Pretty Smart Too is the skincare and business podcast hosted by two best friends and estheticians, Laura and Brandy. From facials to front desks, we talk real-life spa stories, small biz wins and fails, and everything in between. Whether you’re a beauty pro, a solo entrepreneur, or just skincare-obsessed, you’re in the right place. It’s the industry—unfiltered, honest, and a little bit cheeky.
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Brazilian Wax Horror Stories: From Screamers to Smooth Skin
Saison 1 · Épisode 13
mardi 21 octobre 2025 • Durée 49:29
📌 Episode Summary
It’s our spooky-season special! Laura (in her “Morticia chair” 🖤) and Brandy swap hilarious, slightly horrifying, and super-useful waxing stories—first Brazilians, “butt strips”, screamers, mother-in-law mishaps, even a spray-tan-gone-pumpkin. In between laughs, they share practical pro tips on hair growth cycles, pain management, timing around your period, setting client expectations, and how small-town spas can build a booming waxing book. If you wax, want to wax, or just need a laugh—you’re home.
🧠 What You’ll Learn
* How to time Brazilians for less pain (and what to avoid before your appointment)
* The truth about the “butt strip” (why it barely hurts + why clients love it)
* Small-town win: host an out-of-town waxer 1 day/month and fill 10–13 slots = great revenue.
💡 Tip of the Week:Set your waxing clients up for success: pre-appointment text with hair length guideline (grain of rice), timing tip (week after period), pain expectations, and aftercare. Less fear, better results.
Please follow Pretty Smart Too on Apple Podcasts & YouTube. Reviews help more people in beauty and business find the show—and we love hearing what resonates with you!
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit prettysmarttoo.substack.com
Building Confidence in the Treatment Room w/ Marisol Lunceford | DMK
Saison 1 · Épisode 12
mardi 14 octobre 2025 • Durée 42:21
📌 Episode Summary
In this confidence-boosting conversation, Laura sits down with Marisol Lunceford—licensed esthetician, international educator, and DMK Skin Revisions leader—to talk about what truly builds confidence in the treatment room. From running paid consultations that set expectations to choosing education that actually changes outcomes, Marisol shares practical frameworks solo esties and spa teams can use right away. You’ll also hear why she returned to the industry for DMK - Danné Montague-King Co., how “thinking therapists” get lasting results, and the small pro touches (hello, presence + attire) that make clients trust you—and rebook.
🧠 What You’ll Learn
* Confidence, for real: Why continued education (beyond product facts) accelerates results and self-belief.
* Consults that convert: How to structure a paid, face-to-face consultation that sets plans, homecare, and rebooking.
* Owner/solo wins: A simple script to ask for +15 min consult time—and prove the ROI.
* The DMK difference: Working with skin function; why clients can feel enzyme therapy working.
* Professional presence: Dress the part, communicate clearly, and let genuine enthusiasm lead ethical sales.
⏱️Chapters
(00:00) Welcome & Guest Intro: Who is Marisol Lunsford (DMK)
(02:10) Education Roots: Santa Monica College, value vs. “fancy” schools
(05:30) Never Stop Learning: Getting licensed vs. becoming a pro
(08:00) Career Story: Murad years, creativity, and industry shifts
(12:45) Why DMK: Returning to pro skincare with provider-first support
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
The Basics of Building a Beauty Business
Saison 1 · Épisode 3
lundi 28 juillet 2025 • Durée 50:05
🎙️ The Basics of Building a Beauty Business (w/ Free Tools!)
📌 Episode Summary
In this conversation, Laura and Brandy discuss their personal experiences in the spa industry, the challenges of starting and running a business, and the importance of planning and resilience. They share insights on overcoming obstacles, the significance of self-care, and the power of affirmations in personal growth. The conversation emphasizes the need for vision and community support in entrepreneurship, highlighting the journey of building a business that reflects one's passion and purpose.
