How I Helped Esse Skincare Unlock the Power of Salesforce
- Dan
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
In October 2025, Esse Skincare, a premium skincare brand based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, reached out to me for help. They had invested in Salesforce, but like many fast-growing companies, they weren’t getting the full value from their system.
This project was a great example of how an independent Salesforce consultant can step in, assess the situation clearly, and help a team take control of their platform with confidence.
About the Client: Esse Skincare
Esse Skincare formulates and sells high-end, organic skincare products across six countries. You’ll find their products in spas, hotels, and wellness centers, premium environments for people who care deeply about skin health.
Their brand is built on science, sustainability, and results. But when it came to technology, they needed help making their tools work as hard as their products do.
The Challenge: A Powerful System, Poorly Utilized
The team at Esse had implemented Salesforce Sales Cloud, Pardot (Marketing Cloud Account Engagement), and Tableau back in 2024.
The implementation was done as a “quick start.” That meant it got the basics in place, but didn’t fully align with the team’s workflows or future needs.
Once live, they opted out of the long-term support contract due to cost and inflexibility. That left them with a powerful system… but no clear roadmap for how to use it.
Here’s what they were dealing with:
Low adoption. The system worked, but not well enough to win over users.
Internal knowledge gaps. Their Salesforce admin was motivated but needed support to grow into the role.
Frustration across teams. Sales, marketing, and leadership all had different pain points—but no unified plan to address them.
That’s when they brought me in.
The Approach: Audit First, Act Later
Esse asked me to perform a full, independent Salesforce audit. The goal? Understand what was working, what wasn’t, and what needed to change.
What the Audit Covered:
System review. I assessed automations, data structure, security settings, and how Salesforce aligned with day-to-day processes.
Team interviews. I spoke with sales users, the marketing manager, and key stakeholders to understand frustrations and wishlists.
Collaboration with Salesforce. I also connected with the assigned Salesforce Account Executive to discuss available options and strategic direction.
Once the audit was complete, I presented a clear, practical action plan tailored to Esse’s business, and their team.
The Results: Real Change, Real Ownership
Within a month of the audit presentation, here’s what we accomplished:
Brought in a vetted Salesforce partner specializing in Tableau and Pardot to handle complex needs.
The partner ran a complimentary workshop and needs assessment for Tableau.
Kicked off a mentorship program for Esse’s Salesforce Admin. She’s now learning best practices while making improvements herself.
Ongoing support. I remain a trusted, independent advisor, not locked into a long-term contract, but always available when needed.
The shift in energy has been remarkable. The team that once felt stuck now feels empowered. They’re excited, curious, and making real progress with each mentorship session.
What I Can Do for You
If your business is struggling to get value from Salesforce, or if you’re just not sure what’s possible, I can help.
I’m an independent Salesforce expert, offering clear, unbiased advice. No pressure. No lock-in contracts. Just practical, strategic support to help you get the most from your system.
And if you need hands-on help with things like Tableau, Pardot, or CPQ, I’ll help you find the right partner for the job. My loyalty is to your success, not to selling more services.
Ready to Take Control of Your Salesforce Org?
Let’s chat. Whether you need a full Salesforce system audit, team mentoring, or just a trusted second opinion, I’d love to support your journey.
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