Not Just Lip Service

We're pulling back the curtain on the operational and regulatory backbone of a licensed med spa — the 150+ documents, protocols, and systems that separate a thriving practice from a risky one. Plus, how the MedSpa Business, Compliance & Operations Suite puts all of it, localized to your state, in your hands with platforms and options on the rise, we are providing a way to do this compliant...

Mary and Carla are back with a long-awaited update episode of Not Just Lip Service . They catch listeners up on a whirlwind start to the year, including a major business pivot, lessons learned from a potential partnership, team changes, hiring philosophy, injector training, and what it really looks like to grow from a scrappy startup into a more structured, scalable company. They also talk candidl...

This is a must-listen episode for anyone interested in hormones, menopause care, and the rapidly evolving world of hormone therapy. Hormone therapy, menopause treatment, and testosterone therapy are some of the most misunderstood topics in modern medicine. In this must-listen episode of  Not Just Lip Service , Carla sits down with Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Amanda Gold to break down the lat...

In this candid and reflective episode, Carla and Shelley step away from metrics and buzzwords to talk about the real life lessons that shape strong leadership. From the “1,000-minute rule” and the power of mindset, to Maslow’s hierarchy, boundaries, and the truth that clear is kind , they share hard-earned insights from business, parenting, and personal growth. This conversation is an honest remin...

In this episode of Not Just Lip Service , we break down the complex world of compliance in medical aesthetics —covering crucial regulations that many medical professionals didn’t have to think about in traditional healthcare. Join us as we explore: State license and certification requirements Medical director oversight and collaborative agreements Who can legally perform aesthetic services Respond...

In this episode of Not Just Lip Service , Mary and Carla share exciting updates from behind the scenes at Smiley Aesthetics. From company growth to operational lessons, they unpack what’s new, what’s working, and what’s evolving across the med spa landscape. Tune in for an honest, insightful conversation about the ongoing journey of building a multi-state medical aesthetics brand—and what they’ve...

Carla and Shelley take an advanced deep dive into KPIs and how to calculate them as well as the pitfalls of bad data and not understanding truly what you are measuring and how to use it to drive grwoth

In this episode, Mercedes Hester (Director of Training & Strategic Growth) and Paige Connor (Social Media Coordinator & Content Creator) take you behind the scenes of Smiley Aesthetics’ high-level partnership with world-renowned lip injector Julie Horne. From international logistics and live model demos to clinical breakthroughs and event planning lessons, they unpack what made this advanc...

In this episode of Not Just Lip Service, Tiana chats with Hollie and Meghan, two skilled injectors who helped launch the brand-new Smiley Aesthetics location in Rome, GA. They open up about the journey from independent practice to joining a growing aesthetics brand, what it’s like to build a client base in a new city, and how they’re making the Rome location feel like home. You’ll hear their thoug...

In this episode of Not Just Lip Service, Mary is joined by Paige, Smiley’s Marketing Coordinator, for a behind-the-scenes look at why in-house marketing is a game changer for med spas. They discuss the real differences between hiring outside marketing agencies versus building an internal marketing team, the unique benefits of having someone embedded in your brand, and how in-house marketing create...

In this special takeover episode of Not Just Lip Service, Marketing Director Tiana Timm sits down with Anna Fulmer, Smiley’s new Franklin Spa Manager, to talk about her incredible path from PACU nurse to mobile injector to managing one of our most beautiful brick-and-mortar locations. Anna shares candid insights about the realities of starting out as an independent injector, building a clientele f...

In this must-hear episode of Not Just Lip Service , join Courtney, Smiley's Chief Legal Officer, and Shelley, our Director of Quality and Compliance, as they delve into the pressing issues of counterfeit Botox and unlicensed injectors. Discover the latest news and real-world insights on how these challenges impact both patients and medical providers. Learn actionable tips and best practices to...

Join host Mercedes on this week’s episode of Not Just Lip Service as she sits down with Jennifer McKay , RN Injector, and Ashley Dickens , Esthetician, from Smiley Aesthetics’ new Gallatin location. Discover how this dynamic team is standing out in a crowded market by focusing on genuine communication, quality care, and client comfort. They also share their favorite treatments—from Scarlet RF Micr...

In this episode of Not Just Lip Service, Carla is joined by Shelley, Smiley's Director of Quality and Compliance, to dive into the world of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Learn how to set actionable goals, measure success, and use metrics to boost your business performance. Discover how KPIs can help you achieve financial growth, improve service quality, and retain and attract more clients. Wh...

Discover the missing link between injectables and skincare in Skin Deep: Expert Skincare Tips for Nurse Injectors. This podcast is your go-to resource for expert advice on achieving flawless results for your clients. In this episode, Anna Fulmer, a licensed aesthetician and RN, and owner of The Beauty Bus, shares insider tips on skin analysis, top product recommendations, and creating personalized...

In this episode, Paige, our social media coordinator with a marketing background, sits down with Carla, our COO, to discuss the fundamentals of marketing, branding, and customer relations. Paige shares her journey into the aesthetics industry, offering fresh insights and practical advice on how to effectively target your audience and build a brand that resonates. Tune in for a candid conversation...

Join Shelly, Director of Quality and Compliance, and Vanessa, Director of Technical and Organizational Development at Smiley Aesthetics, as they explore essential time management techniques tailored for medspa professionals. This session offers nine actionable strategies, from completing quick tasks right away to identifying high-impact priorities, all designed to help you work smarter and minimiz...

Join Mercedes and Holly, two seasoned aesthetics providers, as they share their firsthand experiences transitioning from the traditional hospital setting to the dynamic world of retail medicine. Discover the unique challenges and opportunities that come with this career shift.

Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at Smiley Aesthetics? Well, get ready to dive into the 'Secret Lives of Smiley Moms'! Join Lori Smiley, our VP of Administration and mom to the Smiley twins, and Debbie Gold, VP of Operations and Mary’s mother-in-law, as they spill the tea on careers, family life, and their roles in the Smiley empire. From boardroom decisions to family dinners, we're gett...

*WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE AUDIO QUALITY IN THIS EPISODE In this first part of our two-part series, Mary and Carla dive deep into the world of skincare. Join us as they discuss the best practices for creating an effective skincare routine and explore the key differences between over-the-counter and medical-grade products.

Looking to boost your medical aesthetics practice's online presence? Join Carla and Marketing Director Tiana Timm as they discuss essential strategies for creating engaging and effective social media posts. Discover how to craft compelling educational content, promote package deals and memberships, and offer flexible financing options to attract and retain clients. Learn proven techniques to o...

Are you struggling with maintaining accurate and comprehensive client documentation in your medical aesthetics practice? In this episode, we explore the critical importance of thorough documentation and how it can protect you from potential regulatory issues. Discover practical tips for improving your documentation processes, including conducting regular quality reviews. Learn why robust documenta...

Curious about MSOs and their role in the medical aesthetics industry? Join Carla and Courtney as they delve into the intricacies of Management Service Organizations. Discover how MSOs operate, their impact on medical practices, and the potential benefits and challenges they present. Learn about the factors to consider when partnering with an MSO and how to navigate this evolving business landscape...

Are you concerned about the safety of your beauty products? Mary and Carla dive deep into the world of illegal medical products, providing essential tips to help you identify counterfeit or unauthorized items. Learn how to protect yourself as a consumer by asking the right questions. Additionally, they demystify the role of a "model" in aesthetic training. Discover what to look for in mo...

Carla and Mary discuss some practical tips for new spa managers who are looking to begin hiring their first employees.