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⏱️ Chapters
* 00:00 Two Esties, No Filter
* 05:55 The Basics of Starting Your Own Beauty Business (Without Losing Your Mind!🤯)
* 13:13 Resources for Setting up Your Business
* 15:59 Creating a Business Profit & Loss Statement for Planning
* 16:39 Location, Location, Location
* 24:31 Financial Planning and Managing Cash Flow
* 26:59 Gift Cards 💳 Blessing or Curse
* 30:08 Building Your Best Business Plan
* 32:26 Banking for Beauty
* 41:03 Embrace Your Journey and have the Courage to Believe You Can Succeed
* 45:41 The Importance of Passion in Business
* 48:51 Affirmations for Success
* 49:33 Building a Supportive Community
* 49:34 And Away We Go!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
Top 3 Business Mistakes Estheticians Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Saison 1 · Épisode 2
lundi 21 juillet 2025 • Durée 55:04
Episode Title:
Top 3 Business Mistakes Estheticians Make (and How to Avoid Them)
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Pretty Smart Too, Brandy and Laura sit down for a candid conversation about the business mistakes they’ve made—and the ones they see again and again in the aesthetics industry. From undervaluing your time to trying to be everything to everyone, they share honest lessons, personal stories, and the mindset shifts that changed everything.
Whether you’re a new esthetician, a seasoned professional, or someone dreaming of launching your own beauty business, this episode offers practical advice you can put to use right away.
What You’ll Learn:
– Why undervaluing your time and skills can hurt your business
– How finding your niche helps avoid burnout
– Why continuous education is essential to growth
– The importance of boundaries in client relationships
– How to build client trust through education and communication
– Why every mistake is a valuable learning opportunity
Episode Highlights:
00:00 – Vacation Adventures and Unexpected Challenges
05:54 – Mistakes Estheticians Make: An Introduction
23:19 – The Importance of Skin Education and Continuous Learning
29:58 – Client Education: Building Trust and Rapport
34:56 – Valuing Your Time and Skills as an Aesthetician
39:30 – Navigating Nonprofit Requests and Community Engagement
45:31 – Work-Life Balance: Avoiding Burnout in Aesthetic Careers
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
Where it All Started
Saison 1 · Épisode 1
lundi 14 juillet 2025 • Durée 21:00
Keywords
beauty podcast, spa business, estheticians, beauty industry, entrepreneurship, beauty tips, starting a business, women in business, beauty community, professional growth
Summary
In the inaugural episode of the Pretty Smart 2 podcast, hosts Brandy and Laura share their journeys in the beauty industry, discussing the challenges and triumphs of starting and running a spa business. They emphasize the importance of taking the first step, building connections, and learning from experiences. The episode serves as an introduction to their mission of empowering estheticians and beauty entrepreneurs with practical tips and insights for success in the beauty industry.
Takeaways
This podcast is primarily for spa professionals and estheticians.
Starting a business can be messy, but it's important to begin anyway.
Building connections in the beauty industry is crucial for success.
It's essential to find supportive people who uplift you.
Document your frustrations and ideas for future improvements.
Vision boarding can help clarify your goals in the beauty industry.
Learning from experiences, both good and bad, is vital for growth.
Research and continuous learning are key to success in the beauty field.
Don't be afraid to take inspiration from others in the industry.
It's never too late to pursue your passion in beauty.
Titles
Pretty Smart 2: Your Guide to the Beauty Industry
Navigating the Beauty Business: Tips and Insights
Sound bites
"Progress is messy. Start anyway."
"I opened my own spa."
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
How to Grow When You Feel Stuck as an Esthetician: Choosing Joy, Letting Go, and Prioritizing What Matters Most. It's Time to Let Go and Let God!
Saison 1 · Épisode 11
mardi 7 octobre 2025 • Durée 25:37
📌 Episode Summary
In this reflective episode of Pretty Smart Too, Laura (checking in from shady Lacey Park in Pasadena) and Brandy (fresh off a soul-filling weekend in Northwest Arkansas) talk about burnout, slow seasons, and the difference between happiness and joy. They share real-world strategies for coping when business is quiet, reframing comparison, and finding low-cost ways to recharge. From doing “free and beautiful” things in your own town to protecting time with family, they remind estheticians that sustainable success comes from quiet, consistent joy—not constant dopamine hits. If you’ve felt stretched, stuck, or guilty for resting, this one’s your reset.
