Giving Back
Giving back is not something I do out of obligation — it is something I do because it is who I am.
As a Native man of Luiseño / Cahuilla heritage, I was guided by my elders, shaped by my mother, and deeply influenced by my grandmother — the woman who taught me, through her life and actions, that we must never forget where we come from. She taught me that when
Creator blesses you with the ability to help, you return that blessing to your people with humility, gratitude, and respect.
From a young age, I was taught our Native values — generosity, compassion, caring, humility, and responsibility to community. These teachings were passed down through prayer, through presence, and through ceremony. In our Luiseño way, prayers are carried through bird songs, guided by the sound of rattles and shakers (chuchut), each movement and song lifting intention, healing, and gratitude to Creator.
Those teachings live in me today.
They are the foundation of DeJon Salon & Aesthetics Center — not just as a business, but as an extension of my upbringing, heritage, and responsibility. Our work is rooted in the belief that wellness, beauty, and care are part of healing and dignity, and that when we are able to help, we are meant to do so with a good heart.
It is an honor to give back to Native people, through reservations, Native clinics, and Native-focused events. Together with my team — from medical and esthetics professionals to designers, massage therapists, and artists — we show up with intention, respect, and love. Every service we provide is offered with the understanding that we are serving community first, while extending the same care and compassion to all people.
The prayers of my elders guide this work. The teachings of my grandmother ground it. And Creator continues to lead us forward. Giving back is not something we leave behind as we grow — it is something we carry with us. It is how we honor those who came before us, and how we care for those walking beside us today.
This is our way.
This is our responsibility.
This is who we are.
baby n me fair
DeJon Wellness & Aesthetic Center, a Native American owned and operated full service salon and aesthetics center located in San Bernardino by Johnny Mendoza, is the artistic director/educator and the strength behind this fast growing and thriving business. Johnny graciously came out in full force to give back to his people at San Manuel Indian Health clinic community! His staff provided in salon facial treatments customized for each customer and spoke to our mothers about their hair and gave them a great style, some of which said they never had such a wonderful experience. Others were totally grateful and couldn't speak enough about DeJon Wellness & Aesthetic Center. For over four hours, they started cutting hair and providing skin care analysis without so much as a five minute break! They kindly donated three large beautiful baskets full of an array of hair and skin products that were raffled.
pauma indian health council volleyball event
We are striving to "Empower Native Wellness" by offering a wide range of outreach, educational, and prevention services with an emphasis on culturally supported and evidence based practices. Services include targeted outreach, engagement, and intergenerational events which create a vision of wellness based on community empowerment and participation.
