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Season 7 Episode 2 - Tune in and find out what she's fed up with in the waxing industry, some advice for anyone looking to do manzilians and clients not waiting the 48 hours... iykyk. Earn more and get your time back with GlossGenius. Use code TWIST at glossgenius.com/beautywithatwist for 50% off your first two months of a premium plan. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introducing todays guest
Welcome to the Med Spa Success Strategies Podcast, presented by Ricky Shockley of Med Spa Magic Marketing. If you're ready to implement more efficient and effective marketing strategies for your practice, book your FREE strategy session and marketing plan: https://go.medspamagicmarketing.com/scheduleIn this episode, Ricky sits down with Allie McAllister, co-founder of CULT Aesthetics Clinics (https://www.cultaesthetics.com/), Squeeze Skin (https://squeezeskin.com/), and the highly successful CULT Conferences (https://www.cultaesthetics.co/), to discuss what it truly takes to expand a modern aesthetic practice while maintaining strong patient retention, exceptional results, and long-term profitability.Allie shares the unconventional path she took to build multiple thriving businesses, including opening clinic locations in Atlanta and Dallas simultaneously and expanding into a third market in Phoenix. She explains how disciplined financial decisions, consistent patient consultations, provider accountability, and carefully selected technology have helped CULT Aesthetics Clinics scale without sacrificing its standards or patient experience.In this episode, we cover:✅ How Allie built and scaled multiple aesthetic businesses without starting as a solo injector✅ Why establishing a strong book of business before opening a med spa can significantly reduce financial risk✅ How Allie and her business partner maintained consistency while opening clinics in two different states✅ Why clear policies, procedures, and performance standards should be established from day one✅ How comprehensive treatment plans, consistent photography, and regular consultations improve patient retention✅ The provider KPIs every med spa owner should track, including rebooking percentage and average invoice size✅ How quarterly reviews, monthly coaching, and productivity-based compensation strengthen provider performance✅ Why med spa owners should resist purchasing expensive devices before they have the demand to support them✅ The criteria Allie uses to determine when a new device is a smart investment for the practice✅ How transparent pricing and a consistent patient experience build trust and increase long-term patient value✅ Why strong branding, before-and-after photography, model calls, and local partnerships outperform constant discounting✅ How operational discipline, financial stability, and high leadership standards create sustainable med spa expansionAbout Allie McAllister of CULT Aesthetics Clinics (https://www.cultaesthetics.com/)Allie McAllister is a prominent aesthetic nurse practitioner, entrepreneur, and powerhouse operator based in Atlanta, Georgia. Named one of the Top 100 Injectors in America and serving as a national Galderma trainer, she is the co-founder of CULT Aesthetics Clinics, Squeeze Skin, and the highly successful CULT Conferences. The landmark 10th CULT Conference in Scottsdale is already completely sold out.Known for her clinical expertise, natural aesthetic outcomes, and disciplined approach to business growth, Allie has built multiple brands centered on advanced provider education, exceptional patient experiences, and operational excellence. She is currently expanding the CULT Aesthetics Clinics footprint with a third clinic location opening in Phoenix.Learn more about Allie McAllister:https://www.instagram.com/theatlantainjector/https://www.instagram.com/cultconference/Ready to simplify your med spa operations and grow smarter? Visit https://www.glossgenius.com/medspasuccessstrategies and use code STRATEGIES for 50% off GlossGenius's Medspa & Aesthetic plans.Follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/medspamagicmarketing/https://www.linkedin.com/company/med-spa-magic-marketing/https://www.facebook.com/MedSpaMagicMarketing/https://www.tiktok.com/@medspamagicmarketing
In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella are joined by Armenthia Carr, the 2026 ASCP Esty of the Year, to discuss her journey through the industry and what has shaped her success as a professional esthetician. They explore her perspective on growth, education, and what it means to stand out in today's evolving esthetics landscape. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire. About Ella Cressman: Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, and business owner with more than 20 years of experience in corrective skin care. Known as an "ingredient junkie" and industry cheerleader, she empowers professionals to think beyond products and develop a deeper understanding of skin function and formulation. In addition to her practice, Cressman is the founder of the HHP Collective, a practitioner-led community focused on strengthening clinical reasoning and advancing professional growth within the esthetics industry. Connect with Ella Cressman: Website: www.hhpcollective.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a About Maggie Staszcuk: Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years' experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers. Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636 E: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com About our Sponsors: Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy GlossGenius Gaps in your schedule. Clients who don't rebook. Tight margins. High payment processing fees. Sound familiar? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you could be making more money. Especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and a clunky EMR that only makes things harder. That's why we love GlossGenius — the business management platform that does the work for you. It fills your calendar, rebooks clients automatically, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees. Plus, all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records — without the admin chaos. GlossGenius grows your revenue and handles the busywork, so you can focus on your clients. Use code ESTY at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. GlossGenius. More Growth. Less Busywork. Visit https://glossgenius.com/ascp for more details. About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP): Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation's largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member. Connect with ASCP: Website: www.ascpskincare.com Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com Phone: 800-789-0411 Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare Instagram: @ascpskincare
If social media feels like a freaking full-time job, you're not alone! Between algorithm changes, endless trends, and trying to figure out what actually leads to bookings, it's easy to feel overwhelmed.In this episode, I shared three content strategies that are currently getting better engagement, reaching more local people, and helping you turn social media into real business growth! These strategies are directly from what I am currently seeing across our social media clients results recently. These are practical, easy-to-implement ideas you can start using today.In this episode, you'll learn:
July 24, 2026: Your daily rundown of health and wellness news, in under 5 minutes. Today's top stories: GlossGenius raises $44M at $1.15B valuation and rebrands as Genius AI, expanding beyond beauty into fitness and med spas with AI back-office tools Science Corp receives European approval for its Prima retinal implant, one of the first commercial neurotech devices restoring partial vision for macular degeneration Hilo raises $19M to bring its wearable blood pressure platform to the US, pairing a screenless device and FDA-cleared cuff with AI coaching More from Fitt: Fitt Insider breaks down the convergence of fitness, wellness, and healthcare — and what it means for business, culture, and capital. Subscribe to our newsletter → insider.fitt.co/subscribe Work with our recruiting firm → https://talent.fitt.co/ Follow us on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/fittinsider/ Follow us on LinkedIn → linkedin.com/company/fittinsider Reach out → insider@fitt.co
Through a surprising story about a prison barber who offered facials, Maggie and Ella explore how a first experience with skin care can completely reshape a client's perspective. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, they discuss "The First Facial" and why clients often don't reject skin care, they simply don't have a reference point for its value until they experience it. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire. About Ella Cressman: Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, and business owner with more than 20 years of experience in corrective skin care. Known as an "ingredient junkie" and industry cheerleader, she empowers professionals to think beyond products and develop a deeper understanding of skin function and formulation. In addition to her practice, Cressman is the founder of the HHP Collective, a practitioner-led community focused on strengthening clinical reasoning and advancing professional growth within the esthetics industry. Connect with Ella Cressman: Website: www.hhpcollective.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a About Maggie Staszcuk: Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years' experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers. Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636 E: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com About our Sponsors: Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy GlossGenius Gaps in your schedule. Clients who don't rebook. Tight margins. High payment processing fees. Sound familiar? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you could be making more money. Especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and a clunky EMR that only makes things harder. That's why we love GlossGenius — the business management platform that does the work for you. It fills your calendar, rebooks clients automatically, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees. Plus, all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records — without the admin chaos. GlossGenius grows your revenue and handles the busywork, so you can focus on your clients. Use code ESTY at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. GlossGenius. More Growth. Less Busywork. Visit https://glossgenius.com/ascp for more details. About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP): Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation's largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member. Connect with ASCP: Website: www.ascpskincare.com Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com Phone: 800-789-0411 Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare Instagram: @ascpskincare
In today's episode, I talk about key trends I see while working with solo esthetician business owners and how I usually can predict if they will grow their business quickly based on how they respond to taking action and making decisions. Use code EARNING at glossgenius.com for 50% off your first two months of GlossGenius premium plans.Learn more about working with me 1:1 to Double Your Esthetician Business. Click here!Free workshop: The 7k Ceiling: The Real Reason You Haven't Doubled Your Business Yet Register here!Follow me on Instagram: @esthetician.coach
Established med spa owners face a different set of marketing questions than practices that are just getting started. Once you have a team, an established patient base, and a meaningful advertising budget, the challenge becomes knowing how to evaluate performance, scale responsibly, and turn new leads into long-term patients.In this episode, Ricky Shockley and Lauren Nettles answer 11 of the most common marketing questions they hear from established med spa owners. They share practical recommendations, performance benchmarks, and lessons gathered from managing millions of dollars in med spa advertising.You will learn:✅ What to do when your EMR does not allow custom appointment reminders✅ Why existing patients may see your new-patient ads and whether you need to honor the promotion✅ How Facebook and Instagram promotions differ from Groupon-style discount marketing✅ How to respond when your team believes all your leads are bad or only looking for discounts✅ Whether you can keep increasing your ad budget when a campaign is performing well✅ What to evaluate when new patients are not spending much or cannot afford additional services✅ Whether you should advertise to affluent patients who live 45 minutes or more from your practice✅ Which review management strategies and tools can help you generate more Google reviews✅ Whether med spas should use Google Performance Max campaigns instead of Search campaigns✅ Which med spa membership models tend to generate the strongest patient participation✅ How to calculate ROAS and true ROI, including whether agency management fees should be includedIf you are an established med spa owner trying to make smarter decisions about your advertising budget, lead quality, patient retention, and overall marketing investment, this episode will give you a clearer framework for evaluating what is working and what needs improvement.If you're ready to implement more efficient and effective marketing strategies for your practice, book your FREE strategy session and marketing plan: https://go.medspamagicmarketing.com/scheduleReady to simplify your med spa operations and grow smarter? Visit https://www.glossgenius.com/medspasuccessstrategies and use code STRATEGIES for 50% off GlossGenius's Medspa & Aesthetic plans.Follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/medspamagicmarketing/https://www.linkedin.com/company/med-spa-magic-marketing/https://www.facebook.com/MedSpaMagicMarketing/https://www.tiktok.com/@medspamagicmarketing
