Advertise on podcast: Suite Independence | Building a Thriving Beauty Business

How do you go from a tiny salon suite to owning your dream space? I sat down with Mackenzie Gorman, owner of Meadow Aesthetics, to find out — and let me tell you, her journey from ER nurse to med spa owner is nothing short of inspiring. Mackenzie started her aesthetics journey almost by accident, after getting her own first Botox treatment sparked a whole new career path. She built her business from a single salon suite at Utopia into a full brick-and-mortar med spa, all while raising three kids, working part-time jobs, and figuring out the business side as she went. We talk about starting small, building the right team, creating a culture of trust with clients, and the lessons she learned the hard way during her build-out. Highlights Mackenzie's path from ER nurse to nurse practitioner to med spa ownerWhy she chose to start small in a salon suite rather than leasing a big space right awayThe moment she decided to leave her part-time urology job to go all-in on aestheticsHow she built her team, including interviewing over 40 candidates to find the right fitHer approach to client honesty — telling people when they don't need a treatmentThe Kansas-inspired branding behind the Meadow nameLessons learned navigating a full build-out with no business backgroundHer advice for anyone starting a business today: start small and stay true to your visionChapters 0:00 – From Tenant to Triumph 1:14 – Meet Meadow Aesthetics 2:42 – Nursing to Injectables 4:59 – Starting Small at Utopia 7:07 – Going Full Time Leap 8:51 – Finding the Perfect Space 10:11 – Branding the Meadow Vibe 10:58 – Hiring and Team Growth 18:24 – Culture and Client Trust 22:01 – Build Out Lessons Learned 26:51 – Delegating to Scale 29:09 – Advice and Wrap Up Resources Mentioned Meadow Aesthetics websiteMeadow Med Spa on Instagram (@MeadowMedSpa)Meadow Med Spa and Aesthetics on FacebookCall or text: 316-302-4744To 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 running a beauty business — or just doing hair? If you've ever introduced yourself by what you do instead of what you own, this conversation is for you. I sat down with my business coach, Lee Gray of ActionCOACH Business Coaching, inside one of our Utopia Modern Salon Suites locations, and we got into the real talk that every independent beauty professional needs to hear. From raising your prices (yes, really) to automating your follow-up and stepping fully into your identity as a CEO — this one is packed with actionable advice you can put to work this week. Highlights Why beauty professionals are business owners — even if they don't see themselves that way yetThe mindset shift from "I do hair" to "I own a salon business" and why the words you use actually matterHow to raise your prices incrementally so clients barely notice — and why you should be doing it every six monthsThe power of adding value without adding cost: hot towels, snacks, on-time service, and the products already in your handsWhy recommending retail isn't "selling" — it's service, and it directly increases your average saleHow to stand out in a commodity market by communicating your training, your products, and your processThe simple follow-up strategy that keeps your books full without spending a dimeUsing social media to showcase the experience — not just the resultHow to automate client retention using birthday acknowledgments, pre-booked appointments, and scheduling softwareBasic money habits every solopreneur needs: pay yourself first, set aside your taxes, and keep an operating account Chapters 0:00 — You Are A Business Owner 1:08 — Meet Coach Lee Gray 2:00 — Lee's Coaching Journey 4:20 — Who Coaching Fits Best 6:06 — Utopia Pros and Paths 6:58 — Lessons From a Success Story 8:37 — Nonnegotiables For Growth 11:07 — Maximize Income Fast 12:25 — Add Value and Sell Products 16:02 — Stand Out In a Commodity Market 18:15 — Follow Up Wins Clients 18:31 — Social Media Client Stories 19:39 — Automate Retention Systems 22:51 — Mindset of Ownership 26:07 — Look Like the CEO 27:20 — Keep Learning Business Skills 28:26 — Simple Money Habits 31:02 — Podcast, Book & Coaching Info Resources ActionCOACH Business Coaching — Lee Gray's business coaching firmThe Second Act Business Owner podcast on Apple, Spotify and YouTubeLee Gray (direct): 316-640-2193 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 take to build something you never planned for? Schrene Davis didn't set out to own three cosmetology schools — she was just