🧠 What You’ll Learn
* How to reframe slow seasons: “good—we’re slow” → time to restore and plan
* Practical rest: free local ideas that refill your cup without draining your wallet
* Why joy (the climate) outlasts happiness (the weather) in business and life
* Boundaries that protect your energy from work “follow-home” stress
* Simple ways to break the monotony: podcasting, LinkedIn articles, journaling, vision boards, and yes, even making TikToks
* How gratitude + purpose help you show up better in the treatment room
⏱️Chapters
(00:00) Weekend recap and finding joy in simple moments
(05:06) Burnout and the difference between happiness and joy
(10:23) Using slow seasons to recharge and refocus
(15:33) Faith, gratitude, and choosing calm over chaos
(20:24) Purpose, creativity, and finding meaning in your work
(24:07) Tip of the Week:
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
Raven Purifoy | Marketing 101 for Aestheticians and Spa Professionals
mardi 30 septembre 2025 • Durée 43:20
📌 Episode Summary
In this creative-and-keep-it-real episode of Pretty Smart Too, Laura and Brandy welcome Raven Purifoy—digital creator, writer, and now spa manager at Kyle & Co in El Dorado. Raven breaks down what actually moves the needle for beauty businesses: choose your platforms, post consistently (not constantly), repurpose like a pro, and make your brand a lived experience—not just a pretty feed. The trio also dig into small-town vs. social media marketing, how to vet influencers (ask for social proof), and why your own team can be your best “influencers.” It’s equal parts strategy, encouragement, and community-first mindset.
🧠 What You’ll Learn
* How to pick 1–2 platforms and find your lane (test, track, double down).
* Weekly habits to stay consistent (batch content in one hour; use Canva + simple TikToks).
* Small town playbook: when to use social, events, sponsorships, and word-of-mouth.
* Influencers that convert: ask for ROI receipts and create your own internal influencers.
* Build a reusable content library (photos, B-roll, treatment room shots) for media asks.
* Target-market alignment: your content should attract the clients you actually want.
* Mindset for “start-over seasons”: control what you can, light up the room, keep going.
⏱️ Chapters
* 00:00 Catch-up & Weekend Vibes
* 02:06 Intros & Who We Serve
* 03:30 Meet Our Guest: Raven Purifoy
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
Rebecca Betancourt | ZO Skin Health
Saison 1 · Épisode 9
lundi 22 septembre 2025 • Durée 34:02
📌 Episode Summary
In this powerhouse episode of Pretty Smart Too, Laura and Brandy are joined by special guest Rebecca Betancourt, National Corporate Training Executive for ZO Skin Health. Known for transforming complex skin science into practical strategies, Rebecca shares her journey into medical aesthetics, her passion for protocols, and why the prescription pad is an esthetician’s most powerful tool.
From building confidence in consultations to moving past “salesy” fears, this conversation is a masterclass in professionalism, patient trust, and skin-transforming results. Whether you’re a new esthetician or a seasoned provider, Rebecca’s insights will leave you inspired to step into the treatment room with authority.
🧠 What You’ll Learn
* Why consultations fail—and how to make yours comprehensive and impactful.
* The role of the prescription pad in building trust and boosting retention.
* How to recommend products with confidence (without feeling “salesy”).
* Why mastering protocols elevates you from service provider to trusted expert.
* Rebecca’s tried-and-true advice for overcoming imposter syndrome in aesthetics.
