What it looks like to be a Podcaster & an Esthetician with The Skin Club Podcast

Summary

Episode Summary: "What it looks like to be a Podcaster & an Esthetician with The Skin Club Podcast"

Podcast Title: Skin and the City Podcast by Kasey Boone Skincare™
Host: Kasey Boone
Guests: Lolita Brock and Alida
Release Date: September 23, 2024

Introduction

In this vibrant episode of the Skin and the City Podcast, host Kasey Boone welcomes estheticians Lolita Brock and Alida to discuss the intersection of podcasting and skincare. The conversation offers deep insights into balancing a professional career in esthetics with the creative venture of podcasting, providing valuable lessons for estheticians considering expanding their own careers beyond the treatment room.

Guests' Backgrounds

Alida:
Alida shares her journey in the esthetics industry, starting with her licensure in 2017 right after high school. She gained diverse experience working at a day spa, handling services like waxing and pedicures, before pursuing her dream role at Revive Skin Bar. At Revive, she specializes in skin revision using advanced treatments such as laser therapy, chemical peels, and microneedling. Additionally, Alida runs her own makeup business, a passion she cultivated even before becoming an esthetician.

Notable Quote [02:09]:
"We have a laser. We have peels, microneedling. We really try to focus on different concerns, and it's really the most rewarding career... it is changing lives." – Alida

Lolita Brock:
Lolita discusses her transition from aspiring nurse to esthetician. After obtaining her license, she worked at Revive Skin Bar alongside Alida, which is how they met. Lolita eventually founded Flourish Wellness, a med spa and wellness center in Gilbert, Arizona. Her center offers a comprehensive range of services, including cold plunges, saunas, red light therapy, grounding mats, DNA testing, and various medical aesthetic treatments. She emphasizes the integration of health and wellness into skincare, a philosophy influenced by her background as a health coach.

Notable Quote [05:08]:
"Healing the skin from the inside out has always been in my mind... integrating health and beauty is what I love." – Lolita Brock

Origins of The Skin Club Podcast

The inception of The Skin Club Podcast stemmed from a mutual desire to create a robust platform beyond social media. Both Lolitia and Alida recognized the volatility of platforms like Instagram, contemplating scenarios where these channels might become inaccessible or ineffective.

Notable Quote [07:54]:
"What if Instagram just died? How would we keep in touch with our clients?" – Alida

Initially considering YouTube, they were deterred by the expectation of sharing personal lives extensively. Podcasting presented a middle ground, allowing them to share professional insights without overexposing their personal lives.

Notable Quote [07:56]:
"We both kind of talked about podcasting as a way to share what we know without having to reveal more of our personal lives." – Lolita Brock

Within a short brainstorming session, they generated around 30 episode ideas, leading to the podcast's launch just a month later.

Podcasting Process and Workflow

Lolita and Alida maintain a rigorous schedule, recording weekly episodes to ensure consistency. They utilize Zoom for remote recordings and manage a dynamic list of topics that range from in-depth discussions requiring research to spontaneous, on-the-fly conversations.

Notable Quote [11:54]:
"We've been able to do both in person and virtual, which has been really nice." – Lolita Brock

Key technical tools include the Rodecaster for enhanced sound quality and Audacity for editing. Lolita attributes much of their technical proficiency to her tech-savvy husband, emphasizing the importance of having support or learning through platforms like YouTube.

Notable Quote [13:50]:
"Get a Rodecaster and use Audacity for editing. Those are the essentials to get started." – Lolita Brock

Learning and Growth Through Podcasting

Podcasting has been a catalyst for significant personal and professional growth for both guests. Alida highlights how stepping out of her comfort zone has bolstered her confidence, both on the podcast and in her esthetic practice. Interacting with industry leaders and securing high-profile guests has further cemented her expertise and presence in the field.

Notable Quote [15:42]:
"There's no growth in the comfort zone... podcasting has helped me push my boundaries and meet people I've looked up to." – Alida

Lolita reflects on her personal evolution from a new mom to managing a growing business. The podcast has fostered a close-knit community, allowing her to forge deep friendships and expand her professional network through live shows and travel opportunities.

Notable Quote [18:16]:
"Being able to see our community grow and form one has been one of the most rewarding aspects." – Lolita Brock

Challenges and Downsides

Despite its benefits, podcasting presents notable challenges. Both guests acknowledge the significant time investment required for recording, editing, and managing social media presence. Monetization remains a complex aspect, with fluctuating ad rates and the difficulty of negotiating fair compensation for sponsorships.

Notable Quote [24:17]:
"Podcasting is definitely more time-consuming than we initially thought, especially with editing and maintaining our Instagram presence." – Alida

Lolita shares their initial struggles with understanding media kits and the intricacies of monetization, highlighting the steep learning curve for podcasters without a marketing background.

Notable Quote [25:25]:
"Navigating monetization was tough. We had to learn what a media kit is and how to approach potential sponsors." – Lolita Brock

Benefits to Their Careers and Community

The podcast has significantly augmented their professional credibility and expanded their reach within the esthetician community. Lolita notes that it has opened doors for mentorships and educational opportunities, while Alida emphasizes the increased confidence and authority she has gained. Additionally, the podcast serves as a vital tool for client engagement and education, reinforcing their roles as industry leaders.

