Suite Independence | Building a Thriving Beauty Business

What if great branding could actually do the selling for you — before a single client ever walks through your door?That's exactly what branding photographer Ashlyn Dettwiler (Ashlyn Faith Branding) and marketing strategist Avery Hittle (Set Theory Marketing) are doing for beauty professionals and small business owners in Wichita. These two high school friends turned business partners have built a one-stop shop that pairs high-end brand photography with strategic social media marketing — so you never have to wonder what to do with your photos again. We talk about why your social media presence is your first impression, what brands like Apple and Rodan + Fields do that you should be doing too, and why growing too fast (or charging too much too soon) can actually hurt you. Plus: the raw truth about the early years when the numbers just weren't adding up.HighlightsYour Instagram page is your first impression — and if it's empty, unclear, or full of stock photos, you're losing clients before they ever meet youGreat branding isn't just a logo: it's the world you invite your customers to be a part of (the Apple example is one you won't forget)Photography and marketing strategy working together creates seamless, consistent content — no more photos sitting unused on a hard driveThe importance of niching down and being findable when someone searches for exactly what you offerAnalytics aren't just numbers — they show you what's working, what isn't, and how to prove ROI on your marketing investmentThe average consumer has to see something seven times before they purchase — and strategy is what makes those seven impressions happenWhy branding also attracts the right clients — and gives you permission to say no to the wrong onesPaying your dues: the honest truth about starting low and trusting the processMarketing as an investment, not an expense — and how to prove it with real ROI dataChapters0:00 — Introduction: Branding & Marketing0:57 — Ashlyn's Origin Story: From Senior Photos to Branding2:16 — Avery's Journey: Nursing School to MBA to Marketing3:33 — How They Teamed Up4:04 — The Light Bulb Moment: Clients Weren't Using Their Photos5:30 — Creating the One-Stop Shop Package7:27 — Matching Visual Style to Your Brand8:58 — Brand Worlds and the Apple Example10:24 — Why Beauty Pros Should Invest in Branding14:52 — Using Photos Beyond Instagram: Decor, Billboards, Pamphlets17:44 — Consistency Builds Trust and Business Growth20:10 — Patience, Pricing, and Paying Your Dues23:17 — Branding for Beauty Professionals Specifically24:41 — Standing Out on Social Media in a Saturated Market27:02 — Niche Down and Get Found in Search28:31 — Why Analytics Matter (and Most People Ignore Them)31:41 — Ads, Repetition, and the Psychology of Buyer Behavior33:23 — Showing Clients Their ROI and Growth35:06 — Marketing as an Investment, Not an Expense37:11 — Credibility, Education, and Why It Matters Who You Hire39:43 — Their Collab Content Packages: 4-Month, 8-Month, and Year Options41:58 — The New Done-For-You Full Social Media Management Option44:28 — Partner Perks: Spray Tans, Hair, Makeup & More46:20 — Wrap Up & How to ConnectResources & MentionsAshlyn Faith Branding — Instagram: @ashlynfaithbranding | Website: https://ashlynfaithphotography.com/Set Theory Marketing — Instagram: @settheorymarketing | Website: settheorymarketing.comMeadow Med Spa (Mackenzie) — mentioned as a standout example of consistent, growth-focused branding: https://www.meadowaesthetics.com/Brows by B / Brow Battalion — referenced as an excellent example of recognizable, well-invested branding: https://shopbrowsbyb.com/Brit Siva — beauty industry business coach: https://www.brittseva.com/To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!

