The Hairdresser Strong Show

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.

Entrepreneur, CEO, and Co-Founder Dharmendra Manwani shares the startup journey behind ArtistOnGo, offering a real-world look at how to turn an idea into a product—through validation, iteration, and solving the right problem at the right time.ArtistOnGo is a business in a box solution for beauty and wellness professionals empowering them with all the resources needed like space, digital storefront, wholesale purchases, payments, insurance etc to set up/operate their independent brand and business in less than 30 mins with Zero upfront investment.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅The evolution of the beauty industry has led to a demand for flexible working arrangements, prompting a shift towards independent practices among beauty professionals.🔅Dharmendra Manwani (DM) co-founded ArtistOnGo after noticing a growing demand from stylists for flexible, independent work models.🔅DM shares a founder’s playbook: validate demand, sell the concept, then build.🔅Before writing a single line of code, he pre-sold Artist On Go to 30 salons—proving the market need.🔅Listening to users and iterating quickly helped shape AOG into a platform stylists actually want to use.🔅Building a tech product for stylists requires more than great code—it takes industry empathy and problem-solving.🔅Entrepreneurship isn’t about chasing trends—it’s about solving a pain point others ignore.🔅AOG’s evolution reflects what happens when tech meets deep industry insight and agile execution.👉Follow ArtistOnGo on Instagram👉Check out ArtistOnGo'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.

In this episode, Salon owner and business coach Kat Scott shares how she went from burned out in traditional salons to thriving as the owner of a micro salon—and what stylists need to consider before jumping into salon suites or opening a space of their own.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Not all independence is created equal — Kat breaks down the differences between salon suites and micro salons, explaining the mindset and preparation needed for each model.🔅Don’t Skip the Strategy: Before going solo, plan your finances, schedule, and goals—freedom without structure can backfire.🔅Build for More Than Today: While the flexibility of suite life can be appealing, Kat urges stylists to consider scalability, systems, and burnout risk.🔅Culture Over Aesthetics: Whether you're joining a salon, building a team, or going independent, Kat explains why alignment is more important than aesthetics.🔅Educate yourself early — Understanding taxes, pricing, and scheduling as a suite stylist or micro salon owner will set you apart before you even open your doors.👉Follow Kat on Instagram👉Follow The Rosewood Salon Co. on Instagram 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, Diane Cole Stevens—CEO of Cole Stevens Salon—shares how she built a high-performing team, established white-glove systems, and grew a brand rooted in excellence, mentorship, and leadership that scales.🚨Diane will also be a Panelist at our upcoming Beauty Business Brunch on July 27th in Washington, DC. Use this link to learn more, and join us! - https://www.eventcreate.com/e/bbb25Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Train leaders, not just stylists: Diane built her salon by identifying team members’ strengths, documenting how they learn, and creating space for regular 1:1 meetings and growth check-ins.🔅Leadership starts with clarity: From written service standards to team-wide communication systems, Diane ensures her brand is delivered consistently—whether she’s present or not.🔅Brand = Experience: For Diane, her brand isn’t just a logo or vibe—it’s the way clients are greeted, how they’re educated, and how every stylist interacts with intention and care.🔅Great teams are built, not found: Diane believes in investing time and mentorship into her team. Many of her key staff have been with her for years because they feel supported and seen.🔅Systems support freedom: By developing operational systems—from front desk flow to white-glove service protocols—Diane empowered her team to deliver excellence independently, allowing her to focus on vision and growth.🔅Know your leadership style: Diane knows her strength is vision and communication. She hires leaders with complementary strengths (organization, technical training, etc.) and builds a layered leadership model.🔅Intentional branding creates trust: Every decision at Cole Stevens—from the scent in the air to the tone of voice in client scripts—is intentional and aligned with the brand promise of elegance and care.👉Follow Diane on Instagram👉Follow Cole Stevens Salon on Instagram👉Check out Diane's nonprofit, The Cinderella 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.

Cameron Moore reveals how she turned a passion into a growing hair business—balancing school, marketing work, and a passion for empowering others through braiding and beauty.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Cameron taught herself how to braid during the COVID-19 lockdown and began offering services while still a college student.🔅She utilized Instagram and word-of-mouth within her university community to attract clients and establish a strong local brand.🔅Cameron emphasizes the importance of having a clean, client-friendly environment, whether working from home or in a salon suite.🔅Hosting a summer braiding camp and teaching workshops are part of how she gives back and builds community.🔅She recommends consistent content creation and intentional branding as key to growing a beauty business.🔅Her dual career in marketing and hairstyling allows her to blend strategy with creativity, showing stylists how to diversify skills and income streams.🔅Cameron believes in being resourceful, building your portfolio, and networking to expand your opportunities.🔅She advises new stylists to be patient, practice constantly, and show up consistently—even when progress feels slow.🔅She leverages both in-person and digital tools, like email marketing, to stay top-of-mind with clients and build long-term relationships.👉Follow Cameron on Instagram👉Check out Cameron's feature in VoyageBaltimore MagazineThe 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.

