Shows
The Sugar ShowBalls, Backs & Body Parts: Smooth Talk with the SugarMama & Sugar Daddy NYCSend us a textWhat 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...2025-06-0145 min
The Sugar ShowGeorgia's Sweet Success Journey: A Sugar Pro's Path to ProsperitySend us a textWhat 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 ta...2025-05-041h 01
The Sugar ShowFuture-Proofing Your Business: Lessons from Life's CurveballsSend us a textWhat 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...2025-03-0219 min
The Sugar ShowCrafting Sweet Success in the Beauty World with Kasey ReynoldsSend us a textOn 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 JourneyKasey 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...2025-02-0244 min
The Sugar ShowFrom Expert Sugarist to Sought-After Educator: Unwrapping the Secrets of a Successful Sugaring BusinessSend us a textGet 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...2024-03-1026 min
The Sugar ShowThe Sweet Science of Sugaring and the MicrobiomeSend us a textEmbark 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...2024-02-2018 min
The Sugar ShowTransforming Hair Removal with Nature's Own PrebioticsSend us a textDiscover the transformative power of prebiotics in your beauty regimen as Radeq from Radeq Labs and I, Shannon, unveil the secrets of sugaring and skin care that will redefine your approach to hair removal. My own educational evolution, fueled by an unquenchable curiosity for the science behind cosmetology, has led to this moment where traditional ingredients take a backseat to innovative skin-nurturing solutions. Embark on a journey that began in the simplicity of a home kitchen and has now expanded to the impressive scale of a fully operational factory, where quality and innovation...2024-02-1252 min
The Sugar ShowNavigating the World of Trademarks with Elizabeth HensonSend us a textAre you prepared to navigate the complex world of trademarks? Brace yourself for an enlightening conversation with Elizabeth Henson, Chief Marketing Officer at Indie Law. Liz takes us through the intricacies of trademarks, demystifying the process of choosing a strong and unique business name. Drawing on my personal journey of trademarking "The Sugar Mama," we discuss how having a strong brand identity can help you stand out in your industry. In today's episode, we are joined by Elizabeth Henson, Chief Marketing Officer at Indie Law, helps build...2023-12-0325 min
The Sugar ShowGetting Schooled by Alexander’s Aesthetics with Tiffany MontalbanoSend us a textHave you ever thought about going back to Sugar School? I know what you’re thinking - “But Shannon, I already have my Sugaring Certification and a solid book of clients who keep coming back for more, what more could I possibly have to learn??”The answer is a whole heck of a lot! This week Tiffany Montalbano, lead educator at Alexander’s Aesthetics, is back on the podcast to reminisce about the dark days of COVID lockdown and the massive benefits of continuing sugaring education.So even if...2023-04-0237 min
The Sugar ShowMaking Money with FB Groups with Stephanie LaynesSend us a textToday I’ve got the incredible Stephanie Laynes with me and we’re talking all about Facebook Groups. Not mine, not hers, YOURS!There really isn’t anything else on the internet like a Facebook group. Sure you can blast your next event out to the masses on your Insta or engage with your followers in the comments section, but a Facebook group is really the only way to create real, meaningful connections with your community.So if you’ve ever considered having a Facebook...2023-03-2652 min
The Sugar ShowAll About Aftercare: Why Your Performance in the Treatment Room Isn’t EnoughSend us a textAre you someone who thinks your clients’ experience begins and ends in the treatment room?Oh if only it were that easy! But we can’t leave it up to our clients to Google or binge-watch TikTok for the latest fads to take care of their skin in between appointments. The results of that can range from silly (did you really think that a flashlight marketed as a "laser" would reduce hair growth?) to downright irresponsible (hello second-degree chemical burn from a high-powered acid exfoliant used on a fresh Braz...2023-03-1926 min
The Sugar ShowLets Talk MenSend us a textWanna know the secret to increasing your sugaring or skincare business by 50 new clients easily?Sugaring isn’t just for the girls anymore! All humans can want a smooth chest, back, or Brazilian or polished brows.So whether you’re marketing to clients who identify as male, are transitioning, or anywhere in between - it’s time we changed our perspective on who our ideal sugaring or skincare client is!BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL LEARN: How the rise of social...2023-03-1222 min
The Sugar ShowTHROWBACK: What to Know About a Trademark for Your Business with Joey VitaleSend us a textWith tax season knocking on our doors, it's the time of year when we estheticians get real about our businesses. And what better way than to ask ourselves the hard-hitting questions?Have you taken the necessary steps to make sure your sugar business is protected with the appropriate trademark? Do you even know what a “trademark” means to your business? In this episode of The Sugar Show, SugarMama Shannon O’Brien sits down with her legal guide, Joey Vitale, to discuss the importance of doing due diligence on you...2023-03-0536 min