Notable Quote [31:21]:
"Credibility amongst the industry has been a huge one... the podcast has helped me grow parts of my business related to education and mentorship." – Lolita Brock

Breaking Hierarchies and Building a Supportive Community

A central theme of the episode is dismantling the perceived hierarchies within the esthetician community, often perpetuated by social media follower counts. The guests advocate for valuing professional success based on client satisfaction and personal fulfillment rather than online metrics.

Notable Quote [35:29]:
"Having 7,000 followers doesn't mean you have 7,000 clients. It's about the quality, not the quantity." – Lolita Brock

They stress the importance of fostering an inclusive community where estheticians support each other, share knowledge, and recognize diverse paths to success.

Notable Quote [37:10]:
"Even if someone has only a few clients a day, their success is valid and doesn't need to be measured against someone else's numbers." – Lolita Brock

Final Thoughts and Advice

Kasey, Lolita, and Alida conclude the episode by encouraging estheticians to explore podcasting as a means of professional development and community building. They emphasize the value of authenticity, continuous learning, and the benefits of diversifying one's professional presence.

Notable Quote [41:04]:
"Don't underestimate the value of other platforms... Experiment, have fun, and see what happens." – Lolita Brock

Conclusion

This episode of the Skin and the City Podcast serves as an inspiring guide for estheticians seeking to expand their horizons beyond traditional practices. Through the experiences of Lolita Brock and Alida, listeners gain valuable insights into the multifaceted journey of balancing a skincare career with the dynamic world of podcasting. The discussion underscores the importance of community, personal growth, and redefining success in the esthetics industry.

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This comprehensive summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, emphasizing key discussions, insights, and the progression of the conversation. Notable quotes are attributed with precise timestamps to enhance the summary's depth and authenticity, making it a valuable resource for those who haven't listened to the episode.

Transcript

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[Host]

Okay, now we're recording, I think. Yay. Welcome to Skin in the City. I'm so excited to have you guys here.

[Lolita Brock]

Thank you so much. We are so excited to be here.

[Esthetician]

Yes. Thank you.

[Host]

Yeah. Okay, so I want to jump right in, and I wanted you both to share, like, what you do in the industry and how long you've been doing it.

[Lolita Brock]

Okay.

[Host]

Just like, just like a brief. Just like, nothing crazy, just so people can get to know you.

[Lolita Brock]

Okay, perfect.

[Esthetician]

Okay, I'll go. So I got my esthetician license in 2017, right after I graduated high school. And I have. I've bounced around. I first worked at a day spa, got some experience doing waxing, pedicures, a bunch of different types of things, and then I started my own business, decided I did not love doing that, and now I work at Revive Skin Bar, which was actually always my goal to end up at Revive. That was always my dream. And so. Okay, Revive. Very happy there.

[Host]

Amazing.

[Esthetician]

Yeah. I feel so lucky to be at a place where I love so much, because I know that's not how it is for everybody.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Esthetician]

So I do feel really lucky to have that environment and be around people that I love so much. So, yeah, I'm at Revive. I love it so much. We focus on skin revision results. We have a laser. We have peels, microneedling. We really try to focus on different concerns, and it's really. It is the most rewarding career. I'm sure you guys can agree, like, being able to change lives, because it really is changing lives. And so I do feel very blessed to be doing what I'm doing. But then also really quick. I also do makeup as well, and I have my own business that I've been doing since forever. I actually started doing makeup before I even became an esthetician.

[Host]

Okay.

[Esthetician]

I also do that on the site, and I love it so Much. So that's. That's me.

[Host]

I love that. And you're located in Arizona, right?

[Esthetician]

Yep.

[Host]

Which means you can actually use lasers.

[Esthetician]

I can't. Yep, yep.

[Host]

Like, so many places we can't. Like, including California. Like, I can't use a laser. I would love to learn, but, like, I love that you are, like, it's so diverse where you're like, you're doing makeup on the side and then you're treating clients with like, lasers, like in the clinic. So that's super cool.

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah.

[Esthetician]

Best of both worlds. I love it.

[Host]

Love that.

[Lolita Brock]

My turn.

[Esthetician]

You go.

[Host]

It's your turn.

[Lolita Brock]

Okay. I'm lolita Brock. I'm 27. I've been an esthetician now for six or. How many years have you been? Six or seven.

[Esthetician]

Let's see. I got my license the end of 2017. So is that 18, 19, 20, 27.

[Lolita Brock]

Pretty much six on there. Yeah. So I have absolutely loved doing aesthetics. I started off as a waxer, and then I worked at Revive, and that's how we met. So I was a wax for about a year and a half, and then I worked at Revive for I think it was like just over two years. And then I started my own business, and it's called Flourish Wellness. So I have a med, spa and wellness center here in Gilbert, Arizona. So. So we have everything from like cold plunges, saunas, red lights, grounding mats, all of the biohacking things, as well as we do some DNA testing and some epigenetic tests and other labs as well. We do medical aesthetic type things like Revive does as well with microneedling, lasers, peels, all of those types of services. And okay, we. Yeah, we just, we have lots of fun here. We also run underneath the medical director, so she's here as juveau. She does IVs, medical, weight loss. We do everything here. And before ever doing aesthetics, I was actually in school to become a nurse.

[Host]

Okay.

[Lolita Brock]

And then I dropped out because I got pregnant during COVID and there was no way in heck that I was doing our nursing school online because that felt very terrifying. So I didn't end up doing that, but I became a health coach back in 2022.

[Host]

Okay.

