Medical Spa Insider

This week, AmSpa President and CSO, Cathy Christensen, speaks with Kendra Bracken-Ferguson, celebrated entrepreneur, founder of BrainTrust and author of The Beauty of Success: Start, Grow and Accelerate Your Brand. They discuss her entrepreneurial journey from building brands to owning in the beauty space, how she evaluates opportunities, and the ways she protects her mental wellness with the help of her community. Listen for:

• Aligning opportunities with her four pillars: community, mentorship, education, capital;
• How she knows when it’s time to pivot, take a leap or let go of an opportunity;
• Her nonprofit’s efforts for diversity and mentorship in the beauty industry;
• The importance of building a strong community of trusted partners;
• Finding joy and managing stress to protect your wellness;
• Kendra’s advice for maintaining positivity in challenging times;
• Her upcoming ventures in wellness, retail, podcasting and more!

Kendra shares more about the power of building your brain trust in her presentation “Community and Counsel: Building Your Brain Trust” on October 4, 2025, at the Women in Aesthetics Leadership Conference. Register to learn why no founder should navigate the path alone and how you can build the counsel you need for sustainable leadership and self-motivation.

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In this Medical Spa Show edition of Medical Spa Insider, AmSpa’s Alex Thiersch, JD, speaks with Shannon Blake, director of medical spa partnerships at Podium. They chat about what makes MSS her favorite aesthetic conference and trade show, along with the exciting new voice capabilities Podium is building into its AI-powered lead management and client communication platform. Listen to hear:

• What made MSS2025 Podium’s favorite show so far;
• How Avery is solving the issue of speed to lead;
• Building an AI voice for inbound and outbound calls;
• How med spas personalize their AI patient coordinator;
• Why MSS is the one-stop shop for building relationships in aesthetics.

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“For med spas, it’s so important to know who you are, what you stand for, and deliver on that with discipline.” This week, AmSpa’s Alex Thiersch sits down with Lowinn Kibbey, President of North America at Cynosure Lutronic, to discuss the landmark merger of two global energy-based device leaders and what it means for the future of medical aesthetics. They talk about:

• The historic merger of Cynosure and Lutronic, one year in;
• Navigating the unique dynamics of the aesthetics industry;
• Why brand identity, discipline and metrics are key to med spa success;
• Cynosure Lutronic’s approach to clinical training and post-sale support;
• Four major growth drivers: rejuvenation, rejuvenation, skin of color and male patients;
• How GLP-1s are reshaping patient demand and creating new business models;
• And much more.

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What if your med spa data could talk? This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Alex Lirtsman, founder and CEO of CorralData, to explore how medical spas can unlock real-time, HIPAA-compliant insights without changing their existing systems. CorralData integrates everything from your EMR to marketing, payroll, and finance systems, giving med spas the ability to uncover actionable insights that drive profitability, patient retention, and scalable growth. Listen for strategies to ask smarter questions of your data, including:

• Integrating all of your existing platforms to get actionable insights from your data;
• How multi-location practices, med spa rollups and private equity develop playbooks;
• Navigating HIPAA and BAAs with AI companies to create secure data analysis tools;
• Using reverse ETL to optimize for high lifetime value patients and boost profitability;
• The questions you can ask your data with conversational AI and large language models;
• CorralData’s tailor-made solutions for Advanced MedAesthetic Partners, and more!

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This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Emma Snowball-Robinson, APRN, founder of PURE Medical Aesthetics and PURE Evolution Academy. They chat about her incredible journey from modeling and marrying a rock star to putting herself through nursing school and founding a thriving aesthetic practice. Emma opens up about her reinvention and why “keep showing up” has been her guiding motto. Listen to hear:

• Emma’s path from modeling to regenerative medicine and wellness;
• Overcoming divorce, financial hardship and the challenges of single motherhood;
• How Emma rebuilt her life and launched her career in nursing;
• Her passion for regenerative medicine and the future of aging well;
• The importance of persistence and always showing up, even in difficult times;
• How a freak accident paused her injecting career and shifted her perspective;
• Her plans to give back through scholarships, community support and expanding her practice.

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In this special MSS edition of Medical Spa Insider, Michela Bailey sits down with AmSpa State Chapter leaders from California and Utah, recorded live at Medical Spa Show 2025! Meet California co-chair Sahar Saghezchi, of Cupertino Facial Esthetics; Utah co-chair Terri Hancock, DNP, ACNP-BC, of Bellissima Medical Aesthetic; and Utah co-chair Amanda Hopper, of St. George Med Spa. They share their excitement to reconnect at MSS and the Women in Aesthetics Leadership Conference (WALC), and the ways they are bringing their communities together through state-specific resources, networking and collaboration.

Connect and collaborate with the med spas growing alongside you when you join your AmSpa State Chapter today.

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Join AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, as he discusses with Courtney Smith, account executive, and Jon Romano, SVP of sales at Darwill, how med spas can leverage data-driven direct mail to overcome digital fatigue and achieve significant growth. Recorded at AmSpa’s Chicago headquarters, this episode explores the evolution of traditional marketing and how direct mail can create genuine, lasting impressions that boost ROI when integrated with CRM and digital strategies. Key insights include:

• Darwill’s strategic pivot to the medical aesthetics industry and insights into med spa owners’ unique needs;
• The three essential factors Darwill considers when identifying profitable verticals like medical spas;
• How direct mail campaigns proactively target ideal customers, compared to digital;
• Utilizing CRM-triggered automation for personalized mailers that boost bookings and retention;
• Identifying the most effective creative offers and frequency for med spa audiences;
• Strategies for tracking ROI from direct mail campaigns;
• Combining direct mail with digital marketing for a competitive edge.

