Beauty Talk Confessions is a podcast that goes beneath the surface of the beauty industry. The stories, the struggles, the identity shifts, the healing, and the grit behind the glow.

 

Hosted by Kati Wasserman, esthetician, business owner, and product developer, each episode features real, raw conversations with beauty professionals, founders, healers, coaches, creators, and clients who have lived the truth behind beauty.

 

We talk about:


•⁠  ⁠identity and reinvention

•⁠  ⁠confidence, comparison, and self-worth

•⁠  ⁠the emotional and unseen side of beauty work

•⁠  ⁠entrepreneurship and the messy middle

•⁠  ⁠aging, wellness, hormones, and internal beauty

•⁠  ⁠success, failures, pivots, and the lessons that shape us

 

There’s no filter here, just honest conversations that remind us beauty is personal, powerful, and deeply human.

 

Whether you're in the industry or navigating your own relationship with beauty, Beauty Talk Confessions will make you feel seen, supported, and inspired to show up as your most authentic self.

 

🔗 Social Links & Where to Find Us

 

Podcast Website:
https://www.flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions

 

Instagram:
@beautytalkconfessions
@pricklybare

 

TikTok:
@beautytalkconfessions

 

Booking / Contact:
pricklybare@gmail.com

 

 

Beauty Talk Confessions is a podcast that goes beneath the surface of the beauty industry. The stories, the struggles, the identity shifts, the healing, and the grit behind the glow.
&nbsp;
Hosted by Kati Wasserman, esthetician, business owner, and product developer, each episode features real, raw conversations with beauty professionals, founders, healers, coaches, creators, and clients who have lived the truth behind beauty.
&nbsp;
We talk about:
 &bull;⁠ &nbsp;⁠identity and reinvention
&bull;⁠ &nbsp;⁠confidence, comparison, and self-worth
&bull;⁠ &nbsp;⁠the emotional and unseen side of beauty work
&bull;⁠ &nbsp;⁠entrepreneurship and the messy middle
&bull;⁠ &nbsp;⁠aging, wellness, hormones, and internal beauty
&bull;⁠ &nbsp;⁠success, failures, pivots, and the lessons that shape us
&nbsp;
There&rsquo;s no filter here, just honest conversations that remind us beauty is personal, powerful, and deeply human.
&nbsp;
Whether you're in the industry or navigating your own relationship with beauty, Beauty Talk Confessions will make you feel seen, supported, and inspired to show up as your most authentic self.
&nbsp;
🔗 Social Links &amp; Where to Find Us
&nbsp;
Podcast Website: <a href="https://www.flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions">https://www.flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions</a>
&nbsp;
Instagram: @beautytalkconfessions @pricklybare
&nbsp;
TikTok: @beautytalkconfessions
&nbsp;
Booking / Contact: <a href="mailto:pricklybare@gmail.com">pricklybare@gmail.com</a>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Beauty Talk Confessions with Kati

Beauty Talk Confessions - Amy Francis

In this episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati sits down with Brenda Hogsett, owner of Skintastic, for a conversation about longevity in the beauty industry, taking chances, continuing to evolve, and what can happen when you simply keep saying yes to the opportunities in front of you.

Brenda’s journey in beauty spans more than two decades. She started in massage, returned to school for esthetics, worked in salons, spas, and waxing chains, became a lead waxer and trainer, and eventually opened Skintastic from the back of her home while caring for her infant son after open-heart surgery. What started as a way to create flexibility for her family grew into a career that has earned her multiple international awards and opened doors she never could have imagined.

One of the most powerful parts of Brenda’s story is realizing that the woman she envisioned becoming while she was still in beauty school is the woman she has become today.

Kati and Brenda talk about the years of work behind that success, building a clientele before social media was what it is today, transitioning from high-volume waxing into corrective skincare, and why continuing to educate yourself matters no matter how long you’ve been in the industry.

They also dive into The Skin Games, the community where Kati and Brenda originally connected, and how competing can push you outside of your comfort zone while surrounding you with people who genuinely want to see you succeed.

For Brenda, saying yes to competing led to awards, relationships, education opportunities, and eventually a leadership role with The Skin Games. Her story is such a reminder that you never really know where one opportunity or one connection may lead.

