Last year I was honored to be able to join in on the Beauty Business Summit virtually, but this year, I’m thrilled to be hitting the sands of St. Pete and attending the 2nd Beauty Business Summit live!

If you’re a long-time listener of the podcast, today’s guest, Maxine Drake, will be a familiar voice as she was a guest on episode #014 where we talked about all the things that were leading up to the inaugural Summit, which in case you missed the word on social media, was a massive success!

And now in the blink of an eye, it’s time for round 2, and you might be thinking, “Is this for me?”

First, let’s start with the fact that it’s no secret that professional networking and continuing education are crucial for growing as an aesthetic expert, however not all events are created equal.

Some focus more on the continued learning, without much time for connecting with industry peers or educators, while other events are all business. Both of those events have their place and exist to meet certain goals.

But the beautiful thing about the Beauty Business Summit is that it’s a little bit of everything a beauty professional needs to succeed and is an authentic growth experience for the heart, mind, and body.

Maxine is the embodiment of community over competition, and based on what she has put into this event this far to make it take shape is a true testament on how it is (and will continue) creating impact in the industry, and that’s a really exciting thing to be a part of, so I hope I’ll see you in St. Pete!

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The origin story and the purpose of the Beauty Business Summit
• How Maxine is working to elevate the aesthetic industry through the Beauty Business Summit’s mission
• What kinds of beauty professionals the Summit is for and who will reap the greatest benefits
• Maxine’s vision for this year’s summit and how she anticipates it evolving in the future
• The big reveal of this year’s keynote speaker!

References Mentioned in Episode #080: Behind the Beauty Business Summit with Maxine Drake

• See all the details on the Beauty Business Summit and save your seat by clicking here
• Follow the Beauty Business Summit on Facebook and Instagram
• And connect with Maxine on Facebook and Instagram

To keep the conversation going, ask questions, and connect with other like-minded aestheticians building thriving careers, click here to join the free Spa Marketing Made Easy Podcast community.

To be an expert means knowing a lot about one thing rather than knowing a little about a lot of things. As an aesthetician, you may be afraid to stake a claim and specialize out of fear of not bringing in enough clients, but as my guest on this episode of Spa Marketing Made Easy can testify, niching down is what it took for her to level up in a major way.

In this episode, I’m chatting with Gisel Campbell, the owner of Elevate Esthetics, who since niching down on her aesthetic specialty of waxing has been able to build a base of loyal clientele, grow her business by over 120% and spurred the need to expand beyond her solo operation and into a spa.

In this episode we discuss:

• How Gisel made the transition to a menu of services a mile long to focusing on one core aesthetic service
• Why she chose her specific specialty and how that has opened doors for her beyond those of her aesthetic practice
• The steps Gisel took to determine the smartest direction for her niche and how becoming an expert in that core area helped her exponentially grow her business
• How you can begin to elevate your aesthetic expertise and get into a mindset that will you set the stage for your success

References Mentioned in Episode #061: Level Up by Niching Down with Gisel of Elevate Esthetics

• • Learn more about Gisel’s studio, Elevate Esthetics via her website and Instagram
  • Connect with Gisel on Instagram

To keep the conversation going after the episode, ask questions, and connect with other like-minded aestheticians building thriving careers click here to join the free Spa Marketing Made Easy Podcast community.

You’re a big dreamer and hard worker, and you’ve got a vision for your career or business. But I also know that you likely struggle with overwhelm, and maybe even burnout.

This phenomenon is due to operating at “peak performance” instead of “high performance,” and here to teach us the difference is Mark Bailey, a high performance and achievement coach who helps ambitious entrepreneurs get out of their peaks and valleys and shift into a steady and sustainable level of achievement for accomplishing their goals. Listen in as he shares his insights for maximizing your potential and energetic drive to perform to a standard of absolute excellence.

The prospect of goal-setting is always an exciting one as you envision your future and imagine the feeling of when your goal will be accomplished. But it’s not enough to dream, you also need a deadline and an action plan, and that’s where the 90X Goal Planner comes into play.

At the time of this recording, I am on my fifth 90X Goal Planner, which goes to show how much I believe in this system of goal-setting, and here to share the concept behind the framework with me is the 90X creator himself, Alon David.

Not only has Alon used his goal planning framework for building multiple successful business prior to producing the 90X Goal Planner, but he also used to create the planner, and today he’s sharing his method behind the 90X system and his top tips for crushing your biggest goals.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• How Alon developed his 90-day goal-setting and achieving system and how he used it to build his successful photography business as well as the 90X Goal Planner itself
• Why Alon focuses on a 90-day framework and the biggest goal he’s accomplished to date by using his own system
• The differences between the 90X Goal Planner and the 90X Action Planner and how both tools can be used for short and long-term goal setting
• Alon’s top tips for mapping out and staying on track with using your planner to guide you to accomplishing your goals

References Mentioned in Episode #050: Using a System to Achieve Your Goals with Alon David of 90X Planner 

• Connect with Alon and 90X® on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
• To see how I use my 90X Goal Planner and plug into a goal-oriented community, be sure to join the Spa Marketing Made Easy group on Facebook.

