Bridging the Business Gap in Aesthetics: Why It Matters More Than Ever

In this week’s Business of Aesthetics episode, host Michael Walker sits down with Dr. Carla Pierson, nurse practitioner and co-founder of Smiley Aesthetics, for a real conversation about something the industry doesn’t talk about enough, how a lack of business know-how is holding providers back. Carla shares her own journey, the common mistakes she sees every day, and practical ways to build a business that actually supports your skills and goals. Whether you’re just getting started or feeling stuck financially, this episode breaks down why understanding the business side isn’t optional, and what you can do about it. Key Takeaways Clinical excellence isn’t enough Without business understanding, many med spa owners risk burnout, poor decisions, or failure—even with great clinical results. You don’t know what you don’t know Many providers lack basic financial knowledge like what a P&L is or how to manage cash flow. The dangers of DIY everything Owning and operating without expert guidance or structure leads to chaos—especially when managing taxes, compliance, and partnerships. Fight the myth of being the solo CEO The glorified image of being the injector, marketer, owner, and strategist is often unsustainable. Strategic collaboration is key. Track cash flow before chasing profit A basic spreadsheet and regular tracking of money in and out can empower even the most non-business-savvy providers.

In this episode of the Business of Aesthetics Podcast, host Michael Walker sits down with Kara McClanahan, a trusted advisor in the world of aesthetic clinics. Instead of spending tons of money chasing new clients, Kara explains how to build trust with the ones you already have. She talks about membership programs, long-term treatment plans, and how to turn happy clients into loyal fans who tell everyone about your practice. Kara also shares real-life stories, helpful tips, and strategies that work—even if you’re a small med spa. If you want more revenue, better retention, and clients who keep coming back, this episode is for you. Key Takeaways Focus on the clients you already have Building stronger relationships with current clients brings in more money and trust than always chasing new ones. Membership programs increase loyalty A good membership plan can create steady income and keep patients coming back for more. Treatment plans should be long-term Don’t just treat the issue today—build a plan that supports your patient’s goals over time. Trust is your secret weapon People spend more and refer others when they trust your practice. That trust starts with caring and follow-up

Welcome to Episode 238 of the Business of Aesthetics Podcast! In this episode, host Michael Walker sits down with Brittany Perez—an inspiring business owner, aesthetic injector, and national trainer. Brittany shares how she built a thriving culture at Mela Medical Spa where team trust, strong values, and personal growth come first. You’ll hear how Brittany went from being a nursing instructor to opening her own practice and training academy. She opens up about the power of patient care plans, building confidence, and leading a team with love, not fear. From enneagram tests to positivity boards and four-day workweeks, Brittany explains exactly how she inspires her team and keeps them connected to the mission. Whether you’re just starting your aesthetics journey or looking to grow your practice culture, this episode is packed with real advice, honest stories, and practical tools you can use right away. Key Takeaways Confidence is the heart of aesthetics. Brittany’s passion began with her own treatment—helping people feel good again is her mission. Patients want to feel better, not just look better. Most clients come in for emotional healing as much as physical transformation. Culture starts with leadership. Brittany builds a positive team environment with open communication and mutual respect. Tools like the Enneagram build understanding.Personality tests help her team appreciate differences and handle conflict well.

In this inspiring episode of the Business of Aesthetics Show, host Lauren Umstattd chats with Nurse Practitioner Aimee Kryger about her exciting journey into the world of aesthetics. Aimee shares her background in critical care and ENT, how she discovered her passion for aesthetic medicine, and the steps she took to transition into a thriving private practice. You'll hear about the challenges and rewards of working in aesthetics, the value of mentorship, and tips for nurses and practitioners looking to enter this growing field. Aimee also opens up about her favorite treatments, how she balances work and family life, and her big career goals for the future. If you’re curious about a career in aesthetic medicine or want to hear honest insights from a rising star in the field, this episode is for you! Key Takeaways Breaking into the aesthetics field takes patience, persistence, and a willingness to learn. Aimee shares how she built her career step by step and how staying patient helped her find the right opportunity. Real-world experience and strong mentors are more valuable than taking just one class. Learning hands-on and building relationships with experienced providers made a big difference in Aimee’s journey. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” path in aesthetics. It’s okay to try different practice settings—Aimee explored mobile therapy, med spas, and surgery centers before finding her best fit. CO2 laser treatments are a favorite for skin rejuvenation. Aimee loves using CO2 lasers to give patients long-lasting, natural-looking results.

In this episode of the Business of Aesthetics Podcast, host Michael Walker sits down with Shannon Blake, Director of Partnerships Aesthetics at Podium, to talk about how clinics can grow their practice faster by replying to leads quicker and using smart tools like AI. Shannon explains what “Speed to Lead” really means and why it matters more now than ever—especially with the aesthetics industry facing a dip in revenue. You’ll hear how using an AI Patient Coordinator can help practices respond to leads within minutes, keep in touch with patients after hours, and never miss another opportunity again. This episode is full of practical tips on how to combine text messaging, automation, and smart follow-up systems to boost patient conversions, improve the front desk experience, and keep your schedule full. Whether you’re new to AI or already using it, this conversation will give you a fresh look at how to level up your practice, stay ahead of the competition, and make every lead count.   Key Takeaways Here are the main points your audience will walk away with: Speed matters – If your practice isn’t replying to leads within 5 minutes, you’re likely losing them to someone else. Use one system for all leads – Collecting leads from different platforms into one place helps you respond faster and stay organized. AI Patient Coordinators can help – Tools like Podium’s AI assistant can reply instantly, follow up automatically, and even book appointments—day or night. Missed calls don’t have to mean missed revenue – Some systems can now text back anyone who calls and doesn’t get through.

