Ep 289 – The Beauty of Gratitude: What We’re Thankful for in 2024

Summary

ASCP Esty Talk Episode 289 – The Beauty of Gratitude: What We’re Thankful for in 2024

Release Date: November 6, 2024

---

Introduction: Embracing Gratitude

In this heartfelt episode of ASCP Esty Talk, co-hosts Maggie Stassek and Alec Cressman delve into the theme of gratitude, reflecting on the positive aspects of 2024 both personally and professionally within the esthetics community. They explore various dimensions of gratitude, from industry advancements to personal growth, offering listeners insightful perspectives and inspiring stories.

---

Growth in Wellness and Awareness

Maggie Stassek opens the discussion by expressing gratitude for the increased focus on wellness and holistic approaches in skincare. She notes a significant positive shift in both the industry and society, highlighting the growing appreciation for self-care and mental health.

"I have seen this rising focus on kind of like a holistic and whole body approach to skin care and it not only promotes overall well being, but I've noticed that it's fostering this greater appreciation for self care, but also mental health."
— Maggie Stassek [02:20]

Alec Cressman echoes this sentiment, sharing his personal experience with stress and how integrating gratitude and breathing techniques has positively impacted his skin and overall well-being.

"Waking up with gratitude, which they teach you, is one of the key things for the day. And then also breathing techniques and bringing oxygen back in has made a huge difference in my skin, in my hair, everything in my sleep and the way I approach my day."
— Alec Cressman [03:00]

---

Advancements and Awareness of Skincare Ingredients

The conversation shifts to the evolution of skincare ingredients. Alec expresses gratitude for the deeper understanding and reintroduction of ingredients like hyaluronic acid, emphasizing the importance of consumer awareness.

"I'm grateful for the awareness of the consumer for ingredients too. An opportunity to discuss them."
— Alec Cressman [05:19]

He also touches upon the innovative off-label uses of ingredients, adding excitement for future discussions in the industry.

"There is so much more understanding. And I'm even excited about the off label use of some in different ways."
— Alec Cressman [05:32]

---

Appreciation for the Podcast and Community

Both hosts express their gratitude for the podcast itself and the supportive aesthetics community. Maggie appreciates the collaborative and non-competitive nature of the industry, which fosters mutual support and encouragement among estheticians.

"Everyone comes together when they need to and I love it."
— Maggie Stassek [10:37]

Alec adds that the podcast has been a source of joy and inspiration, highlighting the importance of having a platform to share experiences and support each other.

"You bring joy to my day. And you make me think about things in a different way. You challenge me to be better."
— Alec Cressman [07:10]

---

Transformations: Beyond Skin Deep

A significant portion of the episode focuses on client transformations, both physical and personal. Alec shares anecdotes about clients whose lives have improved alongside their skin health, underscoring the profound impact estheticians can have.

"I'm super grateful for client transformations. I have seen some amazing things happen this year with Rosacea and I'm diving into other conditions."
— Alec Cressman [07:18]

He narrates a specific case where identifying the cause of a client's skin issues led to meaningful changes, exemplifying the detective-like role estheticians often play.

"It took a long time. Walk me through your day. Do you spray your perfume like this? … She makes a spray motion, and it's on. … There was something in her perfume that was causing a malfunction in the skin."
— Alec Cressman [08:11]

---

Diversity of Treatments and Continuous Innovation

The hosts celebrate the diversity of treatments available in the esthetics field, appreciating the vast array of services beyond traditional facials. Alec highlights the resurgence of massage techniques and the importance of lymphatic movement, illustrating the dynamic nature of the industry.

"I'm super grateful for diversity of treatments, how we have so much more than we used to, so much more than just the facial."
— Alec Cressman [11:24]

Maggie concurs, emphasizing the endless opportunities for specialization and the continuous evolution that keeps the profession exciting.

---

Building and Sustaining a Supportive Community

A key theme is the importance of building a supportive network within the esthetics community. Alec shares his experience of finding a business partner, Kiara Smith, whose collaboration brought renewed energy and joy to his practice.

