The Hairstylist Rising Podcast

Links mentioned in this episodeDigital Salon Retail free seminar, digitalsalonretail.comSought After Educator Accelerator waitlist, jodiebrown.ca/saeFollow Jodie on Instagram, @itsjodiebrownIf you have ever felt the guilt of being bad at retail behind the chair, this episode is going to change the way you think about selling forever. Victoria Domizet spent over a decade as a hair educator before she stumbled into affiliate marketing during a Melbourne lockdown, and what started as a forty five dollar surprise turned into a full business teaching stylists how to get paid for the recommendations they are already making every single day. This conversation covers how to set this up in your chair, on your phone, and across your social media, without ever needing to be an influencer or carry a dollar of stock.→ How Victoria made her first affiliate sale from her couch during lockdown and had no idea what had happened→ Why traditional salon retail no longer works for the seventy percent of hairstylists who are now independent→ How to use a QR code at your station so clients can shop the exact product you are using on them→ Why tagging a brand in your content sends your traffic straight to them instead of back to you→ The simple phrase you can start using today to turn a product mention into a sale for yourself→ How to use comment to DM automation to send affiliate links without any extra work→ Why you do not need thousands of followers or perfect content to start making sales→ Where to find affiliate programs based on where you live, and what to do if one does not exist yet→ How TikTok Shop and Instagram Shop are about to change the way stylists get paid for content→ Why retail recommendations from you as the professional build trust and keep clients coming back→ How to think about client shopping behavior between appointments, not just the eighteen minutes they are in your chairThis episode is such a good reminder that the way people shop has changed for good, and the stylists who meet their clients where they already are will be the ones who benefit the most. If you want to start building income streams like this one for yourself, from your content, your expertise, and the trust you have already built with your audience, get on the waitlist for the Sought After Educator Accelerator at jodiebrown.ca/sae.Mentioned in this episode:Escape To Elevate RetreatsLearn more and apply for Escape To Elevate - www.escapetoelevate.com

Sign up for The Summer Sales Sprint!This week I'm sitting down with Kat McEwan, known online as the Anti Hairdresser, and her story is one you need to hear. She was 21 weeks pregnant, fully booked six months out, and lost everything in a single day after being let go for reporting illegal activity at the salon where she worked. What she built afterward, using nothing but online marketing and sheer stubbornness, is proof that the skills you learn to promote yourself will carry you anywhere. We get into the difference between the long game of building your brand and the fast, tactical moves that put money in your diary this week, plus the exact language Kat uses to get clients to respond when they've gone silent on you.→ Kat's story of losing her column through hidden employment while 21 weeks pregnant → Why so many self employed stylists end up in a gray area with no real protection either way → The real difference between long term brand building and short term gap filling tactics → Why sales feels uncomfortable for so many hairstylists, and how to reframe it as service → The exact wording Kat uses in follow up messages to get an instant response → Why a client going quiet on you is almost never actually about you → The stat every hairstylist should know about how much more clients are willing to spend → How Kat made 10k on part time hours once she understood how to market herself → Why the people you surround yourself with change what feels possible for your business → Details on Kat's five day summer sprint built to add bookings and money to your diary fastIf any part of Kat's story hit close to home, her five day sprint kicks off July 5th and runs through July 9th, just 30 minutes a day with a quick Zoom call walking you through simple, doable tasks to get bookings in your diary and money in your pocket. Replays are up for 14 days if life gets in the way, so there's no excuse not to jump in. Find Kat on Instagram at the.anti.hairdresser and send her a DM to get signed up. And if you take one thing from this episode, let it be this. The boring stuff you do again and again is usually what actually moves the needle. Thanks for listening, and I'll catch you same time, same place next week.

In this episode of the Hairstylist Rising Podcast, I’m joined by longtime hairstylist, salon owner, and author Annie Fisher for a conversation about the deeper meaning behind a career in the beauty industry.Annie has spent nearly three decades behind the chair and recently released her book Love Is in the Hair, a powerful reflection on the relationships, growth, and impact that come from working in this industry.While hairstyling is often seen as a creative career, Annie shares why the work we do goes far beyond hair. From the connections we build with clients to the personal transformation that happens throughout our careers, this conversation highlights why the beauty industry can be one of the most meaningful professions out there.We talk about Annie’s journey into the industry, the evolution of her career from stylist to salon owner to author, and how writing her book became a way to reflect on everything the industry has given her.If you are a hairstylist, salon owner, or beauty professional who has ever felt like your work matters on a deeper level, this episode will remind you why this career is so special.In this episode we discuss• Annie’s journey into the beauty industry and how she first got started • Why being a hairstylist is about relationships, not just hair • The personal growth that happens throughout a career behind the chair • Reinvention in the beauty industry and evolving throughout your career • The emotional impact hairstylists have on their clients • The inspiration behind Annie’s book Love Is in the Hair • Why storytelling and legacy matter in creative careersResources mentionedLove Is in the Hair by Annie Fisher is available now on Amazon in ebook, paperback, and hardcover.Connect with AnnieBook: Love Is in the Hair by Annie Fisher Available on AmazonIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with a hairstylist or salon owner who needs the reminder that what we do in this industry truly matters.Mentioned in this episode:Escape To Elevate RetreatsLearn more and apply for Escape To Elevate - www.escapetoelevate.com

