Meet Marcinda Hankins

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marcinda Hankins. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marcinda below.

Marcinda, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

I didn’t discover my purpose overnight—it unfolded through experience. I began by doing what came naturally and what people consistently sought me out for: helping men take better care of their beards. Over time, I realized the work went far beyond grooming. It became about confidence, education, and creating a safe space for men to care for themselves without shame.

As a licensed esthetician, I saw a gap in how men’s beard care was being approached — everyone focused on products for the hair, but no one was treating the skin underneath. Once I began educating clients and seeing real transformation, my purpose became clear. I wasn’t just creating products or services; I was changing the way men think about self-care.

My purpose grew stronger as I listened, learned, and stayed consistent. What started as a skill turned into a responsibility — to educate, to elevate the standard, and to build something that truly serves people. That’s when I knew I was walking in my purpose.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a licensed esthetician and the founder of X’clusive Looks, a men’s grooming and skincare brand built on a simple but often overlooked idea: healthy beards start with healthy skin. My work focuses on skin-first beard care — treating the skin underneath the beard, not just the hair — which is where many men experience dryness, irritation, flakes, and breakage.

What excites me most is the education and transformation aspect of what I do. I don’t just sell products; I teach men how to care for their skin properly and help professionals rethink how men’s facials and beard services are performed. Over time, this approach has grown into a full product line and in-studio services designed to improve comfort, confidence, and long-term beard health.

What makes my brand special is that it bridges grooming and skincare in a way that feels approachable, intentional, and results-driven. X’clusive Looks is about redefining men’s self-care — removing the stigma and replacing it with knowledge, routine, and consistency. I’m especially passionate about working with barbers, beauty schools, and corporate wellness programs to bring skin-first education into spaces where men already feel comfortable.

Professionally, I’m focused on expanding the brand beyond the treatment room. I’m currently building educational partnerships, growing wholesale opportunities, and developing new products that support simple, effective routines for men. I’m also laying the groundwork for a future men’s spa concept that blends skincare, grooming, and community.

At the heart of everything I do is the belief that self-care is not a luxury — it’s a form of respect. If people take anything away from my brand, I hope it’s the understanding that caring for yourself, starting with your skin, can change how you show up in every area of life.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

First, curiosity and a commitment to learning.
Being a licensed esthetician gave me technical skills, but curiosity is what pushed me to question industry norms — especially around men’s grooming. I didn’t accept “this is how it’s always been done.” I studied skin conditions, listened closely to clients, and kept learning until I could confidently build a better approach.
My advice: stay curious. Learn your craft deeply, ask why things work the way they do, and never stop educating yourself. Knowledge is what gives you confidence and credibility.

Second, consistency over perfection.
Progress didn’t come from getting everything right the first time — it came from showing up repeatedly, even when growth felt slow or uncertain. Consistency in my services, messaging, and standards is what built trust with clients and allowed the brand to grow.
My advice: focus on steady progress, not flawless execution. Do the work, learn from it, and improve as you go.

Third, the ability to step outside of comfort and claim your expertise.
There were moments when I felt like I didn’t belong in certain rooms, but I learned that growth requires being willing to take up space before you feel fully ready. Owning my experience and perspective helped me move from technician to leader.
My advice: don’t wait for permission or validation. If you’ve put in the work, trust your voice. Growth happens when you allow yourself to be seen.

Together, these qualities helped me build not just a business, but a purpose-driven brand rooted in education, service, and impact. For anyone early in their journey, investing in these areas will serve you long after the first milestone is reached.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Absolutely. Collaboration has been a meaningful part of my growth, and I’m always open to partnering with people and organizations that align with my values and mission.

I’m especially interested in collaborating with barbers, estheticians, beauty schools, educators, content creators, and wellness-focused brands who share a commitment to education, quality, and intentional self-care. I also welcome partnerships with corporate wellness programs, community organizations, and men’s lifestyle spaces that want to bring skin-first grooming education to their audiences.

The best collaborations for me are rooted in shared values, authenticity, and mutual impact — whether that looks like educational workshops, product collaborations, content creation, guest teaching, or community events. I’m particularly passionate about partnerships that help elevate how men understand and care for their skin, especially in spaces where they already feel comfortable.

For those interested in collaborating, the best way to connect is to email me directly at [email protected] or by reaching out on Instagram at @myxclusivelooks_llc. I’m always open to conversations that are thoughtful, intentional, and focused on creating real value.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
Local Highlighter Series

We are so thrilled to be able to connect with some of the brightest and

Highlighter Series
Who taught you the most about work?

Society has its myths about where we learn – internships, books, school, etc. However, in

Highlighter Series
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?

We asked some of the wisest people we know what they would tell their younger