Esthetician Spotlight: Mariah Anderson

What inspired you to teach classes on the connection between gut health and skin health?

My own hormonal acne journey made me realize how interconnected the gut and skin are. From working at a dermatology office, I saw firsthand that many acne clients were being dismissed and only prescribed medications as a way to ‘treat acne,’ but they were never educated about the true internal imbalance happening. Many of my clients who struggled with acne had underlying gut health or hormonal issues. I wanted to share that knowledge with other estheticians so they could understand the importance of addressing internal health alongside topical treatments. That’s when Gut Glow Academy was born. Teaching this connection empowers them to help clients in a deeper, more effective way.

How do you integrate your knowledge of nutrition into your skincare treatments?

I assess both internal and external factors when treating skin issues. During consultations, I ask about clients’ diet, digestion, skincare routine, and overall lifestyle. This helps me create personalized skincare plans that include nutritional guidance, such as balancing blood sugar, reducing inflammatory foods, and incorporating gut-friendly habits, alongside targeted skincare treatments and customized home care routines.

What are some common misconceptions about gut health and its impact on the skin?

A common misconception is that gut health only matters if someone has bloating, constipation, or other digestive issues, but imbalances like dysbiosis or leaky gut can show up as skin problems, even without obvious symptoms. Another myth is that taking medications, supplements, or probiotics alone will fix everything—gut health requires a holistic approach, including a balanced diet, stress management, and lifestyle changes to see real improvements in the skin!

In your experience, what are the most effective strategies for growing an esthetician’s business?

Consistency and specialization are key. By focusing on a niche and showcasing your knowledge, you position yourself as an expert, which builds trust with clients. Social media confidence is also essential. Sharing educational content and showcasing client results can drive engagement and attract new clients. Lastly, offering personalized experiences, such as tailored consultations, helps build strong client relationships.

Can you elaborate on your oil-planing technique and its benefits for both clients and estheticians?

The traditional method for dermaplaning is done dry, and I kept finding that my clients were leaving with dry, irritated, and inflamed skin after the treatment. Oil-planing uses nourishing oils to enhance dermaplaning treatments. It’s especially beneficial for clients with more sensitive skin because it creates a barrier between the blade and the skin, reducing irritation. This method allows for deeper exfoliation while keeping the skin hydrated, leading to better results with less risk of inflammation. Once I started using oil and following a specific treatment pattern, it improved my client satisfaction immensely. For estheticians, my virtual course on oil-planing offers a gentler approach that minimizes complications (like cutting your client) and increases client satisfaction.

What challenges did you face during your early years as a business owner, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges was gaining confidence as a new esthetician, especially in building a clientele and navigating business logistics. I started as a solo esthetician right out of school and was so lost because I wasn’t prepared for any of it during school. I overcame this by continuing my education, investing in mentorship, and focusing on social media to showcase my expertise. Learning to manage time, money, and client relationships effectively also played a huge role in overcoming the early hurdles. I think the best thing new and seasoned estheticians can do is to have an open mind and always continue learning.

What advice would you give to current esthetic students about preparing for the real-world challenges of running a successful business?

My advice is to prioritize business education just as much as skincare training. Invest in learning how to market yourself, manage finances, and build client relationships—skills that are just as essential as mastering treatments. Seek out continuing education and stay curious through independent research to gain new perspectives. Social media is a powerful tool, so understanding how to leverage it effectively will set you apart. Finally, stay adaptable. The industry evolves quickly, and your ability to grow and learn beyond school will be key to building a thriving, sustainable business.

How important do you think continuous education is for estheticians, and what types of courses do you recommend?

Continuous education is essential in this industry. It keeps you updated on new techniques, trends, and research, which elevates your services and client care. I recommend seeking out virtual or in-person courses in advanced skin treatments, holistic approaches like gut health, and business or marketing education to help estheticians grow their practices. People often underestimate the power of social media, so I would definitely take the time to get more confident in front of the camera to showcase your knowledge as well. I offer a variety of techniques, gut health, and social media virtual courses that I am so passionate about!

What success stories have you seen from estheticians who have applied your strategies for expanding their income?

Several estheticians who have implemented my strategies—through my Business + Branding Blueprint—have expanded their businesses by embracing personal branding on social media. Many talented estheticians are overlooked due to a lack of online presence, so I teach them how to overcome fear of failure and judgment to show up authentically. I encourage each esthetician to show more of their personality on social media, which builds more trust and deeper connections with potential clients. This approach has helped them grow their following, increase bookings, sell more retail, and launch new income streams like virtual consultations and skincare programs. I experienced firsthand success with this approach by growing my own Instagram and knew it could work just as well for others in the industry.