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In this episode, AmSpa’s Alex R. Thiersch, JD, and Cathy Christensen join Dr. Kay Durairaj, internationally recognized facial plastic surgeon and founder of Beauty by Dr. Kay live from Las Vegas at the Medical Spa Show 2025 to talk about Biohacking Beauty: The science shaping the future of biohacking and regenerative aesthetics. From GLP-1s and “Ozempic face” to collagen stimulation, exosomes, polynucleotides and peptide stacks, Dr. Kay demystifies the research-backed tools med spa professionals can use to optimize skin regeneration and enhance cellular health for their aesthetic patients. They talk about:

• The authentic energy of community and growth at MSS;
• Building the Biohacking Beauty track with credible specialists;
• The rise of GLP-1s in aesthetic care and why it’s here to stay;
• How collagen stimulators are redefining injectables post-filler fear;
• Top-tier peptides, exosomes and supplements that fight cell aging;
• Why salmon sperm is being used off-label for facial rejuvenation;
• How to earn trust with credentialing and educational standards;
• Dr. Kay’s personal wellness stack, collagen techniques and more!

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In this special MSS edition of Medical Spa Insider, Michela Bailey sits down with the Tennessee, Georgia and Florida state chapter leaders, recorded live at Medical Spa Show 2025! Meet Tennessee chair Courtney D. Walker, Esq., of Smiley Aesthetics; Georgia chair Martina Kolovich, NP, of Altera Aesthetix; Florida co-chair Michael Zanetti of Erasable Med Spa, and Florida secretary Adrienne Lloyd, MHA, FACHE, of Med Spa Optimization. They talk about taking a proactive approach to med spa regulations, the importance of following the rules for patient safety, the training and networking that keeps them coming back to Medical Spa Show every year, and their plans to bring med spas together to elevate the industry.

Get involved at the local level when you join your State Chapter. Learn more at americanmedspa.org/state-chapters.

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“All medical providers just aren't taught the skills to own and operate a business successfully.” This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Mary Smiley Ford, MSN, APRN, CRNA, and Carla Pierson, DNP, MBA, RN, identical twins and co-founders of Smiley Aesthetics in Nashville, Tennessee. They explore how their mission to empower med spa providers through compliance, clinical training and business support has fueled the growth of a platform powering over 140 independent med spas. In this conversation, you will hear:

• How Smiley Aesthetics supports med spa owners with compliance, clinical training and business tools;
• Why regulatory compliance is the foundation of their franchise-like platform;
• The importance of structure with medical directors and prescribing protocols;
• How collaboration and community-building have elevated them all;
• The unique factor of being identical twins and how it fuels their success;
• How Mary’s journey highlights aesthetics as an avenue for providers in recovery;
• Building their dream package: a training facility, surgery center and med spa.
• Plans for future expansion, a men-focused med spa, and more!

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In this special MSS edition of Medical Spa Insider, Michela Bailey sits down with the leaders of the Texas State Chapter, recorded live at Medical Spa Show 2025! Meet Texas co-chairs S. Alexis Gordon, MD, FACS, of Renew MD Facial Aesthetics, and Celeste Cisneros, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, of Solas Health and Wellness; and secretary Tammy Pendygraft, CLHRP, of Revive Aesthetics and Regenerative Medicine. They share what motivated them to lead, how they’re championing safe practices in medical aesthetics, and the importance of compliance education in building a safer, stronger med spa community.

Make a difference in your local med spa community by joining your state chapter today.

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This week on the podcast, AmSpa Membership Advocacy and Engagement Coordinator, Michela Bailey, speaks with Victoria “Vicki” Senyk, MSN, AGNP-C, LE, founder of Aesthetics Temple in Northbrook, Illinois. They talk about centering patient wellbeing in this conversation that includes:

• How she found AmSpa’s compliance education;
• Teaching kids skin care with community outreach;
• What motivates her “make it happen” mindset;
• Safety first with comprehensive patient care;
• Regenerative skin care, her aesthetic treatments and more!

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This week, AmSpa President and CSO, Cathy Christensen, speaks with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jennifer Linder, founder of Linder Health and former owner and chief scientific officer of PCA Skin. They chat about her entrepreneurship journey with skin care science, the benefits of noninflammatory chemical peels and hot topics in longevity medicine. Listen for more on:

• How melasma skin care sparked her entrepreneur journey;
• Embracing longevity medicine to target the 12 hallmarks of aging;
• Educating your med spa teams about the science of skin care;
• How to use chemical peels with your med spa treatments;
• Empathy as a key component of the treatment plan;
• What GLP1s are doing to your patients’ skin;
• And much more!

Save the date for the Women in Aesthetics Leadership Conference, October 3 – 5, 2025 at Terranea Resort in Southern California.

