Shoutout LA: Meet Ursula Mayes

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

Hi Ursula, how do you think about risk?

I’ve always believed in taking risks. I’d rather try and fail than live with the ‘what if.’ The greatest opportunities in my life have come from stepping out of my comfort zone.

One of my biggest risks was moving from a small Virginia town to Southern California to pursue a career in entertainment after landing a hosting contract. As a single mother, I packed up and traveled across the country with my daughter – no family, no connections – and ended up landing a role in a major network TV show. Over the next 15+ years, I worked as an agency represented actress, model, and makeup artist.

And then 8 years ago I made another big change, transitioning to my true passion skincare- and helping others feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. Last year, I took another leap by relocating my business and building my dream spa at Paseo 17 in Newport-Mesa area of Orange County. Since then, the business has grown exponentially, and I’ve been fortunate to bring on several talented estheticians and makeup artists to my growing team.

What should our readers know about your business?

My business is a reflection of my journey – one that’s been all about taking risks, facing challenges head-on, and staying rooted in passion.

I’m the founder of Freeface Skincare, a boutique day spa and beauty studio focused on helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. What sets us apart is the level of care we offer – our team of estheticians and makeup artists isn’t just talented – they genuinely care about our clients’ well-being. That connection and passion are at the heart of everything we do.

Building this business has been one of the greatest achievements of my life – especially while raising my son as a single parent and showing him what resilience and hard work look like. I started from scratch, growing a loyal client base through word of mouth and referrals. The real turning point came when I brought my vision to life – literally by building my dream spa from the ground up.

When we secured our location at Paseo 17 in Newport-Mesa, I worked closely with a contracting team to design and build out every detail. It wasn’t just a remodel – it was a full-on transformation. I had a vision of what I wanted Freeface to be, and I was hands-on throughout the entire process to make sure that every corner reflected that dream. It was a huge leap, but seeing the space come to life was one of the most rewarding moments of my journey so far.

Today, I’m excited about the future. We’re launching a new website soon that highlights our amazing team and services, and we have some exciting collaborations on the horizon that I can’t wait to share.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I actually moved across the country to pursue a career in entertainment, but life shifted, and I found myself pulled toward skincare and beauty full-time. That transition required trust, perseverance, and a willingness to start over. But with support from my family, mentors, and community – and a whole lot of determination…I kept pushing forward. I’ve poured everything into growing this business: continuing my education, never losing my drive to learn, improve, working nonstop, staying passionate and connected to the reason why I started. I genuinely love what I do, and I truly believe in the power of self-care and wellness.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to trust the process – and to see challenges not as roadblocks, but as opportunities to grow. Setting clear goals and keeping the bigger vision in sight has been key for me.

At the heart of Freeface Skincare is love, family, passion, and purpose. We want everyone who walks through our doors to feel seen, supported, and beautiful – exactly as they are. My story, I hope, is a reminder that with passion, courage, and self-belief, you can build the life and business of your dreams. Staying committed to that dream truly does pay off.

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?

I’d start by taking my best friend to Paseo 17, a one-stop shop for wellness, beauty, shopping, and dining. We’d grab coffee at Miligram, explore the boutiques, and unwind with wellness services at the center before heading down to 17th Street for a quick beach stop at PCH to catch the sunset.

To mix in some nature, we’d hike at Upper Newport Bay and then enjoy lunch beachfront at The Beachcomber Café in Crystal Cove. For culture, I’d take them to the Orange County Museum of Art followed by lunch and shopping at Fashion Island. We’d wrap up the day with dinner at Mastro’s or Palmilla.

A day trip to Laguna Beach would include a visit to Heisler Park, lunch at Las Brisas with views of the coast, some surfing or biking, then dinner at Driftwood Kitchen to enjoy the sunset.

To finish off the trip, I’d take my friend on a scenic drive up Pacific Coast Highway, stop by Balboa Island and Lido Marina Village, followed by a beach bonfire to relax and reflect on an unforgettable week.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

I’d like to give a special shoutout to my mother, Jennie Mayes, my brother, Abraham Mayes, and my business mentors, Bryon and Tania McLendon. My brother has been an incredible support – helping me build out my very first subleased business location and showing up every step of the way, tools in hand, ready for whatever was needed. More than just the physical help, he’s been a steady presence behind the scenes—offering his time, resources, and quiet encouragement when it mattered most.

I’m also deeply grateful to my mother for her unwavering prayers and support, which have meant the world to me. My family’s love and support have been a constant force in mine and my kids’ lives.

And to Bryon and Tania, their mentorship, guidance, and prayers have truly helped me push through the toughest moments of this journey.

Website: https://www.freefaceskincare.com
Instagram: @freefaceskincare
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ursulamayes
Facebook: freefaceskincare
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/freeface-skincare-costa-mesa-2
Google Business Page: https://g.co/kgs/D78pgi
Paseo 17: https://www.paseo17.com/freeface-skincare/

Image Credits
JSquared Photography & Kellie Danielle Photo