To keep the conversation going, ask questions, and connect with other like-minded aestheticians building thriving careers, click here to join the free Spa Marketing Made Easy Podcast community. 

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Her story reads like a breaking news headline, “Nurse slays nearly 1 million in debt in just 2.5 years.” Yes, it sounds crazy, but as my guest on today’s episode, Naseema McElroy explains, building wealth and being able to invest is attainable at any income level.

A labor and delivery nurse, Naseema is a self-taught money expert who is the real deal in helping others become financially intentional, slay their debt, and set themselves and their families financially free so they can feel secure in their future and focus on the present.

If you’ve ever thought that now wasn’t the right time to save or you keep putting off your finances for a day you’ll feel more organized; this episode is for you.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Naseema’s transformation story from being a labor and delivery nurse working paycheck to paycheck to a self-taught financial expert as she knocked out almost a million dollars in debt in just 2.5 years
• Why it’s critical to have an exit strategy in your business as well as an investment strategy
• The power of compound interest and setting yourself up for a solid and stable retirement
• How Naseema defines “Eff You Money,” why we all need it, and how you can begin achieving it, even when you feel like you’re stretched thin and don’t have anything to spare for saving or investing

To connect with Naseema and the resources and recommendations made in this episode, click here to visit the show notes: [ insert link to show notes on blog ]

Click here to join the free Spa Marketing Made Easy Podcast community where you can keep the conversation going, ask questions, and connect with other like-minded aestheticians building thriving careers.

Whether you own your beauty business or you work as a team member at a spa, it is critical that you have a well-rounded understanding of foundational business principles. And as today’s guest, Carla Jones, explains, the couple of pages of business material in the back of your beauty school textbooks isn’t enough to pass by.

As the founder of Salon Solutions Group, Carla helps beauty industry professionals learn, earn and thrive and her tell-it-like-it-is style helps her students and clients understand the vast importance of sharpening their business skills if they want to achieve their big goals.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• How Carla transitioned from her career in logistics and operations into the beauty industry and how her foundational skills served her in her new career
• The common misconceptions about being a six-figure earner and what you need to know about your numbers to get there
• The power of positivity and self-awareness in creating an unforgettable client experience
• How she navigated a negative client experience and stumbling block but came out with a powerful lesson
• Carla’s top pieces of advice and insights for new grads and business owners setting out to create their own version of success

Continue the conversation and connect with like-minded beauty and spa professionals looking to build thriving careers and businesses by joining the free Spa Marketing Made Easy community.

Sometimes when I tell aestheticians that they have the power and capability to become a six-figure earner (while being solo), I get responses of total bewilderment.

“How is that possible?”

“It’s just me in my business. I can’t imagine being able to pull in that much…what does that even look like?”

If those are thoughts that cross your mind, I know, with 100% certainty, the biggest thing holding you back is your mindset.

Not lack of marketing, or a so-so location in town or too much “competition.”

Without going down too deep of a rabbit hole, let me set the stage by declaring that your mindset is the ultimate deciding factor of whether you will achieve your version of success or not.

How? Because thoughts are beliefs and our beliefs dictate our actions, and if you don’t believe something like being a six-figure solo aesthetician is possible for you, you’re right.

However, if you genuinely believe in your capabilities, your expertise and you have the passion that ties it all together, you’ve got everything you need to hit that six-figure mark.

And joining me today to be the ultimate case study is Yarely Marquez, L.E.

Yarely Marquez, L.E., the owner of Flawless Skin and Brow Boutique in the Twin Cities area, and she is a member of the six-figure aesthetician club, and for good reason.

Yarely is not only a whip-smart businesswoman and rockstar aesthetician who is clearly an expert in her field, but she’s also a shining example of someone who has the mindset it takes to grow to a level many dream of, but never reach.

It takes authenticity, it takes gratitude, and an outlook that says I don’t have to do this, I get to do this.

In this episode, she’s spilling her top tips and deepest insights on how to build a six-figure business as a solo aesthetician through smart business operations, strategic marketing, and of course, creating an excellent client experience.

With a new year right around the corner, there’s no better time than now to get the gears going on finally making it to six figures in 2019.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• Yarely’s journey to becoming a solo aesthetician and her tips for making the transition
• Her biggest challenges she has faced in growing her business as well as the most significant contributors to her success
• The mindset shifts she made around selling and retail that took her business and services to the next level
• The importance of setting boundaries for the health of your work-life balance and your business

Resources from Episode #040: The Secrets to Becoming a Six-Figure Aesthetician with Yarely Marquez, L.E.

• Learn more about Flawless Skin and Brow Boutique and connect with Yarely through her website.
• Follow Yarely on Facebook and Instagram.
• Continue the conversation and connect with a community of like-minded aestheticians who want to build a thriving business, and join the Spa Marketing Made Easy community on Facebook.

Anyone who’s a working mom knows the struggle of trying to “do it all,” which also comes with the lesson that if you’re going to try to do it all, it’s difficult to do it all well.

Cue the mom guilt.

With a 17-month-old, I’m right there in the trenches of working out the balance between my family, baby and my business.