[Lolita Brock]

And I've just been able to implement that into my this. And it has been awesome because it's always been in my mind of just healing the skin from the inside out ever since I started aesthetics. That's just kind of from the health background. Coming into the beauty industry, it was always just in my head, like, how important your inner health was. For the skin. And so it was really cool. Like, from the very beginning, I just. This is what I wanted to do. I love that together.

[Host]

So, yeah, it makes so much sense. I feel like people want, you know, either they're. They just want, like, instant results, like, with their skin, but they don't really realized that, like, you know, the. The health and Wellness is what, 80%? Yeah. Majority. Majority.

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah. So it's been really fun. So we've been open here in this location. We bought it last year, and so. But we officially open. We did the full build out on our location, and we officially opened back in March. But I went from a team of two estheticians in person and one online to now having 10 total. So it was a very big jump overnight, and so fun. And it's okay. Side note, this is kind of crazy, but I have listened to your podcast since, like, the very beginning, I feel like, of my aesthetics career. And so it's just, like, so full circle to finally, like, with you and, like, meet you kind of in person.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Lolita Brock]

It's just so cool. So thank you so much.

[Host]

I love it. Oh, my gosh. Thanks for being on here. Well, I was excited to talk with you guys because I do kind of want to dive into, like. Like, the podcasting. Like, I haven't. I've. I've talked to other podcasters, but I think it would be really just, like, interesting, maybe helpful for someone out there who's, like, an esthetician, but they're like, what else can I do with, like, my career? Right. There's so many options. We don't just have to be in the treatment room. So I thought it'd be fun for us to kind of just have a conversation about podcasting as beauty professionals. Let's do it. So you guys already answered my question of how you guys met. So you met working together?

[Esthetician]

Yes.

[Host]

Okay. And then how did you come to the point where, like, now you have a podcast? Like, how did it start?

[Esthetician]

We. We were. We both had a break during our schedule, and we both knew we wanted to have more than Instagram because we're like, what if Instagram just died? How would we.

[Host]

It just glitches out one day.

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah.

[Esthetician]

Like, who knows? It could glitch out tomorrow. We have no idea. So we both kind of talked about. Alida, talked about wanting to start a YouTube. Right, YouTube.

[Lolita Brock]

But I would. I had a baby at the time, and I'm like. But I feel like on YouTube, people keep expecting to see more and more and more of your life and I, like, didn't want to put my kids online, so I was like, I'm scared, Right?

[Esthetician]

Yeah. And then I always thought it would be fun to start a podcast, but I was, like, scared to do one alone.

[Host]

Fair enough. Makes sense.

[Esthetician]

We did just. We just kind of went back and forth and we're like, it just came so naturally. I think it was you. You're like, we should start one.

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah. I was like, well, why not? Because we both wanted to expand our platforms. Especially, like, after Covid. We're like, how are we gonna keep in touch with our clients if Covid happens again? And, like, Instagram dies? Like, thinking worst case scenario.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Lolita Brock]

And within like, 30 minutes, we had come up with the name of our podcast. We had probably 30 episode ideas, and we were just like, let's do this. And we started, like a month later, and we had. We had just talked to each other pretty briefly. Just in general. We weren't.

[Esthetician]

We didn't know each other that well.

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah.

[Host]

Okay, you didn't know each other, but did you feel like you were already having, like, good conversations where you're like, wait, this could be a podcast because it's like, an interesting topic that maybe other people want to hear about? Or you were just like, we want to put ourselves out there more.

[Esthetician]

Yeah. I think also, like, we both wanted to be able to share what we know.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Esthetician]

Because we felt like when we graduated, we're like, oh, we wish there were more resources where we could learn and have, of course, environment where, like, no questions are done. Like, yeah, any question.

[Host]

You want safe space.

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah.

[Esthetician]

And we really wanted to have that with our listeners where it's like, no, ask us all the questions. If we know it, we'll answer. If we don't know, we'll figure it out.

[Lolita Brock]

Right.

[Esthetician]

So that was a big push for sure.

[Lolita Brock]

And we wanted to, like, marry, kind of. We. We both listen to podcasts. We love podcasts.

[Host]

Right.

[Lolita Brock]

We wanted to marry, like, both education, but girl chat. Like, let's just yap and chat.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Lolita Brock]

Kind of talk about both together. And I think that so far, I feel like we've done a pretty good job with executing just both casual conversation, but also keeping it very informative at the same time.

[Host]

Right.

[Lolita Brock]

Having really, like, top notch guests on as well. Just professionals in our industry. Like, we've. We've had CEOs of some of the brands that we carry in our treatment room on our podcast. And that's been so surreal. Just even as a provider, just like, oh, my gosh, like, meeting your idols In a way. And so it's just been really cool and, like, opportunity to just put yourself out there and meet people.

[Host]

Exactly. I mean, I feel like that's a perfect example of, like, you know, you wanted to do something. You were coming from a place where, like, what. You know, what if Instagram goes away? And sometimes that's. That's how it happens. You know, it's like something. It's. It's kind of like not something completely bad, but it's like those what ifs can completely, you know, transform your life and your perspective. So how long have you guys been podcasting now? A year? A little over a year. More than that.

[Lolita Brock]

Two and a half years.

[Host]

Two years. Okay. Sorry.

[Lolita Brock]

Years In January. January, yeah.

[Host]

Amazing. Well, congratulations.

[Esthetician]

Thank you.

