ASCP Esty Talk

Summer brings sunshine, ballparks, and hot dogs. But in the treatment room, it often brings a noticeable shift in business rhythm.
In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella explore seasonality in the esthetics industry, asking whether summer is truly a slowdown or just a shift in client behavior. Using a lighthearted hot-dog stand analogy, your hosts unpack timing, demand, and the opportunity that summer brings.
ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk  
Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire. 
About Ella Cressman: 
Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, and business owner with more than 20 years of experience in corrective skin care. Known as an "ingredient junkie" and industry cheerleader, she empowers professionals to think beyond products and develop a deeper understanding of skin function and formulation.
In addition to her practice, Cressman is the founder of the HHP Collective, a practitioner-led community focused on strengthening clinical reasoning and advancing professional growth within the esthetics industry.
 
Connect with Ella Cressman: 

Website: www.hhpcollective.com 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a 
 
About Maggie Staszcuk: 
Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years' experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers.
 
Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: 

P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636 

E: [email protected] 
 
About our Sponsors:
Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services.
Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician 
Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers
LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy
 
TiZO Mineral Sunscreens set the standard for aesthetic elegance with tinted and non-tinted formulas for use on virtually all skin types and tones. Our name reflects our commitment: TIZO = Titanium dioxide + Zinc Oxides. All TiZO products are reef-friendly and 100% free of chemical sunscreens, dyes, fragrances, gluten, phthalates, and parabens.  TiZO Photoceutical Skincare is the perfect partner to our sunscreens in the fight against photoaging. These silky, elegant products address tone, texture and hydration while helping to prevent further damage. From our flagship TiZO3 Primer/Sunscreen SPF 40 to our gentle Ultra Zinc formulations to our NEW Advanced Vitamin C+E Serum with Bakuchiol, TIZO has the ideal selection of products to Protect, Repair, and Revitalize skin. 
Website: https://tizoskin.com/ 
Facebook: @tizoskin 
Pinterest: @tizoskin 
Instagram: @tizoskin 
YouTube: @tizoskin  
 
GlossGenius
Gaps in your schedule. Clients who don't rebook. Tight margins. High payment processing fees. Sound familiar?
When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you could be making more money. Especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and a clunky EMR that only makes things harder.
That's why we love GlossGenius — the business management platform that does the work for you. It fills your calendar, rebooks clients automatically, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees. Plus, all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records — without the admin chaos.
GlossGenius grows your revenue and handles the busywork, so you can focus on your clients.
Use code ESTY at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan.
GlossGenius. More Growth. Less Busywork. Visit https://glossgenius.com/ascp for more details.
 
Face Reality is an award-winning, professional acne brand trusted by thousands of providers. Its clinically tested products, customizable protocols, and provider product training deliver life-changing results across all skin types—empowering professionals to confidently clear even the most stubborn acne. Plus, when you enroll, your $800 certification comes back to you as $800 off your opening order* after completion.
*$800 discount code valid on one product order of $1,200 or more. Valid for 30 days after completion of certification. Must enter code at checkout. Offer subject to change.
 
https://facerealityskincare.com/pages/certification-training
Social (TikTok, IG, Facebook):
https://www.instagram.com/facerealityskincare/
https://tiktok.com/@facerealityskincare
https://www.facebook.com/facerealityskincare
 
About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP): 
 
Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation's largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member. 
Connect with ASCP: 

Website: www.ascpskincare.com 
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: 800-789-0411 
Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare 
Instagram: @ascpskincare

"Favorite Things" is back! In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Ella and Maggie share the treatment-room staples they're currently loving. From multitasking skin care and collagen-supporting formulas to pro-level devices and regenerative innovations, they break down what's working, why it stands out, and how it can elevate both services and at-home routines. Plus, you'll have a chance to win some of their favorite things.
ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk  
Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire. 
Product Links:
Dermaflash
Website: Dermaflash
Products: Dermaflash Cool & Dermaflash Pro
 
Viktoria DeAnn
Website: Viktoria DeAnn
Products: Pepti Eye Serum & VIO Hydra Firm Eye Cream
 