Season 7 Episode 1 - Season 7 is finally here and we're opening up with the amazing Natalie Anchondo! She talks to us about balancing motherhood and business ownership, opening a new salon and the benefits of micro needling. Earn more and get your time back with GlossGenius. Use code TWIST at glossgenius.com/beautywithatwist for 50% off your first two months of a premium plan. Time Stamps: 00:00 Introducing the Skin Pen Queen 03:00 How she came to specialize in micro needling 07:00 How specializing changed her business 15:00 Managing social media with some help 21:00 What to know before starting advanced acne treatments 27:00 Balancing motherhood and work 30:30 Supporting other estheticians to create community 33:00 Beef tallow and salmon sperm 39:00 Doing too much in the treatment room 47:00 I don't accept tips 51:00 Feeling grateful for my business and team
Peptides in skin care span everything from well-researched cosmetic ingredients to highly unregulated compounds circulating in the "research" market. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella break down a quick peptide primer, explore the difference between cosmetic and bioactive peptides, and unpack the legal and regulatory gray areas behind "research only" compounds, including how they entered the market and why oversight matters. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire. About Ella Cressman: Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, and business owner with more than 20 years of experience in corrective skin care. Known as an "ingredient junkie" and industry cheerleader, she empowers professionals to think beyond products and develop a deeper understanding of skin function and formulation. In addition to her practice, Cressman is the founder of the HHP Collective, a practitioner-led community focused on strengthening clinical reasoning and advancing professional growth within the esthetics industry. Connect with Ella Cressman: Website: www.hhpcollective.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a About Maggie Staszcuk: Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years' experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers. Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636 E: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com About our Sponsors: Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy GlossGenius Gaps in your schedule. Clients who don't rebook. Tight margins. High payment processing fees. Sound familiar? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you could be making more money. Especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and a clunky EMR that only makes things harder. That's why we love GlossGenius — the business management platform that does the work for you. It fills your calendar, rebooks clients automatically, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees. Plus, all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records — without the admin chaos. GlossGenius grows your revenue and handles the busywork, so you can focus on your clients. Use code ESTY at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. GlossGenius. More Growth. Less Busywork. Visit https://glossgenius.com/ascp for more details. About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP): Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation's largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member. Connect with ASCP: Website: www.ascpskincare.com Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com Phone: 800-789-0411 Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare Instagram: @ascpskincare
What if you stopped pricing your lash services based on what everyone else is charging...and started pricing based on the life you actually want to build?In this episode of Lash Biz Babes, I talked with Valerie Ochoa (@valthelashgal on IG) to talk about building a profitable lash business with intention. Val shares how a $800 lash training at 19 years old completely changed the trajectory of her life, eventually leading her to open The Dollhouse Salon Suites, launch a board-accredited lash academy, and open her town's first lash supply store.We talked about one of the biggest struggles beauty professionals face: making your business financially sustainable without burning yourself out. Val explains her "working backwards" pricing method, why every lash artist's pricing should be different, and how understanding your income goals can completely change the way you run your business.We also have an honest conversation about social media, why likes don't always equal bookings, and how showing up consistently (even when you don't feel like it) is one of the most powerful forms of marketing available to beauty professionals!In this episode, we cover:
What separates massage practices that constantly struggle from those that consistently grow into thriving, profitable businesses? In this solo episode of the Scaling Wellness Podcast, I break down the six key differences I've discovered after coaching more than 200 massage and wellness business owners. If you've ever felt overwhelmed, stuck, constantly putting out fires, or wondering why growth feels harder than it should, this episode will help you identify exactly what's holding your business back. From creating a clear vision and building predictable marketing systems to improving operations, hiring the right team, staying focused, and becoming the leader your business needs, I share the framework that transforms practices from surviving to scaling. Whether you're trying to hire your first therapist, grow to multiple locations, or finally build a business that doesn't rely on you for everything, this episode gives you a practical roadmap to get there. In This Episode You'll Learn: Why a lack of vision keeps business owners stuck in reactive mode The difference between random marketing and a predictable client acquisition system How thriving businesses build systems that don't rely on the owner Why hiring isn't enough and what great onboarding really looks like The hidden cost of chasing too many priorities at once Why leadership, not marketing, is often the biggest bottleneck to growth The six pillars every thriving massage and wellness business has in common --- *Brought to you by GlossGenius.* Are you dealing with gaps in your schedule? Clients who don't rebook? Low profits and high payment processing fees? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you're leaving money on the table especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and clunky software that only makes things harder. GlossGenius is the booking and business management platform built for massage therapists and wellness practitioners. It fills your calendar, automatically reBooks clients, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees in the industry. Plus all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records without the admin chaos. More growth. Less busywork. Use code **SCALING** at glossgenius.com/scalingwellness for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. Build a Wellness Practice That Creates More Time, More Freedom, and More Revenue Visit: www.scalingwellness.com Need More Client Bookings? Get instant access to our proven training: www.bookyourteamsolid.com Book a Free 1:1 Growth Strategy Call www.scalingwellness.com/chat Follow Scaling Wellness on Instagram www.instagram.com/scalingwellness
The med spa market is more competitive than ever, and the practices winning in 2026 are not relying on one tactic, one ad campaign, or one promotional offer. They are building stronger brands, tightening their online presence, improving speed to lead, and using data-tested advertising strategies that actually convert.In this episode, Ricky Shockley and Lauren Nettles break down the marketing strategies that are crushing it for med spas in Summer 2026, including the offers, platforms, positioning strategies, sales processes, and conversion tactics currently working across Med Spa Magic Marketing's client roster of 40+ med spas and nearly $3 million in annual ad spend.You will learn:✅ Why brand positioning and your online validation phase are critical in a competitive med spa market✅ How your website, photos, reviews, and Google Business Profile influence patient decision-making✅ Why brand-building content should work alongside direct response advertising✅ Why Meta Ads remain the first priority for most med spa advertising budgets✅ When Google Ads may make more sense for niche, search-driven services✅ Which Botox, Dysport, Daxxify, facial, lip filler, and Sculptra offers are performing best right now✅ How to calibrate promotions without attracting only discount shoppers✅ Why operations, consultations, provider experience, and rebooking systems determine campaign profitability✅ How AI search is changing med spa visibility and website content strategy✅ Why speed to lead, sales skills, and pre-appointment follow-up can make or break your resultsMarketing that works in 2026 is not about chasing the cheapest lead or copying the same offer every competitor is running. The practices that win are the ones that combine strong brand positioning, compelling introductory offers, sharp follow-up, thoughtful patient experience, and a clear understanding of where their marketing dollars are best spent.If you are trying to grow your med spa this summer, this episode will help you understand what is actually working right now, what to avoid, and how to build a patient acquisition strategy that creates both short-term bookings and long-term practice growth.If you're ready to implement more efficient & effective marketing strategies for your practice, book your FREE strategy session & marketing plan: https://go.medspamagicmarketing.com/scheduleReady to simplify your med spa operations and grow smarter? Visit https://www.glossgenius.com/medspasuccessstrategies and use code STRATEGIES for 50% off of GlossGenius's Medspa & Aesthetic plans.Follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/medspamagicmarketing/https://www.linkedin.com/company/med-spa-magic-marketing/https://www.facebook.com/MedSpaMagicMarketing/https://www.tiktok.com/@medspamagicmarketing
In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella are joined by Shannon Erley, CEO and founder of Pomp, to talk about the invisible revenue stream many estheticians overlook in their businesses. They explore where missed opportunities arise in the client journey, why retail and home care often get deprioritized, and small shifts that can help estheticians better support both results and revenue. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire. About Ella Cressman: Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, and business owner with more than 20 years of experience in corrective skin care. Known as an "ingredient junkie" and industry cheerleader, she empowers professionals to think beyond products and develop a deeper understanding of skin function and formulation. In addition to her practice, Cressman is the founder of the HHP Collective, a practitioner-led community focused on strengthening clinical reasoning and advancing professional growth within the esthetics industry. Connect with Ella Cressman: Website: www.hhpcollective.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a About Maggie Staszcuk: Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years' experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers. Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636 E: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com About our Sponsors: Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy GlossGenius Gaps in your schedule. Clients who don't rebook. Tight margins. High payment processing fees. Sound familiar? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you could be making more money. Especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and a clunky EMR that only makes things harder. That's why we love GlossGenius — the business management platform that does the work for you. It fills your calendar, rebooks clients automatically, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees. Plus, all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records — without the admin chaos. GlossGenius grows your revenue and handles the busywork, so you can focus on your clients. Use code ESTY at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. GlossGenius. More Growth. Less Busywork. Visit https://glossgenius.com/ascp for more details. About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP): Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation's largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member. Connect with ASCP: Website: www.ascpskincare.com Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com Phone: 800-789-0411 Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare Instagram: @ascpskincare