[Host]

And you still, like, obviously, like, you still love doing it. Like you're happy. Yeah. And then can you share? How are you recording? Are you recording weekly? Are you, like, batching it out? What it. Like, what does it look like? Or, like, take me through, like, one of your weeks or one of your days. Because I think that there's so many estheticians or just beauty professionals out that. That, like, they want to do this, but they're like, how do I have time? Like, how do I fit this in? And is it going to be beneficial for me?

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah, I'll start. So I think that with podcasting, like, we've done it every single week since we've started. We just. Yeah, we sit down, record. Um, if it's last minute, we're like, oh, my gosh, how are we going to get an episode out tomorrow? We do it through zoom. We call each other and we have a huge list. It's like an ongoing, forever long list of episode ideas that we just think of or that listeners will submit to us. Like, hey, can you talk about X, Y and Z? So we have this list that we'll just pick a topic from, and some of them require quite a bit of research and preparation for, and other ones are more just, like, on the fly. They just want some help and questions and things. So we've been able to do both, like, in person and virtual, which has been really nice. We're still trying to figure out the YouTube situation. It's. It's really challenging. I'm.

[Host]

It's just like, one. It's just one more thing. Right? It's like, just do Instagram and then TikTok and Pinterest and have a podcast and do YouTube. Yes, that's it. And then have a life.

[Esthetician]

Yeah, I live so far.

[Lolita Brock]

And so it's like, at least for myself, it's a whole production, like figuring out who's watching the kids, getting the whole set up here, and then the whole editing process. But it's. I mean, as non techie girls, I think that you don't have to be the smartest person in order to figure out how to podcast, you know?

[Host]

Well, you guys are smart. I. Maybe you're just not like the most tech savvy. But you're tech savvy enough, or you were. It sounds like you were willing enough to learn.

[Lolita Brock]

Yes. Yeah.

[Esthetician]

Yeah.

[Host]

Right?

[Esthetician]

We definitely did have help too.

[Lolita Brock]

Yes, you did.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah. My husband, he's a nerd, so it helped.

[Host]

We love a nerd. Okay, so that was gonna be. My next question is like, how did you learn? Or do you have tips for anyone who, like, wants to try and they're like, I don't know where to start.

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah, I would say get a rodecaster. Like the. Okay, the mic box thing. And that just sound quality improves 100 million percent.

[Host]

Like, it's.

[Lolita Brock]

It makes everything so much better. And then we use an app called Audacity, and that's where we edit everything on. And so I think that with a combination of those two things, that's like all you really need in order to get started.

[Esthetician]

Yeah. And then Mike's headset.

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah. Mike's headphones.

[Esthetician]

Yeah.

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah.

[Host]

Are you doing your own editing?

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah.

[Host]

Did Indie just self taught?

[Lolita Brock]

Husband taught.

[Host]

Husband taught.

[Esthetician]

Yes. No, her husband really, like, helped get us started. And then also it's like, if we run into an issue, go to YouTube. And I think that can be helpful too, because there are people who do make videos sharing how to get started. So, like, if there is a listener out there wanting to start something and you don't have any around anyone around that is tech savvy, go to YouTube. There's people that will help teach you on there, of course.

[Host]

Yes.

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah, yeah.

[Host]

Amazing. Okay, so with having the podcast and you said now almost three years, like, what do you feel like you've learned from it? Like, what's. Like, what is both of your favorite parts about podcasting, or, like, the opportunities that the podcasting has brought you?

[Esthetician]

That's such a good question. I really like that, I think, for me personally. So about me, really quick. I tend to be a little more introverted. It takes a lot for me to get comfortable, warm up. And so it was really scary to me at first. But also something Eleta and I talk about all the time is like, there's no growth in the comfort zone, as cheesy as it is.

[Host]

But yeah.

[Esthetician]

And so I think it really has helped me push what I'm comfortable with. Meeting with guests, looking, talking to people I've looked up to for so long. And so I really think that has helped. Just like my personal confidence. And I feel like it's also translated into the treatment room as well.

[Host]

Feeling like I love that, better conversations.

[Esthetician]

And so I think, like, there's been a lot of personal growth for me, honestly, that, that I have seen. But also, of course, having the guests come on has been so surreal. Meeting people and being able to ask questions that I've had. So, yeah, I would say that's probably for me. What about you?

[Lolita Brock]

Oh, I love that because so during the time that we've been podcasting, like, I went from being a new mom to a mom of two and okay, from being employed to being an employer. And I think that just being able to see the growth that we've gone through together, like, she's gone through some really high highs, really low lows, and saying, I feel like same during those years. And so just to be able to kind of watch that growth and the confidence, like, please don't listen to our first episode, but if you must, listen to Only the first 10 seconds to see how much we've grown. But yeah, I think that one of my favorite parts of podcasting has been to see how, how big but how close our community is. Like, so many estheticians, like in Vegas at iecsc, we've been able to go since. Since we started the podcast, we were just like, hey, yo, like, let's go do a live show. That was one of our goals that we had. And so we're like, let's go do one in Vegas and pay all this money to go have a booth. And barely anyone know who we are. And it was just like, we. I love how much we're just willing to go on a whim and do things. And we've been able to travel so much together because of this. And it has just been so cool to like, form one. Like, she's become one of my best friends over the last few years, which has been just amazing because especially going through those high highs, low lows, it's like, I have a weekly catch up with my best friend. And then also on top of that, it's very hard to showcase who you are and your personality online sometimes, I think, especially Instagram, trying to show a highlight reel to your clients, but also connect with people in your industry. And if you want to be an educator in your industry, but also keep it real with your clients. It's just. It's very hard to do all of it on one platform.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Lolita Brock]

So I think having a space where we can just be ourselves and connect with people and try our best to educate as much as we can is just. It's so fun, and it's just so rewarding to finally meet all those people in person. All those people in person. Because until we went to iecsc, we were, like, just two girls yapping to the mic. We. We did not think many people listened, regardless of the numbers.