"I am so grateful to Kiara for that. And so if you don't, finding your Kiara might be key."
— Alec Cressman [13:31]

Maggie agrees, stressing the value of having trustworthy colleagues to brainstorm and collaborate with, which enhances both personal and professional growth.

"Having that one person or those group of people that I could go to and say, can we discuss this? … That's so important for estheticians to have that community."
— Maggie Stassek [14:46]

---

Closing Reflections: Encouraging Listener Engagement

As the episode wraps up, Maggie encourages listeners to reflect on their own journeys and share their gratitude for the year. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the positive aspects, whether it's a supportive client, innovative product, or the strong community bonds within the esthetics field.

"We hope you felt inspired to reflect on your own journey and the things you're grateful for this year."
— Maggie Stassek [15:12]

Listeners are invited to engage with the podcast through social media and email, fostering a sense of ongoing community and shared experiences.

---

Conclusion

Episode 289 of ASCP Esty Talk beautifully encapsulates the essence of gratitude within the esthetics profession. Through personal stories, professional insights, and heartfelt discussions, Maggie and Alec remind listeners of the many reasons to appreciate their work, their clients, and their community. This episode serves as an inspiring call to acknowledge and celebrate the positive influences that shape the lives and careers of estheticians in 2024.

---

Notable Quotes:

• "Waking up with gratitude, which they teach you, is one of the key things for the day."
  — Alec Cressman [03:00]

• "Everything in my sleep and the way I approach my day has made a huge difference."
  — Alec Cressman [03:00]

• "You're like a little detective."
  — Maggie Stassek [09:49]

• "We have much more than just the facial and then also the importance of just a facial, how that is key."
  — Alec Cressman [11:24]

---

For more details on this episode or to connect with Maggie and Alec, visit the show notes or reach out via ASCP’s social media channels.

Transcript

[Danae Montague King]

DMK is unlike any skincare company on earth. Named after visionary founder Danae Montague King, DMK is committed to providing individualized products and treatment plans that heal skin on the cellular level, whether the condition concerns pigmentation, acne, inflammation or signs of aging. DMK is home to the original Enzyme Mask, the game changing formula that sends oxygenating, tightening and exfoliating signals into the skin to enact changes in skin structures. The Inside out at dmk, we believe everyone deserves to feel the confidence that comes with healthy, beautiful skin. Learn [e-mail] that's-a n n e m king.com Are you interested in providing results driven treatment services? Join a team of like minded individuals who share your passion and and support your success. With more than 1,000 franchise locations in 49 states, Massage Envy is not only the nation's number one provider of massage services collectively across its franchise network, but also a national leader in skincare. Start or grow your career at a Massage Envy franchise location. Visit MassaGenv.com SD Couriers for full details.

[Maggie Stassek]

Hello and welcome to ASCPSDTalk. I'm your co host Maggie Stassek and ASCP's program director.

[Alec Cressman]

And I'm Alec Cressman, licensed esthetician, skincare enthusiast and content contributor for Associated Skincare Professionals.

[Maggie Stassek]

Hey Ella.

[Alec Cressman]

Hey girl.

[Maggie Stassek]

I am so excited to be here with you today, especially as we dive into a special theme for this episode, Gratitude.

[Alec Cressman]

Oh, I'm so grateful you said that. Now listen, 2024 is winding down and we thought it would be the perfect time to reflect on what we're thankful for. Not just in our lives and careers as estheticians, but as humans. So from the clients who inspire us to the innovations in the skincare world, there's a lot to be grateful for.

[Maggie Stassek]

So let's dive in. One of the things that I am most thankful for this year really has been this growth in wellness and awareness. I've noticed this positive shift really in the industry and also I think just in society in general that I truly appreciate both I think personally and professionally. I have seen this rising focus on kind of like a holistic and whole body approach to skin care and it not only promotes overall well being, but I've noticed that it's fostering this greater appreciation for of course self care, but also mental health.