More Than 20 Years in Beauty and Still Evolving

This conversation is about what longevity in the beauty industry actually looks like.

It isn’t about reaching a point where you know everything. It’s about continuing to learn, being willing to pivot, staying open to opportunities, and allowing your career to evolve with you.

Brenda also shares one of the philosophies that has followed her throughout her career: practice makes improvement, not perfection.

You don’t have to be perfect to take the next step. You have to be willing to show up, practice, learn, and keep moving forward.

Showing Up Beyond the Treatment Room

Kati and Brenda also talk about the importance of visibility and showing more of yourself online.

After participating in a 30-day social media challenge together, they saw firsthand how uncomfortable consistently showing up can feel—but also how much connection it can create.

Your social media doesn’t always need to be another perfect before-and-after. Sometimes your future clients, industry connections, and opportunities come from simply letting people see who you are.

The Takeaway

Your career doesn’t have to follow a perfectly planned path.

Sometimes the biggest opportunities come from the things you almost said no to. Keep learning. Keep showing up. Enter the competition. Attend the conference. Introduce yourself. Take the class. Make the video.

You may look back years from now and realize you became the person you once envisioned.

Connect with Brenda

Instagram, TikTok & YouTube: @skintastic209
Website: skintastic209.com
Email: skintastic209@gmail.com

Connect with Kati & Beauty Talk Confessions

Instagram & TikTok: @waxerguru & @beautytalkconfessions
Podcast Page: flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions

Prickly Bare

Professional waxing products and post-hair-removal skincare created by an esthetician, for estheticians.

Instagram & TikTok: @pricklybare
Website: pricklybare.com

If You Loved This Episode

Share it with a beauty professional who needs the reminder that they don’t have to have their entire career figured out. Keep showing up, keep learning, and say yes to the opportunities that feel right—you never know which one might completely change the direction of your career.

In this episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati sits down with Brenda Hogsett, owner of Skintastic, for a conversation about longevity in the beauty industry, taking chances, continuing to evolve, and what can happen when you simply keep saying yes to the opportunities in front of you.
Brenda&rsquo;s journey in beauty spans more than two decades. She started in massage, returned to school for esthetics, worked in salons, spas, and waxing chains, became a lead waxer and trainer, and eventually opened Skintastic from the back of her home while caring for her infant son after open-heart surgery. What started as a way to create flexibility for her family grew into a career that has earned her multiple international awards and opened doors she never could have imagined.
One of the most powerful parts of Brenda&rsquo;s story is realizing that the woman she envisioned becoming while she was still in beauty school is the woman she has become today.
Kati and Brenda talk about the years of work behind that success, building a clientele before social media was what it is today, transitioning from high-volume waxing into corrective skincare, and why continuing to educate yourself matters no matter how long you&rsquo;ve been in the industry.
They also dive into The Skin Games, the community where Kati and Brenda originally connected, and how competing can push you outside of your comfort zone while surrounding you with people who genuinely want to see you succeed.
For Brenda, saying yes to competing led to awards, relationships, education opportunities, and eventually a leadership role with The Skin Games. Her story is such a reminder that you never really know where one opportunity or one connection may lead.
More Than 20 Years in Beauty and Still Evolving
This conversation is about what longevity in the beauty industry actually looks like.
It isn&rsquo;t about reaching a point where you know everything. It&rsquo;s about continuing to learn, being willing to pivot, staying open to opportunities, and allowing your career to evolve with you.
Brenda also shares one of the philosophies that has followed her throughout her career: practice makes improvement, not perfection.
You don&rsquo;t have to be perfect to take the next step. You have to be willing to show up, practice, learn, and keep moving forward.
Showing Up Beyond the Treatment Room
Kati and Brenda also talk about the importance of visibility and showing more of yourself online.
After participating in a 30-day social media challenge together, they saw firsthand how uncomfortable consistently showing up can feel&mdash;but also how much connection it can create.
Your social media doesn&rsquo;t always need to be another perfect before-and-after. Sometimes your future clients, industry connections, and opportunities come from simply letting people see who you are.
The Takeaway
Your career doesn&rsquo;t have to follow a perfectly planned path.
Sometimes the biggest opportunities come from the things you almost said no to. Keep learning. Keep showing up. Enter the competition. Attend the conference. Introduce yourself. Take the class. Make the video.
You may look back years from now and realize you became the person you once envisioned.
Connect with Brenda
Instagram, TikTok &amp; YouTube: @skintastic209 Website: skintastic209.com Email: <a href="mailto:skintastic209@gmail.com" data-start="3555" data-end="3578">skintastic209@gmail.com</a>
Connect with Kati &amp; Beauty Talk Confessions
Instagram &amp; TikTok: @waxerguru &amp; @beautytalkconfessions Podcast Page: flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions
Prickly Bare
Professional waxing products and post-hair-removal skincare created by an esthetician, for estheticians.
Instagram &amp; TikTok: @pricklybare Website: pricklybare.com
If You Loved This Episode
Share it with a beauty professional who needs the reminder that they don&rsquo;t have to have their entire career figured out. Keep showing up, keep learning, and say yes to the opportunities that feel right&mdash;you never know which one might completely change the direction of your career.

Become the Person You Envisioned: Brenda Hogsett on 27 Years in Beauty, The Skin Games & Saying Yes

In this episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati sits down with Marisol Molina, owner of Empowered Waxing, to talk about the real journey of building a career in the waxing industry—and why some of the hardest experiences can end up teaching you the most.

Marisol didn't originally plan on becoming a waxing specialist. She started esthetics with the intention of eventually pursuing cosmetology, experienced an incredibly discouraging first job interview, stepped away from the industry, and eventually found her way into waxing.

From working at European Wax Center and LunchboxWax to becoming a trainer and eventually opening Empowered Waxing, Marisol shares why she believes new estheticians shouldn't be so quick to skip working for someone else.

They talk about learning through experience, making mistakes before your own name and business are on the line, understanding skin beyond simply applying and removing wax, and why working inside an established business can teach you lessons you'll carry into entrepreneurship.

The conversation also dives into something that doesn't get talked about enough: the relationship between a waxer and their clients.

Marisol shares how learning to open up, show more of her personality, and allow clients to know the person behind the service completely changed her clientele—and even helped inspire the name Empowered Waxing.

From Employee to Entrepreneur

Opening your own suite can look like the ultimate goal, but there is so much value in the years leading up to it. Marisol shares why she now looks differently at the franchises she worked for, the sales expectations she once disliked, the difficult managers, and even the responsibilities she didn't think mattered at the time.

Those experiences ultimately helped prepare her to understand clients, sales, front desk responsibilities, training, and the realities of owning a business.

Her advice to newer waxers is simple: get the experience, learn everything you can, make mistakes, stay open-minded, and don't give up on the industry because one experience wasn't right for you.

Building a Clientele Through Connection

Being technically great at waxing matters—but clients also want to know who they're trusting.

Marisol opens up about being told early in her career that she was too reserved and needed to let clients see more of who she was. It wasn't easy advice to hear, but when she began opening up and showing more of herself, she noticed her client relationships becoming stronger.

That same philosophy now carries into her social media. The videos that sometimes feel silly to make are often exactly what help a potential client decide, I would feel comfortable with her.

The Takeaway

You don't need to have your entire career figured out the moment you leave beauty school.

Every job, difficult experience, mistake, client, and mentor can teach you something that prepares you for what's next. Master your craft, understand the skin you're working with, learn how businesses operate, and don't underestimate the power of allowing your clients to genuinely know you.

And most importantly, as Marisol reminds herself every day: you've got this.

Connect with Marisol

Instagram: @empower__waxing

Connect with Kati & Beauty Talk Confessions

Instagram & TikTok: @beautytalkconfessions
Podcast Page: flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions

Prickly Bare

Professional waxing products and post-hair-removal skincare created by an esthetician, for estheticians.

Instagram & TikTok: @pricklybare
Website: pricklybare.com

If You Loved This Episode

Share it with an esthetician or newer waxer who needs the reminder that they don't have to rush into doing everything on their own. The experience you're gaining right now may be exactly what prepares you for the business you want to build later.

