The Hairdresser Strong Show

In this episode, Elizabeth Faye, shares how she went from finding her way into the beauty industry as a teenager to building community, education, and wellness platforms for beauty professionals.Elizabeth talks about the experiences that shaped her career, from working behind the chair and owning a salon to building Hair Love retreats, serving schools and salons through The Vitality Project, and developing wellness technology for the industry.For beauty pros, educators, salon owners, and entrepreneurs who care about mental health, community, innovation, and the future of the industry, this conversation explores what it takes to build something meaningful without losing the heart behind it.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key Takeaways:🔅Build from lived experience - Elizabeth’s work is rooted in the fact that hairdressing changed her own life. Her story is not about randomly choosing wellness as a business category. It came from understanding how powerful this industry can be when people feel seen, supported, and connected.🔅Turn community into a business model - Hair Love started through workshops, retreats, education, and real relationships. Over time, those experiences became the foundation for The Vitality Project. The takeaway is to pay attention to what people keep asking for, then build structure around what is already working.🔅Relationships are part of the strategy - Elizabeth said that if her success were a math equation, it would be all relationships. For beauty pros and entrepreneurs, that means showing up, collaborating, supporting people, and building real connections can open more doors than trying to grow alone.🔅Start where you are with mentorship - Elizabeth has invested heavily in mentors, but she also started by trading hair for business coaching. The lesson is that mentorship does not always have to start with a huge budget. It can start with a trade, a meetup, a course, a book, a conversation, or finding someone who can help you see the next step.🔅Wellness is business infrastructure - Elizabeth does not treat mental health, emotional resilience, nervous system regulation, and community as extra. She sees them as part of what helps beauty pros, educators, owners, and teams function better. Wellness is not separate from success when people are the business.🔅Use tech to support the human side of the industry - The Vitality Project uses courses, coaching, surveys, dashboards, community, on-demand practices, gamification, and AI. But the point is not tech for tech’s sake. The point is using technology to make wellness, support, and connection easier to access.🔅Do not let “I’m not that kind of person” become the ceiling - Elizabeth talked about owning the identity of tech founder even though she came from hair, coaching, creativity, and wellness. The takeaway is that creatives can learn hard things. “I’m not a tech person,” “I’m not a money person,” or “I’m not a business person” cannot be the thing that stops the next version of the business.RELATED LINKS📸Follow Elizabeth on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heyelizabethfaye/📸 Follow The Vitality Project on Instagram on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jointhevitalityproject/📸Learn more about Elizabeth and her programs - https://heyelizabethfaye.com/The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

In this episode, Demetrios Bafitis, stylist, barber, and multi-location salon owner of Bella Bethesda and Jordan Thomas Salon & Spa, shares how he went from working seven days a week behind the chair to running his salons remotely while spending much of his time in Greece.Demetrios talks about what it really takes to step away from behind the chair and work on the business, not just in it: building a leadership team, creating systems, letting go of control, offering flexibility and benefits, reinvesting in the team, and making the salon about more than the owner.For salon owners who feel stretched thin or are trying to pivot, this conversation breaks down the mindset, structure, and team development needed to build a business that can run without everything depending on you.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key Takeaways:🔅Start by measuring how much the business depends on you - Demetrios shares a rule of thumb from his coach: if you are an owner behind the chair, you do not want to be more than about 10 to 12 percent of the salon’s service production. If your salon does $1 million and you personally produce $200,000, the first move is not simply “take more time off.” It is to build a team that can sustain the business without that much revenue depending on your hands.🔅Do not confuse stepping away with disappearing - Demetrios still stays connected through daily check-ins, Zooms, leadership meetings, and regular travel back to the States. The shift is not from “present” to “absent.” The shift is from being the person doing everything to being the person leading, supporting, and building the structure.🔅Build a leadership team before you expect freedom - At Bella, Amanda runs day-to-day operations. At Jordan Thomas, Mindy manages both locations. Zuzanna works across all three. Demetrios is able to step back because there are trusted people assigned to real leadership responsibilities, not because the business is magically self-running.🔅Put systems around the business, not just talent behind the chair - Demetrios talks about systems, coaching, law firms, accounting firms, leadership support, and structured check-ins. Owners who want to step away need more than great stylists. They need clear processes for operations, finances, compliance, education, scheduling, communication, and decision-making.🔅Let go of making the salon about you - One of the biggest mindset shifts Demetrios names is making the business about the team instead of the owner. He says he can walk into his salons and some people do not know he is the owner, and he is okay with that. For many owners, that is emotionally hard. But if the brand only works because the owner is visible, available, and personally producing, the owner has not really built freedom yet.🔅Reinvest in the team before expecting loyalty - Demetrios connects loyalty to what the business actually provides: benefits, health insurance support, paid education, sick leave, vacation pay, maternity/paternal leave, and reinvestment back into the team. His point is that owners cannot expect people to stay if the business does not give them real reasons to build a career there.🔅Flexibility still needs structure - Demetrios talks about adapting to modern talent and work-life balance, but he does not describe it as a free-for-all. He uses the idea of “free structure,” meaning flexibility within a system that still works for the business. Schedules can vary, but the team also has to understand demand, peak hours, weekends, financial implications, and the level system.🔅Use career paths to make staying worthwhile - His structure includes an associate program, level system, assistants, leadership opportunities, shareholder options, and phantom stock. The message for owners is clear: if you want people to stay, they need to see more than a chair. They need to see a future.🔅Train people faster, but do not skip standards - Demetrios wants associates on the floor quickly, ideally around six months, because it benefits the stylist and the business. But he also talks about weekly classes, bi-weekly classes, a rolling curriculum, consultation, cutting, color formulation, color application, on-the-job training, and the need for self-starters. Speed only works when training has structure.🔅Hire for the person, then teach the skill - Demetrios says they mostly hire the personality, not the skill, because they believe skill can be taught. For owners, that means the hiring process should look beyond technical ability and ask: Is this person coachable? Do they want to work? Do they fit the culture? Will they grow inside the system?🔅Be honest about the financial risk of ownership - Demetrios talks openly about owner financing, savings, loans, using a 401k loan, bank financing, collateral, and putting his signature on the line. For owners who want to grow, buy in, or acquire, the takeaway is not “go take reckless risks.” It is to understand credit, taxes, lending, cash, legal structure, and what kind of risk you are actually agreeing to.🔅Share the upside with the people helping you build - Demetrios’ leadership team members are shareholders, and he also discusses buy-in opportunities and phantom stock. This is a major point for stressed owners: if you want people to think beyond their station, contribute to the larger company, and help carry the business, there has to be a way for the upside to reach them too.🔅Build a business people want to protect - The big idea is that stepping away is not just operational. It is cultural. People are more likely to protect a business when they feel respected, compensated, developed, included, and connected to its future. Remote ownership becomes possible only when the people inside the business have a reason to care when you are not in the building.🔅Understand that freedom is built in stages - Demetrios went from barber, to cosmetologist, to assistant, to employee, to high producer, to buying into Bella, to sole owner, to acquiring Jordan Thomas, to building a leadership structure that lets him work from Greece. The lesson for stressed owners is to stop looking for one move that fixes everything. The pivot happens through a sequence of decisions, systems, people, and investments.🔅Decide what you are really trying to build - Some owners want to work behind the chair forever, and that can be fine. But if you want the business to run without you, the choices have to match that goal. That means building leadership, reducing dependence on your own production, creating team incentives, documenting systems, investing in benefits, and accepting that the salon’s brand cannot revolve only around you.RELATED LINKS📸Follow Demetrious on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dbafitis/📸 Follow Bella Bethesda Salon on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bellabethesda/ 📸Follow Jordan Thomas Salon on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jordanthomassalon/The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

In this episode, Mike Gilman, CEO & Founder of Grooming Lounge, shares the story behind building one of the early men’s grooming destinations and sustaining the brand for more than two decades. Mike talks about growing up around the beauty industry, spotting an opportunity in men’s grooming before it became mainstream, launching an e-commerce site from his basement, and eventually opening a physical Grooming Lounge location at a time when landlords still questioned whether men would pay for grooming services.He also breaks down what it really takes to stay in business long term: hiring the right people, building a team around strong standards, focusing on what you do best, knowing when to stop what isn’t working, and creating a service experience strong enough to become a destination.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key Takeaways:🔅Solve a real problem, not just a trend - Mike saw that men wanted grooming solutions, but many did not feel comfortable asking for them in traditional beauty or retail environments. Grooming Lounge was built around solving that discomfort.🔅Make the offer easy to understand - Early Grooming Lounge messaging was focused on problems and solutions, not complicated product language. Instead of leading with ingredients or fluff, they focused on what men were actually trying to fix.🔅Education builds trust - The original website was heavy on education because Mike understood that a lot of men did not know what they needed. Teaching people became part of the business model.🔅Being first is not enough - Grooming Lounge had first-mover advantage, but the business still had to deliver great service, customer experience, technical quality, and a clear brand promise.🔅Do not lower the bar just because you need people - In the early years, Mike admits they accepted behavior they probably should not have accepted because they needed enough people to serve clients. Over time, they learned to hold stronger standards.🔅Train people into your way of doing things - Grooming Lounge wanted people who could learn their systems, from greeting guests to consultation, service, retail, and customer experience.🔅Professionalism matters - Mike’s team is built around people who treat every guest like the visit matters. Talent is important, but professionalism, kindness, consistency, and maturity are what make the experience work.🔅Expansion teaches expensive lessons - When Grooming Lounge opened outside the DC area, Mike learned that distance, timing, recruiting, build-out costs, and management attention all matter. Growth that pulls too much energy from what is working can become a distraction.🔅Focus on what you are great at - One of Mike’s biggest long-term lessons is to stop trying to be all things to all people. The businesses that last know what they do well and become excellent at it.RELATED LINKS📸Follow Grooming Lounge on Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/groominglounge/ 📸Learn more Grooming Lounge products, barbershops, and spas -https://www.groominglounge.com/The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