What if the secret to success in your beauty business isn't growing bigger, but getting smarter about who you serve? After 20 years in the aesthetics industry—including 11 years running a seven-room spa—I made the bold decision to close my doors and return to solo practice. The result? More clients, better income, and the freedom to take a 10-day sailing trip to the Virgin Islands. I'm sharing the mindset shifts, business strategies, and hard-won lessons that transformed my career from stressed-out spa owner to thriving solo esthetician and business coach.Highlights• Why I closed my successful seven-room spa to become a solo esthetician again• The unexpected result: gaining 28 new clients in my first year at Utopia• How identifying your ideal client changes everything (and why most estheticians skip this step)• The #1 obstacle holding beauty professionals back: fear and self-doubt• Why "bigger is better" is a myth that nearly burned me out• Client retention secrets: why keeping clients is easier than finding new ones• Competition anxiety: why you literally have no competition when you own your niche• The power of repetitive communication (and why clients need to hear things multiple times)• How I built a business that lets me take 3-week vacations without stressChapters[0:49] Meet Pam Edmondson: A Journey in Aesthetics[2:47] Challenges and Changes Post-COVID[4:06] Transition to Utopia: A New Beginning[4:47] The Unexpected Growth and Benefits[7:42] Pam's Coaching Business: Helping Other Estheticians[10:05] Success Stories and Coaching Insights[15:28] Mindset and Overcoming Fear[18:28] Personal Freedom and Adventures[19:03] Returning from Vacation: The Importance of Communication[20:42] Defining Success in Business[21:12] The Reality of Building a Business[23:10] Transitioning from Spa Owner to Solo Practitioner[26:36] Embracing a Niche and Authentic Client Relationships[28:33] The Challenge of Client Retention[34:12] Overcoming Competition Anxiety[36:54] Conclusion and Contact InformationResources Mentioned• Evergreen Skin Studio - Pam's esthetics practice - https://www.evergreenskinstudio.com• Professional Coaching for Estheticians - Available through Pam's website at https://www.evergreenskinstudio.com or Instagram @evergreenskinstudioTo learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!

What does it take to partner with a national chain while maintaining the freedom to work on your own terms? In this conversation with Desiree Brogan, a nurse practitioner at the Cranbrook Salon, we explore how she's created a successful aesthetic business by partnering with Skin Clique, who provides that support without sacrificing independence. Desiree shares her journey from working in hospitals to offering medical aesthetic services, the benefits of having a national brand behind her while maintaining a personalized boutique experience, and how she's built her practice through authentic relationships and word-of-mouth referrals. Whether you're considering a career in aesthetics or curious about what sets different providers apart, this episode offers valuable insights into building a sustainable practice that prioritizes both patient safety and provider flexibility.HIGHLIGHTS• How Skin Clique allows providers to work as independent contractors with flexible schedules while providing comprehensive support including charting systems, malpractice coverage, and product inventory• The importance of having 700+ colleagues to consult with for complex cases and ongoing support• Why moving from a shared space to her own studio increased revenue by 65%• The power of vulnerability on social media—sharing her GLP-1 weight loss journey inspired patients to seek help• How a $100 referral credit program drives word-of-mouth growth• The stepped training protocol that ensures providers build experience safely before advancing to more complex procedures• Why treating patients holistically (full face assessment, skincare routine, SPF protection) matters more than just addressing one concern• The value of being equipped to handle complications personally rather than handing patients off to another providerCHAPTERS[0:00] Introduction to Desiree Brogan[1:02] Desiree's Role and Services at Skin Clique[1:39] Working with Skin Clique: Flexibility and Independence[3:42] Training and Support at Skin Clique[7:14] Personalized Patient Care[12:19] Social Media and Patient Engagement[16:54] Referral Program and Events[18:17] Transition to a New Location[24:53] Safety and Training Protocols[26:33] Holistic Approach to Patient Care[28:02] Conclusion and Contact InformationRESOURCES MENTIONED• Skin Clique - National aesthetic services company providing support for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and doctors offering medical aesthetic treatmentshttps://www.skinclique.com• Contact Desiree at Utopiahttps://utopiamodernsalon.com/location/cranbrook/• Desiree Brogan on Instagram - @desireebrogan_nphttps://www.instagram.com/desireebrogan_np• Desiree Brogan on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/desiree.brogan22To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!

How do you build a business that feels like home—for you and your clients? What if the secret to success is as simple (and as complex) as truly listening, embracing your quirks, and trusting the process of transformation?Discover how the journey from commission salon to independent suite can be both terrifying and exhilarating. Suzie Cote shares her story of personal and professional metamorphosis, the power of branding with authenticity, and the importance of building trust through deep listening and consultation. From butterfly-themed decor to the infamous Nicholas Cage magnet, this conversation explores the joys and challenges of creating a space where clients feel seen, heard, and valued—not just as customers, but as part of a community. Along the way, we unpack the emotional rollercoaster of the beauty industry, the art and science of color, and the rituals that help us leave work at work.HighlightsThe meaning behind Suzie’s butterfly theme and how it shapes her brandNavigating the leap from commission salon to independenceOvercoming misconceptions and fears about going soloInnovations in client experience: from online booking to personalized amenitiesThe art of consultation and why it’s the key to client satisfactionBuilding trust and long-term relationships with clientsEmbracing feedback (even the tough kind) as a recovering people pleaserThe story behind the Nicholas Cage magnet and what it reveals about personal brandingBalancing emotional energy and self-care in a people-focused businessThe value of community and finding your ideal clienteleChapters00:00 — Introduction to Suite Independence00:47 — Meet Suzie Cote: The Butterfly Theme01:28 — The Concept of Emergence03:44 — Transition to Independence04:49 — Challenges and Misconceptions06:06 — Innovations in Client Experience09:31 — The Importance of Feedback12:41 — Building Trust with Clients17:01 — Catering Music to Audience Preferences17:22 — The Nicholas Cage Magnet Story20:23 — Managing Negative Feedback as a Recovering People Pleaser21:59 — The Importance of Consultation in Hairdressing24:44 — Transitioning to Independent Work28:04 — Embracing Quirkiness and Personal Branding28:27 — Building a Personalized Clientele30:58 — Balancing Emotional Energy in the Salon32:17 — Closing Thoughts & GratitudeResources Mentionedhttps://www.suziecotehairartist.com/To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!

What does it really take to turn a passion for beauty into a thriving, in-demand business? How do you build a brand that clients recognize instantly—and keep them coming back for years? Today, I sit down with Brooke Bemis, owner of Brows by B and the Brow Battalion, to uncover the real story behind her journey from serving tables to becoming one of Wichita’s most sought-after brow artists and educators. We talk about the grit, the branding, the boundaries, and the bold decisions that shaped her career, plus the lessons she’s learned about building a business, a brand, and a life you love.HighlightsBrooke’s journey from her first salon job to opening her own suiteThe moment she decided to niche down and focus exclusively on browsHow branding (and a love of pink) set her apart in a crowded marketThe power of boundaries and policies in building a sustainable businessWhy she created a unique booking system—and how it keeps her schedule (and sanity) intactThe leap from side hustles to full-time entrepreneur (and why it was terrifying)Launching a product line and professional tool collection for beauty prosThe importance of community, networking, and training your “competition”How to handle burnout, set boundaries, and rediscover your “why”Advice for new estheticians and beauty professionalsChapters00:00 — Welcome & Introduction to Brooke01:07 — Brooke’s Early Career and Finding Her Niche02:10 — Building Brows by B: The Brand and the Experience03:33 — The Power of Branding (and Pink Everything)05:44 — From Side Hustles to Full-Time: Making the Leap09:19 — Creating Hype: Booking, Waitlists, and Client Experience15:24 — Training, Mentorship, and Building Community21:03 — Product Lines, Tools, and Teaching Clients23:11 — Burnout, Boundaries, and Rediscovering Passion26:05 — Advice for New Beauty Pros & Final ThoughtsResourcesBrows by B Website & Shop — Products, trainings, and moreTo learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!