FarmHouse Fresh
Website: FarmHouse Fresh
Product: Full Moon Dip
 
IMAGE
Website: IMAGE
Product: Vol.U.Lift
 
Pevonia
Website: Pevonia
Product: Phyto-gel Cleanser
 
Osmosis
Website: Osmosis (TriFusion Skin Ritual)
 
About Ella Cressman: 
Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, and business owner with more than 20 years of experience in corrective skin care. Known as an "ingredient junkie" and industry cheerleader, she empowers professionals to think beyond products and develop a deeper understanding of skin function and formulation.
In addition to her practice, Cressman is the founder of the HHP Collective, a practitioner-led community focused on strengthening clinical reasoning and advancing professional growth within the esthetics industry.
 
Connect with Ella Cressman: 

Website: www.hhpcollective.com 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a 
 
About Maggie Staszcuk: 
Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years' experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers.
 
Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: 

P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636 

E: [email protected] 
 
About our Sponsors:
Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services.
Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician 
Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers
LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy
 
TiZO Mineral Sunscreens set the standard for aesthetic elegance with tinted and non-tinted formulas for use on virtually all skin types and tones. Our name reflects our commitment: TIZO = Titanium dioxide + Zinc Oxides. All TiZO products are reef-friendly and 100% free of chemical sunscreens, dyes, fragrances, gluten, phthalates, and parabens.  TiZO Photoceutical Skincare is the perfect partner to our sunscreens in the fight against photoaging. These silky, elegant products address tone, texture and hydration while helping to prevent further damage. From our flagship TiZO3 Primer/Sunscreen SPF 40 to our gentle Ultra Zinc formulations to our NEW Advanced Vitamin C+E Serum with Bakuchiol, TIZO has the ideal selection of products to Protect, Repair, and Revitalize skin. 
Website: https://tizoskin.com/ 
Facebook: @tizoskin 
Pinterest: @tizoskin 
Instagram: @tizoskin 
YouTube: @tizoskin  
 
GlossGenius
Gaps in your schedule. Clients who don't rebook. Tight margins. High payment processing fees. Sound familiar?
When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you could be making more money. Especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and a clunky EMR that only makes things harder.
That's why we love GlossGenius — the business management platform that does the work for you. It fills your calendar, rebooks clients automatically, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees. Plus, all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records — without the admin chaos.
GlossGenius grows your revenue and handles the busywork, so you can focus on your clients.
Use code ESTY at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan.
GlossGenius. More Growth. Less Busywork. Visit https://glossgenius.com/ascp for more details.
 
About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP): 
 
Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation's largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member. 
Connect with ASCP: 

Website: www.ascpskincare.com 
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: 800-789-0411 
Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare 
Instagram: @ascpskincare

SPF looks like a simple number on a bottle, but it's actually based on specific lab testing conditions that don't always translate to real-world use.
In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben Fuchs breaks down what SPF actually measures, what it doesn't cover (including ultraviolet A considerations), how application amount impacts real protection, and where some of the most common misunderstandings around sunscreen come from in both clinical and consumer settings. 
Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) presents The Rogue Pharmacist with Benjamin Knight Fuchs, R.Ph. This podcast takes an enlightening approach to supporting licensed estheticians in their pursuit to achieve results-driven skin care treatments for their clients. You can always count on us to share professional skin care education, innovative techniques, and the latest in skin science.
Benjamin Knight Fuchs is a registered pharmacist, nutritionist, and skin care chemist with 35 years of experience developing pharmacy-potent skin health products for estheticians, dermatologists, and plastic surgeons. Ben's expert advice gives licensed estheticians the education and skin science to better support the skin care services performed in the treatment room while sharing insights to enhance clients' at-home skin care routines.
Connect with Ben Fuchs: 
 
Website: www.brightsideben.com 
 
Phone: 844-236-6010 
 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/The-Bright-Side-with-Pharmacist-Ben-Fuchs-101162801334696/ 
 
About Our Sponsor:
All Truth Treatment Systems products have one thing in common—they work! Our products are made with 100 percent active and functional ingredients that make a difference to your skin. No fillers, preservatives, waxes, emulsifiers, oils, or fragrances. Our ingredients leverage the latest biochemical understandings and use proven strategies gleaned from years of compounding prescription skin health products for the most discerning physicians and patients. 
 