The Sugar ShowSmooth Operator: How Body Sugaring Can Set You Apart in the Beauty IndustrySend us a textSo many of my podcasts are geared toward estheticians who have their own businesses, which is awesome, or maybe they're thinking of going solo.But today I wanted to address the employees.For all those employees out there, it is really an awesome time for your career because you can focus on your clients and not worry about all the details of running a skincare business.So let's dive into how you can be the best employee you can be.2023-02-2621 min
The Sugar ShowWhat it Takes to Become a Sugar Goddess with Courtney LeddySend us a textWhat do you get when you mix an RN, a cosmetologist, and a little bit of sugar? A Sugar Goddess™️ that’s what!I am so excited to introduce all my Sugar Babes to meet Courtney Leddy. Courtney is the founder of Sugar Goddess™️, a beautiful line of sugaring products that she built with the help of her husband Ben on the admin side.So grab those headphones and listen up, because Courtney is here to tell you what it really takes to be a Sugar Goddess!2023-02-1928 min
The Sugar ShowMaking Sense of Tax Season with Kenesha ColemanSend us a textThat’s right! Our favorite Beauty CPA is back on the podcast today to help you crunch the numbers this tax season.Kenesha Coleman is an award-winning CPA and IRS Enrolled Agent who specializes in helping ambitious and driven Beauty Entrepreneurs save money by optimizing their tax and financial lives. Kenesha has been a long-time friend of the show and I’m so grateful to have her back on to be our “safe place” where we as estheticians and small business owners can go to ensure we’re maximizi...2023-02-1235 min
The Sugar ShowDoing it Like a Pro with ASCPSend us a textJust starting your sugaring business and need a little support? Maybe a website? Or how about some insurance to CYA just in case? Never fear, ASCP is here!If you’ve been around here for a while, I’m sure you’ve heard of ASCP and our long-time friendship. But for all you newbies out there, Maggie Staszcuk is here to grab your hand and walk you through it.Maggie is the Education Program Manager for ASCP and AHP, and she is the co-host of ASCP's Esty Talk...2023-02-0525 min
The Sugar ShowSMAC-ing Your Way to Success with Jason DaaseSend us a textHave you wanted to make the sweet switch to sugar but are afraid of sticking out in your local waxing community like a sugar-coated sore thumb? You’re in good company! Elena Daase was in the same boat when she first created SugarSMAC®, and all she needed to make this dream a reality was some from her brother-in-law Jason.Jason Daase became involved with SugarSMAC® after catching the vision from Elena of what a world-class Sugaring company could be. Prior to his involvement in SugarSMAC, Jason was an e...2023-01-2926 min
The Sugar ShowGetting Real About Your Business This Year with Maxine DrakeSend us a textLet’s get real here - when was the last time you took a really good look at your operating procedures or the way you do business in your business?Never fear, Maxine Drake is here to help you level up your business in 2023! Maxine helps estheticians build, grow, and scale their businesses through Elite VIP Coaching, the Empowered Mastermind, and the Esthetician Inner Circle Membership™. She is a contributing author in The Estheticians Guide To Outstanding Esthetics and has written articles for many trade magazines such as Skin...2023-01-2240 min
The Sugar ShowThe Blueprint to Your Best Q1 Ever!Send us a textThe weather outside is frightful, and all that bundling up makes it all too easy for clients to say “I’ll just let it grow out..” and that can mean more $$$ in your pocket!Continuing last week’s theme of planning ahead, today we’re zeroing in on Q1 (also known as the first 3 months of the year) and really getting clear on what you should be doing both in the shop and online so you can get a head start on those 2023 goals.So grab a pen and pa...2023-01-1524 min
The Sugar ShowHappy YOU Year! Setting Yourself Up for Sweet Success in 2023Send us a text Happy 2023 Sugar Babes! With a new year comes new goals, dreams, and resolutions. And if you don’t lay the proper foundation now, you’ll be fighting an uphill battle later in the year. It doesn't matter if you’re listening in January or June, it’s time to grab a pen, break out that new planner, and break down your 2023 resolutions so you can “eat the elephant one bite at a time”.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:What 3 esse...2023-01-0833 min
The Sugar ShowSweet Success Story | Maximizing your Revenue with Angie PattersonSend us a textI really, really love bringing on guests for the Sweet Success™️ series that will maybe show you a different way to think about success, and today Angie Patterson is here to shine a spotlight on her own brand of success.Angie went from front desk to call center manager to IT manager to HR/Operations manager of three locations in 6 years - needless to say she wore A LOT of hats! But she truly found her calling when the sugar gods came knocking and since then has hype...2022-12-1839 min
The Sugar ShowGirl, Give Yourself Some Grace!Send us a textWith the holidays coming at us like a freight train not only is it our busiest time of year, but our clients’ as well. And sometimes those conversations in the treatment room can have you double checking to make sure your certification says “licensed esthetician” not “licensed therapist”As beauty professionals, we’re often the definition of “self-care” for our clients, but it’s far to easy for us to forget to take care of ourselves.This problem is so much bigger than just a season, which is why today I’m g...2022-12-1123 min
