Behind the Needle
Mike LeMieux is the founder of MedSpa Media - a social media marketing company that works strictly with MedSpas. Mike has been in the social media marketing space since 2012 and is widely regarded as a top thought leader for his strategies and execution for his Clients, increasing their sales 2-3x. When he's not working, Mike spends every moment he can with his wife and daughter, he loves traveling and experiencing new places. He is passionate about lifting the burden that social media creates for his Clients and loves sharing his knowledge and proven strategies with others.
Behind the Needle
Beauty Betrayal Lists, Treatment Risks, & Ethical Training with Annie Bruno of Skin Charm
What does it really take to build a beloved aesthetics brand that grows on word-of-mouth and still books new clients on demand? Skin Charm founder and lead injector, Annie Bruno, shares how she pivoted during lockdown, scaled with integrity, and turned warm Southern-hospitality vibes into a repeat-client machine. You’ll hear Annie’s ethical take on injector training (and why she turns down easy money), the consult framework that boosts conversions without feeling “salesy,” and how she collaborates locally to keep high-quality patients coming in. We get into her “betrayal list” (including RF microneedling caveats and filler fear-mongering), when to add services like NAD+ and a wellness lounge, and how to price/position promos without becoming a Groupon brand. She also breaks down her apprenticeship model, the minimum ramp time she expects before letting anyone “poke a face,” and why preserving each patient’s authentic look is non-negotiable. If you want practical ways to elevate outcomes, retention, and revenue—this episode is your playbook!
Highlights
00:00 - Who is Annie Bruno, and why did she start Skin Charm?
02:50 - What allowed her to survive and build a business from scratch during COVID?
06:30 - The #1 retention tip for ongoing clients!
09:20 - Why having “thick skin” is important for business owners and how to handle issues quickly.
12:50 - What kind of training does Annie Bruno offer for new injectors?
14:20 - Why she turns down “easy money” from people who want mentorship.
16:05 - What goes into a mentorship with Annie?
19:50 - When does it make sense to have a “loss leader” in your sales strategy?
22:14 - Why did Skin Charm add a wellness arm to the business? (including IV therapies)
24:39 - What’s on your beauty betrayal list?
25:15 - Why isn’t she a fan of RF Microneedling?
27:41 - Are injectors who post videos of MRIs showing filler causing unnecessary fear?
31:25 - Why long-term treatment plans are better than fast treatments.
33:00 - What’s working to get new clients right now?
34:40 - How to sell without feeling pushy.
38:30 - What’s more important, washing your face or wearing SPF?
39:45 - Top three skin care product recommendations.
Resources + Links
Learn how to DOUBLE your Instagram Story views.
Work with Mike - Learn more about social media marketing and ads for your MedSpa.
Follow
Mike: @mikelemieux
MedSpa Media: @medspa_media
Annie Bruno: @nurseannabelle
Skin Charm: @skin.charm