Aesthetics in 2025 was loud, opinionated, and full of pressure to keep up. For many providers, it raised hard questions about growth, burnout, and what actually matters moving forward.

In this episode of Aesthetic Visionaries, Brandi Eppolito closes out the year with the Moxie Advisory Board, Erika Barry, Olivia Salmen, Dr. David Saadat, and Jonathan LeSuer. Together, they get into the controversies that shaped 2025 and share their hot takes and predictions for 2026. They look back on the wins, the missteps, and what they are intentionally taking with them into the year ahead.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to assess controversy: Decide what deserves your energy and what does not
• What 2025 revealed about burnout: Spot the warning signs before growth stalls
• How to prepare for 2026: Focus on trends that support sustainable practices

Episode chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(05:18) Meeting the Moxie Advisory Board

(11:16) Chaos and controversies of 2025

(16:07) Why collaboration matters more than public callouts

(22:41) What success really looked like in 2025

(33:07) 2026 predictions for smarter beautification

(37:34) The shift toward regenerative care and specialization

(40:44) When device purchases become expensive mistakes

(45:39) Balancing patient care with business reality

One provider’s “next big thing” is another’s $100K paperweight. So how do you know what’s actually worth the hype?

In this episode of Aesthetic Visionaries, industry educator and NP David Weir joins Mikyla Race to discuss what really matters when it comes to capital equipment. From lasers to RF microneedling, he shares the clinical truths, business math, and red flags you won’t hear from your device rep.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to choose devices wisely: Let strategy and data guide your next buy
• Why skill beats specs: Great results come from experience, not hype
• What reps don’t say: Spot red flags before you sign on the dotted line

Episode chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:14) Meet David Weir: NP-C with 24 years of aesthetic experience

(04:55) The real reason the device market is booming

(06:59) What energy-based devices actually include

(14:03) RF microneedling: clinical uses and limitations

(20:10) Lasers vs. RF vs. ultrasound: what’s the difference?

(29:23) What David wishes he knew before buying devices

(31:23) 3 key questions to ask before any equipment purchase

(36:46) Does your pricing match the patient outcome?

(42:36) How to pre-test demand before investing

(44:32) Patient psychology: pricing, pain, and perceived value

(48:39) The formula: how David pays off devices in weeks

Social media for aesthetic providers is no longer about chasing likes. The practices that grow are the ones that build connection, show up consistently, and share content that earns trust.

In this episode of Aesthetic Visionaries, Erika Barry, NP-C, known as Injector Bunny, and content strategist Libby Dysart join Moxie’s Mikyla Race to talk about what makes social media work for medspas today. They share how to use authenticity, education, and grit to build a personal brand that attracts the right patients and keeps your calendar full.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What consistency and grit look like: Build daily habits that turn posting into lasting growth
• Why authenticity matters: Create real engagement through honest, imperfect content
• Ways to position yourself as an expert: Blend education, entertainment, and personality to turn followers into patients

Episode chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(05:24) Owning the awkward in your brand

(08:47) Turning authenticity into connection

(13:16) Why buying likes & followers don’t work

(17:20) Niche authority and storytelling in 2025

(24:01) The truth about your first 100 posts

(31:00) CTAs that drive real conversions

(42:15) Easy ways to plan and batch content

(46:36) Turning Q&As into content gold

(47:16) Final takeaways and next steps

More medspa owners are embracing ultrasound as a way to elevate patient care and strengthen their clinical skills. For Dr. Gretchen, it has become a core part of scaling her multi-location aesthetic practice while keeping results consistent and patients safe.

In this episode of Aesthetic Visionaries, Dr. Gretchen joins Brittany Bureski to share how she built GFaceMD from a single rented room to three thriving locations, and why ultrasound is central to her training, procedures, and business systems. From anatomy mapping to complication management, she explains how this technology supports precision and trust.

With real examples and lessons learned from expansion, you’ll hear what it takes to grow a medspa without sacrificing culture or quality.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How ultrasound improves injector accuracy and confidence: Visualize anatomy, confirm placement, and manage complications with clarity.
• When to make the leap from one location to many: Use systems, trust, and mentorship to guide the process.
• Ways to bring ultrasound into your practice: Start with select procedures, then build patient awareness and adoption.

Episode chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:27) From a pathology to an aesthetics career shift

(05:11) Starting GFaceMD in a nail salon

(10:11) Hiring lessons that shaped practice growth

(15:18) Why ultrasound is essential for injectors

(18:17) Building systems to scale without burnout

(22:13) Key procedures best suited for ultrasound

(24:47) Advice for medspa owners ready to expand

Experienced providers know PRP. But a growing number of providers are also adding Pure PDGF to their toolkit to help deliver results their patients can count on.

In this episode of Aesthetic Visionaries, regenerative medicine pioneer Dr. Sam Lynch and aesthetic nurse practitioner David Weir explain the science behind Platelet-Derived Growth Factor and its use in aesthetics. Backed by FDA approvals and more than 5 million treatments, PDGF offers a pharmaceutical-grade solution to stimulate collagen, reduce inflammation, and speed recovery post-procedure.

Through case studies and clinical insight, you’ll hear how practitioners are using PDGF to improve outcomes across microneedling, lasers, scalp treatments, and more.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why PRP and PRF may fall short: Variability in blood quality can limit results, especially for older patients.
• How PDGF can improve healing and consistency: Get faster recovery times and more predictable outcomes without needing a blood draw.
• Ways to integrate PDGF into your practice: Pair with lasers, RF microneedling, or micro-coring to maximize results.

