Trade Shows, Skin Games & Why Every Esthetician Needs to Get in the Room

Trade Shows, Skin Games & Why Every Esthetician Needs to Get in the Room

In this episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati shares why attending trade shows, conferences, and industry events has completely reignited her passion for the beauty industry. After stepping away from industry events for several years, Kati recently returned to conferences like Cosmoprof, Be+Well, The Skin Games, and the Waxing Pro Conference—and the experience reminded her just how powerful community, education, and connection can be. She breaks down what to expect when attending a trade show, how to get the most value from your ticket, and why these events are about so much more than shopping for products or equipment. From meeting vendors and discovering new brands to attending classes, hearing inspiring speakers, and building relationships with fellow beauty professionals, these experiences can completely change the trajectory of your career. Kati also shares her firsthand experience competing at The Skin Games, what she learned from live competition, and why the event has inspired her to take on advanced skincare case studies and become a sponsor through Prickly Bare. Whether you're a new esthetician, seasoned spa owner, wax specialist, or beauty entrepreneur, this episode is a reminder that growth often happens when you step outside your comfort zone and put yourself in the room with people who challenge and inspire you. In This Episode, We Talk About: • Why trade shows and conferences are worth the investment • What to expect at industry events like Cosmoprof, Be+Well, and The Skin Games • The benefits of networking with vendors and beauty brands • How live competitions can accelerate your growth as an esthetician • What skincare case studies are and why they're so valuable • Finding inspiration when you're feeling burned out in your career • The power of community within the beauty industry • Why Kati decided to sponsor The Skin Games through Prickly Bare The Takeaway You don't have to build your career alone. Some of the biggest breakthroughs happen when you surround yourself with people who are passionate about the same work you do. Investing in education, community, and new experiences can reignite your creativity, strengthen your skills, and remind you why you fell in love with this industry in the first place. Connect with Kati & Beauty Talk Confessions Instagram & TikTok: @beautytalkconfessions Podcast Page: https://www.flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions [https://www.flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions] 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 a fellow esthetician, spa owner, or beauty professional who has been thinking about attending a trade show or conference. And if you've attended an industry event that changed your perspective, tag @beautytalkconfessions and let us know about your experience. 💕 See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

From College Side Hustle to Spa Owner: Amanda Luisa's Journey Building Beach House Skincare

In this episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati sits down with Amanda Luisa, owner of Beach House Skincare & Spa and host of the Bougie and Boring podcast, for an honest conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, motherhood, and what it really takes to build a sustainable beauty business. Amanda shares her incredible journey from secretly cutting hair in college and building a loyal clientele through word of mouth to becoming a licensed professional, opening her own spa, navigating the challenges of COVID, building a team, and growing a thriving business. Along the way, she opens up about the lessons she's learned through leadership, hiring, scaling, and becoming a mother of two under two. This episode is packed with practical business wisdom, relatable stories, and refreshing honesty about the realities of entrepreneurship in the beauty industry. Amanda's approach to creating systems, leading a team, and building a business that supports both her family and her goals is something every beauty professional can learn from. What You'll Learn • How Amanda accidentally started her beauty career while in college • The journey from solo provider to successful spa owner • Lessons learned from hiring, leadership, and team growth • Why systems and standard operating procedures create freedom • Balancing motherhood, business ownership, and personal priorities • The importance of sustainable growth and decision making • How to create a business that supports your life instead of running it • The mindset shifts that helped Amanda become a stronger leader The Takeaway Success isn't built through hustle alone. It's created through consistency, clear leadership, strong systems, and making decisions that are sustainable long term. Amanda's story is a powerful reminder that building a thriving business doesn't happen overnight, but with the right foundation, it's absolutely possible. Connect with Amanda Luisa Podcast: Bougie and Boring Website: amandaluisaconsulting.com Connect with Kati & Beauty Talk Confessions Instagram & TikTok: @beautytalkconfessions Podcast Page: https://www.flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions [https://www.flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions] 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 a fellow esthetician, spa owner, or beauty entrepreneur who is building their dream business. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and tag us on social media while you're listening. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

