Explore every episode of the podcast The Porefessionals

What does it really take to succeed as an employee in the esthetics industry?

In this episode of The Porefessionals, we're diving into the realities of finding your first job as an esthetician, navigating expectations in the treatment room, and what it's actually like working for Cecia.

We discuss the unexpected lessons that come with working in esthetics, why self-motivation and confidence are essential for career growth, and how taking initiative can set you apart as an employee.

We also explore the importance of workplace culture and why employees who feel valued, supported, and respected are often more motivated to deliver their best work.

Whether you're fresh out of esthetics school, looking to grow in your career, or an employer trying to build a stronger team, this conversation offers valuable insight from both sides of the treatment room.

What happens when the business you built no longer aligns with where you want to go?

In this episode of The Porefessionals, Ali and Cecia sit down with Madi Duvalois, owner of Valley Girl Skin Bar (@valleygirl.skinbar), for a conversation about starting over, navigating business transitions, and recognizing when it's time to pivot.

From embracing change and rebuilding your business to navigating the constantly evolving world of social media, we're discussing what it really takes to stay relevant as an entrepreneur in the beauty industry.

Madi, Cecia, and Ali dive into the importance of being adaptable, showing up online even when it feels uncomfortable, experimenting with new content strategies, and understanding that sometimes growth requires letting go of what used to work.

Whether you're an esthetician, spa owner, or entrepreneur navigating your next chapter, this episode is a reminder that starting over doesn't mean starting from zero.

Follow along:

Madi Duvalois: @valleygirl.skinbar

Ali Johnson: @northcountyskinsolutions

Cecia Ferrin: @ccskinstudio

Podcast: The Porefessionals

Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

In this episode of The Porefessionals, Ali sits down with Morgan Rackley to talk about the realities of entrepreneurship, navigating burnout, and knowing when it's time to pivot in your business.

From managing the pressure to constantly show up on social media to adapting your content as trends and algorithms evolve, we're discussing what it takes to build a business that grows with you.

We dive into recognizing burnout, making strategic changes without losing your brand identity, finding your voice online, and creating content that actually connects with your audience.

Whether you're an esthetician, beauty professional, or business owner feeling overwhelmed by the ever-changing social media landscape, this episode is a reminder that growth doesn't always mean doing more. Sometimes, it means doing things differently. You can find Morgan on Instagram @morganrackley

What do beauty devices really cost—and how much of the price tag is technology versus branding, marketing and markup?

In this episode of The Porefessionals, we're joined by the anonymous creator behind The Mark Up Report for a behind-the-scenes conversation about beauty devices, industry pricing and the business behind some of the technology estheticians and consumers use every day.

We dive into why professional and at-home beauty devices can carry such dramatically different price points, what may actually influence the cost of a device, and how branding, manufacturing, distribution and marketing can impact what ultimately ends up on the price tag.

We also talk about the hype surrounding beauty technology, what professionals should consider before investing in a device, and why a bigger price tag doesn't always tell you the full story.

In this episode, we discuss:
• Beauty device markups and pricing  
• Professional vs. at-home beauty technology  
• What can actually drive the cost of a device  
• Branding and marketing in the beauty industry  
• Why similar devices can have completely different price points  
• What estheticians should consider before investing in equipment  
• Beauty technology trends and industry hype  
• The business behind skincare and esthetic devices

If you're an esthetician, med spa professional, beauty entrepreneur or skincare enthusiast interested in the business and technology behind the beauty industry, this episode gives you a look behind the curtain with one of the industry's most intriguing anonymous voices.

Follow The Porefessionals on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for more conversations about esthetics, skincare, beauty technology, wellness and the business behind the beauty industry.

How do you create content that actually connects with people—and grow your brand online without feeling like you have to become someone completely different on social media?

In this episode of The Porefessionals, we sit down with Elle from Create With Elle for a conversation about content creation, social media, personal branding and what it really takes to build an engaging online presence.