[Host]

Right.

[Lolita Brock]

This can continue to grow, but until you see those people in person, it doesn't mean it's just a number. It's just a number. So, yeah, that. That was. Been, like, that has been one of the most rewarding things. And just to see people who actually value what you do is really, really, really cool.

[Host]

Well, I think as estheticians, like, we're so desperate, like, for, like, community and Instagram, which can feel toxic. Like, it just can, you know, so it's like, if we can find, like, real community and, like, see and meet each other in person or hear people talking about their experiences, that in itself, I feel like, is education without having to, like, you know, go super in depth about, like, some type of service, which, of course, is beneficial as well. But, like, most of us work in, like, a small, dark room all day, you know, with our clients. We desperately need community. So it's amazing that you guys have grown your own community and that it's like, it's helped you grow as people. And I love that, like, now you've become, like, such close friends. Like, how do you feel? Like, how. How did you know when you guys met? Like, I know you said you were both, like, you're just, like, a little slow at work. And, like, things were like, like, how did you know? Or was it just kind of like, one of those things? Like, let's just try and see what happens. And now you're best friends.

[Esthetician]

Yeah, pretty much.

[Host]

I love that.

[Lolita Brock]

It's just like, we had an idea, and, I mean, the conversation to get there was easy enough. We're like, oh, yeah, let's go. Let's go take this to a mic. And so it just. It just developed from there. But the first two episodes, it wasn't, like, hard to talk to each other at all, but it was just being new, not having any inside jokes with someone. It's, like, not as funny, I think, to other people. It's not as entertaining when it's very business.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Lolita Brock]

And so I think as we've grown together, conversations have flown more freely, of course.

[Host]

I mean, that's just, like, natural in any relationship.

[Lolita Brock]

Confidence has. Has.

[Host]

I love it. But I also think. And people might not realize it if they haven't done a podcast themselves is there is something slightly intimidating, like putting on the headphones, like, putting a microphone all of a sudden, even if, like, you're in a room by yourself or just the two of you, you're like, wait, like, there's a microphone. Like, there's just, like, this added pressure, and people don't realize that, you know.

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah. The amount of takes that we had for our intro and outro was ungodly.

[Esthetician]

So many.

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah.

[Host]

But. But the beautiful part is that you were willing to do it, and it doesn't sound like you let those become roadblocks. You're like, we're just gonna do this. We're gonna figure it out. And I think your openness, obviously, is, like, you know, you're reaping the benefits of it now.

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah. And I think, too, just listening to podcasts, like, we had ideas of what we wanted ours to become.

[Host]

Okay.

[Lolita Brock]

I think that that kind of gives you a good basis of, like, how to try to get your conversation to flow, what kind of things you want to add in. Like, we just started doing. Well from the very beginning. We started doing Dear sd, which is our advice segment that we do once a month. We've done it every month since we started. And so I think having some bases that you just. You do. And then, like, the way that we start our podcast has been the exact same every single time. We start with the weekly favorites, weekly updates, because we also just like the girl talk aspect, and we wanted to be more relatable and be able to share some of our personal life in a way with, of course, our listeners.

[Host]

So I think we're all, see, you know, we're all seeking that. Like, of course I want to listen to podcasts about my industry and, like, learn and grow, but, like, at some point, it can get a little dull if it's just, like, someone overly educating and there's not anything, like, light and fun and, like, fluffy. I think that's, like, necessary. And sometimes you can learn the best way with, like, the light and fluffy in between.

[Lolita Brock]

I agree.

[Esthetician]

Yeah, totally. And we really are like yin and yang. Like, we. Oh, my mic just fell one second. I'm trying to keep this in my ear. We really are like, yin and yang. Like, we are so different, but also, like, so similar too. Like, with core values. And so I think, like, having discussions, like, we learn from each other too. Like, every time we talk, I'm like, oh, didn't know that. Like, it's really cool that we can learn from each other because we do have such, like, different interests. We like different things. And so I feel like that has been really helpful too. And then also, like, with the podcast, having like, different segments, like she said, like, dear sd, we have that. We also have our book reviews. We'll review different skin books that we'll read and different things like that and be able to get different takes because when you read something, everyone is gonna grasp onto something different, right? So it really is like I learned so much just from podcasting, from just like repeating the information, because that is how I learned repetition. So being able to read something and then say it out loud, I think that has also been so huge for growing as an esthetician is just becoming more confident in my knowledge.

[Host]

Love that. Is there anything that you don't like about podcasting?

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[Susan Ettlinger]

The PC gave us computing power at home. The Internet connected us, and mobile let us do it pretty much anywhere. Now generative AI lets us communicate with technology in our own language using our own senses. But figuring it all out when you're living through it is a totally different story. Welcome to Leading the Shift, a new podcast for Microsoft Azure. I'm your host, Susan Ettlinger. In each episode, leaders will share what they're learning to help you navigate all this change with confidence. Please join us, listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

[Esthetician]

I think it's, like, definitely more time consuming than we initially thought, just between editing and then also trying to have a presence on Instagram for our podcast as well.

