Ep 324 – Wellness at Home: Exploring Beauty and Tech with Sherrie Tennessee

Summary

ASCP Esty Talk: Ep 324 – Wellness at Home: Exploring Beauty and Tech with Sherrie Tennessee

Release Date: May 21, 2025

Introduction

In episode 324 of ASCP Esty Talk, hosted by Associated Skin Care Professionals, the discussion delves into the evolving landscape of wellness and beauty technology. The episode features Cherie Tennessee, a seasoned expert with over two decades of experience in wellness and hospitality, who holds a PhD in Hospitality Administration. Cherie brings her extensive background as a researcher, massage therapist, spa owner, and educator to explore how technology is transforming self-care practices both in professional settings and at home.

Cherie Tennessee’s Journey into Wellness Technology
Timestamp: [02:35–06:28]

Cherie Tennessee begins by sharing her extensive experience in the spa and wellness industry. Over her 20-year career, she has observed a significant shortage of therapists entering the field, coinciding with a rising demand for spa and wellness services. “What I saw was there was a shortage and there has been a shortage of therapists coming into the industry... at the same time what we're seeing is an increase in demand for those spa and wellness experiences” ([02:42]).

Her doctoral dissertation focused on wellness technology experiences, where she initially encountered skepticism about integrating technology into treatment rooms. Cherie highlights the emergence of massage robots and other automated wellness solutions, noting their gradual acceptance and the role of media in increasing their visibility. “It really was like this eye-opening experience of this is an option in the treatment rooms” ([05:10]).

The Dual Path of Technology and Human Touch in Wellness
Timestamp: [06:45–09:55]

Maggie Stasik prompts Cherie to discuss the inevitability of technology in wellness. Cherie envisions a future where wellness services bifurcate into two distinct paths: highly tech-driven options and premium human-centered experiences. “You’re going to have a very tech driven aspect... where it's probably cheap and quick, whereas that human experience is going to be... a premium” ([06:50]).

She emphasizes that technology will not replace human therapists but will instead offer additional options for consumers. Cherie asserts, “We are not trying to eliminate traditional massage therapists, but that there are other options” ([06:45]). She also highlights the importance of aligning with future client expectations, particularly those of Gen Z, who prioritize results and seamless experiences over traditional human interactions.

At-Home Wellness Technology: Accessibility and Convenience
Timestamp: [09:55–16:50]

The conversation shifts to the rise of home wellness technologies, with Cherie and Ella Cressman sharing personal anecdotes and observations. Ella mentions her recent purchase of an at-home IPL laser, reflecting the growing trend of consumers seeking convenient, on-demand skincare solutions. “I recently purchased an at home IPL laser... in a moment of emotional insecurity with hairy legs, I’m like, aha, I’ve got this” ([11:30]).

Cherie discusses the potential for technology to democratize wellness by making advanced treatments more accessible and affordable over time. She compares the current high costs of devices like massage robots to the eventual price reductions experienced by VHS players, predicting that similar trends will make wellness technologies commonplace in home settings. “I feel like that's what's going to happen in the industry... five years from now they worked out all the kinks and the price will come down” ([14:50]).

Innovative Beauty Tech Products on the Horizon
Timestamp: [12:34–16:50]

Cherie highlights some of the most exciting advancements in beauty technology. She describes the evolution of massage chairs that emulate specific massage techniques, such as Thai massage, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience. “One of the ones that I saw, it actually did almost like a Thai massage... I felt like I had had an 80 minute massage with like a 25 minute session” ([12:50]).

Additionally, she mentions innovative products like makeup projection technology, which allows users to visualize makeup applications instantly. Although Elle humorously notes potential mishaps with such technology, Cherie underscores its potential to make beauty services more accessible to a broader audience. “It was really cool to be able to see that in an instant and just kind of flicker through” ([13:50]).

The Enduring Importance of Human-Driven Wellness Practices
Timestamp: [16:50–18:46]

Despite the surge in wellness technology, Cherie emphasizes the irreplaceable value of human-driven practices, particularly esthetician services. She argues that technology has yet to match the nuanced skills of human practitioners, especially in areas like facials and personalized skincare treatments. “I think the esthetician side is going to remain strong because we don’t have the technology yet to do that great facial” ([16:58]).

Cherie also points out the necessity for professionals to specialize and deepen their expertise as technology becomes more integrated into the industry. “You’re going to have to specialize, that you’re going to have to be skilled because people are like, well, I have my LED, I have this” ([17:30]). She envisions a future where human therapists offer high-touch, personalized experiences that technology cannot fully replicate, maintaining their critical role in the wellness ecosystem.