[Alec Cressman]

I love this and I am also grateful for this. There's such a connection I cannot tell you the effects of cortisol being one of them. Right? Cortisol is a huge contributor to a Lot of things, but including the cortisol phase. It's swollen, inflamed, a lot more responsive to different things. So let me tell you what happened. I have been stressed out to the max, hiding it very well, I might add. But I've been really super stressed to the point where this cortisol, I could see it. I could see it in my body, I could feel it literally in my joints and stuff. And most importantly, I could see it in my skin. So about a month ago, I had one of those 3am Jolts of swirling things that I have to do. Fork and did I do this? And what about that person? Did I call and like I cannot quiet the noise. I can't go back to sleep. And then I noticed I'm starting to get frustrated and the anger or the anticipation of the day is bringing these things. I'm clenching my jaw and the cortisol is rising again. So I started this thing set now and it's been a month where I wake up and if that happens to me again, I just like kind of like when there's a monster under your bed and you cover your, close your eyes and cover your ears and go, la, la la la la la. That's what I do basically. But I just go, what am I grateful for? What am I grateful for? I'm grateful for my husband, what am I grateful for? I just like start repeating, what am I grateful for? And then I start breathing techniques that I try that I teach my clients they absolutely should do, but only do it 25% of the time before this. And that waking up with gratitude, which they teach you, is one of the key things for the day. And then also breathing techniques and bringing oxygen back in has made a huge difference in my skin, in my hair, everything in my sleep and the way I approach my day. So I too am grateful for the wellness awareness component because they think it was something that was so far it felt out there. Remember when they used to use that word out there or the phrase out there? That's what it felt like before and woo woo. And yeah, yeah, yeah. Right now it's so good. Yeah.

[Maggie Stassek]

And I think that this is something that more and more estheticians are incorporating into their practice. And it can be anything.

[Alec Cressman]

Yes.

[Maggie Stassek]

But it's just wellness and self care and feeling good and centered with yourself. And that happens in the treatment room.

[Alec Cressman]

Absolutely. I love that one. Speaking of the treatment room, you know what I'm grateful for?

[Maggie Stassek]

Tell me.

[Alec Cressman]

New ingredients and sometimes the rebirth of old ones, there is so much more Understanding. And I'm even grateful for. And I always forget her name, but the hyaluronic acid.

[Maggie Stassek]

Oh, the commercial.

[Alec Cressman]

Is that what you're talking about? What was her name?

[Maggie Stassek]

No idea.

[Alec Cressman]

Um, she names Gabby from Desperate Housewives. But anyways, she. I'm grateful for the awareness of the consumer for ingredients too. An opportunity to discuss them. Because, you know, this is something I think about constantly. And I'm even excited about the off label use of some in different ways. So. Oh, I'm grateful for ingredients. So stay tuned because we're going to have a lot of that conversation next year.

[Maggie Stassek]

Teaser off label use. I never think about that in the aesthetics industry. You hear off label with drugs.

[Alec Cressman]

Yeah.

[Maggie Stassek]

And not so much about ingredients and skincare.

[Alec Cressman]

Off label. Like there's this one eye cream that I love and I put it on my lips.

[Maggie Stassek]

Yeah.

[Alec Cressman]

Peptide loaded. And I'm not saying doing this with everything, but it's peptide loaded. Put on my lips and they're softer and they're smoother and they retain differently.

[Maggie Stassek]

Yeah.

[Alec Cressman]

And I'll put a lip gloss over or this one face spray that I have that I've been putting on my scalp.

[Maggie Stassek]

Yeah.

[Alec Cressman]

Yes, please. But it's ingredients.

[Maggie Stassek]

Yeah.

[Alec Cressman]

And there's a lot of if then in my brain going, oh, if that works for this, then it should work. Let's try it.

[Maggie Stassek]

Yeah. The constant evolution of this industry. Who's not grateful for that?

[Alec Cressman]

Sit down if you are. Sit down.

[Maggie Stassek]

You know what else I am grateful for is this podcast.

[Alec Cressman]

So grateful for this podcast. Same.

[Maggie Stassek]

So somebody reached out to me recently and said congratulations on making it to the top 2.5%. So what? Is that true? I don't know. Must be. It's written. He said it.

[Alec Cressman]

I love it. And I think I'm grateful for you.

[Maggie Stassek]

I am grateful for you, Ella. You bring joy to my day every time.

