Beauty Talk Confessions with Kati

Kati Wasserman
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Updated Weekly

Beauty Talk Confessions is a podcast that goes beneath the surface of the beauty industry. The stories, the struggles, the identity shifts, the healing, and the grit behind the glow.   Hosted by Kati Wasserman, esthetician, business owner, and product developer, each episode features real, raw conversations with beauty professionals, founders, healers, coaches, creators, and clients who have lived the truth behind beauty.   We talk about: •⁠  ⁠identity and reinvention •⁠  ⁠confidence, comparison, and self-worth •⁠  ⁠the emotional and unseen side of beauty work •⁠  ⁠entrepreneurship and the messy middle •⁠  ⁠aging, wellness, hormones, and internal beauty •⁠  ⁠success, failures, pivots, and the lessons that shape us   There’s no filter here, just honest conversations that remind us beauty is personal, powerful, and deeply human.   Whether you're in the industry or navigating your own relationship with beauty, Beauty Talk Confessions will make you feel seen, supported, and inspired to show up as your most authentic self.   🔗 Social Links & Where to Find Us   Podcast Website:https://www.flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions   Instagram:@beautytalkconfessions@pricklybare   TikTok:@beautytalkconfessions   Booking / Contact:pricklybare@gmail.com    

  1. 4d ago

    Become the Person You Envisioned: Brenda Hogsett on 27 Years in Beauty, The Skin Games & Saying Yes

    In this episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati sits down with Brenda Hogsett, owner of Skintastic, for a conversation about longevity in the beauty industry, taking chances, continuing to evolve, and what can happen when you simply keep saying yes to the opportunities in front of you. Brenda’s journey in beauty spans more than two decades. She started in massage, returned to school for esthetics, worked in salons, spas, and waxing chains, became a lead waxer and trainer, and eventually opened Skintastic from the back of her home while caring for her infant son after open-heart surgery. What started as a way to create flexibility for her family grew into a career that has earned her multiple international awards and opened doors she never could have imagined. One of the most powerful parts of Brenda’s story is realizing that the woman she envisioned becoming while she was still in beauty school is the woman she has become today. Kati and Brenda talk about the years of work behind that success, building a clientele before social media was what it is today, transitioning from high-volume waxing into corrective skincare, and why continuing to educate yourself matters no matter how long you’ve been in the industry. They also dive into The Skin Games, the community where Kati and Brenda originally connected, and how competing can push you outside of your comfort zone while surrounding you with people who genuinely want to see you succeed. For Brenda, saying yes to competing led to awards, relationships, education opportunities, and eventually a leadership role with The Skin Games. Her story is such a reminder that you never really know where one opportunity or one connection may lead. More Than 20 Years in Beauty and Still Evolving This conversation is about what longevity in the beauty industry actually looks like. It isn’t about reaching a point where you know everything. It’s about continuing to learn, being willing to pivot, staying open to opportunities, and allowing your career to evolve with you. Brenda also shares one of the philosophies that has followed her throughout her career: practice makes improvement, not perfection. You don’t have to be perfect to take the next step. You have to be willing to show up, practice, learn, and keep moving forward. Showing Up Beyond the Treatment Room Kati and Brenda also talk about the importance of visibility and showing more of yourself online. After participating in a 30-day social media challenge together, they saw firsthand how uncomfortable consistently showing up can feel—but also how much connection it can create. Your social media doesn’t always need to be another perfect before-and-after. Sometimes your future clients, industry connections, and opportunities come from simply letting people see who you are. The Takeaway Your career doesn’t have to follow a perfectly planned path. Sometimes the biggest opportunities come from the things you almost said no to. Keep learning. Keep showing up. Enter the competition. Attend the conference. Introduce yourself. Take the class. Make the video. You may look back years from now and realize you became the person you once envisioned. Connect with Brenda Instagram, TikTok & YouTube: @skintastic209 Website: skintastic209.com Email: skintastic209@gmail.com Connect with Kati & Beauty Talk Confessions Instagram & TikTok: @waxerguru & @beautytalkconfessions Podcast Page: flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions Prickly Bare Professional waxing products and post-hair-removal skincare created by an esthetician, for estheticians. Instagram & TikTok: @pricklybare Website: pricklybare.com If You Loved This Episode Share it with a beauty professional who needs the reminder that they don’t have to have their entire career figured out. Keep showing up, keep learning, and say yes to the opportunities that feel right—you never know which one might completely change the direction of your career. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. Aug 11

