The Skincarma Pod | Ep. 60: “Leap Even Though You’re Fearful” — Confidence, Connection & Finding Your Passion with Shelley Hancock, the Esthetician’s Esthetician
The Skincarma® Pod · Carmine Montalto
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Show Notes
On today’s episode of The Skincarma Pod, host Carmine Montalto is joined by Shelley Hancock – a licensed esthetician, educator of educators, mentor, and author of Esthetic Success: A Seasoned Esthetician’s Journey
Shelley’s career didn’t follow a straight line – and it wasn’t polished in hindsight. Before finding her calling in esthetics, she moved through multiple jobs, industries, and identities, searching for work that truly fit. Along the way, she faced doubt, generational expectations, and a defining moment when her father expressed a fear that she might never find her passion.
That moment – and the many “leaps” that followed – shaped Shelley’s confidence-first philosophy. As she puts it in their conversation, “Leap even though you’re fearful.”
In this deeply human conversation, Carmine and Shelley explore:
Why confidence often comes before competence
The career detours that quietly prepare us for success
How connection, not credentials, builds lasting client relationships
The difference between knowing everything and trusting yourself
What today’s estheticians need to both learn and unlearn to build long, fulfilling careers
Shelley shares stories from her early days as a cosmetic counter associate, medical-office assistant, spa owner, and eventually an “esthetician’s esthetician,” revealing how curiosity, courage, and self-confidence shaped a decades-long career in skin health and education.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating a nonlinear career path, questioning their next step, or learning how to move forward even when fear is present.
🎧 Listen now – and discover why leaping before you feel ready might be the most powerful career move of all.
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Follow Shelley on Instagram here and on LinkedIn here. Learn more about Shelley and her work in aesthetics, and even schedule a consultation with her, at shelleyhancock.com.
Follow Skincarma on Instagram and on TikTok. Catch product reviews of Carmine’s top picks of the best skincare on the Skincarma Blog. You can also connect with Carmine on LinkedIn here and explore his extensive work in beauty on the Carmine Montalto INK website here.
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and/or leave a review on Apple Podcasts, Substack, or Spotify to help Carmine reach more curious listeners.
Product links:
Esthetic Success: A Seasoned Esthetician’s Journey
Can You Relate?: Personal Stories with Universal Messages
How to Become a Skincare Expert
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Product reviews on the Skincarma Blog:
Explore the Best Sunscreens for Face here.
Explore the Best Retinol Face Creams and Serums here.
Explore the Best Vitamin C Serums here.
Explore the Best Niacinamide Serums here.
Explore the Best Acne Treatments here.
Explore the Best Anti-Aging Creams and Serums here.
Explore the Best Face Creams for Dry Skin here.
Explore the Best Face Creams for Oily Skin here.
The Skincarma® Pod is where indie beauty meets fearless curiosity. Hosted by Carmine, his podcast pulls back the curtain on the beauty industry with sharp insights, candid interviews, and a healthy dose of irreverence. From deep dives into ingredient science to raw conversations with dermatologists, brand founders, and industry insiders, each episode is a no-BS exploration of what really matters in skincare: how to attain and maintain healthy skin. If you’re obsessed with products, passionate about transparency, and love calling out hype, this is the place to learn, question, and glow smarter.
The Skincarma® Blog is written and curated by skinfluencer, skincare junkie and Brooklyn writer Carmine Montalto. With 25 years of expertise in beauty across every category, Carmine has helped build multiple consumer brands from the ground up. He’s named 100s of skincare, haircare & makeup products – some of which are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now! And, he’s tested 1,000s of products, the best of which can be found reviewed on his blog at skincarma.com.
With the right skincare routine including sunscreen...You CAN change your skin’s destiny!™
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