Welcome to the Beyond The Technique podcast with Kati Whitledge. We exist to support beauty & wellness pros and your growing team and business. We believe it's what you do beyond the technical aspects of your craft that will bring substantial success. We promise to bring you the most forward-thinking industry topics to help you consistently grow and develop yourself and your business.
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Welcome to the Friends in Beauty Podcast, hosted by Akua Robinson, Makeup Artist, Beauty Educator, and the creator of Friends in Beauty. This podcast is a safe space for ambitious beauty industry creatives to have real talk, get real answers and practical tools to grow their businesses, learn the keys to success & longevity in the beauty industry, and most importantly have fun! The Friends in Beauty Podcast is an extension of Akua Robinson’s Friends in Beauty networking events and is an oppo ...
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Beauty Industry Tips, Inspiration, Goals, Services and Products. #beauty #beautyindustry #goals #motivation
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Founder & CEO of Spa Trouve, Courtney Anderson hosts The Glow Boss Podcast. She chats with Spa Trouve providers about skincare & injection services to help you feel 100% confident at your next spa appointment. Courtney also interviews entrepreneurs, licensed psychologists & inspiring individuals about how they've found success in life & business.
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Get ready for an eye-opening conversation with returning guest and seven-figure salon owner, Ashley Thomas! Unlike traditional salon business coaches, Ashley brings a unique edge to the industry by secret shopping salon client experiences, uncovering hidden gaps that impact retention and revenue. In this episode, she reveals the critical steps salo…
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Ep. 260: The Business of Waxing: Expansion, Team Building & Funding - Montrelle Green
1:33:28
1:33:28
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1:33:28On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast, we sit down with a beauty industry powerhouse, Montrelle Green, who has mastered the art of waxing, entrepreneurship, and business expansion. With over a decade of experience, she has grown VELVET Wax & Beauty from a small waxing and sugaring studio into a thriving beauty brand with two brick…
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581: What Your Clients Know That You Don’t
39:33
39:33
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39:33Join us for an inspiring conversation with Greg Starkman, Founder and CEO of Innersense Organic Beauty, as he shares his journey from hairstylist to beauty executive to pioneering the organic haircare movement. Greg and his wife set out to create high-performance, non-toxic hair products, driven by a mission to revolutionize clean beauty. He discus…
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Ep. 259: Ask Your Best Friend in Beauty | How to Raise Your Prices & Attract High-Paying Clients
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21:40On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome you to “Ask Your Best Friend in Beauty”, the new Q&A segment of the Friends in Beauty Podcast! Today, I’m answering a letter from a special “guest” … ChatGPT! MY BESTIE!! Yes, AI asked me for beauty biz advice, and the concerns it brought up are way too real. ✨ We’re talking about: ✔…
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Get ready to be epically inspired by John Mosely, the globally recognized force behind Popular Nobody. In this powerhouse episode, John takes us through his journey—his childhood, the people who shaped him, how he embraced his uniqueness, and the game-changing mindset barbers need to succeed. Packed with wisdom and unending quotes, this conversatio…
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Ep. 258: The Secret Sauce to Beauty Business Success! - Systems, Strategy & Scaling - Victoria Racca
1:39:45
1:39:45
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1:39:45🚀 Want to take your beauty business to the next level? In this episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, we’re diving deep into the systems, strategy, and scaling secrets that every beauty entrepreneur needs to know with Victoria Racca, a powerhouse in the beauty industry! With years of experience as a brow expert, educator, and entrepreneur, Victo…
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In this episode, we welcome Ross Loveland, owner of True Profit Salons, as he shares essential financial insights that can transform your salon’s profitability—taking you from minimal earnings to 20% profit or more. If you’re working with a bookkeeper or CPA, Ross reveals a powerful question to challenge their understanding of your business and ens…
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Ep. 257: The #1 Reason I Stay Consistent In My Beauty Business - Akua Robinson
29:01
29:01
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29:01On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast you get me all to yourself and we’re talking about your favorite topic…CONSISTENCY! Consistency is the secret sauce to success, but let’s be real—it’s not always easy to show up every day. In this episode, I’m sharing the#1 reason I stay consistent in my beauty business, even when I don’t feel…
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578: Make Instagram Easy, with Jamie Dana!