You've probably heard the phrase, "Your network is your net worth." ... But what does that actually look like when you're a lash artist or beauty professional?In this episode, we're talking about why building genuine relationships can be one of the most valuable investments you make in your beauty business, and why the opportunities that come from networking often can't be replicated through social media alone!We talked about:
Have you ever felt like you're waiting for the right time, more confidence, or complete certainty before making your next move? In this special episode, Ambrosia Carey & Misty Jayne share why certainty is one of the biggest reasons creative business owners stay stuck. We'll explore the hidden beliefs that keep us waiting, why confidence comes after action, and how small decisions create momentum. If you've been overthinking your next step in business or life, this episode will help you stop waiting for permission and start trusting yourself instead. Take 50% off GlossGenius premium plans using code SUCCESSFUL Take our FREE 10 Day Business Challenge! Join our 5% Journal Newsletter for more chats beyond the chair Key Take-aways: 1. Waiting for certainty often delays the very growth you're looking for. 2. Confidence isn't something you find before taking action. It's something you build by taking action. 3. Most creative business owners mistake overthinking for preparation. 4. Small decisions made consistently create far more momentum than waiting for the perfect opportunity. 5. Learning to trust yourself is one of the greatest competitive advantages you can develop. 6. Progress comes from experimentation, not perfection. 7. Your future is shaped more by the decisions you make today than the certainty you wish you had. Take 15% off our favorite skincare line, Pharmagel with code SSA15
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown break down something Hunter has been seeing come up again and again in his private coaching calls: stylists spiraling over business advice that was never meant for them in the first place.Hunter shares three real conversations he had recently with stylists who were each convinced they had a major problem in their business. Spoiler: none of them actually did. This episode is about learning how to filter the noise, read your own numbers, and stop letting general advice pull your focus away from what actually matters for your unique situation.Key Takeaways:
Growing a wellness business isn't just about getting more clients. It's about becoming a different kind of leader. Hannah Borgen knows that transformation firsthand. After spending years working as a massage therapist, Hannah launched her own practice with nothing more than a rented treatment room, a smartphone, and a willingness to consistently show up on social media. Today, Decompress Massage Therapy has grown into two thriving locations with nearly 40 team members, a clear vision for expansion, and a business built around helping women prioritize their wellbeing. In this episode of Scaling Wellness, Hannah shares the real behind-the-scenes journey of scaling a massage business from solo practitioner to multi-location owner. She opens up about the hiring mistakes that shaped her leadership, the systems that allowed her to step away from daily operations, why she invested heavily in learning marketing, and how Facebook ads, Google marketing, and operational systems became key drivers of growth. In this episode, you'll learn: How Hannah grew from a solo massage therapist to leading a team of nearly 40 people Why leadership is different from management and why that distinction matters Lessons learned from hiring the wrong people and building the right culture How Facebook ads and Google marketing fuel client acquisition The importance of wellness business systems and documented processes Why memberships can create predictable revenue and stronger client retention How to think like an entrepreneur instead of only a practitioner The mindset shifts required for scaling a wellness business --- *Brought to you by GlossGenius.* Are you dealing with gaps in your schedule? Clients who don't rebook? Low profits and high payment processing fees? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you're leaving money on the table especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and clunky software that only makes things harder. GlossGenius is the booking and business management platform built for massage therapists and wellness practitioners. It fills your calendar, automatically reBooks clients, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees in the industry. Plus all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records without the admin chaos. More growth. Less busywork. Use code **SCALING** at glossgenius.com/scalingwellness for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. Build a wellness business that gives you both time and income: www.scalingwellness.com Book a free strategy call: www.scalingwellness.com/chat Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scalingwellness
AI is changing the way med spas approach marketing, but it is not replacing strategy, taste, context, or the human layer that makes marketing actually work.In this episode, Ricky Shockley and Lauren Nettles break down the 2026 AI Med Spa Marketing Playbook, including where AI can help your practice move faster, create more, research smarter, and scale marketing efforts, as well as where human judgment still creates the biggest competitive advantage.You will learn:✅ How AI can support market research, competitive analysis, and data review✅ Why better context leads to better AI outputs✅ How to use AI for copywriting, ad creative, website content, and campaign ideas✅ Why the 10/80/10 framework is critical when using AI for marketing✅ Where AI can help with campaign deployment, automations, and tech stack efficiency✅ Why AI recommendations from Meta, Google, and other platforms still need human review✅ How human communication can become a major differentiator as AI becomes more common✅ Why AI can amplify strong marketing, but cannot fix weak operations or patient experience✅ How context-trained tools like NotebookLM can provide stronger answers than generic AI tools✅ Why the best results come from pairing AI efficiency with human strategy, QA, and decision-makingResources mentioned:NotebookLM trained on Med Spa Magic Marketing content: https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/a42e4299-d922-45b6-aa5b-9778b499c1c2?authuser=4AI can help med spas move faster, test more creative, streamline workflows, and make better use of their existing marketing team. But the practices that win will not be the ones that simply use AI the most. They will be the ones that feed it better context, make stronger strategic decisions, protect their brand voice, and use the human layer to create trust, differentiation, and better patient experiences.If you are trying to understand how AI should actually fit into your med spa's marketing strategy in 2026, this episode will help you separate the real opportunities from the hype and show you how to use AI as a powerful tool without handing over the steering wheel.Ready to simplify your med spa operations and grow smarter? Visit https://www.glossgenius.com/medspasuccessstrategies and use code STRATEGIES for 50% off of GlossGenius's Medspa & Aesthetic plans.If you're ready to implement more efficient & effective marketing strategies for your practice, book your FREE strategy session & marketing plan: https://go.medspamagicmarketing.com/scheduleFollow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/medspamagicmarketing/https://www.linkedin.com/company/med-spa-magic-marketing/https://www.facebook.com/MedSpaMagicMarketing/https://www.tiktok.com/@medspamagicmarketing
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown get into a topic Hunter feels strongly about: the ways hairstylists and beauty professionals are misusing AI right now, and why it is quietly doing more damage than good to their brands, their businesses, and their client relationships.Hunter is clear that this is not an anti-AI episode. He uses it extensively in his own business and with his students. But there is a big difference between using AI smartly and using it carelessly, and this episode is about helping you tell the difference before it costs you.Key Takeaways:
In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella talk about command prompting and how the way you communicate with AI shapes the results you get. They break down why vague prompts fall flat, how specificity changes outcomes, and how best to use it in your esthetics practice. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire. About Ella Cressman: Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, and business owner with more than 20 years of experience in corrective skin care. Known as an "ingredient junkie" and industry cheerleader, she empowers professionals to think beyond products and develop a deeper understanding of skin function and formulation. In addition to her practice, Cressman is the founder of the HHP Collective, a practitioner-led community focused on strengthening clinical reasoning and advancing professional growth within the esthetics industry. Connect with Ella Cressman: Website: www.hhpcollective.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a About Maggie Staszcuk: Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years' experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers. Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636 E: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com About our Sponsors: Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy TiZO Mineral Sunscreens set the standard for aesthetic elegance with tinted and non-tinted formulas for use on virtually all skin types and tones. Our name reflects our commitment: TIZO = Titanium dioxide + Zinc Oxides. All TiZO products are reef-friendly and 100% free of chemical sunscreens, dyes, fragrances, gluten, phthalates, and parabens. TiZO Photoceutical Skincare is the perfect partner to our sunscreens in the fight against photoaging. These silky, elegant products address tone, texture and hydration while helping to prevent further damage. From our flagship TiZO3 Primer/Sunscreen SPF 40 to our gentle Ultra Zinc formulations to our NEW Advanced Vitamin C+E Serum with Bakuchiol, TIZO has the ideal selection of products to Protect, Repair, and Revitalize skin. Website: https://tizoskin.com/ Facebook: @tizoskin Pinterest: @tizoskin Instagram: @tizoskin YouTube: @tizoskin GlossGenius Gaps in your schedule. Clients who don't rebook. Tight margins. High payment processing fees. Sound familiar? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you could be making more money. Especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and a clunky EMR that only makes things harder. That's why we love GlossGenius — the business management platform that does the work for you. It fills your calendar, rebooks clients automatically, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees. Plus, all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records — without the admin chaos. GlossGenius grows your revenue and handles the busywork, so you can focus on your clients. Use code ESTY at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. GlossGenius. More Growth. Less Busywork. Visit https://glossgenius.com/ascp for more details. Face Reality is an award-winning, professional acne brand trusted by thousands of providers. Its clinically tested products, customizable protocols, and provider product training deliver life-changing results across all skin types—empowering professionals to confidently clear even the most stubborn acne. Plus, when you enroll, your $800 certification comes back to you as $800 off your opening order* after completion. *$800 discount code valid on one product order of $1,200 or more. Valid for 30 days after completion of certification. Must enter code at checkout. Offer subject to change. https://facerealityskincare.com/pages/certification-training Social (TikTok, IG, Facebook): https://www.instagram.com/facerealityskincare/ https://tiktok.com/@facerealityskincare https://www.facebook.com/facerealityskincare About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP): Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation's largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member. Connect with ASCP: Website: www.ascpskincare.com Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com Phone: 800-789-0411 Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare Instagram: @ascpskincare
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown tackle a topic Hunter feels strongly about: why every fully booked hairstylist needs to drop a day behind the chair, and how to do it without losing income.Hunter gets real about the difference between being booked and busy versus actually growing, and why working two full time jobs (doing hair and running the business) is a recipe for burnout and stagnation. This episode breaks down exactly who is ready to take this step, who isn't yet, and the numbers that make it possible.Key Takeaways:⏰ You Are Working Two Full Time Jobs: Doing hair and running a business are each demanding enough to be a full time job on their own. Hunter explains why trying to do both, full time, leaves no room to actually grow, and why something has to give.