In this exciting episode of the Business of Aesthetics podcast, host Michael Walker welcomes Ben O’Brien, co-founder of the Faces Consent app. Ben shares his journey from opening clinics across the UK to building one of the most powerful all-in-one tools for aesthetic professionals. Ben explains how Faces Consent started as a simple way to collect patient consent forms, but quickly grew into something much bigger. Now, the app helps over 150,000 practitioners handle bookings, store patient records, write prescriptions, and even order medical supplies, all in one place. He also talks about how they use AI to create review summaries, help with customer service, and boost clinic marketing. Michael and Ben dive into some big problems that aesthetic clinics face today, like managing paperwork, hiring the right staff, and dealing with burnout. Ben shares real stories and helpful tips on how clinics can grow smarter, not harder. He also explains how important it is to start small, focus on your strengths, and build systems that support your goals and lifestyle. In this episode, you’ll also learn: How the Faces Consent app began as a simple tool to collect patient forms and grew into a full practice management platform. Why streamlining consent, booking, and product ordering can save time and reduce stress in your clinic. How AI helps generate patient reviews and handle customer service without adding more work to your plate. Why listening to user feedback early on helped the app grow and become trusted by over 150,000 practitioners. How digital tools can protect your brand and processes, especially if you operate in multiple locations. What challenges clinics face with staffing and prescriptions, and how the app helps solve both. Why it's smart to grow slow and focus on what you're good at, instead of trying to do everything at once.

In this informative episode of the Business of Aesthetics podcast, host Michael Walker sits down with healthcare attorney and entrepreneur Sara Shikhman, Managing Partner of Lengea Law, to explore the essential legal considerations every aesthetic practice should understand. Sara shares her personal journey from practicing law to launching and scaling a successful med spa, providing a unique dual perspective as both a legal expert and business operator. She discusses common compliance challenges, including licensing, supervision, ownership structures, intellectual property, and contracts that can make or break a practice. Drawing from her extensive experience helping over a thousand clients—and growing a single-room spa into a multi-state operation generating $13M+ annually—Sara offers real-world advice on how aesthetic providers can protect their businesses while positioning themselves for sustainable success. In this episode, you’ll learn: Key legal risks that med spa owners often overlook The importance of starting lean and scaling smart How proper legal structure and compliance can protect your investment Tips for building a legally sound and profitable aesthetic business Whether you’re starting out or expanding, this episode delivers must-know legal insights to help your aesthetic practice grow with confidence.

In today’s fast-paced aesthetics industry, patients aren’t just looking for single treatments—they’re seeking transformative results with minimal downtime. In this insightful episode of the Business of Aesthetics podcast, host Michael Walker sits down with expert aesthetic consultant and educator Tracey Lizsa Mancuso to explore the art and science behind treatment stacking—a strategic approach to combining aesthetic procedures for superior, longer-lasting results. Tracey shares how aesthetic professionals can elevate their practice by creating personalized, results-driven treatment plans that layer technologies like lasers, radiofrequency, and ultrasound. With a deep understanding of skin physiology and proper treatment sequencing, providers can achieve safer outcomes, enhanced patient satisfaction, and stronger retention. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to combine aesthetic treatments safely and effectively. The benefits of sequencing treatments to reduce downtime and boost results. How to educate patients and set clear, realistic expectations. Why continuous learning is key to staying competitive in medical aesthetics. Whether you run a medical spa, cosmetic dermatology clinic, or aesthetic practice, this episode offers actionable strategies to help you stand out, increase treatment efficacy, and deliver consistent, high-value results that keep patients coming back. Tune in to discover how treatment stacking can become your competitive edge in today’s results-driven aesthetic market.

What does it take to transform an entire industry? In this must-listen episode of the Business of Aesthetics Podcast, we sit down with one of the most influential figures in aesthetic nursing today—Tracy Hotta, founder of THMA Consulting. From her early days in ER and OR to becoming a nationally recognized educator and advocate, Tracy shares the powerful story behind her journey and how she’s been reshaping the standards of aesthetic medicine. Whether you're an aspiring injector, a clinic owner, or simply curious about the inner workings of the booming aesthetic industry, this episode is packed with eye-opening insights: How Tracy helped break barriers for nurses in the aesthetic space. Why mentorship and safety training are more critical than ever. What every injector must know before they pick up a needle. The hidden challenges of social media for medical professionals—and how to navigate them ethically. You’ll walk away with a deep understanding of what it takes to thrive in aesthetic medicine while staying grounded in ethics, education, and excellence. This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a roadmap for those who want to do things right and raise the bar for everyone.

In this episode of Business of Aesthetics, host Dr. Lauren Umstattd sits down with Dr. Milind Kachare, a rising plastic surgeon who recently joined Nayak Plastic Surgery in St. Louis. Dr. Kachare shares his journey from medical school to aesthetics, the mentors who shaped his career, and how he managed crucial decisions—including whether to join a practice, start his own, or go the hospital route. Whether you’re a new doctor exploring a career in aesthetics or a seasoned professional looking to mentor the next generation, this episode offers valuable insights into setting up a successful career in this competitive field.