Thriving Stylist Podcast

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

Are you ready to discover what's really coming for the salon industry in 2026? What if everything you've been told about pricing, marketing, and client retention is about to change? Every year, you wait for this episode on The Thriving Stylist Podcast, and this year, it's more crucial than ever. Today, I’m bringing it to you with the help and input of Coaches Nine and Carly!   In this episode, I’m giving you a hard look at the truth, and as you know from previous years, my predictions that have historically been correct, even when they’re uncomfortable.  This isn't just a list of guesses, you’re getting 14 predictions that make up a strategic roadmap you need to navigate the future. Don’t get left behind Thrivers and let’s start preparing your business for what's next, together! Before you go, to get your hands on a copy of the free downloadable resource and breakdown of what I share here today, make sure to go to https://thrivingstylist.com/mustknow.  Thriving Leadership Method hands salon owners a step-by-s

What if life was better, or easier? What if you didn't have mom guilt or work guilt? Are you a stylist or salon owner feeling overwhelmed and out of control? Join me on this episode of The Thriving Stylist Podcast as I share how I've transformed my life and business by breaking free from the "hustle culture" mentality. In this episode, I introduce a strategic 30-day challenge that will help you find peace, joy, and a feeling of being effective in your business and personal life. We'll go beyond generic tips like "make some posts on Instagram" and dive into tactical, organizational, and feel-good strategies designed specifically for you. Get ready to clean up your car, your station, your phone (and more!), and remember, this isn't about perfection, it's about progress. I have a rundown of all the exercises I share here today for you, and you can get it right now at https://thrivingstylist.com/organized!  Thriving Leadership Method hands salon owners a step-by-step strategy to implement an irresistible culture

You know you want to get off the tools, but how do you actually do it without your business running in the red? Do you worry that your team will resent you for not being on the floor, or that your business won't survive without your service revenue? What if I told you that the most successful, profitable salons are led by owners who have the capacity to lead, and that means getting out from behind the chair? In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing the exact math you need to get off the floor, still make a great living, and help your team make more money, too. I'll even give you a realistic timeline for how long it will take you to get there.  This isn't about taking advantage of your team, it's about building a business that creates abundance for everyone. If you're an owner feeling stuck, this episode is your roadmap to freedom!  Thriving Leadership Method hands salon owners a step-by-step strategy to implement an irresistible culture and create a powerful growth path…all while setting them

Have you ever looked at other salon owners and wondered, "How is she doing that?" Do you feel like you're grinding every single day, but have nothing to show for it? Today, we're taking a look at a data goldmine I've collected from recent surveys of Thriver Society members, my Instagram and email lists, and my exclusive X Club and Thriving Leadership Boot Camp surveys. The results give us a true cross-section of what’s happening in the salon industry right now and, boy, what it shows is that there’s a great divide in salon ownership!  This episode reveals what top-performing owners are doing to take home multi-six-figure incomes while others struggle to turn a profit. We'll unpack the five revenue streams every salon owner needs to know and, more importantly, help you start asking yourself the right questions about money, so your salon doesn't end up being a "money pit." Trust me, you don't want to miss this one. Thriving Leadership Method hands salon owners a step-by-step strategy to implement an irresistibl

Ever feel like you're stuck in the endless cycle of "do it all yourself" as a salon owner? Have you thought about bringing on employees or booth renters but feel overwhelmed by all the legal jargon and don't know where to start? Today, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of hiring in the salon industry, and I’m specifically sharing the 5 things you absolutely need before you hire your very first employee.  In this episode, we're cracking the code on what it really takes to expand your team: from understanding what you can actually afford to a little tough love about what hiring means for your time and energy. Plus, we'll talk about how to make sure your online presence is attracting the right talent and set you up for long-term growth.  As we’re currently in the middle of our Leadership Bootcamp Training, I realized this is a topic we've never fully explored on the podcast, so let's get into it!  Thriving Leadership Method hands salon owners a step-by-step strategy to implement an irresistible culture and crea