[Host]

Right.

[Esthetician]

It's not bad, but I think it definitely was just more time consuming than we initially thought.

[Host]

That makes sense.

[Lolita Brock]

And because we're not marketing experts, I feel like trying to monetize a podcast is much harder and a lot more commitment than it may seem. If you don't have, like, an agent getting you deals and helping you plan when they're going out and right. You're negotiating because it's like you're. How much you can you put a price tag on or yapping? You know, it's like, how do you. How does one gauge?

[Host]

Depends on how many people are listening. Honestly, that was going to be my next question. It was the monetization. Because I feel like, again, people have a perception, like, if I have a podcast or like, if I have a large following on social media, then it automatically equals, like, dollar signs. And as you guys know, as I know that it is not like that. And especially in podcasting plus podcasting, I feel like, because it is so new, it's the wild west. So I don't know from, like, your guys's experience, you know, I've been. I've been podcasting, I don't know, like six years now, but even just, like, learning, like, the terms and, like, the range, it's like some people want to pay you $5, and then some people are willing to pay you $400. Like, it just. It depends. And you have to, like, learn how to navigate that and figure out, like, okay, well, if I record an ad, that's going to take more time, do I have more time? Is it worth the $5?

[Lolita Brock]

Right, totally. So, like, with monetizing, it's spin, it was something that in the beginning we were like, let's monetize. But obviously in the beginning it's like, how are you? Yeah, right. So in the beginning, like, we did a few ads and then we took a break from it just because it was a lot to try to navigate, negotiate. And at the time, like, I had just started my business and became a mom of two, and I was like, I don't think I have enough time to email people. And then it's like, also not knowing technically, like, what your worth is in the podcast space is hard, but the best kind. I mean, we've made a substantial amount from podcasting, but it's been more so through affiliations with other beauty professionals and marketing them and being willing to connect with them and talk with them and do things like that. So that's been really fun. And we also do merch. So merchant millions. But merch makes. Yeah, so that's been nice, too. Merch makes enough to make more merch.

[Host]

So merchant. Exactly. I was going to say, is it worth it to you guys? But obviously it sounds like you like doing it and your community wants it, right?

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah. And that's why.

[Host]

Yeah, yeah. For the community, totally. Would you say that? But because of the. The podcast Even though it's not like dollar for dollar, like, you're not like, okay, I worked an hour on the podcast, I'm making $200. You know, like when we're doing like a facial service. Right. It's like an even exchange. Like, I give an hour of my time, I make $200 or X amount of dollars. Right. But with podcasting, I feel like it's a more like, of like a long term. And it has like all these like, hands and arms, like in different places. Right. You, like, you have the merch and then maybe like, you start networking and you build a community here and someone wants you to advertise and like, there's just like other opportunities. But it's not as straightforward as, like, working in the treatment room.

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah, yeah. Definitely not as consistent in that way.

[Host]

Right, right. Like, some months you're not making anything or you're making very little.

[Lolita Brock]

Right.

[Host]

Maybe you're making enough to like, just keep the podcast going. Right. Because that costs like a little bit of money too.

[Esthetician]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, it definitely does. And like, I remember even when we first, like, we're trying to monetize more, so. And when we had our first brand ask us for our media kit, we had no idea what a media kit was. We had to go to Google and say, what is a media kit? What do you guys put in this? So it definitely was like a lot of Googling too, trying to learn. And so you're so right. Like, you definitely understand, like, it definitely is like your hands are in multiple places and it's a slow build.

[Host]

Yeah. But I think passively it can be so beneficial not only for the podcast and the community, but have you noticed the benefits of your own, like, business and like your own careers as well?

[Esthetician]

Absolutely.

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah. I think that credibility amongst the industry has been a huge one. I'm just to. I mean, since starting the podcast, at least myself, I've done continuing education courses and being able to even give snippets and like, show a little bit of what I know on the podcast so that people translate into becoming a student of mine has been really awesome. And then I do lots of mentorships now with labs of just how to run labs. And so I think that the podcast has really helped myself in that way to grow some parts of my business. When it comes to reaching estheticians, that's not like, necessarily like, my top goal with my business is to just teach estheticians, but. Right. Because I have a whole team. But it is a fun side thing that I really do enjoy doing is educating, especially when it comes to health and especially to estheticians. So that's been really helpful, at least for my end. But something that we talk about often is I think that if we. If we put more time, like, treated the podcast more like a job, maybe we could see more fruits of the labor. But it's just been so fun to do it that.

[Host]

Right.

[Esthetician]

It doesn't even feel like a job for us. Like, we're just two friends.

[Host]

That's the best part, then. Then that's the best part. And that means you're doing the right thing. And, like, yes, of course you could put more time and more energy, but I think as you're, you know, talking about how health and wellness is so important to make sure that you're taking care of yourself and your kids and your business and your career, you know, it's a balancing act, and I think it's. I think it's. You guys are, you know, a good example of how you can do a little bit of everything.

[Lolita Brock]

Thank you.

[Host]

Yeah, of course. I, you know, I appreciate you being so vulnerable and sharing all this information, because I'm just, like, I don't know if I've ever really had a conversation like this, and I just know that there's people out there that are curious or they've always wanted to, but they're, like, afraid. And, you know, it does, of course, take time and energy, but it can, like, bring so much value to your career, into your life.

