Skin Anarchy Podcast — Episode Summary

Episode: The “Facial Bar” Model That’s Redefining Routine Skin Care
Guest: Michele Henry, Founder and CEO of FACE FOUNDRIÉ
Host: Dr. Ekta
Date: December 22, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode explores how FACE FOUNDRIÉ is transforming the traditional facial experience with an accessible, efficient “facial bar” model. Michele Henry shares her entrepreneurial journey, the mindset behind building an inclusive and consistent skin-care service, the pivotal role of technology and protocol, and the emotional dimension of self-care. The conversation dives into shifting industry trends, educating both clients and professionals, and advice for aspiring beauty entrepreneurs.

Key Topics & Insights

1. Origin and Inspiration Behind FACE FOUNDRIÉ

• Personal need drove innovation:
  • Michele started FACE FOUNDRIÉ after struggling as a busy mom with the inaccessibility, high cost, inconsistency, and lack of efficiency in traditional facials.
  • "Facials were either too expensive or overly clinical or inconsistent. ... I just wanted results...and efficiency." — Michele (01:07)
• Bridging the gap:
  • Sought to create a modern, affordable, results-driven, walk-in-ready facial service with a welcoming, non-judgmental community focus.
• Rapid feedback-driven pivot:
  • The original "wellness bar" concept (with juice shots and social space) was swiftly refocused—“Within the first four days, nobody wanted to hang out after their service … 10 days in, we closed down, repositioned.” — Michele (03:07)

2. Accessibility & Approachability as Core Values

• Breaking industry exclusivity:
  • "The beauty industry has historically thrived on exclusion and I wanted the exact opposite." — Michele (04:51)
• Transparent membership pricing:
  • Facials became attainable via monthly memberships ($79-$99/month), far below typical luxury spa costs.
  • "Having transparent pricing...is not commonplace, and I found that really surprising." — Michele (23:30)
• Members as community:
  • Membership encourages regular, long-term results and fosters a sense of belonging.

3. Consistency vs. Personalization in Scalable Skin Care

• Layered protocol system:
  • "Our core protocols guarantee consistency because the goal is ... if you go get a service in Sarasota or Sioux Falls, it needs to be the same." — Michele (07:42)
• Personalization through enhancements:
  • Estheticians recommend targeted add-ons, customized with client history tracked via digital charting.
• Tech-powered progress tracking:
  • Heavy investment in AI and app technology ensures each client’s experience and results are logged and accessible nationwide, supporting both service quality and education.
  • "You can see the visible results ... tracking your skin over two years." — Michele (12:30)

4. Franchising for National Impact

• Intentional model for scale:
  • Michele’s previous retail business taught her franchising pitfalls and successes; with FACE FOUNDRIÉ, she built franchising into the DNA from day one.
  • Now at 65 open, aiming for 100 by end of 2026, with commitments for over 150 more.
  • "We laid out day one — I knew I wanted to franchise." — Michele (09:36)

5. Education & Empowerment: For Staff and Clients

• Savant Aesthetics Institute:
  • Michele founded an aesthetics school to address training gaps and raise the industry standard.
  • "Let's set a new standard for aesthetics education ... we've found we're on a wait list right now." — Michele (34:40)
• Client education at every step:
  • Emphasis on clear communication, especially about at-home products and protocols.
  • Anticipates trend toward minimalist routines: “That 15 product selection is going to get consolidated and condensed to really foundational products.” — Michele (15:56)

6. The Emotional Side of Facials & Wellness

• Service as safe haven:
  • Spaces are intentionally warm, inviting, and allow clients to choose "silent" or conversational facials.
  • Signature scent and rituals (chocolate, water) reinforce comfort and community.
  • "We've heard from clients: 'I never thought I could afford a facial, and now I'm a monthly member.'" — Michele (24:50)
• Memorable testimony:
  • Shared story of a client, a cancer patient, who found solace at FACE FOUNDRIÉ—“It was a safe haven for her.” — Michele (28:12)
• Self-care as necessity:
  • Urges women, especially moms, to carve out me-time, highlighting the rejuvenating impact of regular self-care.

