The Beauty Connective Podcast

In this episode, I sit down with Paige Olson (@littlecanvasnailstudio), a Virginia-based nail tech and educator, to talk about her journey from doing nails in her dorm room during COVID to building her own studio and stepping into education. We get into the reality of apprenticeships, navigating toxic environments, and what it really looks like to trust your gut when choosing a nontraditional career path. This conversation is all about betting on yourself, learning through experience, and creating the kind of community you wish you had.www.thebeautyconnective.com

In this episode, I sit down with Brooklyn Carlisle (@_barebybrooklyn_) to talk about what it really looks like starting out in aesthetics. From a tough drama-filled school experience to going solo without feeling prepared, she shares how she figured it out anyway. If you’ve ever felt not ready but still want to make it work, this one’s for you.@_barebybrooklyn_www.thebeautyconnective.com

I sat down with brow artist and educator Tess Gilliland (@lala.browz) to talk about how she went from having one client to building a full brow business and now opening her own school.We got into mindset, taking risks before you feel ready, and what actually holds beauty professionals back (hint: it’s not your technique)[email protected]

It’s been one year of the Beauty Connective podcast, which honestly feels unreal.In this episode, I’m recapping the biggest lessons I’ve learned from 21 guests across the beauty industry and how much it’s shifted the way I think about success.Spoiler: it’s way more about mindset than anything else.

I sat down with Jun Koo, founder of Butter Shears, who visits hundreds of salons and barbershops and gets a true behind-the-scenes look at how they operate.We talked about the patterns he notices between successful and struggling stylists, the energy inside different salons, and what’s actually holding people back in the beauty industry.This episode is a really honest look at what’s happening behind the chair from someone who sees it [email protected]

Why does working in the beauty industry sometimes feel like it’s not taken seriously? Kylee and Sofia Wood (@nailartbysofia_) open up about the insecurities many beauty professionals face, the stereotypes around being a nail tech, and the surprising amount of intelligence, skill, and business strategy that goes into the job.www.thebeautyconnective.com

Social media helped us grow, but it’s not the whole answer.In this episode, Hayley (@mysticsnakenails) and I talk about why beauty professionals deserve more than just chasing the algorithm. We share how our backgrounds in education shaped our vision for The Beauty Connective and why we believe the industry needs a better way to get discovered.This is the real conversation behind why TBC exists, and where we see the beauty industry heading.www.thebeautyconnective.com

In this episode, I sit down with Kortney Poulson (@nailsbykort_) to talk about the real behind-the-scenes of doing nails for celebrities from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. We get into what it’s actually like working with high-profile clients, the pressure that comes with it, and how she built a reputation for fast, efficient nail work while working at a high level.

Nail tech and educator Hailey Duncan joins Kylee for a real, unfiltered conversation about the state of nail apprenticeships in Utah. Why are so many new techs leaving programs unprepared? Why are instructor licenses so easy to get? And how did apprenticeships turn into expensive programs with almost no standards?We break down what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change, for the safety of clients and the future of our industry.

In this episode, nail tech and educator Annie Keller (@nailart.by.annie) shares how she doubled her nail tech income by creating digital products - protecting her hands, reducing burnout, and building a more sustainable career. She walks through the moment she realized she needed a different path, how she got started, and how she now helps other nail techs do the same.

In this episode, Kylee sits down with Reanna Kester (@redidmynails), nail educator and founder of Cuticle & Co (@cuticleandcompany), to talk about how she turned a small idea into a fast-growing beauty brand. Reanna shares her journey from doing nails in a suite to running a company from her basement — now with a full team, loyal following, and products that nail techs love.They talk about the messy parts of growth, learning to trust yourself, and why success starts when you stop waiting for the perfect time and just start.

In this episode of The Beauty Connective Podcast, Kylee chats with Mar Aranda (@mar.mstyling), a hair extension specialist and Mane Luxe (@maneluxemethod) educator from the Bay Area. Mar shares her story of rebuilding her career and life after major changes. From owning a salon and going through a divorce to starting fresh in a new city and finding joy behind the chair again.They talk about the realities of starting over, choosing between booth rent and commission, finding the right salon culture, and staying true to your values. It’s an honest, inspiring conversation about resilience, growth, and rediscovering your passion for beauty.

Kylee sits down with nail tech and master aesthetician Jayde Burke to talk about her journey of turning passion into a career. From going viral on social media to navigating brand deals, Jayde shares how she’s built her business in the beauty industry. She opens up about the power of writing down goals, manifesting dreams, and envisioning the future she wants, proving that mindset can be just as important as skill.