[Esthetician]

Yeah, I completely agree. Like. Like you mentioned earlier, it definitely can be intimidating. Having your mic, having your headphones. Like, it can definitely be intimidating. And, like, even in Vegas, we always have our listeners. When they come visit us at our booth, we have them say hi on our microphone, and then we include that in the following episode. I love that about every single person that comes says, like, wow, this is intimidating.

[Lolita Brock]

They're like, this is so much scarier than I ever thought it would be. And I'm just saying my name.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Esthetician]

And so, like, I do think, like, yes, it is scary at first, but also, like, you do get more comfortable the more you do it, and it is really rewarding, and you learn a lot yourself. So, like, I really. If anyone out there is interested, like, I would encourage you to look more into it, because we have seen a lot of growth, not just with community, but just with ourselves as well and continuing our education.

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah. Yeah.

[Host]

It just kind of keeps you in the game a little bit more. Right. Keeps you on your toes, keeps you motivated. You keep pushing Yourself to talk to new people and put yourself in, like, new experiences. Speaking of, I know you guys have done. How many live podcasts have you actually done?

[Esthetician]

I think just two.

[Host]

Two. Both in Vegas. Like, the past two years. In Vegas.

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah.

[Host]

And you, like, how did that feel compared to, like, you know, recording on the couch?

[Esthetician]

I loved it. So weird. That's me.

[Host]

I was gonna say that sounds like opposite reactions. That's not what I was expecting it to be the other way around. Yeah. You kind of want to, like, cry and, like, throw up, but then after, you're like, oh, my God, that was so amazing.

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah.

[Esthetician]

Yeah. I don't know why I love it so much. Because, like, I do.

[Host]

The adrenaline rush.

[Esthetician]

Yes. I think it's the adrenaline. It, like, makes me not scared because I'm like, oh, there's all these people. I think I just feel more excitement than anything.

[Host]

Yes.

[Esthetician]

It's like, wow, there's this many people here that care to hear what we have to say that support us. Like, it really makes us. We talk about. We get emotional, like, yeah. It's just crazy to us that, like, we just have that many people that are willing to listen to us. Yap.

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah. And I think another. The reason. I think why I get so nervous is because there's so many people that I look up to in our industry. And so it's like, when they are right in front of me, I'm like, please go away. Please leave me alone. Like, you don't have to listen. Just, like, just go.

[Esthetician]

Yeah.

[Host]

But I also think. I also think in this industry, there can definitely. There's like, an unspoken hierarchy, but I. I want to break that. Do you know what I mean? It's like, this person's at this level because they have this many followers or if they've done X, Y, and Z, and, like, I just want to break. Start breaking that mold because, like, I can learn just as much from you guys as you can learn from me. Do you know what I mean? Like, that's why I podcast and I put myself out in the community because, like, I learn so much from my community. I'm like, wait, I think I'm benefiting more than, like, you guys are. You know what I mean?

[Esthetician]

Yeah.

[Host]

You know, it's like, it's such, like, a beautiful exchange, and I think. I just think. I think it's important and needs to be talked about. That's why you guys are here.

[Esthetician]

I agree.

[Lolita Brock]

I think you were, like, the first esthetician that I ever followed. Genuinely. I think, really be the first one, because there weren't very many estheticians on there. What? And I think that, like, now being an esthetician is so competitive online, even more so than it is even in the treatment room room. Because, yeah, I think people see credibility and following, which, yes, isn't necessarily doesn't mean that people with higher followers aren't credible, but it's totally just that people with less are also just as credible sometimes.

[Host]

And so that's why I'm saying there's this, like, unspoken hierarchy. And it's. It just is. It's just. It's not true. You know what I mean?

[Lolita Brock]

Something that we say all the time on our podcast because we talk about. I feel like we talk about this topic quite a bit. But even though someone may have 500, 600, 7,000, whatever, followers does not mean that they have that many clients. Not all of those followers are clients. And frankly, there's not enough hours in the day, nor does that person even want to work that much. Like, frankly. And so I know online and even, like when we were posting our stories, we talk about this a lot too. We post our daily lineups, which is great. I think it's awesome. Because your clients are like, oh, my gosh, she's hard at work. She's getting that money, you know, like, excited for. I think clients love that because they see, oh, she's booked and busy. But to other estheticians, they look at that and they compare. It's competition and it's not meant to be that. But on my books, if I have 15 clients in a day, I should, because I work one freaking day a week.

[Host]

Okay. Right.

[Lolita Brock]

That's. You should be like, yes, Alita.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Lolita Brock]

Because you also employ 10 people and if you don't have clients, like, crying for you, you know, So I think that we need to, like, zoom out and say, like, oh, even if I only have four or five clients today, or even two or three. Great. If you're working freaking four or five days a week, you've got. You've got enough clients. I don't think that there's necessarily an amount of clients that makes you a successful esthetician.

[Host]

Yeah.

[Lolita Brock]

So what we were talking about last week in our last episode was if. If social media wasn't a thing, and if you had three clients that day, would you be content with yourself? Would you be grateful?

[Host]

Totally.

[Lolita Brock]

Or would you think it was enough? I mean, if you want more, then go get them.