Get your copy of Profit Is PersonalIn this episode of the Hairstylist Rising Podcast, Jodie sits down with salon business coach and author Nina Tulio to talk about what profit really means inside a salon business.If you’ve ever felt fully booked but still financially stretched… this conversation will hit home.Nina shares insights from her new book, Profit Is Personal, and explains why profit is not just about numbers on a spreadsheet — it’s about leadership, culture, systems, pricing, and personal growth.Inside this episode, we cover:Why avoiding your numbers is costing you more than you thinkHow to read your profit and loss statement without fearThe 3 growth levers every salon owner should track weekly:Frequency of visitAverage ticketVolume (plus the bonus lever: retention)The difference between revenue and actual profitHealthy profit targets for:Commission salon ownersIndependent artists and suite rentersHow payroll, back bar, and rent impact your marginsWhy emotional discounting damages your valueHow to create pricing based on facts and data — not comparisonThe connection between culture, onboarding, and profitabilityWhy social media panic shouldn’t dictate your business decisionsNina also breaks down what sustainable profit really looks like and why reinvesting into your team, systems, and long-term growth is part of building a strong business.If you are:A commission salon ownerAn independent stylist wanting stronger marginsConsidering opening a salonOr simply ready to stop winging your financesThis episode will give you clarity, direction, and a framework to start paying attention to what actually matters.Resources MentionedGet your copy of Profit Is Personal Visit Nina Tulio at ninatulio.comMentioned in this episode:Escape To Elevate RetreatsLearn more and apply for Escape To Elevate - www.escapetoelevate.com

Connect with LeishaWhat happens to your clients when you need to step away for more than a week or two?In this episode of the Hairstylist Rising Podcast, Jodie sits down with Leisha, founder of The Traveling Hairstylists, to talk about one of the biggest fears independent stylists face, taking extended time off without losing everything they’ve built.They unpack what long term leave really looks like behind the chair, why “just save more money” isn’t always realistic, and what to do to protect your clients, your rental space, and your peace of mind when life happens. Planned or unexpected.In this episode, we coverWhy extended leave feels so risky when you’re self-employedHow Leisha’s team supports stylists during maternity leave, medical leave, and personal travelWhat it means to have a substitute stylist work in your space and care for your clientsHow stylists can protect their rental situation while they’re awaySimple client communication strategies to stay top of mindPractical ways to financially prepare, even if you start smallThe client side of leave, what feels awkward for them and how to make it seamlessWhy this model helps stylists return like they never leftConnect with LeishaWebsite: thetravelinghairstylist.comInstagram: @thetraveling.hairstylistsMentioned in this episode:Escape To Elevate RetreatsLearn more and apply for Escape To Elevate - www.escapetoelevate.com

Connect with Lacie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lacie.kushniruk/Clients are craving more than a great outcome. They want an experience that helps them feel connected, seen, and excited about who they are. In this episode, Jodie sits down with Lacey Kushner to talk about experience-based salon services and the innovation hairstylists can use to stand out in 2026 and beyond.Lacey breaks down her concept color coding, inspired by the viral color seasons trend, and explains how turning consultation into a paid, high-touch experience can lead to stronger confidence behind the chair, higher pre-booking rates, bigger average tickets, and a referral wave you can actually feel.In this episode, we coverThe industry shift toward experience-based and connective servicesWhy “different is better than better” is the real play for stylists right nowHow Lacey created color coding using warm, neutral, and cool drapingWhy this process helps clients “see themselves” in a new wayThe confidence boost this creates for newer stylists and apprenticesThe marketing results Lacey saw after running a color coding adHow a paid consultation service can convert into bigger transformationsWhy mapping out a client’s next few hair moves increases retentionThe results Lacey sharesShe had to shut off an ad early because demand spiked so quicklyA significant portion of new clients booked their next appointment on the spotPre-booking increased over time, especially for newer stylistsAverage ticket size rose as clients committed to bigger changesWhat is color codingColor coding is a 30 to 45 minute paid service where the client is draped in white and guided through a swatching process to identify warm, neutral, or cool tones that best highlight their features. The goal is to create clarity, confidence, and a visual “aha” moment that makes future hair decisions easier and more exciting.Resources and linksLearn more about color coding: saloncoding.comConnect with Lacey: Lacey.Kushner on social platformsIf you loved this episodeShare it with a stylist friend who’s ready to stand out in 2026 and wants a more elevated client experience behind the chair.Mentioned in this episode:Escape To Elevate RetreatsLearn more and apply for Escape To Elevate - www.escapetoelevate.com

