ASCP Esty Talk Ep 379 – Generation Gaps: Same License, Different Starting Lines with Kiarra Smith
Date: March 4, 2026
Host: Ella Cressman (with Maggie Stasik)
Guest: Kiarra Smith
Episode Overview
This episode explores the generational contrasts shaping today’s esthetics industry, spotlighting the experiences and attitudes of Gen X and Gen Z estheticians. With hosts Ella and Maggie representing Gen X perspectives and guest Kiarra Smith embodying the next-generation Gen Z esty, the conversation delves into differences in education styles, online presence, business realities, and how both generations can learn from each other. The discussion goes beyond stereotypes, instead highlighting mutual growth and the ways the industry has transformed—especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Entering Esthetics: Motivation and Post-Covid Reality
[03:05 - 04:41]
- Kiarra’s Path: Kiarra entered esthetics school in 2021-2022, post-Covid, after a career as a behavioral therapist. The pandemic caused her—and many of her peers—to rethink life direction and choose a helping profession centered on skin care.
- Unique to Gen Z: Many Gen Z estys entered the field during a time of heightened awareness around safety, sanitation, and personal wellbeing.
Kiarra Smith [04:59]:
“Going into school after Covid was definitely a unique experience because we just got done wearing masks and being really crucial on our sanitation... Safety was a huge focus for us, for hygiene and sanitizing everything, how we interacted with clients.”
2. Hands-On Learning & Client Perceptions
[05:39 - 06:22]
- Hands-on experience was impacted by pandemic concerns: students and clients were both more cautious, with heightened attention to safety.
- There was some client hesitance, but those who came in for student treatments were generally accepting, balancing caution with their interest in services.
3. The Digital Shift: Social Media in Education & Practice
[07:09 - 08:14]
- Virtual Learning: Kiarra’s esthetics education incorporated both in-person and virtual elements, unheard of in Gen X training.
- Early Online Presence: Students today are encouraged—even required—to create business social media accounts as part of their schooling, giving them a head start on personal brand-building and client recruitment.
Kiarra Smith [07:48]:
“We actually were encouraged... to create a business account while we were in school so we can post on it and get people to book through us that way.”
4. Balancing Online Presence and In-Person Skill
[08:14 - 09:22]
- While in-person treatment is fundamental, having a robust online presence is seen as essential for educating clients, building a brand, and showcasing results—mirroring contemporary consumer habits.
Kiarra Smith [08:14]:
“In today’s world, I think a strong online presence is really important too because... it’s educating potential clients, it’s building your brand... We live in a society that’s such a see it to believe it.”
- Even everyday decisions (e.g., choosing a restaurant) are driven by online reviews and TikTok searches—a generational shift hosts find both fascinating and disorienting.
5. Entrepreneurship Right Out of School: Reality vs. Expectations
[09:45 - 11:16]
- Despite the online focus, most of Kiarra’s classmates initially planned to work for someone else.
- The business curriculum typically emphasizes superficial aspects (aesthetics, ambiance) rather than core business skills (operations, inventory, ROI).
Kiarra Smith [10:52]:
“It was more of creating... what would your spa look like? What would your services look like? And it was very surface level.”
- Social media can create unrealistic expectations—many new estys expect beautiful treatment rooms without realizing the humble, gradual startup realities.
6. What Makes a Business Work: Social Media vs. Word-of-Mouth
[13:44 - 14:56, 21:03 - 22:23]
- Online presence often builds professional “status” more than direct new client leads. Most of Kiarra's new business still comes from word-of-mouth and personal networks.
- Social media acts as a digital diary or portfolio for prospective clients, not the main engine of growth.
Kiarra Smith [21:03]:
“My Instagram is a part of my digital diary, my digital portfolio... my clients, the majority of the time, are word of mouth. I’m still handing out business cards and talking to people in person.”
- The hosts reflect that—despite changing technology—the power of personal recommendation remains timeless in the industry.
