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Kate Sprouse stumbled upon sugaring while teaching at a holistic aesthetics school, and something about this ancient hair removal technique captivated her completely. "Once you touch sugar," she explains, "once I held it, once I got certified, I started playing around with it at home. I sugared any friend or family member that would come around, and I was like this is it? This is the ticket?"

Fifteen years later, Kate's intuition has proven remarkably accurate. Her Portland-based business, Sugar Me, now boasts two thriving locations and recently claimed the coveted "Best Hair Removal" title across all techniques in Portland's 2024 citywide competition. This recognition feels especially meaningful as it signifies sugaring's emergence from relative obscurity into mainstream awareness.

What truly distinguishes Kate's business model isn't just her singular focus on perfecting the sugaring craft, but her revolutionary approach to team building. Rather than viewing employee departures as failures, she's created an ecosystem where team members can flourish under her guidance and eventually open their own studios—with her full blessing and continued support. "I've kind of created a business model where they come, they work, and if they wish to, then they can go out and do their own business as well. And that cycle has kept rolling through," Kate explains. This philosophy of abundance—believing there are always more than enough clients for everyone who does quality work—challenges conventional business wisdom but has created a tight-knit community of sugar professionals in Portland.

For those considering entering the sugar world, Kate offers simple wisdom gained from her journey: recognize that success is "a marathon, not a sprint," appreciate each chapter of your professional development, and understand that business ownership requires entirely different skills than being an excellent practitioner. Want to experience this unique approach firsthand? Visit Sugar Me in Portland, where Kate and her team continue redefining what professional mentorship looks like in the beauty industry.

If you’ve connected with or been inspired by this episode in any way, leave us a review and let us know your biggest takeaway - I’d love to hear how you embrace Sugaring For All!! And while you've got your phone out, make sure to follow us on Instagram @Love2Sugar.

If you are interested in our business planner you can find the SugarBoss Planner here --->https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/love2sugar

The link to our Monthly SugarBiz Blueprint: https://www.love2sugar.com/offers/cMhp76LA/checkout

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What happens when the Sugar Mama meets the Sugar Daddy? A frank, educational, and surprisingly hilarious conversation about the specialized world of male body sugaring! Shannon welcomes Armando Gualtieri, founder of The Sugar Daddy - New York's premier sugaring studio exclusively for male anatomy - to share insights from his thriving practice.

Armando's journey from massage therapist and theater artist to sugaring specialist began with his own painful waxing experience (colorfully described as feeling like "someone had punched me in the butthole"). After discovering the magic of sugaring, he built a thriving business with an all-male staff focused on professional, expert care for clients with male anatomy, regardless of gender identity. His approach fills a crucial gap in the beauty industry, creating a safe space where transgender, non-binary, straight, and gay men all receive specialized care without judgment.

The conversation delves into professional considerations unique to male sugaring - from handling spontaneous physical responses to understanding the wide variations in service requests. They discuss how male clients tend to be exceptionally loyal, following instructions meticulously and maintaining regular appointments, though they often need simplified home care routines. Armando shares his expansion plans beyond sugaring into facials, body treatments, and hair growth services, recognizing opportunities to introduce men to skincare they might not otherwise seek.

For practitioners interested in male sugaring, this episode provides invaluable insights from two industry leaders. Shannon and Armando are developing specialized training through Love to Sugar, promising to elevate standards across the industry. Whether you're a sugaring professional looking to expand your services or simply curious about this specialized practice, you'll appreciate their candid, professional approach to a topic rarely discussed so openly.

If you’ve connected with or been inspired by this episode in any way, leave us a review and let us know your biggest takeaway - I’d love to hear how you embrace Sugaring For All!! And while you've got your phone out, make sure to follow us on Instagram @Love2Sugar.

If you are interested in our business planner you can find the SugarBoss Planner here --->https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/love2sugar

The link to our Monthly SugarBiz Blueprint: https://www.love2sugar.com/offers/cMhp76LA/checkout

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What happens when a traumatic waxing experience leads to entrepreneurial triumph? Meet Georgia, a sugar professional who transformed her small-town Wisconsin beauty practice into a thriving business supporting her entire family.

Georgia's journey began with a horrifying waxing incident during her pregnancy that sent her to the emergency room and took months to heal. Searching for safer alternatives, she discovered sugaring—but found no practitioners within hundreds of miles. This gap in the market sparked her determination to become the solution her community needed. Starting with just $500 and a borrowed massage table, Georgia built her business jar by jar until she became the "sugar queen" of Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Her success has allowed her husband to stay home with their children while she supports the family through her passion for natural beauty treatments.