You hired the therapist. Now comes the harder part: getting clients to actually book with them. One of the biggest mistakes massage practice owners make is treating marketing like a collection of random activities instead of a system. A social media post here. A promotion there. A referral when someone remembers to ask. The problem is that random marketing creates random results. In this episode, I'll walk you through a simple framework for getting a new therapist booked faster without constantly chasing the latest marketing tactic. We'll discuss: • Why marketing becomes more important after you hire • How to set clear goals for a new therapist's schedule • How to identify what's already working in your marketing • Why doing more of what's working often beats trying something new • How to choose the right marketing strategies based on your time, energy, and budget • The retention metrics that actually matter • How to use internal marketing and client transfers to build momentum quickly If you've hired a therapist and you're staring at an empty schedule wondering what comes next, this episode will help you create a more intentional plan to fill it. --- *Brought to you by GlossGenius.* Are you dealing with gaps in your schedule? Clients who don't rebook? Low profits and high payment processing fees? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you're leaving money on the table especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and clunky software that only makes things harder. GlossGenius is the booking and business management platform built for massage therapists and wellness practitioners. It fills your calendar, automatically reBooks clients, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees in the industry. Plus all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records without the admin chaos. More growth. Less busywork. Use code **SCALING** at glossgenius.com/scalingwellness for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. Build a Wellness Practice That Creates More Time, More Freedom, and More Revenue Visit: www.scalingwellness.com Need More Client Bookings? Get instant access to our proven training: www.bookyourteamsolid.com Book a Free 1:1 Growth Strategy Call www.scalingwellness.com/chat Follow Scaling Wellness on Instagram www.instagram.com/scalingwellness
You found someone. The interview went well. The practical looked great. They seemed like the perfect fit. A few months later, things aren't going the way you hoped. Before you assume you hired the wrong person, it may be worth looking at the bigger picture. In this episode, I break down the five factors that determine whether a new hire succeeds or struggles inside a massage practice. We'll talk about hiring, onboarding, expectations, leadership, and one of the most overlooked pieces of all: keeping their schedule busy. Because the truth is, a great hire can still fail in the wrong environment, while an average hire can thrive when they're given the right support. In this episode, we'll discuss: • How to tell if you actually hired the right person • The onboarding mistakes that create problems before they even start • Why unclear expectations lead to frustration on both sides • The leadership skills most massage business owners were never taught • Why marketing becomes even more important after you hire If you've ever hired someone and wondered, "Why isn't this working?" this episode will help you diagnose where the real problem might be. --- *Brought to you by GlossGenius.* Are you dealing with gaps in your schedule? Clients who don't rebook? Low profits and high payment processing fees? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you're leaving money on the table especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and clunky software that only makes things harder. GlossGenius is the booking and business management platform built for massage therapists and wellness practitioners. It fills your calendar, automatically reBooks clients, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees in the industry. Plus all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records without the admin chaos. More growth. Less busywork. Use code **SCALING** at glossgenius.com/scalingwellness for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. Build a wellness business that gives you both time and income: www.scalingwellness.com Book a free strategy call: www.scalingwellness.com/chat Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scalingwellness
In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella discuss how wellness is splitting in two directions: hyper-optimization and a return to nervous system care. Your hosts also explore what this shift means for estheticians, who are often expected to balance both technical expertise and a more therapeutic role in practice. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire. About Ella Cressman: Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, and business owner with more than 20 years of experience in corrective skin care. Known as an "ingredient junkie" and industry cheerleader, she empowers professionals to think beyond products and develop a deeper understanding of skin function and formulation. In addition to her practice, Cressman is the founder of the HHP Collective, a practitioner-led community focused on strengthening clinical reasoning and advancing professional growth within the esthetics industry. Connect with Ella Cressman: Website: www.hhpcollective.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a About Maggie Staszcuk: Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years' experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers. Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636 E: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com About our Sponsors: Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy TiZO Mineral Sunscreens set the standard for aesthetic elegance with tinted and non-tinted formulas for use on virtually all skin types and tones. Our name reflects our commitment: TIZO = Titanium dioxide + Zinc Oxides. All TiZO products are reef-friendly and 100% free of chemical sunscreens, dyes, fragrances, gluten, phthalates, and parabens. TiZO Photoceutical Skincare is the perfect partner to our sunscreens in the fight against photoaging. These silky, elegant products address tone, texture and hydration while helping to prevent further damage. From our flagship TiZO3 Primer/Sunscreen SPF 40 to our gentle Ultra Zinc formulations to our NEW Advanced Vitamin C+E Serum with Bakuchiol, TIZO has the ideal selection of products to Protect, Repair, and Revitalize skin. Website: https://tizoskin.com/ Facebook: @tizoskin Pinterest: @tizoskin Instagram: @tizoskin YouTube: @tizoskin GlossGenius Gaps in your schedule. Clients who don't rebook. Tight margins. High payment processing fees. Sound familiar? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you could be making more money. Especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and a clunky EMR that only makes things harder. That's why we love GlossGenius — the business management platform that does the work for you. It fills your calendar, rebooks clients automatically, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees. Plus, all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records — without the admin chaos. GlossGenius grows your revenue and handles the busywork, so you can focus on your clients. Use code ESTY at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. GlossGenius. More Growth. Less Busywork. Visit https://glossgenius.com/ascp for more details. Face Reality is an award-winning, professional acne brand trusted by thousands of providers. Its clinically tested products, customizable protocols, and provider product training deliver life-changing results across all skin types—empowering professionals to confidently clear even the most stubborn acne. Plus, when you enroll, your $800 certification comes back to you as $800 off your opening order* after completion. *$800 discount code valid on one product order of $1,200 or more. Valid for 30 days after completion of certification. Must enter code at checkout. Offer subject to change. https://facerealityskincare.com/pages/certification-training Social (TikTok, IG, Facebook): https://www.instagram.com/facerealityskincare/ https://tiktok.com/@facerealityskincare https://www.facebook.com/facerealityskincare About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP): Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation's largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member. Connect with ASCP: Website: www.ascpskincare.com Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com Phone: 800-789-0411 Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare Instagram: @ascpskincare
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown dig into a pattern Hunter kept seeing on calls with stylists who, on paper, have everything figured out. They're booked out, making six figures, and have built a loyal client base over a decade or more. But they're stuck, and they can't figure out why.Hunter breaks down what's really going on for these stylists, and it has nothing to do with talent, work ethic, or how good their business actually is. This episode unpacks the emotional and strategic blind spot that keeps successful stylists capped, and what it actually takes to break through.Key Takeaways:
Right now, it feels like there's more pressure than ever for skin care to be proven. But what the proof actually means isn't always clear. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella talk about how proof shows up in skin care today, from clinical data to consumer perception and visual results. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire. About Ella Cressman: Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, and business owner with more than 20 years of experience in corrective skin care. Known as an "ingredient junkie" and industry cheerleader, she empowers professionals to think beyond products and develop a deeper understanding of skin function and formulation. In addition to her practice, Cressman is the founder of the HHP Collective, a practitioner-led community focused on strengthening clinical reasoning and advancing professional growth within the esthetics industry. Connect with Ella Cressman: Website: www.hhpcollective.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a About Maggie Staszcuk: Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years' experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers. Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636 E: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com About our Sponsors: Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy TiZO Mineral Sunscreens set the standard for aesthetic elegance with tinted and non-tinted formulas for use on virtually all skin types and tones. Our name reflects our commitment: TIZO = Titanium dioxide + Zinc Oxides. All TiZO products are reef-friendly and 100% free of chemical sunscreens, dyes, fragrances, gluten, phthalates, and parabens. TiZO Photoceutical Skincare is the perfect partner to our sunscreens in the fight against photoaging. These silky, elegant products address tone, texture and hydration while helping to prevent further damage. From our flagship TiZO3 Primer/Sunscreen SPF 40 to our gentle Ultra Zinc formulations to our NEW Advanced Vitamin C+E Serum with Bakuchiol, TIZO has the ideal selection of products to Protect, Repair, and Revitalize skin. Website: https://tizoskin.com/ Facebook: @tizoskin Pinterest: @tizoskin Instagram: @tizoskin YouTube: @tizoskin GlossGenius Gaps in your schedule. Clients who don't rebook. Tight margins. High payment processing fees. Sound familiar? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you could be making more money. Especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and a clunky EMR that only makes things harder. That's why we love GlossGenius — the business management platform that does the work for you. It fills your calendar, rebooks clients automatically, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees. Plus, all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records — without the admin chaos. GlossGenius grows your revenue and handles the busywork, so you can focus on your clients. Use code ESTY at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. GlossGenius. More Growth. Less Busywork. Visit https://glossgenius.com/ascp for more details. Face Reality is an award-winning, professional acne brand trusted by thousands of providers. Its clinically tested products, customizable protocols, and provider product training deliver life-changing results across all skin types—empowering professionals to confidently clear even the most stubborn acne. Plus, when you enroll, your $800 certification comes back to you as $800 off your opening order* after completion. *$800 discount code valid on one product order of $1,200 or more. Valid for 30 days after completion of certification. Must enter code at checkout. Offer subject to change. https://facerealityskincare.com/pages/certification-training Social (TikTok, IG, Facebook): https://www.instagram.com/facerealityskincare/ https://tiktok.com/@facerealityskincare https://www.facebook.com/facerealityskincare About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP): Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation's largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member. Connect with ASCP: Website: www.ascpskincare.com Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com Phone: 800-789-0411 Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare Instagram: @ascpskincare
