Beauty Talk Confessions with Kati

Kati Wasserman
  • 5.0 (14)
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • 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. 2d ago

    Your Esthetician License Is Just the Beginning: Why Continuing Education Changes Everything

    When was the last time you took a class that actually made you excited to be an esthetician again? Here's something I find crazy about our industry. We can graduate from beauty school, get our license, and potentially spend the next 15 or 20 years doing the exact same thing without ever stepping foot into another classroom. But our industry NEVER stops evolving. So why should we? In this solo episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, I'm getting personal about something that has completely reignited my passion for the beauty industry: continuing education, hands-on training, and investing in yourself. Growing up, I hated school. I never imagined I'd become someone who absolutely loves learning and teaching. But after finding beauty school, earning my cosmetology license, going back for my master esthetician education, and spending 15 years in this industry, I've realized that some of the biggest turning points in my career came from stepping back into the role of a student. From my early training at Wax in the City to working for a business owner who prioritized education, those experiences helped shape the esthetician and business owner I am today. And even now, after years of owning my own spa, attending conferences and taking new certifications has brought back an excitement I didn't realize I was missing. In This Episode: Why your beauty school license is only the beginning The continuing education gap in the esthetics industry How my early career experiences shaped my confidence and technique Why even experienced estheticians need to keep learning What happens when you get comfortable and stop challenging yourself How certifications can help you expand your menu and increase your earning potential Why investing in education is one of the best things you can do for your business The personal inspiration behind creating ELEVATE Wax & Sugar Summit Let's Talk About ELEVATE 2027! This passion for education is exactly why I created ELEVATE Wax & Sugar Summit, February 21–23, 2027, in Sedona, Arizona. I wanted to bring together some of the industry's incredible educators and create an opportunity for waxing and sugaring professionals to experience live demonstrations, business education, and multiple certification opportunities in one place. We're talking about education from Crotch Cosmetics, Bright, and Artistry Beauty, with opportunities to learn new services, expand your treatment menu, and bring something exciting back to your clients. Because I don't want you to just leave a conference feeling inspired. I want you to leave knowing exactly what you're going to do differently when you get back to your treatment room. Black Friday ELEVATE Special! Ready to invest in yourself? Use code BLACKFRIDAY15 for 15% off your ELEVATE ticket! The first 30 ticket purchasers during this promotion will also receive a custom ELEVATE T-shirt and a special gift from Prickly Bare. Get your tickets at elevatewaxandsugar.com! The Takeaway You can be 15 years into your career and still have so much to learn. And sometimes the best thing you can do for your business isn't adding more clients to your schedule. It's taking time away from the treatment room to become a better practitioner. Don't let your license be the last investment you make in your education. Connect with Kati & Beauty Talk Confessions Instagram & TikTok: @beautytalkconfessions Sponsored by Prickly Bare Professional waxing products and post-hair-removal skincare created by an esthetician, for estheticians. Instagram & TikTok: @pricklybare Website: pricklybare.com Loved this episode? Share it with an esthetician who's ready to stop feeling stuck, get inspired again, and take their career to the next level. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. Oct 26

    The 7-Minute Brazilian, Fully Booked Waxing & Marketing That Works with Brie Mesquit

    You could be the best waxer in the world, but if nobody knows you exist, how are you going to build a clientele? This episode is one I've been SO excited to share! I'm sitting down with Brie Mesquit, founder of Rebel Wax, waxing educator, entrepreneur, and host of The Rebel Show, for a conversation about becoming a better waxer, building a business that actually makes money, and why showing up for yourself is just as important as showing up for your clients. Brie is someone I've personally looked up to throughout my career. I've taken her trainings, followed her journey, and learned so much from the way she approaches both waxing education and business growth. Now, I'm beyond excited to have her joining us as an educator at ELEVATE 2027 in Sedona, Arizona! And yes, we're talking about her famous 7-Minute Brazilian! But this conversation goes so much deeper than speed waxing. In This Episode: The technique behind Brie's famous 7-Minute Brazilian and why speed should never come before quality Hard wax vs. soft wax vs. sugaring, and why there's room for all three in our industry How Brie built Rebel Wax by creating solutions she wanted in her own treatment room Why continuing education matters, even when you've been waxing for 15 years How to build a fully booked waxing business without spending your entire life creating content The Rule of 100 and how to use it when your appointment books are looking empty Why building your personal brand matters more than ever Growing a team and getting clients comfortable booking with someone other than you Why getting in the room with other beauty professionals can completely change your business The Takeaway Master your craft, but don't forget to master your business. You don't need to become a full-time content creator, post four times a day, or learn how to wax a Brazilian in seven minutes to be successful. You need great technique, a client experience people want to come back for, and a strategy that helps people find you. And sometimes the biggest growth happens when you get out of your treatment room and surround yourself with people who push you to think bigger. See Brie LIVE at ELEVATE 2027! February 21–23, 2027 | Sedona, Arizona Brie will be joining us at ELEVATE Wax & Sugar Summit to demonstrate her famous 7-Minute Brazilian and share actionable strategies for marketing, content creation, and growing your waxing business. This is your opportunity to learn from her in person, ask questions, and walk away with techniques and strategies you can actually implement. Want tickets? Head to elevatewaxandsugar.com! Use code BRIE30 for an additional $30 off your ticket! Connect with Brie Mesquit Instagram, TikTok & YouTube: @briemesquit Podcast: The Rebel Show Brand: Rebel Wax Want to check out her Brazilian waxing course? Head to her Instagram and comment COURSE on one of her posts to get the link! Connect with Kati & Beauty Talk Confessions Instagram & TikTok: @beautytalkconfessions Podcast: flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions Sponsored by 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 Send it to your wax bestie who's ready to perfect their Brazilian, fill their books, and stop overthinking social media. Because being an amazing waxer is one thing. Building a business around it is another. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  3. Oct 20

    Meet the Estheticians: Waxing, Chemical Peels & What's New at Flagstaff Skincare

    What really goes into creating a great client experience? It's more than just offering the latest treatments. It's about education, finding your specialty, and understanding what your clients' skin actually needs. In this episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati sits down with Ava and Brianna, the newest estheticians at Flagstaff Skincare, to talk about their favorite treatments, what they've been learning, and some exciting new services coming to the spa. From perfecting waxing techniques to experiencing chemical peels firsthand, the girls share what it's like growing their skills and discovering what they love most about esthetics. Kati also shares why hands-on training is so important to her, how she approaches results-driven skincare, and why she's excited to introduce Bright intimate brightening treatments to Flagstaff Skincare. In This Episode: Meet Ava and Brianna and discover their favorite services Brianna's firsthand experience with The Perfect Derma Peel, including the peeling process and her results Why Ava is loving waxing and how she's improving her technique through hands-on training Combining relaxation with results-driven facials Introducing Bright treatments for intimate skincare and areas of uneven pigmentation What the team learned during their recent Bright training Holiday skincare, lash lifts, and seasonal spa specials Why Kati is focusing on training her team and expanding advanced treatment offerings The Takeaway Every esthetician brings something different to the treatment room, and that's what makes building a great team so exciting. Whether it's mastering waxing, understanding skincare ingredients, or introducing new services, continuing education and hands-on experience are what help us grow as professionals and deliver better experiences for our clients. Visit Flagstaff Skincare Interested in trying one of the treatments we talked about? We're currently offering seasonal specials on The Perfect Derma Peel, lash lifts and tints, skincare products, and services with Ava and Brianna. These are limited-time offers discussed in the episode, so check our website for current availability and pricing. Book your appointment: flagstaff-skincare.com Join Us at ELEVATE 2027 We're also bringing Bright to ELEVATE Wax & Sugar Summit, February 21–23, 2027, in Sedona, Arizona, for education and hands-on certification opportunities. Want tickets? Head to elevatewaxandsugar.com! Connect with Kati & Beauty Talk Confessions Instagram & TikTok: @beautytalkconfessions Podcast: 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 an esthetician who's passionate about continuing education, finding their specialty, and bringing better treatments to their clients. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. Oct 12

    Why I Created ELEVATE: More Than Just a Waxing & Sugaring Conference

    What if attending a beauty conference could change more than just your technique? What if it could completely shift how you see yourself, your business, and what's possible for your future? In this solo episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati shares the story behind creating ELEVATE Wax & Sugar Summit, happening February 21–23, 2027, in Sedona, Arizona. After 15 years in the beauty industry and attending countless conferences and trainings, Kati wanted to create something different. An event that combines waxing and sugaring education, intimate skincare, business growth, and meaningful connections that can truly change your career. And there's a reason she chose Sedona. Kati shares how Sedona has influenced her own business journey and why she wanted to bring that energy into an experience designed to help beauty professionals grow both personally and professionally. In This Episode: Why Kati created ELEVATE and what makes it different from other beauty conferences The inspiration behind choosing Sedona, Arizona Waxing, sugaring, intimate skincare, and advanced education Why money mastery and business mindset matter just as much as technique What to expect from the VIP experience, including sound healing, professional headshots, business audits, and time with educators Building meaningful connections with other beauty professionals Why learning multiple hair removal techniques can help you better serve your clients The Takeaway ELEVATE isn't just about learning another technique or adding another certification. It's about surrounding yourself with the right people, challenging how you think about your business, and creating opportunities for more success, freedom, and fulfillment in this industry. Join Us at ELEVATE 2027 February 21–23, 2027 | Outbound Sedona | Sedona, Arizona Want to join us at ELEVATE 2027? Tickets are on sale now, and payment plans are available! Head to elevatewaxandsugar.com to grab your tickets. I can't wait to see you in Sedona! Connect with Kati & Beauty Talk Confessions Instagram & TikTok: @beautytalkconfessions Podcast: 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 fellow waxer, sugarist, or esthetician who's ready to invest in themselves, connect with the industry, and take their business to the next level. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. Oct 6

    Black Friday & Holiday Promo Ideas for Estheticians: How to Hit Your Q4 Goals

    Other strong options are How to Hit Your Q4 Revenue Goals: Black Friday & Holiday Spa Promotions or Finish the Year Strong: Black Friday & Holiday Sales Strategies for Estheticians. Episode Description Fourth quarter is here, and if you have revenue goals you still want to hit before the end of the year, this is the time to get intentional about your promotions. In this solo episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati shares the Black Friday and holiday promotions that have actually worked in her spa, the ones that haven't, and how she structures discounts without simply slashing prices on everything. After nearly six years of owning her spa, Kati has experimented with gift card promotions, service discounts, treatment packages, memberships, product sales, and holiday specials. She's breaking down what she's learned and how she uses Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day, and the 12 Days of Christmas differently. In this episode: Why some popular gift card promotions didn't work for Kati's business How she structures her twice-a-year 20% off promotions Creating packages that feel more valuable than a basic discount Using Black Friday to sell treatment series and introduce clients to advanced services Why treatment plans can outperform one-off facial discounts How to use the 12 Days of Christmas for lower-priced services and retail Bundling products to increase retail sales Creating offers that bring in revenue now while supporting future bookings Why perceived value matters more than simply offering the biggest discount The Takeaway You don't have to reinvent your business for the holidays. Look at the services and products you already offer and create promotions that encourage clients to invest deeper into what you know will actually give them results. Black Friday can bring in quick revenue, but the best promotion is one that also introduces clients to more of your business, fills future appointments, and creates opportunities to keep working with them after the sale ends. Use Q4 intentionally, test what works, and keep the promotions you can rinse and repeat next year. Connect with Kati & Beauty Talk Confessions Instagram & TikTok: @beautytalkconfessions Prickly Bare Professional waxing products and post-hair-removal skincare created by an esthetician, for estheticians. Instagram & TikTok: @pricklybare If You Loved This Episode Share it with an esthetician or spa owner who's staring at their Q4 numbers and wondering how they're going to finish the year strong. A good holiday promotion isn't just about discounting. It's about creating an offer your clients can immediately see the value in. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  6. Sep 21

    Meet the Educators of Elevate 2027: The Wax & Sugar Summit in Sedona

    The Elevate 2027 educator lineup is officially here, and Kati is giving you a first look at who is coming to Sedona! In this episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati shares the educators, demonstrations, certifications, and hands-on education coming to Elevate Wax & Sugar Summit, February 21–23, 2027 in Sedona, Arizona. Elevate was created specifically for waxing and sugaring professionals who want to strengthen their skills, expand their services, increase revenue, and connect with other professionals who truly understand this side of the beauty industry. And this lineup brings together educators Kati has personally learned from, looked up to, and watched make an impact in the industry. Meet the Elevate Educators From speed waxing and Brazilian techniques to sugaring, business education, lash lifting, brow lamination, intimate brightening, and vajacials, Elevate is bringing multiple sides of the hair-removal industry into one room. You'll hear from educators including Elda of Waxing Queen Adventures, Brie Mesquit of Rebel Wax, Rachel and Erica of The Waxer Pros, Myra of Sugar Guru Academy, Caribbean Candy, Kimberly Morphin, Bright, Crotch Cosmetics, and more educators still to be announced. Expect live demonstrations including male and female Brazilians, speed waxing, sugaring techniques, brow and lash services, intimate brightening, vajacials, and education designed to help you improve both your treatments and your business. There will also be opportunities to add hands-on certifications throughout the weekend in services that can complement your existing waxing or sugaring clientele. More Than Another Beauty Conference Kati created Elevate to give waxing and sugaring professionals education they can actually take home and implement. The goal isn't to overwhelm you with information. It's to help you leave Sedona with stronger skills, new services, business knowledge, industry connections, and ideas that can immediately impact your treatment room. And this is only the beginning—more educators and experiences are still being announced. Elevate Wax & Sugar Summit 2027 February 21–23, 2027Sedona, Arizona Tickets and certification opportunities are available now at:elevatewaxandsugar.com 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 your wax bestie, sugarist, or beauty professional who needs to be in Sedona with you in 2027. Elevate is about bringing this community together, learning from each other, and leaving with the skills and confidence to take your career to the next level. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  7. Sep 14

    Are Beauty Trade Shows Still Worth It? Why Smaller Industry Events Are Changing the Game

    Trade shows used to feel like the place to discover what was next in beauty—but as the industry grows, are they still worth the investment? In this solo episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati shares her perspective after attending Be Well Fort Lauderdale and reflects on nearly 16 years of attending beauty trade shows, starting with Cosmoprof Las Vegas while she was still in beauty school. From travel, hotels, tickets, and taking time away from clients, attending a trade show is an investment. Kati talks about why some beauty professionals are starting to question the return they're getting from larger shows and why she believes smaller, more specialized industry events are becoming so valuable. She shares what she still loves about trade shows—the connections, discovering brands, education, and those unexpected conversations that can change the direction of your career—while also discussing what she feels has been lost as shows have gotten bigger and broader. Kati also shares why these experiences helped inspire her to create Elevate Wax & Sugar, a more focused event specifically for waxing and sugaring professionals coming to Sedona, Arizona in 2027. Why Smaller Events Feel Different When you're surrounded by professionals who actually specialize in what you do, the conversations change. Instead of trying to experience every corner of the beauty industry in one room, smaller events can create space for deeper education, hands-on learning, real product experiences, and connections with professionals who understand your specific business. For Kati, those are the experiences that leave her feeling inspired, supported, and excited to bring something new back to her clients and team. The Takeaway Industry events can absolutely still be worth the investment—but be intentional about where you're spending your time and money. Look beyond the size of the show and ask yourself what you're actually hoping to leave with: education, community, new products, better skills, business connections, or inspiration. Sometimes the smaller room can create the biggest impact. Elevate Wax & Sugar 2027 February 21–23, 2027Sedona, Arizona Tickets are officially on sale, with a limited number of early bird tickets available. Website: elevatewaxandsugar.com 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 a beauty professional who's debating whether their next conference or trade show is worth the investment. The right event isn't necessarily the biggest one—it's the one that gives you the education, connections, and inspiration you can actually bring back into your business. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  8. Sep 10

    Know Your Why: Ingredient Knowledge, Imposter Syndrome & Becoming the Skin Nerd with Amanda

    Following a skincare protocol is one thing. Understanding why you're using every ingredient is something completely different. In this episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati sits down with Amanda, owner of Loving My Skin Spa and creator of Skin Nerd Training, to talk about ingredient knowledge, continuing education, imposter syndrome, and how The Skin Games pushed her to become a stronger esthetician. Amanda has been licensed since 2013 and has built her career around understanding skin on a deeper level. After earning the nickname The Skin Nerd, she eventually leaned into what made her different and turned that knowledge into an education platform for other estheticians. They talk about moving beyond manufacturer protocols, understanding the intention behind your treatments, and why knowing your ingredients gives you the confidence to adapt as your clients and their skin change. Amanda also shares her experience competing in The Skin Games. She entered her first year convinced she wasn't good enough, struggled with comparison and imposter syndrome, and ended up becoming a finalist in all three categories she entered. Today, she's an 11-time finalist and OG Legend. In this episode: Why ingredient knowledge matters beyond memorizing protocols Turning your niche into something bigger Imposter syndrome and comparing yourself to other estheticians How The Skin Games challenged Amanda to grow Continuing your education as your clientele changes Building confidence by understanding the "why" behind your treatments The Takeaway You don't have to know everything to be a great esthetician, but you should always be willing to ask why. Keep learning, challenge yourself, and don't downplay the thing that makes you different. That may be exactly what sets your career apart. Connect with Amanda Loving My Skin Spa | Litchfield Park, ArizonaSkin Nerd Training: skinnerdtraining.com 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 who needs the reminder to stop comparing, keep learning, and lean into what makes them different. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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About

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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