In this episode, Filipe Santos (@chop_safil), CEO of Chop Enterprises, shares how he went from tattoo artist and union carpenter to building a multi-location salon company with nine salons across New York, New Jersey, and Miami.Filipe breaks down the growth, leadership, and execution behind scaling from one salon to nine, including how he built leaders, created systems, recruited talent, used marketing, acquired salons, negotiated owner financing, and developed a shared services platform to support growth.This conversation is for salon owners, beauty pros, and hairpreneurs who know that talent is only one part of building a real business.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key Takeaways:🔅Your first salon teaches you the hardest lessons - Filipe explains that the first business is usually the most difficult because you are breaking barriers you have never faced before. Once you learn how to build the first one, you can start duplicating the process with stronger systems.🔅What gets you to $1 million will not get you to $5 million - The systems, leadership, and decision-making that get you started are not always enough for the next stage. Growth requires new structure.🔅Every salon needs leadership, not just ownership - Each Chop location has its own leader, and the leadership team meets weekly to review metrics, game plan, and get resources. Scaling requires leaders who can carry the standards into each location.🔅Recruiting is a business skill - Filipe challenges the emotional idea of “poaching” and reframes recruiting as giving talented people an opportunity. If you want to grow, you need to learn how to attract talent.🔅A new hire needs a reason to move - Filipe said when someone joins, they need to make more money or experience a clear benefit. If they leave their current situation to make the same or less, that creates problems later.🔅Train for more than technical skill - Filipe’s assistant program includes phones, hospitality, booking, cancellations, POS systems, client communication, language, business, and numbers before someone fully moves behind the chair. Filipe says skill can be taught, but energy, work ethic, and alignment determine whether someone fits the business.🔅Owners need business education outside the beauty industry - Filipe makes the case that business principles are not only “hair business” principles. Salon owners need to study business, marketing, leadership, operations, and strategy from outside the industry too.🔅Acquisition can be faster than opening from scratch - Filipe explains that buying an existing salon can come with staff, cash flow, and infrastructure, but you have to know how to audit the business, see the waste, and improve the operation.🔅Owner financing can create succession opportunities - Filipe breaks down how price, down payment, and interest can all be negotiated when buying a salon, creating a potential path for owners who want to sell and operators who want to grow.🔅Shared services could change the salon industry - Filipe’s shared services platform idea is about giving salons access to systems, education, discounts, resources, and operational support without forcing every owner to figure everything out alone.🔅The owner narrative needs to change - Filipe talks about how owners have had “bad PR” and how the industry needs more honest conversations about the real value owners create, the opportunities they provide, and the performance required to earn more.RELATED LINKS📸Follow Filipe on Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/chop_safil/📸Learn more about Filipe's Salons -https://www.chopentllc.com/about-chop-enterprises#:~:text=built%20for%20decades.-,SALON%20OPERATIONS,-Chop%20Enterprises%27%20journeyThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

You can be booked, busy, and making money, and still not understand what is actually happening inside your business.In this episode, Chrystal Graves, Founder & CEO of LiQUiD, shares how her career took her from apprentice to salon owner, from scaling multiple salon concepts to selling her salon, and now into building an AI-powered business tool for beauty professionals. She breaks down why understanding your numbers, systems, pricing, expenses, and take-home pay matters, and why beauty pros need stronger business foundations if they want to stop guessing and start making decisions that actually support growth.Key Takeaways:🔅Being booked is not the same as being profitable - Chrystal makes it clear that a busy book does not automatically mean the business is working. Beauty pros still need to understand pricing, expenses, take-home pay, and what is actually left over.🔅You cannot make smart decisions without knowing your numbers - Before deciding whether to raise prices, sell more retail, hire help, open a salon, or change your business model, you need to understand the foundations of your business.🔅Your take-home pay matters - Chrystal points out that people talk a lot about what the business needs, but not enough about what the business needs to generate so you can actually pay your bills at home.🔅Pricing should not be based on guessing - If you do not know your break-even point, dream number, expenses, and profit goals, it is easy to price from emotion, comparison, or pressure instead of real information.🔅Systems create freedom - Chrystal defines scaling as being able to remove yourself from parts of the business by using people, systems, or technology so the business can keep making money without everything depending on you.🔅If the business only works because of you, it is not ready to sell - Chrystal explains that if clients only come because you are the person doing the hair, it is hard to put real value on the business.🔅Leadership is the owner’s job - When Chrystal stepped away from the chair, she focused on leadership, numbers, and supporting her team. That shift helped the business operate beyond her personal client book.🔅Successful owners can still be burnt out without systems - Chrystal shares the example of a salon owner with a beautiful business and a large team who was still exhausted because she was moving every lever herself.🔅Technology should support better decisions, not replace business foundations - Chrystal’s point is not that AI is magic. It is that technology works best when it is connected to your actual numbers, goals, clients, and business reality.🔅Beauty pros need to stop guessing and start building from the foundations - The bigger message is that talent matters, but business literacy, systems, numbers, and decision-making are what help create long-term growth.RELATED LINKS📱Follow Chrystal on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thechrystalgraves/📱Follow LiQUiD on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/getliquidai/The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

You can care deeply about your team and still be missing the structure that helps them stay.That is the part a lot of salon/shop owners feel, but do not always know how to fix.In this episode, Eva DuPont, Director of Business Development at Infiniti HR, breaks down why building a team that stays is not just about hiring good people, it is about creating clarity around expectations, compensation, benefits, HR, payroll, compliance, and growth. She explains how small gaps in structure can turn into bigger problems over time, and how salon owners can start building a more professional, protected, and supportive business from the inside.🚨🎤 Eva will be taking the stage at the 4th annual Beauty Business Brunch on July 19th in Washington, DC, where she'll help owners evaluate their own business, identify what may be attracting or pushing away talent, understand common payroll mistakes, and leave with clear next steps based on their stage of business.👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunchKey Takeaways:🔅A team that stays needs structure - Retention is not only about being a good person or having a good vibe. Team members need clear communication, expectations, policies, growth pathways, and compensation structure.🔅HR (human resources) is part of the full employee experience - Eva explains that HR touches the entire employee lifecycle, from hiring and onboarding to communication, documentation, payroll, benefits, and what happens when someone leaves.🔅Compensation needs to be clearly communicated - Pay structure should not be vague or assumed. Owners need to be clear about how people are paid, what growth looks like, and what opportunities exist.🔅Benefits are part of compensation - Pay is not the only thing team members care about. Benefits, PTO, sick time, 401k options, employee assistance programs, and voluntary benefits can all help people feel more supported.🔅People stay where they feel valued - Eva shares that team members are more likely to stay when they feel cared for, supported, and able to grow.🔅HR does not feel urgent until something goes wrong - Many owners do not think about HR until there is a problem, a complaint, a legal letter, a payroll issue, or a labor law concern.🔅Misclassification can be expensive - Eva talks about how classifying workers incorrectly can create serious fines, penalties, and legal exposure for a business.🔅Employee handbooks and documentation matter - A legally reviewed handbook, clear policies, and written expectations can help protect the business and create more consistency for the team.🔅A PEO can help small businesses access bigger-business support - Eva explains that a PEO can support payroll, HR, workers comp, liability protection, and benefits by giving small businesses access to a larger employee pool.🔅Being proactive is cheaper than being reactive - It is better to understand your exposure, get systems in place, and correct issues early than wait until a problem becomes expensive.RELATED LINKS📱Follow Eva on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/eva_peo_consultant/🔑Learn more about how Eva & Infiniti HR can help you - https://www.salonhrpartner.com/salonhrpartnerThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

We spoke with Zach Zinober, Social Media Advisor at Crystal Hook Media, about what it really means to stop posting and hoping and start building a social media system that supports your brand.This Live turned into a full social media Q&A covering posting frequency, motivating staff to post, TikTok, rebuilding a brand, algorithm changes, reusing content, planning ahead, and making social media feel less overwhelming.🎧Quick Note: There are a couple of brief moments where the audio quality drops due to connection issues. Thanks for sticking with us!🚨🎤 Zach Zinober will be taking the stage at the 4th annual Beauty Business Brunch on July 19th in Washington, DC, where we’ll go deeper on how beauty pros can stop posting and hoping, define their brand, build a repeatable content system, and use social media to communicate value, attract attention, and turn viewers into clients.👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunchKey Takeaways:🔅Stop starting from scratch every time - Zach explains that a content system helps you stop rethinking every post and gives you a repeatable structure to work from.🔅Your content should match your brand - Before posting more, look at whether your current content actually reflects the feeling, image, and message you want your salon or personal brand to communicate.🔅Posting frequency depends on the system - Zach generally recommends around three to four posts per week for salons, but the bigger goal is consistency that fits your brand and capacity.🔅Reels and carousels can serve different purposes - Reels can help with discovery, while carousels can support education, storytelling, or deeper brand messaging.🔅Staff need to understand the value - If you want team members to post, show them how social media can help them build their own clientele, not just help the salon.🔅Younger clients are discovering businesses through social media - Zach explains that people increasingly use Instagram and TikTok to decide where to eat, shop, travel, and book services.🔅Plan content monthly - Planning ahead makes posting less emotional, less last-minute, and easier to follow through on.🔅Do not delete your content - Save photos, videos, raw clips, and finished posts so you can reuse, remix, and repurpose them later.🔅Social media should reduce guessing, not create more stress - The creator approach is about building a structure that makes posting feel more manageable and less like constant pressure.🚨🎤 Zach Zinober will be taking the stage at the 4th annual Beauty Business Brunch on July 19th in Washington, DC, where we’ll go deeper on how beauty pros can stop posting and hoping, define their brand, build a repeatable content system, and use social media to communicate value, attract attention, and turn viewers into clients.👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunchRELATED LINKS📱Follow Zach on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/crystalhook_media/The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

🌿As beauty pros, we spend our days listening, creating, problem-solving, holding space, managing energy, and helping other people feel better. But without tools to regulate our own nervous system, it is easy to carry everyone else’s stress home with us.In this episode, Wafaya Abdallah, Owner of Oasis Curl Salon, mindful meditation teacher, and certified life coach, shares how mindfulness can help busy beauty pros regulate stress, stay present with clients, and protect their own energy behind the chair. She explains why meditation is not about doing it perfectly, how small daily practices can support emotional resilience, and why learning to pause, breathe, and respond instead of react can change the way we work and live.🚨🎤 Wafaya Abdallah will be taking the stage at the 4th annual Beauty Business Brunch on July 19th in Washington, DC, where we’ll go deeper on wellness, self-regulation, emotional resilience, and how beauty pros can live and work with more presence, clarity, and calm.👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunchKey Takeaways:🔅Mindfulness is not just about meditation - Wafaya explains that meditation is one tool, but the bigger goal is self-regulation, resilience, and learning how to manage your thoughts, emotions, and responses.🔅You are not bad at meditation because your mind wanders - The wandering mind is part of the practice. The work is noticing it without judgment and coming back to your breath, your body, or the present moment.🔅Beauty pros need tools for emotional regulation - Clients bring stress, stories, complaints, and energy into the salon. Learning to breathe and stay present helps you respond without taking everything on.🔅Your breath can help you stay professional in hard moments - Wafaya shares that breathing through the heart area can help calm the nervous system, keep you out of fight, flight, or freeze, and support a better response.🔅Stress does not just live in your mind - Chronic stress can affect the body, emotions, decision-making, creativity, and overall well-being.🔅Self-awareness changes the client experience - When you can notice what is happening inside of you, you can pause, regulate, and show up with more clarity for yourself, your team, and your clients.🔅Mindfulness can be part of salon culture - Wafaya uses meditation in salon meetings and huddles to help the team become present before beginning the day.🔅You do not have to do it one way - Guided meditation, walking meditation, sitting in silence, candle meditation, breathwork, journaling, and time in nature can all be ways to practice being present.🔅Question the story before you believe it - When you start overthinking, spiraling, or assuming the worst, Wafaya suggests using multiple perspectives and empowering questions. Instead of immediately believing “they hate me” or “this is all going wrong,” pause and ask: “What else could be true?” or “What if this is helping me grow?”RELATED LINKS👉Follow Oasis Curl Salon on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/curlyoasis/👉 Follow Wafaya on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yinrizingofficial/🚨🎤 Wafaya Abdallah will be taking the stage at the 4th annual Beauty Business Brunch on July 19th in Washington, DC, where we’ll go deeper on wellness, self-regulation, emotional resilience, and how beauty pros can live and work with more presence, clarity, and calm.👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunchThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