⏱️ Chapters
(00:00) Catching Up at Rockwater Resort
(02:10) Welcoming Rebecca Betancourt
(07:00) Rebecca’s Journey into Medical Aesthetics
(09:00) Why She Chose ZO Skin Health
(11:00) What Makes a Consultation Effective
(13:00) Using the Prescription Pad with Confidence
(15:00) Overcoming the Fear of “Selling”
(18:00) Building Protocols That Work
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
Scrub Off Summer, Step Into Your Season
lundi 15 septembre 2025 • Durée 37:41
📌 Episode Summary
In this inspiring and heart-centered episode of Pretty Smart Too, Brandy shares her big news: she’s the new Wellness Director at The Spa at Rockwater, part of a groundbreaking wellness community in North Little Rock. Brandy’s story is a reminder that change can lead to expansion—personally and professionally.
Meanwhile, Laura reflects on her own season of change, thriving in her solo suite and embracing creative freedom in both business and life (including a chance bathroom run-in with Pamela Anderson!). Together, they explore how the transitions we go through mirror the fall season—when we shed what no longer serves us and let our true colors show.
🧠 What You’ll Learn
You’ll hear how Brandy’s new role opened her eyes to what support really feels like—and how sometimes the best opportunities come from a spontaneous scroll. You’ll also hear practical ways to lean into fall as an esthetician, from seasonal skincare menus to why your fall specials don’t need to include discounts to be valuable.
⏱️ Chapters
* 00:00 Big Moves & New Seasons
* 01:00 Brandy’s New Spa at Rockwater
* 07:30 What Support Really Looks Like
* 13:00 Laura’s Season of Creative Freedom
* 16:30 Fall Skin Care Menus & Brainstorming Sessions
* 21:00 Specials Without Discounts
* 25:00 What’s Working for Laura in Pasadena
* 28:00 Products We’re Loving Right Now
* 32:00 Pumpkin Spice & Permission to Enjoy Life
* 35:00 Laura’s Hollywood Adventures
* 37:00 Tip of the Week: Let Yourself Shed
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
Entrepreneurship and Skincare Routines Over Coffee
Saison 1 · Épisode 7
lundi 25 août 2025 • Durée 23:36
📌 Episode Summary
In this episode of Pretty Smart Too, Laura and Brandy start their Sunday morning routine with coffee, cleanser, and a whole lot of real talk. Brandy teases a major update coming to her Little Rock location and shares her mantra: don’t be afraid to evolve. Laura reflects on how challenging it can be to grow in two places at once—and how powerful it is when women claim their right to run businesses like CEOs, not martyrs.
From their experience with the Murphy Arts District grand opening in El Dorado to managing multi-location spas across states, Laura and Brandy unpack the realities of building your own beauty empire while holding your ground (and your boundaries). They talk about risk, reinvention, and redefining success on your own terms—plus they throw in a Sunday skincare routine you’ll want to steal.
🧠 What You’ll Learn
This episode blends personal reflection with professional inspiration. You’ll learn:
* Why growth often looks like chaos before it looks like success
* How to run your spa like a boss—not a burned-out employee
* How to confidently lead without having to be physically in the room
⏱️ Chapters
* 00:00 Morning Preparations
* 02:05 Special Event Marketing & Vendor/Booth Ideas
* 04:53 Embracing Change and Growth
* 06:08 Taking Risks and Evolving
* Women in Business: Breaking Barriers
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit
(16:40) “Thinking Therapist”: Treating dysfunction, not just doing “fluffy facials”
(20:10) Enzyme Therapy 101: Clients feel the change—and why that matters
(23:15) Confidence via Consultation: Structure, expectations, rebooking
(27:30) Solo & Team Tactics: Add 15-min consults and show the business case
(33:20) Presence Sells: Dress the part, lead with clarity
(41:15) Tip of the Week & Wrap
💡 Tip of the Week:Invest in your education—and look the part. Confidence comes from mastery and modeling professionalism: keep learning, communicate a plan, and present yourself like the expert you are.
Please follow Pretty Smart Too on Apple Podcasts & YouTube. Reviews help more people in beauty and business find the show—and we love hearing what resonates with you!
