We had the good fortune of connecting with Paris Gandara and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paris, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
TapeTox was born out of one of the most difficult chapters of my life. I was a mom of a two year old and a newborn dealing with serious health challenges, in and out of hospitals, and navigating a health emergency that felt completely out of my control. During that time, I noticed the toll it was taking—not just on how I felt, but on how I looked. My face felt tired, inflamed, and worn down. I had lines across my forehead overnight. I didn’t recognize myself.

I wasn’t interested in invasive treatments or quick fixes. I wanted something that aligned with how I was healing my body—something natural, restorative, and rooted in intention. That’s when I began experimenting with facial taping, studying muscle structure, lymphatic flow, and skin support. I realized that with the right technique and formulation, this could be something truly transformative.

I didn’t set out to build a brand. I set out to reclaim myself. And what came from that process was TapeTox—a product created not from marketing trends, but from real-life experience, resilience, and a refusal to accept that aging beautifully requires compromise.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Honestly there have been times where I couldn’t give my all. And when you’re trying to build something, especially a brand, that can feel defeating. But what I’ve learned is that your best is enough, even when it doesn’t feel like it. Some days, showing up is the bravest thing you can do.

We live in a world that pushes us to be everything, all the time. But the truth is, no one can sustain that. So I started asking myself: What if I just did what I could, with heart? What if I stopped chasing perfection and started creating with purpose?

And that changed everything.

Yes, you have to work hard. Yes, you have to think ahead and stay focused. But the most powerful thing you can do is build something with joy. With humility. With honesty. You don’t need to be the loudest or the fastest. You just need to be real—and keep going.

My business, Skin Supervision, was created during one of the hardest seasons of my life. I was very sick, physically drained, and navigating an overwhelming amount of uncertainty. What started as a personal search for healing and confidence turned into something much bigger. I wasn’t interested in quick fixes—I wanted natural, effective tools that supported the skin from the inside out. That’s how TapeTox was born.

What sets my brand apart is that it wasn’t built in a lab or a marketing office—it was built from real life. From experience. From resilience. We focus on products that work with the body, not against it. There’s thought and intention behind every patented shape, every formula, every ingredient.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We’d start one morning in Laguna Beach—breakfast at Zinc Café, then a walk through Heisler Park and down to the beach. After that, a little shopping and gallery hopping in town, just soaking in the artsy coastal vibe.

One of our must-have stops would definitely be Urth Caffé—specifically for their matcha boba, which is honestly one of my favorite indulgences. It’s so creamy and refreshing—it deserves its own moment!

We’d spend a beach day at Crystal Cove or Salt Creek, pack a cooler, maybe bring some books, and just decompress. Another day we’d head to Lido Marina Village in Newport for boutique shopping, lunch at Malibu Farm, and a sunset ferry ride to Balboa Island with frozen bananas.

For a little activity, I’d take us hiking Top of the World in Laguna or biking through Back Bay. Evenings would be for rooftop dinners—like The Rooftop Lounge in Laguna or Nick’s in San Clemente—followed by dessert from Sidecar Donuts or Salt & Straw.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my mother. When I was at my lowest—physically, emotionally, and mentally—she was there. She took care of me when I was sick, believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself, and never once made me feel like I was too much or not enough.

Having someone like that in your life is rare, and I don’t take it for granted. I know so many people go through life without that kind of love and support, and I treasure it deeply. She’s been my anchor, my encourager, and the quiet strength behind everything I’ve built. I wouldn’t be where I am without her.

Website: https://www.skinsupervision.com

Instagram: Skinsupervision

Other: TikTok: @skinsupervision

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.