You can be busy all day and still feel like nothing is really growing. That is the part a lot of beauty pros feel, but do not always know how to name.In this episode, Mireya Villarreal, Founder of From Chair to Boss™ and Pink Pewter, breaks down why time management is not just about being organized, it is about understanding what your time is worth and using it to grow. She shares how restructuring her own business after a major setback changed the way she viewed every minute, and how beauty pros can stop wasting time, shift their habits, and turn more of their energy into income, clarity, and opportunity.🚨🎤 Mireya Villarreal will be taking the stage at the 4th annual Beauty Business Brunch on July 19th in Washington, DC, where we’ll go deeper on how beauty pros can stop letting time slip away, understand what their minutes are actually worth, identify the habits costing them growth, and create a clearer way to turn time into income, clarity, and opportunity.👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunchKey Takeaways:🔅Your time has a dollar value - Mireya challenges beauty pros to stop thinking only in hours and start understanding what their time is worth by the minute.🔅Being busy is not the same as growing - A full day does not automatically mean you are moving your business forward. Growth requires knowing where your time is going and whether it is creating income, clarity, or opportunity.🔅Social media can be a tool or a distraction - Mireya calls out social media as one of the biggest places beauty pros lose time when they are consuming, scrolling, or watching other people instead of using it with purpose.🔅Downtime should be redirected toward growth - When you are not booked, that time can be used to rebook clients, look for opportunities, follow up, collaborate locally, improve your booking systems, or bring new people into your chair.🔅Habits determine growth - If you want more clients, more income, or a bigger opportunity, the daily habits have to match the goal.🔅You have to know where you are wasting time before you can fix it - Mireya’s workshop is designed to help attendees see their time in front of them so they can identify what is costing them money.🔅Growth starts with mindset and business skills - Mireya explains that beauty pros are taught to be talented with their hands, but they also need business education, time awareness, and entrepreneurial thinking to expand.🔅Experience matters - Mireya built Pink Pewter from her kitchen table into an international brand, rebuilt after a major business setback, and now uses those lessons to help other beauty pros avoid costly mistakes.RELATED LINKS👉Follow Mireya on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mireya_villarreal_/👉Follow From Chair to Boss™ on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fromchairtoboss/👉Follow Pink Pewter on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pinkpewter/🚨🎤 Mireya Villarreal will be taking the stage at the 4th annual Beauty Business Brunch on July 19th in Washington, DC, where we’ll go deeper on how beauty pros can stop letting time slip away, understand what their minutes are actually worth, identify the habits costing them growth, and create a clearer way to turn time into income, clarity, and opportunity.👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunchThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

You do not need to be rich to start investing. But you do need a plan.In this episode, Nicole Carson, CFP®, MBA and founder of 2nd Story Wealth Planners, breaks down how beauty professionals can start building an investment plan around real-life factors like debt, uneven income, taxes, retirement goals, and fear of the market. She explains why investing is not only for wealthy people and how consistency, time, and a clear plan can help beauty pros build long-term financial security.🚨🎤 Nicole Carson will be taking the stage at the 4th annual Beauty Business Brunch on July 19th in Washington, DC, where we’ll go deeper on how beauty pros can stop putting wealth-building off, understand their investment options, plan for retirement, and create a simple framework to start building long-term financial security from where they are now.👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunchKey Takeaways:🔅You do not need to be wealthy to start investing - Nicole explains that investing is not only for millionaires, and many people can begin with a small monthly amount.🔅Debt does not always mean you have to wait - Nicole says paying down debt and investing can happen together, depending on the type of debt, your goals, and your timeline.🔅Your investment plan starts with your goal - Retirement, buying a home, building wealth, or creating more freedom all require different strategies.🔅Uneven income needs a system - Beauty pros often have income that changes week to week, so looking at your average income over time can help you choose a realistic amount to save or invest.🔅Emergency money should stay accessible - Money you may need quickly, like emergency savings or tax money, should usually be kept somewhere easier to access.🔅Time in the market matters more than timing the market - Nicole explains that trying to wait for the perfect time can keep people stuck, while consistent investing helps build over time.🔅Investing feels emotional because money is emotional - Fear of losing money, choosing the wrong investment, or not knowing enough can stop people from starting.🔅Taxes have to be part of the plan - For 1099 workers, suite owners, and business owners, saving for taxes regularly is part of building financial stability.🔅Wealth is usually built through consistency - This conversation is not about getting rich quick. It is about steady habits, clear goals, and staying committed over time.RELATED LINKS👉Follow Nicole on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nicolecarson.fp/👉Follow 2nd Story Wealth Planners on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/2nd_storywealth/The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

In this episode, Jozlyn Miller, Manager of Education and Industry Expert at Boulevard, breaks down why retention may be one of the most profitable growth strategies beauty professionals are underusing.She shares how improving the client experience, rebooking conversations, service add-ons, memberships, and client education can help salons and spas increase revenue from existing clients.🚨🎤 Jozlyn will be taking the stage at the 4th annual Beauty Business Brunch on July 19th in Washington, DC, where we’ll go deeper on untapped revenue, elevating the client experience, empowering your team, and the proven retention strategies that help beauty pros stop chasing new clients, drive fierce loyalty, and unlock the profit already sitting in their existing books.👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunchKey Takeaways:🔅Your next revenue opportunity may already be in your client list - Jozlyn explains that current clients, past clients, and loyal repeat clients all create opportunities to increase revenue without only chasing new business.🔅Retention starts with the full client journey - Booking, consultation, service, checkout, rebooking, follow-up, and return visits all shape whether a client comes back.🔅Rebooking needs more intention - Instead of simply asking, “Do you want to rebook?” guide the client toward the timing, reason, and value of their next appointment.🔅Client experience creates word-of-mouth growth - When clients feel valued, cared for, and treated like VIPs, they are more likely to talk about the business and refer people.🔅Your team needs to understand the vision - If owners want a better client experience, the team needs education, language, and tools to deliver it consistently.🔅Add-ons, memberships, and packages can grow revenue - The opportunity is not just offering them, but training the team to communicate their value without sounding salesy.🔅Retention is a revenue strategy - Better communication, education, consistency, trust, loyalty, and referrals all connect back to stronger revenue.🚨🎤 Jozlyn will be taking the stage at the 4th annual Beauty Business Brunch on July 19th in Washington, DC, where we’ll go deeper on untapped revenue, elevating the client experience, empowering your team, and the proven retention strategies that help beauty pros stop chasing new clients, drive fierce loyalty, and unlock the profit already sitting in their existing books.👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunchRELATED LINKS👉Follow Jozlyn on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jozlyn.deshawn/👉Follow Boulevard on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joinblvd/Boulevard is an all-in-one business management and client experience platform purpose-built to streamline daily operations for salons, spas, and independent beauty professionals. It empowers hairdressers by handling online booking, smart calendar scheduling, automated client reminders, marketing, and point-of-sale checkout in one seamless system, allowing you to maximize your revenue and focus on your craft.The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

In this episode, Shawna Murphy, Founder of Style Smart VA, breaks down one of the easiest ways beauty professionals lose money without realizing it: missed or unmanaged client communication.She explains how auditing your DMs, texts, emails, forms, and follow-ups can help you capture more inquiries, book more clients, increase repeat visits, and stop letting revenue slip through the cracks.🚨🎤Shawna will be leading the VIP session at the 4th annual Beauty Business Brunch on July 19th in Washington, DC, where we’ll go deeper on missed DMs, delayed responses, follow-up gaps, and the communication systems that help beauty pros capture more inquiries, book more clients, and increase retention.👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunchKey Takeaways:🔅Missed messages can mean missed money - Shana calculated her own missed opportunities and found that dropped client communication was costing her around $2,500 a month.🔅Audit every place clients reach out - DMs, texts, emails, booking software, forms, website chats, and Facebook messages all need to be checked so potential clients do not fall through the cracks.🔅Capture contact information before they disappear - If someone reaches out but does not book, get their phone number and email so you can stay in front of them later.🔅Treat inquiries like sales opportunities - Every person who messages, calls, or fills out a form has potential revenue attached to them, even if they are not ready to book today.🔅Track people who do not book right away - Add them to your booking software, CRM, or email list so you can follow up instead of losing them completely.🔅Follow up after the appointment - A personal follow-up can confirm they are happy, create space for adjustments, encourage reviews, and help bring them back.🔅Retention starts with communication - The client experience starts before they walk in and continues after they leave, which means stronger communication can lead to more rebooking, referrals, and long-term revenue.RELATED LINKS👉Follow Shawna on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shawnaarielhair/👉Follow Style Smart VA (Virtual Assistants) on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stylesmartva/🚨🎤Shawna will be leading the VIP session at the 4th annual Beauty Business Brunch on July 19th in Washington, DC, where we’ll go deeper on missed DMs, delayed responses, follow-up gaps, and the communication systems that help beauty pros capture more inquiries, book more clients, and increase retention.👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunchThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

In this episode, Jannay McIver, Owner of Asili Hair Care Center, breaks down what salon owners need to have in place before scaling to multiple locations. From documenting every part of the client experience to knowing your numbers, trusting your team, and building systems that work without everything living in your head, this conversation is a practical look at what it really takes to grow a salon business.🚨🎤Jannay will be joining the Owner’s Panel at our upcoming Conference, Beauty Business Brunch 2026 in DC, where we’ll go deeper on leadership, management, growth, and what it really takes to build a strong beauty business from the inside.👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunchKey Takeaways:🔅Your first location needs to work without you - Before opening another location, your current salon should be profitable without you being the main revenue source.🔅Trust has to be built into the business model - Scaling requires trusting other people with your brand, your standards, and your client experience.🔅Write down the small details - Budgets and handbooks matter, but so do the words used during consultation, checkout, the shampoo bowl, and rebooking.🔅Put systems where people use them - Don’t just leave processes in a Google Drive. Put scripts, checklists, and reminders where the work actually happens.🔅Know your numbers before you grow - Accurate bookkeeping, accounting, payroll, product costs, marketing spend, and staff costs all need to be clear before expansion.🔅Your POS system is part of your growth strategy - Client information, booking, forms, reminders, email marketing, and access permissions should be organized before adding locations.🔅Not every problem is a fire - A bad review, mistake, or hiccup may be a signal that something needs to be clarified, not a reason to take everything back over yourself.🔅Leadership changes when the business grows - At a certain point, everybody cannot be your friend. Standards need to be consistent across locations.🔅Everyone does not want what you want - One of Jannay’s lessons in scaling was realizing not everyone wants to operate like a business owner or professionalize the same way.🔅Rooms like BBB matter because business can feel isolating - Jannay talked about the value of spaces where beauty professionals can talk about money, systems, leadership, marketing, growth, and what actually works.RELATED LINKS👉Follow Jannay on Instagram👉Follow Asili Hair Care Center on Instagram🚨🎤Jannay will be joining the Owner’s Panel at our upcoming Conference, Beauty Business Brunch 2026 in DC, where we’ll go deeper on leadership, management, growth, and what it really takes to build a strong beauty business from the inside.👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunchThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