Hospitality expert Daniel Samir shares what today’s customers really want, how COVID reshaped service expectations, and the lessons salon professionals can take from the restaurant world.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Clear communication and setting expectations upfront are critical for ensuring positive customer experiences.🔅Over-communicate when delays or service issues arise—transparency builds trust.🔅Soft skills like empathy, patience, and problem-solving are more important than ever in a post-COVID world.🔅Today’s customer often expects luxury and speed—success lies in balancing both without sacrificing quality.🔅Social skills and professionalism among younger workers are shifting; managers must adapt training and coaching styles accordingly.🔅Empower your team and customers by offering thoughtful options rather than flat rejections.🔅Invest in staff relationships and back-of-house/front-of-house unity—great customer service is a team sport.🔅Turning around a bad experience can leave a lasting impression, sometimes even stronger than a flawless one.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, Jared Scott—barber, business owner, and board member—breaks down the real-life lessons from two decades in the industry, from building clientele and opening a shop to redefining what ownership can look like through micro-shop/salon suites.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Jared’s barbering journey began in college: While pursuing a business degree at West Chester University, Jared cut hair in dorm rooms—building both skill and clientele from day one.🔅He moved to DC to pursue barbering full time: After college, he obtained his barber license through an apprenticeship, allowing him to gain hands-on experience while completing his hours under the supervision of a licensed professional before opening his own shop.🔅Build structure before success hits: Jared emphasizes that systems and personal organization are essential before scaling a business—success can collapse a business if the foundation isn’t solid.🔅Your personal life impacts your professional results: From punctuality to finances, Jared shares how personal discipline directly affects the consistency clients expect in a grooming business.🔅Don’t mistake skill for readiness: Being good at cutting hair doesn’t mean you’re ready to run a barbershop—business ownership requires a whole different set of skills.🔅Plan your path with intention: Whether you're opening a suite, launching a shop, or joining a team, having guidance and infrastructure in place will reduce burnout and churn.🔅Consider the micro-shop/salon model: Jared shares how converting his barbershop into multiple suites helped him balance entrepreneurship and community, giving pros autonomy with support.👉Follow Jared's shop, His Grooming, 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.

From cutting hair in his basement to building barbershops, colleges, and launching a credit union, Larry E. Roberts Jr. shares how grit, vision, and community-first leadership transformed his career—and how barbers and stylists can build sustainable wealth and impact too.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Start Early & Learn by Doing: Larry began cutting hair at age 13 and emphasizes the value of practical experience—even if it starts in your basement with $20 clippers.🔅Licensing Is About Safety, Not Just Skill: Roberts highlights the importance of theory and licensing, not just for credibility, but to ensure health and safety in the profession.🔅Build Before You Own: He warns new barbers and stylists not to rush into ownership. Without a strong client base and clear systems, you risk burnout and instability.🔅Commission Over Booth for Beginners: Larry recommends commission-based setups for new professionals to guarantee income and learn operations before jumping into booth rental.🔅Financial Literacy = Longevity: From paying taxes to planning retirement, barbers and stylists need financial systems to build wealth and security.🔅Create Ecosystems, Not Just Businesses: Larry has built an integrated empire—including barbershops, schools, housing, transportation, a clothing line, and a credit union—to support beauty professionals from all angles.🔅Think Long-Term: Whether launching a product, barbershop, or school, every move Larry made was part of a 10+ year vision.🔅Pay It Forward: Larry uses his nonprofit to provide free services, open schools in jails and high schools, and offer housing and mentorship to those in need.👉Follow Larry on Instagram👉Follow Larry's Barber College 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.

