Episode #74 - Hiring, Budget, and Build-Out Strategies for New Medspas with Tracie Duke

Episode #78 - Can You Do Laser Treatments in the Summer? What Actually Works

In this episode, Kathy challenges the default assumption that lasers should slow down in the summer, arguing the real issue is not the season, it’s patient selection and compliance. She breaks down how Fitzpatrick type, sunscreen behavior, and lifestyle habits determine who can safely be treated. Kathy explains why non-ablative fractional lasers like MOXI create opportunities for year-round treatments, while cautioning against treating recently tanned skin or melanin-rich clients during high sun exposure months. She also outlines how to avoid and correct common complications and why most practices miss revenue by not properly educating clients on safe summer options. Download the free resource here [https://hubs.ly/Q04c_4GP0] Get the key frameworks for summer laser safety, including client selection, treatment strategy, and complication prevention. Talking Points * Summer laser treatments are viable with correct patient selection and timing * Fitzpatrick I–III are safest starting point for summer treatments * Melanin-rich skin types should generally wait until fall or winter * Face treatments are safer than body due to sunscreen compliance differences * Lifestyle and sunscreen habits determine candidacy more than season * Frequent reapplication and visible lack of tan signal safer treatment windows * Vacation schedules require spacing treatments at least two weeks before sun exposure * Recent tanning increases complication risk; allow time before treating * Non-ablative fractional lasers like 1927 thulium offer low downtime with strong results * Nd:YAG devices remain safe across Fitzpatrick types, including summer use * Avoid treating tanned areas with BBL to reduce risk of burns and complications * Moxi can correct BBL striping or stamping with low-energy, high-density passes * Education during consults reframes “lasers” as distinct technologies with different risks * Offering summer laser promotions depends on proper screening, not assumption Our Sponsors Episode Sponsors:  MINT Aesthetics [https://mintaesthetics.com/]

Episode # 77- Shifting from Per-Pulse to Total Energy Strategy with Sofwave CIO, James Bartholomeusz

Most providers are focusing on the wrong variables when it comes to energy-based treatments. James Bartholomeusz, Chief Innovation Officer at Sofwave, joins Kathy to break down how providers should evaluate and apply energy-based devices and why results vary so widely across practices. The conversation focuses on how energy is actually delivered, showing why total energy and distribution matter more than per-pulse intensity or full-face coverage. He explains how fractional injury drives more predictable outcomes, why targeted treatment zones outperform blanket approaches, and how device simplicity often reflects a stronger underlying biological mechanism. The discussion also covers patient comfort without numbing, the role of perception in pain, and how GLP-1 use and hormone-related changes are shifting treatment planning toward earlier, more proactive intervention. The result is a practical framework for delivering more consistent outcomes, improving team adoption, and building scalable, system-based treatment strategies. Talking Points: * Device outcomes depend on how energy is delivered and distributed, not just the technology itself * Simplicity in explaining a device reflects true understanding of the underlying biology * Fractional injury creates more consistent results than bulk heating approaches * If outcomes vary significantly by operator, the device design or protocol lacks consistency * Total treatment energy matters more than individual pulse intensity * Targeting high-impact zones is more effective than full-face coverage * Treatment effectiveness is driven by energy distribution, not surface area alone * Combining technologies improves outcomes when each targets a different tissue layer * Cold air distraction can improve patient comfort without relying on topical numbing * Patient comfort is influenced by perception and distraction, not just physical sensation * GLP-1 and hormone-related changes impact skin and muscle, requiring more proactive treatment planning * Long-term regeneration requires system-based treatment planning, not isolated treatments * Simpler protocols accelerate team adoption and improve consistency across providers Download the free resource here.  [https://hubs.ly/Q048tMmz0] Get the key takeaways and treatment strategies from this episode, including total energy application, patient comfort, and device optimization. Episode Sponsors: Omni Bioceuticals [https://omnibioinnovations.com/] Ad Links Omni Bioceuticals [https://omnibioinnovations.com/] MINT Aesthetics [https://mintaesthetics.com/] MINT Online E-courses [https://mintaesthetics.com/online-e-courses/] Links from this episode Sofwave  [https://sofwave.com/]

Episode #76 - Case Study: How One Provider Accelerated Her Growth Through Hands-On Training with Payton Amato

Breaking into aesthetic medicine can feel overwhelming for new injectors. In this episode, Kathy sits down with Payton Amato [https://www.instagram.com/evolv_payton/], a nurse from EVOLV Medical Aesthetics [https://evolvmedicalaesthetics.com/], accelerated her development in aesthetics through continued training at MINT Aesthetics. Payton, completed two six-month mentorship programs concurrently—one focused on injectables and one on laser—to rapidly build her skills and clinical confidence. She shares how hands-on training, repetition, and education transformed her consultations from treatment-based conversations into comprehensive facial planning. The conversation also explores how social media helped her grow her patient base, why quick online injector courses fall short, and how confidence changes patient trust.  Hear the real experience of a MINT trainee and how the experience shaped the trajectory of her career. This is the perfect tell-all for anyone considering training for themselves or their team.  Talking Points: * Transitioning into aesthetics after ICU and ER nursing * Early lack of confidence in aesthetic treatments * MINT training changing clinical thinking and confidence * Discovering aesthetics is more complex than online courses * Shifting consults from single treatments to full plans * Explaining facial aging during patient consultations * Confidence replacing nervous overexplaining in consults * Using personal treatments as social media education * Posting real results and patient questions online * Repetition after training making skills finally click * Learning to address unrealistic patient expectations * Building strong relationships with clinic teammates * Collaborating with estheticians on skincare planning Download the free resource here.  [https://hubs.ly/Q046-fjG0] Learn about the 6-month mentoring program that changed Payton's career and made her a next level provider.  Episode Sponsors: Omni Bioceuticals [https://omnibioinnovations.com/] Ad Links Omni Bioceuticals [https://omnibioinnovations.com/] MINT Aesthetics [https://mintaesthetics.com/] MINT Online E-courses [https://mintaesthetics.com/online-e-courses/]

Episode #75 - AI's Role in the Modern Medspa with Dr. Johnny Franco

Dr. Johnny Franco [https://www.austinplasticsurgeon.com/] joins Kat Taranto to share what it truly takes to scale a modern aesthetic practice, from subleasing a 600-square-foot office to leading three locations and 90 employees. They discuss the systems and financial discipline required for sustainable growth, why structured operations outperform chaos, and how hiring a CFO clarified profitability. The conversation also explores the role of artificial intelligence in today’s clinics, including how AI can support marketing, patient communication, and operational efficiency when built on strong underlying systems. This episode offers a clear look at scaling with structure, margin awareness, and long-term strategy. Talking Points * Start lean, preserve capital, and use AI strategically to stay flexible for growth * Set real budgets early and use AI tools to control marketing and operational spend * Hire a full-time marketing lead and leverage AI to scale visibility and execution * Build SOPs for every patient touchpoint before scaling or automating with AI * Hire slow but fire fast to protect culture and performance * Avoid one-off schedule exceptions that fracture team equity * Use working interviews to test cultural and operational fit * Teach-me interviews reveal true leadership and executive capability * Social media consistency outweighs perfection in content strategy * CRM systems prevent wasted leads and maximize marketing ROI * Structured team meetings create clarity and reduce internal friction * Revenue means nothing without margin awareness and financial oversight * A CFO mindset shifts focus from growth volume to profitability * Med spa, surgery, and wellness are converging into one continuum Download episode resource here [https://hubs.ly/Q045qgtg0] Our Sponsors Episode Sponsors:  MINT Aesthetics [https://mintaesthetics.com/] Link from this Episode:  Austin Plastic Surgeon [https://www.austinplasticsurgeon.com/]

Episode #74 - Hiring, Budget, and Build-Out Strategies for New Medspas with Tracie Duke

In this episode of Making a (Multi) Million Dollar Medspa, Kathy sits down with AesthetiCare [https://greatskinkc.com] General Manager Tracie Duke to unpack the real-world playbook for opening and scaling new medspa locations. They walk through how to think about staffing models for 3- and 5-person clinics, when to hire (and train) your team before opening, and how to protect payroll while still delivering a five-star client experience. The conversation also dives into site selection strategy, buildout budgeting, equipment must-haves, and room design details that directly impact efficiency, culture, and long-term profitability across multiple locations. Talking Points * Translating retail cosmetics experience into medspa operations, sales, and customer service. * Staffing models for 3‑ and 5‑person clinics, including the role of a working manager. * The “for every two 80%-booked providers, you need one support staff” staffing rule. * Why you should hire and train at least 90 days before opening a new location. * Using your main clinic to transfer culture and ensure a consistent client experience across all locations. * How to choose a location: growth areas, cost per square foot, privacy, and B2B neighbors. * Where to spend vs. save in the build‑out (lobby and front desk, treatment beds, simpler treatment rooms). * Non‑negotiable equipment to open with: core laser platform, HydraFacial, medical microderm + LED, and VISIA imaging. * Budget tips: spreadsheets, tracking invoices, saving on furniture and finishes so you can invest in equipment. * Designing lobby, consult, numbing, and treatment rooms for flow, storage, comfort, and long‑term efficiency. Download episode resource here [https://hubs.ly/Q043hNfg0] Our Sponsors Episode Sponsors:  Omni Bioceuticals [https://omnibioinnovations.com/]