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.
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.