From barber school to celebrity clients to shop owner and educator, Phillip Dawson shares how he built his career from the ground up—and gives real talk on what students need to succeed after graduation.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Phillip Dawson’s journey from barber school to celebrity barber showcases the power of persistence, networking, and following your calling.🔅He built his career by showing up, putting himself in the right rooms, and creating opportunities—rather than waiting for them to appear.🔅Building clientele is a numbers game—consistency in handing out flyers and word-of-mouth still works, even in a digital age.🔅Phil took a two-year break from barbering but found his way back through a chance opportunity and rebranded himself with a focus on service and professionalism.🔅Opening a barbershop during the pandemic, Phil used available resources and community support to build the PND Grooming Lounge.🔅As an educator, Phil sees a shift: more students are now open to working in salons or commission-based shops to build stability before going independent.🔅He emphasizes financial responsibility, marketing beyond social media, and building a client base while still in school.🔅Salon/shop owners looking to hire new talent must offer more than just a chair—they need to provide mentorship, growth opportunities, and benefits to attract and retain new professionals.👉Follow Phil 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.

From salon assistant to She-E-O of 7 salon concepts, a bridal agency, and an event space, Dana Fountain shares the scrappy, strategic moves that helped her build a beauty empire from the ground up. In this episode, she breaks down how to calculate your financial needs, grow without debt, choose the right business partners, and turn relationships into real opportunities—all while staying true to your visionFollow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Start Small, Grow Smart: Dana began by renting a tiny space with four chairs and scaled slowly, ensuring each move was financially viable before expanding.🔅Understand Your Break-Even Point: Dana emphasizes learning how to calculate your true financial needs, using tools like her Your Beauty Blueprint workbook to plan realistically.🔅Partnerships Require Clarity: She advises establishing aligned goals and mutual benefit before entering any business partnership—and always recommends formal agreements.🔅Diversify Revenue Streams: Dana’s empire includes salons, bridal services, and venue rentals—demonstrating how to blend passion with profitable business models.🔅Relationships Are Everything: From clients to collaborators, Dana stresses that relationship-building has been key to every venture she’s launched.🔅Utilize What You Have: She maximized her network and client base to build capital, including personal loans and non-traditional funding approaches to start owning property.🔅Get Business Literate: Her success is grounded in learning to run the numbers—she advises stylists to treat their careers like businesses, not just a craft.👉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.

After transitioning from beauty school to working in salon environments for 7 years, Shantel Phillips shares how she built deep client relationships and made the leap into suite ownership, offering real talk on what it takes to succeed at every stage.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Shantel worked in salons for 7 years before opening her own suite, crediting that time with helping her build confidence, strong relationships, and a loyal clientele.🔅Her salon experience gave her real-world training that school alone couldn’t provide—especially in client interaction, business flow, and team dynamics.🔅She emphasizes that building client trust over time is key to retention and long-term growth.🔅Balance is possible, but priorities shift — Managing executive roles while building a brand taught Nick that clarity and boundaries are key to avoiding burnout.🔅The emotional transition from being part of a “salon family” to working solo in a suite can be tough, but it is necessary for personal growth.🔅Financial preparedness and knowing how to manage income, expenses, and taxes are crucial before going independent.🔅For new stylists, Shantel recommends gaining experience in a salon first before jumping into suite life.👉Follow Shantel 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 3/28 Community Conversation from Instagram Live.In this special Community Conversation, Jenae, a recent Aveda Grad, shares how shadowing in real salon environments gave her clarity, self-assurance, and insight she didn’t get in the classroom.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key TakeawaysShadowing bridges the gap between school and salon life, offering an inside look at how different businesses operate and stylists approach their craft.Feeling nervous is normal, but doing some prep, like researching the salon and preparing questions, can ease anxiety and help shadowers confidently show up.Every salon has a different vibe and workflow—shadowing helps students see where they might fit best and what environment they thrive in.Being proactive during a shadowing session, like asking thoughtful questions and observing closely, turns it into a high-impact learning opportunity.Jenae’s real-world experience gave her a front-row seat to aspects of the job not taught in school, such as retail strategies, client conversations, and team dynamics.Shadowing builds community—talking with stylists and owners creates mentorship moments, connections, and clarity on what success in the industry can look like.Showing up with intention and curiosity matters—a shadower’s mindset influences what they walk away with.👉Connect with Jenae 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.

