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Check out Escape To Elevate 2026 In this episode of Hair Stylist Rising, Jodie sits down with Casey Voss for a powerful conversation about curl confidence, identity, and redefining what success can look like behind the chair. Casey shares her unconventional path into the beauty industry, the moment in beauty school that changed how she understood her purpose, and how curly hair became the doorway into deeper work around self-worth, confidence, and client trust. You’ll hear what it actually looked like to walk away from the traditional salon success model, slow down her schedule, raise her prices, and rebuild a business that prioritizes presence, alignment, and sustainability — even when that meant short-term discomfort. This episode is part mindset shift, part career reframe, and part practical guidance for stylists who want to create confident clients while protecting their own energy. What we talk aboutCurl confidence and why helping clients feel seen matters more than “fixing” hairIdentity, neurodivergence, and why so many stylists thrive in this industryThe moment Casey realized her work was about confidence, not just curlsRedefining success after salon ownership, burnout, and overworkingSlowing down behind the chair and building a premium, one-client-at-a-time experienceTaking a short-term pay cut to create long-term alignment and freedomWhy rebuilding can feel humbling — and why it’s often necessaryHow resilience is built through lived experience, not confidence hacksCreating confident clients through education, communication, and representationWhy stylists “transfer what they own” and how self-trust impacts client trust A few lines you’ll want to remember“We transfer what we own.”“Don’t give up because something’s hard. Let things be simultaneous.”“If you can blow out my hair, you can blow out anyone’s hair.” Connect with CaseyFollow Voss the Curl Boss on socialAccess her free resources and education through the link in her bioListen to her podcast It’s not about your hair If this episode resonated, send it to a stylist who’s questioning the old rules and quietly craving a different way of doing things. And if you’re listening on your way to the salon, screenshot the episode, tag me, and tell me what landed most.

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 retention The 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 changes What 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 platforms If 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.

Quick heads up: Hairstylist Rising is moving to a Wednesday drop instead of Mondays. This isn’t a full episode, but the next one goes live Wednesday, January 28th. Hit follow so it pops up in your feed midweek. See you Wednesday.

Try the free pricing and profit calculator Making 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 it Chrystal 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=1 Connect with CrystalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrystalgraves If this episode made you rethink how you look at money behind the chair, share it with another stylist who needs to hear this conversation.

Marketing is one of the most misunderstood parts of running a salon, and it’s often the reason growth feels inconsistent or exhausting. In this episode of Hairstylist Rising, Jodie sits down with Katie, salon owner turned founder of MYA, to break down what effective salon marketing really looks like when it’s designed to support retention, team culture, and sustainable growth. Katie shares how her experience building and scaling commission salons led her to uncover one of the biggest issues in the industry: clients leaving after one visit simply because they weren’t matched with the right stylist the first time. From there, the conversation expands into how salons can use marketing to create stronger connections, better first impressions, and longer-lasting client relationships. You’ll also hear a refreshingly practical take on email marketing, SEO, personal branding within salons, and why marketing should feel more like relationship-building than selling. In this episode, we cover:Why marketing is about far more than getting new clients in the doorThe real reason many new clients don’t return after their first visitHow better client-stylist matching improves retention and team moraleWhat salon owners should prioritize when it comes to websites and SEOWhy email marketing still matters for salons in 2026How personal brands can strengthen, not threaten, the salon brandWhat it actually means to nurture clients beyond the first appointment Resources mentioned:Learn more about MYA: https://joinmya.com/Follow MYA on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinmyaKatie’s book, From First Date To Forever

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 it About 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.com If 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.

🎧 Listen to part two of this conversation on the Sought After Educator podcastIf you’re a hairstylist or beauty professional relying on one income stream behind the chair and wondering how long that’s sustainable, this episode is for you. In the final episode of Year of Hairstylist Rising, Jodie sits down with Maddie Cook to have an honest, grounded conversation about building multiple income streams in the beauty industry without quitting your job, burning out, or overcomplicating the process. This episode breaks down what actually works right now when it comes to creating leveraged income through online education, digital offers, and scalable programs. No hype. No “quit your job tomorrow” energy. Just real strategy, lived experience, and clear next steps. Maddie shares her journey from working class hairstylist to world class educator, what she would do differently if she started again in 2026, and the exact approach she teaches stylists who want more financial stability, flexibility, and long-term options. In this episode, you’ll learnWhy relying on a single income stream behind the chair is risky long termThe difference between service income and scalable incomeWhy online education is one of the most sustainable income streams for hairstylistsHow to validate an income idea before you build itWhat pre-selling actually looks like and why it worksWhy micro-specific offers outperform broad coursesHow to start earning outside the chair without complex funnels or techHow to build income alongside a full clienteleThe mindset shift required to stop trading time for moneyWhy digital courses are not dead and what buyers actually pay for now Mentioned in this episodeBeyond the Chair Fest – a free live education event happening January 11Part two of this conversation on the Sought After Educator podcast, where Jodie and Maddie dive deeper into branding and marketing your education Links and resources🎟️ Get your free ticket to Beyond the Chair Fest https://maddicook.com/beyond-the-chair-fest📲 Follow Maddie on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/maddiecookcoaching🎧 Listen to part two of this conversation on the Sought After Educator...