In this episode, I explore why so many massage therapists struggle with the idea of building a larger business, where those fears come from, and the hidden cost of staying small simply because growth feels uncomfortable. This isn't a conversation about getting bigger for the sake of getting bigger. It's a conversation about building a business that supports the people inside it including you. We'll get into: Why so many therapists are suspicious of successful group practices Where those beliefs come from and why they often make sense The difference between healthy discernment and self-protection Why many owners attach a moral meaning to money, growth, and success The hidden cost of staying fully booked, exhausted, and responsible for everything Why good intentions alone don't create a sustainable business What ethical profitability actually looks like in practice How profit creates more options for owners, employees, and clients Why a business that depends entirely on your hands is more fragile than it appears The deeper identity fears many therapists have around growth and leadership How to build a business that reflects your values without sacrificing your well-being If you've ever found yourself thinking, "I don't want to become that kind of owner," I think you'll get a lot out of this conversation. --- *Brought to you by GlossGenius.* Are you dealing with gaps in your schedule? Clients who don't rebook? Low profits and high payment processing fees? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you're leaving money on the table especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and clunky software that only makes things harder. GlossGenius is the booking and business management platform built for massage therapists and wellness practitioners. It fills your calendar, automatically reBooks clients, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees in the industry. Plus all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records without the admin chaos. More growth. Less busywork. Use code **SCALING** at glossgenius.com/scalingwellness for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. Build a wellness business that gives you both time and income: www.scalingwellness.com Book a free strategy call: www.scalingwellness.com/chat Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scalingwellness
In this episode, Shaelyn Elliott shares how Stretch Fairy grew from a solo massage practice into a wellness ecosystem blending massage, movement, community, and education. We talk about building a team, creating client pathways, hiring for values, and making the shift from service provider to CEO all while navigating some of the hardest seasons of life. How free online fitness classes during COVID created a waitlist that sparked the growth of Stretch Fairy. Why Shaelyn built an ecosystem business that combines massage therapy, movement, education, and community. The client journey she uses to move clients from treatment into long-term health and wellness habits. How she hires for values, communication, and culture fit over experience alone. The systems she uses to keep her team aligned, accountable, and growing. Why she believes every practitioner should play a role in marketing and growing their own client base. How she expanded into a 2,000 sq. ft. movement studio during one of the most challenging personal seasons of her life. The mindset shifts around money, self-worth, and leadership that helped her evolve from practitioner to CEO. What she's learning now as she navigates the next stage of growth, delegation, and scaling beyond herself. --- *Brought to you by GlossGenius.* Are you dealing with gaps in your schedule? Clients who don't rebook? Low profits and high payment processing fees? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you're leaving money on the table especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and clunky software that only makes things harder. GlossGenius is the booking and business management platform built for massage therapists and wellness practitioners. It fills your calendar, automatically reBooks clients, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees in the industry. Plus all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records without the admin chaos. More growth. Less busywork. Use code **SCALING** at glossgenius.com/scalingwellness for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. Build a wellness business that gives you both time and income: www.scalingwellness.com Book a free strategy call: www.scalingwellness.com/chat Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scalingwellness
Summer brings sunshine, ballparks, and hot dogs. But in the treatment room, it often brings a noticeable shift in business rhythm. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella explore seasonality in the esthetics industry, asking whether summer is truly a slowdown or just a shift in client behavior. Using a lighthearted hot-dog stand analogy, your hosts unpack timing, demand, and the opportunity that summer brings. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire. About Ella Cressman: Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, and business owner with more than 20 years of experience in corrective skin care. Known as an "ingredient junkie" and industry cheerleader, she empowers professionals to think beyond products and develop a deeper understanding of skin function and formulation. In addition to her practice, Cressman is the founder of the HHP Collective, a practitioner-led community focused on strengthening clinical reasoning and advancing professional growth within the esthetics industry. Connect with Ella Cressman: Website: www.hhpcollective.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a About Maggie Staszcuk: Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years' experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers. Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636 E: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com About our Sponsors: Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy TiZO Mineral Sunscreens set the standard for aesthetic elegance with tinted and non-tinted formulas for use on virtually all skin types and tones. Our name reflects our commitment: TIZO = Titanium dioxide + Zinc Oxides. All TiZO products are reef-friendly and 100% free of chemical sunscreens, dyes, fragrances, gluten, phthalates, and parabens. TiZO Photoceutical Skincare is the perfect partner to our sunscreens in the fight against photoaging. These silky, elegant products address tone, texture and hydration while helping to prevent further damage. From our flagship TiZO3 Primer/Sunscreen SPF 40 to our gentle Ultra Zinc formulations to our NEW Advanced Vitamin C+E Serum with Bakuchiol, TIZO has the ideal selection of products to Protect, Repair, and Revitalize skin. Website: https://tizoskin.com/ Facebook: @tizoskin Pinterest: @tizoskin Instagram: @tizoskin YouTube: @tizoskin GlossGenius Gaps in your schedule. Clients who don't rebook. Tight margins. High payment processing fees. Sound familiar? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you could be making more money. Especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and a clunky EMR that only makes things harder. That's why we love GlossGenius — the business management platform that does the work for you. It fills your calendar, rebooks clients automatically, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees. Plus, all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records — without the admin chaos. GlossGenius grows your revenue and handles the busywork, so you can focus on your clients. Use code ESTY at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. GlossGenius. More Growth. Less Busywork. Visit https://glossgenius.com/ascp for more details. Face Reality is an award-winning, professional acne brand trusted by thousands of providers. Its clinically tested products, customizable protocols, and provider product training deliver life-changing results across all skin types—empowering professionals to confidently clear even the most stubborn acne. Plus, when you enroll, your $800 certification comes back to you as $800 off your opening order* after completion. *$800 discount code valid on one product order of $1,200 or more. Valid for 30 days after completion of certification. Must enter code at checkout. Offer subject to change. https://facerealityskincare.com/pages/certification-training Social (TikTok, IG, Facebook): https://www.instagram.com/facerealityskincare/ https://tiktok.com/@facerealityskincare https://www.facebook.com/facerealityskincare About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP): Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation's largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member. Connect with ASCP: Website: www.ascpskincare.com Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com Phone: 800-789-0411 Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare Instagram: @ascpskincare
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown have the honest, unfiltered conversation that so many beauty professionals need to hear before they go down the road of creating a digital product or online education business.This one started as an off-the-record rant between the two of them and turned into something too real not to share. Hunter breaks down what it actually takes to build a digital product that works, who it is genuinely a great fit for, and why the motivation behind your "why" matters more than most people realize. They also get into the passive income myth, the skill gaps nobody warns you about, and why optimizing the business you already have might be the smarter first move.Key Takeaways:
Ever hired someone who looked perfect on paper… only to realize a few weeks later they were the wrong fit? The truth is, most bad hires aren't caused by hiring the wrong person; they happen because there's no hiring process behind the decision. In this episode, I break down the three hiring mistakes that quietly cost wellness business owners time, money, energy, and team culture. You'll learn how to spot red flags before they become problems, avoid making decisions from a place of desperation, and create a simple hiring framework that helps you find therapists who align with your business, not just candidates with the best resume. We'll get into: The three hiring mistakes that lead to costly team problems Why hiring based on "good vibes" isn't enough How to evaluate hard skills, soft skills, and culture fit The interview questions that reveal what resumes can't Why coachability often matters more than experience How to trust your instincts without relying on them alone If you're growing your team or thinking about making your next hire, this episode could save you from an expensive mistake. --- *Brought to you by GlossGenius.* Are you dealing with gaps in your schedule? Clients who don't rebook? Low profits and high payment processing fees? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you're leaving money on the table especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and clunky software that only makes things harder. GlossGenius is the booking and business management platform built for massage therapists and wellness practitioners. It fills your calendar, automatically reBooks clients, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees in the industry. Plus all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records without the admin chaos. More growth. Less busywork. Use code **SCALING** at glossgenius.com/scalingwellness for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. Build a wellness business that gives you both time and income: www.scalingwellness.com Book a free strategy call: www.scalingwellness.com/chat Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scalingwellness
