In this episode of Worth Your Salt, Jennifer Orechwa sits down with Alex Thiersch, founder and chairman of the American Med Spa Association (AmSpa), to unpack what’s really happening beneath the surface of the booming aesthetics industry. While med spas continue to grow at a rapid pace, Alex reveals that the future of the med spa industry hinges on something many owners overlook: compliance, unified advocacy, and professional standards. From proposed legislation that could limit who can perform treatments to increasing scrutiny from regulators and the media, this conversation makes one thing clear — the next chapter of medical aesthetics will be shaped by those who choose to engage, elevate, and lead.

But this episode isn’t about fear — it’s about opportunity. Alex shares why med spa owners must move beyond operating in isolation and instead plug into community, education, and advocacy to protect what they’ve built. He explains how professionalism, collaboration, and a stronger national voice can safeguard the industry’s future while creating more profitable, sustainable businesses. If you care about the long-term success of your aesthetic practice, this conversation will challenge you to think bigger, act sooner, and step into your role in shaping the future of med spas.

Alex shares how AmSpa was built to elevate safety, compliance, and professionalism across the industry, why legal compliance is a growth strategy (not a limitation), and how upcoming legislation could dramatically impact med spa owners who aren’t plugged in. They dive deep into what makes the AmSpa Medical Spa Show unlike any other industry event, the power of community over competition, and Alex’s recent transition into the Chairman role—freeing him to focus on advocacy, industry-wide leadership, and protecting the future of medical aesthetics. This is a must-listen for any med spa owner who wants to grow with confidence and stay ahead of what’s coming next.

• What’s really happening behind the scenes in the med spa industry — including proposed legislation and regulatory shifts that could impact ownership, staffing models, and injectables.
• Why med spa compliance is the foundation of long-term growth — and how professionalism and unified standards protect both your patients and your profitability.
• The biggest operational and legal mistakes even successful med spa owners make — and how to avoid costly missteps before they threaten your business.
• How community, advocacy, and industry involvement shape the future of medical aesthetics — and what you can do now to protect and strengthen your practice.

Resources:

• Follow Alex on LinkedIn
• Join over 50k AmSpa followers on Instagram
• Attend the Medical Spa Show
• Join AmSpa as a Plus Member for 20% Off!

In this episode of Worth Your Salt, Jennifer Orechwa tackles one of the biggest challenges facing med spa owners and wellness practitioners today: standing out in a crowded, copy-and-paste marketplace. When every website, social post, and service menu starts to sound the same, it’s no wonder prospects hesitate, price-shop, or say, “I’ll think about it.” Jennifer breaks down why this sameness happens—and why blending in is the exact opposite of what today’s clients need from your brand.

Using the StoryBrand framework, Jennifer shows how true differentiation doesn’t come from new devices or trendy language, but from clearly telling a better story—one where your client is the hero and your practice is the trusted guide. You’ll learn how to connect with the internal motivations driving your clients’ decisions, uncover your practice’s unique “sparkle,” and communicate your value with clarity, empathy, and confidence so the right clients recognize you instantly.

• Why most med spa and wellness marketing sounds the same—and how that sameness is quietly costing you bookings
• How to use the StoryBrand framework to shift your messaging from “look at us” to “we understand you”
• How to identify and communicate your practice’s true differentiator (your “sparkle”) beyond services and devices
• Practical ways to bring your unique story to life across your website, social media, and in-person client experience

This week, Worth Your Salt host Jennifer Orechwa is getting into the things smart med spas know about smart money management with Shannon Simmons—founder of Fit For Profit, Certified Profit First Professional, and author of The Fiscal Fitness Playbook—to talk about the financial reality many wellness business owners quietly carry: a business that looks successful on the outside but still feels stressful, unpredictable, and underpaying behind the scenes. Shannon breaks down why this happens so often in gyms, studios, coaching practices, and wellness clinics, and she shares the mindset shift that has to come before any strategy will actually stick. If you’ve ever felt anxiety around cash flow, avoided looking at your numbers, or wondered why the money never seems to match the effort, this conversation will help you feel seen—and give you a clear way forward.

You’ll also learn Shannon’s practical approach to building a “fiscally fit” business: spotting the hidden leaks that quietly drain profit, protecting margins with simple cash-management systems, and using small, intentional adjustments to create real financial breathing room. Most importantly, Shannon shows listeners how to build a business that funds the owner’s ideal lifestyle instead of consuming it—without spreadsheets, overwhelm, or working harder. By the end of the episode, you’ll walk away with actionable next steps you can implement right away, plus a clear invitation to connect with Shannon for deeper support if you’re ready to put a real plan in place.

• Why so many wellness businesses struggle financially—even when they’re busy—and how to shift your relationship with money so you can lead with confidence
• The most common “hidden money leaks” in med spas, gyms, studios, and wellness practices, and how to start fixing them without harming the client experience
• How small, strategic changes to pricing, expenses, and cash flow can dramatically improve profitability
• Simple systems that help you get paid first, reduce financial stress, and prevent burnout
• Practical first steps you can take right now to build a wellness business that truly supports your lifestyle.

• Resources:

  • Book your Clarity Call with Shannon here
  • Get your own copy of the Fiscal Fitness Playbook here
  • Email Shannon here
  • Visit the Fit For Profit website here