Reinventing Beauty

In this episode of the Reinventing Beauty Podcast, we sit down with Sherri Belanger, salon owner of Belle Sirène in La Jolla, California, to explore what it really takes to grow a successful salon while staying grounded in your values. Sherri shares her journey from a small-town background to working in high-end salons, navigating setbacks, and ultimately building her dream 22-chair salon and a strong, intentional team culture. We talk about: • Starting over and rebuilding confidence • Growing and scaling a salon business • Creating a drama-free, high-performing team • The importance of intentional hiring • Simplifying your business through brand alignment • Balancing motherhood and salon ownership • Leading with authenticity, communication, and trust This conversation is a powerful reminder that success isn't just about growth it's about building something that aligns with your life, your values, and your vision. If you're a stylist, salon owner, or beauty professional looking to grow, lead, and evolve, this episode is for you.

Domestic violence doesn't always look the way we expect it to. And in an industry built on trust and conversation, beauty professionals often sit closer to the signs than anyone realizes. In this deeply impactful episode of the Reinventing Beauty podcast, we sit down with Susanne Shepherd Post — stylist, salon owner, domestic violence survivor, and co-founder of Shear Haven. Susanne shares how education about domestic violence quite literally saved her life. What began as her own personal survival story became a mission to equip the beauty industry with the tools to recognize the signs of abuse and respond safely, compassionately, and effectively. We discuss why the beauty profession holds a uniquely powerful position in every community, the statistics every professional should know, and why well-meaning advice like "just leave" can actually be harmful. Susanne explains how Shear Haven provides a free, 20-minute online training that teaches beauty professionals how to recognize warning signs, respond appropriately if someone discloses abuse, and offer a warm referral to trusted local resources. She also shares the powerful legislative journey that led to mandatory domestic violence education for licensed beauty professionals in Tennessee — and how the Salon Stories Act is working to expand that impact nationwide. This episode is a reminder that our work behind the chair goes far beyond hair, skin, or nails. It's about holding space. Believing someone when they speak. And understanding that sometimes the right words — and the right education — can save a life. If you are a salon owner, stylist, barber, aesthetician, nail technician, educator, or leader in this industry, this conversation is essential. To take the free training, visit shearhaventraining.org. Because hospitality isn't just about service. It's about safety.

In this episode, we explore what it really means to show up whether you're serving one guest or one hundred. We're joined by John Noto, veteran New York City tour guide and founder of The City Shuffle, who brings over a decade of experience crafting high-quality, connection-driven tour experiences. John shares what inspired him to step out on his own, how the tourism industry is evolving post-pandemic, and why exceptional hospitality is the foundation of every great business. Inside this conversation, we discuss: • Delivering A+ service regardless of audience size • How to elevate guest experiences through clarity and intention • What salon owners and leaders can learn from world-class hospitality • Why showing up with passion is a privilege — not a chore • The mindset shifts required to create connection-focused businesses If you're a salon owner, manager, or anyone committed to raising the bar in service, this episode will challenge and inspire you to think differently about the experiences you create. #ReinventingBeautyPodcast #SalonOwner #LeadershipMindset #ClientExperience #HospitalityLeadership #BeautyIndustryTips #SmallBusinessLeadership #TeamCulture #SalonSuccess #CustomerExperienceMatters #ServiceMindset #TheCityShuffle #ReinventingBeauty

In this episode of the Reinventing Beauty Podcast, we're diving deep into the art of hospitality both for salon guests and salon teams. We're joined by Sylvia Landivar, an expert in designing events and experiences that truly connect people. From dinners to educational presentations to full-scale gatherings, Sylvia shares how to create meaningful cultural experiences that engage all the senses—sight, sound, taste, smell, and touch. Whether you're a salon owner, stylist, or creative leader, you'll walk away with practical tips on how to: Create events that reflect your unique essence. Balance budget with impact while still delivering a standout experience. Use everyday inspiration from food, fashion, and design to spark creativity in beauty spaces. Build a culture of support and mentorship that leaves the industry better than we found it. It's not just about what you sell—it's about what your team and guests feel. #ReinventingBeautyPodcast #BluAColorSalon #BeautyIndustryTips #SalonLeadership #HospitalityMatters #SalonCulture #SalonOwnerLife #TeamCulture #BeautyBusinessGrowth #CreativeLeadership