In this episode, Charles Riser Jr., Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Paul Mitchell Temple Academies in Annapolis and Frederick, breaks down the federal rule changes that could affect cosmetology schools, student funding, and access to beauty education.He explains why the wage metrics being used are flawed, how the data fails to reflect the real earning power of licensed professionals, and why the industry needs to get louder, more informed, and more involved.📣🚨Submit your comment by Wed. May 20 - https://myaacs.org/submit-your-comment/Key Takeaways:🔅Understand what is actually being measured - The issue is not simply whether cosmetology graduates make money, but how the government is comparing graduate earnings against flawed high school graduate wage data.🔅The data comparison is not apples to apples - Charles explains that the rule compares cosmetology graduates about three years out of school to high school graduates roughly fourteen years out, creating a distorted wage comparison.🔅Part-time work changes the picture - Industry data shows many beauty professionals work part-time early in their careers, which can make annual income look lower even when hourly earning power is strong.🔅Access to education is what is really at stake - If schools lose access to federal funding, students who rely on Pell Grants and federal loans may lose their pathway into cosmetology, barbering, aesthetics, and related trades.🔅This impacts more than one school or one state - Charles explains that the issue could affect accredited cosmetology schools nationally, especially because accredited institutions train a large share of industry graduates.🔅Do not confuse accountability with bad data - Holding schools accountable is one conversation, but using flawed wage metrics to determine program value creates a separate and serious problem.🔅The industry needs a seat at the table - Regulations affecting licensure, education, sanitation, funding, and schools are being discussed whether beauty professionals are paying attention or not.🔅One person can change policy - Charles gives examples of individual people influencing legislation, including mobile salons and blow-dry licensing in Maryland.🔅Claiming tips matters beyond taxes - Underreporting income affects borrowing power, long-term financial stability, and the way the government measures the value of the profession.🔅Take action before May 20 - Charles says the industry needs to submit comments before the May 20 deadline, contact representatives, and get loud before the regulation moves forward. If the rule goes into place in July, the first round of pass/fail data could come out shortly after, putting schools on a path toward monitoring and potential loss of federal funding.Dive Deeper & Learn More📣🚨Submit your comment by Wed. May 20 - https://myaacs.org/submit-your-comment/SALON SPA AND BARBERSHOP GUIDE:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iHeQnVZoCNbe2f6BSZaT6qp1fI7_adaB/viewIntended for employers. This guide translates the same core issues into workforce language, focusing on hiring, time to earnings, hours worked, tips, flexibility, and the importance of access to accredited training programs for maintaining a worker pipeline. It also encourages employers to submit their own public comments.MODERN SALON ARTICLE: https://www.modernsalon.com/1097189/americas-beauty-and-wellness-industry-under-threat-from-proposed-regulations-nowPBA LETTER TO Department of Education: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12atDVoND2zsluj9PVGpJJOMVrw35YMO3/view2024 Salon Chain Compensation Study - https://www.qnityforschools.com/blog/new-chain-salon-study-reveals-critical-insights-beauty-school-educatorsThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

In this episode, Ash Fortis, owner of XO Hair Lab and Director of Education at Sharkfin Shears, breaks down what it actually takes to build and retain a strong salon team.From recruitment and assistant training to leadership, communication, boundaries, and retention, Ash shares how structure, support, and clear expectations create a salon culture where people can grow and stay.🚨🎤Ash will be joining the Owner’s Panel at our upcoming Conference, Beauty Business Brunch 2026 in DC, where we’ll go deeper on leadership, management, growth, and what it really takes to build a strong beauty business from the inside.👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunchKey Takeaways:🔅Recruitment cannot be reactive - If you wait until you desperately need someone, you are already behind. Strong owners build applicant flow and relationships before there is an emergency.🔅Hire for self-motivation and reliability - Ash names self-motivation and reliability as two of the top traits she looks for when building a team, no matter the role.🔅Create the environment for people to thrive - New talent needs clear expectations, support, education, and structure if they are going to succeed inside the business.🔅Give people systems before judging their performance - Handbooks, service lists, double-booking systems, downtime expectations, and clear salon policies help people understand how to meet the standard.🔅Assistants should feel utilized, not used - A strong assistant program includes mentorship, education, hands-on learning, and a visible growth pathway.🔅Growth timelines should be individualized - Some assistants may be ready in six months, others may need a year or two, depending on skill, timing, professionalism, and readiness.🔅Leadership is service, not control - Ash frames leadership as servitude, empathy, support, and helping people succeed while still upholding what the business needs.🔅Retention depends on communication - Regular check-ins, honest conversations, goal-setting, and listening help owners understand where team members are and what support they need.🔅Boundaries protect the culture - Heart-led leadership still requires clear lines, especially when personal relationships, loyalty, and team dynamics start to blur.🔅You have to make the right calls for the culture - Even talented people can damage the environment if they ignore standards or undermine the team. Culture requires protection.RELATED LINKS📸Follow Ash on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/xostylistxo/📸Follow XO Hair Lab on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/xohairlab/🌱Check out Ash's book "Hair to Dye for" - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Hair-to-Dye-For/Ash-Fortis/9781681885049🚨🎤Ash will be joining the Owner’s Panel at our upcoming Conference, Beauty Business Brunch 2026 in DC, where we’ll go deeper on leadership, management, growth, and what it really takes to build a strong beauty business from the inside.👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunch🔑BBB is a full-day conference for stylists, barbers, owners, educators, and students who want more than just being busy. We're talking sustainability, money, professionalism, and what it actually takes to build something that lasts.The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

In this episode, Ash Fortis, owner of XO Hair Lab and Director of Education at Sharkfin Shears, shares how health challenges, financial pressure, sweat equity, and major business setbacks shaped the leader she became.From navigating a team walkout during COVID to rebuilding stronger, Ash breaks down the hard side of heart-led leadership: protecting the culture, making difficult decisions, and creating a salon team that can actually last.🚨🎤Ash will be joining the Owner’s Panel at our upcoming Conference, Beauty Business Brunch 2026 in DC, where we’ll go deeper on leadership, management, growth, and what it really takes to build a strong beauty business from the inside.👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunchKey Takeaways:🔅Build proof before you ask for opportunity - Ash used a portfolio, before-and-afters, and professionalism early in her career to show salons what she could do before she had years of experience.🔅Sweat equity is part of building something real - Ash’s experience with education, brand building, and ownership shows that many opportunities require time, investment, and unpaid effort before the payoff comes.🔅Leadership requires hard decisions - Heart-led owners still have to protect the business, the brand, and the team, even when the decision is emotionally difficult.🔅Culture cannot survive constant exceptions - If one person is repeatedly violating the standards, it affects the rest of the team and weakens the trust in leadership.🔅Being respected matters more than being liked - Ash talks about having to shift away from needing validation and into stronger leadership, especially when making decisions that protect the salon.🔅Know your numbers before generosity breaks the business - Supporting your team matters, but Ash also had to adjust commissions, pricing, and financial systems so the salon could remain sustainable.🔅Recruitment should never stop - Strong owners are always building relationships, hosting education, creating visibility, and staying connected to people who may align with the brand later.RELATED LINKS📸Follow Ash on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/xostylistxo/📸Follow XO Hair Lab on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/xohairlab/🌱Check out Ash's book "Hair to Dye for" - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Hair-to-Dye-For/Ash-Fortis/9781681885049🚨🎤Ash will be joining the Owner’s Panel at our upcoming Conference, Beauty Business Brunch 2026 in DC, where we’ll go deeper on leadership, management, growth, and what it really takes to build a strong beauty business from the inside.👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunch🔑BBB is a full-day conference for stylists, barbers, owners, educators, and students who want more than just being busy. We're talking sustainability, money, professionalism, and what it actually takes to build something that lasts.The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

In this HdS News update, we break down why clients are becoming more selective and how that’s showing up in your chair, your pricing conversations, and your bookings.From tighter spending to higher expectations, this episode explains what’s actually changing and what to do about it.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key Takeaways:🔅Clients are more selective, not disappearing - Bookings are still happening, but clients are questioning add-ons, spacing appointments, and thinking harder about spending🔅Ticket size is under pressure - You may not be losing clients, but you may be losing revenue per visit as clients adjust their habits🔅Pushback is emotional, not personal - Clients aren’t reacting to you, they’re reacting to rising costs in their everyday life, but you’re the one they express it to🔅Clients now need to be convinced - The shift from “I want this” to “is this worth it?” means clarity, consistency, and experience matter more than ever🔅High-value clients are still spending, but expecting more - Precision, customization, and a premium experience are now the baseline🔅Retention is the priority right now - This is not the time to overextend; it’s the time to strengthen systems, relationships, and consistency🔅You don’t own your audience on social - Real relationships and direct communication matter more than platform reach🔅The opportunity is in adapting - The professionals who win right now are the ones who understand the shift and adjust how they operateOne of our missions is to raise the esteem and perceived importance & value of hairdressers across the USA. HdS NEWS is part of that effort. We believe to achieve this goal, we must raise the bar of professionalism, service, and sophistication of hairdressers. We hope you enjoy the news and look forward to your comments!CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our Blog DISCLAIMER: Robert holds a B.A. in Business Administration with a Minor in Finance. Robert curates the news and explains his understanding. We suggest you use this information to talk with your financial advisor, business advisor, and/or CPA. Legal counsel may be required for some of your decisions as well. If you want business advice from Hairdresser Strong, you can hire us as a consultant/advisor, but we are not financial advisors, lawyers, or accountants.THIS IS NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE. THIS IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. IF YOU NEED LEGAL, TAX, OR FINANCIAL ADVICE, SEE A LAWYER, CPA, OR FINANCIAL ADVISOR, RESPECTIVELY

In this episode, Scott J shares how a series of unexpected opportunities, relentless learning, and a willingness to say yes led him from a high school dropout to building a multi-location salon business and becoming President of Intercoiffure America Canada.He breaks down the realities of scaling, leadership, and why long-term success in this industry is built on education, community, and the willingness to say yes.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key Takeaways:🔅Say yes to opportunity - Many of Scott’s biggest breakthroughs came from conversations and chances he didn’t plan for but chose to take🔅Education is the foundation of long-term success - Continuous training and staying humble enough to keep learning is what sustains a career over decades🔅You don’t need perfect conditions to start - Scott opened his first salon without money or a clear roadmap and figured it out as he went🔅Build businesses that create opportunity for others - Expanding to multiple locations was about giving his team room to grow, not just increasing revenue🔅Growth isn’t always scaling up - Moving from five salons to two was a strategic decision to build stronger, more focused businesses🔅Trust your instincts when making decisions - The right environments and opportunities often come from intuition, not overthinking🔅Relationships are the real asset - Long-term clients and team members are what create stability and longevity in this industry🔅Leadership evolves over time - Success shifts from personal achievement to serving your team, your community, and the industryRELATED LINKS📸Follow Scott on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottj_dreambuilder_/📸Follow Scott J Salons on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/scottjaveda/📸Follow Intercoiffure America Canada on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/intercoiffureac/⭐️Check out Intercoiffure America Canada's Website - https://www.instagram.com/intercoiffureac/The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