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This week AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Bobbi Bullock, NP-C, founder of Bobbi Bullock Medical Esthetics. They talk about how she got her start in medical aesthetics, the unique health challenge that led her to groundbreaking research on facial asymmetry, and how she builds community to grow stronger together. Listen to hear more about:

• How she got into aesthetic medicine from corporate health care;
• Going from one room in a salon to growing a fully booked business;
• Prosopagnosia: overcoming the challenge to detect and correct asymmetries;
• Identifying asymmetry in the nasolabial folds, lips, cheeks, jawline and temple;
• How her network saved the day when she experienced a vascular occlusion;
• Promoting community and collaboration with a network of med spas;
• And more!

Hear more about Bullock’s experiences in the All-Star Injectors Panel on Friday, April 11 at Medical Spa Show.

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This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, sits down with Tyler Weinberg, CEO of Aviva Aesthetics, and Dan Hosler, chairman of the board at Aviva and managing partner of DuneGlass Capital. They discuss how Aviva is implementing an innovative approach to business growth that provides med spa owners a pathway to long-term success—offering a unique alternative to traditional private equity. Learn how their model empowers growth-minded med spa owners to scale, retain control and prepare for long-term success and potential sale. This conversation includes:

• The reality of private equity: how it works and trade-offs for med spa owners;
• How Aviva’s alternative model help you grow without losing ownership or control;
• Key operational benefits of partnering with an MSO that supports autonomy;
• How Aviva’s fully aligned incentives help increase your business value;
• Steps to improve your financials and prepare your med spa for a sale;
• Building a long-term, sustainable business that attracts investors.

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In this Medical Spa Show speakers series, we hear from Sara Cole, AGACNP-BC, CANS, Siren Medical Spa; Chakika Williams, DNP-L, MBA/HCM, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FPA, SkyRose Rejuvenation Clinic & Spa; Alexander Rivkin, MD, Westside Aesthetics; Alyssa Rapp, Empower Aesthetics; Georgia Cirese, RN, CANS, CLT, Gorgeous Aesthetic Bar; Jenna Hilton, PA-C, Vibrant Skin Bar. They share their biggest wins, lessons learned, and must-know insights for conference attendees. Don’t miss their sessions at Medical Spa Show 2025, from April 10 - 13, 2025!

Sara Cole, AGACNP-BC, CANS

• Saturday, April 12: 10:10 - 10:35 a.m. | The Psychology Behind Your Best Consultation
• Sunday, April 13: 9 - 10:30 a.m. | When Is It Right to Say “No”
• Sunday, April 13: 11:15 - 11:45 a.m. | Addressing Lower Face Laxity

Chakika Williams, DNP-L, MBA/HCM, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, FPA

• Saturday, April 12: 10:35 - 11 a.m. | Diversity in Aesthetics: All Faces Are Not Created Equal

Alexander Rivkin, MD

• Friday, April 11: 3:50 - 4:15 p.m. | Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Alyssa Rapp

• Friday, April 11: 1:05 - 1:30 p.m. | Leadership and Life Hacks: Insights from a Mom, Wife, Entrepreneur and Executive

Georgia Cirese, RN, CANS, CLT

• Friday, April 11: 3:50 - 4:15 p.m. | Sell It Like a Scholar: Leveraging Knowledge as a Strategic Sales Tool

Jenna Hilton, PA-C

• Saturday, April 12: 3:50 - 4:50 p.m. | Panel: The Worst I Ever Had: Complications and How to Overcome Them

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Would you learn another fine injection technique to access a patient population of 30 million? This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Keetha Hanlin, RN, LME, senior clinical advisor at Methapharm, distributor of sclerosing agent Asclera. Drawing on her 20 years of experience, Hanlin discusses sclerotherapy as a treatment for spider and reticular veins in the lower extremity, and how to incorporate cosmetic vein treatment in your aesthetic practice. Listen to hear more about:

• Sclerotherapy vs. laser for spider and reticular veins;
• The “HASTI” algorithm process to screen patient candidates;
• Partnering with specialists to treat underlying venous disease;
• Potential complications of sclerotherapy and how to avoid them;
• How to package sclerotherapy with your membership program;
• When to inject, profitability, hands-on training, and more!

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In this Medical Spa Show speakers series, we hear from Gretchen Frieling, MD, of GfaceMD; Christal Parker, FNP-C, APRN, of Savvy Beauty and Wellness; Blakelee Paige Smith, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, NP-C, of Skin + Aesthetics; Rana Kennelly, AGNP-C, CANS, of The Confidence Bar; and Molly Bailey, PA-C, of Face Forward Aesthetics. They share their biggest wins, lessons learned, and must-know insights for conference attendees. Don’t miss their sessions at Medical Spa Show 2025, from April 10 - 13, 2025!