In this episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati sits down with Marisol Molina, owner of Empowered Waxing, to talk about the real journey of building a career in the waxing industry&mdash;and why some of the hardest experiences can end up teaching you the most.
Marisol didn't originally plan on becoming a waxing specialist. She started esthetics with the intention of eventually pursuing cosmetology, experienced an incredibly discouraging first job interview, stepped away from the industry, and eventually found her way into waxing.
From working at European Wax Center and LunchboxWax to becoming a trainer and eventually opening Empowered Waxing, Marisol shares why she believes new estheticians shouldn't be so quick to skip working for someone else.
They talk about learning through experience, making mistakes before your own name and business are on the line, understanding skin beyond simply applying and removing wax, and why working inside an established business can teach you lessons you'll carry into entrepreneurship.
The conversation also dives into something that doesn't get talked about enough: the relationship between a waxer and their clients.
Marisol shares how learning to open up, show more of her personality, and allow clients to know the person behind the service completely changed her clientele&mdash;and even helped inspire the name Empowered Waxing.
From Employee to Entrepreneur
Opening your own suite can look like the ultimate goal, but there is so much value in the years leading up to it. Marisol shares why she now looks differently at the franchises she worked for, the sales expectations she once disliked, the difficult managers, and even the responsibilities she didn't think mattered at the time.
Those experiences ultimately helped prepare her to understand clients, sales, front desk responsibilities, training, and the realities of owning a business.
Her advice to newer waxers is simple: get the experience, learn everything you can, make mistakes, stay open-minded, and don't give up on the industry because one experience wasn't right for you.
Building a Clientele Through Connection
Being technically great at waxing matters&mdash;but clients also want to know who they're trusting.
Marisol opens up about being told early in her career that she was too reserved and needed to let clients see more of who she was. It wasn't easy advice to hear, but when she began opening up and showing more of herself, she noticed her client relationships becoming stronger.
That same philosophy now carries into her social media. The videos that sometimes feel silly to make are often exactly what help a potential client decide, I would feel comfortable with her.
The Takeaway
You don't need to have your entire career figured out the moment you leave beauty school.
Every job, difficult experience, mistake, client, and mentor can teach you something that prepares you for what's next. Master your craft, understand the skin you're working with, learn how businesses operate, and don't underestimate the power of allowing your clients to genuinely know you.
And most importantly, as Marisol reminds herself every day: you've got this.
Connect with Marisol
Instagram: @empower__waxing
Connect with Kati &amp; Beauty Talk Confessions
Instagram &amp; TikTok: @beautytalkconfessions Podcast Page: flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions
Prickly Bare
Professional waxing products and post-hair-removal skincare created by an esthetician, for estheticians.
Instagram &amp; TikTok: @pricklybare Website: pricklybare.com
If You Loved This Episode
Share it with an esthetician or newer waxer who needs the reminder that they don't have to rush into doing everything on their own. The experience you're gaining right now may be exactly what prepares you for the business you want to build later.

From Waxing Employee to Business Owner: Marisol Molina of Empowered Waxing

If you've been waiting for a sign to invest in yourself and your business—this is it.

In this special episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati officially announces Elevate, a brand-new educational retreat created exclusively for waxing professionals, sugaring specialists, and hair removal business owners who are ready to grow beyond the treatment room.

Taking place February 21–23, 2027, in beautiful Sedona, Arizona, Elevate is designed to help beauty professionals master their craft, increase revenue, build stronger client loyalty, and create a business they truly love. Through hands-on certifications, live demonstrations, business education, networking, and an unforgettable retreat experience, attendees will leave with practical skills they can implement immediately.

Whether you're a solo esthetician or growing a team, Elevate was built to help you stand out in a competitive industry and become the go-to expert in your community.

What You'll Learn

• How to increase revenue without adding more hours behind the chair
• Services that pair perfectly with waxing and sugaring to boost ticket averages
• Live demonstrations, including speed waxing techniques and advanced hair removal services
• Business strategies for pricing, growth, leadership, and client retention
• How to create an unforgettable client experience that keeps clients coming back

What to Expect at Elevate

• Three days in beautiful Sedona, Arizona
• VIP Experience with sound healing, professional branding photos, and optional massage treatments
• Exclusive networking events and welcome cocktail party
• Hands-on certifications including:
Lash Lift & Tint
Brow Lamination
Vajacial & Body Treatments
Intimate Brightening Treatments
• Education from some of the top educators in the beauty industry
• A community of professionals committed to elevating the hair removal industry together

The Takeaway

Your success isn't determined by how many services you can squeeze into a day—it's built by mastering your craft, creating exceptional client experiences, and building a business that supports the life you want. Elevate was created to give beauty professionals the education, confidence, and community to do exactly that.

