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Couture Conversations Podcast

Serenity's Summer and Skincare Routine

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Quick bonus short with Ashley's daughter, Serenity. We discuss what's happening this summer and how she treats her skin. Super short bonus episode.

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What happens when someone who's struggled with skin insecurities their entire life finally finds real solutions? In this heartfelt conversation, Ashley Gillen opens up about her personal battle with rosacea, freckles, and cystic acne that shaped not just her appearance, but her entire sense of self-worth and confidence.

Ashley's story will resonate with anyone who's ever felt uncomfortable in their own skin. Growing up in Florida with redness and freckles that classmates would "play connect-the-dots with," she spent years hiding behind heavy makeup and long sleeves. When pregnancy brought cystic acne that left permanent scarring, her struggle intensified just as she was trying to navigate new motherhood and career changes.

The turning point came when Ashley joined the Couture Med Spa team and discovered what was possible through consistent treatments and proper skincare education. She shares the transformative power of IPL therapy for redness and sun damage, fractional treatments for resurfacing and collagen stimulation, and her essential skincare routine featuring hyaluronic acid, gentle cleansers, and sunscreen.

What makes this episode particularly powerful is Ashley's reflection on how her own transformation enables her to connect authentically with clients facing similar struggles. She brings vulnerability and lived experience to each consultation, creating trust through shared understanding. When a client tells her they finally feel comfortable wearing less makeup or a tank top for the first time, Ashley knows exactly what that victory feels like.

The conversation explores how proper education forms the foundation of successful skincare journeys. Ashley emphasizes that explaining treatments in accessible ways helps clients understand both what to expect and why consistency is crucial for optimal results—particularly with challenging conditions that require long-term management.

Whether you're currently struggling with skin concerns or supporting someone who is, this episode offers hope, practical advice, and a reminder that you're never alone in your skincare journey. Visit couturemedspacom or follow Couture Med Spa on social media to learn how you can start your own transformation story.

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Ever wondered what it takes to build a thriving business from scratch? Ashley Gillin, the very first employee and now Director of Business Development at Couture Med Spa, pulls back the curtain on an extraordinary 12-year journey that transformed a tiny 10x10 room into a seven-location aesthetics empire.

This conversation captures the essence of entrepreneurial spirit as Ashley shares the earliest days of Couture - working from a cell phone with manual appointment books while pregnant with her first child. She reveals the unwavering vision that has guided the company since day one: making aesthetics affordable for everyone while creating a judgment-free environment where clients feel truly comfortable in their own skin.

What makes this story particularly compelling is how Couture disrupted the medical spa industry. As one of the first to introduce membership models, they faced skepticism from competitors who questioned their pricing strategy. Yet that innovative approach has become their hallmark, attracting clients who regularly express amazement at receiving comprehensive care at accessible prices. Some even fly in from across the country for treatments!

Beyond business insights, this episode touches on something deeply human - the vulnerability people feel when addressing appearance-related concerns. Ashley speaks passionately about creating spaces where clients can share their insecurities without judgment, whether dealing with acne scars, weight management, or other personal struggles. It's this empathetic foundation that has built a loyal community where transformation happens from the inside out.

Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking inspiration, someone curious about aesthetics, or simply love stories of businesses built on genuine care, this episode offers valuable perspective on building something meaningful. Discover how Couture Med Spa continues to expand their unique approach to beauty, confidence, and accessibility.

Ready to experience the Couture difference? Follow us on Instagram or visit CoutureMedSpa.com to learn about our treatments and upcoming events!

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Couture Conversations Podcast

Rapid Fire Skincare Solutions

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What happens when you ask a skincare expert to recommend treatments without giving them time to think? You get raw, unfiltered expertise that cuts through the marketing noise and reveals what really works.

In this energetic episode of Couture Conversations, we shake things up with Clara, a practice admin from Couture Med Spa, putting her on the spot with a rapid-fire session of skincare concerns and immediate treatment recommendations. From rough texture to stubborn melasma, enlarged pores to body contouring, Clara delivers her gut-reaction solutions before we dive deeper into the science and strategy behind each choice.

The conversation takes a particularly fascinating turn when discussing melasma, as both hosts share their personal struggles with this persistent condition. "Melasma always has to be controlled. It very rarely, if ever, completely goes away," they explain, offering hope through consistent management rather than false promises of permanent cures. Their candid discussion about treatments like Even and Correct, hydroquinone, and heat-free procedures provides a realistic roadmap for anyone battling this complex condition.

We also explore the transformative world of peptides for weight loss, sharing touching stories of clients who've lost over 100 pounds through comprehensive protocols. "We don't just bring clients in and give them some shots and say 'here you go, hopefully lose some weight.' We really give them the tools to be successful," Clara emphasizes, highlighting the importance of accountability and support in any wellness journey.

Whether you're curious about which lasers actually work for sun damage, how hydrofacials transform enlarged pores, or why Sculptra has become the gold standard for natural-looking volume replacement, this episode delivers honest answers from professionals who've seen it all. The unscripted format reveals not just what treatments work, but how combining different modalities creates truly transformative results.