Gretchen Frieling, MD

• Saturday, April 12: 9 - 10 a.m. | The Aesthetic Revolution (Things We Don't Hate): Thought Leader Nexts and Bests
• Saturday, April 12: 10:10 - 11 a.m. | Ultrasound Before and After Treatment: Diagnostic and Complication Mitigation

Christal Parker, FNP-C, APRN

• Saturday, April 12: 9 - 10 a.m. | All-star Owners Panel
• Saturday, April 12: 10:10 - 10:35 a.m. | The Intersection of Hormone Therapy and Weight Loss: Optimizing Patient Outcomes

Blakelee Paige Smith, APRN, AGPCNP-BC, NP-C

• Saturday, April 12: 4:25 - 4:50 p.m. | Mastering Hair Loss in Aesthetics

Rana Kennelly, AGNP-C, CANS

• Saturday, April 12: 9 - 10 a.m. | All-star Owners Panel
• Saturday, April 12: 10:35 - 11 a.m. | The Art of Dissolving Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
• Saturday, April 12: 1:05 - 2:05 p.m. | PANEL: Perfect Partners: Medical Spa Owners and Practice Managers

Molly Bailey, PA-C

• Saturday, April 12: 9 - 9:25 a.m. | From Lifts to Likes: Building your Aesthetic Brand on Social Media

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This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex Thiersch, JD, speaks with Kiiyonna Jones, PhD, FNP-C, founder of Luxe Beauty and Wellness Boutique. They chat about how she uses artificial intelligence to reclaim her time and how AI automations are transforming the future of medical spas. Everybody needs to know and understand AI, Dr. Jones says—start here!

• How AI has been a game-changer in her business;
• The exact framework Dr. Jones uses to prompt ChatGPT;
• AI’s power to compress time for tasks, from business plans to slide decks;
• Addressing concerns about online data privacy with large language models;
• The most useful applications of AI for med spa solopreneurs;
• How generative AI is reshaping the med spa industry;
• The future of AI, superintelligence and more!

Learn more about the transformative power of AI for solo aesthetic practice owners on Saturday, April 12, as Dr. Jones presents “Team AI: How Solopreneurs Can Maximize Profits and Reclaim Time With AI Systems and Automation.” Position your business for success at Medical Spa Show 2025, April 10 - 13, 2025.

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In this Medical Spa Show speakers series, we hear from W. Chistopher Croley, MD, of Skin & Tonic; Cary Deuber, CRNFA, CANS, of Lemmon Avenue; George Baxter-Holder, DNP, APRN, CANS, of SkinSpirit; Katie Duke, NP-BC, of KD Creative; Riley Worth, NP, of Elase Medical Spa; and Nicole Gregory of Urban You. They describe their wins and lessons learned, along with what conference attendees will learn from their classes at Medical Spa Show 2025, from April 10 - 13, 2025!

W. Christopher Croley, MD

• Saturday, April 12: 9:35 - 10 a.m. | Beyond Binary Beauty: Elevating Transgender Care in Medical Aesthetics
• Saturday, April 12: 10:35 - 11 a.m. | Male and Female Facial Balancing

Cary Deuber, CRNFA, CANS

• Saturday, April 12: 10:10 - 10:35 a.m. | "Snatched": Advanced Lower Face Filler Injection

George Baxter-Holder, DNP, APRN, CANS

• Thursday, April 10: 12 - 4 p.m. | The AART of GAIN: Education on the Galderma Aesthetic Portfolio
• Friday, April 11: 9:25 - 9:40 a.m. | The Secrets to an Unbreakable Spirit
• Friday, April 11: 2:15 - 2:40 p.m. | Full Face Assessment Demo
• Sunday, April 13: 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. | AIA Cadaver Training

Katie Duke, NP-BC

• Saturday, April 12: 3:50 - 4:15 p.m. | Making the Pivot: How to Find Your Authentic Path in Aesthetics and Beyond

Riley Worth, NP

• Saturday, April 12: 5 - 5:25 p.m. | The Importance of Facial Mapping and How to Obtain a Sharp Jawline Using HA Fillers

Nicole Gregory

• Friday, April 11: 8:55 - 9:25 a.m. | PANEL: Dangerous Practices, Devastating Consequences: A Compliance Perspective

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This week, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Randi Boyette, PhD, CEO of Spark Medical Marketing and CMO of NewBeauty, to explore her inspiring career journey and vision for the future of the medical aesthetics industry. As Corporate Development Advisor at AmSpa, she shares her passion for elevating the industry by focusing on compliance, culture, and collaboration. Tune in to hear about making your own opportunities, maintaining a strong business culture, and why AmSpa is pivotal in shaping the industry’s future.

• Randi’s transition from corporate sales to medical aesthetics marketing
• Building a sense of community in the medical aesthetics industry
• The importance of compliance and ethical practice in med spas
• Randi’s role in AmSpa’s strategic growth and vision for the future

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In this Medical Spa Show speakers series, we hear from Kim Burke, APN, FNP-C, of Kiss Aesthetics; Julie Bass Kaplan, FNP-BC, CANS, of Disappearing Act Medical Aesthetics; Kiiyonna Jones, PhD, FNP-C, of Luxe Beauty and Wellness Boutique; Josie Tenore, MD, of Trevi Longevity & Aesthetics; and Audrey Neff, of PatientNow. They describe their wins and lessons learned, along with what conference attendees will learn from their classes at Medical Spa Show 2025, from April 10 - 13, 2025!