"Favorite Things" is back! In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Ella and Maggie share the treatment-room staples they're currently loving. From multitasking skin care and collagen-supporting formulas to pro-level devices and regenerative innovations, they break down what's working, why it stands out, and how it can elevate both services and at-home routines. Plus, you'll have a chance to win some of their favorite things. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire. Product Links: Dermaflash Website: Dermaflash Products: Dermaflash Cool & Dermaflash Pro Viktoria DeAnn Website: Viktoria DeAnn Products: Pepti Eye Serum & VIO Hydra Firm Eye Cream FarmHouse Fresh Website: FarmHouse Fresh Product: Full Moon Dip IMAGE Website: IMAGE Product: Vol.U.Lift Pevonia Website: Pevonia Product: Phyto-gel Cleanser Osmosis Website: Osmosis (TriFusion Skin Ritual) About Ella Cressman: Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, and business owner with more than 20 years of experience in corrective skin care. Known as an "ingredient junkie" and industry cheerleader, she empowers professionals to think beyond products and develop a deeper understanding of skin function and formulation. In addition to her practice, Cressman is the founder of the HHP Collective, a practitioner-led community focused on strengthening clinical reasoning and advancing professional growth within the esthetics industry. Connect with Ella Cressman: Website: www.hhpcollective.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a About Maggie Staszcuk: Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years' experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers. Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636 E: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com About our Sponsors: Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy TiZO Mineral Sunscreens set the standard for aesthetic elegance with tinted and non-tinted formulas for use on virtually all skin types and tones. Our name reflects our commitment: TIZO = Titanium dioxide + Zinc Oxides. All TiZO products are reef-friendly and 100% free of chemical sunscreens, dyes, fragrances, gluten, phthalates, and parabens. TiZO Photoceutical Skincare is the perfect partner to our sunscreens in the fight against photoaging. These silky, elegant products address tone, texture and hydration while helping to prevent further damage. From our flagship TiZO3 Primer/Sunscreen SPF 40 to our gentle Ultra Zinc formulations to our NEW Advanced Vitamin C+E Serum with Bakuchiol, TIZO has the ideal selection of products to Protect, Repair, and Revitalize skin. Website: https://tizoskin.com/ Facebook: @tizoskin Pinterest: @tizoskin Instagram: @tizoskin YouTube: @tizoskin GlossGenius Gaps in your schedule. Clients who don't rebook. Tight margins. High payment processing fees. Sound familiar? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you could be making more money. Especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and a clunky EMR that only makes things harder. That's why we love GlossGenius — the business management platform that does the work for you. It fills your calendar, rebooks clients automatically, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees. Plus, all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records — without the admin chaos. GlossGenius grows your revenue and handles the busywork, so you can focus on your clients. Use code ESTY at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. GlossGenius. More Growth. Less Busywork. Visit https://glossgenius.com/ascp for more details. About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP): Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation's largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member. Connect with ASCP: Website: www.ascpskincare.com Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com Phone: 800-789-0411 Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare Instagram: @ascpskincare
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown break down what it actually looks like to hire support staff in your beauty business, why most stylists do it wrong, and how to make sure you get a real return on the investment. If you are a six-figure stylist who is maxed out, stuck doing everything yourself, and wondering if bringing someone on is the right move, this episode is for you.Hunter walks through the full hiring process from identifying the gap in your business that actually needs to be filled, to defining the role, finding candidates, and running a paid test project that tells you everything you need to know before you commit. He also introduces a framework for understanding the two types of hires and why knowing the difference before you post a single job listing will save you a significant amount of time, money, and frustration.Key Takeaways:
What happens when the business you dreamed of building starts depending on you for everything? In this episode, DJ sits down with Katie Reschny of The Elm Body Co. to talk about the messy, emotional, and deeply human side of growing a wellness business beyond yourself. Katie shares the behind-the-scenes reality of building a multi-location massage and bodywork business with a team of 12+ practitioners including the identity shifts, leadership challenges, systems, emotional labor, and hard decisions that rarely get talked about publicly. This isn't one of those conversations that makes growth sound glamorous. It's a conversation about what actually happens after you become "successful." The pressure of being the one everyone depends on. The guilt of stepping away from hands-on work. The fear of becoming a "bad boss." The emotional weight of leading people while still trying to protect your own energy. Katie opens up about what it looked like to go from massage therapist to business owner… and eventually into a leadership role she never originally planned for. Together, DJ and Katie unpack: Why being fully booked is not the same thing as having freedom The surprising emotional challenges of leading a team How systems and structure actually create safety (not corporate coldness) The tension between wanting to help everyone and protecting your own capacity Why many wellness business owners accidentally build businesses that trap them The mindset shifts required to step out of the treatment room How leadership changes your relationship with time, money, and responsibility What it really takes to create a business that doesn't rely entirely on your hands This episode will especially resonate with massage therapists and wellness business owners who: feel overwhelmed by the weight of responsibility are struggling to get clients to book with their team instead of just them want to work less without feeling guilty are afraid of losing the heart of their business as they grow feel stuck between "I can't keep doing this forever" and "I don't know what comes next" There's also a powerful conversation in this episode around sustainability. Not just financial sustainability. Personal sustainability. Emotional sustainability. Physical sustainability. Because eventually, almost every massage therapist reaches a point where they quietly wonder: "Can I keep doing this the same way forever?" And this conversation is about what comes next. --- *Brought to you by GlossGenius.* Are you dealing with gaps in your schedule? Clients who don't rebook? Low profits and high payment processing fees? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you're leaving money on the table especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and clunky software that only makes things harder. GlossGenius is the booking and business management platform built for massage therapists and wellness practitioners. It fills your calendar, automatically reBooks clients, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees in the industry. Plus all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records without the admin chaos. More growth. Less busywork. Use code **SCALING** at glossgenius.com/scalingwellness for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. Build a wellness business that gives you both time and income: www.scalingwellness.com Book a free strategy call: www.scalingwellness.com/chat Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scalingwellness
Being the driver of the appointment is about shifting from simply performing services to intentionally guiding the client experience with confidence, clarity, and presence. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella are joined by guest Claudia Wyatt, an "enthusiasm igniter" and "self-doubt eraser", to explore what it means to lead the appointment, elevate client interactions, and take ownership of the treatment room experience. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire. About Claudia Wyatt: Claudia Wyatt is a confidence and leadership coach, international speaker, and founder of Claudia Wyatt Coaching LLC. With over 25 years in the spa industry, she began as a makeup artist and esthetician and advanced into executive leadership, becoming a pioneer in esthetics education in her region. Claudia now helps individuals and teams overcome self-doubt, communicate with confidence, and lead with purpose through her signature Walkabout Method™. Her work is rooted in real industry experience and personal resilience, bringing authenticity and energy to every stage. Recognized as a top leadership coach in 2025, she is passionate about empowering others to trust themselves, step into their voice, and create meaningful impact. Connect with Claudia: Website: claudiawyatt.com About Ella Cressman: Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, and business owner with more than 20 years of experience in corrective skin care. Known as an "ingredient junkie" and industry cheerleader, she empowers professionals to think beyond products and develop a deeper understanding of skin function and formulation. In addition to her practice, Cressman is the founder of the HHP Collective, a practitioner-led community focused on strengthening clinical reasoning and advancing professional growth within the esthetics industry. Connect with Ella Cressman: Website: www.hhpcollective.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a About Maggie Staszcuk: Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years' experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers. Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636 E: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com About our Sponsors: Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy TiZO Mineral Sunscreens set the standard for aesthetic elegance with tinted and non-tinted formulas for use on virtually all skin types and tones. Our name reflects our commitment: TIZO = Titanium dioxide + Zinc Oxides. All TiZO products are reef-friendly and 100% free of chemical sunscreens, dyes, fragrances, gluten, phthalates, and parabens. TiZO Photoceutical Skincare is the perfect partner to our sunscreens in the fight against photoaging. These silky, elegant products address tone, texture and hydration while helping to prevent further damage. From our flagship TiZO3 Primer/Sunscreen SPF 40 to our gentle Ultra Zinc formulations to our NEW Advanced Vitamin C+E Serum with Bakuchiol, TIZO has the ideal selection of products to Protect, Repair, and Revitalize skin. Website: https://tizoskin.com/ Facebook: @tizoskin Pinterest: @tizoskin Instagram: @tizoskin YouTube: @tizoskin GlossGenius Gaps in your schedule. Clients who don't rebook. Tight margins. High payment processing fees. Sound familiar? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you could be making more money. Especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and a clunky EMR that only makes things harder. That's why we love GlossGenius — the business management platform that does the work for you. It fills your calendar, rebooks clients automatically, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees. Plus, all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records — without the admin chaos. GlossGenius grows your revenue and handles the busywork, so you can focus on your clients. Use code ESTY at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. GlossGenius. More Growth. Less Busywork. Visit glossgenius.com/ascp for more details. About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP): Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation's largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member. Connect with ASCP: Website: www.ascpskincare.com Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com Phone: 800-789-0411 Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare Instagram: @ascpskincare
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown get into the money conversation most stylists either avoid entirely or stress about at the wrong time. If you are an independent hairstylist or salon suite owner who has crossed or is approaching the six-figure mark and you want to actually understand what is happening with your money, this episode is for you.Hunter and Jodie walk through what financial management as a stylist entrepreneur actually looks like at different income levels, why the advice to cut expenses is not always the right move, and what it really means to increase your profitability. Hunter is candid about the limits of his own expertise while sharing the real frameworks he uses with Mastermind clients to help them take home more money without working more hours.Key Takeaways:
Big news in sunscreen regulation: For the first time since 1999, the US is seeing a new active ingredient approved, BEMT (Bemotrizinol), signaling an important shift in how sunscreens are formulated. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella discuss what FDA regulation of OTC sunscreens means, why new UV filters are significant, and how these changes impact both formulation and client education in the treatment room. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire. About Ella Cressman: Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, and business owner with more than 20 years of experience in corrective skin care. Known as an "ingredient junkie" and industry cheerleader, she empowers professionals to think beyond products and develop a deeper understanding of skin function and formulation. In addition to her practice, Cressman is the founder of the HHP Collective, a practitioner-led community focused on strengthening clinical reasoning and advancing professional growth within the esthetics industry. Connect with Ella Cressman: Website: www.hhpcollective.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a About Maggie Staszcuk: Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years' experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers. Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636 E: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com About our Sponsors: Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy TiZO Mineral Sunscreens set the standard for aesthetic elegance with tinted and non-tinted formulas for use on virtually all skin types and tones. Our name reflects our commitment: TIZO = Titanium dioxide + Zinc Oxides. All TiZO products are reef-friendly and 100% free of chemical sunscreens, dyes, fragrances, gluten, phthalates, and parabens. TiZO Photoceutical Skincare is the perfect partner to our sunscreens in the fight against photoaging. These silky, elegant products address tone, texture and hydration while helping to prevent further damage. From our flagship TiZO3 Primer/Sunscreen SPF 40 to our gentle Ultra Zinc formulations to our NEW Advanced Vitamin C+E Serum with Bakuchiol, TIZO has the ideal selection of products to Protect, Repair, and Revitalize skin. Website: https://tizoskin.com/ Facebook: @tizoskin Pinterest: @tizoskin Instagram: @tizoskin YouTube: @tizoskin GlossGenius Gaps in your schedule. Clients who don't rebook. Tight margins. High payment processing fees. Sound familiar? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you could be making more money. Especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and a clunky EMR that only makes things harder. That's why we love GlossGenius — the business management platform that does the work for you. It fills your calendar, rebooks clients automatically, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees. Plus, all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records — without the admin chaos. GlossGenius grows your revenue and handles the busywork, so you can focus on your clients. Use code ESTY at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. GlossGenius. More Growth. Less Busywork. Visit https://glossgenius.com/ for more details. About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP): Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation's largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member. Connect with ASCP: Website: www.ascpskincare.com Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com Phone: 800-789-0411 Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare Instagram: @ascpskincare
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown break down what is actually happening beneath the surface when a hairstylist is overbooked and why being fully booked is not the finish line most stylists think it is. If you are three to four weeks booked solid, turning away new clients, and still feeling exhausted, stretched thin, and stuck, this episode is specifically for you.Hunter and Jodie walk through the real costs of staying overbooked for too long, from the administrative and operational weight that spills into your time off, to the income potential you are quietly capping every time you say no to a new client. This is not about being ungrateful for a full book. It is about understanding what it is actually costing you to stay there without a plan to scale out of it.Key Takeaways:
The thing that makes someone an incredible healer can also make the business fail to get traction. The best massage therapists are often deeply caring, highly responsible, intuitive people. They notice everything. They step in quickly. They protect people. They fix problems before anyone else even notices them. Those traits create incredible client experiences. But in business? Those same instincts can slowly turn the owner into the bottleneck. In this episode, I unpack why so many skilled healers struggle with leadership once they begin growing beyond themselves, and why the shift from practitioner to owner can feel surprisingly uncomfortable. I talk about: Why healing and leadership often reward opposite behaviors How "being helpful" can accidentally create dependence in your team The hidden difference between empathy and conflict avoidance Why do many wellness owners avoid systems or swing too far into control How structure can actually protect your values instead of destroying them What "caring differently" really looks like as a leader The identity shift from hands-on healer to business builder This episode is especially for massage therapists and wellness practice owners who: feel like everything still depends on them struggle to step back without guilt feel emotionally exhausted by leadership want more freedom without becoming "corporate" are trying to grow beyond their own hands without losing the heart behind their work --- *Brought to you by GlossGenius.* Are you dealing with gaps in your schedule? Clients who don't rebook? Low profits and high payment processing fees? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you're leaving money on the table especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and clunky software that only makes things harder. GlossGenius is the booking and business management platform built for massage therapists and wellness practitioners. It fills your calendar, automatically reBooks clients, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees in the industry. Plus all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records without the admin chaos. More growth. Less busywork. Use code **SCALING** at glossgenius.com/scalingwellness for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. Build a wellness business that gives you both time and income: www.scalingwellness.com Book a free strategy call: www.scalingwellness.com/chat Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scalingwellness
The skin doesn't just need hydration and protection—it needs energy to repair, regulate, and function optimally. At the center of that energy system is NAD+ (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a coenzyme essential for cellular metabolism, which naturally declines with age and stress. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella explore NAD+, its role in skin energy and repair, and how niacinamide supports NAD+ production, connecting cellular function to visible skin health. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire. About Ella Cressman: Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, and business owner with more than 20 years of experience in corrective skin care. Known as an "ingredient junkie" and industry cheerleader, she empowers professionals to think beyond products and develop a deeper understanding of skin function and formulation. In addition to her practice, Cressman is the founder of the HHP Collective, a practitioner-led community focused on strengthening clinical reasoning and advancing professional growth within the esthetics industry. Connect with Ella Cressman: Website: www.hhpcollective.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a About Maggie Staszcuk: Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years' experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers. Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636 E: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com About our Sponsors: Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy TiZO Mineral Sunscreens set the standard for aesthetic elegance with tinted and non-tinted formulas for use on virtually all skin types and tones. Our name reflects our commitment: TIZO = Titanium dioxide + Zinc Oxides. All TiZO products are reef-friendly and 100% free of chemical sunscreens, dyes, fragrances, gluten, phthalates, and parabens. TiZO Photoceutical Skincare is the perfect partner to our sunscreens in the fight against photoaging. These silky, elegant products address tone, texture and hydration while helping to prevent further damage. From our flagship TiZO3 Primer/Sunscreen SPF 40 to our gentle Ultra Zinc formulations to our NEW Advanced Vitamin C+E Serum with Bakuchiol, TIZO has the ideal selection of products to Protect, Repair, and Revitalize skin. Website: https://tizoskin.com/ Facebook: @tizoskin Pinterest: @tizoskin Instagram: @tizoskin YouTube: @tizoskin GlossGenius Gaps in your schedule. Clients who don't rebook. Tight margins. High payment processing fees. Sound familiar? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you could be making more money. Especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and a clunky EMR that only makes things harder. That's why we love GlossGenius — the business management platform that does the work for you. It fills your calendar, rebooks clients automatically, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees. Plus, all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records — without the admin chaos. GlossGenius grows your revenue and handles the busywork, so you can focus on your clients. Use code ESTY at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. GlossGenius. More Growth. Less Busywork. Visit https://glossgenius.com/ for more details. About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP): Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation's largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member. Connect with ASCP: Website: www.ascpskincare.com Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com Phone: 800-789-0411 Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare Instagram: @ascpskincare
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia breaks down the exact four phase process he uses inside his Mastermind program to help fully booked hairstylists work a day less without sacrificing their income. If you have built a steady clientele, you are grossing six figures or close to it, and you still feel like you are hitting a wall, this episode is specifically for you.Hunter shares real results from two Mastermind members, Steph and Alyssa, and then walks through the step by step framework that got them there. This is not general advice about raising your prices or posting more on social media. It is a clear look at what actually has to happen, in order, for a stylist at your level to reclaim their time without starting over from scratch.Key Takeaways:
Ever feel like your business is a treadmill that you can't get off of? In this episode, I break down what it really takes to step away from your massage business for 30 days, without losing money or clients. We'll get into: Why most businesses can't survive 30 days without the owner The quiet truth behind "time off" The real problem most people miss The emotional layer most people don't talk about The difference between the two versions of time off What actually has to be in place to step away The real constraint holding most owners back The math behind freedom Why $10K/month isn't enough to fully step away The real revenue and appointment target for freedom This conversation is especially for massage business owners who feel fully booked, but still tied to every part of the business. --- *Brought to you by GlossGenius.* Are you dealing with gaps in your schedule? Clients who don't rebook? Low profits and high payment processing fees? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you're leaving money on the table especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and clunky software that only makes things harder. GlossGenius is the booking and business management platform built for massage therapists and wellness practitioners. It fills your calendar, automatically reBooks clients, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees in the industry. Plus all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records without the admin chaos. More growth. Less busywork. Use code **SCALING** at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. Build a wellness business that gives you both time and income: www.scalingwellness.com Book a free strategy call: www.scalingwellness.com/chat Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scalingwellness
