Community Highlights: Meet Mariel Martinez of ZenDen Body Sculpting

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mariel Martinez

Hi Mariel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My Journey to ZenDen Body Sculpting

My name is Mariel Martinez, and I am a first-generation Mexican-Salvadorean American, born and raised in the San Fernando Valley of Los Angeles. From a young age, I always marched to the beat of my own drum. I found it challenging to conform to rigid rules, a trait I later discovered was due to my ADHD. Despite these challenges, I was driven by a deep desire to succeed and make a meaningful impact.

My parents, both hardworking immigrants, instilled in me the value of education and perseverance. My mother worked tirelessly as a housekeeper, and my father as a handyman, all to provide a better life for their children. Their sacrifices and unwavering support inspired me to pursue a career that would allow me to thrive intellectually and financially. With their encouragement, I attended UCLA for my undergraduate degree, initially pursuing pre-medicine. However, I soon realized my true passion lay in business and marketing.

After graduating, I secured an internship and eventually a full-time job at a small marketing agency through the network I built in my sorority, Sigma Lambda Gamma. This experience ignited my love for digital marketing, where I could blend creativity, analytics, and innovative thinking. As I grew in my career, I moved to larger agencies, but my ambition to work on global campaigns led me to Silicon Valley. Over the years, I worked at prestigious tech companies like Logitech and Facebook, where I honed my skills and gained invaluable experience.

However, after 13 years in the corporate world, I began to feel constrained by the rigid structures and corporate politics. I yearned for a more fulfilling and empowering environment where I could live life on my own terms. I knew it would be a daunting challenge, but I took the leap to leave my corporate job and start my own business.

My journey into health and wellness began in my 20s as a way to heal my mental health. Along the way, I became a certified yoga teacher, which deepened my understanding of wellness practices. This personal experience fueled my passion for creating a space where everyone could also feel comfortable and supported in their wellness journey. This vision led me to open ZenDen Body Sculpting in Sherman Oaks

At ZenDen Body Sculpting, my goal is to create a safe and inclusive environment where women and men of all shapes and sizes can feel empowered and beautiful. I am committed to providing top-tier body sculpting services that not only transform bodies but also uplift spirits. Every day, I am inspired by the courage and determination of my clients, and it fuels my own journey to live a life filled with positivity and purpose.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The path to opening ZenDen Body Sculpting has been far from smooth, but every challenge has only made me more determined and resilient. One of the biggest hurdles I faced was financing. Being self-financed, I invested my own savings into the equipment and initial setup. To manage costs, I decided to start small by leasing a private room in a shared spa space, which also houses an eyelash business and a skincare business. This arrangement has been both a blessing and a challenge, as it allows me to keep overhead low while building my client base.

Another significant challenge has been finding the right marketing tactics and promotions to attract and retain committed clients. Body sculpting, much like going to the gym, requires multiple sessions to see lasting results. Convincing potential clients of this has been a learning curve, especially since I am not a natural salesperson. However, I am committed to improving in this area. Each day, I learn more about effective communication and how to convey the value of our treatments.

Despite these challenges, I remain steadfast in my mission. I am dedicated to ensuring that every treatment is not only effective and safe but also a positive and empowering experience for my clients. I believe that treating everyone who walks through the door with kindness and respect is the foundation of building a loyal and satisfied clientele. By continuing to work hard, adapt, and learn, I am confident that ZenDen Body Sculpting will thrive and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
About ZenDen Body Sculpting

As the founder of ZenDen Body Sculpting, I am passionate about helping individuals achieve their wellness and beauty goals in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment. Our mission is to empower women and men of all shapes, sizes, and ages to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin.

What We Do: At ZenDen Body Sculpting, we specialize in advanced, non-invasive body sculpting treatments. Our services include fat freezing, muscle toning, cavitation, and radio frequency (RF) therapy. These procedures are designed to help clients achieve their desired body contours without the need for surgery or downtime.

What We Are Known For: We are known for our personalized approach and exceptional results. We take the time to understand each client’s unique needs and goals, tailoring our treatments to ensure the best possible outcomes. Our state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained staff guarantee that every session is both effective and comfortable.

What Sets Us Apart:

Personalized Care: We believe that one size does not fit all. Each treatment plan is customized to meet the specific needs and goals of our clients.
Inclusive Environment: We strive to create a welcoming and non-judgmental space where everyone feels comfortable and supported.
Expertise and Safety: Our team is highly trained and experienced in the latest body sculpting techniques, ensuring that our treatments are both safe and effective.
Holistic Wellness: We offer a holistic approach to wellness, providing guidance and support to help clients maintain their results and lead healthier lifestyles.
What I Am Most Proud Of: I am most proud of the positive impact we have on our clients’ lives. Seeing the confidence and joy that our treatments bring to our clients is incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good and living a more fulfilling life.

What I Want Our Readers to Know: At ZenDen Body Sculpting, we are more than just a body sculpting business; we are a community of individuals committed to self-care and personal growth. Our services are designed to help you achieve your wellness goals, whether that’s slimming down, toning up, or simply feeling more confident in your own skin. We are passionate about what we do and are dedicated to providing the highest level of care and support.

We believe that beauty and wellness should be accessible to everyone, and we are committed to making that a reality. Whether you’re looking to target stubborn fat, build muscle, or achieve a more contoured physique, we are here to support you every step of the way. Join us at ZenDen Body Sculpting, and experience the transformation for yourself.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor and building a strong network are crucial steps in any entrepreneur’s journey. One of the most effective ways I’ve found to connect with mentors is by being open to the opportunities that present themselves around me. For instance, I was fortunate to find a mentor in Ana, the owner of You’re Made Beautiful Skin Care. We share the same business space, and Ana has over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience. She has built a loyal client base through her effective skincare treatments and professional demeanor.

Since the opening of my business in August 2024, her guidance has been invaluable. From offering small but impactful tips on professional attire to providing strategies for handling difficult clients, her wise counsel has been a cornerstone of my growth. Her insights have not only helped me navigate the early challenges of entrepreneurship but have also enhanced my overall effectiveness as a business owner.

By actively listening to her advice and implementing her strategies, I have been able to build a more resilient and successful business. I am deeply grateful for Ana’s support and the wisdom she has shared, which has been instrumental in my journey.

Pricing:

• 50% Off Your First Treatment
• $299 Chillsculpt Trio: Fat Freezing, Cavitation and Radiofrequency
• $199 Fat Freezing Only
• $99 Workout Smarter Muscle Toning
• $149 CryoSlimming/CryoToning /CryoCellulite

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.zendenbodysculpting.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zendenbodysculpting/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563883442025
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/zenden-body-sculpting-sherman-oaks
• Other: https://maps.app.goo.gl/K9ihXnVcVH6M7p8UA

Image Credits
Canva, UCLA