03/18/2026
Drawing on her own experience navigating allergies and immune misfunction, Kiarra Smith, founder of Rooted Serenity, shares how she began recognizing immune-related patterns in her clients, from reactive skin and chronic inflammation to slow healing and recurring concerns that don’t respond to standard protocols. In this episode of ASCP Esty Talk, Maggie and Ella talk with Kiarra about becoming an “Immune Authority Esthetician.”
ASCP Esty Talk with hosts Ella Cressman and Maggie Staszcuk
Produced by Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) for licensed estheticians, ASCP Esty Talk is a weekly podcast, hosted by licensed estheticians, Ella Cressman, ASCP Skin Deep Magazine contributor, and Maggie Staszcuk, ASCP Program Director. We see your passion, innovation, and hard work and are here to support you by providing a platform for networking, advocacy, camaraderie, and education. We aim to inspire you to ask the right questions, find your motivation, and give you the courage to have the professional skin care career you desire.
About Kiarra Smith
Kiarra, founder of Rooted Serenity, is a licensed esthetician dedicated to the interconnectedness of skin health, the immune system, and allergies. With firsthand experience, she empowers fellow professionals with practical strategies for identifying triggers, implementing lifestyle changes, and integrating wellness methods for enhanced client care and practice inclusivity.
Connect with Kiarra Smith
Website: https://rootedserenity.glossgenius.com
Instagram: @rootedserenity
About our Sponsors:
Massage Envy is a national franchisor and does not independently own or operate any of the Massage Envy franchised locations nationwide. The Massage Envy franchise network, through its franchise locations, is the leading provider of massage services. Founded in 2002, Massage Envy now has approximately 1,100 franchise locations in 49 states that have together delivered more than 200 million massages and skin care services.
Website: www.massageenvy.com/careers/career-areas/esthetician
Facebook: @MassageEnvyCareers
LinkedIn: @MassageEnvy
TiZO Mineral Sunscreens set the standard for aesthetic elegance with tinted and non-tinted formulas for use on virtually all skin types and tones. Our name reflects our commitment: TIZO = Titanium dioxide + Zinc Oxides. All TiZO products are reef-friendly and 100% free of chemical sunscreens, dyes, fragrances, gluten, phthalates, and parabens. TiZO Photoceutical Skincare is the perfect partner to our sunscreens in the fight against photoaging. These silky, elegant products address tone, texture and hydration while helping to prevent further damage. From our flagship TiZO3 Primer/Sunscreen SPF 40 to our gentle Ultra Zinc formulations to our NEW Advanced Vitamin C+E Serum with Bakuchiol, TIZO has the ideal selection of products to Protect, Repair, and Revitalize skin.
Website: https://tizoskin.com/
Facebook: @tizoskin
Pinterest: @tizoskin
Instagram: @tizoskin
YouTube: @tizoskin
Face Reality is an award-winning, professional acne brand trusted by thousands of providers. Its clinically tested products, customizable protocols, and provider product training deliver life-changing results across all skin types—empowering professionals to confidently clear even the most stubborn acne. Plus, when you enroll, your $800 certification comes back to you as $800 off your opening order* after completion.
*$800 discount code valid on one product order of $1,200 or more. Valid for 30 days after completion of certification. Must enter code at checkout. Offer subject to change.
Website:
https://facerealityskincare.com/pages/certification-training
Social (TikTok, IG, Facebook):
https://www.instagram.com/facerealityskincare/
https://tiktok.com/@facerealityskincare
https://www.facebook.com/facerealityskincare
About Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP):
Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) is the nation’s largest association for skin care professionals and your ONLY all-inclusive source for professional liability insurance, education, community, and career support. For estheticians at every stage of the journey, ASCP is your essential partner. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions or would like to join and become an ASCP member.
Connect with ASCP:
Website: www.ascpskincare.com
Email: getconnected@ascpskincare.com
Phone: 800-789-0411
Facebook: facebook.com/ASCPskincare
Instagram: @ascpskincare
About Ella Cressman:
Ella Cressman is a licensed esthetician, certified organic formulator, business owner, ingredient junkie, and esthetic cheerleader! As an educator, she enjoys empowering other estheticians and industry professionals to understand skin care from an ingredient standpoint rather than a product-specific view.
In addition to running a skin care practice, Cressman founded a comprehensive consulting group, the HHP Collective, and has consulted for several successful skin care brands.
Connect with Ella Cressman:
Website: www.hhpcollective.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ella-cressman-62aa46a
About Maggie Staszcuk:
Maggie Staszcuk serves as the Program Director for ASCP and is the cohost of ASCP Esty Talk podcast. With over 18 years’ experience in the esthetics industry, her diverse background includes roles in spa management, spa and med-spa services, and esthetics education. Since becoming a licensed esthetician in 2006, she carries a range of certifications in basic and advanced esthetics. Maggie is dedicated to equipping estheticians with the knowledge and resources they need to thrive in their careers.
Connect with Maggie Staszcuk: