ASCP Esty Talk – Ep 360
Social Media P’s and Q’s
Date: November 12, 2025
Host: Ella Cressman & Maggie Stasik

Episode Overview

In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Stasik discuss the vital topic of social media etiquette for estheticians—what they call the “Ps and Q’s.” Drawing parallels from the world of reality TV and professional sports teams, they explore how an individual’s online behavior impacts not just themselves but the broader skincare community. The conversation is packed with real-world examples, actionable advice, and a call for positivity and professionalism in digital spaces. The episode aims to help estheticians protect their reputations, foster uplifting industry relationships, and use social media as a tool for growth and trust.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Why Social Media Etiquette Matters (03:00 – 07:00)

• Parallel to the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders:
  Ella reflects on “America’s Sweethearts,” highlighting the professionalism, grace, and sisterhood among the cheerleaders despite competition.
  • “How we show up, especially on social media, it affects more than our personal reputation.” – Ella (03:32)
• Digital Impressions in the Esthetics Field:
  Today, estheticians’ professional images extend far beyond the treatment room; online actions can uplift or harm both personal and collective reputations.
  • “One single careless post or one heated comment or exchange can create strife, shift the mood among colleagues, and change the energy in our professional community.” – Ella (03:50)
• Story of Brand Damage:
  Ella references a brand owner whose negative online actions in 2020 almost ruined their reputation—underscoring the long-term consequences of even one mistake.

Protecting Professional Boundaries (07:00 – 09:30)

• Draw the Line Between Personal and Professional Content:
  • Avoid oversharing personal struggles or venting about clients, coworkers, or employers.
  • “It’s not a private diary, so ask yourself, would I be comfortable if this post was read aloud in a job interview or client consultation?” – Maggie (07:37)
• Mean Tweets Example:
  Ella mentions the "mean tweets" segment as a humorous way to stress the importance of being able to stand behind what you post—publicly and professionally (07:49).
• Handling Negativity and Conflict Online:
  • Always engage with respect and positivity.
  • Sarcasm and heated replies can damage the sense of community and your own image.

Building a Supportive Industry Culture (09:30 – 12:20)

• Abundance Mindset vs. Competition:
  • Maggie stresses there is “plenty to go around”—other estheticians are not threats but potential collaborators.
  • “If you are marketing to your demographic appropriately... that other esthetician should not be seen as competition. They should be viewed as support.” – Maggie (09:40)
• Support Rather Than Criticize:
  • When colleagues ask questions online, don’t belittle them for not knowing; instead, uplift and assist.
  • Public shaming or dispelling of a practitioner’s opinion is discouraged.

Managing Disagreements and Maintaining Trust (10:35 – 12:49)

• Healthy Debate vs. Public Correction:
  • It’s OK not to agree, but social media isn't the place for public correction or callouts.
  • If a peer’s advice is dangerously inaccurate, respond with evidence respectfully or take the conversation offline—“send a DM and take it offline if possible.” (11:36)
  • “Clients and peers respect professionals who demonstrate grace just as much as knowledge.” – Ella (12:09)
• Letting Small Things Go:
  Sometimes, silence shows more professionalism than engaging in a heated exchange.

Aligning Your Online Presence With Your Brand (12:16 – 13:00)

• Brand Alignment:
  • Curate your content to reflect your professional values, expertise, and approachable, trustworthy client care.
  • “If you are creating animosity online, you are not breeding trust. And you never know where your next client’s going to come from.” – Maggie (12:24)
• Hiring Implications:
  Ella notes that as a hiring manager reviewing resumes, she pays attention to candidates’ online presences; negativity can be a red flag (12:49).

The Takeaway: Professionalism Beyond the Scroll (12:49 – 13:35)

• Lasting Impression:
  • Use intention and reflection, not restriction, when posting.
  • “Clients trust us not only with their skin, but with their confidence. So let’s make sure our digital presence honors that trust.” – Ella (13:00)
• Staying Mindful Online:
  Professionalism, connection, and respect should inform your social media presence.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On the Community Impact of Posting:
  “One negative post can create unnecessary strife, while one supportive [post] can inspire unity. And I would love nothing more than to have a sisterhood of estheticians.” – Ella (09:18)
• On Professional Grace:
  “Clients and peers respect professionals who demonstrate grace just as much as knowledge.” – Ella (12:09)
• On Trustworthiness:
  “If you are creating animosity online, you are not breeding trust.” – Maggie (12:24)
• Closing Reminder:
  “Staying mindful online isn’t about restriction. It’s about reflection, connection, and professionalism that lasts beyond the scroll.” – Ella (13:13)

Important Timestamps

• 03:32: Ella’s comparison between the professional conduct of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and estheticians’ online conduct.
• 07:37: Maggie's job interview litmus test for social posts.
• 09:40: Maggie’s advice on seeing colleagues as collaborators, not competition.
• 11:36: Tips for handling misinformation or disagreements online.
• 13:00: Ella’s concluding statement on the importance of clients’ trust and digital presence.

Tone & Style

The conversation is warm, supportive, and filled with real-world wisdom. The hosts draw from their own experiences, delivering a clear message: Social media is a powerful professional tool, and every online interaction reflects your integrity and your brand.

Action Steps & Listener Engagement

• Listeners are encouraged to reflect on and share their own strategies for mindfully managing social media.
• “How do you mind your social media Ps and Qs? What would you do to uplift your community? Reach out via Instagram, Facebook, or send us an email at getconnected@ascpskincare.com—we want to know all the details.” – Ella (13:20)

For more details or to connect with the hosts, check the show notes and follow ASCP Esty Talk.

This summary captures the essence of the episode and is crafted to be valuable even for those who haven’t listened in full.