The Lounge by The Skyn Distillery

Hosted by The Lounge by The Skyn Distillery

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Episodes

125

Latest episode

Mar 2026

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About the show

Meet Mel and Emily, two esthi besties who created and co-founded their own successful skincare studio called, The Skyn Distillery, during a Pandemic. Now grab a cocktail and join them in, "The Lounge" to hear everything skin, business and all the in-betweens that occur in the treatment room. This podcast is meant to entertain, educate, and hopefully help other estheticians not feel alone on their journey! Cheers!

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60 recent

March 30, 2026Episode 1323 min

Thats Hot..Skincare edition: the products we can't keep in stock!

Todays Episode is called that's Hot- featuring skincare products we can't keep on our shelves featuring Face Reality, Glymed+, iS Clinical, and Glo Skin Beauty. These are the products that clients rebuy, the ones they message us about, and the ones we constantly have to re-order. So if you're curious on what skincare products estheticians and clients see real results from - we're breaking them down today! Learn why people love them, what they do for the skin, and what ingredients make them work! Want to shop our online store: https://theskyndistillery.myshopify.com/Want to book an appointment in studio:https://booking.mangomint.com/theskyndistillery

March 16, 2026Episode 1224 min

Community Over Competition: The Esthi Edition

In this episode of The Skyn Distillery Lounge, Emily dives into a topic that doesn’t get talked about enough in the aesthetics industry—community over competition. As estheticians, it’s easy to fall into comparison, cliques, or that subtle “mean girl” energy that sometimes shows up in small industries. But the truth is, there is room for all of us. Every esthetician brings something unique to the table—from different specialties and philosophies to the energy and experience clients connect with. In this episode, Emily shares her perspective on what it truly means to be a community-minded esthetician and how small actions—like celebrating each other’s wins, referring out when something isn’t your specialty, sharing knowledge without gatekeeping, and choosing professional kindness—can elevate the entire profession. She also shares how The Skyn Distillery is intentionally working to create spaces where estheticians can connect, collaborate, and support one another, because when we show up for each other, we build a stronger, more respected industry for everyone.

March 9, 2026Episode 1128 min

The Emotional Side of Being an Esthetician

You can love this industry and still feel exhausted by it! In today's episode Mel and Emily get honest and transparent about the behind the scenes in this industry. We chat about:Comparison and Industry PressureThe Emotional Labor of ClientsSlow Seasons and Self DoubtBurnout Vs. AlignmentAnd Identity Reset

March 1, 2026Episode 1022 min

Slower Season Mehs and CEO energy as an Esthetician

Mel and Emily reflect on personal experiences, including vacations and birthdays, while also discussing the challenges of running a business during the slower winter months. We share insights on the importance of SEO and website management in the current digital landscape, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and community engagement as an esthetician right now. The importance of taking time off for personal well-being.Aging brings changes in energy and patience.February can be a recovery month after a heavy January.Business seasons can feel 'meh' but are necessary for growth.SEO strategies are evolving with new technology like ChatGPT.Website management is crucial for visibility in the digital age.Community engagement can help alleviate feelings of isolation.It's okay to feel overwhelmed by business responsibilities.Celebrating small wins, like paying off debt, is important.Building a supportive network among peers can enhance professional growth.

February 9, 2026Episode 930 min

Here Comes the Bride: How We Designed a Bridal Experience That Actually Converts

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on our third annual Here Comes the Bride event and sharing exactly how it’s evolved into one of the most intentional and profitable experiences we host each year. We break down what we changed from years one and two, why we moved away from “do-it-all” events, and how we design every detail with both the bride and our business in mind. From creating a high-touch experience that attracts the right brides, to tracking real ROI beyond just day-of sales, we walk through how estheticians can create events that feel aligned, elevated, and worth the energy. If you’ve ever wondered how to host a bridal event without burnout—or how to turn events into long-term booked clients—this episode is for you.

February 2, 2026Episode 826 min

The Membership Model That Finally Made Sense for Our Studio

In this episode, we discuss the importance of implementing a membership model in our esthetics business. We share our journey of creating a wallet-style membership that prioritizes client flexibility and loyalty. The conversation covers the challenges and benefits of establishing a membership, including cash flow stability, client commitment, and the role of technology in managing memberships. We also provide tips for other business owners looking to launch their own membership programs, emphasizing the need for simplicity and client engagement.takeaways, and much more.

January 19, 2026Episode 717 min

How We Used ChatGPT to Actually Understand Our Business

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.

January 12, 202631 min

Listener Q&A: Your Skincare, Business & Life Questions

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 PeopleStrategies for Saving in BusinessInvesting in Devices for GrowthUtilizing Technology for Client Management

December 22, 2025Episode 527 min

Put Your Skin on Ice: The Glacial Gloss Breakdown

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.

December 15, 2025Episode 433 min

The Real Cost of Opening a Skincare Studio: What We Spent + How We Paid for It

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 bookingsOur full build-out cost breakdownHow we funded the $62K contractor bill0% financing hacks we usedEmily’s nontraditional journey to securing her $30KWhat we’d do differentlyAdvice for esthies dreaming of their own spaceShare this episode with another esthi or entrepreneur — transparency helps everyone grow.