In today’s conversation, we’re breaking down how we learned to truly understand our business without obsessing over revenue or sharing private numbers. We walk through the exact systems we use to track expenses, analyze bookings, and plan intentional growth—including YNAB for budgeting, Mangomint for booking data and forecasting, working with a CPA, and how we used ChatGPT as a powerful tool to connect the dots between it all.

In this episode of The Lounge by The Skin Distillery, we discuss various topics relevant to estheticians, including hiring practices, financial strategies, and the importance of technology in client engagement.

• Hiring the Right People
• Strategies for Saving in Business
• Investing in Devices for Growth
• Utilizing Technology for Client Management

In this episode, Emily and Mel discuss the Glacial Gloss device, a revolutionary treatment that utilizes cryo-aesthetics to combat skin inflammation and promote youthful skin. We delve into the device's features, the treatment process, and our journey to acquiring it, highlighting its benefits for various skin types and conditions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of client experience and the versatility of the treatment, making it a valuable addition to any aesthetic practice.

In this episode of The Skyn Distillery Lounge, we’re pulling back the curtain on one of the questions we get the most: How did we actually finance our skincare + sauna studio?

We’re walking you through the real numbers behind our 2024 build-out (just around $100K), how we split expenses, the baby-fund sacrifice, the unexpected personal loan that saved us, what we financed at 0%, and the mistakes we made along the way.

Plus, we’re opening with a very real November check-in — a dip in bookings, 40 clients having babies, a Mangomint setting we accidentally had turned on (oops), and how TikTok + retail literally saved our month.

Whether you're an esthetician, a beauty entrepreneur, or just curious about what it really takes to build a studio from the ground up, this episode is transparent, messy, honest, and full of hard-earned wisdom.

✨ In this episode we cover:

• The behind-the-scenes chaos of November bookings

• Our full build-out cost breakdown

• How we funded the $62K contractor bill

• 0% financing hacks we used

• Emily’s nontraditional journey to securing her $30K

• What we’d do differently

• Advice for esthies dreaming of their own space

Share this episode with another esthi or entrepreneur — transparency helps everyone grow.

In this episode, we discuss our experiences with infrared saunas, focusing on our choice of Clear Light saunas, the assembly process, the benefits of infrared therapy, and how they enhance client experiences at their studio. We also touch on promotional strategies, business insights, and the personal benefits they have experienced from regular sauna use, emphasizing the importance of self-care and wellness in our studio.

In this episode, we share the journey of launching the Skyn Distillery Skincare and Sauna Studio, detailing the challenges and triumphs we faced from the initial dream to the reality of opening our own storefront. We discuss the importance of having a clear vision, navigating the lease process, finding the perfect space, and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation emphasizes the significance of teamwork, asking the right questions, and being prepared for the risks involved in entrepreneurship.

After an unexpected 18-month hiatus, we’re finally back — and we have a story to tell. In this episode, we open up about everything that’s happened behind the scenes: building our new studio, navigating delays and challenges, trusting the timing, and learning to pivot when things didn’t go according to plan.

We share the real, raw journey of finding the right space, surviving the build-out process, and the personal and professional growth that came from it all. From the highs of new beginnings to the hurdles of entrepreneurship, this conversation is honest, reflective, and full of lessons we’re excited to pass along.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or on the edge of a big transition — this episode is for you. We’re so glad to be back, and even more excited to bring you along for what’s next.

We are talking all about esthi life with Cara Dempsey, who is the owner, esthetician, and founder of We Love Acne in East Tennessee! Cara shares all about the growth of her business and how she is focusing on acneic skin.

DRINK: Dandelion Root Tea

RESOURCES:

We Love Acne Website

We Love Acne Instagram

The Porefessionals Podcast

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Procell Therapies has been a game changer to add to our studio, so we wanted to dedicate an episode specifically to how we use Procell Therapies, who we use it with, and what our return on investment has been!

DRINK: Lemonade elderflower gin sipper using William Sonoma Bridergerton lemonade elderflower mixer

RESOURCES:

Procell Therapies Referral

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We thought we could use a little check in and update you on all the new things that are currently happening with our business, such as SEO, ways we are boosting client booking, and the new treatment we are bringing into the studio!

DRINK: Drink Starbucks Lavendar Iced Latte + Hazelnut Shaken Expresso

CONNECT WITH US:

Please share your thoughts on this episode with me in IG Stories / DM us, we would love to hear from you.

Follow us:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theskyndistillery⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@theskyndistillerylounge⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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