Conclusion

Episode 324 of ASCP Esty Talk provides a comprehensive exploration of the intersection between wellness and technology, guided by the insights of Cherie Tennessee. The discussion underscores the inevitable integration of technology in wellness practices, the emergence of at-home wellness solutions, and the enduring importance of human expertise in delivering personalized care. As the industry evolves, the balance between technological innovation and human touch will shape the future of self-care, offering diverse options to meet the varied needs of consumers.

Notable Quotes

• “We are not trying to eliminate traditional massage therapists, but that there are other options.” – Cherie Tennessee ([06:45])
• “I feel like that's what's going to happen in the industry... five years from now they worked out all the kinks and the price will come down.” – Cherie Tennessee ([14:50])
• “I think the esthetician side is going to remain strong because we don’t have the technology yet to do that great facial.” – Cherie Tennessee ([16:58])

Connect with Cherie Tennessee, Ella Cressman, and Maggie Stasik

For more insights from this episode or to engage with the experts, visit the ASCP Esty Talk show notes or reach out through ASCP’s social media channels.

Transcript

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[Maggie Stasik]

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

[Ella Cressman]

And I'm Ella Cressman, Licensed Esthetician, Certified Organic Skincare Formulator, educator and content Contributor for Associated Skincare Professionals.

[Maggie Stasik]

Today we are welcoming back guest Cherie Tennessee, a true innovator at the intersection of wellness and technology. With over 20 years of experience in wellness and hospitality, a PhD in Hospitality Administration and a passion for blending traditional practices with modern innovations, Cherie has become a leading voice in the world of wellness tech. As a former researcher, massage therapist, spa owner and authority, she's bridging the gap between health, beauty and technology in ways that are transforming how we approach self care at home. We're excited to dive into the latest trends in home wellness and beauty technology with Sheree today. Welcome back Sheree.

[Cherie Tennessee]

Thank you Maggie. So good to be here. Ella, always good to hear your voice.

[Maggie Stasik]

Can you kick things off for us by telling us how you first got interested in the intersection of wellness and tech?

[Cherie Tennessee]

Absolutely. So I have been in the spa and wellness space for over 20 years. Starting out as a massage therapist and you know, owning my own location and then being a spa director at well established brands and an educator. And what I saw was there was a shortage and there has been a shortage of therapists coming into the industry. Schools are closing. At the same time what we're seeing is an increase in demand for those spa and wellness experiences so that it only makes sense that technology is going to have to Step in and fill the gap. And it's been so interesting because my Dissertation for my PhD focused on wellness technology experiences. And when I said that people automatically defaulted to oh, when I booked my appointment and I'm like, oh, no, no, that's old school stuff. We're talking about technology in the treatment room that will not replace traditional therapists, but give additional options. And there was literally a company that came with the massage robot. They had gone to lots of different spa shows, kind of featured the technology again, people weren't really getting it fully. And then they were on the COVID of Time Magazine August of 2024 for the latest innovation. And it really was like this eye opening experience of this is an option in the treatment rooms. If you. And we all have worked in the rooms. You know, there's people who don't like to be touched by other people, right. And they don't want to get undressed. They're not comfortable in all of those settings. So having this organization really break down a lot of barriers, have the conversations, they really have strategically placed themselves as a technology company providing a different experience. Their tagline is not like we're pushing people out the room, it's just an additional experience and we are going to see lots more of it. There's a technology show that comes to Vegas every January, ces. It's one of the largest. Attendance was actually just clocked at 145,000 individuals. And there was the cheap knockoff of that very expensive massage robot coming out of Asia. And so there has been this technology. I don't think a lot of people know how to use it, how to approach it and how to incorporate it. And so I feel like education really is at the base of it that we are not trying to eliminate traditional massage therapists, but that there are other options. And I went to one of the big spa shows, oh, maybe 22, and there was a major wellness brand. And the statement made was, in 10 years you're going to pay $1,000 to be massaged by human. And so I was like, yes, that's my research. Like, like it's true. And we're going to see a lot more of it. You know, the bigger brands can pay the perks, they can pay for vacation, they can, you know, signing bonuses and just really be able to compensate therapists effectively. The challenge is, you know, those major brands only make up 7% of the industry and day spas are close to 80% of our industry and they don't have the same budgets as a day spa owner. So, so what I'm predicting in the next 10 years is true. Like you're going to have this influx of technology at the bigger brands and then you're going to see more evolution, you're going to see more opportunities and then that's going to be more accessible to the smaller brands. And so I think we're really just starting to climb this mountain of technology and the integration of it. We definitely have not seen the last of it.

