In this episode of the Business of Aesthetics Podcast, host Michael Walker talks with Mary Ford, the founder of Smiley Aesthetics. Mary shares how she turned a personal turning point into one of the fastest-growing aesthetics brands in the country.

You'll hear how she balances top-tier clinical care with smart business systems, and how she’s built a culture of consistency across multiple locations. Mary also opens up about her journey from anesthesia to aesthetics, and why radio frequency microneedling is a top ROI treatment in her practice.

From protocols and patient safety to training new injectors and making smart investments, this episode is full of real-life lessons for growing a successful medical aesthetics business.

In this thought-provoking episode of the Business of Aesthetics podcast, Michael Walker sits down with Ignacio Fanlo, Silicon Valley entrepreneur and founder of Cloud Medspas, to explore a radical shift in how aesthetic practices could operate in the future. Fanlo unpacks the concept of “aesthetic solo-entrepreneurship,” inspired by the evolution of the haircare and fitness industries, and explains why a decentralized, injector-led model might be the path forward for medical aesthetics.

From business model breakdowns and HR myths to the psychology of fear holding back new injectors, this episode is a must-listen for nurses, injectors, and med spa owners looking to build a more autonomous, profitable future.

In this episode of the Business of Aesthetics podcast, host Michael Walker talks with leadership coach Kelcy Heringer about burnout, toxic workplaces, and why working harder doesn’t always lead to success. Kelcy brings fresh, honest advice to help professionals rethink how they grow their careers.

She explains how being the “get stuff done” person can actually hold you back. When you’re always the one people rely on, it’s easy to be seen as a helper—not a leader. Kelcy shares how to shift your focus from just doing tasks to building influence and value.

They also talk about how to spot toxic work cultures, why it’s okay to speak up, and how setting boundaries is key. Kelcy encourages listeners to stop waiting for permission and start taking charge of their own career path.

If you’ve ever felt overworked or stuck, this episode will help you take back your power and move toward a career that feels right for you.