Thriving Stylist Podcast

For years, I've been one of the biggest proponents of salon retail. I've taught the programs, I've shared the scripts, and I've preached that retail equals retention. But I've hit a point where I can no longer be complicit in a system that I'm watching settle like a lead weight on the books of salons across the industry, and that's what today's show is all about. In this episode, I address the dramatic shifts we're seeing to retail programs in 2026. I reveal the uncomfortable reality of competing for sales against the very brands that are supposed to be our partners, why the "1997 model" of stocking shelves is officially on its way to the graveyard, and more. If you've been feeling like selling retail has become an uphill battle you can't win, this is your wake-up call. The model is broken, the industry is changing, and it's time to decide if you're going to evolve or get left behind!  To the stylist who wants a booked out calendar and a thriving business, our 5-day bootcamp, 10 new clients every month bootca

Are you still pricing yourself based on what the salon down the street charges, or maybe a "gut feeling" that you're worth more? Do you actually know if your current rates are protecting your profit, or are you accidentally losing money in the tiny gaps of your workday? In this episode, I'm finally sharing a MASSIVE update that's been months in the making. We have officially evolved from our classic 7 factors to the brand-new 9- Factor Method. While the old way served 20,000 stylists for a decade, the 2026 market is different, and your business needs to be more precise to stay profitable. If you're ready to stop guessing and start building a stable, high-demand business, then you're going to love this!  To the stylist who wants a booked out calendar and a thriving business, our 5-day bootcamp, 10 new clients every month bootcamp: 5x your demand as a hairstylist in today's economy, starts February 9th and you can join now at https://thrivingstylist.com/10clients/!  If you need a tool to keep your numbers (and

Why do we all get into this industry to make money, yet feel so uncomfortable actually managing it? Is your "dream career" turning into a self-sacrificing cycle because you're making emotional financial decisions instead of logical ones? If you're still praying for a big tax refund or keeping a pile of receipts in your center console, it's time for a serious financial intervention, and today I bring you what you need to know.  In this one I'm getting into the messy, unsexy details of the "money stuff" we usually avoid. We're breaking down the brutal reality of revenue versus income, why a massive tax refund is actually a sign of mismanagement, and the non-negotiable bank account setup every independent stylist needs to survive. I'm sharing the math on how a $50 monthly investment can build real wealth and why increasing your demand is always smarter than just raising your prices. It's time to stop letting money sneak up on you and start taking control of your future - so let's do this!  To the stylist who wan

Is your business actually feeling the "crunch" of this 2026 economy, or are you just stuck on the wrong side of the Great Divide? If that effortless "glory season" of building a clientele feels like a distant memory, you aren't imagining it. The industry has shifted from a quantity game to a quality game, and honestly? Your marketing has to evolve or it's going to get left behind. Today, I'm getting real about the 8 specific ways you need to be marketing yourself as a stylist right now. We're moving past the "post and pray" method and getting intentional. I'm walking you through how to master a 50/25/25 content split that actually converts, why "mini" services are the secret to a full book, and how to stop guessing so you can start leading.  It's time to lean into real human connection, reclaim your authority, and build a business that doesn't just survive this season but stays profitable through it. Let's get to work! If you need a tool to keep your numbers (and business!) organized, you'll want to check out

Ever feel like your salon business is more of a "free fall" than a well-oiled machine? Whether you're a fresh beauty school grad or a tenured stylist who's been making money for a decade, have you ever stopped to wonder: is my business actually set up for long-term wealth, or am I just one slow week away from a total collapse? Today, I pull back the curtain on the exact step-by-step checklist I gave my own daughter when she transitioned to booth rental. We're moving past the "money in, money out" trap and diving into the structural essentials that 70 percent of stylists (yes, 70 percent!) completely overlook, diving into legal nuances and I reveal why your Instagram is actually the last step of a successful launch.  Stop playing small and start building a business that offers true peace of mind. This is the checklist episode I've been waiting 8 years to bring you, so let's jump in and get you organized!  If you need a tool to keep your numbers (and business!) organized, you'll want to check out our Wealthies

