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

    Beauty Talk Confessions - solo 20

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  2. 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.

  3. Sep 1

    Should You Go Solo After Esthetician School? The Truth About Working for Yourself vs. a Salon

    Should you open your own esthetics business right out of school, or should you work for an established salon or spa first? There is so much pressure in the beauty industry right now to go solo, become your own boss, open a suite, and build your own brand. And while owning your own business can be incredible, there is another side of entrepreneurship that doesn't always make it onto social media. In this solo episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati breaks down the pros and cons of going solo versus working for an established salon, spa, or franchise after beauty school and shares her own experience with both. Kati started her career working for other businesses before eventually becoming a spa owner herself. When she moved specifically into waxing, she intentionally chose a franchise because of the ongoing education, structure, team environment, and opportunity to build her skills before trying to do everything on her own. Looking back, that foundation became an important part of the business owner and esthetician she is today. What Going Solo Actually Looks Like Opening a beautiful salon suite is the fun part. But before you take your first client, there's an entire business that has to be built behind it. Kati gets into some of the things new estheticians may not realize they'll suddenly be responsible for, including finding and leasing a space, registering a business, licensing, insurance, purchasing equipment and supplies, setting up the treatment room, choosing products, sanitation, and covering your expenses before you've built a consistent clientele. And that's before marketing, booking clients, answering messages, cleaning, laundry, rebooking, inventory, taxes, social media, and actually performing the services. Being your own boss also means becoming responsible for almost every part of the business. The Benefit of Working for Someone Else Working at an established salon or franchise doesn't mean you're giving up on the dream of owning your own business. It can actually be one of the best ways to prepare for it. You have the opportunity to work with more clients, improve your timing, experience situations you may never have seen in school, learn from coworkers, receive additional education, and figure out what you do and don't want to bring into your own business someday. There's also something incredibly valuable about having a team around you while you're still building confidence. You don't have to know everything immediately. Going Solo Isn't Wrong. But It Isn't Your Only Option. There isn't one perfect career path in this industry. Some people are ready to go solo immediately. Others benefit tremendously from spending a few years inside an established business first. The important part is understanding what you're actually signing up for before making the decision. Don't choose entrepreneurship simply because social media made owning a salon suite look like the next step after graduation. And don't think working for someone else means you're somehow behind. The Takeaway Your first job doesn't have to be your forever job. It can be your training ground. Use that time to learn. Ask questions. Watch how the business operates. Build your speed. Strengthen your consultations. Learn how to handle difficult situations. Pay attention to what creates loyal clients and what doesn't. Then, if and when you're ready to go solo, you're starting with experience behind you instead of trying to learn your craft and run a business at the exact same time. There is nothing wrong with wanting to become your own boss. Just make sure you're building the foundation that will allow you to actually enjoy it when you get there. Connect with Kati & Beauty Talk Confessions Instagram & TikTok: @beautytalkconfessionsPodcast Page: Flagstaff Skincare | Beauty Talk Confessions Prickly Bare Professional waxing products and post-hair-removal skincare created by an esthetician, for estheticians. Instagram & TikTok: @pricklybareWebsite: Prickly Bare If You Loved This Episode Share it with a beauty school student, new esthetician, or beauty professional who's trying to decide what comes next. Going solo isn't the only definition of success, and working for someone else may give you exactly the experience you need to build the business you eventually want. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  4. Aug 25

    Stop Comparing & Start Becoming: Nakeisha Hamilton on Finding Your Place in Esthetics

    You don't have to have the newest device, follow every skincare trend, or look like the esthetician you see on Instagram to build a successful business. In this episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati sits down with Nakeisha Hamilton, licensed esthetician and owner of The Rebute, to talk about finding your own path in the beauty industry, building confidence as a newer esthetician, and learning to stop comparing your beginning to someone else's years of experience. Nakeisha's journey into esthetics actually started with makeup. What began as doing makeup for friends and family grew into fashion shows, events, teaching, and even working on a movie set. When she realized she needed a professional license to take that career further, she enrolled in beauty school and unexpectedly fell in love with skin. Today, she's creating a practice centered around holistic skincare and her belief that treating the skin can go much deeper than what we see on the surface. Finding Her Own Approach to Skincare After experimenting with different areas of esthetics, Nakeisha found herself drawn toward a more holistic approach. She shares how she's learning to look at the skin alongside stress, self-awareness, confidence, and overall well-being, and how she's bringing her own beliefs and values into the experience she creates for her clients. Now, she's taking another leap by rebranding her business as The Rebute and moving into a brand-new space in Goodyear, Arizona. Her business started with just two clients and a lot of faith. Instead of trying to recreate what everyone else around her was doing, she's continued building something that feels genuinely like her. You Don't Need the Latest & Greatest One of Nakeisha's biggest lessons for newer estheticians is something so many of us need to hear: you do not need to go broke trying to keep up with this industry. There will always be a new device, product, treatment, technique, or trend. Instead of constantly chasing what's next, Nakeisha talks about mastering what you already know, continuing your education, understanding why you're offering something, and becoming really good at serving the clients in front of you. It's okay not to know everything. It's okay to tell a client you need to research something. And it's okay if what works in your treatment room isn't what's currently trending on TikTok. The Skin Games, Confidence & Learning Over Winning Kati and Nakeisha originally connected through The Skin Games, and they dive into how the experience has impacted both of them far beyond competition. For Nakeisha, The Skin Games helped her become more confident while also teaching her that she doesn't need to know everything to belong in this industry. After initially focusing heavily on winning, she's approaching her next competition differently. Her goal isn't just an award. It's to learn, challenge herself, strengthen her skills, and see how much she can grow through the process. Sometimes the biggest win isn't the trophy. It's who you become while working toward it. Just Show Up Kati and Nakeisha also talk about participating together in a 30-day social media challenge and how forcing themselves to consistently show up helped break down some of the fear around being visible online. You don't need perfect hair. You don't need the perfect treatment room. You don't need a perfectly scripted Reel. People want to connect with the person behind the business. Nakeisha shares how some of her best engagement happens when she's simply on camera talking and being herself, rather than only posting perfectly curated treatment content. The Takeaway Stop measuring your career against someone else's. Someone who has been practicing for ten years is supposed to know things you don't know yet. That doesn't make you less capable or less deserving of being here. Give yourself grace. Keep learning. Get really good at what you do. Show up even when it feels uncomfortable. Build a business that reflects who you actually are instead of who you think the industry expects you to be. As Nakeisha puts it: be authentically you. The clients who appreciate that are your clients. Connect with Nakeisha Instagram: @the.rebeauteTikTok: @the.rebeauteBusiness: The Rebute 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 is comparing themselves to everyone around them or feeling like they have to keep up with every new trend. Your career doesn't have to look like anyone else's. Keep learning, keep showing up, and give yourself permission to build something that feels like you. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  5. Aug 17

    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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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.

  8. 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.

See All (56)

Trailer

5
out of 5
14 Ratings

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    

Information

You Might Also Like