Tariffs, Recession, Expanding your Business, Inflation Employment Trends, and Consumer TrendsThis conversation explores various economic trends affecting consumers and businesses, focusing on the shift towards skilled trades, the impact of inflation, recession fears, and the importance of mental health in the workplace. It also delves into luxury market psychology and the implications of student loans on financial stability.takeawaysEconomic trends are crucial for understanding consumer behavior.There is a growing trend of Gen Z opting for skilled trades over college.The ROI of college degrees is increasingly questioned.Inflation continues to impact consumer spending habits.Recession fears are influencing how consumers approach spending.Mental health is becoming a priority for employees in the workplace.Luxury purchases are driven by psychological factors.Customer experience is vital for business success.Global economic shifts are affecting local markets.Student loan policies are becoming stricter, impacting borrowers.Resourece:https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/preparing-americans-for-high-paying-skilled-trade-jobs-of-the-future/+https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/24/gen-z-workers-opt-out-of-college-and-go-into-trades.html+https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf+https://finance.yahoo.com/news/gen-z-terrified-recession-ditching-155850124.html+https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/recession-hair-rcna200248+https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/how-to-build-a-brand-that-the-ultra-wealthy-cant-resist/488991+https://fortune.com/well/2025/04/18/gen-z-millennial-workers-mental-health/+https://nypost.com/2025/04/16/lifestyle/why-no-one-wants-to-make-work-friends-anymore-experts-say/+https://apnews.com/article/global-economy-tariffs-imf-d15febaaaab65c7df8538cce170231eb+https://www.marketwatch.com/story/student-loan-borrowers-will-see-social-security-checks-tax-refunds-disappear-over-defaulted-debt-trump-administration-says-d132bbedComing up in the hair industry I never understood why hairdressing is not as respectable as getting a college degree required job... Now, I think the college degree idea is changing, but still not quite there with hairdressing. Join us in changing that!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!Is this useful?Is this interesting?Are there any other topics you pay attention to that you believe help you run your business or serve your customers?DISCLAIMER: Robert holds a B.A. in Business Administration with a Minor in Finance. Robert curates the news, explaining 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#hair #hairnews #hairpreneur #beautypreneur #hairdresserstrong #hairdresser #strong #entrepreneur

💬 This isn’t just another podcast…we’re releasing our 3/25 Community Conversation from Instagram Live with Diana Varvaro (School Director at Paul Mitchell the School NYC) and Frank Bennett (Co-Founder & Hair Coloring Director at A.F. Bennett Salon & Wellness Spa) In this special Community Conversation, Diana Varvaro and Frank Bennett share real-world insights on how soft skills, mentorship, and intentional hiring practices can help both rising stylists and salon leaders build resilient, client-focused businesses—even in uncertain times.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!Key TakeawaysFor Stylists & Students:Develop soft skills like communication, empathy, and active listening—they’re just as important as technical ability when building long-term client relationships.Ask intentional questions during interviews to find a salon that aligns with your values and growth goals.Don’t chase the trendiest salon—look for environments that offer mentorship and professionalism.Show up with curiosity and consistency; reliability builds trust with clients and teams.For Salon Owners & Leaders:Hire based on character and values—not just skillset—to build a cohesive and growth-driven team.Soft skills should be part of your hiring rubric and training processes.Set clear expectations from day one and reinforce them regularly to avoid confusion or conflict later.Treat every conversation—whether hiring or firing—as a chance to lead with clarity and kindness.Support team development with feedback loops and ongoing education, not just technical upskilling.👉If you have any questions 💭 or comments, Send us a DM👉Connect with Diana on Instagram👉Connect with Frank 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, Nick Stenson, Brand Founder & CEO of Nick Stenson Beauty, shares his journey from stylist to executive to entrepreneur—offering real-world insights on brand building, navigating uncertainty, and creating meaningful impact in the beauty industry.Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!KEY TAKEAWAYS:🔅Follow your passion, not the plan — Nick’s pivot from aspiring orthopedic surgeon to beauty industry leader shows how true success often comes from following what excites you, not what you originally mapped out.🔅Building a brand requires relentless testing — Nick spent years working with top chemists, refining each formula until it met luxury standards—no shortcuts.🔅Trust, but verify — After experiencing business partnership challenges, Nick stresses the importance of carefully vetting who you go into business with—and protecting yourself financially.🔅Balance is possible, but priorities shift — Managing executive roles while building a brand taught Nick that clarity and boundaries are key to avoiding burnout.🔅Community is everything — Whether in salons or through products, Nick believes the beauty industry thrives when it focuses on uplifting people and creating positive, lasting experiences.🔅Navigating uncertainty is part of the journey — Rather than fearing unknowns, Nick encourages embracing them with a mindset of curiosity, resilience, and adaptability.👉Follow Nick Stenson Beauty on Instagram👉Follow Nick on Instagram👉Check out Nick Stenson Beauty's website 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.