Kim Burke, APN, FNP-C

• Sunday, April 13: 9 - 10:30 a.m. | When Is It Right to Say "No"
• Sunday, April 13: 10:45 - 11:15 a.m. | Facial Balancing on a Budget

Julie Bass Kaplan, FNP-BC, CANS

• Saturday, April 12: 1:05 - 2:05 p.m. | PANEL: Perfect Partners: Medical Spa Owners and Practice Managers
• Saturday, April 12: 3:50 - 4:50 p.m. | Panel: The Worst I Ever Had: Complications and How to Overcome Them
• Sunday, April 13: 9 - 10:30 a.m. | When Is It Right to Say "No"
• Sunday, April 13: 11:15 - 11:45 a.m. | Addressing Lower Face Laxity

Kiiyonna Jones, PhD, FNP-C

• Saturday, April 12: 2:15 - 2:40 p.m. | Team AI: How Solopreneurs Can Maximize Profits and Reclaim Time With AI Systems and Automation

Josie Tenore, MD

• Saturday, April 12: 9:35 - 10 a.m. | The Value of IV Services in Your Aesthetic Practice

Audrey Neff

• Saturday, April 12: 4:25 - 4:50 p.m. | Developing High-value Membership Programs That Enhance Patient Loyalty and Practice Revenue

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What is a realistic investment from seed to success? This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Ashley James, CEO of DermAesthetic Consulting and MedSpa Mobile Solutions. They discuss the financial must-knows when opening a medical spa for the first time. Their conversation includes:

• The unique challenges of running an aesthetic business;
• Hidden costs that could derail your business plan;
• Equipment purchasing dos and don’ts;
• What services to bring on based on ROI and direct costs;
• Predictions for the future of aesthetics and functional wellness;
• The latest updates on MedSpa Mobile Solutions, and more!

AmSpa Members receive a complimentary Strategy Session valued at $349 for new customers. Listen to learn more about MedSpa Mobile Solutions: Innovative Mobile Med Spa Solutions: Why and How They Work

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In this Medical Spa Show speakers series, we hear from Erika Barry, NP-C, of Resculpt Aesthetics; Savanna Boda, LE, of Savanna Boda Aesthetics; Jacklyn Halpin, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, of Aesthetic Couture Medical Spa and Skin of Color Aesthetics; Rana Kennelly, AGNP-C, CANS, of The Confidence Bar; and Steven Sorr, NMD, of Source of Health. They describe their wins and lessons learned, along with what conference attendees will learn from their classes at Medical Spa Show 2025, from April 10 - 13, 2025!

Erika Barry, NP-C

• Thursday, April 10: 2 - 4 p.m. | Mastering Social Media with Injector Bunny and Social by Libby
• Saturday, April 12: 9 - 10 a.m. | All-Star Owners Panel
• Saturday, April 12: 10:10 - 11 a.m. | The Aesthetic Revolution (Things We Don't Hate): Thought Leader Nexts and Bests
• Saturday, April 12: 9 - 10 a.m. | Trendy Tox: Traps, Tips, Necks and Facial Slimming

Savanna Boda, LE

• Saturday, April 12: 9:35 - 10 a.m. | How to Create Influence in a Competitive Industry

Jacklyn Halpin, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

• Saturday, April 12: 10:10 - 10:35 a.m. | Energy-based Device Safety Protocols for Skin of Color: How to Choose and Prevent Adverse Events

Rana Kennelly, AGNP-C, CANS

• Saturday, April 12: 9 - 10 a.m. | All-Star Owners Panel
• Saturday, April 12: 10:35 - 11 a.m. | The Art of Dissolving Hyaluronic Acid Fillers
• Saturday, April 12: 1:05 - 2:05 p.m. | PANEL: Perfect Partners: Medical Spa Owners and Practice Managers

Steven Sorr, NMD

• Friday, April 11: 1:05 - 2:05 p.m. | Advancing Sexual Wellness Treatments in Your Practice
• Saturday, April 12: 5 - 5:25 p.m. | How to Incorporate Functional Wellness Into Your Practice

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In this special milestone episode, we’re celebrating over 300 episodes of Medical Spa Insider, a journey that started in 2018. AmSpa’s Alex R. Thiersch, JD, Cathy Christensen, and Michela Bailey reflect on their favorite moments, from their very first episode to unforgettable conversations with guests who’ve gone on to achieve incredible success in the industry. Tune in for a look back at the most memorable episodes, evolving industry trends, and what excites them for the future—plus a sneak peek at what’s coming at Medical Spa Show 2025 (April 10 - 13, 2025), and the Women in Aesthetics Leadership Conference (October 3 - 5, 2025).

Catch a few of the hosts’ favorite episodes:

Terri Ross on CoolSculpting, Paul Nassif, and Top-selling Med Spa Treatments

Lessons in Confidence from Self-made Billionaire Sara Blakely

Member Spotlight: Sarah Balladares, PA-C

A huge thank you to all of our listeners and guests who have supported us, making this podcast an invaluable resource for the med spa community!

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How do we build a culture where ideas have a fighting chance? This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, and AmSpa president and CSO, Cathy Christensen, speak with Kyle Scheele, author and upcoming keynote speaker at Medical Spa Show 2025. Deemed “the patron saint of crazy ideas,” Scheele shares his entrepreneurial journey, the power of outside perspectives, and how we can stop talking ourselves out of ideas to move the ball forward. They talk about:

• Embracing crazy ideas and accidental entrepreneurship;
• The role of outsiders in driving innovation;
• Building community to face challenges;
• How to stay out of your own way;
• Consistently taking small steps;
• Creativity as a team sport;
• And much more!

