The latest installment of The Skin Games (TSG) Judges Panel Series brought together two categories that represent the true “soul” of the beauty industry: Compassion and Face Massage.
While one category focuses on philanthropic outreach and oncology care, and the other on the ancient art of manual therapy, they share a common thread: the power of human connection. As Kelly Wolcott, Director of Judges, noted, these panels showcase the experts who volunteer their time to elevate the industry’s standard of care and touch.
The Compassion Panel: Our Philanthropic North Star
The Compassion category, now in its ninth year at TSG, serves as a platform for beauty professionals who use their skills to serve the vulnerable.
Meet the Judges
- Brandie Humphrey: Founder of The Golden Glow Project. Inspired by her grandmother’s battle with Alzheimer’s, Brandie connects spa professionals with assisted living facilities and cancer centers to provide “wellness days.”
- Traci Daly-Smith: Founder of A New Daily Beginning. Based in Atlanta, her nonprofit provides free and low-cost integrative care for cancer survivors. She recently celebrated a major milestone: being awarded a grant for a radiation case study.
- Holly Brown: The “Mother Tree” of the category and founder of Looking and Feeling Fab. A former law enforcement professional, Holly has helped launch eight other nonprofits and specializes in treating the skin side effects of cancer treatment.
- Steve McGee: CEO of NeoGenesis. Bringing a biotech and engineering background, Steve views his role as “the bottom of the pyramid,” serving the estheticians who serve the clients.
The Mission of Compassion
The panel emphasized that this category is unique because the judges don’t just score; they mentor. “Nonprofits can’t make it without the kind people doing the hard work behind the scenes,” said Traci Daly-Smith. The goal is to celebrate those doing “the good work” that often goes unnoticed in a results-driven industry.
The Face Massage Panel: The “Trojan Horse” of Results
Directed by Zen Miller, this category has evolved from a “dungeon” side-show into a premiere event that showcases innovation, body mechanics, and pure artistry.
Meet the Judges
- Zen Miller (The Zen Lounge): With 40 years in fitness and 30 in massage, Zen is a global authority on manual therapy. She designed this category to highlight how massage—a universal language—can achieve results that machines simply can’t.
- Terrance Bonner (Allegro Clinics): A specialist in lymphatic drainage with 15 years in the industry. Terrance brings a focus on integrative mental health and bodywork, emphasizing that “when you are confident in who you are, everything else falls into place.”
- Joe Field (Joe Glow): A former TSG winner who became a viral sensation after performing a massage blindfolded to prove the power of sensory touch. Joe now teaches face massage globally, focusing on the body mechanics behind the art.
- Brooke Kennedy (Suite B Hair and Skin Lounge): A returning judge who brings a keen eye for technical precision and professional excellence.
- Elizabeth Mackenzie: A holistic mentor who evaluates the energy and intention behind the touch.
Trends: Moving Back to Basics
The panel discussed a major shift in the industry: a move away from hyper-invasive procedures and back to holistic, manual techniques.
“I don’t worry about trends; I stay in my lane, which is holistic. If anything is trending, I hope it’s holistic healthcare.” — Zen Miller
Joe Field noted that we are breaking the stereotype that you have to choose between “holistic” or “results-driven.” You can have both. By integrating Ayurvedic or TCM techniques into a medical-grade facial, you enhance the client’s experience and the skin’s biological response.
Success Advice: The “Mic Drop” Moments
| Judge | Words to Live By |
| Brandie Humphrey | “Give everything away. When you give more, you get more back.” |
| Traci Daly-Smith | “Success is relative to the eye of the beholder. Be humble and never give up.” |
| Holly Brown | “It’s okay to reach out for help. Knowledge is only good if you share it.” |
| Steve McGee | “If you do good, you’ll do well. Let people help you where you are vulnerable.” |
| Zen Miller | “Show up every day. Even if your book is empty, work on your business.” |
| Terrance Bonner | “Be confident in who you are. The collaboration is more important than the competition.” |
| Joe Field | “Leap and the net will appear. Be your authentic self—don’t try to be a Kardashian.” |
What’s Next?
The series continues next week with a focus on Lash & Brow and Paramedical PMU (Areola and Scar Revision). As we move closer to the live event in March, the community continues to grow, proving that at The Skin Games, we rise by lifting others.