Episode chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:37) What PDGF is and how it works

(09:03) Why PRP and PRF are inconsistent

(11:26) How ariessence delivers predictable treatment results

(16:14) Stem cell attraction and healing response

(24:58) Real-time inflammation reduction after microneedling

(28:00) Increasing hair density with PDGF microneedling

(34:35) Faster recovery from aggressive combination treatments

(40:43) PRP vs. PDGF for hair restoration

A surprise board investigation can feel like the worst-case scenario, but it doesn’t have to derail your business. With the right systems and support in place, you can protect your license, your team, and your peace of mind.

In this episode of Aesthetic Visionaries, healthcare attorney Sara Shikhman, Managing Partner at Lengea Law, breaks down what really happens during a board investigation and how medspa owners can navigate it with confidence. With over 18 years of experience and more than 1,500 cases under her belt, Sara shares the legal and operational steps that keep your practice protected.

From recognizing red flags to training your front desk team, this episode gives you a clear path forward without the fear or confusion.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

What triggers an investigation

• From anonymous complaints to compliance gaps, know what boards are looking for.

What to do when the board shows up

• Why your response matters, and how to involve your attorney the right way.

How to stay protected

• The documentation, protocols, and policies every aesthetic practice should have in place.

Episode chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:04) What to do during surprise inspections

(02:51) Common triggers for board investigations

(04:05) Why lawyers come before insurance

(07:22) The risks of cutting corners with documentation

(10:11) Why experience doesn't replace compliance

(11:49) How to de-escalate patient issues early

(19:47) What not to write in patient charts

Whether you’re responding to a complaint or tightening up your operations, this episode gives you the insight and tools to stay protected, proactive, and in control.

Hiring your first team member, or expanding your aesthetic practice, comes with more than just finding someone who fits your culture. There are legal, structural, and financial considerations that can impact your business long-term.

In this episode of Aesthetic Visionaries, employment law expert Iggy Garcia shares what every medspa owner needs to know when it comes to bringing on help. From creating clear job descriptions to choosing between W2 employees and 1099 contractors, Iggy walks through the legal steps that protect both your team and your business.

He also breaks down insurance essentials, confidentiality agreements, and the role of employee handbooks, offering a complete look at how to grow your team with confidence and compliance.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

How to start smart

• Why job descriptions matter and how they guide hiring and onboarding.

W2 vs 1099

• What’s legally required for each, and how to avoid misclassification mistakes.

Protecting your practice

• From confidentiality agreements to insurance coverage, learn how to set up your business for long-term success.

Episode chapters:

(00:00) Introduction

(03:43) Writing job descriptions that work

(06:21) 1099 contractors vs W2 employees

(09:24) Risks of informal or under-the-table help

(12:26) Insurance considerations as you hire

(14:23) Safeguarding client lists and materials

(16:45) Understanding the current stance on non-competes

(19:04) Why you should have an employee handbook, even with a small team

Whether you’re hiring your first injector or building a larger staff, this conversation will help you navigate the hiring process with clarity, confidence, and legal peace of mind.

Creating a luxurious medical aesthetics practice goes far beyond offering effective treatments.

You have to shape a distinctive brand, cultivate meaningful relationships with patients, and truly stand out in a fast-paced, competitive industry.

For Hilary Baer Hogan, founder of Bare Skin Marin, and Kaeli Lindholm, CEO of KLC Consulting, the key to success lies in intentionality. Both have successfully created thriving businesses by embracing their unique values and crafting experiences that leave clients feeling valued and cared for.

In this episode, Hilary and Kaeli share their approach to creating exceptional patient experiences, how to differentiate in a saturated market, and the power of team training. Whether you’re starting out or scaling your practice, their insights offer invaluable guidance on how to create a brand that resonates with both patients and your team.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The luxury experience is more than just appearances: It’s about creating a lasting impression and offering a personalized, memorable service at every touchpoint.
• Differentiation is key: In a crowded market, building real relationships with patients and staying true to your brand’s identity are crucial for success.
• Training your team for excellence: Consistent, high-quality service starts with a well-trained team that understands your vision and values.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:25) Creating luxury guest experiences

(04:17) Personalizing patient service

(06:12) Differentiating in a competitive market

(09:09) The role of pricing in attracting patients

(11:57) Importance of team training

(14:12) Social media’s impact on branding

(16:23) Developing proprietary methodologies

(19:02) Tracking excellence in patient experience

Building a standout med spa isn’t just about offering great treatments.

It’s about crafting a brand that resonates, building trust with patients, and setting yourself apart in a competitive industry.

For Allie McAllister, Co-Founder of CULT Aesthetics Clinics, and Dr. Alexandra Palumbo, Founder of Blonde Girl Aesthetics, branding goes beyond logos and design. It’s about the patient experience, authenticity, and consistency. Both have built thriving businesses by leaning into what makes them unique and creating spaces where patients feel confident and cared for.

In this episode, Allie and Alexandra break down what makes a medical aesthetics brand successful, the role of personal branding, and how to build a business that attracts the right patients. Whether you’re just starting or looking to refine your brand, their insights offer a roadmap for standing out in the industry.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Branding is more than aesthetics: Your brand isn’t just visuals; it’s the entire patient experience, from first impression to long-term retention.
• Build trust through authenticity: Patients can tell when something feels forced. A genuine, personal approach attracts the right audience.
• Know when to scale and adapt:  As your business grows, your brand needs to evolve with it. Find the right balance between staying true to your identity and innovating for the future.

Jump into the conversation:

(02:22) Branding strategies in competitive markets  

(04:11) Personal vs. business branding balance  

(08:54) Authenticity and trust in aesthetics  

(13:11) Standing out in crowded med spas  

(18:28) Challenges of scaling med spa teams  

(23:50) Social media tactics for providers  

(26:52) Choosing the right treatments wisely