Japanese skin care is often associated with minimalism, ritual, and a skin-first philosophy. But what's commonly marketed today is often a simplified Western interpretation of a much deeper cultural approach. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella explore what Japanese skin care truly is, how it became popular globally, and how it compares to Western and Korean skin care philosophies centered on correction, innovation, and long-term skin balance. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire. About Ella Cressman: Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, and business owner with more than 20 years of experience in corrective skin care. Known as an "ingredient junkie" and industry cheerleader, she empowers professionals to think beyond products and develop a deeper understanding of skin function and formulation. In addition to her practice, Cressman is the founder of the HHP Collective, a practitioner-led community focused on strengthening clinical reasoning and advancing professional growth within the esthetics industry. Connect with Ella Cressman: Website: www.hhpcollective.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a About Maggie Staszcuk: Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years' experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers. Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636 E: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com About our Sponsors: Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy TiZO Mineral Sunscreens set the standard for aesthetic elegance with tinted and non-tinted formulas for use on virtually all skin types and tones. Our name reflects our commitment: TIZO = Titanium dioxide + Zinc Oxides. All TiZO products are reef-friendly and 100% free of chemical sunscreens, dyes, fragrances, gluten, phthalates, and parabens. TiZO Photoceutical Skincare is the perfect partner to our sunscreens in the fight against photoaging. These silky, elegant products address tone, texture and hydration while helping to prevent further damage. From our flagship TiZO3 Primer/Sunscreen SPF 40 to our gentle Ultra Zinc formulations to our NEW Advanced Vitamin C+E Serum with Bakuchiol, TIZO has the ideal selection of products to Protect, Repair, and Revitalize skin. Website: https://tizoskin.com/ Facebook: @tizoskin Pinterest: @tizoskin Instagram: @tizoskin YouTube: @tizoskin GlossGenius Gaps in your schedule. Clients who don't rebook. Tight margins. High payment processing fees. Sound familiar? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you could be making more money. Especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and a clunky EMR that only makes things harder. That's why we love GlossGenius — the business management platform that does the work for you. It fills your calendar, rebooks clients automatically, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees. Plus, all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records — without the admin chaos. GlossGenius grows your revenue and handles the busywork, so you can focus on your clients. Use code ESTY at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. GlossGenius. More Growth. Less Busywork. Visit https://glossgenius.com/ for more details. About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP): Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation's largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member. Connect with ASCP: Website: www.ascpskincare.com Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com Phone: 800-789-0411 Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare Instagram: @ascpskincare
Sign up for the Client Experience Glow-Up Party here: https://www.hunterdonia.com/partyIn this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown break down what it actually takes to get high ticket clients talking about you without any incentive, discount, or referral program involved. If you already have higher prices and wonder why organic referrals are not coming in as consistently as you would like, this episode gives you a clear picture of what is missing and what you can start doing differently.Hunter and Jodie walk through the three core elements of a highly referable client experience for high ticket clients specifically: personalization that goes beyond generic amenities, a signature methodology that gives clients something to identify with and talk about, and a documented, consistent client journey that high paying clients can rely on every single visit.Key Takeaways:✨ Generic extras are forgettable, personalization is not: The fancy shampoo bowl and complimentary snacks have become the assumed standard at higher price points. Hunter shares 2026 survey data showing that 62% of clients who talked about a salon visit mentioned the experience, not the hair, and that 20% specifically called out personalization as what made the appointment feel worth it. If you want Susie talking about you at dinner, you need to give her something that felt built for her, not just any client.
You've thought about it. Maybe more than once…What if I hire the wrong person? What if they don't work out, clients notice, and you're stuck trying to undo the whole thing , financially and professionally? Here's what I've seen over and over: a bad hire rarely starts with a bad person. It usually starts with a bad setup: unclear expectations, a rushed decision, no real onboarding, and no way to know if things are working. In this episode, I break down exactly what creates a "bad hire" situation in the first place, and what to get right before you ever post a job listing. I'll also walk you through the three things I screen for in every hire - what I call the Right Hire Equation, and why getting those right has less to do with luck and more to do with knowing what you're actually looking for. Build a wellness business that gives you both time and income: www.scalingwellness.com Book a free strategy call: www.scalingwellness.com/chat Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scalingwellness --- *Brought to you by GlossGenius.* Are you dealing with gaps in your schedule? Clients who don't rebook? Low profits and high payment processing fees? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you're leaving money on the table especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and clunky software that only makes things harder. GlossGenius is the booking and business management platform built for massage therapists and wellness practitioners. It fills your calendar, automatically rebooks clients, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees in the industry. Plus all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records without the admin chaos. More growth. Less busywork. Use code **SCALING** at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan.
Today's episode, we break down the exact step-by-step plan on how to exploit your fellow massage therapist and get rich in the process. Not really, BUT….this is an all too common issue we see inside the industry. The exploitative model isn't an accident. It's been repeated so often that most therapists think it's just what happens when you grow. Low pay. Back-to-back clients. No breaks. No future. Replace them when they burn out. Repeat. But that fear of becoming *that* owner is keeping you small. In this episode we're breaking down exactly what not to do the steps that built the franchise model and got copied by independent owners who never questioned why. Then we're looking at what actually works: how to build an ethical, sustainable business that's good for you, your team, your clients, and your wallet. Because there is a different way. And you don't have to choose between growing and staying the person you already are. --- *Brought to you by GlossGenius.* Are you dealing with gaps in your schedule? Clients who don't rebook? Low profits and high payment processing fees? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you're leaving money on the table especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and clunky software that only makes things harder. GlossGenius is the booking and business management platform built for massage therapists and wellness practitioners. It fills your calendar, automatically rebooks clients, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees in the industry. Plus all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records without the admin chaos. More growth. Less busywork. Use code **SCALING** at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. Build a wellness business that gives you both time and income: www.scalingwellness.com Book a free strategy call: www.scalingwellness.com/chat Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scalingwellness
Beauty consumer behavior is shifting, and what happens in mass and prestige retail impacts your treatment room and retail shelves. Trends in 2026 include skin care's rebound, fragrance growth, and how clients are spending strategically rather than abandoning professional services. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella discuss what these insights mean for client behavior, retail strategy, and growing your practice. ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire. About Ella Cressman: Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, and business owner with more than 20 years of experience in corrective skin care. Known as an "ingredient junkie" and industry cheerleader, she empowers professionals to think beyond products and develop a deeper understanding of skin function and formulation. In addition to her practice, Cressman is the founder of the HHP Collective, a practitioner-led community focused on strengthening clinical reasoning and advancing professional growth within the esthetics industry. Connect with Ella Cressman: Website: www.hhpcollective.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a About Maggie Staszcuk: Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years' experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers. Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636 E: MStaszcuk@ascpskincare.com About our Sponsors: Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services. Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy TiZO Mineral Sunscreens set the standard for aesthetic elegance with tinted and non-tinted formulas for use on virtually all skin types and tones. Our name reflects our commitment: TIZO = Titanium dioxide + Zinc Oxides. All TiZO products are reef-friendly and 100% free of chemical sunscreens, dyes, fragrances, gluten, phthalates, and parabens. TiZO Photoceutical Skincare is the perfect partner to our sunscreens in the fight against photoaging. These silky, elegant products address tone, texture and hydration while helping to prevent further damage. From our flagship TiZO3 Primer/Sunscreen SPF 40 to our gentle Ultra Zinc formulations to our NEW Advanced Vitamin C+E Serum with Bakuchiol, TIZO has the ideal selection of products to Protect, Repair, and Revitalize skin. Website: https://tizoskin.com/ Facebook: @tizoskin Pinterest: @tizoskin Instagram: @tizoskin YouTube: @tizoskin GlossGenius Gaps in your schedule. Clients who don't rebook. Tight margins. High payment processing fees. Sound familiar? When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you could be making more money. Especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and a clunky EMR that only makes things harder. That's why we love GlossGenius — the business management platform that does the work for you. It fills your calendar, rebooks clients automatically, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees. Plus, all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records — without the admin chaos. GlossGenius grows your revenue and handles the busywork, so you can focus on your clients. Use code ESTY at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan. GlossGenius. More Growth. Less Busywork. Visit https://glossgenius.com/ for more details. About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP): Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation's largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member. Connect with ASCP: Website: www.ascpskincare.com Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com Phone: 800-789-0411 Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare Instagram: @ascpskincare
Sign up for the Client Experience Glow-Up Party here: https://www.hunterdonia.com/partyIn this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia shares a personal story from a recent luxury spa trip that turned into a masterclass in client experience. If you are trying to attract and keep high-ticket clients, this episode breaks down why the smallest overlooked details can quietly chip away at perceived value, even when everything else about your service is excellent.Hunter walks through three specific moments from his spa visit that fell short compared to a previous experience at a similar price point. None of them were major failures. But together they created a feeling of getting less than expected, and that feeling is exactly what causes high-paying clients to mentally check out or start looking elsewhere.Key Takeaways:
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown get honest about what it actually looks like to run a beauty business with ADHD. Hunter shares what he has learned over years of working with his own diagnosis, why the standard advice never quite works for neurodivergent brains, and how approaching ADHD as a design consideration instead of an excuse changes everything. This episode is for any hairstylist who has great ideas that never get finished, things constantly falling through the cracks, and a brain that is always three steps ahead of whatever they are actually doing.Hunter walks through the real difference between giving yourself grace and making excuses, and why high performers specifically need systems more than willpower. You will hear practical examples of the types of systems that actually work for ADHD brains, from the simplest non-tech habits to automations and documentation that remove the mental load entirely.Key Takeaways: