Behind the Needle

Mike LeMieux

Mike LeMieux is the founder of MedSpa Media - a social media marketing company that works strictly with MedSpas. Mike has been in the social media marketing space since 2012 and is widely regarded as a top thought leader for his strategies and execution for his Clients, increasing their sales 2-3x. When he's not working, Mike spends every moment he can with his wife and daughter, he loves traveling and experiencing new places. He is passionate about lifting the burden that social media creates for his Clients and loves sharing his knowledge and proven strategies with others. 

  1. 20H AGO

    Growing a Brand, a Team, and a Family with Heather Ames

    What does it really take to build a beauty business from the ground up while raising a family? Heather Ames started her journey as an aesthetician at 18 and launched her first business at just 20, eventually growing it into Beauty Secrets Collective, a one-stop shop in Peoria, Arizona offering aesthetics, injectables, and hair services. What began as a small business has evolved into a multifaceted brand, including Beauty Secrets Academy, where she not only trains students but continues to mentor them long after they leave. She shares what it’s really like to balance entrepreneurship and motherhood, from leaning on a strong support system to involving her children in the journey as they’ve grown up alongside her business. As the brand expanded, so did the challenges, leading to lessons in leadership, setting clear expectations, and building a culture with intention. Along the way, she opens up about how she recharges, the treatments she believes truly stand the test of time, and the importance of creating a career that brings real fulfillment, not just success! Resources + Links Learn how to DOUBLE your Instagram Story views. Work with Mike - Learn more about social media marketing and ads for your MedSpa. Book with Beauty Secrets Collective Train with Beauty Secrets Academy Follow Mike: @mikelemieux MedSpa Media: @medspa_media Beauty Secrets Collective: @beautysecretscollective Beauty Secrets Academy: @beautysecretsacademy

    41 min
  2. MAR 20

    Building a Practice That Feels Personal with Ingrid Marayag

    In this episode of Behind the Needle, I sit down with Ingrid Marayag, founder of Grace Skin Aesthetics in Monterey, California, to talk about building a purpose-driven practice rooted in trust, intention, and the belief that aging is a privilege. With nearly 14 years in the medical field and a background as a makeup artist, Ingrid brings a unique blend of artistry and clinical expertise to aesthetics. She shares the personal story behind her brand, “Grace,” and how life-changing experiences shaped her philosophy of giving both herself and her patients more compassion throughout the aging process. Ingrid dives into her boutique approach to care, prioritizing meaningful, in-depth consultations and a highly personalized patient experience over a high-volume model. She also opens up about how she built her business from the ground up using social media and word-of-mouth, her decision to focus on injectables and skin-focused treatments, and how she increases client loyalty through thoughtful retention strategies. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone looking to build an intentional aesthetic practice while staying grounded in purpose, safety, and authenticity.   Resources + Links Learn how to DOUBLE your Instagram Story views. Work with Mike - Learn more about social media marketing and ads for your MedSpa. Check out Grace Skin Aesthetics Follow Mike: @mikelemieux MedSpa Media: @medspa_media Ingrid Marayag: @beautynurseingrid Grace Skin Aesthetics: @graceskinaesthetics_

    43 min
  3. JAN 13

    Beauty Betrayal Lists, Treatment Risks, & Ethical Training with Annie Bruno of Skin Charm

    What does it really take to build a beloved aesthetics brand that grows on word-of-mouth and still books new clients on demand? Skin Charm founder and lead injector, Annie Bruno, shares how she pivoted during lockdown, scaled with integrity, and turned warm Southern-hospitality vibes into a repeat-client machine. You’ll hear Annie’s ethical take on injector training (and why she turns down easy money), the consult framework that boosts conversions without feeling “salesy,” and how she collaborates locally to keep high-quality patients coming in. We get into her “betrayal list” (including RF microneedling caveats and filler fear-mongering), when to add services like NAD+ and a wellness lounge, and how to price/position promos without becoming a Groupon brand. She also breaks down her apprenticeship model, the minimum ramp time she expects before letting anyone “poke a face,” and why preserving each patient’s authentic look is non-negotiable. If you want practical ways to elevate outcomes, retention, and revenue—this episode is your playbook! Highlights 00:00 - Who is Annie Bruno, and why did she start Skin Charm? 02:50 - What allowed her to survive and build a business from scratch during COVID? 06:30 - The #1 retention tip for ongoing clients! 09:20 - Why having “thick skin” is important for business owners and how to handle issues quickly. 12:50 - What kind of training does Annie Bruno offer for new injectors? 14:20 - Why she turns down “easy money” from people who want mentorship. 16:05 - What goes into a mentorship with Annie? 19:50 - When does it make sense to have a “loss leader” in your sales strategy? 22:14 - Why did Skin Charm add a wellness arm to the business? (including IV therapies) 24:39 - What’s on your beauty betrayal list? 25:15 - Why isn’t she a fan of RF Microneedling? 27:41 - Are injectors who post videos of MRIs showing filler causing unnecessary fear? 31:25 - Why long-term treatment plans are better than fast treatments. 33:00 - What’s working to get new clients right now? 34:40 - How to sell without feeling pushy. 38:30 - What’s more important, washing your face or wearing SPF? 39:45 - Top three skin care product recommendations. Resources + Links Learn how to DOUBLE your Instagram Story views. Work with Mike - Learn more about social media marketing and ads for your MedSpa. Follow Mike: @mikelemieux MedSpa Media: @medspa_media Annie Bruno: @nurseannabelle Skin Charm: @skin.charm

    41 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Mike LeMieux is the founder of MedSpa Media - a social media marketing company that works strictly with MedSpas. Mike has been in the social media marketing space since 2012 and is widely regarded as a top thought leader for his strategies and execution for his Clients, increasing their sales 2-3x. When he's not working, Mike spends every moment he can with his wife and daughter, he loves traveling and experiencing new places. He is passionate about lifting the burden that social media creates for his Clients and loves sharing his knowledge and proven strategies with others. 

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