Are you tired of just worrying about whether you made enough to pay the bills this month? Are you ready to stop operating on gut feelings and start building a genuinely predictable, profitable business? This episode is for the stylist who is serious about scaling their income and finally overcoming the money shame and overwhelm that holds 95 percent of the industry back. Today, I ditch the basic industry garbage metrics and unveil the 7 specific numbers most stylists aren't tracking…but should be!  We're talking real, tactical targets here, like how to calculate your true pre-tax income goal, the service revenue needed to hit it, and how gratuity can be your biggest profit offset. Plus, one of these critical 7 is the terrifying metric every stylist needs to be tracking right now… Tune in and discover how tracking this handful of powerful metrics can transform you into a financially confident, high-earning solopreneur. Don't skip this one, because your next 6-figure year starts with these numbers (and don't fo

Are you working 60-hour weeks, juggling chair time with a second job, and still feeling like you're just hanging on by a thread? Stylists everywhere are asking if they're the only ones having to pick up a side hustle just to get by, and today, I want to shed light on what's happening right now in our industry and what exactly is going on.  In this episode, we're cutting through the noise and revealing the single most profitable "second job" available to every stylist, and hint, it's a fully flexible, work-from-your-phone role that promises to double your income without requiring another second away from your family!  Ready to stop serving plates and start fueling your true passion? Here you'll discover the one thing you need to apply for right now to accelerate your clientele, end the hustle cycle, and finally start scaling your career. If you need a tool to keep your numbers (and business!) organized, you'll want to check out our Wealthiest Year Yet Planner. Get yours now at www.thrivingstylist.com/wealthies

Are you feeling that exhaustion, that silent virus of burnout and resentment cutting through your salon? Maybe you're wondering why the joy and momentum of the pre-2020 industry seem gone, replaced by a deep, collective craving for the past? If so, then this one is for you. Today, I'm bringing you a slightly "woo-woo" mindset episode, and peeling back the layers on the Achilles heel that's crippling growth: our deep aversion to change. In this episode, I reveal a profound insight I had during my own reflection time, a real breakthrough moment for me, and I think it will be for you too. I'm challenging you with four uncomfortable, non-negotiable questions designed to snap you out of stagnation and start winning the game of change, and a whole lot more.  As you listen, I want you to remember that you can't change anybody else and the only person you can change is you! You can change your perspective, your reaction, how you show up, and change is the only way to succeed. Holding on to the past will only cripple

Are you maximizing your salon's profit potential, or are you unintentionally leaving thousands on the table? Did you know the retail inventory on your shelves right now could be costing you? I consider this a can't-miss, strategic episode, and one that you just can't afford to skip!  In this episode, I walk you through the critical, step-by-step exercise every single salon owner needs to complete before the year ends. This isn't just about counting bottles; this strategy will dramatically boost your tax savings, reveal the true health of your retail program, and instantly show you which products are dead weight and which are your Top 20 percent sellers. We'll also analyze your true sell-through rate and break down how retail commissions are crushing your net profit if you're over-stocked, and more.  Since we're at the end of another year, NOW is the time to learn how to turn your secondary revenue stream into a profitable, healthy arm of your business!  If you need a tool to keep your numbers (and business!)

Maybe your business is at a 15-year low due to the recent government shutdown, tech layoffs, or the painful "groceries vs. grooming" dilemma clients are facing? Or you may find yourself sacrificing your profit margin by slashing prices just to survive, only to create a "slippery slope" that leads to resentment. The service industry is facing massive uncertainty, and this is leaving many stylists feeling completely out of control, but we've got something to help….  In this episode, I'm joined by a special guest, Thrivers Certified Coach Nine, as we  unveil a revolutionary, recession-proof strategy: the Beauty Community Fund. Learn how to finally insulate your income, activate your community's desire to help, and ensure your business catches the fall. We dive deep into the specific logistics, including setting up opt-in donations, securing powerful brand partnerships, implementing monthly "share backs" for trust, and the 5 critical steps to launch this fund simply and professionally, plus more.  Stop reacting t