trying to find a way out of a small town in Western Kansas. From a cheerleading scholarship and a cosmetology license she almost let expire, to becoming one of the early franchisees of Paul Mitchell Schools when there were fewer than five in existence, her journey is a masterclass in staying open to where life leads you. We talk about what it was really like building a school from the ground up, why the Springfield, Missouri model didn't translate to Wichita the way she expected, and how the industry — and the students walking through her doors — have fundamentally changed. We also get honest about the challenge of staying relevant as you get older in an industry that moves fast, and what it means to lead a school full of 18-year-olds who have a very different relationship with work than we did. HIGHLIGHTS Schrene describes her path as "accidental leadership" — no long-term vision, just a series of open doors she walked throughGrowing up in Holcomb, Kansas (graduating class of 39), she had no roadmap for college — until a boyfriend's football career took her to Missouri StateShe worked at a chain salon and booth rent while finishing her general education, and credits older mentors in those salons for her early growthBefore Instagram, building clientele meant beating the streets and handing out business cards — and there's something to be said for thatShe became a Paul Mitchell sales rep and discovered the school concept at a national gathering — and was immediately convinced it was what the industry neededWith only ~5 schools open at the time, she partnered with friends, secured a family investor, and opened in Springfield in 2005Springfield became their most successful school — profitable from day one — but replicating that success in Wichita proved much harderThe perception challenge in Wichita: Eric Fisher had already set a high bar, so the Paul Mitchell school wasn't the surprise it had been in SpringfieldThe shift in how families view cosmetology school: student loan debt has changed everything — now parents are more likely to celebrate a one-year skilled trade path"If you want it, it's there" — she's direct with prospective students that success requires cultivating relationships, not waiting for clients to appearGen Z students have reshaped how she thinks about fun, flexibility, and what motivates people to show upStudent-run teams (student council, "Be Nice or Else" community team) give students a voice and keep them investedThe aesthetics program is in year two and finding its groove after a messy year one of "discoveries"The emotional rollercoaster of being a service provider — riding the waves of a client's best and worst days — is something not everyone is built for, and she prepares students for that CHAPTERS 0:43 — Meet Schrene Davis 1:00 — Small Town Beginnings 2:12 — Choosing Cosmetology 3:10 — Early Lessons in School 4:03 — College and Moving 5:15 — Salon Life and Mentors 7:02 — Before Instagram Hustle 9:13 — From Stylist to Rep 10:46 — Discovering Paul Mitchell Schools 14:21 — Launching the First School 17:16 — Springfield Success Model 18:59 — Wichita Market Reality 21:13 — Cosmetology Culture Shift 22:34 — What It Takes to Succeed 24:00 — Fast Track Licensing 25:00 — Career Paths Beyond Cutting 26:30 — Spotting Student Potential 28:06 — Old School Cosmo Rules 29:26 — Teaching Color Confidence 31:04 — Staying Relevant Over Time 31:50 — Gen Z Work Life Shift 33:45 — Student-Led School Culture 37:11 — Launching Aesthetics Program 40:50 — Rollercoaster Behind the Chair 42:18 — How to Apply and Connect 43:22 — Final Thanks and Wrap RESOURCES MENTIONED Paul Mitchell The School Wichita — paulimitchelltheschoolwichita.edu (find them on Instagram and TikTok @paulmitchelltheschoolwichita)FAFSA — Federal financial aid application mentioned as a resource many prospective students are unaware of 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 thing standing between you and the business — or life — you want isn't skill, experience, or money... but the way you talk to yourself? Confidence coach Emily Stevens joins me to unpack why so many talented women hold themselves back, how to stop "shoulding" all over yourself, and the small daily shifts that build real, lasting confidence from the inside out. HIGHLIGHTS • Stop "shoulding" yourself — it sets up expectations that aren't even yours • Confidence comes from self-trust, and self-trust is built through small daily actions • "Outsourcing your confidence" to loved ones is one of the biggest confidence killers • Self-compassion is the #1 indicator of self-esteem — science backs it up • One bad appointment doesn't equal a wrong career — that's catastrophic thinking • Confidence on camera is a skill, not a talent — you get better by doing it • When women build themselves up, they stop competing and start collaborating CHAPTERS 0:00 Meet Emily Stevens 1:10 Confidence for New Owners 1:59 Women and Confidence Myths 3:02 Stop Shoulding Yourself 4:31 Building Self Trust Fast 6:12 Action Creates Confidence 7:54 Support Systems and Doubts 9:43 Outsourcing Your Confidence 11:24 Self Compassion Practice 13:06 Confidence vs Self Esteem 14:32 Money Mindset and Success 18:24 Values and Core Compass 19:18 Confidence Earlier in Life 22:52 Daily Confidence Habits 23:53 Stop Catastrophic Thinking 24:36 Reframe With Self Compassion 26:09 Three For Me Framework 27:59 Collaboration Over Competition 31:15 You Are The Genius 34:43 Confidence On Camera 39:57 Closing And Contact Info RESOURCES • Laid Back Achievers — Emily's website with all courses, socials, and contact info: https://www.laidbackachievers.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 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. Highlights Your 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 data Chapters 0:00 — Introduction: Branding & Marketing 0:57 — Ashlyn's Origin Story: From Senior Photos to Branding 2:16 — Avery's Journey: Nursing School to MBA to Marketing 3:33 — How They Teamed Up 4:04 — The Light Bulb Moment: Clients Weren't Using Their Photos 5:30 — Creating the One-Stop Shop Package 7:27 — Matching Visual Style to Your Brand 8:58 — Brand Worlds and the Apple Example 10:24 — Why Beauty Pros Should Invest in Branding 14:52 — Using Photos Beyond Instagram: Decor, Billboards, Pamphlets 17:44 — Consistency Builds Trust and Business Growth 20:10 — Patience, Pricing, and Paying Your Dues 23:17 — Branding for Beauty Professionals Specifically 24:41 — Standing Out on Social Media in a Saturated Market 27:02 — Niche Down and Get Found in Search 28:31 — Why Analytics Matter (and Most People Ignore Them) 31:41 — Ads, Repetition, and the Psychology of Buyer Behavior 33:23 — Showing Clients Their ROI and Growth 35:06 — Marketing as an Investment, Not an Expense 37:11 — Credibility, Education, and Why It Matters Who You Hire 39:43 — Their Collab Content Packages: 4-Month, 8-Month, and Year Options 41:58 — The New Done-For-You Full Social Media Management Option 44:28 — Partner Perks: Spray Tans, Hair, Makeup & More 46:20 — Wrap Up & How to Connect Resources & Mentions Ashlyn 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 does it take to leave corporate stability for the uncertain path of entrepreneurship? Just a month ago, Savannah Tasset was a financial analyst at Koch Industries. Today, she's running her own aesthetics business at Utopia. Her story shows that sometimes the riskiest move is staying where you're unhappy—and that a finance degree can be your secret weapon in the beauty industry. Highlights Why Savannah graduated high school a year early to pursue aesthetics school at 17How her finance degree from K State became an unexpected advantage for business ownershipThe moment she realized spreadsheets weren't her calling—and what pulled her back to skincareSetting up an LLC, choosing Image Skincare, and building Serenity Skin Studio from scratchWhy dermaplaning is oddly satisfying (and her favorite service to perform)The difference between clients seeking results vs. relaxation—and why reading those cues mattersHer advice for anyone stuck in a corporate job while dreaming of a passion career Chapters 0:00 Meet Savannah Tasset1:11 Early Aesthetics Journey2:57 Finance Path and Koch5:47 Called Back to Skin7:50 Starting From Scratch8:33 Client Experience Philosophy10:48 Building the Studio14:24 LLC and Systems Setup16:31 Why Dermaplaning Works17:48 Ideal Client Results20:06 Services Menu Breakdown23:40 Consultations and Trust27:28 Advice and Wrap Up Resources Mentioned Image SkincareThe professional skincare product line Savannah uses in her studioGloss GeniusThe booking and credit card processing system for her businessSerenity Skin Studio on InstagramSavannah's business InstagramSerenity Skin Studio on FacebookSavannah's business Facebook page 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 stress Chapters [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 Information Resources 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 @evergreenskinstudio 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!

