This episode of Sheryl Said is a short reflection on something we all have… but never enough of: time.

Time is the thinnest commodity we have. It’s not stored on a shelf, not hoarded in a vault. It doesn’t wait for us to be ready. It just… moves.

We often treat time as though it’s infinite—scrolling, waiting, postponing, assuming there will always be more of it. But here’s the hard truth: every second that passes is a second we will never get back. Time, once spent—on purpose or wasted—is gone forever.

Unlike money, time can’t be earned back. Unlike energy, it can’t be replenished with rest. It’s the one thing we all start with and spend completely, whether we’re conscious of it or not.

So today, I invite you to treat time with reverence. Guard it. Invest it in what matters. Pay attention to how it passes—because it is passing, even now.

This week, I welcome industry icon Shelly Hancock—licensed esthetician, educator, mentor, and author of The Esthetician’s Guide to Outstanding Esthetics. Known as “The Machine Queen,” Shelly has empowered thousands of estheticians with her candid advice, technical expertise, and passion for helping pros create real results.

Whether you’re just starting or ready to level up, this episode is your roadmap to confidence, clarity, and career longevity in the ever-evolving world of skincare.

💡 Inside this episode:

What outstanding esthetics looks like in today’s market

The inspiration behind her books and why they still matter

Smart strategies for investing in equipment

The difference between “trendy” and “tried-and-true” in the treatment room

Building lasting success with intention and integrity

This week, I’m joined by cosmetic chemist, author, and science communicator Perry Romanowski, a voice of reason in the ever-evolving world of beauty product claims. Co-host of The Beauty Brains podcast and author of several books on cosmetic formulation, Perry shares what every esthetician and beauty professional needs to understand about ingredients, formulation myths, and product marketing. Also joining us is Valerie George, cosmetic chemist, product formulator, and co-host of The Beauty Brains podcast. Valerie brings sharp scientific insight and refreshingly honest takes on the beauty industry—from formulation facts to fear-based marketing.

💡 In this episode:

The truth behind “clean beauty” and marketing buzzwords

How cosmetic products are really formulated

What to look for (and ignore) on ingredient labels

How science literacy can set professionals apart

Why skepticism is your best beauty tool

Perry Romanowski— He’s known for translating cosmetic science into clear, actionable insight for both professionals and consumers.

Valerie George— Valerie is known for her transparent, no-nonsense approach to ingredient safety, product development, and debunking beauty myths with real science.

This week, I’m joined by industry icon and skin science educator Michele Phelan, founder of the Concepts Institute of Advanced Esthetics in the San Francisco Bay Area. Known for her unmatched expertise in skin histology, pathology, and advanced modalities, Michele is one of the most respected clinical minds in the field of esthetics.

From dissecting dermal layers to developing next-level education for serious professionals, Michele is on a mission to help estheticians think critically, treat responsibly, and elevate their results through real knowledge.

💡 In this episode:

What skin really needs—beyond product promises

The importance of histology and pathology in clinical practice

How Michele built Concepts Institute into a hub for advanced education

Mistakes estheticians make when skipping foundational science

Why deeper understanding leads to deeper client trust

This week, I sit down with Michael Conte, a respected figure in the aesthetics and wellness industry known for his strategic insight, leadership, and deep industry knowledge. With years of experience driving growth in both clinical and business settings, Michael shares hard-earned wisdom on what it really takes to succeed in a fast-evolving, highly competitive field.

💡 In this episode, we cover:

Trends transforming the aesthetics and wellness space

How to grow a business without losing your mission

Keys to successful team-building and leadership

What today's clients really expect—and how to exceed it

The mindset shift every professional needs to thrive

This week, I’m joined by Juanita Burgess, visionary founder of No Honey Makeup—a clean beauty brand created with skin health, inclusivity, and self-expression at its core.

Juanita shares her journey from concept to creation, what inspired her to build a line for real skin and real people, and how No Honey is rewriting the rules of beauty with transparency, authenticity, and skin-first formulas.

💄 In this episode:

The origin story behind No Honey Makeup

Why traditional makeup didn’t work—and what she did differently

Creating products for every shade, skin type, and identity

How clean beauty can be bold, barrier-friendly, and empowering

Advice for fellow founders and creatives in the beauty space

This week, I had the honor of speaking with Mary Nielsen—a true powerhouse in the esthetics industry. Mary is the founder of Fearless Beauties, owner of Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics Institute, and creator of Skintelligent, a platform devoted to modern, evidence-based esthetic education.

She’s on a mission to change the way we train, treat, and think in the skincare world—calling for deeper cultural awareness, ethical practice, and stronger clinical knowledge.

🧠 In this episode, we explore:

The founding and mission of Fearless Beauties

How Spectrum Advanced Aesthetics is elevating education in medical esthetics

The purpose behind Skintelligent and why digital learning matters now more than ever

The importance of treating skin of every shade, age, and condition

Why estheticians must be fearless, culturally competent, and clinically sharp