ColorScience Color Balm Review: The SPF Makeup Hack Everyone Is Talking About

In this episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati reviews the viral ColorScience Sunforgettable Total Protection Color Balm SPF and explains why this multitasking product has become a favorite among skincare professionals and sunscreen lovers alike. Designed to add a natural pop of color while providing all-mineral sun protection, this SPF balm can be used on the cheeks, lips, and eyes for an effortless "no makeup, makeup" look. Kati shares her honest thoughts on the texture, application, color payoff, and why warming the product before application completely changes the experience. If you're looking for a way to simplify your routine while adding more sun protection to areas that are often forgotten, this product might be exactly what you've been searching for. Why This Product Stands Out Unlike traditional makeup products, the Color Balm combines color, hydration, and SPF protection into one easy-to-use product. Kati discusses how it performs on the skin, why it's ideal for active lifestyles, and how it can help protect delicate areas like the lips, cheeks, and eye area from daily sun exposure. The Takeaway Sun protection doesn't have to be complicated. Products that combine skincare, SPF, and a touch of color make it easier to stay protected every day while still looking polished and natural. Shop ColorScience Color Balm SPF ColorScience Sunforgettable Total Protection Color Balm SPF [https://www.colorescience.com/products/sunforgettable-total-protection-color-balm-spf-50?utm_source=chatgpt.com] Connect with Kati & Beauty Talk Confessions Instagram & TikTok: @beautytalkconfessions Podcast Page: https://www.flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions [https://www.flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions] PricklyBare Post hair removal skincare rooted in real esthetician experience Launching Summer 2026 Instagram & TikTok: @pricklybare Website: pricklybare.com If You Loved This Episode Screenshot the episode, tag @beautytalkconfessions, and share your favorite SPF beauty products or sunscreen hacks. Your recommendation might be featured in a future Trend Thursday episode. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

The Vagacial Trademark Controversy: What Estheticians Need to Know

In this episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati steps away from the usual Trend Thursday format to talk about one of the biggest conversations happening in the esthetics industry right now — the Bushbalm Vagacial trademark controversy. After Bushbalm filed a trademark application for the term “Vagacial,” estheticians, waxers, and beauty professionals across social media immediately reacted. The conversation quickly turned into something much bigger than a single word. It sparked discussions around industry ownership, branding, trademarks, education, and the growing fear many independent estheticians feel about larger companies controlling terminology that has been used collectively within the beauty industry for years. Kati shares her honest thoughts as both a spa owner and someone currently navigating trademarks herself with PricklyBare. She breaks down what trademarking actually means, why this situation upset so many people, and how the beauty industry unexpectedly came together during the controversy. Most importantly, this episode highlights the power of community within the esthetics world and why independent voices still matter. In This Episode, We Talk About: • The Bushbalm Vagacial trademark controversy explained • Why estheticians reacted so strongly online • The difference between branding and industry terminology • What trademarks actually protect • Concerns around corporate influence in the beauty industry • Why this conversation became bigger than just one word • How the esthetics community united and spoke up • Kati’s personal experience with trademarking PricklyBare The Takeaway This situation reminded the beauty industry that estheticians, waxers, and independent business owners have powerful voices. When the community comes together, conversations around education, branding, and protecting the integrity of the industry can create real impact. Connect with Kati & Beauty Talk Confessions Instagram & TikTok: @beautytalkconfessions Podcast Page: https://www.flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions [https://www.flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions] 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 another esthetician, waxer, or beauty professional and join the conversation happening across the industry right now. Your voice matters. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Smooche Lip Stain Review: Is This Viral Peel-Off Lip Tint Worth It?

In this episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati puts the viral Smooche Peel-Off Lip Stain to the test in a real-time Trend Thursday review. After letting the stain sit for the full 15–20 minutes, Kati shares her honest reaction to the peel-off process, the final color payoff, hydration level, and how the stain actually wears throughout the day. She also talks about one common mistake people make with peel-off lip stains (including staining your teeth) and why following the directions makes all the difference. The final result? A gorgeous long-lasting lip tint with a hydrated, plump finish that feels lightweight and wearable. Shop the Viral Smooche Lip Stain Smooche Peel-Off Lip Stain [https://smooche.com/products/stick-and-stain?srsltid=AfmBOopOzSQDOJfr89zAb-Iz-4cL2UySutU34TrjP0yev2dL20VvLyPI&utm_source=chatgpt.com] The Takeaway Peel-off lip stains can absolutely live up to the hype — but patience matters. Letting the product fully set before peeling creates the best color payoff and helps avoid mess or uneven staining. Connect with Kati & Beauty Talk Confessions Instagram & TikTok: @beautytalkconfessions Podcast Page: https://www.flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions [https://www.flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions] PricklyBare Post hair removal skincare rooted in real esthetician experience Launching Summer 2026 Instagram & TikTok: @pricklybare Website: pricklybare.com If You Loved This Episode Screenshot the episode, tag @beautytalkconfessions, and share your favorite lip stain shades or viral products Kati should review next. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.