Some estheticians build their entire identity around one device, one treatment or one trendy ingredient. Candace Marino, founder of The LA Facialist, took a completely different path.


In this episode of Esthetician Unlocked, Elaine Sterling sits down with Candace Marino, founder of The LA Facialist in Beverly Hills, for a conversation about what happens when an esthetician stops chasing every shiny thing and starts building real authority and owning their space. She explains why expertise is not what you say online. It is what you can do in the room when a real client is looking at you for answers.


What You'll Learn:

• 
  Why Candace does not rely on a traditional treatment menu
• How her “omakase facial” approach puts assessment before trends
• Why she stopped offering HydraFacial and moved away from one-device dependency
• Why estheticians need to act like experts, not order-takers
• Why retail recommendations are part of the result, not just a sales add-on
• How Candace gets clients to leave with clear home-care protocols
• How Candace thinks about innovation, exosomes, spicules, and salmon PDRN
• Why knowledge is not yours until years of hands-on practice make it yours
  
  

This episode breaks down how to build the kind of authority clients actually pay premium prices for.


About Candace:  


Candace Marino is the founder of The LA Facialist, a Beverly Hills skincare destination known for their customized facial treatments, advanced product curation and Candace’s signature no-BS approach to skin.


With more than two decades of experience, Candace has built a reputation for treating skin through deep assessment, hands-on technique, 90-minute facials, extractions, massage, curated home care, and a strong emphasis on professional judgment over trends. Through The LA Facialist, Candace combines professional expertise, retail strategy, continuing education, and a sharp eye for what is actually worth bringing into the treatment room.






Episode Resources: 

• 
  Candace Marino on LinkedIn
• Candace Marino on Instagram
• The LA Facialist Website
• Elaine Sterling on LinkedIn
• Elaine Sterling Institute on LinkedIn
  
  

Esthetician Unlocked is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Somewhere along the way, the beauty industry decided that more is better. More retinol. More exfoliation. More concentration. More products being pushed to people whose skin never asked for half of it.


In this episode of Esthetician Unlocked, Elaine Sterling sits down with Dr. Tiina Meder, dermatologist, cosmetic safety expert and founder of Meder Beauty, to talk about why that mindset is catching up with us. Tiina talks about the science behind peptides, proteins, probiotics, dysbiosis, the gut-skin-brain axis and why product education should go deeper than branded talking points. She also challenges estheticians to partner with brands that actually teach anatomy, physiology and ingredient function instead of handing them a sales script dressed up as education.


What You'll Learn:

• 
  Why Tiina moved from cardiology into dermatology and skincare innovation
• Why she believes peptides, proteins and probiotics are part of the future of safe skincare
• Why brand education should teach skin anatomy and physiology, not just product benefits
• How the beauty industry actually created the rise in sensitive, irritated skin
• Why retinol is powerful, overused and in need of more professional control
• What the microbiome actually does for skin immunity, resilience and aging
• How the gut, skin and brain are connected through inflammation and stress
• Why acne, depression and inflammation cannot always be treated as separate issues
• How estheticians can build more trust by recommending less, but recommending smarter
  
  

This episode is for every esthetician who is tired of watching clients wreck their skin in the name of “results” and wants a smarter, safer, more science-backed way to talk about skincare.


About Tiina:  


Dr. Tiina Meder is a dermatologist, cosmetic safety expert and founder of Meder Beauty. With more than 30 years of clinical experience across cardiology, dermatology and skincare innovation, Tiina has become a leading voice in microbiome-friendly skincare, safe ingredient use and professional education.


Her work focuses on creating effective skincare that supports long-term skin resilience rather than relying on aggressive actives or trend-driven formulations. Through Meder Beauty, Tiina has developed products centered on peptides, probiotics, prebiotics and safe, science-backed formulations designed to support professional skin practitioners and their clients. Tiina has educated beauty professionals in more than 40 countries and continues to advocate for a more ethical, informed and safety-conscious beauty industry. Her approach challenges professionals to think beyond product marketing and understand the biology of skin, the microbiome and the whole-body systems that influence skin health.


Episode Resources: 

• 
  Tiina Meder on LinkedIn
• Meder Beauty Website
• Elaine Sterling on LinkedIn
• Elaine Sterling Institute on LinkedIn
  
  

Esthetician Unlocked is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

The esthetics industry loves a new tool, a new peel, a new device, a new protocol - anything that looks like the next “must-have treatment”. But not all that glitters is gold. 