In this episode, Jacquelyn Rodriguez shares how clean beauty went from a personal wake-up call to a more intentional way of running a salon. She walks through the challenges of shifting away from traditional products, the resistance and learning curve that comes with it, and why trying to be perfect often holds people back from starting.Instead, she makes the case for a more practical approach one rooted in better decisions that impact your health, your clients, and the long-term sustainability of your business.🚨 Jacquelyn will also be leading a 📚breakout workshop on 🌱Clean Beauty at our upcoming Beauty Business Brunch in Washington, DC. Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunchFollow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key Takeaways:🔅Clean beauty is not all-or-nothing - It’s about making better decisions over time, not trying to get everything perfect at once🔅If you don’t define your “why,” it becomes a trend - Without a clear reason behind your decisions, sustainability becomes something you start and stop instead of something you build into your business.🔅Education creates demand - Clients didn’t ask for clean beauty at first. Awareness was built through conversations behind the chair over time.🔅Your environment impacts your health - Long-term exposure to products and chemicals affects how you feel, not just how your work looks🔅Sustainability can reduce waste and cost - Reusing tools, reducing waste, and simplifying processes can lower expenses over time.🔅Overconsumption doesn’t equal better results - More products and more steps don’t always improve outcomes🔅Leadership is about direction, not perfection - Setting a standard and improving over time is what builds trustRELATED LINKS📸Follow Jacquelyn on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cleanbeautybizcoach/📸Follow Green Beauty Community on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/greenbeautycommunityfoundation/?g=5🌱Check out Jacquelyn's Website - https://cleanbeautybiz.com/🚨 Jacquelyn will also be leading a 📚breakout workshop on 🌱Clean Beauty at our upcoming Beauty Business Brunch in Washington, DC. Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunchBBB is a full-day conference for stylists, barbers, owners, educators, and students who want more than just being busy. We're talking sustainability, money, professionalism, and what it actually takes to build something that lasts.The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

Join us for Part 1 of our docuseries with Kimberly Christoph owner of Mane Street Georgetown, as she shares the real-time experience of opening a salon and navigating the realities of renovation, permits, and building out a space. With 22 years in the industry and 1 year into ownership, Kimberly breaks down the unexpected delays, design pivots, and decisions that come with turning a vision into a functioning business.👀Watch this episode on YouTube to see the salon!Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Opening fast comes with trade-offs – Moving quickly helps retain clients, but can create operational and construction challenges.🔅Permits take longer than expected – What feels like a simple build-out can turn into months of delays depending on city requirements.🔅Understand “change of use” before signing a lease – A space not previously used as a salon can require full building permits and infrastructure upgrades.🔅Renovations are more than aesthetics – Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC upgrades are often the biggest costs, not the design itself.🔅Your original vision will likely change – The space, budget, and constraints will shape the final concept more than your initial idea.🔅Do due diligence before signing anything – Research zoning, permits, infrastructure needs, and negotiate as much support as possible upfront.🔅Landlords are not responsible for your build-out – Any incentives, time, or support must be negotiated before signing the lease.🔅Hiring expectations need to be clarified early – Assumptions about stylists bringing clients or committing full-time can lead to misalignment.🔅Benefits matter more than expected – Health insurance and a collaborative culture are key factors in attracting talent today.👀Watch this episode on YouTube to see the salon!RELATED LINKS👉Follow Mane Street Georgetown on Instagram👉See what opportunities are available at Mane Street Georgetown HEREThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.

This week's episode breaks down what’s happening in the economy, how consumer behavior is shifting, and why it matters to you, the hairstylist/barber, owner, and hairpreneur.From inflation and spending patterns to tech, AI, and crypto, this is about understanding the environment you’re operating in and how to position yourself within it.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key Takeaways:🔅Clients are still spending, but they’re more selective – People are prioritizing essentials and experiences while cutting back on impulse spending, which means you need to clearly communicate why your service is worth it. 🔅Value matters more than ever – Clients are questioning pricing more, so your ability to explain, demonstrate, and deliver value directly impacts retention and rebooking. 🔅You’re in an experience-driven industry – As consumers shift toward spending on experiences, hairdressers have an opportunity to stand out by elevating the full client experience, not just the technical result. 🔅Higher-income clients are driving spending – In a “K-shaped” recovery, targeting and retaining higher-value clients becomes increasingly important for stability and growth. 🔅Raising prices requires better communication, not justification – Clients don’t care about your costs or inflation. They care about what they’re getting and how it makes them feel. 🔅Clients are more intentional with their money – Spending has shifted from convenience to justification, meaning every appointment needs to feel worth it before, during, and after the service. 🔅Small businesses feel the pressure more than big brands – Large companies can discount, but service providers must compete through experience, consistency, and relationship-building. 🔅Economic uncertainty affects client behavior – Inflation, housing, and market volatility all impact how confident clients feel spending money, especially at higher price points. 🔅Owning assets matters for long-term stability – If you want to build wealth as a hairdresser, understanding investing and asset ownership is critical in an inflationary environment. 🔅Uncertainty is the dominant theme right now – Markets, tech, and crypto are all influenced by policy and global events, which creates hesitation and slower decision-making across the board.One of our missions is to raise the esteem and perceived importance & value of hairdressers across the USA. HdS NEWS is part of that effort. We believe to achieve this goal, we must raise the bar of professionalism, service, and sophistication of hairdressers. We hope you enjoy the news and look forward to your comments!CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our Blog DISCLAIMER: Robert holds a B.A. in Business Administration with a Minor in Finance. Robert curates the news and explains his understanding. We suggest you use this information to talk with your financial advisor, business advisor, and/or CPA. Legal counsel may be required for some of your decisions as well. If you want business advice from Hairdresser Strong, you can hire us as a consultant/advisor, but we are not financial advisors, lawyers, or accountants.THIS IS NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE. THIS IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. IF YOU NEED LEGAL, TAX, OR FINANCIAL ADVICE, SEE A LAWYER, CPA, OR FINANCIAL ADVISOR, RESPECTIVELY

In this episode, Anna Manukyan, Certified Financial Educator and founder of Beauty Finance Group and Beautiful Wealth, breaks down why many hairdressers struggle to build long-term wealth even when they’re earning good money. She explains how mindset, habits, and financial literacy gaps keep people stuck and what it actually takes to change that.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key Takeaways:🔅Making money is not the same as building wealth – Many hairdressers increase income but never translate it into long-term financial stability.🔅Wealth is built through behavior, not income – Consistent habits around saving, spending, and investing matter more than how much you earn.🔅Most people were never taught how money actually works – A lack of accessible financial education keeps many professionals repeating the same patterns.🔅If you don’t keep part of what you earn, you’ll always feel behind – Building wealth starts with consistently setting money aside, even in small amounts.🔅Lifestyle growth can quietly prevent wealth building – As income increases, spending often rises with it unless it’s managed intentionally.🔅Your mindset shapes your financial outcomes – Shifting from short-term thinking to long-term ownership changes how you make decisions.🔅Thinking like an investor changes everything – Viewing money as something to grow, not just spend, is a key turning point.🔅You don’t need complexity, you need consistency – Simple, repeatable actions over time are what actually create financial progress.RELATED LINKS📸Follow Anna on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/amanukyan/📸Follow Beautiful Wealth on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/beautiful.wealth💰Check out Beauty Finance Group's Website - https://beauty.finance/homeThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

In this episode, Ashleigh Taylor of Taylor & York Salon reflects on her Signature Blowout Mastery class and the process behind teaching textured hair techniques while stepping into the role of educator. She explains how preparation, product knowledge, and intentional class design shape both the learning experience and the results behind the chair. Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key Takeaways:🔅Education starts with action – Inspiration alone doesn’t create opportunities. Turning ideas into structured learning experiences is what moves educators forward.🔅Great classes require thoughtful design – A strong class isn’t just a demonstration. It includes context, discussion, technique breakdown, and real problem-solving.🔅Preparation determines the final result – Cleansing, conditioning, and proper treatment create the foundation for a smooth, healthy finish.🔅Product knowledge creates confidence – Knowing what products do and how they interact with different hair types allows stylists to work with intention instead of guesswork.🔅Technique evolves through repetition – Mastery develops over time through consistent practice and refinement of movement, timing, and rhythm.🔅Teaching reinforces your own craft – Explaining your process to others deepens your understanding of why techniques work.🔅Education helps elevate the industry – When stylists share knowledge openly, the overall standard of the craft improves.🔅Creative careers require courage – Leaning into your gifts and stepping into education means trusting your experience and being willing to share it.RELATED LINKS📸Follow Ashleigh on Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/ashleighbtaylor/📸Follow Taylor & York on Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/taylorandyorksalon/If you're interested in collaborating with Hairdresser Strong to develop, produce, and promote an educational class, reach out by DM or email ([email protected])The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

After being laid off from a graphic design job in the commercial real estate industry, Lesley Bryant pivoted into barbering and eventually built Lady Clipper Barber Shop in Washington, D.C. from the ground up.In this conversation, she shares how community relationships, relentless work ethic, and authentic connection helped turn a hallway-sized startup into a thriving neighborhood shop.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key Takeaways:🔅Career pivots can create unexpected opportunities - After being laid off from a graphic design job in the commercial real estate industry, Lesley decided to pursue barbering and eventually built Lady Clipper Barber Shop.🔅Start before everything is perfect - With only about $5,000 saved, Lesley began buying equipment piece by piece and even set up a temporary chair in her home while preparing to open her shop.🔅Community is the foundation of the business - Lesley explains that a barber shop isn’t just about services; it’s built on the people who trust you with their hair, their stories, and their milestones.🔅Ask for opportunities instead of waiting for them - Instead of waiting for the right space to appear, Lesley drove around neighborhoods, called landlords, and asked about openings until someone gave her a chance.🔅Work ethic can replace outside funding early on - Long days behind the chair and consistent saving allowed her to fund the business herself before opening the shop.🔅Support the community and the community supports you - Featuring local artists in the shop created stronger neighborhood relationships while giving creatives a place to showcase their work.🔅Prepare before someone gives you a chance - Having a clear plan, realistic numbers, and the ability to explain your vision helps when landlords, lenders, or partners consider taking a chance on you.🔅Transparency helps retain a strong team - Clear expectations around clientele, commission structures, and culture help barbers understand the environment and stay long term.🔅Authenticity builds loyalty - Clients often follow stylists into new ventures when they trust the relationship and believe in what the business is building.RELATED LINKS📸Follow Lesley on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lesleyladyclipper/📸Follow Lady Clipper Barber Shop on Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/ladyclipper/Check out Lady Clipper Barber Shop's Website - https://www.theladyclipper.com/The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

In this episode, Gerard Scarpaci, Co-Founder of Hairbrained, breaks down the Hairdresser Confidence Index and what the latest data reveals about job satisfaction, confidence, investment behavior, and why so many stylists describe their work with one word: overwhelmed.This conversation goes beyond surface metrics like retail and ticket averages to uncover what’s happening below the waterline — and why salon owners who understand the emotional drivers behind performance will build stronger, more stable teams in 2026 and beyond.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key Takeaways:🔅Overwhelm is a leading indicator - Across surveyed stylists, “overwhelmed” was one of the most commonly used words to describe how they feel at work. When overwhelm rises, satisfaction and performance often decline.🔅Job satisfaction directly impacts growth - Stylists who report higher satisfaction are more likely to invest in education, retail, and long-term career development. When confidence drops, so does investment.🔅Revenue metrics don’t tell the whole story - Retail per client and service tickets matter, but what’s happening emotionally beneath the surface often determines whether those numbers rise or fall.🔅Energy management affects retention - Time between appointments, schedule control, and “protection of time” strongly influence whether stylists feel sustainable in their role.🔅Timely education increases confidence - Education that solves current challenges, not recycled trends, contributes to stronger morale and performance.🔅Leadership requires curiosity, not assumptions - Owners who regularly ask how their team is feeling and why gain clearer insight into performance gaps before they become attrition.🔅Sentiment predicts behavior - When stylists feel uncertain, they hesitate to invest. When they feel confident, they expand, market, and grow.🔅Below-the-waterline issues determine longevity - Burnout, pressure, and unclear expectations quietly erode teams long before it shows up in revenue reportsRELATED LINKS📸Follow Gerard on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/gerardscarpaci/📸Follow Hairbrained on Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/hairbrained_official/📊Download the full Hairdresser Confidence Index Report HERE The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

