ASCP Esty Talk

The esthetics license may be the same, but the path into the industry looks very different depending on when you started. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella welcome Kiarra Smith, founder of Rooted Serenity, to explore how Gen X and Gen Z estheticians entered the industry from completely different starting lines and what we can learn from each other moving forward.
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 Kiarra Smith
Kiarra, founder of Rooted Serenity, is a licensed esthetician dedicated to the interconnectedness of skin health, the immune system, and allergies. With firsthand experience, she empowers fellow professionals with practical strategies for identifying triggers, implementing lifestyle changes, and integrating wellness methods for enhanced client care and practice inclusivity.
Connect with Kiarra Smith
Website: https://rootedserenity.glossgenius.com
Instagram: @rootedserenity
 
About Ella Cressman: 
Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, business owner, ingredient junkie, and esthetic cheerleader! As an educator, she enjoys empowering other estheticians and industry professionals to understand skin care from an ingredient standpoint rather than a product-specific view. 
In addition to running a skin care practice, Cressman founded a comprehensive consulting group, the HHP Collective, and has consulted for several successful skin care brands. 
 
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  
 
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

Soothing ingredients are often the first line of defense for red, reactive skin. But what if those soothing ingredients are part of the problem? In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben Fuchs talks about why certain calming ingredients can backfire, what is happening at the inflammatory and immune levels, and how to distinguish temporary relief from true skin repair.
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.
 
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
 
Skin Script Professional Skin Care has always been—and always will be—committed to the success of licensed skin care professionals. Our professional masks, enzymes, peels, and retail products are crafted to deliver visible results for every skin type and Fitzpatrick classification.
Launching January 2026, the Desert Collection celebrates the synergy between indigenous ingredients, professional innovation, and the journey toward renewal and connection. Building on Skin Script's mission to empower estheticians with purposeful products and elevated treatment experiences, Year of the Desert introduces four new facial duos — each designed to engage the senses, renew the skin, and inspire professional creativity.
Follow us for sneak peeks, pro tips, and more:  TikTok, Instagram and Facebook @skinscript

Dupes are everywhere in skin care right now, but similar ingredients do not always mean similar performance. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella break down the real differences between drugstore dupes and professional products and what that means for results, safety, and trust 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, business owner, ingredient junkie, and esthetic cheerleader! As an educator, she enjoys empowering other estheticians and industry professionals to understand skin care from an ingredient standpoint rather than a product-specific view. 
In addition to running a skin care practice, Cressman founded a comprehensive consulting group, the HHP Collective, and has consulted for several successful skin care brands. 
 
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:
 
Comfort Zone – The Italian, multi-awarded science-led, longevity-focused skincare trusted by professionals worldwide. Founded by Dr Bollati, a pharmacist, and powered by over 60 in-house chemists and skin care experts. Clinically tested formulations blend clinical precision, regenerative botanicals, and biotechnology research to transform skin with intention. Part of The Davines Group, certified B Corp since 2016. 
Website: https://us.comfortzoneskin.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfortzoneskin_official/
 
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  
  
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

From cutting their own bangs to spacing out appointments, clients are changing how they engage with beauty. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Ella and Maggie unpack the DIY beauty boom and what it means for estheticians 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, business owner, ingredient junkie, and esthetic cheerleader! As an educator, she enjoys empowering other estheticians and industry professionals to understand skin care from an ingredient standpoint rather than a product-specific view. 
In addition to running a skin care practice, Cressman founded a comprehensive consulting group, the HHP Collective, and has consulted for several successful skin care brands. 
 
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:
 
Comfort Zone – The Italian, multi-awarded science-led, longevity-focused skincare trusted by professionals worldwide. Founded by Dr Bollati, a pharmacist, and powered by over 60 in-house chemists and skin care experts. Clinically tested formulations blend clinical precision, regenerative botanicals, and biotechnology research to transform skin with intention. Part of The Davines Group, certified B Corp since 2016.
 
Website: https://us.comfortzoneskin.com/
 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/comfortzoneskin_official/
 
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  
 
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

The term clean beauty has been trending for several years and means many different things, depending on who you ask. In this episode of The Rogue Pharmacist, Ben Fuchs defines clean beauty from a pharmacist and formulator's point of view in a way that's actually rooted in science.
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
 
Skin Script Professional Skin Care has always been—and always will be—committed to the success of licensed skin care professionals. Our professional masks, enzymes, peels, and retail products are crafted to deliver visible results for every skin type and Fitzpatrick classification.
Launching January 2026, the Desert Collection celebrates the synergy between indigenous ingredients, professional innovation, and the journey toward renewal and connection. Building on Skin Script's mission to empower estheticians with purposeful products and elevated treatment experiences, Year of the Desert introduces four new facial duos — each designed to engage the senses, renew the skin, and inspire professional creativity.
Follow us for sneak peeks, pro tips, and more:  TikTok, Instagram and Facebook @skinscript