Would you make a major career change to create space for your family? Today's conversation takes you inside the journey of Brittany Thomas, owner of Rooted Wellness Company, as she shares her path from caring for premature babies to empowering women through hormone optimization and weight loss. We explore the changing landscape of healthcare, the challenges of starting an independent practice, and why functional medicine is revolutionizing how we approach wellness. Highlights • How 12 years in the NICU shaped Brittany's patient-centered approach to care • The personal fertility journey that deepened her connection to hormone therapy • Why she chose a suite at Utopia over traditional brick-and-mortar practice • The truth about hormone replacement therapy and dispelling the cancer myth • How GLP-1 medications are transforming lives beyond weight loss • Balancing business ownership with being present for family • The hidden time costs of running an independent healthcare practice • Why functional medicine focuses on root causes instead of just treating symptoms • Real patient success stories: from joint pain to biking with loved ones again • How COVID changed the way patients question and engage with healthcare Chapters [0:34] Welcome and Introduction to Brittany Thomas [0:48] Brittany's Background and Education [1:40] Journey to Rooted Wellness [2:49] Hormones and Personal Connection [3:37] Starting the Business at Utopia [4:02] Impact and Community at Utopia [5:08] Balancing Family and Business [7:28] Future Goals and Business Growth [8:21] Passion for Helping People [9:23] Services Offered by Rooted Wellness [11:08] Challenges and Changes in Healthcare [15:07] Revenue Generation and Insurance [17:15] Challenges with Insurance [18:32] Favorite Treatments and Success Stories [20:35] Balancing Business and Patient Care [25:38] Future Goals and Functional Medicine [28:57] Contact Information and Conclusion Resources • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britt_rootedwellnessco/ • Facebook: Brittany Thomas Wellness • University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) - https://www.uab.edu • University of Kansas (KU) Kansas City - https://www.kumc.edu 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 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 provider CHAPTERS [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 Information RESOURCES MENTIONED • Skin Clique - National aesthetic services company providing support for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and doctors offering medical aesthetic treatments https://www.skinclique.com • Contact Desiree at Utopiahttps://utopiamodernsalon.com/location/cranbrook/ • Desiree Brogan on Instagram - @desireebrogan_np https://www.instagram.com/desireebrogan_np • Desiree Brogan on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/desiree.brogan22 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!

Are you ready to make 2026 your most intentional and rewarding year yet? Discover how independent beauty professionals are redefining success, embracing clarity, and building businesses that truly support their lives. Today I’m going solo and sharing insights on simplifying your business, finding the right pace, and creating a sustainable, fulfilling career—without the overwhelm. Highlights The biggest lessons from 2025 and how they’re shaping the future of the beauty industryWhy clarity and simplification are the new keys to growthHow independent professionals are redefining “independence” to include support and structureThe power of consistency and calm in businessWhat it means to align your business with your life—not just your workThe growing importance of community and environment for long-term satisfactionPractical encouragement for building a business that supports you, not the other way aroundChapters 00:00 — Reflecting on 2025: Industry Growth and Intentionality 01:46 — Insights and Predictions 02:25 — Clarity and Simplification in Business Practices 04:21 — Redefining Independence: Support and Structure 05:13 — Carrying Forward Lessons into 2026 06:14 — The Power of Consistency and Calm 08:01 — Redefining Success: Predictability and Space 08:44 — Community and Environment: Keys to Professional Growth 09:53 — Final Thoughts: Building a Business That Supports You 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!

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. Highlights The 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 clienteleChapters 00:00 — Introduction to Suite Independence 00:47 — Meet Suzie Cote: The Butterfly Theme 01:28 — The Concept of Emergence 03:44 — Transition to Independence 04:49 — Challenges and Misconceptions 06:06 — Innovations in Client Experience 09:31 — The Importance of Feedback 12:41 — Building Trust with Clients 17:01 — Catering Music to Audience Preferences 17:22 — The Nicholas Cage Magnet Story 20:23 — Managing Negative Feedback as a Recovering People Pleaser 21:59 — The Importance of Consultation in Hairdressing 24:44 — Transitioning to Independent Work 28:04 — Embracing Quirkiness and Personal Branding 28:27 — Building a Personalized Clientele 30:58 — Balancing Emotional Energy in the Salon 32:17 — Closing Thoughts & Gratitude Resources Mentioned https://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!