💬 This isn’t just another podcast...we’re releasing our 01/06/26 Community Conversation from Instagram Live with Will Stamm, Entrepreneur, Master Barber, Educator, & Author.What does it really take to build a lasting career in the hair industry? In this Community Conversation, Will Stamm shares the mindset shifts that separate short-term wins from long-term careers behind the chair. From financial intelligence and mentorship to leadership and sacrifice, he explains why mastering your craft isn’t enough if you don’t also master your habits.This conversation challenges stylists and barbers to think bigger, lead better, and treat their career like the business it already is.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key Takeaways:🔅Short-term wins don’t equal long-term careers – The professionals who last focus on consistent habits, not quick momentum.🔅Master your habits, not just your craft – Technical skill opens doors, but discipline, structure, and routine create sustainability.🔅Financial intelligence is non-negotiable – Understanding revenue, expenses, and reinvestment turns a stylist into an entrepreneur.🔅Ownership mindset starts before ownership papers – Even as an employee, thinking like a business owner changes your decisions and growth path.🔅Leadership is built through example, not title – How you show up daily determines your influence in the room.🔅Mentorship accelerates maturity – Learning from those ahead of you prevents costly mistakes and sharpens perspective.🔅Sacrifice is part of scale – Growth requires giving up comfort, distractions, and sometimes ego.🔅Character compounds over time – Reputation, consistency, and integrity create opportunities you can’t manufacture overnight.RELATED LINKS👉Follow Will on Instagram👉Follow ProFRESH Barber Academy on Instagram👉Follow ProFRESHional Cuts on Instagram👉Follow ProFRESH Foundation on Instagram👉Check out Will’s Linktr.ee for trainings, business consultations, and more - https://linktr.ee/willstamm_The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

In this episode, Sam Lackney, hairdresser and owner of The Rare Bird, shares her journey from high school cosmetology to salon ownership, shaped by curiosity, community, and hard-earned perspective. She opens up about the lessons that come from learning the business side early, navigating uncertainty, and building a salon culture that prioritizes people, sustainability, and long-term growth.This conversation explores how artistry and accountability intersect, and why sustainable salons are built on clarity, care, and long-term thinking.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!📺Watch this episode on YouTube📺Key Takeaways:🔅 Growth isn’t linear – Sam’s path from high school cosmetology to salon ownership shows that careers are built through persistence, pivots, and staying open to learning at every stage.🔅 Learn the business early – Understanding numbers, retention, and performance metrics early on helped Sam make smarter decisions long before ownership was on the table.🔅 Creative voice needs the right environment – Moving into a salon suite allowed Sam to refine her style and confidence, proving that where you work deeply impacts how you grow.🔅 Community creates momentum – Rare Bird Salon was built quickly, but not alone. Strong relationships and asking for help made ownership possible.🔅 Culture is a daily practice – A supportive salon isn’t defined by values on paper, but by how people are treated, supported, and developed every day.🔅 Financial planning is non-negotiable – Ownership requires clear budgeting, realistic expectations, and the discipline to plan beyond the creative side of the work.🔅 Ask questions before you get stuck – Sam emphasizes that progress often comes from being willing to ask for guidance instead of trying to figure everything out alone.🔅 Education keeps careers sustainable – Ongoing learning, professional development, and curiosity are what keep both stylists and salons relevant long-term.RELATED LINKS📸Follow Sam on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/seesamcut/📸Follow The Rare Bird on Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/therarebirdsalon/👉Check out The Rare Bird's Linktr.ee for their website and events - https://linktr.ee/therarebirdsalonThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

In this episode, Yene Damtew shares her journey from early curiosity about hair to becoming the founder of Aesthetics Salon, and why education, fundamentals, and business awareness matter at every stage of a beauty career.This conversation is about longevity, ownership mindset, and building something sustainable beyond trends or titles.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!📺Watch this episode on YouTube📺Key Takeaways:🔅Curiosity is the starting point of a lasting career – Yene’s early fascination with hair turned into a lifelong commitment to learning, proving that curiosity is the fuel for long-term growth.🔅Trade careers require courage, not fallback thinking – Choosing cosmetology meant pushing against cultural expectations, but trades demand discipline, resilience, and entrepreneurial thinking.🔅Fundamentals protect you when trends change – Mastering core techniques allows stylists to adapt as trends cycle instead of starting over every few years.🔅Even employees must think like owners – Your book of business, relationships, money, and reputation are still your responsibility no matter how you are paid.🔅Education is not optional at higher levels – Continued learning in both craft and business is what allows careers and salons to scale.🔅Relationships are the real asset – Strong client connections protect income, create loyalty, and sustain careers during industry disruptions.🔅Long-term planning creates freedom – Thinking about savings, injury, family leave, and retirement early allows stylists to build careers that survive life changes.🔅Community and mentorship prevent burnout – No one builds alone, and seeking guidance is a strength, not a weakness.📺Watch this episode on YouTube📺RELATED LINKS📸Follow Yene on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yenedamtew/📸Follow Aesthetics Salon on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/aesthetics.salon/👉Check out Yene’s Linktr.ee for classes, tools, and more - https://linktr.ee/yenedamtewThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

In Part 2 of our real-time salon build docuseries, we return to Corte in Washington, D.C., now fully built and officially open. Gabby and Franky, two first-time salon owners in Washington, D.C., reflect on the months between construction and opening day, sharing hard-earned lessons on patience, budgeting, design compromises, team building, and what it actually feels like to step into ownership.This episode goes beyond the build to discuss comfort, workflow, client experience, and what it takes to step into ownership intentionally.👀Watch this episode on YouTube to see their salon!Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Patience is not optional – From signing the lease to opening day took six months, with half that time spent waiting on permits before any work could begin.🔅Budget for time you can’t use the space – Paying rent on a location you can’t touch yet is a real cost of ownership and should be planned for upfront.🔅Expect your vision to evolve – Design ideas you feel “married to” will change as limitations surface, and often the final result works better than the original plan.🔅Comfort and workflow matter more than size – Narrower stations, wider walkways, and intentional spacing improved movement, client comfort, and overall functionality.🔅Prioritize where clients spend the most time – Investing more in stations and touchpoints paid off, while other design elements were kept intentionally lower-budget.🔅Outside input can strengthen your vision – Feedback from trusted peers helped refine the space and made it feel more welcoming and alive.🔅Customer experience starts at the door – Clear points of contact, knowing where to go, and feeling acknowledged immediately shape how clients experience the salon.🔅Community and education fuel long-term growth – Beyond opening, Gabby and Franky are building toward education and collaboration as the next phase of ownership. Check out Corte Education.Corte is a space where clients feel at home and stylists feel supported. Gabby and Franky aim for their salon to be recognized for its precision cutting, creativity, and collaboration, while cultivating a culture of leadership, education, and comfort for both guests and their team.👉Follow Corte on Instagram📱Follow Gabby on Instagram📱Follow Franky on InstagramThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.

💬 This isn’t just another podcast...we’re releasing our 11/13/25 Community Conversation from Instagram Live with Adria Marshall, Founder + CEO of Ecoslay.In this Community Conversation, Adria Marshall, breaks down what clean beauty really means beyond marketing labels. She shares how to read ingredient lists, why scanning apps can mislead consumers, and how stylists can build trust by educating clients with clarity instead of fear.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key Takeaways:🔅Clean beauty has no universal definition – What’s considered “clean” varies by person, brand, and values, making education more important than labels.🔅Ingredient order tells the real story – Ingredients are listed by volume, so the first five ingredients make up most of the product and deserve the most attention.🔅Scanning apps can mislead more than they help – Ingredient apps often oversimplify complex science and can give conflicting results for the same product.🔅Natural doesn’t automatically mean safer – Some synthetic ingredients are more stable and less irritating than natural alternatives, especially for sensitive clients.🔅Moisture is the foundation of curly hair care – Healthy curls rely on proper hydration first, supported by protein balance and regular clarifying.🔅Sustainability goes beyond ingredients – Packaging, sourcing, and manufacturing practices play a major role in a brand’s environmental impact.🔅Education builds stronger client trust – Stylists who confidently explain ingredients help clients feel informed instead of fearful.🔅The best conversations start with listening – Asking clients what matters to them creates better recommendations and stronger relationships.RELATED LINKS👉Follow Adria on Instagram👉Follow + learn about Ecoslay's products on InstagramThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

Dasha Minina, CEO and founder of Licensify, BeautyAList, and Maxus Nails, shares how her journey into beauty exposed critical gaps in technology, licensing, and consumer trust.This episode explores what it really takes to build the infrastructure the beauty industry has long been missing and why modern systems matter for professionals and consumers alike.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key Takeaways:🔅Licensing builds trust, not just compliance – Dasha’s experience showed that licensing protects consumers and signals professionalism, not just a regulatory requirement.🔅Technology should reduce friction for professionals – Tools should make life easier for beauty pros, not add more admin, content pressure, or manual work.🔅Solve the problem you personally experienced – Licensify was born from Dasha’s own frustration as a consumer navigating an unverified industry.🔅Infrastructure gaps create opportunity – The beauty industry is behind in technology, which leaves room for founders to modernize broken systems.🔅You don’t need to work behind the chair to serve the industry well – Proximity, education, and listening can create meaningful tools without pretending to be something you’re not.🔅Build with people smarter than you – Progress came from assembling experts rather than trying to master everything alone.🔅Failure strengthens systems when you keep going – Losing an entire first product order led to better contracts, tighter processes, and stronger decision-making.🔅Smaller, intentional communities are the future – Trust and attention are shifting toward focused platforms that provide real value.RELATED LINKS👉Follow Dasha on Instagram👉Check out Licensify (helps beauty brands verify licenses, prevent product diversion, and power pro-only eCommerce with patented compliance automation.)👉Check out BeautyAList (support professionals, educate clients, and bridge the gap between top-tier beauty services and the people who need them.)👉Check out Maxus Beauty (skin and nails)The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

In this episode, salon owner and color specialist Kimberly Christoph shares her 22-year journey from behind the chair to opening her own salon (Mane Street Georgetown) in DC. She speaks honestly about financial risk, long-term planning, continuous education, and how building with purpose shaped the kind of salon, culture, and experience she wanted to create.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key Takeaways:🔅Ownership doesn’t have to be rushed – Kimberly waited until she felt grounded in her craft, finances, and life before opening, proving that timing matters more than speed.🔅Experience is preparation, not delay – The years she spent behind the chair gave her clarity, confidence, and perspective that made ownership feel intentional instead of overwhelming.🔅Education supports long-term confidence – Continuous learning helped Kimberly stay relevant and prepared to lead, not just perform services.🔅Clear goals guide big decisions – Setting intentional goals helped her recognize when it was the right moment to move forward with ownership.🔅Financial readiness creates peace – Honest financial planning allowed Kimberly to take calculated risks instead of reactive ones.🔅Sacrifice is part of building on purpose – Liquidating personal assets was not easy, but it aligned with her long-term vision and commitment.🔅Environment reflects values – Kimberly focused on creating a welcoming, calm space that matched how she wanted clients and staff to feel, not just how it looked.🔅Team culture grows from care – Investing in staff benefits and support reinforced loyalty and created a workplace people wanted to be part of.RELATED LINKS👉Follow Mane Street Georgetown on Instagram👉See what opportunities are available at Mane Street Georgetown HEREThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

