SPA HIVE

Julie Pankey

The SpaHive Podcast is for spa owners, wellness entrepreneurs, hospitality leaders — and anyone building a business with heart and strategy.

Hosted by 7-Figure Spa Consultant Julie Pankey and co-host MaryAnn Sessine, this show delivers real spa business strategy, marketing insight, revenue growth tactics, team development tools, and honest conversations about leadership, burnout, mindset, and sustainable success.

No quick fixes. No fluff. Just practical systems, profitability strategies, and unfiltered conversations about what it really takes to grow in business — and in life.

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189 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes189

Newest first

Friday · 19 min
Glass Skin, Bed Rotting & Fisherman Fashion... We're Rating Them All
Every week there's another beauty, wellness, or lifestyle trend taking over social media... but are any of them actually worth trying? In this fun episode of SpaHive, Julie Pankey and MaryAnn rate today's biggest viral trends using one simple system: Buy It, Borrow It, or Leave It. From Glass Skin facials and Fisherman Aesthetic fashion to Bed Rotting, eco friendly salon hair recycling, and some very questionable "nervous system wellness" products, nothing is off limits. You'll laugh, probably disagree with us a few times, and maybe even discover a trend worth trying yourself. Whether you're a spa professional, business owner, or just someone who enjoys keeping up with internet culture, this episode is packed with opinions, laughs, and plenty of "wait... that's actually a thing?" moments. Check out Julie Pankey’s Leadership must read list! https://a.co/d/06O7OCfq
July 27 · 39 min
The Science Behind a Memorable Summer
The days are long... but somehow summer still flies by. This week on the SpaHive Podcast, Julie and MaryAnn are checking in halfway through summer and asking a simple question: Are you tired... or fulfilled? From spontaneous adventures and sunrise hikes to pumpkin spice debates and boat trips, the conversation explores why some days leave us energized while others leave us completely drained. They also unpack fascinating research on why trying something new changes how our brains experience time and why novelty can actually make life feel fuller. Check out Julie Pankey’s Leadership must read list! https://a.co/d/06O7OCfq
July 17 · 25 min
What great leaders actually do and say?
In this rapid fire episode, Julie Pankey answers real world leadership questions on communication, feedback, team culture, trust, accountability, and managing employees. From handling difficult conversations to avoiding micromanagement, you'll walk away with practical leadership strategies you can apply immediately. Whether you're a spa owner, manager, entrepreneur, or team leader, this episode is packed with honest advice, actionable insights, and a behind the scenes look at what great leaders actually do and say. Topics include: • Leadership communication • Employee management • Team accountability • Giving effective feedback • Building trust and respect • Leadership mindset Check out Julie Pankey’s Leadership must read list! https://a.co/d/06O7OCfq
July 10 · 44 min
Are You the Hero...or the Problem?
Are you leading your team...or accidentally becoming the bottleneck? Many business owners and managers believe being the person everyone depends on is a sign of great leadership. But what if it's actually holding your team and your business back? In this episode of SpaHive Business + Life Unfiltered, Julie Pankey and MaryAnn explore why the best leaders make themselves less needed by building confident, capable teams instead of becoming the constant problem solver. Whether you're leading a spa, managing a team, running a small business, volunteering in your community, or even raising a family, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership, delegation, and accountability. Check out Julie Pankey’s Leadership must read list! https://a.co/d/06O7OCfq
July 3 · 37 min
Are YOU the Bottleneck? A Leadership Audit Every Business Owner Needs
:Last week, we bought your spa. This week... we're buying into your leadership. Every business eventually reflects its leader. If your team depends on you for every decision, problems keep resurfacing, or you constantly feel overwhelmed, this episode is for you. Julie Pankey and MaryAnn continue their leadership series with a practical leadership audit designed for spa owners, entrepreneurs, and managers who want to build businesses that thrive without constant firefighting. Inside this episode: What are you tolerating? • Are you leading or reacting? • Are YOU the bottleneck? • What does your team actually experience? • Rapid fire leadership questions every owner should answer honestly. If you're ready to stop managing every detail and start leading a stronger team, this conversation is for you. #SpaOwner #Leadership #SmallBusiness #BusinessOwner #Entrepreneur #Management #SpaBusiness #TeamLeadership
June 26 · 39 min
We Just Bought Your Spa. Now What?
n this episode of SpaHive Podcast, Julie Pankey and MaryAnn walk through the exact process they'd use to evaluate a spa from the moment they pull into the parking lot. From curb appeal and client experience to team culture, retention, operations, and profitability, they're sharing the hidden signs that separate thriving spas from struggling ones. Whether you're an independent esthetician, spa owner, medical spa manager, or salon leader, this episode will help you evaluate your business through a fresh lens and identify opportunities for growth. In this episode you'll learn: ✔ Why the "Parking Lot Test" matters more than you think ✔ The first reports every spa owner should review ✔ What your spa environment says before clients walk inside ✔ Common operational mistakes hurting profitability ✔ How client retention impacts long term success ✔ The leadership habits that build stronger teams ✔ Small improvements that create a better guest experience If you're ready to grow your spa business, improve operations, and become a stronger leader, this episode is your practical starting point.