Bring home practical, tactical, tangible ideas to encourage creativity and innovation when you attend Scheele’s keynote “How to Turn Yourself (and Your Organization) Into an Innovation Machine” on April 10, 2025, at the Wynn Las Vegas. Register for Medical Spa Show 2025 to save your seat and start building a culture where innovation is a natural byproduct.

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In this Medical Spa Show speakers series, we hear from Adam Haroun, founder of Aesthetic Altitude; Mary Smiley Ford, MSN, APRN, CRNA, founder of Smiley Aesthetics; Carl Clarke, MHS, RPA-C, founder of Diamond Works MedSpa; and Kacie Avey, RN, CANS, founder of Tailored Aesthetics. They describe their wins and lessons learned, along with what conference attendees will learn from their classes at Medical Spa Show 2025, from April 10 - 13, 2025!

Adam Haroun

• Saturday, April 12: 1:40 - 2:05 p.m. | Your Brilliant Debut: How to Successfully Launch a Premium Treatment by Thinking Like Hollywood

Mary Smiley Ford, MSN, APRN, CRNA

• Saturday, April 12: 10:35 - 11 a.m. | Male and Female Facial Balancing

Carl Clarke, MHS, RPA-C

• Sunday, April 13: 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. | AIA Advanced Cadaver Course

Kacie Avey, RN, CANS

• Sunday, April 13: 9 - 11:45 a.m. | Bridging the Divide: Conversations on Controversial Issues

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This week we return to a conversation between AmSpa CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, and two leaders of Operation Mend, a nonprofit UCLA Health program that provides specialized surgical and psychological care to post-9/11 military members, veterans and their caregivers. Executive Director Jo Sornborger, PsyD, and Christopher Crisera, MD, plastic surgeon and executive medical director, share the charity's mission and vision in a conversation that covers:

• The origins of Operation Mend and the importance of their work with veterans;
• The intersection between mental health needs and reconstructive surgery;
• How involving caregivers in the program led to better outcomes;
• How needs are assessed;
• Why there is so much difficulty in getting treatment for veterans;
• How trauma can affect the entire family unit;
• The personal impact from working with Operation Mend; and
• How listeners can become involved in their mission.

From February 10-17, 2025, $75 of every ticket sold for the Medical Spa Show will be donated to Operation Mend, with matching contributions from AmSpa and ByrdAdatto. Make a difference for a wounded veteran with your registration this week at www.medicalspashow.com/operation-mend.

In this Medical Spa Show speakers series, we hear from Jennifer Hartley, ACNP, founder of Skin Synthesis Clinic & Spa; Amie Martin, RN, founder of Aesthetic Mentor; and Erica Crawford, president of Influx Marketing. They describe their wins and lessons learned, along with what conference attendees will learn from their classes at Medical Spa Show 2025, from April 10 - 13, 2025!

Jennifer Hartley, ACNP

• Saturday, April 12: 3:50 - 4:50 p.m. | The Worst I Ever Had: Complications and How to Overcome Them

Amie Martin, RN

• Friday, April 11: 5 - 5:25 p.m. | How to Build a $20 Million Aesthetic Injector Team

Erica Crawford

• Saturday, April 12: 5 - 5:25 p.m. | Medical Weight Loss Is Unlocking a New Wave of Aesthetic Patients. Are You Capitalizing?

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This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Taylor Siemens, NP-C, vice president of operations at Vitalyc Medspa and clinical advisor to AmSpa. They discuss the nuances of laser safety and the need for proper training and education in medical aesthetics. Their conversation includes:

• How combining laser with other aesthetic treatments boosts results;
• What med spas need to focus on when it comes to laser safety;
• How much training is enough to competently perform laser treatments;
• Ablative vs. non-ablative and photofacial devices;
• Understanding scope of practice, laser licensing and legality;
• Possible complications, even in the hands of experienced providers;
• Standards for proper laser training and education, and more!

Sign up for Turning Your Practice Up to 11: Energy Device Master Class on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at Medical Spa Show.

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In this Medical Spa Show speakers series, we hear from Annie Hockey, president and head of consulting at Skytale Group; Kimberly L. Evans, MD, FACOG, founder of Sugar Land Med Spa; Patrick Blake, MD, co-founder and chief medical officer at Portrait; and Amy Anderson, co-founder of BrinsonAnderson Consulting. They describe their wins and lessons learned, along with what conference attendees will learn from their classes at Medical Spa Show 2025, from April 10 - 13, 2025!

Annie Hockey

• Friday, April 11: 1:40 - 2:05 p.m. | The Insider’s Guide to Private Equity Interest in Medical Aesthetics

Kimberly L. Evans, MD, FACOG

• Friday, April 11: 1:05 - 2:05 p.m. | Advancing Sexual Wellness Treatments in Your Practice

Patrick Blake, MD

• Friday, April 11: 8:55 - 9:25 a.m. | PANEL: Dangerous Practices, Devastating Consequences: A Compliance Perspective

Amy Anderson

• Friday, April 11: 1:05 - 2:05 p.m. | PANEL: Everything You Want to Know About Running a Thriving Med Spa

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This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Erica Crawford, president, and Max Baybak, co-founder and chief growth officer of Influx Marketing. They discuss the community response to recent devastating wildfires in California, and how to adapt your marketing plan for 2025. Their conversation includes:

• The impact of recent wildfires in Southern California and how the community has come together;
• Using local service ads (LSAs) to boost your Google Business Profile;
• Marketing for medical weight loss: Can your med spa compete?
• The comeback of long-form organic content for SEO;
• How AI is and isn’t changing med spa marketing plans;
• Why you should be doing social media content in-house; and
• Diversifying your marketing budget to reach your goals.