    From Waxing Employee to Business Owner: Marisol Molina of Empowered Waxing

    In this episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati sits down with Marisol Molina, owner of Empowered Waxing, to talk about the real journey of building a career in the waxing industry—and why some of the hardest experiences can end up teaching you the most. Marisol didn't originally plan on becoming a waxing specialist. She started esthetics with the intention of eventually pursuing cosmetology, experienced an incredibly discouraging first job interview, stepped away from the industry, and eventually found her way into waxing. From working at European Wax Center and LunchboxWax to becoming a trainer and eventually opening Empowered Waxing, Marisol shares why she believes new estheticians shouldn't be so quick to skip working for someone else. They talk about learning through experience, making mistakes before your own name and business are on the line, understanding skin beyond simply applying and removing wax, and why working inside an established business can teach you lessons you'll carry into entrepreneurship. The conversation also dives into something that doesn't get talked about enough: the relationship between a waxer and their clients. Marisol shares how learning to open up, show more of her personality, and allow clients to know the person behind the service completely changed her clientele—and even helped inspire the name Empowered Waxing. From Employee to Entrepreneur Opening your own suite can look like the ultimate goal, but there is so much value in the years leading up to it. Marisol shares why she now looks differently at the franchises she worked for, the sales expectations she once disliked, the difficult managers, and even the responsibilities she didn't think mattered at the time. Those experiences ultimately helped prepare her to understand clients, sales, front desk responsibilities, training, and the realities of owning a business. Her advice to newer waxers is simple: get the experience, learn everything you can, make mistakes, stay open-minded, and don't give up on the industry because one experience wasn't right for you. Building a Clientele Through Connection Being technically great at waxing matters—but clients also want to know who they're trusting. Marisol opens up about being told early in her career that she was too reserved and needed to let clients see more of who she was. It wasn't easy advice to hear, but when she began opening up and showing more of herself, she noticed her client relationships becoming stronger. That same philosophy now carries into her social media. The videos that sometimes feel silly to make are often exactly what help a potential client decide, I would feel comfortable with her. The Takeaway You don't need to have your entire career figured out the moment you leave beauty school. Every job, difficult experience, mistake, client, and mentor can teach you something that prepares you for what's next. Master your craft, understand the skin you're working with, learn how businesses operate, and don't underestimate the power of allowing your clients to genuinely know you. And most importantly, as Marisol reminds herself every day: you've got this. Connect with Marisol Instagram: @empower__waxing Connect with Kati & Beauty Talk Confessions Instagram & TikTok: @beautytalkconfessionsPodcast Page: flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions Prickly Bare Professional waxing products and post-hair-removal skincare created by an esthetician, for estheticians. Instagram & TikTok: @pricklybareWebsite: pricklybare.com If You Loved This Episode Share it with an esthetician or newer waxer who needs the reminder that they don't have to rush into doing everything on their own. The experience you're gaining right now may be exactly what prepares you for the business you want to build later. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. Aug 3

    Elevate 2027: The Hair Removal Event That Will Change Your Business

    If you've been waiting for a sign to invest in yourself and your business—this is it. In this special episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati officially announces Elevate, a brand-new educational retreat created exclusively for waxing professionals, sugaring specialists, and hair removal business owners who are ready to grow beyond the treatment room. Taking place February 21–23, 2027, in beautiful Sedona, Arizona, Elevate is designed to help beauty professionals master their craft, increase revenue, build stronger client loyalty, and create a business they truly love. Through hands-on certifications, live demonstrations, business education, networking, and an unforgettable retreat experience, attendees will leave with practical skills they can implement immediately. Whether you're a solo esthetician or growing a team, Elevate was built to help you stand out in a competitive industry and become the go-to expert in your community. What You'll Learn • How to increase revenue without adding more hours behind the chair • Services that pair perfectly with waxing and sugaring to boost ticket averages • Live demonstrations, including speed waxing techniques and advanced hair removal services • Business strategies for pricing, growth, leadership, and client retention • How to create an unforgettable client experience that keeps clients coming back What to Expect at Elevate • Three days in beautiful Sedona, Arizona • VIP Experience with sound healing, professional branding photos, and optional massage treatments • Exclusive networking events and welcome cocktail party • Hands-on certifications including: Lash Lift & Tint Brow Lamination Vajacial & Body Treatments Intimate Brightening Treatments• Education from some of the top educators in the beauty industry• A community of professionals committed to elevating the hair removal industry together The Takeaway Your success isn't determined by how many services you can squeeze into a day—it's built by mastering your craft, creating exceptional client experiences, and building a business that supports the life you want. Elevate was created to give beauty professionals the education, confidence, and community to do exactly that. Join the Founding Attendee List Be the first to receive event announcements, educator reveals, early registration access, certification sign-ups, and the lowest ticket pricing available. Website: Tickets for ELEVATE Instagram: @elevatewaxandsugar Connect with Kati & Beauty Talk Confessions Instagram & TikTok: @beautytalkconfessions Podcast Page: https://www.flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions Questions about Elevate? Reach out anytime at pricklybare@gmail.com. PricklyBare Post-hair removal skincare rooted in real esthetician experience. Launching Fall 2026. Instagram & TikTok: @pricklybare Website: pricklybare.com If You Loved This Episode   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. Jul 27

    Healing Trauma, Confidence & Intimacy with Samantha Gilhooly

    In this episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati sits down with intimacy and embodiment coach Samantha Gilhooly for a powerful conversation about healing from trauma, rebuilding confidence, and learning to reconnect with your body. Samantha shares her personal journey through abusive relationships, years of clinical counseling, and how she now helps women heal through trauma-informed, body-centered practices. Together, they explore the deep connection between emotional healing, body image, nervous system regulation, and confidence. From beauty rituals and massage to self-touch, mirror work, and understanding how trauma can be stored in the body, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what it truly means to feel safe, empowered, and at home within yourself. Whether you've experienced trauma, struggle with self-worth, or simply want to deepen your relationship with yourself, this episode is a reminder that healing is possible—and that confidence begins from within. In This Episode, We Discuss • Samantha's journey from therapist to intimacy and embodiment coach • How trauma affects confidence, intimacy, and body image • Why emotional safety is the foundation of healing • How the nervous system stores trauma—and how to begin releasing it • Mirror work and simple practices to reconnect with your body • The healing power of massage, waxing, skincare, and intentional self-care • Why presence is one of the most important parts of confidence and intimacy • Learning to trust your body's wisdom instead of fighting against it The Takeaway Healing isn't about becoming someone new—it's about remembering who you were before fear, shame, and trauma convinced you otherwise. When you begin listening to your body, practicing self-compassion, and creating emotional safety within yourself, confidence naturally follows. Every step you take toward yourself is a step toward deeper connection, healthier relationships, and a more fulfilling life. Connect with Samantha Gilhooly Instagram: @iam.samanthagilhooly Podcast: Devotional with Samantha Gilhooly Connect with Kati & Beauty Talk Confessions Instagram & TikTok: @beautytalkconfessions Podcast Page: https://www.flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions Questions or episode ideas? Reach out anytime at pricklybare@gmail.com PricklyBare Post-hair removal skincare rooted in real esthetician experience. Launching Summer 2026. Instagram & TikTok: @pricklybare Website: pricklybare.com If You Loved This Episode Share this episode with someone who is on their own healing journey or looking to build a deeper connection with themselves. Your support through sharing and leaving a review helps Beauty Talk Confessions continue bringing meaningful conversations to the beauty and wellness community. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. Jul 13

    Stand Out in an Oversaturated Beauty Industry: Why Your Business Doesn't Have to Compete

    In this solo episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati shares a deeply personal look at rebuilding her business after maternity leave, navigating major team changes, and rediscovering the purpose behind why she opened her spa in the first place. With beauty businesses opening on what feels like every corner, it's easy to believe the industry is too saturated to succeed. But Kati challenges that mindset and explains why success isn't about competing on price—it's about owning what makes you different. She shares how showing up consistently on social media, reconnecting with your passion, and creating an unforgettable client experience can transform your business, even in a crowded market. Whether you're struggling to fill your books, feeling stuck creatively, or wondering how to stand out, this episode will inspire you to stop blending in and start building a business that's authentically yours. Inside This Episode • Is the beauty industry really oversaturated? • Why finding your niche matters more than ever • How Kati rebuilt her business after maternity leave and major life changes • The biggest mistake beauty professionals make on social media • Why clients buy you, not just your services • How authenticity builds trust and attracts loyal clients • Simple ways to strengthen your Google presence and online reputation • A 21-day challenge to help you consistently show up online The Takeaway There will always be competition—but there will never be another you. The businesses that thrive aren't the ones trying to be everything to everyone. They're the ones that know exactly who they are, confidently share their story, and create an experience clients can't stop talking about. Connect with Kati & Beauty Talk Confessions Instagram & TikTok: @beautytalkconfessions Podcast Page: https://www.flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions Questions or episode ideas? Reach out anytime at pricklybare@gmail.com. PricklyBare Post-hair removal skincare rooted in real esthetician experience. Launching Summer 2026. Instagram & TikTok: @pricklybare Website: pricklybare.com If You Loved This Episode Share this episode with a fellow esthetician, salon owner, or beauty entrepreneur who needs the reminder that success isn't about having the biggest business—it's about building one that's authentically yours. And if you're enjoying Beauty Talk Confessions, leaving a review helps more beauty professionals discover the show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. Jul 6

    Male Waxing: How to Build Confidence, Set Boundaries & Grow Your Business

    In this solo episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati opens up about one of the most talked-about—and often misunderstood—topics in the waxing industry: working with male clients. Whether you're a new esthetician feeling nervous about offering male waxing or an experienced waxer looking to build more confidence, this episode offers an honest conversation about professionalism, boundaries, and why male clients can become some of your most loyal guests. Drawing from over 17 years in the beauty industry, Kati shares her personal experiences, practical tips, and the mindset shifts that helped her move past the awkwardness and focus on what really matters: providing a safe, respectful, and professional service for every client. She also discusses the importance of recognizing when boundaries need to be enforced, how to navigate uncomfortable situations with confidence, and why humanizing the body changes everything. Inside This Episode • Overcoming the fear of working with male clients • Why professionalism creates confidence—for both you and your client • Setting healthy boundaries and handling uncomfortable situations • The biggest misconceptions about male waxing • How to keep conversations natural during intimate services • Why male clients often become some of the most loyal clients you'll have • Simple techniques that help you stay grounded during services • How adding male services can grow your business and increase revenue The Takeaway Confidence comes from experience, professionalism, and treating every client with respect. When you approach male waxing without fear or judgment—and with clear boundaries—you create an experience where both you and your clients can feel comfortable, respected, and confident. Resources Mentioned Kati gives a special shoutout to Elda, The Waxing Queen, whose education and live demonstrations have helped estheticians approach male waxing with confidence, professionalism, and compassion. Connect with Kati & Beauty Talk Confessions Instagram & TikTok: @beautytalkconfessions Podcast Page: https://www.flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions Questions or episode ideas? Reach out anytime at pricklybare@gmail.com. PricklyBare Post-hair removal skincare rooted in real esthetician experience. Launching Summer 2026. Instagram & TikTok: @pricklybare Website: pricklybare.com If You Loved This Episode Share this episode with an esthetician or waxer who's been considering adding male services or wants to feel more confident behind the treatment bed. And if you're enjoying Beauty Talk Confessions, leaving a review helps more beauty professionals discover the show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. Jun 29

    Beauty Talk Confessions - Amy Francis

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. Jun 22

    Never Worry About Slow Seasons Again: How to Build a Fully Booked Beauty Business

    In this episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati shares the exact mindset and business strategies that helped her go from working just a few hours a week after maternity leave to rebuilding a fully booked schedule—even during one of the slowest seasons in the beauty industry. Every esthetician has experienced the panic of an empty appointment book. Summer vacations, schedule changes, and slower facial bookings can leave even experienced professionals questioning what they're doing wrong. But here's the truth: slow seasons don't have to mean slow business. Kati dives into the real strategies that create loyal clients who return month after month, why constantly running discounts can actually hurt your business, and how building relationships—not lowering your prices—is what creates a schedule that stays full year-round. If you're ready to stop chasing clients and start building a business with consistent income and loyal guests, this episode is for you. Inside This Episode: • Why summer is traditionally slower—and how to prepare for it • The biggest mistake estheticians make during slow seasons • Why monthly specials and discounts can actually train clients to wait • How treatment plans and memberships create predictable income • Referral strategies that consistently bring in quality clients • The importance of rebooking before every client leaves • Community marketing ideas that actually work for local businesses • How to create an experience that turns first-time guests into lifelong clients The Takeaway A fully booked business isn't built on promotions—it's built on trust. When clients feel seen, cared for, and get real results, they come back. They refer their friends. They become the foundation of a business that stays busy no matter the season. Connect with Kati & Beauty Talk Confessions Instagram & TikTok: @beautytalkconfessions Podcast: https://www.flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions Questions or episode ideas? Email pricklybare@gmail.com. PricklyBare Post-hair removal skincare rooted in real esthetician experience. Launching Summer 2026. Instagram & TikTok: @pricklybare Website: pricklybare.com If You Loved This Episode Share it with another esthetician, waxer, or beauty professional who's feeling the pressure of a slow season. And if you're loving Beauty Talk Confessions, leaving a review helps more beauty professionals discover the show. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Beauty Talk Confessions is a podcast that goes beneath the surface of the beauty industry. The stories, the struggles, the identity shifts, the healing, and the grit behind the glow.   Hosted by Kati Wasserman, esthetician, business owner, and product developer, each episode features real, raw conversations with beauty professionals, founders, healers, coaches, creators, and clients who have lived the truth behind beauty.   We talk about: •⁠  ⁠identity and reinvention •⁠  ⁠confidence, comparison, and self-worth •⁠  ⁠the emotional and unseen side of beauty work •⁠  ⁠entrepreneurship and the messy middle •⁠  ⁠aging, wellness, hormones, and internal beauty •⁠  ⁠success, failures, pivots, and the lessons that shape us   There’s no filter here, just honest conversations that remind us beauty is personal, powerful, and deeply human.   Whether you're in the industry or navigating your own relationship with beauty, Beauty Talk Confessions will make you feel seen, supported, and inspired to show up as your most authentic self.   🔗 Social Links & Where to Find Us   Podcast Website:https://www.flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions   Instagram:@beautytalkconfessions@pricklybare   TikTok:@beautytalkconfessions   Booking / Contact:pricklybare@gmail.com    

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