June 19 · 34 min
Trust, Secrets & Plot Twists: Our Book Club Discussion
This month for SpaHive Book Club, we read You Deserve To Know by Aggie Thompson and let's just say... Julie and MaryAnn had very different reactions. From shocking plot twists and suburban secrets to unreliable narrators and friendship dynamics, we're unpacking everything that kept us turning pages. Did the ending work? Did we see the twists coming? And did we actually read the same book? Spoiler alert: if you haven't read the book yet, hit pause now and come back after you've finished. Book Club Picks
June 12 · 36 min
More Joy, Less Hustle: 3 Habits That Change Everything
Feeling busy but not fulfilled? Julie and MaryAnn explore the 3 simple things that make life feel bigger: new experiences, creativity, and real human connection. A thoughtful conversation about happiness, presence, and creating a life you'll actually remember. Don't Forget to join the Spa Hive Book Club- pick up your copy of our latest pick! https://a.co/d/03DK9zR6
June 5 · 29 min
Is Modern Life Making Us Boring?
This week, Julie and MaryAnn explore whether modern life, constant scrolling, AI, content creation, and convenience culture are making us less curious, less creative, and more disconnected from the experiences that spark innovation and joy. Check out the Spring Spa hive Book Club Pick - https://amzn.to/4ob8EeS
May 29 · 36 min
Online Audit, Would you book your business?
Would YOU book your own business right now? In this episode, Julie and MaryAnn walk through a simple 5-step online presence audit to help business owners identify the hidden website, branding, social media, and AI-related mistakes that may be costing them clients. Learn how to build trust, improve your digital first impression, and create an online presence that actually reflects the experience you deliver.
May 22 · 43 min
Millennials vs Gen X: Who Actually Broke Society?
Are Millennials really too emotional… or did Gen X just teach everyone to “tough it out”? In this hilarious and surprisingly relatable episode, Julie and MaryAnn unpack the real differences between Gen X and Millennials—from burnout, parenting, and workplace culture to trauma talk, email etiquette, wellness trends, and why everyone suddenly has an Oura Ring.
May 15 · 23 min
Feeling Scattered? These Entrepreneur Habits Actually Help
Feeling overwhelmed, scattered, or stuck in reactive mode lately? This SpaHive throwback episode from 2023 is your reminder that successful entrepreneurs don’t rely on motivation alone — they rely on habits, structure, routines, and systems that actually support their life and business. In this episode, Julie dives into: • Entrepreneur mindset shifts that reduce overwhelm • Why structure creates more freedom • “Brain Dump Sundays” and mental decluttering • Separating tasks to improve focus and productivity • The power of “20 Minutes of Pure Gold” If your brain has 47 tabs open right now… this episode is for you. Perfect for women entrepreneurs, spa owners, wellness professionals, small business owners, and leaders trying to grow without burning themselves out.
May 8 · 36 min
Women Are Carrying Too Much - Invisible Load
What if the reason you’re exhausted… isn’t your schedule — but the invisible load you’re carrying? In this honest, funny, and deeply relatable episode, Julie and MaryAnn unpack the mental and emotional weight women carry every single day — from decision fatigue and overplanning to being the default problem solver at work and at home. After recapping Julie’s whirlwind New York City trip filled with Broadway shows, luxury spa trends, viral TikTok pancakes, and immersive wellness technology, the conversation shifts into something bigger: why so many women feel overwhelmed before the day even starts. They dive into: • The “invisible load” women in business carry • Why self-care isn’t always solving burnout • Decision fatigue and leadership exhaustion • The pressure of being everyone’s planner and emotional manager • Why small habits matter more than perfect routines • Boundaries, delegation, systems, and reducing mental clutter • The difference between “self-care” and basic human care • How overwhelm shows up in business leadership
May 1 · 39 min
May isn’t just busy… it’s May-cember.
In this episode, Julie and MaryAnn unpack why May feels like December’s chaotic little sister—and how that “everything at once” energy shows up in your business, your schedule, and your life. From last-minute cancellations to packed calendars and stretched-thin owners, they’re breaking down what’s really happening beneath the surface. More importantly? They’re sharing simple, realistic shifts to help you stay grounded, protect your energy, and actually enjoy the season—without burning out. Because nothing’s gone wrong… your life is just expanding.
April 24 · 31 min
Hot Takes Only: Leadership & Wellness Myths