In this episode of The Beauty Connective Podcast, host Kylee Hone sits down with Jessica Page—salon owner, KT educator, and founder of The Mane Collective. With over 20 years in the beauty industry, Jessica shares her journey of resilience and growth, from opening her own salon to rebuilding after a devastating fire, and ultimately creating a supportive community for beauty professionals.The conversation dives into what it really takes to not just survive but thrive in the beauty industry for two decades—covering burnout, inspiration, and the importance of building lasting client relationships. Jessica also opens up about launching The Mane Collective, a network designed to foster collaboration, education, and connection for stylists.✨ Connect with Jessica Page: @jessicapagehair✨ Follow The Mane Collective: @the.mane.collective🌐 Learn more: mane-collective.com

In this episode of The Beauty Connective Podcast, Kylee sits down with hairstylist, salon owner, and educator Kens Davis for an honest conversation about burnout, boundaries, and the pressure to keep hustling in the beauty industry. Kens shares how therapy and personal growth shaped her journey, the importance of mindset in overcoming “I’m not enough” beliefs, and the simple systems she uses to stay organized and protect her peace. If you’ve ever struggled to balance your passion with the business side of beauty, this episode will leave you feeling understood and motivated.

When Utah nail artist Paige Castro of Paige’s Nail Kitchen got an email offering her a dream brand deal, she thought her hard work had finally paid off. But what started as a $1,500-a-month opportunity turned into a $138 lesson in spotting scams. In this episode, Paige shares how it all unfolded - from the initial excitement to the gut punch realization - and the emotional toll it took. We talk about the red flags she missed, how she bounced back, and her advice for beauty pros on protecting themselves when brands come calling. This is a must-listen for anyone working in the beauty industry (or anyone who loves a good scam survival story).

Utah nail tech Maliyah Herrin was born a conjoined twin, has lived with a disability, and has undergone two kidney transplants—but none of it has stopped her from thriving in the beauty industry. In this episode, she shares how she built her nail career, grew a loyal following on social media, and became a voice for disability representation in beauty. Maliyah’s story is proof that passion and perseverance can break any mold.

In this episode, Evan Stowers—salon owner, mentor, and one of Utah’s top 10 hairstylists—shares his journey through 15 years in the beauty industry. He opens up about the personal hurdles he faced early on, what it took to find his place in a female-dominated space, and the mindset it takes to truly master your craft.Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at how Evan leads with intention as a salon owner, why mentorship matters, and how staying committed to growth can shape a lasting career. This conversation is full of honesty, grit, and real talk for anyone building something in beauty.

In this episode, Hilda Custodio—known as your TikTok Nail Lady and owner of Payton Manis Beauty Lounge—shares how she grew from doing nails at home as a single mom to running a busy salon and building a viral presence online. We dive into her journey as a salon owner, the impact of TikTok on her business, what it’s really like behind the scenes of going viral, and how she uses her platform to uplift other nail techs. Hilda keeps it real, inspiring, and relatable from start to finish.

In this episode, I’m joined by Jenna Puzzio (@jennapuzziohair)—marketing expert and beauty industry strategist—to break down the three essential pillars of marketing that every beauty pro needs to understand: attention, connection, and retention. We dive into how to grab the right kind of attention (hint: it’s not about going viral), how to build genuine connection that turns followers into loyal clients, and how to keep those clients coming back through strategic retention tactics.Whether you're feeling stuck with your content or just want a clearer path to consistent bookings, this episode gives you a simple but powerful framework to audit your marketing and start showing up more intentionally. Jenna shares real-world tips, mindset shifts, and easy-to-implement strategies that will leave you feeling clear, confident, and ready to grow.

In this episode, I sit down with Alyssa Freeman, a master esthetician based in Utah who’s built a thriving solo practice by getting crystal clear on her niche and doubling down on client experience. We talk about how niching down doesn’t limit your potential—it unlocks it—and why creating a standout client experience is the secret to long-term loyalty and steady bookings. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to level up your solo estie business, this one’s full of gems you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, I’m joined by Jaynee Meyer (@jayneenailedit) for a real and refreshing conversation all about the F word—finances. We’re breaking down the basics of managing your finances as an independent beauty professional—how to keep track of income and expenses, stay prepared for taxes, actually pay yourself, and use your profits to invest back into your business or personal goals. Whether numbers overwhelm you or you’re ready to level up your money mindset, this one’s packed with insight and encouragement to get confident with your finances.

In this episode, I’m chatting with Morgan Tucker about her journey from doing nails out of her home to opening Luxe—a beautiful studio space that’s now home to 16 other nail techs. We talk about what it’s really like to make big moves in your business, how to push past doubt, and why believing in yourself is such a huge part of growing something bigger. Morgan shares so many honest insights about stepping into leadership and creating a space that supports other beauty pros. If you’ve ever dreamed of leveling up your business, this one’s for you.

In this first episode of The Beauty Connective Podcast, host Kylee shares the story behind the platform and how it all began. From her love for nails as a kid to leaving her teaching career to pursue her passion, Kylee talks about the journey that led her to create The Beauty Connective. She’ll reveal the vision behind the platform and why she’s so excited to help beauty professionals connect with clients in a more meaningful way. Tune in for the start of something exciting!