[Alec Cressman]

You bring joy to my day. And you make me think about things in a different way. You challenge me to. To be better. And I love it. In the bestseller.

[Maggie Stassek]

Thank you, Ella. You too.

[Alec Cressman]

It's really a highlight. So I hope that every listener can feel how much fun we have. So much fun. Even auto outside of taping, we do topics and everything. So cool. I am super grateful for client transformations. I have seen some amazing things happen this year with Rosacea and I'm diving into other conditions. Cycle related. More niching down. And I cannot tell you how amazing that feels to really see change. This makes it worth it for me. And I'm not talking about just skin transformations, but I also Am talking about idea transformations or you. We get close with our clients, too, and we understand what they've got going on, because those are contributory factors. So when I have a client come in and I see them transform something else in their life, making positive changes in certain areas. Oh, I just love that. I just love being a part of that progress.

[Maggie Stassek]

I couldn't agree more. Some of my fondest memories of being in the treatment room are seeing that transformation happen.

[Alec Cressman]

Yes. And it's changing lives. I had a client who has this nervous habit of just talking on the phone and just running her fingers over her face, like, her fingertips. And then she'll find something small and just pick at it, just, like, unaware. So, like, my face is breaking out. It must be my products. And we didn't. We had to get to the bottom of what it was and then offer suggestions. Like, how crazy is it that we're offering suggestions on what to do when you're on the phone or when you're having those nervous habits? Can you get. It's got, like, a pop thing.

[Maggie Stassek]

Yeah.

[Alec Cressman]

You know those. They were popular long time ago.

[Maggie Stassek]

Yeah.

[Alec Cressman]

And that's what she does instead.

[Maggie Stassek]

That's awesome.

[Alec Cressman]

Yeah.

[Maggie Stassek]

That's awesome that you found out that that's what she's doing.

[Alec Cressman]

Yeah. It took a long time. Walk me through your thing. How do you talk on the phone? But another one who had perfume, like, walk me through your day, she said, well, I get out of the shower, I spray my perfume, and she goes. She makes a spray motion, and it's on. First of all, she had these little bumps all over the right side of her neck and her jawline. What is that? What's causing it? Oh, my gosh. It could be this and this and all these other. Take me through your day. You get out of the shower, I spray perfume, and I do this and this, and I go, wait, wait, go back. You spray perfume? She said, yeah. She motioned the same way. And I go, do you spray it like this? She goes, yeah. I go, does it go like this? And I, like, tap my fingers where the moment. She goes, yeah. Okay, can you start spraying your clothes? She's like, I'll try it. And lo and behold, it stopped it. There was something in her perfume, which she wore a lot of, by the way, but there was something in her perfume that was causing a malfunction in the skin. So that's fun for me. I love that. I'm grateful for that.

[Maggie Stassek]

Yeah. You're like a little detective.

[Alec Cressman]

I know. I love it.

[Maggie Stassek]

Transforming lives.

[Alec Cressman]

Hold that thought. We'll be right back.

[Danae Montague King]

Ellie Banna, Australian born, globally loved. Ellie Banna's story is simple. They love lashes and brows. They shoot for the stars and lift lashes to to new heights. Their addiction is real. Their passion is popping. And there is nothing more they crave than offering excellence, service and innovation in products. Ellibana Lash Lift allows you to offer your customers luscious lifted lashes that can last up to 12 weeks in one safe 20 minute treatment. Learn more at ellie banna-usa.com okay, here we go.

[Alec Cressman]

Let's get back to the podcast.

[Maggie Stassek]

I'm also so grateful for the aesthetics community. The industry never disappoints all my fellow estheticians and beauty professionals. They're always so willing to share tips, support one another, give advice, be encouraging. And it kind of blows my mind, you know, Even though you know to some extent you're neighborhood spa down the street might be a competitor, it doesn't matter. Everyone comes together when they need to and I love it.

[Alec Cressman]

I think it's so important. Complimentation.

[Maggie Stassek]

Complimentation. Yeah. Yeah. It always inspires me. It makes me grateful to be a part of an industry that's positive and not competitive and catty.

[Alec Cressman]

Yeah, I would agree. I think it's cool when you can help people up.