[Maggie Stasik]

That's so interesting. Do you think that if I'm hearing you right, I mean, technology, you can avoid it. It's coming and it's here to stay. And as a result, the hands of a human are going to become more luxury.

[Cherie Tennessee]

Absolutely. And so I think you're going to have almost two paths. You're going to have a very tech driven aspect with where people kind of know they're going to walk into this room, there's not going to be a human there. You're going to be able to have whatever wellness experience you want and that's going to be probably cheap and quick, whereas that human experience is going to be, you know, there's a very popular show where they've gone off to an exotic island and you know, they're detoxing from their phones and you're having these human connections and experiences, but you are paying a price premium for those. And I really see the industry kind of dividing in the two, where it's going to be very high tech or it's going to be very high touch. And where I think decentralized is an integration and a balance between the technology and the human aspect of it and figuring out how to make that work. So can that technology maybe be used pre treatment, post treatment? And I know one of the things we're going to talk about is can you have that experience at home? And so when I went to the electronic show, there was a lot of technology geared for home experiences where it wasn't like, oh, you can go have this in the airport or you know, in your dentist office. No, you can purchase this chair, you can customize it to your body and what you like and then you can use it every single day in the privacy of your own home. And we're starting to see that with this shift in wellness real estate where private entities are now focusing on how do we bring the saunas in, how do we bring the plunge pools in, how do we bring these technology experiences into hotels, gyms, social wellness and then how do we make sure that we can provide these for those individuals that have the money and the space in their own homes. So we're starting to see homes that are incorporating these wellness spaces set to the side. Residential properties that are bringing in, you know, they're bringing in the nail techs, but it's all robot driven, right? And even in skincare where there is the lash application that's done automatically and not by an individual. So when you can have those in different places, it just provides a different experience. And I mean it's important to understand like Gen Z is now the largest cohort, they are said to amass the largest wealth by I want to say 2040. So the boomers are going to be leaving their wealth to the Gen Z. And so I live with the Gen Z. And they're not hard pressed on human interaction. Like can you have the experience? Can you say it's done? And I don't need the people to actually do it. So I think as owners, as clients, content developers, as educators, we have to wrap our mind not of who is our client today, but who's going to be our client tomorrow and what is their expectation. And it really is, I don't need the human, I want the results, I want the experience. And if that can be provided in a way that's tech driven, then why.

[Ella Cressman]

Not in our generation? We'll remember the episode of Friends where Ross goes into the automatic spray tan booth. I mean that was big technology back then. The other alternative was being sprayed by a human. And he goes into the booth and they're like, you know, initiating spray tan now. And he gets one side done and like, okay, go ahead and turn around. And he says what? He turns back and he gets this front sprayed again so many times that he has overdone the front and not done the back. And it was funny because his teeth are super bright and like what happened that is like technology gone bad. So when you're talking about lash extensions and I'm like, no, I'm good. I'm not gonna have anything like that close to my face because I, you know, just my own personal, I don't wanna say roadblocks or emotional insecurities, fears in there, but there's definitely a shift into like what you touched on the wellness and beauty at home and then the accessibility part of that because there's, what I'm hearing too is that there's these people leading the charge and we're going to go to these places or these ultra rich and what's not affordable for me at the moment, you're going to have these rooms in your own home. But technology has definitely changed. I think about even in our industry with microdermabrasion, at one point it was $12,000 and it got really a lot more accessible over the years. Or I have a confession to actually share with both of you. I recently purchased an at home IPL laser. And so those technology shifts not just to being accessible, but to be using it at home is a lot more convenient. I don't think I'm using it right. I don't even know if it works, but I was like, oh, in a moment of emotional insecurity with hairy legs, I'm like, aha, I've got this. Or this is going to definitely help me with my round spots on my hand and I can get it right now and it's going to be an investment. So I can see how a lot of those things are shifting and these tools and gadgets, they're exploding in popularity, especially in recent years. You don't know one story Sheree, but I also bought a solar powered LED with no indicator light on it once and it's in a previous pod is I thought, oh, I can, I need that. And it's solar powered. And long story short, I think it was just a piece of steel, but whatever. So there's, there's that. But for you, what are some really of the most like innovative beauty tech products that you are excited about?