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 fast Guest Vivian, 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.com If 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 it

Say hi to Lisa on Instagram Lisa Huff is a hairstylist and beauty business coach, and the founder of Stylist Soul Tribe. In this conversation, we dig into her cycle of success and show how it plays out in real salon life. You will hear how to ground your mindset, cast a clear vision, design a schedule that protects energy and admin time, refine your clientele with intention, price with data, and create the white space that sparks your next big idea. → mindset comes first, decisions land when belief is present → vision sets the target, tactics become simple once you know where you are going → schedule is strategy, include working hours, admin, relationships, and you time → clientele refinement matters, try the yes no maybe list to see patterns → income is math, use demand and availability to guide price increases → white space feeds creativity, make room for thinking and stillness → big magic arrives when you are ready, notice the nudge and act We open with why success is cyclical and why you return to mindset at every stage. We talk through vision casting that starts with your life, not just your books, and we map a dream schedule even if you are a few phases away from it. You will learn how to identify energy drains in your client list, why awareness alone can shift behavior, and how to approach pricing without emotion so you can grow sustainably. → 00:00 intro and why success is cyclical → 05:30 mindset as the foundation → 07:00 vision casting beyond the business → 12:45 schedule design and time as your finite resource → 20:00 yes no maybe list to refine your book → 27:45 pricing by supply and demand → 29:50 how clientele and pricing dance together → 31:30 white space and unlocking big magic Your action steps are simple. Read Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert. Block two hours of white space this week and leave your phone behind. Make your yes no maybe list, then notice the themes before you make changes. → connect with lisa on instagram, link in the show notes → learn more about stylist soul tribe, link in the show notes If this episode helped, follow the show, share it with a stylist friend, and DM me the stage you are focusing on this month.

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 now What we cover Alice’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 buns Tactical 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 photos Connect with AliceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/alicekapitein_hairstyling/ Education and online academy: see the link in her bio

Listen to Sought After Educator on Apple Listen to Sought After Educator on Spotify What we cover → The shift from brand-centric marketing to building your own stylist brand → Why no extension method is truly damage free and how to talk about risk honestly → How inconsistent hair quality happens at scale and what to do about it → Moving from retail pricing to buying hair wholesale for higher margins → Turning profit into freedom, education, and strategic ad investment → Messaging that builds authority without relying on brand locators → Customization over methods: bead work, density, texture, elasticity, scalp type → Setting prices based on demand, not brand rules Key takeaways → Your brand is the asset. Borrowed credibility has limits. → Educate clients on customization and outcomes, not logos. → Wholesale sourcing can triple profit margins when quality is vetted. → Consistency beats hype—be clear about maintenance and realistic results. → Reinvest profit into visibility and strategy that compound results. Tyler’s numbers + impact → Tripled profit margin after moving to wholesale → Grew annual revenue from ~100–150k to 300–400k during peak years → Stylists using Styx report charging premium rates while spending less on hair Resources → Styx Hair: styxhair.com → Instagram: @styxhair → Listen next: the Sought After Educator episode on Tyler’s rebuild + brand launch

Connect with Misty on Instagram: @_mistyjane Money 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 scarcity Key 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 it Quotes 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 of the Hairstylist Rising Podcast, Brooke Brizendine, known as The Grounded Stylist, returns to share insightful tips on how hairstylists can protect their energy, shift their mindsets towards gratitude, and implement practices to avoid burnout. Brooke discusses the impact of constantly absorbing clients' energies and the information overload stylists face daily. She provides specific strategies for setting healthy boundaries, creating safe spaces, and maintaining a balanced and abundant mindset. Listeners will learn actionable steps for self-care, client interaction, and achieving a fulfilling career without falling into the traps of toxic positivity or burnout.

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.

In this special two-part episode of the Hair Stylist Rising podcast, Jodie welcomes Meg from Coloring on Spectrum to discuss the significant changes in her professional journey. In part one, they delve into how Meg integrated wigs into her salon business, turning it into a successful stream of bespoke services and education. They explore the technical challenges and creative opportunities that wigs bring, as well as offering practical advice for stylists interested in expanding their services. Meg shares her personal experiences and highlights the importance of education, quality, and creativity in managing wig services. Stay tuned for part two, where Meg will discuss the deeper motivations behind her educational initiatives and the highs and lows of her entrepreneurial journey. 00:00 Welcome Back to the Hair Stylist Rising Podcast 00:34 Introduction to the Two-Part Episode 01:38 Incorporating Wigs into Your Salon Business 05:16 Technical Aspects of Working with Wigs 07:42 Expanding Your Wig Business Globally 12:16 Steps to Introduce Wigs to Your Clients 21:25 The Importance of Wig Education 24:35 Where to Find More Information 26:23 Preview of Next Week's Episode