauty brand founder, and now tech entrepreneur, to explore the often-overlooked world of nail health and beauty service certification. Dasha is on mission to clean up the beauty services industry—literally! We talk about the risks most consumers overlook, the truth behind licensing (or lack thereof), and how Dasha’s tech platforms, Licensify and BeautyAList, are raising the standard for safety, hygiene, and accountability. But don't worry, we get into practical ways you can protect yourself while still enjoying your beauty treatments. 

What You'll Learn: 

• The hidden dangers lurking in your nail salon 
• What to look out for before sitting down for your next manicure or pedicure
• Why proper licensing is so critical for beauty service professionals
• How Dasha's platforms will transform the ways consumers find and connect with beauty professionals 
• How the beauty services industry s quietly being deregulated—and what that means for us, the consumer
• How mindset shifts can help you pivot in entrepreneurship and lead to successful outcomes
• How to handle rejection (as a woman in business!)

Resources:

• BeautyAList – Platform for finding and verifying licensed beauty professionals
• Licensify – The beauty licensing verification tech tool that Dasha built 
• Maxus Nails – Dasha’s award-winning natural nail care line
• Book mentioned: Play Like a Man, Win Like a Woman by Gail Evans

Guest Bio

Dasha Minina is a licensed nail technician, beauty founder, and tech entrepreneur on a mission to transform safety standards in the beauty industry. After creating the award-winning Maxus Nails product line (featuring a strengthener worn by Angelina Jolie), Dasha recognized deeper issues within the beauty sector. This led her to develop Licensify, a verification tool that automates licensing in the beauty industry, and BeautyAList, a certification program designed to raise the standards of nail salons, spas, and beauty services. With multiple patents under her belt, Dasha is dedicated to educating consumers about safety standards while elevating professionals who prioritize proper training and protocols.

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EP 07. This is probably the most personal thing I've ever shared. With Mother's Day just behind us, I've been reflecting on the nine months since my mom passed—and the complicated, emotional, and even spiritual journey I’ve been on since.

In this solo episode, I open up about the decline of my mom's health, the moment I realized I had to begin letting her go, and the unexpected ways I processed my grief—from psychedelic journeys to Buddhist rituals and breathwork—and the ways I'm connecting with my mom today.

This is an honest reflection on love, loss, guilt, and healing—for anyone who’s lost someone and is still trying to make sense of what it means to move forward.

You'll Learn:

• What it looked like to begin letting go before my mom passed
• How psychedelics (psilocybin) helped me connect with my emotions and release grief stored in my body
• What Chinese Buddhist death rituals taught me about honoring a loved one
• How breathwork helped me move through the guilt I was carrying
• The signs—from numbers to pineapples—that reminded me my mom is still with me
• Why grief might never go away, but love never does either

Resources

Book mentioned: Signs by Laura Lynn Jackson

Meditations by Joe Dispenza

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EP 06. What if your daily skincare routine could be the most grounding part of your day? In this episode, I chat with Nick Gavrelis, founder & CEO of iero Beauty, and former SVP of Global Product Development at MAC Cosmetics, to explore how your beauty routine can become a ritual rooted in intention and energy. Whether you're a beauty enthusiast, brand builder, conscious consumer, or just looking for ways to incorporate more moments of pause into your busy life, you'll be inspired by Nick's philosophy on the power of beauty to transform. 

What You'll Learn:

• How former MAC exec and iero Beauty founder Nick Gavrelis thinks about artistry, identity and the future of beauty
• How to turn your skincare and beauty routine into a five-dimensional ritual
• The role of crystals and ancient botanicals in modern skincare
• The energetic link between color, scent, touch and emotional well-being
• The power of intention to shift your mood for the entire day
• The next wave of beauty innovation that honors ritual and sensorial experiences

Resources:

Connect with Nick and learn more about iero Beauty: ieroBeauty.com

Follow on Instagram: @iero.beauty

Learn about PACT Collective

WATCH this episode on YouTube

Guest Bio

Nick Gavrelis is the founder and CEO of iero Beauty and the former SVP of Global Product Development at MAC Cosmetics, where he helped shape some of the brand’s most iconic products. Drawing on his background as a makeup artist, product innovator, and passionate advocate for energy-based wellness, Nick launched iero as a sacred blend of performance skincare, ritual, and emotional connection. His 5D approach to beauty—rooted in Efficacy, Aromatherapy, Chromatherapy, and Mindfulness Cues linked to Ritual—is reshaping how we care for ourselves from the inside out.

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EP 05. What does it really mean to live a rich life? In this episode, I have an honest conversation with Shannon Kung, the founder of Wild Orange Apothecary, to explore how redefining success led her to leave a dream job at Disney and build a wellness tea brand inspired by her culture, family, and intuition. We talk about her “goo phase,” the rituals that helped her rebuild from the inside out, and what it takes to trade security for purpose.

What You'll Learn:

• What it feels like to walk away from a dream job — and how to know when it's time
• How to strengthen your intuition and use it to guide major life decisions
• How to define your "rich life" and how it differs from external success 
• The "goo phase" and how it can help you grow and transform
• The money mindset shifts to make when leaving the security of a corporate job
• How to navigate cultural expectations when you decide to follow a non-traditional path
• How to redefine your identity and your self-worth when it isn't tied to financial and performance metrics

Connect with Shannon and learn more about Wild Orange Apothecary: Wild Orange Apothecary

Follow on Instagram: @wildorangeapothecary

Books mentioned:

• The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
• Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
• You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay
• The Art of Simple Living by Shunmyo Masuno
• I Will Teach You to be Rich by Ramit Sethi 

Guest Bio

Shannon Kung is the founder of Wild Orange Apothecary, a family-run, wellness tea brand rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and the healing rituals passed down through generations of her family. A former Disney leader and MBA grad, Shannon left the corporate world to create a brand that brings ancient practices into modern life — one cup of tea at a time.

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