Ready to cut through the confusion and create a skincare strategy that actually works for your unique concerns? Listen now, and discover why sometimes the fastest answers are the most revealing ones.

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Couture Conversations

Running the Show: A Candid Look at MedSpa Management with Clara

Couture Med Spa

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Ever wondered what keeps a luxury medspa running like clockwork when you step through its doors? In this revealing conversation with Clara, Practice Administrator at Couture Med Spa, we pull back the curtain on the organized chaos that clients never see.

From pre-dawn preparation rituals fueled by essential coffee to the delicate art of balancing corporate policies with genuine client care, Clara shares how she manages to be everyone's go-to problem solver while keeping the medspa experience seamless for clients. "I want everyone to feel seen and heard," she explains, revealing her philosophy that has guided her three-year journey from front desk coordinator to practice administrator.

What does it really take to thrive in aesthetic medicine management? Clara doesn't sugarcoat the challenges of juggling urgent tasks, maintaining team communication, and ensuring every client receives personalized attention. Her advice for aspiring med spa managers centers on what she calls the perfect recipe: "Passion for the treatments, patience with people, and genuine care for helping others."

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Clara shares her prediction for the industry's future—a marriage of external aesthetics with internal wellness that creates a holistic approach to beauty. This integration is already beginning with treatments that address both appearance and health from the inside out.

Whether you're considering a career in aesthetic medicine, curious about the inner workings of a med spa, or simply appreciate hearing from professionals who've mastered the art of making the complex look easy, Clara's insights offer valuable perspective on finding fulfillment through helping others feel their best.

Tune in to discover why Clara believes finding your workplace "family," staying curious about evolving treatments, and remembering we're "all human, all trying to do the same thing" are the keys to success in any fast-paced profession.

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Couture Conversations Podcast

Client Relations: Building Trust Beyond Treatments

Couture Med Spa

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Building genuine relationships sits at the heart of everything we do at Couture Med Spa. Regional Manager Raquel pulls back the curtain on how these connections transform both the client experience and our business success in this enlightening conversation.

When clients share their insecurities and appearance concerns, they're placing immense trust in our hands. Raquel reveals the thoughtful practices that ensure every person feels valued from their very first phone call. You'll discover why our staff keeps mirrors at the front desk (hint: you really can "hear" a smile through the phone) and the training techniques that help even shy team members forge meaningful connections with clients.

The podcast explores powerful relationship-building strategies that any business can implement. Learn about the simple yet effective practice of documenting personal details about clients to create continuity in relationships, making people feel remembered and valued on return visits. Raquel shares touching stories of long-term clients who've become like family – from those who track down staff members just to say goodbye before moving away to others who remember personal preferences and bring homemade treats as gifts.

Perhaps most revealing is how these relationships flow both ways. "I think clients don't realize they have just as much impact on us as we do on them," Raquel explains. This mutual appreciation creates an authentic environment where both staff and clients genuinely look forward to seeing each other.

Whether you're in the aesthetics industry or any customer-facing business, you'll take away Raquel's powerful guiding principle: "Take care of your team. Your team takes care of your clients. Your clients take care of your business." Discover how prioritizing genuine human connection in an increasingly transaction-focused world creates lasting relationships that benefit everyone involved.

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Couture Conversations Podcast

The Secret Sauce: Raquel's Journey from CCC to Regional Manager

Couture Med Spa

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Ever wondered what happens when someone experiences both sides of aesthetic treatments—as both provider and patient? In this revealing episode of Couture Conversations, we sit down with Raquel, Regional Manager for Couture Med Spa's Florida locations, who shares her remarkable journey from front desk coordinator to leadership while transforming her own skin and health along the way.

Raquel takes us back to 2020 when she joined Couture fresh out of retail, excited simply to wear scrubs and perform B12 injections. Her natural talent for leadership quickly propelled her through the ranks to her current role overseeing multiple locations. What sets her management style apart? A commitment to leading by example—showing up in scrubs rather than business attire, working the front desk alongside her team, and never asking staff to do anything she wouldn't do herself.

The conversation takes a personal turn when Raquel reveals her own transformation through Couture's services. Having struggled with severe acne that led to extensive scarring, she went from "wearing makeup to the pool" to rarely using cosmetics after consistent fractional laser and IPL treatments. Later, she achieved an 80-pound weight loss using the spa's injectable weight loss program before her wedding—experiences that allow her to authentically recommend treatments to clients.

What truly distinguishes this episode is the insider perspective on Couture Med Spa's unique position in the aesthetics industry. Raquel shares shocking comparisons between Couture's affordable pricing and competitors charging 5-8 times more for identical treatments using the exact same equipment. This "luxury meets affordability" approach has created fiercely loyal clients who follow Couture even when relocating to new cities.

Whether you're curious about aesthetic treatments, contemplating a career in the industry, or simply appreciate stories of personal and professional growth, this candid conversation offers valuable insights into how accessible, quality aesthetic services are revolutionizing self-care for everyday people. Ready to learn how proper treatments combined with medical-grade skincare can transform not just your appearance but your confidence? This episode is your perfect starting point.