The conversation shifts to a hot topic affecting sugar professionals everywhere—the rise of laser hair removal franchises and at-home devices. Rather than viewing these developments as threats, Shannon and Georgia discuss how to reframe them as opportunities for collaboration. They explore the unique benefits of sugaring that laser can't replicate: effectiveness on all skin tones and hair types, natural ingredients, and the irreplaceable human connection that comes with the boutique sugaring experience.

For beauty professionals wondering how to navigate this changing landscape, this episode offers practical strategies: focus on skin benefits rather than just hair removal, create memorable experiences that laser clinics can't match, and build referral relationships with other beauty providers. As Shannon reminds us, "Lasers might be having a moment, but sugaring is a movement"—one rooted in holistic care, personal connection, and inclusivity for all bodies. Whether you're a seasoned sugar pro or considering entering the field, this candid conversation provides both inspiration and practical guidance for sustainable success in the evolving beauty industry.

If you’ve connected with or been inspired by this episode in any way, leave us a review and let us know your biggest takeaway - I’d love to hear how you embrace Sugaring For All!! And while you've got your phone out, make sure to follow us on Instagram @Love2Sugar.

If you are interested in our business planner you can find the SugarBoss Planner here --->https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/love2sugar

The link to our Monthly SugarBiz Blueprint: https://www.love2sugar.com/offers/cMhp76LA/checkout

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Sarah Herbst's remarkable transformation from a struggling single mother to the "million-dollar sugarist" reveals what's possible when passion meets perseverance. Fourteen years ago, Sarah was living with her mom, jobless with a newborn baby, when she encountered someone performing sugaring at a spa. The elegant technique captivated her immediately - not just for its beauty benefits (it cleared up her eczema) but for the profound human connections it facilitated.

"When someone walks in the room to get a Brazilian with you," Sarah explains, "it's almost like they tell you things that they've told no one else. You bond with this person in such a special way." This realization became the foundation for her business philosophy when she eventually opened Sugar Bar in Ohio.

Her success didn't come overnight. Sarah candidly shares how she cried during her first attempts at sugaring and couldn't afford formal training initially. She developed her skills through relentless practice while building relationships with clients who valued both her technique and her authentic care. When opportunity arose to create her own business environment, she took the leap despite doubts about being "cut out" for ownership.

Today, Sarah manages two locations with thirteen employees, having strategically grown by one staff member per year initially. What makes her business model particularly meaningful is her commitment to hiring single mothers and women in recovery - creating opportunities for others facing challenges similar to those she once navigated. "If you have happy employees, you have a good business," she emphasizes, a philosophy that has clearly served her well.

Sarah's latest venture, SugarCon, represents her gift back to the sugaring community. This first-ever convention dedicated entirely to sugaring professionals takes place June 29-30 in Cleveland, bringing together brands, educators, and practitioners from across the industry. For anyone passionate about sugaring or contemplating their own entrepreneurial journey, Sarah's story demonstrates that success comes not just from technical skill, but from genuine connection, community building, and lifting others along your path.

If you’ve connected with or been inspired by this episode in any way, leave us a review and let us know your biggest takeaway - I’d love to hear how you embrace Sugaring For All!! And while you've got your phone out, make sure to follow us on Instagram @Love2Sugar.

If you are interested in our business planner you can find the SugarBoss Planner here --->https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/love2sugar

The link to our Monthly SugarBiz Blueprint: https://www.love2sugar.com/offers/cMhp76LA/checkout

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What would happen to your business if life threw an unexpected curveball your way? Join me, Shannon, the Sugar Mama, as I share the poignant moments of losing my mother and the challenging task of closing my childhood home. This personal journey has taught me invaluable lessons about the importance of being prepared, both in life and business. I explore the necessity of having a trust, keeping organized records, and ensuring that someone can seamlessly take over your business if you're unable to run it. This episode serves as both a wake-up call and a guide to securing your life's work against unforeseen circumstances.

Through heartfelt reflection, I'll walk you through the critical components of a comprehensive business continuity plan. From crafting a detailed operations manual to training potential successors, I focus on pragmatic steps to future-proof your business. It's not just about maintaining the daily grind; it's about effective management and safeguarding your hard work. Inspired by my mother's passing, I urge you to have those tough conversations now to avoid chaos later. Join our monthly live business coaching if you need a starting point. Let's take proactive steps together to ensure your business thrives, even in your absence.