In this episode, salon owner and serial entrepreneur Tanya Tymus-Bellamy shares lessons from a 39 year career spanning ten salons across multiple cities. From funding and staffing to mentorship and long-term strategy, Tanya breaks down what it really takes to build a sustainable, high-end beauty business.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key Takeaways:🔅Relationships compound over time – Tanya credits long-term success to trust built with clients, mentors, and investors. Strong relationships create opportunities that skill alone cannot.🔅Talent opens doors, strategy keeps them open – Early in her career, Tanya relied on skill. Longevity came from planning, systems, and learning how to run a business intentionally.🔅Funding choices shape your freedom – By using investors instead of traditional loans, Tanya protected flexibility and avoided pressure that can stall growth before it starts.🔅Mentorship shortens the learning curve – Guidance from experienced owners helped Tanya avoid costly mistakes, and she now pays that forward by mentoring others.🔅Location is a business decision, not a vibe – High-end services require the right market, positioning, and clientele. Where you open directly impacts profitability.🔅Staffing is leadership work – Hiring and retention became even harder after COVID, reinforcing that people management is an ongoing skill, not a one-time task.🔅Beauty is a career, not a side hustle – Tanya challenges stylists to treat this industry as a serious, lucrative profession with long-term potential.🔅Longevity comes from adaptation – Across relocations, economic shifts, and shutdowns, Tanya stayed relevant by evolving instead of walking away.RELATED LINKS👉Follow Tanya on Instagram👉Check out Tanya's Salon, McKenna Jordan Salon Bar👉Check out Tanya's product line, TRHI for ICONIC Hair, on Instagram👉Check out Heir Beauty Collective from Tanya (We train stylists to earn 6 figures behind the chair and grow to 7-figure beauty entrepreneurs )The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

In this episode, Avery Wilder shares what it's really like to move from cosmetology school into the salon world, from confusing interviews to finding the right culture and education. This is an honest look at the lessons every new stylist learns in their first years behind the chair.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key Takeaways:🔅 Pay attention to what clicks – Avery didn't start school knowing her path, but a layered haircut demo helped her realize cutting was where she thrived. Those moments matter.🔅 Ask questions before you accept a role – Titles like “assistant” can mean very different things. Avery learned the importance of asking what daily responsibilities, education, and growth actually look like.🔅 Understand how you’re paid – When commission numbers didn’t add up, it exposed deeper issues. New stylists should track their numbers early and ask questions when something feels off.🔅 Don't rush independence – Avery chose a salon environment over a suite because she didn't yet have the skill set, client base, or support system.🔅 Advocate for your growth – Speaking up, asking for education, and choosing environments aligned with learning shaped her career path.🔅 Education retains talent – A lack of structured learning was a major reason Avery left previous salons. Growth opportunities directly impact whether new talent stays.🔅Customer service and first impressions matter – Being remembered by the front desk, welcomed & acknowledged, made Avery feel confident in her choice of salon. Customer experience starts long before the chair.RELATED LINKS👉Connect with Avery on Instagram👉Check out Sadona Salon + Spa, where Avery currently works The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won't stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.

In this episode, Corey Gray and Alana Zylkowsky share what it’s really like volunteering with Hair Aid, a global charity teaching haircutting skills to break the cycle of poverty. From Cambodian prisons to women’s shelters, this conversation explores service, resilience, and the power of education.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key Takeaways:🔅Get involved through Hair Aid - They train people in developing countries to cut hair for micro-businesses and provide free community haircuts by volunteer hairdressers. Hair Aid works with trained hairdressers who volunteer to teach in partnership with local NGOs. Stylists can apply to volunteer, donate, or support through awareness and fundraising.🔅Education breaks the cycle - For many trainees, this is their first formal education, creating opportunity where there previously was none.🔅Community is the real impact - Graduates go on to train others, open salons, and place stylists across their cities, creating ripple effects throughout entire communities.🔅Relationships matter more than travel - Volunteering is not tourism. Cultural immersion, humility, and relationship-building are what make the work meaningful and effective.🔅Service transforms you, the volunteer, too - Volunteers consistently report renewed purpose, personal growth, and healing from burnout through service.🔅Corey’s experience wasn’t just professional, it was personal - He describes Cambodia as deeply emotional, perspective-shifting, and centered around surrender, humility, and presenceRELATED LINKS👉Learn more about Hair Aid & get involved on their website👉Follow Hair Aid on Instagram & Facebook👉Connect with Alannah on Instagram👉Connect with Corey on InstagramThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.

In this episode, natural hair specialist and educator Kayli Nicole shares how she rebuilt her career from Texas to DC, created a waitlist before she ever arrived, and transformed her business through content, clarity, and courage.Her story is a masterclass in resilience, navigating debt, rebuilding financial confidence, and intentionally growing a client base.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key Takeaways:🔅 Use content to establish demand before you arrive — Kayli repositioned her brand, shifted her location tags, and showed her personality online, allowing clients in the DMV to connect with her before she ever stepped foot in the city.🔅 Let your client experience justify your pricing — Her multi-hour, education-based new-client appointment created clarity, trust, and transformations that matched her premium rates.🔅 Plan your move with intention — Kayli strategically prepared for her transition by organizing her branding, reviewing her finances, and building a waitlist to ensure momentum on day one.🔅 Financial literacy is part of being a successful stylist — Facing her debt, working with an accountant, and applying for a grant strengthened her business foundation and improved her long-term stability.🔅 Connection converts — Clients told her they booked because they felt like they already knew her. Her voice, energy, and presence online built trust long before the first appointment.🔅 Authenticity is a growth strategy — Posting her work, her personality, and her process helped Kayli attract the right clients—people who valued her expertise, her care, and the experience she delivers.RELATED LINKS👉Learn more about Kayli on her website👉Connect with Kayli on InstagramThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.

Signing a commercial lease is one of the biggest and irreversible decisions a salon or shop owner will ever make.In this conversation, Sheila Laderburg Tarasiuk of Pedal Retail Advisors explains what it truly means to be transaction-ready and shares the essential steps, costs, and protections every beauty professional needs before moving into a retail space.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Be transaction-ready before you even look at a space — Sheila stresses that you must have a full business plan, financial clarity, and a real understanding of commercial real estate before a broker will take you seriously.🔅Know what you’re signing — leases are long, binding, and hard to escape — A commercial lease isn’t casual paperwork; Sheila explains it can be harder to exit than a marriage and comes with years of personal financial commitment.🔅Have real money ready — opening a salon usually costs around $200,000 — Even “simple” or “turnkey” spaces require deposits, build-out, signage, legal fees, utilities, and upfront operating capital.🔅Don’t go in alone — the landlord’s broker does NOT represent you — Sheila’s direct warning: every building has a broker, and their job is to protect the landlord’s interests, not yours.🔅Your business plan must be detailed, researched, and math-driven — A real business plan takes months, not a weekend, and requires deep thinking, budgeting, and market analysis before approaching landlords.🔅Preparation is what keeps you grounded when emotions hit — When clients panic at the final signing stage, Sheila brings them back to their business plan to make sure every assumption still holds.RELATED LINKS👉Follow Pedal Retail Advisors on Instagram👉Connect with Sheila on LinkedInThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.

From earning her cosmetology license at eighteen to opening three thriving salons, Jannay McIver shares how mastering business systems, finances, and leadership transformed her from a behind-the-chair stylist into a visionary salon owner shaping the future of beauty entrepreneurship.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Start with structure — every successful salon begins with clear systems that define how clients are served and how teams operate.🔅You can’t scale chaos — written processes create consistency across locations, ensuring the same guest experience every time.🔅Learn the numbers — understanding cash flow, pricing, and profitability is essential to sustain growth and protect your business.🔅Delegate with trust — empowering your team and letting go of control is how you move from stylist to true owner.🔅Keep learning, always — education—from industry training to business programs like Goldman Sachs—keeps your leadership sharp and your vision current.🔅Lead with purpose — blending beauty, wellness, and financial literacy builds stronger professionals and stronger communities.RELATED LINKS👉Follow Jannay on Instagram👉Follow Asili Hair Care Center on InstagramThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.

Most people wait until they feel ready — Jahnaya didn’t have that luxury. In this honest conversation, she shares what it’s like to build a career and a business at the same time, how she’s learned to trust the process, and why entrepreneurship is more about courage than confidence.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Start before you feel ready — Jahnaya graduated the week D.C. shut down but kept moving forward, taking clients from home and turning uncertainty into opportunity.🔅Adapt quickly and strategically — When her salon job offer vanished overnight, she pivoted to a home setup, stayed compliant with safety limitations, and kept serving clients with professionalism.🔅Invest in yourself through education — From cosmetology school to ongoing classes, Jahnaya proves that independent stylists must replace salon training with self-driven learning to stay sharp.🔅Make customer service your superpower — Clear communication, comfort, and care helped her grow from three to sixty clients—proof that great service builds stronger referrals than social media alone.🔅Be resourceful with what you have — She started with one salon chair, a mat, and minimal tools, showing that success comes from creativity and consistency, not a large budget.🔅Connect beauty with wellness — Her holistic approach blends hair care with mindset and emotional health, emphasizing that inner well-being directly impacts hair health.🔅Dream beyond the chair — Jahnaya’s long-term vision of a community-centered wellness space reminds stylists to see their career as a platform for larger impact, not just income.RELATED LINKS👉Follow Jahnaya on InstagramThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.

Today’s episode is a little different— because instead of just talking about business models, we’re walking through them in real time.While in Chicago, we spent time with Dana Fountain, visionary beauty entrepreneur, author of The Beauty Blueprint, and founder of Chicago’s largest bridal beauty agency, Pin Me Up Chicago. She’s built 7 unique salon concepts, each designed around the stylists who call them home.In this episode, Dana takes us on a live tour through her 7 salon concepts and her wedding/event venue, Row 24. Along the way, we discuss collaboration, partnerships, and what it truly means to create spaces where stylists can flourish, grow, and thrive.KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Collaboration is a growth strategy, not a personality trait. Dana doesn’t “add people into her business” — she builds businesses with people from the start.🔅Don’t build a space and hope someone fits — build a space because someone fits. Her salons look different because the stylists inside them are different — the model begins with the human, not the floor plan.🔅The right partnerships multiply your impact. Partnership isn’t about expansion; it’s about co-creation that produces something neither party could have built alone.🔅The space is the business model. Each location functions differently by design because each was built around the work, lifestyle, niche, and goals of the people inside it.🔅Culture isn’t “set” by the owner — it’s co-created. The identity of each location emerges from those who work there, not from a template being replicated.🔅Leadership is shared, not centralized. Dana empowers people to co-steward the space, which creates stickiness, alignment, and true ownership — emotionally and operationally.RELATED LINKS📺See all 7 concepts by watching on YouTube!👉Follow Dana on Instagram💡Check out all of Dana's platforms from Your Beauty BluePrint and her salon concepts, to her bridal agency and event space HEREThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.

