What We’re Learning & Where We’re Headed

Back in the Chair: Big Pivots, Growing Pains, and the Year of the Injector

Mary and Carla are back with a long-awaited update episode of Not Just Lip Service. They catch listeners up on a whirlwind start to the year, including a major business pivot, lessons learned from a potential partnership, team changes, hiring philosophy, injector training, and what it really looks like to grow from a scrappy startup into a more structured, scalable company. They also talk candidly about turnover, culture shifts, leadership lessons, and why this year is focused on strengthening the foundation for independent providers and injectors.

Hormone Therapy Explained: Pellets vs Creams, Testosterone, and the Truth About BHRT

This is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in hormones, menopause care, and the rapidly evolving world of hormone therapy. Hormone therapy, menopause treatment, and testosterone therapy are some of the most misunderstood topics in modern medicine. In this must-listen episode of Not Just Lip Service, Carla sits down with Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Amanda Gold to break down the latest science behind hormone replacement therapy. They discuss the history of hormone therapy, how the Women’s Health Initiative study changed prescribing practices, and why newer research is reshaping how clinicians approach bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) today. Hormone therapy, menopause treatment, and testosterone therapy are some of the most misunderstood topics in modern medicine. In this must-listen episode of Not Just Lip Service, Carla sits down with Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Amanda Gold to break down the latest science behind hormone replacement therapy. They discuss the history of hormone therapy, how the Women’s Health Initiative study changed prescribing practices, and why newer research is reshaping how clinicians approach bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) today. In this episode you’ll learn: • The difference between hormone pellets, creams, and injections • When testosterone therapy is appropriate for women and men • Why lab monitoring and individualized care are essential • How misinformation about hormones spread for decades • What patients and providers should know about modern hormone therapy Whether you’re a patient navigating menopause or a medical provider working in aesthetics or hormone therapy, this episode delivers clear, practical insights you won’t hear everywhere else.

Life Lessons in Leadership: Mindset, Boundaries, and Being OK with “Enough”

In this candid and reflective episode, Carla and Shelley step away from metrics and buzzwords to talk about the real life lessons that shape strong leadership. From the “1,000-minute rule” and the power of mindset, to Maslow’s hierarchy, boundaries, and the truth that clear is kind, they share hard-earned insights from business, parenting, and personal growth. This conversation is an honest reminder that leadership isn’t about perfection — it’s about clarity, balance, and knowing when “enough” truly is enough.

Medical Aesthetics Compliance 101: What Every Injector Needs to Know

In this episode of Not Just Lip Service, we break down the complex world of compliance in medical aesthetics—covering crucial regulations that many medical professionals didn’t have to think about in traditional healthcare. Join us as we explore: * State license and certification requirements * Medical director oversight and collaborative agreements * Who can legally perform aesthetic services * Responding to regulatory inquiries * Staying current with ever-evolving guidelines * HIPAA and patient privacy laws in an aesthetic setting * The gray areas that trip up new providers Whether you're an experienced injector or just starting out, this episode will help you navigate the regulatory landscape with more clarity and confidence. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice.

What We’re Learning & Where We’re Headed

In this episode of Not Just Lip Service, Mary and Carla share exciting updates from behind the scenes at Smiley Aesthetics. From company growth to operational lessons, they unpack what’s new, what’s working, and what’s evolving across the med spa landscape. Tune in for an honest, insightful conversation about the ongoing journey of building a multi-state medical aesthetics brand—and what they’ve learned along the way. 🔗 Want more? Join our exclusive community on Patreon for deep dives into med spa operations, clinical protocols, compliance strategies, and everything in between: Patreon.com/smileyaesthetics [https://patreon.com/smileyaesthetics]