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Couture Conversations Podcast

Training the Future: Diane Gillin on Aesthetic Education

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Ever wondered what separates a great injector from a merely good one? The answer lies in continuous education, ethical practice, and knowing when to say "no" to client requests.

Diane Gillin, founder of Couture Med Spa and National Trainer for Allergan Medical Institute, pulls back the curtain on aesthetic education in this eye-opening episode. With nearly two decades of experience, Diane reveals how drastically the field has evolved and why staying current with training makes all the difference in client outcomes.

"Everyone starts from day one," Diane reassures new practitioners, while emphasizing the importance of mastering fundamentals before attempting advanced techniques. She shares her favorite aspect of teaching—watching the excitement of new injectors as they discover how a single syringe of filler can dramatically transform a face when placed strategically.

For anyone considering aesthetic treatments, this conversation offers invaluable guidance on finding a trustworthy provider. Diane warns against practitioners who never say "no" or immediately recommend thousands in treatments. "If they quote you $8,000 worth of filler, it's probably a red flag," she cautions, advocating for the patient-centered approach that defines excellent care.

Perhaps most fascinating is Diane's insight into facial balancing—the art of assessing the entire face structurally before addressing specific concerns. "You have to build the foundation of the house before adding the windows and shutters," she explains, revealing why the most effective treatments often don't directly target the area clients initially complain about.

Whether you're a provider seeking to elevate your practice or someone curious about aesthetic treatments, this conversation delivers both practical wisdom and inspiring perspective on an industry dedicated to helping people feel their best. Subscribe to Couture Conversations for more insider knowledge about the constantly evolving world of aesthetic medicine.

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Couture Conversations Podcast

Couture Med Spa

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Diane Gillin never planned to revolutionize the med spa industry. A passionate trauma ICU nurse with dreams of "saving lives and changing the world," she reluctantly agreed to help a friend at a plastic surgeon's office for just one day. That single day changed everything.

What followed was a profound revelation—Diane realized she could transform lives without the emotional devastation of critical care nursing. "I can change lives," she recalls thinking, "and I don't have to put people in body bags." With encouragement from her father and a business partner who saw her potential, 27-year-old Diane took a leap of faith that would redefine her career and the aesthetic industry.

Starting in a tiny 8x10 room with just her sister-in-law as her first employee, Diane built Couture Med Spa on a revolutionary concept: "where luxury meets affordability." Rejecting the exclusivity she'd witnessed in the industry, she created a welcoming space where everyone could access quality aesthetic treatments. Within 90 days, her waiting room was so consistently packed that she was asked to find her own space—a telling sign of what was to come.

The journey hasn't been without challenges. As a female entrepreneur, Diane faced barriers her male business partner didn't experience: "It's ten times harder to get a yes being a woman." Nevertheless, she persisted, handling everything from hiring to inventory while maintaining her hands-on approach—something she continues today, even answering phones and calling leads between podcast recordings.

Thirteen years later, Couture Med Spa operates seven locations across Florida, New Hampshire, and Virginia, with ambitious franchise expansion plans. But Diane's greatest pride isn't the business growth—it's watching her team members evolve, purchase their first homes, start families, and grow professionally. Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? "Surround yourself with positive people that complement you" and recognize when relationships no longer serve your growth.

Ready to experience the difference at Couture Med Spa? Visit www.couturemedspa.com or follow us across social media to learn how we're changing lives by making aesthetic treatments accessible to everyone.

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Couture Conversations Podcast #6

Couture Med Spa

www.couturemedspa.com

What happens when the founder of a med spa finally confronts her lifelong battle with weight? Diane's raw, emotional journey from 300 pounds to losing 170 pounds isn't just about numbers—it's about reclaiming life itself.

"I look at myself now and I look at myself 170 pounds ago and I know I added a decade onto my life," Diane reveals in this deeply personal conversation. For someone who tried "every pill, lotion, potion, diet" since childhood, her transformation required more than willpower—it demanded a complete mindset revolution.

The turning point came during her father's cancer battle. Seeing her hero frail yet fighting sparked an epiphany that changed everything. Through gastric sleeve surgery, GLP-1 medications, and unwavering commitment, Diane navigated plateaus and setbacks that would have defeated her former self. But this isn't a story about medical interventions—it's about using every available tool to become who you were always meant to be.

What makes this episode particularly powerful is Diane's honesty about the psychological journey. The strange disconnect between her new body and self-perception. The liberation of finally having her outside match her inside. The guilt she initially felt about using medical help for weight loss. "It's not cheating," she emphasizes. "It's giving you your life back."

As a woman in the aesthetics industry who once heard clients say, "You don't look like you should be selling body contouring services because you're so big," her transformation transcends physical change. It's about silencing critics, proving doubters wrong, and most importantly, becoming comfortable in her own skin for the first time in her life.

Whether you're considering your own weight loss journey or simply need inspiration to tackle seemingly impossible goals, Diane's message resonates: "If I can do it, anyone can do it."