What does it look like to build a business with heart over 25 years — not just success on paper, but a legacy rooted in people, purpose, and service?In this powerful conversation, Winn Claybaugh (author, speaker, and co-founder of Paul Mitchell Schools) shares what it means to lead with generosity, stay grounded in discipline, and build a culture where kindness is non-negotiable. From mentorship to brand stewardship to showing up for your team long before you ask anything of them, Winn breaks down why sustainable entrepreneurship starts with character, not ego.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Lead by serving first – Make deposits into people before you expect performance. Service builds trust, trust builds influence.🔅Create culture through behavior, not slogans – Culture is what you consistently model, not what you print on a wall.🔅Kindness should be operational, not accidental – Build it into how you onboard, give feedback, celebrate wins, and repair mistakes.🔅Schedule your discipline – The “unseen” habits (training, reflection, preparation) are what create longevity, not the public moments.🔅Mentor early and often – You don’t have to be “finished” to lift others; lead from exactly where you are.🔅Build people before you build a brand – When your team grows, your business grows with them — not the other way around.🔅The spotlight isn’t where success is built - Longevity comes from discipline — the quiet, consistent work you do when nobody is watching.🔅Mentorship multiplies impact - Legacy isn’t what you build — it’s who you build.RELATED LINKS👉Follow Winn on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X👀Check out his website - www.winnclaybaugh.comListen to Winn's podcast, MASTERS - www.mastersbywinnclaybaugh.com📺YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/winnclaybaugh📚Learn more about Paul Mitchell Schools - www.paulmitchell.eduThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.

Special Edition: Live from the Beauty Business BrunchWhat does it really take to build a thriving local industry? In this fireside chat recorded live at the 2025 Beauty Business Brunch, Herson Bautista—CEO of DC Barber Expo and Owner of Heritage Barber & Co.—joins Host, Robert Hughes, to talk entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and the power of community.From lessons learned launching the DC Barber Expo to the importance of serving your team and showing up for one another, this conversation dives deep into what it means to grow through service, education, and connection.🎟️ Exclusive Access: Until now, the in-depth takeaway and reflection guide was only available to Beauty Business Brunch attendees — but we’re sharing it with our podcast listeners for a limited time.👉 DM us “recap” on Instagram to grab your free copy.KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Lead through service - Entrepreneurship is about more than making money—it’s about showing up for your team, your clients, and your community.🔅Feed your team first - “If your team isn’t eating, they won’t hunt.” When you invest in your people, they’ll pour that energy back into your clients.🔅Take action, even when it’s risky - Overthinking can paralyze progress. Growth comes from acting on ideas, even when the outcome is uncertain.🔅Do your homework - Before jumping in, research what’s already been done, learn from others’ paths, and build from there.🔅Redefine success - Not everyone needs to own a business to win. You can live well, build wealth, and love what you do without being a salon owner.🔅Embrace failure as part of the journey - Setbacks don’t define you—they refine you. Learn, adapt, and keep going.👉Follow DC Barber Expo on Instagram👉Herson Bautista on InstagramThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.

This week’s episode is a little different — and more personal.Recorded on our anniversary trip in Greece 🇬🇷, we took a moment to pause, reflect, and talk honestly about what it really takes to build a business — and a life — together.💬 How do you find balance when your work and your purpose are so deeply connected?💬 How do you give yourself space to think when you’re always in “go mode”?From the quiet lessons of slowing down to the big realizations about what we truly need to succeed, this episode captures a moment of reflection — and a reminder that growth doesn’t always mean doing more.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!🎉For those in the DC, MD, VA area, we are having our last Hairpreneur Happy Hour of the Year on Monday, October 13th at STK Steakhouse. No Fee, No Pressure - Just show up, grab a bite and refreshment, and vibe with your fellow hairdressers!Send us a DM to let us know you’ll be there! 🗣️The other event coming up is our Virtual Hairpreneur Roundtable on October 15th 7:30pm - 8:30pm EDT. This is a bi-monthly call for salon owners, stylists, barbers, and rising talent at any stage to ask big questions, get expert advice, and turn challenges into opportunities for growth.Interested? Send us a DM to find out how to join!The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our Blog

From stylist to $13M CEO, Terra Harvell shares how she built her empire through hair extensions, smart systems, and leadership—and why new talent and startup hairpreneurs need to think beyond the chair to create lasting success.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Build a strong foundation first — new stylists should learn the full spectrum of skills to become well-rounded before choosing a niche.🔅Specialize to stand out — once you’ve mastered the basics, hone in on a niche (like extensions) to attract high-value clients and grow faster.🔅Think like a CEO early — treat yourself as an entrepreneur from day one, not just a service provider.🔅Master emotional intelligence — success comes not only from technical skills, but also from leadership, communication, and resilience🔅Build scalable systems — create processes so your business thrives even when you’re not behind the chair.🔅Invest in mentorship — seek out guidance to accelerate growth and avoid costly mistakes.🔅Redefine success — focus on both profitability and fulfillment, aligning your career with your long-term vision.👉Follow Terra Harvell on Instagram👉Follow Harper Ellis Hair Co. on InstagramThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.

Join us for Part 1 of our docuseries with Gabby and Franky, two first-time salon owners in Washington, D.C., as they open Corte—sharing the real challenges, surprises, and lessons of building a salon from the ground up.👀Watch this episode on YouTube to see their salon!Corte is being built to be a space where clients feel at home and stylists feel supported. Gabby and Franky aim for their salon to be recognized for its precision cutting, creativity, and collaboration, while cultivating a culture of leadership, education, and comfort for both guests and their team.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Opening a salon requires patience with permits and inspections—timelines often extend far beyond expectations.🔅Budget more than you think you’ll need; cushion funds for rent, construction, and delays are critical.🔅Building strong relationships with landlords, contractors, and architects can save time, money, and stress.🔅Designing for stylist comfort and workflow—like wide walkways and real break rooms—pays off in staff satisfaction.🔅Using downtime wisely (like training in leadership) can prepare you for managing a team before the doors open.🔅Don’t shy away from the process—if you feel called to salon ownership, the rewards outweigh the challenges.👉Follow Corte on Instagram📱Follow Gabby on Instagram📱Follow Franky on InstagramThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.

In this episode, learn how purpose-driven leadership, mentorship, and community-building can transform businesses, lives, and the future of the beauty industry with Beauty Gives Back Co-Founders Mireya Villarreal & Julie HightowerFollow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Build with purpose: Tie your business to a mission that creates impact beyond profits—it will strengthen your brand and community.🔅Seek mentors and be a mentor: Success in beauty comes from guidance, and paying it forward accelerates industry growth.🔅Prioritize wellness: Protect your mental and physical health to avoid burnout and sustain a long career in beauty.🔅Invest in financial literacy: Understand cash flow, funding, and strategic planning so you can grow without losing stability.🔅Leverage events for growth: Networking and education events (like Beauty Gives Back) are opportunities to gain tools, connections, and scholarships that directly support your career.🔅Give back strategically: Find ways to support your community—whether through scholarships, mentorship, or volunteering—to create a ripple effect of empowerment.🎟️On September 15th, join Beauty Gives Back™ for a one-day experience filled with mentorship, networking, and inspiration from some of the most influential leaders in the beauty industry.👉 Get tickets here: www.beautygivesbackfoundation.org👉Follow Mireya on Instagram👉Check out Pink Pewter👉Check out Pink Pewter Foundation👉Follow Julie on Instagram👉Check out Daisie FoundationThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.

Financial advisor Kevin Caldwell shares the money moves every beauty business owner needs to know—from separating personal and business finances to building an emergency fund, leveraging fractional CFOs, and mastering cash flow so your salon can thrive today and in the future.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Separate personal and business finances—mixing them can put your personal assets at risk and complicate taxes.🔅Build a 3–6 month emergency fund to protect your salon or chair rental business when unexpected challenges arise.🔅Leverage a fractional CFO to gain expert financial guidance without the cost of a full-time hire.🔅Stay ahead on taxes—plan throughout the year instead of scrambling in April.🔅Master cash flow forecasting so you can anticipate slow seasons, manage payroll, and make smarter growth decisions.🔅Plan for the future—whether expanding, opening a new location, or preparing for an eventual exit.👉Islands East Advisors website👉Islands East Financial Solutions websiteThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.

In this episode, Jake Sturm—salon owner, educator, and brand ambassador—opens up about the realities of salon ownership, the resilience it took to overcome personal and professional challenges, and how building authentic relationships has shaped his journey beyond the chair.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Jake Sturm’s early career included 200+ days of travel in his first licensed year, building a wide network of mentors and opportunities.🔅His journey demonstrates how education and brand ambassadorship can expand reach and credibility in the beauty industry.🔅Jake emphasizes networking with intention—reaching out to those you admire and building real relationships.🔅As a salon owner, he highlights the value of admitting mistakes and maintaining transparency with clients.🔅He shares lessons on balancing multiple roles—salon owner, barber, cosmetologist, educator, and ambassador.🔅Jake’s story shows that resilience and persistence are key drivers in building a long-term, sustainable career.👉Follow Jake on Instagram👉Check out Salon Blaq on InstagramThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.Companies mentioned in this episode: Presley Poe The Powder Group Paul Mitchell Hair Love Retreat Curl Cult

From the barber chair to the tech world, Dorian shares how he turned a gap in the booking app market into Cutnova—a platform blending appointments with community to help barbers grow, connect, and thrive.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Identify gaps in your industry by listening to pain points—Dorian created Cutnova after realizing existing booking apps isolated barbers instead of connecting them.🔅Combine functionality with community—Cutnova merges appointment booking with a social network for barbers to share ideas, inspire each other, and grow together.🔅Transitioning from hands-on work to tech requires research—Dorian studied market demographics and competitive platforms before development.🔅Build with mentorship—partnering with his developer helped Dorian navigate technical challenges as a non-coder founder.🔅Adapt and improve—future plans for Cutnova include AI integration and interactive features to deepen engagement.🔅Entrepreneurship is about persistence—overcoming funding hurdles, building relationships, and staying committed to your vision are key to startup success.👉Follow Dorian on Instagram 👉Check out Cutnova on Instagram 👉Check out Cutnova's websiteThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.

Industry veteran Jeremy Stephens shares how he built a thriving salon and long-term brand partnerships with names like BaBylissPRO and Living Proof—offering a blueprint for stylists who want to grow in and beyond the chair.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Jeremy began his career in the industry through an apprenticeship after stepping away from college, eventually working his way up to become a salon owner.🔅He emphasizes the power of relationship-building—with mentors, clients, and product reps—as the foundation for long-term growth.🔅His career expanded when sales reps and brand leaders recommended him for education and ambassador roles based on his professionalism and work ethic.🔅Commission-based salon ownership allowed him to build a consistent, branded client experience—something that mattered more to him than taking an easier booth rent route.🔅Jeremy reminds stylists that brand relationships should align with your values and standards: “Don’t say yes to everything. Use the product. Ask questions.🔅He advocates showing up professionally, listening first, and building trust to unlock long-term industry opportunities.👉Follow Jeremy on Instagram👉Check out Jeremy's Salon on InstagramThe Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.CONNECT WITH US📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter📸 Connect on Instagram🎵 Connect on TikTok📺 Watch on YouTube📝 Check out our BlogThe views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.