Are you happy with your business right now? I mean, truly happy? Are you making emotional decisions that are costing you real money and growth? If you wait until January to plan your year, you've already lost 20 percent of your earning potential, but it doesn't have to be this way. Today, I cut through the noise and deliver a no-fluff, 8-step framework designed to totally transform your 2026 revenue, because business, and life as a whole, shouldn't be just about surviving.  So, let's make the tactical moves right now to create your most successful, efficient, and thriving year yet. If you've never done annual planning before this episode is a great place to start, and make sure to download the free PDF support tool at  www.thrivingstylist.com/eightsteps to follow along and help guide you towards your brand-new year! If you need a tool to keep your numbers (and business!) organized, you'll want to check out our Wealthiest Year Yet Planner. Get yours now at www.thrivingstylist.com/wealthiestyearyet/. The beaut

Is it really possible to take home six figures, a $100,000 after-tax income, without relying on extensions, hiring an assistant, or the hustle of double booking? Today, we're diving deep into the math and the mindset behind building a streamlined, highly profitable solo stylist business without the "extras!"   When the average family of four needs over $200,000 just to be comfortable in major U.S. cities, the vision of the industry as "supplemental income" is over. Your income is critical, and the pressure to achieve is real. Stop the grind and start scaling your core services with confidence; this episode will reveal what you need to learn to make great money your way! If you need a tool to keep your numbers (and business!) organized, you'll want to check out our Wealthiest Year Yet Planner. Get yours now at www.thrivingstylist.com/wealthiestyearyet/! The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won't cut it in 2026, so are you ready? Grab our FREE 2026 TREND REPORT, The

Can a consistent stream of recurring revenue solve your cyclical business struggles? It sounds like the dream: improved client retention, a predictable paycheck, and less worry. But hold up; before you jump on the latest viral trend promising a membership model solution, you need to hear this! Today, I break down the hot topic of Salon Memberships and why most advice you see online (including that viral video!) is flat-out illegal and logistically impossible for a service-based business.  Don't risk a legal nightmare or unnecessary administrative hassle; listen now to find out if memberships are truly worth the trouble for your salon business. And, if you decide to pull the trigger on starting a membership, make sure to let us know as we'd love to hear how it all comes together!  If you need a tool to keep your numbers (and business!) organized, you'll want to check out our Wealthiest Year Yet Planner. Get yours now at www.thrivingstylist.com/wealthiestyearyet/! The beauty industry is changing faster than eve

What if I told you that strategically lowering your prices could be the smartest financial move you make this year? Every stylist comes to me wanting to raise their rates, but the truth is, sometimes you are simply overpriced for your market. If you are experiencing a drop in demand or struggling to keep your long-term clients, you have to diagnose the real issue before making a knee-jerk mistake. Today, we are having the conversation you never hear: When is it actually appropriate to decrease your prices? This is something I've never talked about on the podcast before, and I'm revealing the big questions you must answer before changing a single price. Most importantly, I'll share the key mistake I made in my own salon and show you exactly how to insulate your business with a marketing plan and confident client verbiage, ensuring you secure your market position and come out financially ahead.  Let's stop guessing on pricing and start strategizing!  If you need a tool to keep your numbers (and business!) organ

Is your business at a breaking point? Are your top-performing stylists whispering about a walkout in the break room? Like the seasons, there's a change in the air, and you answered 'yes' to these questions, then this episode is a lifeline for you and your business.  The truth is, your stylists don't want to leave, but they can't stay in a model that's stuck in 2010. The industry is deep into "The Great Divide," forcing salon owners to reckon with a new normal, and I unpack it all in this one.  In this episode, I explain the radical shift in stylist expectations and reveal the exact steps you must take in your business, from prioritizing high-level digital marketing to embracing rapid growth over stability, which will lead to you retaining your best stylists. It's time to stop cutting corners with outdated coaching. Your team wants you to thrive and keep the doors open so you can grow together, so press play to hear the truth and take your next best step.  If you need a tool to keep your numbers (and business!