[Cherie Tennessee]

I have to say it's the advancement of the massage chair. So when I did my dissertation, one of the things we looked at was what was the most common piece of equipment used. And it was massage chairs, right? And we see them in the mall, we see them in nail salons, we see them just scattered all about and they are generic. You just sit in it, you wonder who wipes it. But one of the ones that I saw, it actually did almost like a Thai massage. So it like leaned you back, it was zero gravity, it pushed up on your spine, it stretched you out. Like it was literally like having a Thai massage in this chair. Now the challenge with that, you know, because I think on mass population is there's a lot of people that can't use this chair because if you have leg issues, if you have back issues, it did compression. So if you have diabetes, if you have any kind of inflammation or swelling, this chair is a contraindication. Right. Like so it definitely was for a healthier demographic to be able to utilize. But it literally I felt like I had had an 80 minute massage with like a 25 minute session that stretched and pulled and Compressed and I mean, it was absolutely amazing. That was probably one of my favorites. There was another one where it projected the makeup on your face. Now I'm a natural girl. I don't like. I'm also a little bit more mature, so I don't really use a lot of purple eyeshadow. Like it's just not in my repertoire. But it was really cool to be able to see that in an instant and just kind of flicker through and you know, oh, this is for carnival and oh, this is, you know, sequence out. It was beautiful. It was super cool.

[Ella Cressman]

I imagined you like when you said projecting, I thought of like, that's what I thought wearing on your face. I'm like, oh my gosh. I would come out looking like that.

[Cherie Tennessee]

It was light. You could pick one and then there was a makeup artist outside that would walk you through how to actually apply it. But the one I like basically look like my face went out, so. But again, thinking about a younger demographic who is still, you know, doing lots of makeup and color, coordinating with their outfits and carnival and all these really cool experiences that I'm just not. I'm not doing a different stage in my life. But things like that just make it more accessible. And I think ultimately for me, that's what I love about the technology is that it is going to allow individuals who don't normally have access to wellness to be able to have that interaction at a fee at a feasible price. Right. So like the big massage robot right now to have that is very expensive for locations, which is why high end locations have them. And I'm going to date myself. You talked about the microdermabrasion. I'm thinking more like VHS players. Like when they came out, they were super expensive and now you can walk into a box store and get like a VH player for like $25. Do I have one of my console? Yes, I do because I'm not paying you for the movies that I already have in my folder. I did not get rid of my DVDs. So like, you know, those DVD players, VHS players were super expensive and now they're $20. And so I feel like that's what's going to happen in the industry is like it's super expensive now and it's the first iteration, but you know, five years from now they worked out all the kinks and the price will come down so that day spas can have them and offer them and then it'll be even more affordable so that you can bring that technology into your home and I do have my LED mask that I use every morning for 12 minutes. I feel like it works. And you know, that's all that matters because you can that placebo effect. Right. So I think as we're introduced to more technology, the price will come down, the accessibility will increase and you will be able to have these experiences in your home. The counterpoint is going to be you go someplace else, there's no technology and you just sit in a circle of people. So it's going to be a variety of experiences that are available in your experience.

[Maggie Stasik]

What wellness practices do you think still are going to hold strong value even as tech becomes more integrated into our industry?

[Cherie Tennessee]

I think the esthetician side is going to remain strong because we don't have the technology yet to do that great facial. And I don't know if I want a robot popping my blackheads and doing all the different things. I'm not one for the first iteration. I'm like, let me see what number 10 does. So I feel like right now you still have those key aspects that are human driven. But we have to know as technology increases, as the different apps and different pieces of equipment come into play, that you're going to have to specialize, that you're going to have to be skilled because people are like, well, I have my led, I have this. I might just go to you twice a year versus every six weeks. Right. So understanding, like, how do you position yourself as that expert on whatever issue that you are, you know, that you want to remain in? Is that acne, is that hormonal? And menopause? Because half the generation, half the world is in menopause right now in some stage. Perimenopause, menopause, post menopause, how do you deal with those aspects? And really, I don't think it's going to be a jack of all trades. I think it's really going to be a master of one and being very knowledgeable and able to provide those results. Because we are still a results driven industry. People want to see it in their skin care. I want to feel it when I get off the massage table that you have been able to address the concerns and issues that I have. So I don't think we're going to completely get rid of humans in our lifetime. I don't know this AI thing and you know, nurses coming for nurses, doctors and educators. But I think when you have that hands on, some people just are not willing to leave that solely to technology.

[Maggie Stasik]

Cherie, this really has been fascinating to me and thank you so much for joining us.

[Cherie Tennessee]

It was my pleasure.

[Maggie Stasik]

Now listeners, we want to hear from you. Share with us on social media through Instagram, Facebook or send us an [e-mail] in the meantime, thank you for listening to ASCPSDtalk. For more information on this episode or for ways to connect with Cherie, Tennessee, Ella or myself, or to learn more about astp, check out the show Notes.

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