47:41
47:41
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47:41Level up your Instagram game this year! Social media influencer and hairstylist educator Jamie Dana joins us to share what’s in and out for Instagram, how to simplify your strategy, and the key insights that drive success. From content cadence to must-watch metrics, plus her done-for-you platform and virtual workshops for salon teams, this is the e…
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Ep. 256: From Esthetician to CEO: Building A Beauty Empire + Community For Pros - Sylvia Brownlee
1:01:39
1:01:39
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1:01:39On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Sylvia Brownlee to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Sylvia is a seasoned Esthetician and skincare expert with over 29 years of hands-on experience transforming both skin and lives! As the CEO and Founder of her own skincare line, Skin by Brownlee & Co., Sylvia specializes in helpin…
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577: Retail Compensation for Commission Stylists
21:54
21:54
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21:54In today’s episode, Kati Whitledge unveils her innovative 2025 compensation structure for commission stylists, featuring simplified, dollar-based retail KPIs that are clear, achievable, and easy for every team member to understand. Hear how her leadership team developed this approach, the importance of testing and measuring new concepts, and the va…
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Ep. 255: The Life of A Hair Stylist: Balancing Beauty, Wellness, and Lifestyle - Erika Evans
1:44:54
1:44:54
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1:44:54On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Erika Evans to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Over 25 years of experience in the beauty and wellness industry led Erika (EJE) to have worked with a range of everyday women, and executives, celebrities and models. After seeing chemical damage, stressed and over processed hair, to …
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Join us as Dr. John Rusin, renowned physical therapist and personal trainer, reveals his ultimate blueprint for living a vibrant, strong, and youthful life. From mobility and strength to anti-aging strategies, Dr. Rusin shares expert advice on optimizing training, physical movement, and nutrition. Discover practical tips to keep your body healthy a…
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Ep. 254: Advice From One of the Largest Black-Owned Beauty Manufacturers - Anthony Standifer
1:36:55
1:36:55
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1:36:55Ep. 254: Advice From One of the Largest Black-Owned Beauty Manufacturers - Anthony Standifer On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Anthony Standifer to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Anthony brings 25 years of beauty industry expertise, offering actionable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage founders.…
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Discover the powerful connection between hormones and health with functional medical and hormone specialist Karen Hanson. Karen shares the key symptoms both men and women experience when hormones are out of balance, the critical role vitamin D plays in overall wellness, and what to focus on as we navigate the aging process. Don’t miss this insightf…
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Ep. 253: The Wellthy Esthetician: Building Profitable Careers in Beauty Without Burnout - Nicole Lovelace
53:54
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53:54On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Nicole Lovelace to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Nicole is a Licensed Master Esthetician and brow expert with over 18 years in the beauty industry. Revered for her precision, attention to detail, and unmatched standard of excellence, Nicole is the driving force behind PRMP (/pri…
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Join Salon Owner and CEO of Spark Pro Global, Heather Harris, as she reveals the two pivotal decisions she made after discovering her newly purchased salon was unprofitable. Heather shares how she learned to delegate effectively, quantify the value of her time, and empowers other salon owners to buy back their time. Don't miss her insights on creat…
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Ep. 252: Behind the Science of Beauty: How Products Are Really Made - Milan Scott
1:20:42
1:20:42
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1:20:42On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Milan Scott to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Milan, aka The Cosmescientist, is a Master of Science in Cosmetic Chemistry and the CEO of Keseana Cosmetic Labs, a cosmetic research and development laboratory based in the DC/MD/VA area (DMV). With a vibrant online presence as “The …
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573: Teach Your Team to Build Their Ticket
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35:54
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35:54Join us for an inspiring conversation with Atlanta Nail Tech Influencer and Salon Owner, Tahra Clarke! Tahra shares her journey to success, including her innovative approach to running her nail salon, purchasing her own commercial building, and empowering nail technicians to build their tickets to achieve six-figure incomes. Whether you're in the n…