Website: www.TruthTreatmentsPro.com 
Facebook: www.facebook.com/truthtreatments 
Private Facebook Pro Group: www.facebook.com/groups/truthtreatments 
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/truth.treatments
 
HHP Collective exists because the best education in esthetics doesn't come from a marketing department — it comes from the treatment room. Our classes are taught by licensed professionals sharing what they actually learned working with real skin, real conditions, and real clients. No branded talking points. No diluted content built to sell a product line. Just the kind of lived-experience teaching that moves your practice forward. And because growth shouldn't happen in isolation, every membership comes with access to a genuine professional community — the kind of supportive, substantive connection that's nearly impossible to find on social media anymore.
We're in our founding phase, which means Rogue Pharmacist listeners have a rare opportunity: join as a founding member and help shape what this community becomes. Use code ASCP26 for your first month free.
Website: hhpcollective.com
Instagram: @hhpcollective
 
SpaSphere is built specifically for estheticians—not salons—and focuses on what actually drives results: client consistency. Most clients don't come back regularly because they don't care, but because they don't have a clear plan to follow.
SpaSphere helps fix that with treatment plans and skin reports to guide clients step by step and keep them coming back.

When clients stay consistent, they see better results, trust your recommendations more, and become long-term clients.

That's what turns your schedule from unpredictable to steady—and increases how much you earn from each client.

Learn more at spashere.ai
ASCP members can try it for $1 for 90 days at spasphere.ai/ascp

Being the driver of the appointment is about shifting from simply performing services to intentionally guiding the client experience with confidence, clarity, and presence.
In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella are joined by guest Claudia Wyatt, an "enthusiasm igniter" and "self-doubt eraser", to explore what it means to lead the appointment, elevate client interactions, and take ownership of the treatment room experience.
ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk  
Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire. 
About Claudia Wyatt:
Claudia Wyatt is a confidence and leadership coach, international speaker, and founder of Claudia Wyatt Coaching LLC. With over 25 years in the spa industry, she began as a makeup artist and esthetician and advanced into executive leadership, becoming a pioneer in esthetics education in her region.
Claudia now helps individuals and teams overcome self-doubt, communicate with confidence, and lead with purpose through her signature Walkabout Method™. Her work is rooted in real industry experience and personal resilience, bringing authenticity and energy to every stage. Recognized as a top leadership coach in 2025, she is passionate about empowering others to trust themselves, step into their voice, and create meaningful impact.
Connect with Claudia:
Website: claudiawyatt.com
About Ella Cressman: 
Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, and business owner with more than 20 years of experience in corrective skin care. Known as an "ingredient junkie" and industry cheerleader, she empowers professionals to think beyond products and develop a deeper understanding of skin function and formulation.
In addition to her practice, Cressman is the founder of the HHP Collective, a practitioner-led community focused on strengthening clinical reasoning and advancing professional growth within the esthetics industry.
 
Connect with Ella Cressman: 

Website: www.hhpcollective.com 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a 
 
About Maggie Staszcuk: 
Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years' experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers.
 
Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: 

P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636 

E: [email protected] 
 
About our Sponsors:
Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services.
Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician 
Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers
LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy
 
TiZO Mineral Sunscreens set the standard for aesthetic elegance with tinted and non-tinted formulas for use on virtually all skin types and tones. Our name reflects our commitment: TIZO = Titanium dioxide + Zinc Oxides. All TiZO products are reef-friendly and 100% free of chemical sunscreens, dyes, fragrances, gluten, phthalates, and parabens.  TiZO Photoceutical Skincare is the perfect partner to our sunscreens in the fight against photoaging. These silky, elegant products address tone, texture and hydration while helping to prevent further damage. From our flagship TiZO3 Primer/Sunscreen SPF 40 to our gentle Ultra Zinc formulations to our NEW Advanced Vitamin C+E Serum with Bakuchiol, TIZO has the ideal selection of products to Protect, Repair, and Revitalize skin. 
Website: https://tizoskin.com/ 
Facebook: @tizoskin 
Pinterest: @tizoskin 
Instagram: @tizoskin 
YouTube: @tizoskin  
 