On this episode of the Reinventing Beauty podcast, we're diving into something close to our hearts: education. Why it matters, how it shapes careers, and why it's never too late to start learning. 💡 We're joined by the amazing Margaret McDonald— Davines International Technical Education Manager, colorist, and proud education geek. Her journey from apprenticeship to global educator is one you won't want to miss. 🎧 Tune in and get inspired to keep growing—because education really can change everything. #ReinventingBeautyPodcast #BluaColorSalon #HairEducation #Hairdresser #StylistJourney #HairPodcast #SalonLife #BehindTheChair #BeautyProfessionals #ValleyParkMO #HairInspo #CreativeCareers #NeverStopLearning

In this episode of Reinventing Beauty, we sit down with Joshua Sturma—owner of Hatch'd STL and one of South City's favorite brunch spots—to talk about the unexpected parallels between the beauty industry and hospitality. Josh shares his journey from working in restaurants at 15 to becoming a local small business owner known for both incredible food and a warm, people-first approach. We dive into the realities of entrepreneurship, building loyal clientele, leading a team, and the power of showing up as the face of your brand—whether you're behind the chair or behind the line. Whether you're a salon owner, stylist, restaurant lover, or small business dreamer, this episode is full of insight, laughs, and real talk. If you're a small biz owner or just love a good story, this one's for you. #ReinventingBeautyPodcast #StLouisEats #SmallBusinessStories #Hatch'dSTL #SalonService #Hospitality #SupportLocalSTL #BeautyIndustryTalks #Hairdressers #STLRestaurants #BluaColorSalon

Mental health is business health. In this episode of Reinventing Beauty, we're joined by author, speaker, and therapist Gina Birkemeier— someone who's helped our salon team (and our hearts) in more ways than one. 💛 Whether you're navigating stress, generational trauma, or just trying to find balance, this conversation is for YOU. 👏🏼 Take a moment to listen and learn about how to foster better mental wellness—not only for yourself but for your team and clients too. #ReinventingBeauty #MentalHealth #SalonTalks #EmotionalWellness #TherapyIsCool #BeautyIndustry #SalonLife #CycleBreaker #GenerationalHealing #WellnessJourney #BluaColorSalon

In this episode of Reinventing Beauty, we sit down with Naomi Dove — Aveda's North American Artistic Director of Texture — to talk about the journey, the passion, and the importance of truly understanding texture in hair. From doing hair in her kitchen to shaping the future of the beauty industry, Naomi shares her inspiring story, challenges in beauty education, and why embracing all hair types is a must in today's salon world. If you've ever felt like your beauty school training missed something… this one's for you.

In today's episode of Reinventing Beauty, we sit down with our daughter-in-law, Caitlyn Hogan, to discuss a real and relatable topic in the salon world: Why do some future stylists choose college before starting their careers in the beauty industry? We dive into family expectations, societal pressure, and the realities many young people face when trying to choose their career path. Caitlyn shares her personal journey, from being encouraged to pursue a traditional college degree to eventually finding her passion in the salon industry. If you've ever felt torn between the "safe" route and following your true calling, this conversation is for you! #SalonIndustry #BeautyPodcast #ReinventingBeauty #CareerPath #CollegeOrBeautySchool #BeautyIndustryTalk #CosmetologyLife #HairstylistJourney #SalonLife #BeautyCommunity #FollowYourDreams

Running a hair salon is no small feat—but doing it while raising four little ones? That's next-level! In today's episode, we're chatting with a dear friend who has been rocking both worlds—owning a successful hair salon for 12 years while raising four little ones under the age of five (plus two dogs!). She shares her journey of balancing business, motherhood, and marriage after moving to St. Louis 14 years ago. Join us for an honest and inspiring conversation about the ups, downs, and everything in between of being a mompreneur in the salon industry. Grab your coffee (or wine!) and tune in! 🎧✨ #MomOwnedSalon #Mompreneur #SalonLife #SmallBusinessOwner #WorkingMom #BossMom #WomenInBusiness

In this episode, hosts Charles and Nicole Gillick interview their daughter Riley to learn about her experience having her parents apprentice her in the salon industry.

In this first episode of the Reinventing Beauty Podcast, hosts Nicole and Charles Gillick talk with Brittany about salon ownership, and ultimately how to leave the industry better than you found it.