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In this Medical Spa Show speakers series, we hear from Kate Dee, MD, of Glow MediSpa; Linné Linder, ND, of SkinSpirit; Cameron Hemphill of Growth99; and Jessica Nunn of Maven Financial Partners. They describe their wins and lessons learned, along with what conference attendees will learn from their classes at Medical Spa Show 2025, from April 10 - 13, 2025!

Kate Dee, MD

• Friday, April 11: 8:55 - 9:25 a.m. | Dangerous Practice, Devastating Consequences: A Compliance Perspective
• Saturday, April 12: 1:40 - 2:15 p.m. | Balancing Ethics and Revenue— How Ethics can Boost your Revenue
• Sunday, April 13: 9 - 11:45 a.m. | Bridging the Divide: Conversations on Controversial Issues

Linné Linder, ND

• Friday, April 11: 4:25 - 5:25 p.m. | Unlocking the Fountain of Youth: A Journey Into Longevity and Regenerative Medicine

Cameron Hemphill

• Friday, April 11: 5- 5:25 p.m. | Maximizing Patient Lifecycle Value Through Marketing

Jessica Nunn

• Friday, April 11: 1:05 - 1:30 p.m. | What the Most Profitable Med Spas are Doing in 2025

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This week on the podcast, AmSpa Membership Advocacy and Engagement Specialist, Michela Bailey, speaks with Danielle Oyasu, NP, founder of Beautifully New Med Spa in Park Ridge, Illinois. They talk about the importance of community, their shared love of the city, and more in this conversation that includes:

• How she was introduced to AmSpa;
• The community spirit in aesthetics;
• Talking safety and responsible practices;
• Treatments that changed her confidence;
• Her skincare regimen, empty-nester status and more!

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In this Medical Spa Show speakers series, we hear from Gilberto Saenz III, PA-C, of Austin Plastic Surgeon; Bree Black, Co-founder of JobSnob; Johnny Franco, MD, FACS, of Austin Plastic Surgeon; and Judy Kozlicki, Head of Aesthetics & Plastic Surgery at Skytale Group. They describe their wins and lessons learned, along with what conference attendees will learn from their classes at Medical Spa Show 2025, from April 10 - 13, 2025!

Gilberto Saenz III, PA-C

• Friday, April 11: 4:25 - 5:25 p.m. | Implementing a Successful Weight Loss Program
• Saturday, April 12: 9:35 - 10 a.m. | Cellulite: The New Frontier of Combination Therapy
• Saturday, April 12: 3:50 - 4:50 p.m. | The Worst I Ever Had: Complications and How to Overcome Them

Bree Black

• Saturday, April 12: 4:25 - 5:25 p.m. | The HR Panel: Hiring, Retaining, Compensating and Managing Your Aesthetic Team

Johnny Franco, MD, FACS

• Sunday, April 13: 9- 11:45 a.m. | Bridging the Divide: Conversations on Controversial Issues

Judy Kozlicki

• Friday, April 11: 3:50 - 4:15 p.m. | How Knowing Business Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Will Maximize Your Revenue

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What can microneedling remind us about keeping the medical in medical spas? This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Molly Muecke, RN, MSN, APRN, NP-C, founder of Astra Aesthetics in Knoxville, Tennessee. They discuss the risks associated with microneedling, the importance of safety protocols in medical aesthetics, and the need to educate patients and regulators about safe med spa practices. Their conversation includes:

• How a non-compete brought her practice closer to home;
• The potential risks and side effects of microneedling;
• Why microneedling is regulated as a medical procedure;
• Educating patients about safe aesthetic practices;
• Proper safety protocols for needles and syringes;
• Half-syringe usage, injection safety and more!

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In this 300th episode of Medical Spa Insider, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Jodi Faustlin, chief compliance offer, and Chad Schiffman, director of risk management at Healthcare Compliance Pros. They talk about fundamental compliance policies and procedures for your organization, why the OCR and FTC are getting more involved in healthcare compliance, and how aesthetic practices can protect electronic personal health records. Their conversation includes:

• What triggers the FTC to look into your business practices;
• Why you should be careful with claims of HIPAA compliance;
• How to conduct a thorough risk analysis to find vulnerabilities;
• Getting your team’s buy-in to implement your compliance policy;
• How to protect your patients’ health information (PHI) when using AI;
• Protecting the confidentiality, integrity and accessibility of PHI;
• Keeping up with rules and regulatory updates, and more!

Healthcare Compliance Pros (HCP) understands that the health care industry continues to face a significant amount of regulatory oversight in HIPAA, OSHA, corporate compliance and human resources. Many health care organizations have struggled to find an efficient, simple and cost-effective way to stay current with these high-overhead, low reward-liabilities. Having seen this frustration firsthand, HCP has created innovative online tools and comprehensive compliance support to address these needs.