7. Navigating Industry Trends and Tech

• Discerning adoption:
  • Face Foundrié thoroughly researches trends before integrating new products or tech.
  • Excited about growth factors, exosomes, and clean ingredient partnerships (e.g., Bio Effect, a staff favorite EGF serum).
  • "Their EGF is fantastic ... they say it's Botox in a bottle, but you don't have to inject it." — Michele (33:08)
• Cautious of at-home, unregulated treatments:
  • Both host and guest warn listeners regarding the dangers of DIY extractions and at-home injectables.
  • “Please do not do that. You can paralyze your face.” — Michele (22:18)

8. Addressing Common Consumer Mindsets & Myths

• Product hype vs. professional care:
  • Host and Michele agree: No serum, no matter how advanced, can substitute the results of professional facials and care.
  • "What we're doing at FACE FOUNDRIÉ is above and beyond ... it's a much more active approach." — Michele (18:27)
• Over-promising in marketing:
  • Professional oversight, not product stacking, is what truly delivers skin health.
  • Extraction horror stories and viral TikTok trends underscore the need for expert care.

9. Advice for Aspiring Beauty Entrepreneurs (39:05)

• “You better love it.”
  • Raw passion for the concept is non-negotiable: “You have to have that fire in your belly.”
• "Be honest about your blind spots."
  • Delegate or build skill gaps early; “At a certain point, you're going to hold back your business if you try to do it all.”

Notable Quotes by Timestamp

• “Facials were either too expensive ... I just wanted results, and I wanted that education, and I wanted efficiency because ... I wanted to be able to get in and get out and make sure that that service was solely focused on my face.” — Michele (00:49)
• "The beauty industry has been historically, they've thrived on exclusion and I wanted the exact opposite." — Michele (04:51)
• "Think about having that visible glow once a month. ... That is huge that you're going to eventually see results long term and you're taking care of your skin long term. ... That was a non-negotiable for me." — Michele (06:31)
• "If you go get a service in Sarasota or Sioux Falls, it needs to be the same." — Michele (07:42)
• "We laid out day one, I knew I wanted to franchise. ... We were capturing all of that data and creating playbooks." — Michele (09:36)
• "Our investment in tech is huge. ... You can see the visible results ... tracking your skin over two years." — Michele (12:30)
• "Please do not do that. You can paralyze your face. ... There needs to be more public service announcements." — Michele (22:18)
• “Our memberships are anywhere between $79 to $99 a month ... Having transparent pricing, that was also in this industry, I feel like that's not commonplace.” — Michele (23:30)
• “We always ask, would you like to take this time to relax or would you like me to walk you through the steps?” — Michele (26:30)
• “You better love it. ... There's no replacement for passion.” — Michele (39:05)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:49 — 02:06: Michele's founding story and personal inspiration
• 02:58 — 04:05: Early pivots based on customer behavior
• 04:51 — 06:31: Accessibility and redefining approachability
• 07:41 — 09:16: Layered protocols for consistency and personalization
• 09:36 — 12:19: Building and scaling the franchise model
• 12:19 — 13:51: Upcoming tech and AI-based app for client progress
• 15:29 — 17:18: Charting client products, trend toward minimalism
• 18:27 — 20:43: Product vs. pro treatment, the myth of the all-in-one serum
• 21:23 — 22:43: Dangers of DIY skin care; public health concerns
• 23:30 — 24:19: Pricing transparency and accessibility
• 24:50 — 29:18: Emotional wellness, design philosophy, and client stories
• 30:45 — 32:03: The importance of me-time and self-care
• 32:03 — 34:29: Trends, biotech ingredients, and product research
• 34:40 — 36:55: The educational mission and Savant Aesthetics Institute
• 38:39 — 40:28: Entrepreneurial advice for women in beauty

Tone & Style Reflection

The conversation is candid, warm, and empathetic, directly addressing both the pragmatic and emotional challenges of beauty and wellness. The dialogue is driven by passion for accessible results, client empowerment, and professional integrity—a blend of consumer advocacy and founder-level insight.

Conclusion

This episode spotlights how FACE FOUNDRIÉ is democratizing advanced skin care, creating a results-driven, technology-enabled, and emotionally considerate experience. Michele’s story is not just one of business innovation, but of bridging gaps—between clinical and approachable, trend and trust, product and professional care—reshaping the skin-care landscape for a new generation.