The Sugar ShowGifting Self-Care with Julie GoehringSend us a textAs we enter into December and the holiday season is in full swing, I am really excited to bring you more tools to bring you new ways to think about your business without just churning and burning sugar.That’s why I invited my friend Julie Gohring - a heart-centered sales mentor for women entrepreneurs who teaches women how to sell from their heart and own the value of who they already are in sales & business.Julie really teaches women how to sell from their heart and ow...2022-12-0444 min
The Sugar ShowTHROWBACK | Massage Techniques to Help Jittery Sugaring Clients with Gaynor Farmer-KaticsSend us a textWith the holidays swiftly approaching, a simple sugaring appointment can become just another stressful task on an endless “to-do” list. That’s why this week we’re throwing it back to 2020 when I sat down with Gaynor Farmer-Katics of Enhanced Touch Massage. In this special throwback episode, Gaynor lends her expertise and guides us through ideas to help us create a relaxing environment for our clients. An experience that will take our client's stresses away, even just for a moment, so they can enjoy their time with you, their Sugaring p...2022-11-2739 min
The Sugar ShowSweeting Up Your Taxes with The Beauty CPASend us a textAs the year comes to a close and the end of Q4 is right around the corner, my loyal sugar babes will know it’s time to check in with my good friend Kenesha "The Beauty CPA" ColemanKenesha Coleman is an award-winning CPA, Certified Tax Coach and IRS Enrolled Agent. She founded ColemanTax, an Accounting firm that specializes in helping ambitious and driven Beauty Entrepreneurs save money by optimizing their tax and financial lives. Beautypreneurs rely on her easy-to-understand tax-savvy to beautify their finances, keep more pr...2022-11-2029 min
The Sugar ShowLash Tinting and Sugaring with RefectocilSend us a textThis week on The Sugar Show, we’re going to get colorful.Today I’m sitting down with Chrissie Paraschos, the Director of Education and the lead trainer for the CBON Group of Companies. I can’t wait for you to hear how Chrissie started out, her journey as a boss babe, and why climbing the mountain may be 100% worth it in the end.BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU'LL DISCOVER: Why you should start combining services ASAP.How sugaring can improve your brow wor...2022-11-1333 min
The Sugar ShowSmooth Operators Standing By - Introducing our New App!Send us a textI am beyond excited to finally announce the arrival of our brand new Love2Sugar App!This has been in the works for a long time now and it really came from listening to all of you. So this week, I’m diving in headfirst with everything you need to know about this amazing resource for you, my sugar pros!So what are you waiting for? Head over to Love2Sugar.com/app right now! Smooth operators are standing by ;)...2022-11-0632 min
The Sugar ShowSweet Success Story | Sweetening the work-life balance with Michelle BrownSend us a textHave you ever wondered if the work/life balance is truly attainable or just a fairy tale?In this episode, you're gonna meet Michelle Brown; a stay-at-home mom who decided to go back to esthetics school, who’s had some health challenges, and has had a smile on her face the whole way and made it happen. She is so booked, it was actually hard to get this interview with her - and isn’t that the goal? To not only be booked, but to have that work...2022-10-3030 min
The Sugar ShowSelf Care "Down There" with Therese ClarkSend us a textAs a woman and also as an esthetician, I think it's super important for us to understand our parts & all the health techniques, research, and wisdom from others that come into making sure that our parts are happy.Therese Clark, the founder of Lady Suite, is the expert in that department. She has worked hard to bring us a well-researched, well-thought-out product line that we can offer to our clients and use ourselves that ensures a pH-balanced microbiome for a happy, smooth, and healthy kitty.Therese is...2022-10-2344 min
The Sugar ShowOvercoming Fear in Your Sugar RoomSend us a textWhen we first start out in the skincare industry or learn something new like sugaring, there is a learning curve that some of us haven't experienced since beauty school.I’ll admit when I first learned to sugar, not only did it challenge me physically with hand-eye coordination, but mentally by challenging my ego in a big way. So today we’re going to tune out all that fear and doubt and tune into our higher selves to create a treatment room that feels safe, authentic, and joyfu...2022-10-1618 min
The Sugar ShowTHROWBACK | So I Started My Sugar Business…Now What?Send us a textEveryone’s been talking about preparing for the recession, but what about the business boom that comes next?Last week we looked forward to the upcoming "slow" season. This week we’re throwing it back to 2021, when we were all coming out of the biggest recession most of our businesses had ever experienced, and reflecting on how we all coped when our books went from wide open to overbooked.So as we start to look forward to 2023, I hope you’ll enjoy this journey back in time with m...2022-10-0930 min