[Maggie Stassek]

Yes.

[Alec Cressman]

I'm super grateful for diversity of treatments, how we have so much more than we used to, so much more than just the facial and then also the importance of just a facial, how that is key. And then the innovations that have come with different order and understanding the massage portion that we kind of let go of the last few years, bringing it back because we see the histological importance of it or the dermatological importance of moving lymphatic fluid. So the diversity that we can offer, the opportunity of our industry as a whole that we can niche into. If you want to be a lash specialist or a wax specialist or chemical peel specialist, that we have all of these things at our fingertips.

[Maggie Stassek]

Totally. There's so much opportunity.

[Alec Cressman]

One of my favorite videos to watch is the Wax Queen. I don't know if you've seen her. Oh, yeah, yeah. So you see her videos and she's talking about the wax and I'm just mesmerized watching her pull it up and see it. And I don't wax. I don't care. I'm not looking for techniques. I'm just appreciating the professionalism. And that's amazing to have that. Okay, I have another one. I hope it's okay to share. I'm really Grateful for Kiara Smith. So she's rooted serenity on Instagram. Solicit at Covid. And I hate the. At Covid. It's like unprecedented. That's two things that should be like, deleted men in blacks from our vocabulary. But at Covid, I had a full. Before I had a. I had a staff, I had people, I had a spa manager, I had different practitioners in there. And then ghost town, everybody left. One moved to Arizona, one moved to Costa Rica, one moved to Texas, one moved to Florida. It was just me. And I was going through a lot and I'm like, I can't. That team was so cool. It was so amazing. The people that we had in there, I can't recreate that right now. So I did try to fill this space with. I'm like, let's bring one person in. And I interviewed a couple people and I was like, I can't. It just is not a. It's not a vibe. It's not a jive. It's not going to go well. So then something happened last year where I was like, I'll just put this out. So I run that group and Colorado group and they put it out anonymously because I didn't want anybody to pick it or to be nosy. Right. Find out why I was looking for somebody after all this time.

[Maggie Stassek]

Yeah.

[Alec Cressman]

So I put out, hey, I'm looking for somebody to rent. Rent a space. Basically rent a space and just. That's it. Be great if they used X, Y, Z product line. But it doesn't happen. And I didn't know what I was going to do to have them be a support if they needed to take some of my clients, like somewhere level. So Kiara came in and she is the most amazing. I almost feel like she's a business partner. She has her own business. I have my own business. But it's so fun to bounce off of somebody. What do you think about this? Am I crazy about that? And like about a month and a half ago, I was having a bad day. She said, well, let's redecorate. So we redecorated and it was an opportunity for two things to happen. One, she felt like now that was our space, not just my space, and she was in it. And then I felt the energy moving in a different way. So I am so grateful to Kira for that. And so if you don't, finding your Kira might be key. And it's hard when we work on our own or if you're renting a space that's only big enough for you, whether it's somehow meeting up with people or finding someone to bounce off. I highly encourage it because for me, it was like a ray of sunshine that came into my life just when it was important.

[Maggie Stassek]

I totally love that. And I agree, as an esthetician, having that one person or those group of people that I could go to and say, can we discuss this? And it wasn't that they were seniority to me or they knew more than me. We simply were brainstorming and collaborating. And I think that's so important for estheticians to have that community.

[Alec Cressman]

Absolutely. In real life.

[Maggie Stassek]

Yes.

[Alec Cressman]

Not just online, because people can be online, but in real life. So we actually were at this other event together recently, and we met someone who's down the street from us. We're like, let's get together and have our little club, and so do it. I love that.

[Maggie Stassek]

As we close out today's episode, we hope you felt inspired to reflect on your own journey and the things you're grateful for this year. And remember, whether it's a supportive client, a new product that excites you, or simply the beauty of the community we've built together, there's always something to appreciate. We'd love to hear what you're thankful for in 2024. Share with us on social media, through Instagram, Facebook, or by emailing getconnectedcpskincare.com thank you for listening to ASCPSDtalk. And as always, for more information on this episode or for ways to connect with Ella and myself, or to learn more about ascp, check out the show notes.