Join the Founding Attendee List

Be the first to receive event announcements, educator reveals, early registration access, certification sign-ups, and the lowest ticket pricing available.

Website: Tickets for ELEVATE

Instagram: @elevatewaxandsugar

Connect with Kati & Beauty Talk Confessions

Instagram & TikTok: @beautytalkconfessions

Podcast Page: https://www.flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions

Questions about Elevate? Reach out anytime at pricklybare@gmail.com.

PricklyBare

Post-hair removal skincare rooted in real esthetician experience.

Launching Fall 2026.

Instagram & TikTok: @pricklybare

Website: pricklybare.com

If You Loved This Episode

 

If you've been waiting for a sign to invest in yourself and your business&mdash;this is it.
In this special episode of Beauty Talk Confessions, Kati officially announces Elevate, a brand-new educational retreat created exclusively for waxing professionals, sugaring specialists, and hair removal business owners who are ready to grow beyond the treatment room.
Taking place February 21&ndash;23, 2027, in beautiful Sedona, Arizona, Elevate is designed to help beauty professionals master their craft, increase revenue, build stronger client loyalty, and create a business they truly love. Through hands-on certifications, live demonstrations, business education, networking, and an unforgettable retreat experience, attendees will leave with practical skills they can implement immediately.
Whether you're a solo esthetician or growing a team, Elevate was built to help you stand out in a competitive industry and become the go-to expert in your community.
What You'll Learn
&bull; How to increase revenue without adding more hours behind the chair &bull; Services that pair perfectly with waxing and sugaring to boost ticket averages &bull; Live demonstrations, including speed waxing techniques and advanced hair removal services &bull; Business strategies for pricing, growth, leadership, and client retention &bull; How to create an unforgettable client experience that keeps clients coming back
What to Expect at Elevate
&bull; Three days in beautiful Sedona, Arizona &bull; VIP Experience with sound healing, professional branding photos, and optional massage treatments &bull; Exclusive networking events and welcome cocktail party &bull; Hands-on certifications including:
<ul data-start="1742" data-end="2002">
<li data-section-id="hd5oeg" data-start="1742" data-end="1760">Lash Lift &amp; Tint</li>
<li data-section-id="dpmrlm" data-start="1763" data-end="1780">Brow Lamination</li>
<li data-section-id="1mpgvte" data-start="1783" data-end="1811">Vajacial &amp; Body Treatments</li>
<li data-section-id="1ff9omi" data-start="1814" data-end="2002">Intimate Brightening Treatments &bull; Education from some of the top educators in the beauty industry &bull; A community of professionals committed to elevating the hair removal industry together</li>
</ul>
The Takeaway
Your success isn't determined by how many services you can squeeze into a day&mdash;it's built by mastering your craft, creating exceptional client experiences, and building a business that supports the life you want. Elevate was created to give beauty professionals the education, confidence, and community to do exactly that.
Join the Founding Attendee List
Be the first to receive event announcements, educator reveals, early registration access, certification sign-ups, and the lowest ticket pricing available.
Website:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.elevatewaxandsugar.com/events/elevate-presale-deposit">Tickets for ELEVATE</a>
Instagram: @elevatewaxandsugar
Connect with Kati &amp; Beauty Talk Confessions
Instagram &amp; TikTok: @beautytalkconfessions
Podcast Page: <a href="https://www.flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions" data-start="2805" data-end="2861">https://www.flagstaff-skincare.com/beautytalkconfessions</a>
Questions about Elevate? Reach out anytime at <a data-start="2911" data-end="2932">pricklybare@gmail.com</a>.
PricklyBare
Post-hair removal skincare rooted in real esthetician experience.
Launching Fall&nbsp;2026.
Instagram &amp; TikTok: @pricklybare
Website: pricklybare.com
If You Loved This Episode
&nbsp;

Beauty Talk Confessions - Amy Francis

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