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Ep. 251: Makeup Secrets Behind Netflix & Tyler Perry’s Six Triple Eight - Priya Maharaj
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58:01
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58:01On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Priya Maharaj to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Priya is an Atlanta-based Department Head of Makeup for IATSE Local 798, with a passion for beauty that sparked in her childhood while watching her mother prepare for special events. This early fascination blossomed into a fulfillin…
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Join us as Vish's Head of Partnerships, Will Simpson, makes his first appearance on Beyond The Technique podcast. Will shares strategies to free up trapped cash, his motivation to support salons, and ideas for reinvesting newly unlocked funds. Discover key takeaways from his inspiring industry journey that could save your salon thousands in the com…
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Ep. 250: Content Creation Unfiltered: What Works, What’s Dead, & Standing Out Online - Terri Watson
1:34:21
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1:34:21On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Terri Watson to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Terri is the Founder of Apollo 44 Agency, a creative agency specializing in producing high-quality, UGC-style video content that helps brands scale their visibility and connect with their audience. As a seasoned social media strategi…
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In this episode, Kati Whitledge, founder of mya, shares five transformative insights to take into 2025. From her top books of 2024 to her upcoming reads, word of the year, and bold objectives, Kati challenges us to think big and redefine how we say "yes" or "no" to opportunities. Get ready to ignite growth, embrace change, and take powerful steps t…
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Ep. 249: How The My Beauty Kit App Is Helping You Slay Your Beauty Routine Like A Pro! - Shay Bailey
1:13:49
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1:13:49On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Shay Bailey to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Shay is an accomplished professional in the beauty and consumer tech sectors, with a robust background in corporate beauty operations, sales, and artistry. After obtaining her Bachelor's degree from Oakland University, Shay embarked o…
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Today we are joined by first-time guest and award-winning salon owner Sarah King Lynch reveals her "3-month rule" for making impactful team pivots, whether major or minor. With a crystal-clear vision and massive goals, Sarah inspires you to create effective feedback loops—asking critical questions like "What could go right?" and "What could go wron…
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Ep. 248: From Biology to Beauty: Combining Science With Artistry in Permanent Makeup - Dr. Zuri Dale
46:47
46:47
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46:47On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Dr. Zuri Dale to the Friends in Beauty Podcast. Dr. Zuri is an Epidemiologist and the Owner of Artistry by Zuri. You’ve seen her on BET Plus’ “College Hill: Celebrity Edition” where she taught celebrities such as Big Slim and NeNe Leakes at TSU’s College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences…
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569: Overcoming Losing Influential Stylists
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45:01
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45:01We are excited to bring back award-winning salon owner Patricia Uiterwyk, owner of Venue Salon and Spa, an Aveda salon in Lakeland, Florida. Patricia shares how she has navigated the challenges of losing influential stylists and how she and her team have implemented new tools that empower her and her leaders to foster a healthy and connected team c…
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Ep. 247: Launching Anke Beauty, Mental Health, and Full-Time Content Creation - Ronke Raji
39:52
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39:52On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Ronke Raji to the Friends in Beauty Podcast. Ronke is a beauty, lifestyle, fashion content creator and Founder of Anke Beauty with a dynamic presence across platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok. With a dedicated community of 500,000 followers, Ronke Raji specializes in deliv…
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In this episode, returning guest Jennifer Alvarez shares her powerful story of discovering a $100K loss and the transformative steps she took to design a client funnel that leaves no detail overlooked. Jennifer takes us through her inspiring industry journey, from moving out from behind the chair to purchasing real estate, creating her own hair ext…
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Ep. 246: Sephora Gate: Why the Sephora Squad Has Everyone Talking + Tips to Get Chosen Next Year!