Are you ready to discover what it really takes to build a business you can step away from and still thrive? Join me as I sit down with Ashleigh Jones, a permanent makeup artist whose journey spans continents, motherhood, and the art of niching down. From building a sought-after salon in Australia to starting over in Wichita, Ashleigh shares the real stories behind her success, the challenges of letting go, and the power of community in business and life.HighlightsAshleigh’s path from part-time waxing to becoming a renowned eyebrow specialist in AustraliaThe leap from solo entrepreneur to managing a team of sevenHow she built a business designed for independence—and actually stepped awayNavigating the emotional and practical challenges of moving countries and running a business remotelyThe impact of motherhood and postnatal depression on her career and identityRebuilding in the U.S.: why she chose to focus on herself and her craftThe science and artistry behind cosmetic tattooing, lip blushing, and 3D areola tattooingWhy trends don’t belong in permanent makeup—and how Ashleigh educates her clientsHilarious and surprising client stories (including fake IDs and eyebrow requests to the ears!)Advice for beauty professionals on finding and owning your nicheChapters00:34 — Meet Ashleigh Jones: From Perth to Wichita01:08 — Building a Business on Brows02:41 — Stepping Back: Trust, Team, and Letting Go04:29 — Moving to the U.S. & Maintaining a Business Abroad05:21 — Motherhood, Postnatal Depression, and Business Transitions07:00 — Reconnecting with the Business and Letting Go10:41 — Starting Fresh: Focusing on Services in Wichita13:19 — The Art and Science of Cosmetic Tattooing16:07 — Trends, Client Education, and Natural Results22:38 — Niche Down: Advice for Beauty Professionals25:44 — Building Trust, Connection, and Community28:00 — Closing Thoughts & Ashleigh’s Contact InfoResources MentionedAshleigh Jones — Permanent Makeup Artisthttps://bellesorelle.com.au/wichita-homeTo learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!

What does it really take to build a legacy in the beauty industry? On our first ever episode of Suite Independence, I share an incredible conversation with Eric Fisher, a true industry icon whose journey to founder of Eric Fisher Salons, Eric Fisher Academy, and Prosper U is filled with lessons on grit, passion, and the power of showing up. We explore how the definition of success has evolved, why relationships matter more than technical skills, and how to thrive in a changing world, whether you’re just starting out or looking to reignite your purpose.HighlightsEric Fisher’s unconventional path from music to beautyThe influence of family and mentors on career choicesHow the beauty industry offers real economic opportunity and flexibilityThe importance of lifelong learning and constant self-improvementBuilding a culture of empathy, grit, and showing upThe evolution of beauty standards and the impact of social mediaCreating memorable client experiences beyond technical skillsThe business of beauty: financial literacy, retail, and maximizing valueGiving back, mentorship, and the legacy of teachingInsights on photography, creativity, and developing your own aestheticAdapting to generational shifts and staying relevant as a leaderChapters00:00 — Welcome & Introduction to Eric Fisher00:58 — Eric’s Early Journey: From Drummer to Beauty School03:19 — Lessons from London and Global Experience05:21 — Opening the First Salon and Learning from Mentors08:21 — The Power of Passion and Loving Your Work10:30 — Changing Perceptions: Beauty School as a Career13:55 — The Value of Trade Schools and Economic Mobility16:41 — Lifelong Learning and the Birth of Prosper U19:59 — Building Habits, Practicing Excellence, and Showing Up24:24 — Grit, Motivation, and the Challenges Facing Young Professionals28:34 — Empathy, Mentorship, and Individualized Teaching32:21 — Relationship Skills, Scripts, and Business Building36:47 — Maximizing Value: Retail, Financial Planning, and Average Ticket41:04 — The Experience Economy: Creating Memorable Client Moments46:53 — The Role of Money, Success, and Defining Your Best50:51 — Photography, Creativity, and Changing Beauty Standards54:09 — Giving Back, Mentorship, and the Power of Teaching59:58 — What’s Next: Growth, Legacy, and Lifelong Learning1:01:06 — Closing Thoughts & AppreciationResources MentionedEric Fisher AcademyProsper UEric Fisher Instagram (Hair)Eric Fisher Instagram (Photography)Books:Atomic Habits by James ClearThe Four Agreements by Don Miguel RuizThe Anxious Generation by Jonathan HaidtA Circle of Creativity by Rick RubinThe Experience Economy by B. Joseph Pine II & James H. GilmoreUnreasonable Hospitality by Will GuidaraIf you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!