If you’ve connected with or been inspired by this episode in any way, leave us a review and let us know your biggest takeaway - I’d love to hear how you embrace Sugaring For All!! And while you've got your phone out, make sure to follow us on Instagram @Love2Sugar.

If you are interested in our business planner you can find the SugarBoss Planner here --->https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/love2sugar

The link to our Monthly SugarBiz Blueprint: https://www.love2sugar.com/offers/cMhp76LA/checkout

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On this episode of The Sugar Show, Shannon the SugarMama talks with Love2Sugar educator Kasey Reynolds about her inspiring sugaring journey. Then, in the second half of the podcast, Shannon dives into the importance of being financially smart in business.

Part 1: Kasey Reynolds' Sugaring Journey

Kasey shares her remarkable story of transitioning from her career as an EMT to becoming a successful owner of SugarJunkie. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, financial literacy, and discovering one's unique place in the beauty industry. She offers insights and inspiration for aspiring estheticians and entrepreneurs alike. Key highlights include:

• Kasey's transition from emergency services to beauty: How she discovered her passion for sugaring and why she made the career change.
• Building a business from the ground up: The challenges and triumphs of starting her sugaring business.
• Managing multiple locations seamlessly: Tips and strategies for running multiple successful business locations.
• The importance of education and community: Kasey’s dedication to sharing knowledge and supporting others in the industry.
• Encouraging others to chase their dreams: Kasey’s advice for finding your niche and believing in your potential.

Part 2: Financial Smarts in Business

In the second half of the episode, Shannon focuses on the financial side of being a beauty entrepreneur. She breaks down key strategies for maintaining and growing a financially healthy business, including:

• Setting realistic financial goals.
• Managing expenses effectively.
• Understanding pricing and profit margins.
• Planning for growth and sustainability.

This episode offers a mix of personal inspiration and practical advice for anyone in the beauty business, whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach. Tune in to be motivated and learn how to elevate your sugaring career!

If you’ve connected with or been inspired by this episode in any way, leave us a review and let us know your biggest takeaway - I’d love to hear how you embrace Sugaring For All!! And while you've got your phone out, make sure to follow us on Instagram @Love2Sugar.

If you are interested in our business planner you can find the SugarBoss Planner here --->https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/love2sugar

The link to our Monthly SugarBiz Blueprint: https://www.love2sugar.com/offers/cMhp76LA/checkout

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What if a personal and professional breakthrough could stem from something as simple as body sugaring? In this episode, I take you on a heartfelt journey, sharing my transformation from a tumultuous divorce and the challenges of being a single mother to discovering my passion and building a successful business in the beauty industry. Through the art of sugaring, I found not only financial stability but also a community of support and purpose. Fast forward to 2022, where amidst new personal struggles, sugaring once again became my lifeline, offering both healing and opportunity.

But that's not all; this episode is also a call to action for anyone in the skincare and sugaring industry to harness the power of SMART goals. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just embarking on your journey, learn how to set Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound objectives that align with your vision. And as we plan for success in 2025, you'll discover the immense value of being part of a supportive community like Love to Sugar. Join us for tales of sweet success from industry professionals, and gear up for next month's deep dive into financial foundations. Together, let's set our sights on a prosperous future, knowing we're cheering each other on every step of the way!

If you’ve connected with or been inspired by this episode in any way, leave us a review and let us know your biggest takeaway - I’d love to hear how you embrace Sugaring For All!! And while you've got your phone out, make sure to follow us on Instagram @Love2Sugar.

If you are interested in our business planner you can find the SugarBoss Planner here --->https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/love2sugar

The link to our Monthly SugarBiz Blueprint: https://www.love2sugar.com/offers/cMhp76LA/checkout

Cheers to your Sweet Success!

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Ever wonder how to ensure every client steps into your sugar salon and leaves feeling like they've just had a VIP treatment? That's exactly what we're unpacking on the latest installment of The Sugar Show. I take you through the transformational power of self-evaluation for your salon's aesthetic, the magic that happens when clients are swept off their feet by your high-quality environment, and the non-negotiable of spotless cleanliness – your business's reputation depends on it. With these insider tips, learn how to craft an irresistible brand image that clients can't wait to tell their friends about.

Navigating the world of social media while keeping your sanity intact is no easy feat, but I've got your back with some real talk on nurturing your professional confidence amidst the chaos of comparison syndrome. This episode isn't just about keeping up appearances online; it's about embracing the essence of what makes you unique and the self-care practices that ensure you're always ready to deliver your best work. From the importance of hydration to the necessity of nourishing meals and the power of taking a breather, we cover the essentials that will keep you at the top of your game.