[Host]

Exactly. But. Right. If you remove all of the noise of social media and I feel so Grateful that when I started, there was no social media. And I remember, like, when I first went solo, like, writing out, like, okay, literally if I see one client a day for five days a week, like, I'll still be making more money than I was making working at the med spa or that I was making, like, waitressing, you know, but now we have like all this, like, outside noise. But what you, what we forget is it's just like the smallest snapshot of someone's day, of someone's week, of someone's career. Like, we don't know the behind the scenes. We don't know. We can guess and we can maybe believe what they're telling us. But even that, it's like, take it with a grain of salt because at the end of the day, like, you need to be happy with, like, what you're doing and how much money you're making. And like you said, like, if three clients is enough, great. If you want to make more money, like, go out there. But it shouldn't be because X, Y And Z saw 10 people today.

[Lolita Brock]

Right.

[Esthetician]

Yeah.

[Lolita Brock]

Well, and we were also saying, like, consider the services that are being done. If they have 30 people on their books, they're probably a waxer.

[Host]

Right, Right.

[Lolita Brock]

And that's normal for the industry.

[Host]

Yes.

[Lolita Brock]

So I think it's also, like, take into consideration that person's goals, the season of life that they're in. Like, I look at my friends.

[Host]

Yes.

[Lolita Brock]

Who are like, maybe they don't have kids or they are just. They. Or they're doing this more as like a, A side job or like a leisurely thing that they just enjoy.

[Host]

Yeah. Part time.

[Lolita Brock]

Consider their goals, their own life, like, and they don't have to be the same as yours. And I think it shouldn't be.

[Host]

It shouldn't be.

[Lolita Brock]

It shouldn't.

[Host]

No, it shouldn't. Yeah. I mean, I'm not working the same amount of. Amount of time or how I was when I was, you know, 25 and now I'm 36. You know, it's like life changes and you're supposed to, like, change and evolve and ebb and flow.

[Esthetician]

Yeah, totally. I think I definitely. And I've talked about this on our podcast too. I think I've definitely felt that pressure too, of social media because I think back before social media blew up and I'm like, I was so content. And now I do, like, see myself, like, stressing, like, oh, I need to. I know I need to do more online. And so I really do appreciate you talking about this because I think it is something that definitely affects a lot of estheticians and I.

[Host]

Affects all of us. It affects. It affects me too. You know, it's like sometimes I go on there and I'm like, I haven't, like, posted in days and everyone's doing all these things, but I'm like, post when you want to post, you know, Right. It can't be the end all, be all. And like you guys said from the very beginning to, like, make this full circle. The reason that you started podcasting was because what if one day Instagram goes away? Or what if one day TikTok goes away? Like, you. You need to have other options and other avenues and look how many, like, amazing things it's brought you.

[Lolita Brock]

Yeah, it's been so cool. And even just for, like, continuing education for clients, like, that's been really cool too. Like, when we have clients that listen to our podcast.

[Host]

Love that we're.

[Lolita Brock]

We're getting to a point where it's expanding just outside of the industry as well. And so, yes, we can make connections with this, but I've also gotten a few clients just from our podcast, and so that's amazing. Don't underestimate the value of other platforms like Pinterest and Tik Tok and Facebook. Even, like, people still are grinding on Facebook, doing all the freaking things. And so, yeah, like, get your bag, like, do your marketing and just put yourself out there, because the worst thing that can happen is, oh, my gosh, oops. Your personality shows great. Like, awesome, right? Get more people to see who you are. And if you feel more comfortable on other platforms that aren't as intimidating for you that you feel like you could shine more on, go there.

[Host]

Yeah, yeah, try it out, Experiment. Have fun. See what happens.

[Lolita Brock]

Like, I'm a millennial. Curated stuff is in my bones. And so catch me on a freaking Instagram. Instagram. But some of my younger employees, they're freaking tick tockers, and that's where they shine. And so I'm like, go there. You don't have to have a huge following on Instagram.

[Host]

No, you don't have to have a huge following, period, like, at all. Like, honestly, it's so funny. A few years ago, I, like, started posting, like, more consistently on Pinterest just for, like, fun. I'm like, I have all these beautiful pictures. I might as well post on there. And now people come up to me, like, when I'm at some of the trade shows and, like, I found you on Pinterest. And I'm like, no, fricking way. Like, really? So it's just, like.

[Lolita Brock]

You just.

[Host]

It's so random, but I will take it. You know what I mean? It's like, so that's what I'm saying. Like, when you have, like, all the legs and the arms and all these places, you never know what can come of it. Like, what? New opportunities, new clients, new connections. And most importantly, like, learning more about yourself and building your confidence.

[Lolita Brock]

Totally.

[Esthetician]

100 and yeah, I am just gonna say Pinterest is a hidden gem.

[Host]

Like, hidden gem.

[Esthetician]

Such a hidden gem. More people need to be on Pinterest because it takes minimal effort.

[Host]

Totally. My pro tip, which I've talked about here on the podcast a lot, is, like, if you're gonna make, like, a TikTok or an Instagram reel, save it and repost it on Pinterest. You've already made it. Just do a repost. That's how I started doing it. I'm like, I'm already making the content, and then I would just either link it back to my Instagram or link it to my website, and there you go. Now I've got, like, a million views a month, which is, like, wild. Like, just because I, you know, took extra three seconds. So, anyhow, thank you guys so much for, again, like, being so open and vulnerable. I hope that this brings, you know, everyone or somebody value who's, like, you know, thinking about podcasting or maybe they're just nervous to put themselves out there. Any. Any last words about podcasting or anything else that you want to share with the audience? I. I can't wait either. This conversation has been great. Thank you guys again, so much. Can you. Can you tell everyone where to find you both individually and then the podcast as well? Amazing. All right, thank you guys so much.