Some days everything flows smoothly, but with an ever-growing little one, those smooth days and ironed out schedules can quickly shift and it can feel like we’re back to square one on finding balance.

While those days are par for the course in the grand scheme of parenthood, chaos doesn’t have to be the norm.

As my guest on today’s episode shares, with a few key strategies and practices in place, not only can you take on the tasks your heart desires, but you can craft a mom life/work life balance that actually works and feels good (sans the mom guilt).

In this episode, Ashli Carnicelli, a mom of three (and two under two!), joins me to discuss how she balances her roles as mom, esthetician, and blogger so that she’s consistently present and productive.

If you’ve ever felt even a twinge of guilt about not being present with your kids while reaching for your dreams, or questioned how you’re dividing your time between home and work, I know hearing Ashli’s journey and insights will put your worries at ease and give you some tangible steps you can start putting into action immediately.

Whatever your personal family and work situation, the most important thing I think you’ll walk away with is there’s no “right” way to strike a balance.

What works for you won’t work for everyone, and it’s about time we start to lay down our guilt and dust off our capes because no matter what, I know you’re already superwoman. And this episode will help you see and feel it.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• How Ashli crafts her daily and weekly schedule to meet her and her family’s needs
• Her strategies and mindset to bring in balance, allow presence and excuse mom guilt from her life juggling multiple roles
• Why we need to open up this conversation so we can crush mom guilt and focus on the goals  that are important for us, and thus, our family’s and kid’s futures

References Mentioned in Episode #035: Balancing Work and Life as a Busy Mom with Ashli Carnicelli

Read Ashli’s blog The Skincare Belle

Connect with Ashli on Instagram and Facebook.

Bella Santé Day and Med Spa

Join a community of like-minded aestheticians and continue the conversation in the free Spa Marketing Made Easy community.

You became an aesthetician because you have a passion for skincare and there’s no better feeling than helping someone radiate with confidence.

But what doesn’t feel great is when the work you’re putting in isn’t generating the pay you deserve or even the pay you need.

I know this is a pervasive problem because it’s one of the main reasons behind why I started AddoAesthetics to help elevate the spa industry by sharing my experience and knowledge…


According to reports from the US Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for aestheticians is $32,990 as of May 2013, with the top 25 percent of these professionals earning an average of $39,160 and the top 10 percent making $56,930.

Although everyone has their own definition of success and everyone’s number for what they need and want to take home is different, I know there’s greater potential beyond those numbers.

It is possible to make six figures as an aesthetician, and it’s entirely possible to do it in less than the 60 and 80 hours weeks you might currently be pulling.


In fact, it’s possible in less than 40, but that’s a whole other episode.

In this episode of Spa Marketing Made Easy, I’m breaking down the ins and outs of the most common payment structures for medical aestheticians, and how to navigate which one of those structures will best suit your needs, your goals and your skill set.

In this episode you’ll learn:

• The four foundational payment structures you’ll find in a med spa environment
• The pros and cons of each payment structure and key considerations when navigating various employment offers
• My top recommendations for what to consider, ask, and identify when negotiating your preferred payment structure

References Mentioned in Episode #024: Navigating Payment Structures as a Medical Aesthetician

• Join the conversation and make connections in the free Spa Marketing Made Easy Community on Facebook.
• Research aesthetician salaries in your region on Salary.com.
• Sign up for free trainings + business building resources including retail sales tips, marketing insights and helpful case studies that will help you increase your earning potential.

You’ve likely heard the saying, “there are riches in the niches,” but if you haven’t, you’re going to learn the truth behind that saying today.

In this episode of Spa Marketing Made Easy, I’m chatting with Regina Felix aka Regina Brows of Build Your Brow Biz on how she became known as the go-to brow lady for natural brows, and how that expertise exploded her business.

It’s a common misconception among business owners that if you niche down too much or you get too specific in your specialty, you’re limiting your opportunities and cutting out too many potential clients.

But let’s think about that for a second, do you really want to be serving everyone?

No way!

We all have clients we can think of and think, “I couldn’t handle more clients like that,” or on the flip side, “If I could have ten more clients like her, I’d be ecstatic!”

The way you bring in more of those dreamy, I-wish-I-could-clone-them clients is by turning down the volume on speaking to the masses and instead, getting specific and finding your aesthetic specialty so that your ideal client can hear you loud and clear through all the rest of the marketing noise.

In this episode you’ll also learn:

• Regina’s journey from a generalist to a specialist and how she saw her business expand by shrinking her offerings
• How she began sharing her specialized expertise on social media and how her brand and rates were affected
• The mindset shifts she’s made as her brick-and-mortar business has now added an online platform

References Mentioned in Episode #017: Finding and Creating Your Aesthetic Niche with Regina Brows

• Learn more about Regina and her online trainings and courses at Build Your Brow Biz.
• Join Regina’s free Facebook group, Love Your Natural Brow Biz with Regina Brows.   
• Connect with Regina on Facebook and Instagram.  
• Join the Aestheticians Connect Facebook group to ask questions and leave feedback on this episode!