Are you prepared for the unexpected? Imagine if you suddenly couldn’t work—how would that impact your family, your business, and your peace of mind? Today, I sit down with Molly Henthorn from Empower Financial Group to uncover the real risks beauty professionals face and the practical ways to protect your income, your business, and your future. From personal stories to actionable advice, this conversation is packed with insights every independent professional should hear. Highlights The true impact of being unable to work—and how to plan for itHow Empower Financial Group partners with beauty professionals to offer tailored benefitsReal-life stories of professionals who faced unexpected challengesThe surprising affordability of income protection and other benefitsWhat to consider when choosing coverage as a self-employed professionalHow to adjust your protection as your business growsThe unique value of working with a partner who understands your industryChapters 00:00 — Introduction: The Unexpected Impact of Absence 00:10 — Meet Molly from Empower Financial Group 00:58 — Molly's Visit to the Salons 01:43 — The Importance of Benefits for Beauty Professionals 01:56 — Empower Financial Group's Offerings 02:22 — Income Protection: A Critical Component 02:39 — Real-Life Scenarios and Testimonials 03:44 — Understanding the Cost of Benefits 04:54 — The Value of Income Protection 05:00 — Empower's National Reach and Claims Support 07:49 — Customizing Coverage for Beauty Professionals 13:16 — Conclusion and Future Opportunities Resources Mentioned Empower Financial GroupWebsite: https://www.empowerfingroup.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. Highlights Brooke’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 professionalsChapters 00:00 — Welcome & Introduction to Brooke 01:07 — Brooke’s Early Career and Finding Her Niche 02:10 — Building Brows by B: The Brand and the Experience 03:33 — The Power of Branding (and Pink Everything) 05:44 — From Side Hustles to Full-Time: Making the Leap 09:19 — Creating Hype: Booking, Waitlists, and Client Experience 15:24 — Training, Mentorship, and Building Community 21:03 — Product Lines, Tools, and Teaching Clients 23:11 — Burnout, Boundaries, and Rediscovering Passion 26:05 — Advice for New Beauty Pros & Final Thoughts Resources Brows by B Website & Shop — Products, trainings, and more 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!

Do you think doing your taxes is more like a blowout, a brow wax, or a full Brazilian? For beauty professionals, financial management can sometimes feel simple and sometimes daunting and painful. Today, I sit down with Ryan Kittrell, CPA, to unravel the mysteries of bookkeeping, tax deductions, and financial habits that can make or break your business. Whether you’re a creative who dreads spreadsheets or a salon owner ready to level up, you’ll find practical advice, relatable stories, and a few laughs along the way. Let’s make taxes a little less scary—and maybe even a little fun. Highlights Why beauty professionals struggle with bookkeeping and how to overcome itThe truth about financial advice on social mediaSimple systems to keep your business finances organizedWhat expenses are really deductible (and which ones aren’t)The importance of regular financial check-insHow to avoid the “it’s a write-off” spending trapSuccess stories from beauty pros who got their finances on trackWhen to hire a CPA or bookkeeperFun comparison: Is doing your taxes a blowout, brow wax, or full Brazilian?Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & The Tax Service Analogy 00:47 – Meet Ryan Kittrell, CPA 01:34 – The Importance of Bookkeeping for Beauty Professionals 02:07 – Common Financial Challenges in the Beauty Industry 03:27 – Navigating Social Media Financial Advice 04:24 – Understanding Tax Deductions for Beauty Professionals 05:54 – Simple Financial Systems for Small Businesses 08:08 – When to Hire a CPA or Bookkeeper 09:22 – What Expenses Are Deductible? 13:20 – Avoiding Common Financial Pitfalls 17:51 – The Importance of Regular Financial Reviews 21:20 – Success Stories and Client Experiences 24:38 – The Value of Professional Financial Advice 25:18 – Scheduling Financial Check-Ins 26:27 – Fun Comparison: Taxes vs. Beauty Services 27:55 – How to Reach Ryan & Closing Resources Mentioned Kittrell and Klaskin CPAs: www.kittrellklaskincpa.comSpecial thanks to Mikayla Wise, hairstylist at Tyler Point 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!

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. Highlights Ashleigh’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 nicheChapters 00:34 — Meet Ashleigh Jones: From Perth to Wichita 01:08 — Building a Business on Brows 02:41 — Stepping Back: Trust, Team, and Letting Go 04:29 — Moving to the U.S. & Maintaining a Business Abroad 05:21 — Motherhood, Postnatal Depression, and Business Transitions 07:00 — Reconnecting with the Business and Letting Go 10:41 — Starting Fresh: Focusing on Services in Wichita 13:19 — The Art and Science of Cosmetic Tattooing 16:07 — Trends, Client Education, and Natural Results 22:38 — Niche Down: Advice for Beauty Professionals 25:44 — Building Trust, Connection, and Community 28:00 — Closing Thoughts & Ashleigh’s Contact Info Resources Mentioned Ashleigh 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!