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In this episode, we revisit a conversation between AmSpa President and CSO, Cathy Christensen, Shawna Chrisman, NP, CEO and founder of Destination Aesthetics, and Maegen Kennedy, PA-C, co-founder and clinical director of Windermere Medical Spa & Laser Institute. They spoke about the current stage of their medical spas, the details of scaling a business, and insider tips to help new and growing medical spas reach their goals. Listen in to hear more about:

• What they’ve learned through expanding to multiple locations;
• How to prepare for expansion and train your employees;
• Strategies that have helped their med spas find success;
• Tracking and responding to the data in your practice;
• Which KPIs show you the health of your business;
• Advice for med spas starting out or looking to reach the next level;
• An original membership model and loyalty program;
• And much more!

Music by Ghost Score.

This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Jonathan Kaplan, MD, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of BuildMyHealth. They chat about DrWell by BuildMyHealth and how it simplifies medical weight loss treatment for both patients and medical aesthetic practices. Listen in to learn:

• Evolving from price transparency solutions to subscription medications;
• How DrWell automates billing and connects med spas to compounding pharmacies;
• Compliantly paying providers and helping patients navigate insurance;
• How 503a and 503b pharmacies can continue providing weight loss solutions;
• The future of provider-to-consumer and working with compounding pharmacies;
• And more!

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This week in AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Patrick Blake, MD, and Praveen Ramineni, co-founders of Portrait, along with Sam Pondrom, JD, associate at national healthcare law firm ByrdAdatto. They discuss the role of medical directors in shaping aesthetic practices, from setting protocols to ensuring regulatory compliance and patient safety. Their conversation includes:

• How independent medical providers stay competitive;
• Portrait’s launch kit and systems to scale aesthetic practices;
• Navigating compliance concepts and the gravity of patient care standards;
• Building a medical director network to provide state-required oversight;
• The most common compliance mistakes people make when trying to open;
• Developing protocols and a standardized foundation for the long term future;
• Compliance as an ongoing process, knowing your exposure to risk, and more!

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This week, AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Shannon Blake, Director of Medical Spa Partnerships at Podium; Traci Andreason, FNP-C, founder of Rise Rejuvenation Center; Cortney Hall, COO of True Medical Spa. They discuss the systems and tools that can help med spas increase lead conversion and manage the volume they see over the holidays. Their conversation includes:

• How to capture the influx of the holidays;
• Building a holiday game plan focused on value over price;
• Teaching consumers how to interact with your business;
• How patient education helps med spas capture more leads;
• Allocating your marketing to build SEO and get the word out;
• How an AI patient coordinator improves response time;
• Actively training your AI, and more!

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This week, AmSpa’s President and CSO, Cathy Christensen, speaks with Nick Liguori, CPA, owner and founder of Liguori Accounting. They discuss the complexities of management service organizations (MSOs), common pitfalls for medical spa MSO taxes and how to properly set up your accounts. Their conversation includes:

• MSOs: the key structure for compliant med spa ownership;
• Where med spa MSOs can get tripped up with financials;
• Specific tax challenges and common pitfalls to avoid;
• How to ensure that your business entity is set up correctly
• The typical process of setting up the proper systems;
• When to transition from DIY bookkeeping to working with professionals;
• How to correct and prevent future issues while preparing for tax season;
• And more!

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This week on the podcast, AmSpa Membership Advocacy and Engagement Specialist, Michela Bailey, speaks with Traci Andreason, FNP-C, founder of Rise Rejuvenation Center. They talk about her specialty in sexual wellness and her passion for empowering women in this conversation that includes:

• Joining AmSpa to learn compliance in aesthetics;
• How sexual wellness became her specialty;
• The education intimate health practitioners need;
• Remembering that patients bring vulnerability ;
• Her passion for helping others reach their goals;
• The anatomy coloring book she created for injectors;
• Her favorite treatments, skincare routine and more!

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This week, we revisit our conversation with Michael S. Byrd, JD, and Bradford E. Adatto, JD, of national business and health care law firm ByrdAdatto. AmSpa founder and CEO, Alex R. Thiersch, JD, speaks with Byrd and Adatto in a discussion of the latest in aesthetics compliance concerns and what medical spas should know about IV therapy compliance. They cover:

• Private equity, mergers and acquisitions, and the idea of integrated health care;
• How the corporate practice of medicine and scope of practice regulations compare for IV bars vs. traditional medical settings;
• Standing orders and who can use independent medical judgment to make IV therapy treatment determinations;
• How nursing boards view administering IVs;
• What the risks are for noncompliance in IV therapy;
• Delegation and good faith exams in IV bars;
• How pharmacy boards regulate licensing and compounding IV medication;
• · What the enforcement atmosphere is at the moment, and more!

Listen to these previous episodes to learn about an unfortunate incident at a Texas medical spa, plus the educational resources the industry is building to help aesthetic providers safely perform IV nutrient therapy.

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This week on the podcast, AmSpa Membership Advocacy and Engagement Specialist, Michela Bailey, speaks with Kenzie Cammuse, founder of Nashville Skin Studio. They chat about how she started an aesthetician owned med spa in this conversation that includes:

• Celebrating their recent awards at Best of Nashville 2024;
• How her AmSpa membership continues to help her grow her business;
• Owning a med spa as an aesthetician and partnering with a medical director;
• Why she favors energy devices and specific products;
• Her skin care, aesthetic treatments, and more!

Music by Ghost Score