Please follow Pretty Smart Too on Apple Podcasts. Reviews help more women in beauty and business find the show—and we love hearing what resonates with you!
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🌈 Keywords
business, entrepreneurship, personal growth, resilience, planning, challenges, self-care, affirmations, spa industry, community support, free business planning tools, editable P&L
✨ Don’t let 3 p.m. client stress steal your 9 p.m. family time.
✨ Purpose fuels service; clients feel the difference.
💡 Tip of the Week:Chase joy, not just happiness. Skip temporary highs and invest in what quietly sustains you—meaningful work, presence, self-acceptance. Ask: What brings me calm, lasting joy? Do more of that.
Please follow Pretty Smart Too on Apple Podcasts & YouTube. Reviews help more people in beauty and business find the show—and we love hearing what resonates with you!
✨ Consistency You Can Keep: One focused hour a week → three posts + a couple TikToks.
✨ Repurpose Relentlessly: Old “we’re open” graphic? Repost it. Great caption? Turn it into a graphic.
✨ Influencer Reality Check: Ask for results, require deliverables, or tap your team as creators.
✨ Brand = Experience: Your store vibe must match your grid (cleanliness, tone, hospitality).
✨ Right Clients, Right Content: Fast-discount vibes attract fast-discount clients; post the experience you want to deliver.
✨ Community > Everything: Volunteer, show up, and let word-of-mouth compound.
💡 Tip of the Week:Build a community around your spa. Your spa isn’t just a place for treatments—it’s a space for connection. Share behind-the-scenes, spotlight loyal clients, and invite conversation. When people feel included, they become ambassadors who bring others along.
Please follow Pretty Smart Too on Apple Podcasts & YouTube. Reviews help more people in beauty and business find the show—and we love hearing what resonates with you!
(25:00) The Power of Words: Treatments vs. Facials
(27:00) Creating Long-Term Treatment Plans
(29:00) Rebecca’s Best Advice for Confidence
(32:00) Tip of the Week: Arrive Ready to Give
✨ Highlights
✨ Prescription Pad Power – How writing it down elevates you from service provider to trusted expert.
✨ Confidence Over Sales – Use “because you said, I chose” to guide clients without pushing products.
✨ Mastering Protocols – Why true confidence only comes from practicing what you recommend.
✨ Reframing the Role – You’re not just doing facials—you’re delivering treatments backed by science.
💡 Tip of the Week:Show up ready to give. Leave your outside stress at the door and walk into your space prepared to share knowledge, patience, and presence. Clients come to you for confidence—make sure you’re in a place to give it.
Please follow Pretty Smart Too on Apple Podcasts & YouTube. Reviews help more people in beauty and business find the show—and we love hearing what resonates with you!
✨ Fall Menus Without the Markdown – Your seasonal specials don’t need to be discounted. Add value, not just a sale tag.
✨ Creative Brainstorms That Work – Why Brandy took her team off-site for a vibe-reset meeting that sparked real ideas.
✨ You Already Have What You Need – Laura shares how using what’s in your “spa pantry” can unlock new service ideas without breaking the budget.
✨ A New Definition of Success – Brandy discovers what it feels like to have a team behind her—and how it’s changing her definition of hustle.
✨ Laura’s Solo Suite Vibes – Running your business on your own terms is possible—and fulfilling.
✨ Skincare Meets Self-Care – From pumpkin enzymes to exfoliating the summer off, it’s the perfect time to switch up your skincare game.
💡 Tip of the Week:Let yourself shed. Fall reminds us that letting go is part of the beauty of life. Whether it’s outdated routines or one-sided relationships, you’re allowed to release what no longer supports your growth. Your skin is shedding. Your heart can too. Change isn’t loss—it’s life. Glow through it.
Please follow Pretty Smart Too on Apple Podcasts & YouTube. Reviews help more people in beauty and business find the show—and we love hearing what resonates with you!
Please follow Pretty Smart Too on Apple Podcasts & YouTube. Reviews help more people in beauty and business find the show—and we love hearing what resonates with you!
