Episode Overview

Podcast: ASCP Esty Talk
Episode: 367 – The Esthetician Reset: Small Things We're Changing This Year
Date: January 7, 2026
Hosts: Maggie Spacek (ASCP Program Director) & Ella Cressman (Licensed Esthetician, Content Contributor)

This engaging episode explores the trend of “reset culture” and how both minor and meaningful resets can positively impact estheticians in both their personal lives and professional practice. Maggie and Ella discuss their own intentions for the new year, unpack the pressure within the beauty industry to constantly reinvent, and share realistic, sustainable strategies for making lasting change—one small adjustment at a time.

Main Discussion Points and Insights

1. What is “Reset Culture”? (02:12)

• Definition: “Reset culture” is the contemporary trend of continually overhauling routines, habits, and environments, often shared on social media as “life audits,” “seasonal resets,” or glow-up challenges.
• Maggie’s Take: Resets don’t have to be dramatic; small tweaks—like simple life improvements—can be more meaningful than constant revamps.
• Ella’s Experience: Many people (herself included) make lists of resets they intend to do, but often struggle to follow through (02:33).

Quote:
“She loves Esty Talk. She said to say hi to Ella.”
— Maggie Spacek (01:49)

2. The Illusion of Resets vs. Real Self-Care (03:21–04:23)

• Social Media vs. Reality: Many ‘reset’ videos are full of aesthetics—candles, face masks, linen sheets—but don’t reflect sustainable change.
• Real Self-Care: Practical resets—consistent bedtime, boundary-setting, adequate hydration—matter most.
• Industry Pressure: Estheticians often feel urged to upgrade and revamp constantly, but meaningful changes, even small ones, can make a bigger difference.

Quote:
“People are filming their reset more than they're living it. So it can be like little dopamine hit. Not a lifestyle change."
— Maggie Spacek (03:21)

3. Industry Trends: Reset Pressure in Esthetics (04:24–07:02)

• Ella's Example: A recent redecorating reset in her clinic (led by her colleague Kira) boosted retail sales and attracted new clients—proof that sometimes a fresh environment triggers positive outcomes, even if clients don’t consciously notice the change (04:43).
• The Influence of Social Media: The push to constantly try new treatments or content is often more about appearances than true business evolution.
• Seasonal Trends: Client influx varies—sometimes, post-holiday momentum, sometimes, a drop-off as clients stretch out appointments. Ella noticed a dry spell in early 2025, but a rebound in late-year and January bookings (06:21).

4. Realistic Resets for 2026 (07:39–14:15)

• Small, Sustainable Changes: The hosts discuss why giant New Year's resolutions often fail, and propose incremental, actionable tweaks.
• Maggie’s Mini-Resets:
  • Less coffee
  • More morning “me time”
  • Turning off work notifications after hours
• Ella’s Approach:
  • Focuses on “one little thing at a time,” adding new habits each week, rather than overhauling everything at once (e.g., gradually eliminating bread, cheese, processed foods)
  • Concrete goals: a step-count challenge, accountability with friends, and a water-intake challenge

Quotes:
“I think that's easier, bite size for me... January 1st, the gyms are packed. January 15th, it's like half as many people. ...We all go into that going, this is my year. Have you ever said that to yourself?”
— Ella Cressman (07:54)

“I'll never give up bread and cheese.”
— Maggie Spacek (10:37)

5. Making Resets Work for You—In and Out of the Treatment Room (14:15–15:30)

• Personalizing Resets: Find tricks that work for you. Start with achievable goals—one at a time—so progress sticks.
• Small Wins, Big Effects: Minor tweaks can impact your energy and confidence, which is then transferred to clients in the treatment room.
• Self-Compassion: Avoid tying self-worth to unrealistic goals. Focus on what’s manageable and brings you confidence.

Quote:
“Tiny life tweaks shift your energy in the treatment room, I think.”
— Maggie Spacek (14:39)

6. Detaching from Negativity & Earning Rest (15:30–17:43)

• Don’t Let Disappointments Linger: Don’t obsess over missed goals or negative comments.
• Letting Things Be Easy: Rest doesn’t have to be earned through ‘hustle culture’—rest is part of investing in your best work.
• Setting Boundaries: Learning to leave workplace stresses at work and not take everything personally is a reset in itself.

Quotes:
“Not every comment is a crisis.”
— Maggie Spacek (15:41)

“I am investing in my work by resting right now.”
— Ella Cressman (16:16)

7. Handling Negative Reviews and Feedback (16:46–18:22)

• Perspective: One bad review among many positive ones shouldn’t dominate your focus (16:46).
• Professional Response: Respond to criticism with calm, professional language; it makes your business look legitimate.
• Empathy: Sometimes, negative feedback says more about the reviewer’s bad day than your service.

Quote:
“I have 5000 five-star reviews, but I have this one bad review and I'm focused on this... But if someone's going to look at your profile ... they're also going to look to your response.”
— Ella Cressman (16:46)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On the reality of resets:
  “People are filming their reset more than they're living it. ... But real self-care is going to bed on time, setting boundaries, drinking enough water.”
  — Maggie Spacek (03:21–04:23)

• On boundaries:
  “So setting those boundaries. ... Not me. I'm not. I'm done. I'm done disappointing myself.”
  — Ella Cressman (10:06)

• On incremental change:
  “What really worked well for me instead of being so ... strict, was one little thing at a time and then adding onto it a week at a time.”
  — Ella Cressman (10:06)

• On negative reviews:
  “Don’t worry if you got one bad one. It just makes you look legitimate.”
  — Ella Cressman (17:43)

Key Takeaways

• Tiny, specific “resets” add up! Choose one achievable change at a time for sustainable progress.
• Set boundaries and prioritize self-care over aesthetic, performative “resets” seen online.
• Your own confidence and energy power your client relationships—take care of yourself first.
• Don’t let negative feedback or minor setbacks define you; focus on the larger picture and your overall progress.
• Reset your mindset as needed—be kind to yourself, let some things go, and remember that rest is productive.

Segment Timestamps

• 01:29 – Welcome and Shoutout to Listener
• 02:12 – “Reset Culture” Defined
• 03:21 – Social Media Resets vs. Real Self-Care
• 04:24 – Industry Pressure for Resets; Ella’s Experience
• 06:00 – Client Influx and Seasonality
• 07:39 – Personal Reset Strategies for 2026
• 10:06 – Incremental Change and Habit Building
• 14:15 – How Resets Affect Energy in the Treatment Room
• 15:30 – Earning Rest, Hustle Culture, Letting Things Be Easier
• 16:46 – Handling Negative Reviews and Setting Boundaries
• 18:22 – Resets as Mindset Shifts

Listener Call to Action

Share your esthetician reset! Connect via Instagram, Facebook, or email at getconnected@ascpskincare.com