You feel like you're on a hamster wheel, doing everything you can, but your clientele and income aren't growing. But what if the metrics you're tracking, like pre-booking and retail sales, are actually irrelevant to your success?  I am not a fan of coaching systems and coaching models where every stylist needs to reach the same level of metrics in order to be deemed successful. Times are changing and the world is faster, so today I want to talk about the 9 numbers that will predict if a stylist is doing well and is going to be successful, whether you are a booth renter, a studio suite owner, or a commission stylist. Trust me, if you want to stop guessing and start scaling, then this episode is a non-negotiable. If you need a tool to keep your numbers (and business!) organized, you'll want to check out our Wealthiest Year Yet Planner. Get yours now at www.thrivingstylist.com/wealthiestyearyet/!  The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won't cut it in 2026, so are you

Are you running a hybrid salon model and constantly struggling to find the right balance between your dedicated employees and your independent booth renters? You're not alone! Many salon owners are seeing a massive shift as stylists trade independence for the benefits of employment, but making this model work for everyone is the real challenge, and I want to talk about it here today on the podcast.  In this episode, I’m tackling all your biggest questions about hybrid salon success, from building books and finding clients for your team, to the serious audit risks of a shared booking site. We’re laying out the clear strategy for creating a profitable, thriving environment where your employees are prioritized and everybody (including you) gets to win. If you’re ready to unlock your hybrid salon blueprint, then let’s get going!  The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won’t cut it in 2026, so are you ready? Grab our FREE 2026 TREND REPORT, The 2026 Must-Know Business Re

Why are so many salon owners adopting the parts and labor pricing model right now, and is it truly the best strategy to future-proof your business? Today, we're tackling this buzzy industry debate - head-on!  This episode was inspired by a specific review asking, "How do we price in 2026 if parts and labor is the model?" I'm sharing my strong (perhaps biased) opinion, but more importantly, I'm giving you the foundation for my stance and the biggest concerns you need to consider before implementing it.  We'll break down the difference between using tools to simply manage your costs (which I love!) versus passing a potentially confusing "parts fee" on to your clients. You'll learn which non-beauty industries rely on parts and labor and why emulating them might create unnecessary client friction and a lack of perceived value in your salon.  This one is meant to help you discover a simpler, cleaner way to ensure you're never "eating" the cost of color, maintain healthy profit margins, and keep your clients saying

Are you ready for a hard truth that the professional beauty industry doesn't want you to talk about? I'm laying it all out on the table today: I'm predicting the collapse of retail sales in our industry, and I'll show you exactly why it's already happening.  We need to stop blaming diversion and look at the structural changes that have made your favorite professional brands no longer exclusive. Did you know you are now competing directly with your own distributors? We'll break down the devastating math and challenge the archaic compensation models that are unfairly penalizing your best stylists.  Stop fighting a war that ended years ago and let's rethink the relationship between your salon and retail. This is the urgent conversation the industry needs to have to future-proof your business and make having a profit possible! The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won’t cut it in 2026, so are you ready? Grab our FREE 2026 TREND REPORT, The 2026 Must-Know Business Reali

Why do some salon policies feel more like business destroyers than solutions? Today, I'm diving deep into this topic that is causing a major divide in our industry. Is your business model built on long-term solutions for short-term problems? We’ll explore how the post-COVID boom led many of us to create strict, complicated policies that are now pushing clients away. You'll hear real-life stories, like a viral client post about feeling like she had to "audition" for a haircut, a stylist's message to me about why his demand is suddenly waning, plus a whole lot more.  If you're wondering what's next for the industry, then this is the episode you’ve been waiting for! It’s an opportunity to take a fresh look at your business and discover why a softening of policies might just be the most profitable trend of 2026. The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won’t cut it in 2026, so are you ready? Grab our FREE 2026 TREND REPORT, The 2026 Must-Know Business Realities, Strategie