To cap it off, we delve into the fine details that make a sugar session truly exceptional. I discuss how to keep your focus laser-sharp on clients' needs, avoiding the trap of personal distractions, and the art of educating them about their skin. Spoiler alert: skipping steps is a big no-no if you're aiming for rave reviews and repeat business. Plus, I share vital insights on the need for continual learning in hair removal techniques and the business acumen required to safeguard your financial future. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newcomer to the sugaring scene, this episode is brimming with strategies to keep your skills sharp and your clientele coming back for more.

If you’ve connected with or been inspired by this episode in any way, leave us a review and let us know your biggest takeaway - I’d love to hear how you embrace Sugaring For All!! And while you've got your phone out, make sure to follow us on Instagram @Love2Sugar.

If you are interested in our business planner you can find the SugarBoss Planner here --->https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/love2sugar

The link to our Monthly SugarBiz Blueprint: https://www.love2sugar.com/offers/cMhp76LA/checkout

Cheers to your Sweet Success!

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Get ready to transform your sugaring skills into a booming business! Season five sizzles as Shannon the SugarMama chats with the impressive Tajina Rock, a SugarPro who's elevated her game from expert practitioner to a sought-after educator. We're peeling back the layers of the sugaring world, from the sweet success stories at Bare Bodies Sugaring Academy to the skin health revelations with Radeq from Radeq Lab. This episode is a treasure trove of knowledge that will leave you sticky with wisdom and strategies to enhance your practice.

Ever wonder how a sugaring business flourishes? We're revealing the inside scoop on nurturing your craft and expanding your horizons. Take a seat at our roundtable discussion with Tajina and Radeq, where they spill the beans on quality training, advanced skin care techniques, and the remarkable difference a product like Premium Prebiotic Sugar products can make. They share their first-hand experiences, giving you the edge you need to sweeten your services and keep clients coming back for more.

At the heart of our sugaring saga is the transformative power of education and mentorship. The beauty industry may be rooted in tradition, but it's the unquenchable thirst for knowledge that propels professionals forward. This episode is not just a guide; it's a commitment to continual growth, showcasing breakthrough moments and the essential role of strong business savvy. Join us as we sugarcoat your path to success, one educational flick at a time!

If you’ve connected with or been inspired by this episode in any way, leave us a review and let us know your biggest takeaway - I’d love to hear how you embrace Sugaring For All!! And while you've got your phone out, make sure to follow us on Instagram @Love2Sugar.

If you are interested in our business planner you can find the SugarBoss Planner here --->https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/love2sugar

The link to our Monthly SugarBiz Blueprint: https://www.love2sugar.com/offers/cMhp76LA/checkout

Cheers to your Sweet Success!

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Embark on a sweet expedition with your Sugar Mama, Shannon O'Brien, as she shares her transformative story from sugaring novice to entrepreneur extraordinaire. Tune in and unearth the power of the skin microbiome, and how it's revolutionized by Radeq Lab's groundbreaking sugar-paste concoctions. This isn't just about hair removal; it's a garden of delight for your skin, where every treatment feeds and fortifies your natural flora. With the help of the innovative minds at Radeq Pielczyk, we're setting a new standard in skincare that seamlessly blends with our sugaring techniques, ensuring clients leave not just hairless but with a radiant, thriving complexion.

Prepare for an educational treat as Shannon provides a wealth of knowledge on nurturing your skin's ecosystem, backed by the science of prebiotics and postbiotics. You'll find that the analogies of carrots and onions are not just for cooking—they're key to understanding your skin's needs during and after a sugaring session. Stick with us for a holistic approach to beauty and business, where you're empowered to enhance your sugaring skills and grow a flourishing enterprise. Join Shannon on this episode of the Sugar Show, and let your skincare practice blossom into something as sweet as the sugar we swear by.

If you’ve connected with or been inspired by this episode in any way, leave us a review and let us know your biggest takeaway - I’d love to hear how you embrace Sugaring For All!! And while you've got your phone out, make sure to follow us on Instagram @Love2Sugar.

If you are interested in our business planner you can find the SugarBoss Planner here --->https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/love2sugar

The link to our Monthly SugarBiz Blueprint: https://www.love2sugar.com/offers/cMhp76LA/checkout

Cheers to your Sweet Success!