We talk about finding your voice online, creating content people actually want to watch, showing up consistently, building trust with your audience and navigating the pressure that comes with putting yourself—and your business—on social media.

If you're an esthetician, beauty professional, entrepreneur, content creator or small business owner looking to improve your social media strategy and create stronger content, this episode is packed with relatable conversation and ideas you can take into your own brand.

In this episode, we talk about:
• Content creation and social media strategy  
• Building an authentic personal brand  
• Creating engaging Instagram content  
• Growing a business through social media  
• Finding your voice and style as a creator  
• The realities of consistently showing up online  
• Marketing yourself without losing your personality  
• Content creation for beauty professionals and entrepreneurs

Follow The Porefessionals and subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts so you don't miss upcoming conversations about skincare, esthetics, beauty, wellness, business and the ever-changing beauty industry.

Korean skincare has taken over our feeds—but what makes it different, and does every K-beauty trend deserve the hype?

In this episode, we share our honest thoughts on Korean skincare, multi-step routines, glass skin, trending products, and the difference between great marketing and what your skin may actually need. Whether you're an esthetician, skincare lover, or simply curious about K-beauty, this conversation will help you look beyond the trends and make more informed skincare choices. Cecia's discount code: CCSKIN https://bykinaesthetics.com/

Adapinoid is becoming one of the biggest buzzwords in skincare—but is it actually different from retinol and adapalene?

In this episode, we break down what adapinoid is, why it is gaining attention in the acne and skincare world, and what estheticians and acne-prone clients should consider before adding it to a routine. We're talking through the science, the marketing, the potential benefits, and whether this trending ingredient deserves the hype.

Porefessionals is back for another season!

In this episode, we're catching up on everything that happened over the summer, sharing life and business updates, and talking about what we've been up to while the podcast was on break. We also give you a look at what to expect this season, the conversations we're excited to have, and what's next for the podcast.

From esthetics and skincare to business, career changes, growth, and everything happening behind the scenes, this episode is the perfect catch-up before we jump into a brand-new season.

We're excited to be back — and there's a lot coming.

We are back! Season 3 (?) of the Porefessionals Podcast is back and better than ever. Cecia made an app!!! We can't wait to tell you all about it. Download it here: https://www.porevia.app/

We are here (a little unhinged) to give you our summer skincare tips. What to swap out and change in your skincare routine to help with the heat of summer. We are taking our usual summer break and will return in the fall. Have a good summer and wear your sunscreen:) 

We had a chance to sit down with Frances Edison of Blushed Ambition, a esthetic educator out of Arizona to give us her perspective on what to expect when graduating from esthetics school, where to seek extended education, and how to prepare yourself for the work force. 

Cara is taking the mic solo on this one to answer all your burning questions! Expect practical takeaways, mindset shifts, and the kind of real talk you only get from years of hands-on experience.

Cecia is solo for this one to announce something SO exciting - she's launching an app!! We all need a acne lifestyle app in our lives and finally someone has created it. 

On this episode we are so excited to have Cati Stephenson of Esthetics by Cati to chat about AI and working smarter, not harder

Cecia and Cara are answering your questions!

We have Jillian back again raging about devices and snakes in the industry.

We have the formulator and founder behind Vabare Skincare, Jillian Schaeffer,  which is changing the game for make up wipes.

We have Jenni Nagle from Lipgloss & Aftershave recapping her trip to Paris for MCAS and what trend to look out for this year. 

Ali & Cara got to interview Sarah from Kin Aesthetics, a Korean Skincare importer, about Korean skincare. What makes it different and why it is so sought after. You can find Kin Aesthetics at esthisupply.com or on Instagram @bykinaesthetics

Cara and Ali chat about how to seak out trusted education and what to look out for in possible scams. 

Salmon sperm is everything right now... yes you read that right. We dive into what PDRN is and what it actually does. 