This week on SpaHive Podcast: Business + Life Unfiltered, Julie and MaryAnn are saying the quiet parts out loud. From entrepreneurship myths like “busy equals profitable” to why not everyone should own a small business, they’re diving into the conversations many entrepreneurs, business owners, and leaders avoid—but need to hear. They unpack real truths about leadership, team dynamics, business growth, and what it actually takes to build a sustainable, profitable business. Plus, they get into wellness trends, work-life balance, and the pressure of doing “more” in both life and business. Whether you’re a spa owner, service provider, or entrepreneur navigating growth, burnout, or scaling your business, this episode will challenge how you think about success, productivity, and leadership. Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t… but don’t say we didn’t warn you.
April 17 · 36 min
The Growth Hack No One Is Using Anymore
What if your next level of growth isn’t inside your business… but outside of it? In this episode, Julie and MaryAnn unpack why community connection is the most underrated strategy for both business growth and personal fulfillment. From local collaborations to real-life visibility (not just social media), they share how getting out of your building can build trust, deepen relationships, and actually grow your business faster. Because at the end of the day… people don’t support businesses they support people they recognize. READY to turn your spa dreams into a thriving reality? The Spa Startup course is your hands-on roadmap—packed with practical tools, licensing advice, marketing strategies, and budgeting know-how—so you can launch smart, grow fast, and skip the fluff. Our Spa Hive Favorites Shopping List Julie's 2025 Book List MaryAnn's 2025 Book List Save $25 OFF Julie’s Favorite Planner: Savor 90-Day Planner; i.refs.cc/1l05nWWP Could you use more business resources from me and my trusted SpaHive Community? Join us for free at https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSpaHive/ SPAHIVE BY JMPANKEY INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jmpankey
April 10 · 30 min
Hiring Too Late? The #1 Mistake That’s Ruining Your Busy Season
Summer is coming—and if you’re already feeling the pressure, you’re not alone. In this episode, Julie and MaryAnn break down how to hire smarter, set clear schedules, and avoid the burnout spiral before it starts. Because the truth is… busy season doesn’t burn you out—lack of planning does. Julie’s top FOUR Interview questions: What pulled you to apply to this position, what made you interested? What interested you about my business? You are looking to see if they know ANYTHING about the business. Why You? Why are you the best candidate? What are your personal and professional goals? What does a great work environment feel like to you? Memorial Day Check List: Finalize Schedule Take Inventory Training is complete Menu is SET! Leadership is VISIBLE What is your call out strategy?
April 3 · 25 min
They’re Ready to Grow… So Why Are You Holding Them Back?
Are you overlooking the next leader already on your team? In this episode, Julie and MaryAnn unpack how to recognize who’s truly ready to grow, why autonomy matters more than control, and how leaders unintentionally hold people back. If you’re struggling to hire, retain, or develop your team, this conversation might shift your entire perspective on leadership. READY to turn your spa dreams into a thriving reality? The Spa Startup course is your hands-on roadmap—packed with practical tools, licensing advice, marketing strategies, and budgeting know-how—so you can launch smart, grow fast, and skip the fluff. Our Spa Hive Favorites Shopping List Julie's 2025 Book List MaryAnn's 2025 Book List Save $25 OFF Julie’s Favorite Planner: Savor 90-Day Planner; i.refs.cc/1l05nWWP Could you use more business resources from me and my trusted SpaHive Community? Join us for free at https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSpaHive/ SPAHIVE BY JMPANKEY INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jmpankey
March 27 · 39 min
The Spring Wellness Edit: What’s In, What’s Out
In this episode, Julie and MaryAnn break down the biggest wellness trends of Spring 2026 and decide in real time: are we keeping them… or cutting them? From ear seeding and head spas to $22 wellness drinks, snail facials, and even bee venom skincare, nothing is off limits. If you’re in the spa, wellness, or beauty space and wondering what’s worth your energy this season (and what’s just hype), this is your spring edit. Ear Seeding Company we are loving: https://wthn.com/
March 20 · 39 min
Too Many Tabs Open? How to Reset Your Business & Energy This Spring
Feeling overwhelmed, busy but not productive, or stuck in burnout? This episode breaks down how to spring clean your business, energy, and mindset—so you can simplify, realign, and grow with clarity this season. The Spring Reset Framework, For Life and Work Step 1: Audit “What feels heavy, forced, or outdated?” Step 2: Eliminate “What can you remove immediately?” Step 3: Simplify “What can be easier?” Step 4: Realign “What actually fits the season you’re in?” Step 5: Protect “What boundaries keep this clean?” Spring Business Checklist: https://www.juliepankey.com/contact-4 READY to turn your spa dreams into a thriving reality? The Spa Startup course is your hands-on roadmap—packed with practical tools, licensing advice, marketing strategies, and budgeting know-how—so you can launch smart, grow fast, and skip the fluff. Our Spa Hive Favorites Shopping List Julie's 2025 Book List MaryAnn's 2025 Book List Save $25 OFF Julie’s Favorite Planner: Savor 90-Day Planner; i.refs.cc/1l05nWWP Could you use more business resources from me and my trusted SpaHive Community? Join us for free at https://www.facebook.com/groups/TheSpaHive/ SPAHIVE BY JMPANKEY INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/jmpankey