This real-world client behavior wrap-up helps spa owners and leaders understand shifting expectations, decision fatigue, and why simplicity is driving bookings heading into the new year.

If we were opening — or reopening — a spa today, these are the decisions we’d make differently right now. In this episode, Julie and MaryAnn break down how they would approach leadership, systems, services, pricing, and vision if they were stepping into a spa in today’s market. This is a practical, no-fluff conversation for spa owners, directors, and managers who want clarity, focus, and forward momentum heading into 2026.   Notes: 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

This week, Julie and MaryAnn dive into the three leadership decisions you shouldn't make in December — the ones that protect your sanity, your team, and your 2026 vision. From resisting last-minute system changes, to refusing to lead from exhaustion, to letting December be a month of observation rather than pressure, this episode helps spa owners and leaders navigate the busiest month with clarity, intention, and calm. Notes:    Our Spa Hive Favorites Shopping List Julie's 2025 Book List  MaryAnn's 2025 Book List 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.  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

December has a way of turning strong leaders into full-blown holiday heroes — always available, always fixing, always on call. In this episode of the SpaHive Business Bestie Podcast, Julie and MaryAnn break down why boundaries disappear during the holidays, how “Holiday Hero Mode” leads to burnout, and the exact types of boundaries every leader needs to protect their peace, energy, and sanity. From time and communication boundaries to emotional and holiday-specific boundaries, this episode gives you practical scripts, real talk, and one powerful December challenge to help you lead with intention — not obligation.   Scripts Leaders Can Use With staff: “I trust you to handle this. If it’s not urgent, let’s revisit tomorrow.” “I’m offline tonight, but I’ll respond in the morning.” “Let’s create a plan so this doesn’t require last-minute texts.” With clients: “We want to support you, and the best way to do that is by following our scheduling guidelines.” “My team is fully empowered to assist — they’ve got you!” With family: “I want to be fully present. I need a little quiet time first.” “I can help with that, but I won’t be available until after X.” Our Spa Hive Favorites Shopping List Julie's 2025 Book List  MaryAnn's 2025 Book List 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.  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

What if doing nothing was actually the most productive thing you could do? In this mini SpaHive Business Besties episode, Julie and MaryAnn share the science behind stillness and introduce a powerful 3-Day Stillness Challenge to reset your nervous system and restore clarity. If your brain is tired, this one’s a must-listen. Notes:  Our Spa Hive Favorites Shopping List Julie's 2025 Book List  MaryAnn's 2025 Book List 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.  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

Julie and MaryAnn share their top wellness splurges for Black Friday—from Oura Rings to cryo wands to infrared therapy. They reveal what’s hype, what’s worth it, and how spa pros can sell smart this season. Your holiday wellness upgrade starts here.  Notes:  Our Spa Hive Stocking Stuffer Shopping List Julie's 2025 Book List  MaryAnn's 2025 Book List 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.  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

In this festive episode, Julie and MaryAnn unpack their favorite beauty, wellness, and spa stocking stuffers—from sleep essentials and magnesium must-haves to hydration boosters, gua sha tools, and creative DIY kits. You’ll get smart ideas spa owners can use to increase retail sales, build themed gift bundles, and turn small products into high-margin holiday wins. Perfect for anyone looking to elevate holiday gifting and boost Q4 revenue with retail that actually sells.   Notes:  Our Spa Hive Stocking Stuffer Shopping List Julie's 2025 Book List  MaryAnn's 2025 Book List 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.  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

Get ready to boost your spa’s holiday sales with five proven hacks to increase Q4 revenue and simplify retail. Julie and MaryAnn share strategies for giftable spa experiences, frictionless gift card sales, and loyalty-building marketing that actually converts. Perfect for spa owners who want a stronger, more profitable holiday season.   Julie’s Favorite Items  Julie's 2025 Book List  MaryAnn's 2025 Book List 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.  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

 Get cozy with the SpaHive Business Besties as Julie Pankey and MaryAnn share their favorite self-care hacks for busy women, spa pros, and moms heading into the holiday hustle. From biohacking sleep with the Oura Ring and cutting late-night screen time to MaryAnn’s viral “burping the house” ritual, this episode is all about reclaiming calm in the chaos. Tune in for easy wellness habits to help you sleep better, stress less, and stay balanced during the busiest time of year. Julie’s Favorite Items  Julie's 2025 Book List  MaryAnn's 2025 Book List 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.  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

It’s getting spooky in the spa + wellness world! 👻 In this Halloween episode of the SpaHive Business Bestie Podcast, Julie and MaryAnn rate the weirdest wellness and beauty trends of 2025 — from animal yoga and snake massages to sleep-shedding hacks and perineum sunbathing. Laugh along as they decide what’s a Boo, what’s Bewitching, and what’s a BUY — and uncover the spooky spa trends haunting the industry.

Before you hit ‘Buy Now,’ listen up! Julie and MaryAnn expose the truth about Amazon skincare, counterfeit beauty products, and what’s really inside those too-good-to-be-true deals. From clean beauty to anti-aging must-haves, learn how to spot fakes, check expiration dates, and buy safe, spa-quality skincare online — all with a side of laughs (and one unforgettable pumpkin spice lotion story).   Notes:  Julie’s Favorite Items  Julie's 2025 Book List  MaryAnn's 2025 Book List 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.  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

In this cozy-meets-strategy episode, Julie and MaryAnn share three simple gratitude rituals that don’t just make you feel good — they actually help your business grow. From heartfelt client touches (think pre-arrival thank-yous and handwritten notes ), to culture-boosting team appreciation, and yes, a little self-gratitude that keeps burnout at bay — this one’s all gravy. FREEBIE - 15 Ways to say Thank You Julie's 2025 Read Book List  MaryAnn's 2025 Read Book List 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.  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

Grab your sage and your spreadsheets—it’s spooky season at SpaHive! 👻 In this birthday-week episode, Julie and MaryAnn dive into the 5 scariest fears business owners face (think staffing nightmares, reputation hits, cash flow dips, competition pressure, and the dreaded burnout). But don’t worry—your Business Besties are here with stories, laughs, and strategies to help you face the fear and lead through it. Because rest is a revenue strategy, and culture beats chaos every time.   Join our October Reset Challenge Julie's 2025 Read Book List  MaryAnn's 2025 Read Book List 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.  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

Bloom or Bust? Julie and MaryAnn are diving into the wild world of fall trends—from pumpkin spice love vs. hate, to beef tallow as skincare (yep, you read that right), and why infrared panels might just be the next wellness must-have. They dish on Netflix documentaries, root for Charlie Sheen, and test their knowledge of Gen Z slang (spoiler: Julie’s grandson calls her “bruh”). It’s a cozy, hilarious, and slightly sendy ride through what’s hot, what’s not, and what’s just plain confusing.   Julie's 2025 Read Book List  MaryAnn's 2025 Read Book List 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.  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

In this episode of the SpaHive Business Besties podcast, Julie and MaryAnn dive into the bucket theory of friendships—a fresh take on how to nurture relationships in both life and the spa business world. They explore why work-life balance and authentic connections matter for spa leaders, entrepreneurs, and wellness professionals, and how trimming “lost causes” can make space for the community and collaborations that truly help you thrive. Expect laughter, honesty, and a little gardening metaphor as they guide you through a fall reset designed to reset, refocus, and recharge your personal and professional life.   Julie's 2025 Read Book List  MaryAnn's 2025 Read Book List 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.  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

In this episode of the SpaHive Business Besties podcast, Julie and MaryAnn reflect on where they were on September 11th and how those experiences shaped their perspectives. From there, they pivot into the power of resetting, refocusing, and recharging as fall begins—because Q4 is your chance to finish strong. They share why October (not January!) is the best time to set realistic goals, and they introduce a brand-new SpaHive challenge designed to help you hit refresh on your business and life before the year ends. Expect inspiration, honesty, and of course, a little bestie banter along the way.   Julie's 2025 Read Book List  MaryAnn's 2025 Read Book List 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.  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

In this episode of the SpaHive Business Besties podcast, Julie and MaryAnn get real about the messy truths of business—doubt, lessons learned, and the power of community. It’s a reminder that fearless decisions and strong support make the journey so much better (and a lot less lonely). Notes:  Julie's 2025 Read Book List  MaryAnn's 2025 Read Book List 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.  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    

In this episode of the SpaHive Business Besties podcast, Julie and MaryAnn dish on the things they’ve stopped faking—like glorifying busyness and following tired trends that just don’t serve anymore. They get real about what work-life balance actually looks like, the joy in everyday moments, and how client expectations in the spa world are evolving. It’s a conversation about authenticity, meaningful services, and ditching the fluff so you can focus on what really delivers results.   Notes:  Julie's 2025 Read Book List  MaryAnn's 2025 Read Book List 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.  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

The SpaHive Book Club continues with this summer’s pick, The Wedding People by Allison S. Espach—a story that’s equal parts tender, witty, and quietly transformative. Julie and MaryAnn dive into Phoebe’s winding journey through love and loss, the quirky, layered cast of characters, and the symbolism tucked between the lines. Along the way, they explore grief, growth, and the surprising humor found in hardship—before revealing if this one earns a spot on your must-read list.

In this episode of the SpaHive Business Besties podcast, Julie and MaryAnn spill on their wildly different Augusts—MaryAnn’s slow-and-steady pace vs. Julie’s jam-packed whirlwind of business and travel. From RV mishaps to puffin-spotting in Maine (with a side of fried clam heaven), they dive into the late summer slump and the incubation theory—how stepping back gives your brain the space to quietly work out solutions. It’s proof that sometimes the best ideas hatch when you’re not forcing them.