In this episode of Esthetician Unlocked, Elaine Sterling sits down with Lyn Ross, founder of Institut’ DERMed, to talk about what real professional mastery looks like. Lyn shares how her own struggles with acne and oily skin shaped her career, how physician referrals helped build her reputation and the big esthetician knowledge gap no one wants to talk about. 


What You'll Learn:

• 
  How Lyn’s personal skin struggles became the beginning of a corrective skincare career
• Why Institut’ DERMed grew out of a real education gap in chemical peels and skin function
• Why pH, concentration and formulation knowledge should be basic professional hygiene
• Why treatment stacking can become dangerous when ticket-building outruns clinical judgment
• How client education turns the end of the appointment into a trust-building moment
• Why touch therapy, energetic presence, and human connection still belong in modern esthetics
  
  

The big theme: esthetics is not just about what you can do to the skin. It is about knowing what the skin can handle, what the client needs and when your hands matter more than the machine.


About the Guest:  


Lyn Ross is the founder of Institut’ DERMed, a corrective skincare practice, advanced education institution and professional skincare brand. With nearly 40 years in business and more than five decades in the beauty industry, Lyn has become a respected leader in chemical peel education, dermaplaning, corrective skincare, esthetic mentorship and treatment protocol development. Through Institut’ DERMed, Lyn has trained estheticians, nurses, physicians and skincare professionals in advanced chemical peels, dermaplaning, skin analysis, post-operative care, lymphatic drainage and professional treatment systems. Her work continues to center on one core belief: quality, education, and trust are what make a beauty business last.


Episode Resources: 

• Lyn Ross on LinkedIn
• Institut’ DERMed Website
• Elaine Sterling on LinkedIn
• Elaine Sterling Institute on LinkedIn
  
  

Esthetician Unlocked is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Building a beauty business that people come back to over and o\ver akes alot more than expensive equipment and technical skills. In this episode of Esthetician Unlocked, host Elaine Sterling sits down with Crystal Ngozi Ochemba, founder and lead esthetician of Crystal Ngozi Beauty and Esthetics, to explore the business behind the treatment room. 
Together, they dive into the business lessons estheticians desperately need more of: why discounting attracts the wrong clients, how to price without panic, why your loyal clients should be your first focus group and why you should never buy every shiny new product just because social media says it’s the next big thing.

The big theme - your business is not built on equipment. It’s built on trust.

What You'll Learn:

• Why Crystal chose to specialize in skin of color and how niching helped her build her clientele
• Why “advertising to everyone” is usually a fast road to sounding like everyone else
• How to price your services using cost, overhead, income goals, and market research
• Why discounting can pull you into a race to the bottom
• Why preselling can help estheticians grow without draining their cash flow
• Why education creates the strongest client buy-in
• Why leading with heart and client care IS the business model
  
  

This episode serves as a much-needed reminder that building a beauty business is all about trust - not equipment. 


About the Guest:  

Crystal Ngozi Ochemba is the founder and lead esthetician of Crystal Ngozi Beauty and Esthetics. Her practice specializes in acne, hyperpigmentation, and professional skincare for women of color. 

Before entering esthetics professionally, Crystal spent over a decade in marketing and began her beauty journey as a makeup artist in 2014. Crystal became a licensed esthetician in 2020 and officially started her practice in 2021. Her work combines clinical skincare knowledge, business strategy, market research, and a deep commitment to education-led client care. She is also involved in the development of AI-powered tools designed to support future estheticians and beauty professionals in better understanding skin of color.


Episode Resources: 

• Crystal Ngozi Ochemba on LinkedIn
• Crystal Ngozi Beauty & Esthetics Website
• Elaine Sterling on LinkedIn
• Elaine Sterling Institute on LinkedIn

Esthetician Unlocked is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

It may be 2026, but the aesthetics industry continues to fall short when it comes to the safe and skillful treatment of melanin-rich skin. In this episode of Esthetician Unlocked, host Elaine Sterling sits down with JoElle Lee, a powerhouse in medical aesthetics with nearly three decades of experience, to discuss why quality melanin care is a moral and professional imperative, how the industry needs to change and the systemic gaps in esthetics education that need correction.
What You'll Learn:

• Why inflammation is the enemy in melanin-rich skin treatment
• The PIH (Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation) Score Framework
• How to start conservative and build trust through thorough consultation
• Why chemical peels are the gold standard for melanin-rich skin when done right
• The critical difference between skin tone and skin sensitivity
• How to position your esthetics practice for the future

Tune in for an eye-opening conversation about the state of aesthetics today and what needs to change. 
About JoElle Lee:  

JoElle Lee, Founder of JoElle Lee Advanced Esthetics Training, is a licensed esthetician, educator, and internationally recognized Skin of Color expert with nearly 30 years of clinical experience. She is known for advancing safer treatment protocols for melanin-rich skin and for educating estheticians, medical spa professionals, and global beauty brands on clinical decision-making, risk assessment, and treatment safety.
Her expertise has been trusted by high-profile clients, including former First Lady Michelle Obama. Her work now focuses on raising the standard of care for skin of color worldwide through advanced education, clinical training, and industry partnerships. She is currently building the Skin of Color Global Institute, an initiative focused on advancing global clinical safety standards for treating melanin-rich skin.
Episode Resources: 

• JoElle Lee on LinkedIn
• JoElle Lee on Instagram
• JoElle Lee’s Personal Website
• Elaine Sterling on LinkedIn
• Elaine Sterling Institute on LinkedIn
  
  

Esthetician Unlocked is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Welcome to Esthetician Unlocked, hosted by Elaine Sterling. You're now entering the podcast for navigating the fast-paced world of beauty trends. Through practical, expert-led conversations, we help you sift through the TikTok trends, Instagram reels and influencer recommendation to find what really works. 

Whether you’re a beauty newbie or a seasoned enthusiast, we’ll equip you with practical tips, honest reviews and the knowledge to make informed choices for your beauty journey. Tune in for fresh perspectives, myth-busting insights and everything you need to keep your beauty routine on point in this ever-evolving world!

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In this episode of Esthetician Unlocked, we sit down with Quinise Arnold to talk about her business journey, the story behind her name inspired by Maya Angelou, and the latest nail beauty trends. We also play a fun round of Beauty or Baloney where Quinise puts her nail expertise to the test.

Quinise Arnold is a multidisciplinary creative and business strategist who leads with presence and purpose. As the owner of Conceit Nail and Beauty Studios, a licensed Realtor, and an award-winning experience curator, she’s committed to helping people feel at home in their bodies, their spaces, and their stories. Her work lives at the intersection of beauty, business, and belonging, always guided by authenticity, intention, and impact.

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In this episode of Esthetician Unlocked, we sit down with Cheron Hamner master stylist, beauty entrepreneur, and motivational leader. From her beginnings as an Atlanta stylist to building a seven-figure salon business, Cheron shares her powerful story of resilience, transformation, and success.

Our conversation explores her journey to Atlanta, the role of hypnotherapy and personal development in her growth, and her unique perspective on hair trends and the evolving beauty industry. Cheron also discusses how outer appearance and inner confidence work hand-in-hand to create lasting impact.

After overcoming clinical depression through fitness and mindset work, Cheron went on to become a competitive bodybuilder and spent five years working alongside motivational speaker Lisa Nichols, helping women step into their power. Today, her insights are sought after by both the beauty industry and major media outlets.

This episode offers a rare look into the intersection of beauty, entrepreneurship, and personal empowerment. Whether you are a stylist, an aspiring entrepreneur, or simply looking for inspiration, Cheron’s story will leave you motivated to step fully into your own power.

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In this fun and candid episode, Elaine sits down with our brand-new Director of Student Services, Mr. Erik Maney, to give listeners the inside scoop on the man behind the title. From his approach to balancing work and life, to his love of music and the gym, to navigating dating and building authentic connections Erik opens up about who he is beyond the office.

To top it off, Erik and Elaine play a round of Two Truths and a Lie that you don’t want to miss! This episode is all about getting to know the heart and humor of our newest team member while exploring what drives his passion for students and success.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more inspiring conversations, behind-the-scenes stories, and a closer look into the Elaine Sterling Institute community!

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Elevating Beauty Through Vision with Jacie Eber
In this episode of Esthetician Unlocked, Elaine sits down with Jacie Eber, Health and Beauty Manager at Designs for Vision, to explore how her work is transforming the way beauty professionals see and feel on the job. With a background in the medical field, Jacie shares how she’s helping estheticians reduce pain and improve posture all while enhancing their vision. The conversation also dives into fun topics like sports, favorite TV shows, and industry insights you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Subscribe to Esthetician Unlocked for more inspiring episodes, real conversations, and beauty biz gems!

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