Try the free pricing and profit calculatorMaking more money behind the chair doesn’t automatically mean you’re taking more money home. And for a lot of hairstylists, that disconnect is exactly why they feel stuck, burnt out, or frustrated with their business, even when they’re fully booked.In this episode of the Hairstylist Rising Podcast, I’m joined by Chrystal Graves, founder of LiQUiD, to break down what profitability really looks like for hairstylists and salon owners.Chrystal shares her journey from apprentice to salon owner to selling her salon in a seven-figure exit, and how systems, not hustle, were the foundation of her success. We talk honestly about money, numbers, and why the industry has avoided these conversations for so long.Inside this episode, we cover:The difference between income, profit, and actual take-home payWhy so many hairstylists feel broke even when they’re making good moneyHow to calculate your fixed and variable expenses without overwhelmWhy paying yourself a consistent paycheck changes everythingHow to increase your profit without immediately raising your pricesWhy upselling through education increases retention and incomeHow decision fatigue keeps stylists from making more moneyThe role technology can play in simplifying your business, not complicating itChrystal also explains why LiQUiD offers its pricing and profit calculator completely free, and how removing the fear around numbers gives stylists real power and clarity over their business and lifestyle.If you want your business to support your life, not run it, this episode is a must-listen.Resources mentionedTry the free pricing and profit calculator:https://salonassistant.getliquid.ai/auth?callbackUrl=%2Fhome&redirectCount=1Connect with CrystalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrystalgravesIf this episode made you rethink how you look at money behind the chair, share it with another stylist who needs to hear this conversation.Mentioned in this episode:Escape To Elevate RetreatsLearn more and apply for Escape To Elevate - www.escapetoelevate.com

You can have all the education… and still feel completely stuck.In this episode of the Hairstylist Rising Podcast, I’m joined by returning guest Misty Jane to talk about something many hairstylists don’t expect to struggle with — knowing exactly what to do, but not being able to take action.We’re breaking down why more classes, certifications, and strategy don’t always lead to confidence or momentum behind the chair, and how overthinking, people-pleasing, and fear of being seen quietly hold hairstylists back.This conversation is especially for you if you’ve invested heavily in education, have the skills, have the clients — and still feel frustrated with yourself for not moving forward.In this episode, we talk about:Why hairstylists can have all the strategy and still feel stuckThe difference between coaching, mentoring, education, and consulting for hairstylistsWhen continuing education helps — and when it becomes avoidanceWhy confidence for hairstylists comes from action, not more learningHow people-pleasing and overthinking show up behind the chairWhen hiring a coach makes more sense than buying another classHow burnout can exist even in a successful hairstyling careerWhy many hairstylists know they need change but struggle to implement itAbout today’s guestMisty Jane works with in-demand hairstylists and creatives who are ready to stop overthinking, set better boundaries, and build businesses that support their lives. Her coaching focuses on helping clients move out of mental loops and into aligned, confident action — without piling on more information.Connect with MistyListen to the Starting Messy PodcastFollow on Instagram: @misty_janeLearn more at mistyjane.comIf this episode made you realize that the problem isn’t your skill level (but what’s happening underneath it) share it with another hairstylist who’s been stuck in learning mode and ready to move.

Content creation doesn’t have to hijack your day behind the chair. In this conversation, Vivian from The Hairdresser’s Social Club and I map out a practical system for running content days and Share the Love days so you can batch what you need, train your team, and market your services without compromising the client experience. We cover how to source the right models, set expectations with a simple agreement, and leave with an album full of reusable b-roll and finished looks that actually convert.What we cover:→ Why content days remove pressure from the salon floor→ Share the Love days for team education and culture building→ How to use model days to grow a niche service→ Building a house-model list you can call any time→ Local micro influencer strategy that works without big budgets→ Simple “six-hour block” prep to maximize output→ What to ask models to do on stories, reviews, and tags→ B-roll you can reuse for months with new hooks and captions→ Guest experience first and how to keep filming from feeling invasive→ Quick start checklist→ Decide the goal of your content day (service to grow, team training, or b-roll)→ Post a specific model call with reference photos and DM instructions→ Pre-consult and patch test, then share a one-page expectations sheet and release→ Prep looks, outfits, shot list, and a short caption bank→ Assign roles for the day (stylist, filmer, runner) and block six hours→ Capture process, space, and finished looks from multiple angles→ Ask for stories during the appointment and a review after→ File assets into named albums so you can repurpose fastGuestVivian, founder of The Hairdresser’s Social Club, teaches hair and beauty pros how to use Instagram to attract new clients with content that actually connects.Connect with Vivian→ Instagram: @thehairdresserssocialclub→ TikTok: @thehairdresserssocialclub→ Website: thehairdresserssocialclub.comIf you loved this episode→ Share it with your team and pick a date for your first content day→ Tag me @itsjodiebrown and let me know your biggest takeaway→ Leave a quick review — it helps the show reach more stylists who need itMentioned in this episode:Escape To Elevate RetreatsLearn more and apply for Escape To Elevate - www.escapetoelevate.com