The Porefessionals chat with CJ Williams of CJ Esthetics about how to grow your team, or scale it back if you feel it's right. 

We're all feelin it... tips for how to get through the slow season.

Lucid Head Spa is finally opening in Solana Beach, Ali is covering the last year of the struggles of opening a business

Ali and Cecia talk about things they would do different in their acne journey if they knew what they know now. 

We are hosting a webinar and you sold it out in 4 days!!!! We are so excited and humbled. Keep an eye out for our next webinar coming March! 

Marketing and branding expert Cam Ferrin (yes, Cecia's husband) joins us today to talk about how to build a meaningful brand with a clear purpose. 

Happy new year! We're back!! Chatting Ali's natural disasters, holiday skin changes, and what to expect from 2026 Porefessionals! 

We are so excited to have Renee Rouleau on to talk about how she has adapted in this industry, how she formulates products, and developing her 9 skin type quiz. She even dropped some tea about celebrity clients she has fired! Follow Renee on Instagram @reneerouleau and shop her skincare reneerouleau.com

You can be scared of AI or embrace it... its happening either way. Lets chat about how to incorporate AI ethcially into you treatment room and how it can help business. 

In this final part of our series of Q&A, we go over how to not take business too personally, how to integrate AI into your business, and how not to make the tax mistakes we did when starting out. 

Ali and Cara answer your questions! 

Ali, Cara, and Cecia answer your questions

Cecia and Cara went to the Face Reality Summit so we recap what they learned, Cecia's award, and all the giggles they had. 

Today's episode we learn all about ColoreScience from their Business Development Manager, Leila. One of our favorite SPF brands that all 3 of us carry in our practices and are OBSESSED with!! 

We could not be more excited to talk to SkinPen Ambassador Natalie Anchondo about the highly rebated topic of microneedling and acne. She is a wealth of knowledge and we hope you learn as much as we did! 

You can find Natalie on Instagram @luxnlav

It wouldn't be your Porefessionals if we didn't discuss the recent viral video about esthetician 'Bonya Bakar". We also go over the ever daunting pore clogging ingredient list. 

WE'RE BACK!! And we missed you!! We are recapping our summers and what we have in store for you all this season of The Porefessionals. 

oopsie... don't be mad at us for this one! We're just saying what everyone else is thinking!! 

We are taking a little summer break and will be back in September, love you guys! 

Much to catch up on! Vegas conference, Cara's 5 year anniversary party, Cecia's Nexa, and Ali's new website! 

Doing customized treatments can be scary, but we're here to help with our hacks and tricks to get your client to achieve clear skin as quickly as possible! 

Whether you're brand new or seasoned esti, our life revolves around clients. Here's our tips on how to get, keep, and fire clients. 

Trade shows can be overwhelming and if you're like us you've left with an expensive device you'll never use. Sharing tips and tricks to negotiate prices, what classes you should go to, and how to get the most out of your expeirence. 

Vagaro, Square, Gloss... oh my! There are a lot of systems out there so we are chatting about our experiences and which one is right for you! 

We know, it's been a long time. So we're getting all caught up on our lives lately and fun new business ventures! 

Learn all about 1/3 of the Porefessionals, Ali. From dropping out of college to starting her business and hiring first employees, come hang out with us and learn more about Ali 

In this episode we learn all about our Acne Expert of the Year, Cara. Owner of We Love Acne in Knoville, TN. Lover of Bravo, her cat, and NBA. Tune in to hear how she started her business and rose to become Expert of the Year. 

We are so excited to have Dani Marenburg from Mindin' My Macros to talk about moderation, eating for your homones, and diet culture. You can find her on instagram at @mindinmymacros and listen to her podcast Mindin' My Wellness. 

Owning a business means we're constantly pivoting. We are spilling the tea on all our failed business ventures and how we've had to pivot as entrepreneurs. 

As employers, and once employees, we share all our tips for how to stand out in an interview and get a job! We talk about what to do, and certainly what not to do.