7. Business Practices: Digital Tools vs. Old School Methods
[23:16 - 24:39]
- Differences arise in daily business practices: Kiarra uses digital client profiles; Ella uses paper forms (“binders”). The conversation highlights evolving comfort with technology and willingness to adapt.
Kiarra Smith [24:39]:
“You know, all you have to do is get an app like an iPad or tablet... They have Apple pens!”
8. Gen Z Myths & Inter-Generational Learning
[25:02 - 26:35]
- Gen Z isn’t just about trends and social media influencer culture; many seek mentorship from industry veterans and value foundational esthetic skills.
- There’s an eagerness to merge new and traditional methods, with Kiarra expressing gratitude for guidance from Gen X mentors.
Kiarra Smith [25:02]:
“One of the biggest misunderstandings is... that we’re all just social media craze or we’re trying to be over the top influencers. The reality is a lot of Gen Z estheticians... are still genuinely eager to learn from Gen X and millennial estheticians.”
9. Generational Boldness & Business Boundaries
[26:35 - 27:27]
- Gen Z estys tend to be more assertive regarding business policies (no discounts for family, strict cancellation fees, willingness to “fire” clients)—a cultural shift admired (sometimes in awe) by older generations.
Kiarra Smith [27:27]:
“I hear a lot of people online saying, they’re not afraid to fire a client or to charge that, that no show fee… And that’s something I’m learning… The younger estheticians—nope, like 90% charge, you canceled, rescheduled, I don’t care, you’re still gonna pay me.”
Memorable Quotes
- Ella Cressman [10:52]: “Isn't that an interesting point, Maggie?... The things that you have to consider, like inventory management, like your back bar ROI... I just followed the brand I signed up with, and... crossed my fingers and prayed, hoping I was gonna get something.”
- Maggie Stasik [12:04]: “The administrators and educators... are artists. They're not business people. So to think about it from the esthetic perspective makes sense.”
- Kiarra Smith [20:49]: “Sometimes I feel guilty not posting to my social medias or feel like I'm ‘lazy’... but I'm still in the treatment room. I don't need to take a picture to solidify a treatment—I did a service.”
- Kiarra Smith [25:24]: “A lot of us are still looking for mentorship and guidance and the deeper understanding of skincare... I'm especially grateful for what I've learned through my Gen X mentor.”
- Ella Cressman [26:17]: “It's important, as a crusty, rusty esty, to learn from the freshie Estes... I've learned a lot from you.”
Engaging Moments
- [18:36] Ella describes attending Kiarra’s business event, admiring her “savage” approach to business—no family discounts and savvy marketing tactics.
- [24:45] Kiarra ribs Ella about adapting to iPad consultations while Ella jokes about being “allergic” to Apple products.
- [27:31] The “no discount for family” policy and strong boundary-setting become a humorous but pointed comparison between generational values.
Timestamps for Key Segments
- 03:35 – Kiarra’s background & entry into esthetics
- 04:59 – Impact of Covid on learning and client experience
- 07:27 – Social media in esthetics education & expectations
- 08:14 – Balancing online presence & treatment room skills
- 09:54 – Reality of entrepreneurship out of school
- 10:52 – Are new estys taught real business skills?
- 13:44 – Does an online following translate to business success?
- 14:56 – The importance of vulnerability and personality online
- 21:03 – Where do most clients come from? Social media vs. word-of-mouth
- 24:39 – Comparing business practices: paper vs. digital
- 25:02 – Myths Gen X has about Gen Z estys
- 27:27 – Young estys and modern business boundaries
Conclusion
This episode eloquently captures how the esthetics industry has shifted in both subtle and profound ways across generations—from pandemic-induced changes in education, to the realities (and myths) of building a brand online, to evolving business acumen and professional assertiveness. At its core, the conversation highlights the value in learning from both sides: blending fresh innovation with hard-earned wisdom, and remembering that authentic client connections—whether made through TikTok or a handshake—will always be at the heart of the profession.