Meet Alice Kapitein, an educator and bridal stylist (and one of my incredible former clients) known for clean, polished hair that photographs beautifully and lasts all day. We cover technique, client experience, and the backend pieces that make a bridal business feel effortless for both you and your brides.→ Clean and polished styling fundamentals that prevent frizz at every step→ The product layering Alice uses from prep to pinning→ Why ninety percent of her brides wear extensions and how that changes hold→ Trial process that reduces opinions and increases clarity→ What to send brides before the trial so the day runs smoothly→ On-location prep instructions that save time→ Booking systems that keep everything organized in one place→ Content and captions that build trust on instagram→ 2025 bridal hair trends brides are requesting nowWhat we coverAlice’s path from office job to full bridal book and educatorChoosing a clear niche and why it made marketing easierHow consistent posting plus specific captions created demandBuilding trust with before and afters for thin, thick, and curly hairExtensions as a standard for loose styles and glam wavesTrial structure, boundaries, and clear expectationsOn-site workflow, prep from the night before, and using a crimper for gripKeeping buns modern and small with padding and ponytail strategyBusiness tools: using a dedicated bridal booking system for contracts, emails, and portalsTrends for 2025: soft glossy glam waves, smooth half-up twists, tight modern bunsTactical takeaways→ Smooth as you go: liquid hairspray, spray wax, comb or fork at each phase→ Layer products lightly and consistently instead of fixing frizz at the end→ For very heavy hair, anchor a center ponytail first, then build clean structure→ Include extensions for longevity on loose styles and waves→ Send a trial guide that covers hair prep, guests, timing, and limits→ Recommend brides come alone to the trial to avoid too many opinions→ Use a client portal to centralize contracts, timelines, and inspo photos→ Write captions that teach and build trust, not just pretty photosConnect with AliceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicekapitein_hairstyling/Education and online academy: see the link in her bioMentioned in this episode:Escape To Elevate RetreatsLearn more and apply for Escape To Elevate - www.escapetoelevate.com

Connect with Misty on Instagram: @_mistyjaneMoney talk without the shame. In this episode, financial educator and stylist Misty Jane shares how to feel safe and confident with your finances even with an irregular schedule. We unpack why traditional budgeting advice can fall apart for stylists, how to plan around cancellations, and the simple framework that helps you build security before you hit the big goal.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why irregular income makes traditional budgets hard and what to do insteadHow to separate self-worth from your prices and incomeA nervous system friendly way to handle no-shows and last-minute gapsThe discipline → results → motivation loop and how to use itMisty’s Cash Confidence Stylist Framework:• Reveal what is really happening with your money• Rewire the story so you drop the shame and make cleaner choices• Rebuild with a simple spending plan you can actually followPractical cues that you might have more money than you thinkHow to create time freedom without sliding back into scarcityKey takeaways:Awareness is step one, acceptance is step two, choice comes afterPlan from your baseline income and treat anything above as extraSpend on what you value and cut what creates buyer’s remorseMoney is a relationship and you can build trust with itQuotes to pull:“Awareness is step one, acceptance is step two.”“If you don’t know how to handle a hundred dollars, you won’t handle ten thousand.”“It is not about spending less, it is about wasting less.”“Discipline creates results and results create motivation.”Resources and links:Join Misty’s free class Why Your Budget Is Failing and What To Do About It on October 6. DM her on Instagram or grab the link in her bio.Connect:Follow the podcast and leave a review if this helped you feel lighter about moneyShare this episode with a stylist friend who is ready to feel secure and supported

In this episode, hairstylist and educator Meg Lewis discusses her journey from offering wigs in her salon to becoming an advocate for neurodivergent education within the hair industry. Meg shares her experiences and insights into developing accessible and digestible educational content tailored to neurodivergent stylists. She emphasizes the importance of creating a learning environment that accommodates diverse learning styles and the need to step away from conventional 'look and learn' classes. Meg also touches on her personal growth, including unmasking as a neurodivergent individual to find her community and the benefits of letting go of control. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on the evolution of education in hairstyling and personal empowerment.Mentioned in this episode:Escape To Elevate RetreatsLearn more and apply for Escape To Elevate - www.escapetoelevate.com