Are you a stylist who hasn't raised your prices in years, feeling the pinch and wondering where to even begin? Do you suspect you're dramatically below market value, even though your schedule is packed? Today, we tackle a question submitted by a listener just like you: what do you do when the business model for hairstylists has fundamentally changed, and what worked five, seven, or even ten years ago simply doesn't now? In this episode, we take a candid look at the numbers and a clear path forward, designed to help you confidently adjust your pricing and revitalize your business without apology. It's time to stop feeling insecure and guilty; it's time to thrive. If you haven't raised your prices in five, seven, or even two years, and you're realizing it's time but don't know where to start, this episode is for you. It's time to re-evaluate and put together a plan to take action with confidence!  Thriving Leadership Method hands salon owners a step-by-step strategy to implement an irresistible culture and crea

Are you tired of those pesky credit card processing fees eating into your profits? Wondering if passing them on to clients is the right move for your business? This episode was inspired by another question from a listener, and we're diving deep into the hot (and often complex!) topic of credit card surcharges.  Today, we’ll explore what clients really think about these fees and whether it's becoming the new norm or a major turn-off. Get ready for crucial updates on the ever-changing regulations and legalities surrounding processing fees, broken down state by state, and a whole lot more.  I’m here to help you navigate this landscape, weigh your options, and make an informed decision that truly benefits your business. Don't miss out on understanding how these changes could impact your bottom line and client relationships!  Thriving Leadership Method hands salon owners a step-by-step strategy to implement an irresistible culture and create a powerful growth path…all while setting themselves up for structure and

As you know, Instagram is always changing, and if you're a stylist or salon owner, you NEED to stay on top of it. Today, I break down the top 5 (okay, maybe 6!) crucial Instagram updates from the last year that are absolutely relevant to our industry right now. These Instagram updates might seem small, but they hold serious power when you know how to use them. Whether you're aiming to refine your client acquisition, boost engagement, or simply work smarter, these actionable insights are designed to help you build the wealthy life you're dreaming is possible. I can't wait to see which of them you try and test, and let us know how they work for you!  Thriving Leadership Method hands salon owners a step-by-step strategy to implement an irresistible culture and create a powerful growth path…all while setting themselves up for structure and profit, and you can join the waitlist NOW at www.thrivingstylist.com/thrivingleadershipmethod/!  With Grow My Clientele Calculator, you’ll get instant clarity on how many new c

This week on the podcast, I dive deep into something I know has been on everyone's mind: the "One Big, Beautiful Bill Act" (OBBBA). It's a mouthful, but trust me, what's inside this bill, signed into law on July 4, 2025, is going to impact our industry!  I'm not a CPA, but I've been doing my homework, researching, and listening to the experts I trust. My goal is to break down exactly how this massive bill is going to impact stylists and salon owners specifically. We're cutting through the noise and focusing on the parts and pieces that will most directly affect your business and your pockets. My hope is to help you understand how these changes can reduce your taxable income and empower you with the tools and information to plan your financial future. If you’re ready to start working on a gameplan for this, please “Play” now and let's go!  Thriving Leadership Method hands salon owners a step-by-step strategy to implement an irresistible culture and create a powerful growth path…all while setting themselves up

Are you ready for an episode that's all about YOU? Ever wondered why stylists are leaving salons in droves, or what truly makes them press "apply" on a job listing? This week, we're diving deep into the honest, unfiltered feedback from stylists just like you, revealing what's really happening in our industry. I'm sharing incredible insights gleaned from thousands of responses. We cover everything from outdated salon decor and the pitfalls of "we're like a family here" culture, to the surprising shift in what benefits stylists actually want (hint: it's not just higher commission anymore!). Plus, you'll discover why some of the most talented stylists feel punished for their success and what truly attracts high achievers. This conversation isn't just about problems; it's packed with solutions and a clear roadmap for salon owners and stylists alike. I want to help you understand the pulse of our industry right now and equip you with the knowledge to make your next move, whether you're hiring or seeking your dream