GlossGenius
Gaps in your schedule. Clients who don't rebook. Tight margins. High payment processing fees. Sound familiar?
When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you could be making more money. Especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and a clunky EMR that only makes things harder.
That's why we love GlossGenius — the business management platform that does the work for you. It fills your calendar, rebooks clients automatically, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees. Plus, all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records — without the admin chaos.
GlossGenius grows your revenue and handles the busywork, so you can focus on your clients.
Use code ESTY at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan.
GlossGenius. More Growth. Less Busywork. Visit glossgenius.com/ascp for more details.
 
About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP): 
 
Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation's largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member. 
Connect with ASCP: 

Website: www.ascpskincare.com 
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: 800-789-0411 
Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare 
Instagram: @ascpskincare

Big news in sunscreen regulation: For the first time since 1999, the US is seeing a new active ingredient approved, BEMT (Bemotrizinol), signaling an important shift in how sunscreens are formulated.
In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella discuss what FDA regulation of OTC sunscreens means, why new UV filters are significant, and how these changes impact both formulation and client education in the treatment room.
ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk  
Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire. 
About Ella Cressman: 
Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, and business owner with more than 20 years of experience in corrective skin care. Known as an "ingredient junkie" and industry cheerleader, she empowers professionals to think beyond products and develop a deeper understanding of skin function and formulation.
In addition to her practice, Cressman is the founder of the HHP Collective, a practitioner-led community focused on strengthening clinical reasoning and advancing professional growth within the esthetics industry.
Connect with Ella Cressman: 

Website: www.hhpcollective.com 

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a 
 
About Maggie Staszcuk: 
Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years' experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers.
 
Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: 

P: 800.789.0411 EXT 1636 

E: [email protected] 
 
About our Sponsors:
Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services.
Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician 
Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers
LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy
 
TiZO Mineral Sunscreens set the standard for aesthetic elegance with tinted and non-tinted formulas for use on virtually all skin types and tones. Our name reflects our commitment: TIZO = Titanium dioxide + Zinc Oxides. All TiZO products are reef-friendly and 100% free of chemical sunscreens, dyes, fragrances, gluten, phthalates, and parabens.  TiZO Photoceutical Skincare is the perfect partner to our sunscreens in the fight against photoaging. These silky, elegant products address tone, texture and hydration while helping to prevent further damage. From our flagship TiZO3 Primer/Sunscreen SPF 40 to our gentle Ultra Zinc formulations to our NEW Advanced Vitamin C+E Serum with Bakuchiol, TIZO has the ideal selection of products to Protect, Repair, and Revitalize skin. 
Website: https://tizoskin.com/ 
Facebook: @tizoskin 
Pinterest: @tizoskin 
Instagram: @tizoskin 
YouTube: @tizoskin  
 
GlossGenius
Gaps in your schedule. Clients who don't rebook. Tight margins. High payment processing fees. Sound familiar?
When you're running your own practice, you don't have time to figure out where you could be making more money. Especially when you're stitching together booking, payments, and a clunky EMR that only makes things harder.
That's why we love GlossGenius — the business management platform that does the work for you. It fills your calendar, rebooks clients automatically, upsells high-margin services, and has the lowest flat-rate payment processing fees. Plus, all the HIPAA-compliant tools you need for charting, consents, and client records — without the admin chaos.
GlossGenius grows your revenue and handles the busywork, so you can focus on your clients.
Use code ESTY at GlossGenius.com for 50% off your first two months of their Gold or Platinum plan.
GlossGenius. More Growth. Less Busywork. Visit https://glossgenius.com/ for more details.
 
About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP): 
 
Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation's largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member. 
Connect with ASCP: 

Website: www.ascpskincare.com 
Email: [email protected] 
Phone: 800-789-0411 
Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare 
Instagram: @ascpskincare