47:24
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47:24🚨 The Sephora Squad Debacle: What Happened? 🚨 On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I’m diving into the drama surrounding the Sephora Squad 2024 selections! 😳 Many people were left confused and disappointed by the picks this year, and I’m sharing my honest thoughts about the selection process, what might have gone wrong, and actio…
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In this episode, Katelyn Alberts educates us on the essentials of hosting a successful event, from planning the foundational elements to creating a memorable experience that taps into attendees' senses, learning styles, and love languages. She reveals how long an event should be, the ideal marketing timeline, post-event steps, and offers strategies…
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Ep. 245: Inner Transformation For Outer Success: How To Be A Top Makeup Artist - Sonia Rodriguez
1:28:24
1:28:24
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1:28:24On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome my former Coach, Sonia Rodriguez to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Sonia is a celebrity Makeup Artist with 24 years of experience in the beauty industry. As Key Makeup Artist for shows on Comedy Central and E!, her work has also been featured on stations like NBC and Bravo. Sonia…
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In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome award-winning salon owner Martha Lynn Kale, owner of the acclaimed Mirror Mirror Salon in Austin, TX, and author of The Ambitious Stylist. Martha shares how her unwavering standards have helped her build a team of over 40, creating one of the best places to work in Austin. She also reveals the one thing sa…
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Ep. 244: Mastering Bold Hair Trends: Textured Hair, Vivids & Wig Styling for Venus Williams - Brendnetta Ashley
1:06:36
1:06:36
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1:06:36On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Brendnetta Ashley to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Brendnetta is a part of the Schwarzkopf Digital Artistic Team and specializes in textured hair, vivids, braids, and balayage. She has been working professionally in the industry for over 17 years and has been featured in outlets…
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565: Tipping The Scale with Alicia Soulier
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25:20In this episode, we welcome back Alicia Soulier, founder of SalonScale Technology, as she shares her inspiring journey through the beauty industry and insights from her new book, The Scale. Alicia dives into the essential practices salon owners need to adopt to ensure profitability and sustainability in today’s economic landscape. Tune in to learn …
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Ep. 243: How Bask and Lather is Helping Women, Men, and Kids Beat Hair Loss for Good- Shaina Rainford
51:45
51:45
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51:45On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Shaina Rainford to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Shaina, the Founder and CEO of Bask and Lather, left her career as a nurse practitioner to grow her brand and provide a solution for those suffering from hair loss. Inspired by her sister's experience and recognizing the gaps in t…
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564: Compensation, Marketing, and Firing Bad Clients
28:42
28:42
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28:42In this episode, our host Kati Whitledge, founder of mya and Beyond The Technique, introduces an innovative approach to boosting retail sales performance among stylists. She also reveals her most successful marketing strategies for filling last-minute appointment gaps. Plus, Kati shares a must-have checklist to help you recognize when it’s time to …
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Ep. 242: Behind the Spa: Skincare Tips, Business Strategies & Beauty Industry Realities - Meka Mathis
55:24
55:24
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55:24On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome my Meka Mathis to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Meka is a seasoned master aesthetician with over 20 years of dedicated experience in the beauty and skincare industry. As the founder and lead esthetician of Skin Beauty Bar, a highly regarded skincare spa in Washington, DC, Meka h…
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Join us for an inspiring episode with first-time guest Emily Hankemeier, a 17-year beauty industry veteran and salon owner. Having owned three salons, her current location receives over 12 stylist applications each month, making it the go-to salon in the area. Emily shares her powerful hiring package, growth-focused marketing strategies, and incred…
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Ep. 241: BeautyPro Funnels Is The All-In-One Solution for Makeup Artists - Tiyana Robinson
1:22:16
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1:22:16On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome my #friendinbeauty Tiyana Robinson to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Tiyana is an award-winning Washington DC-based Professional Makeup Artist and Founder of Makeup Mogul University, where she teaches Makeup Artists and Freelance Beauty Pros. To date, she has coached and mentored…
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In this episode, industry legend and first-time guest Chris Baran joins us to share his wealth of knowledge. Known for his innovative teaching programs and cool, edgy style, Chris dives into why trainers in salons often face burnout and how we can proactively support them. Tune in to learn his strategies for keeping trainers inspired and thriving i…
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Ep. 240: Building A 7-Figure Brand Based On A Good Product & Authenticity - Gillian Nelson
1:16:15
1:16:15
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1:16:15On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Gillian Nelson to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Gillian is the Founder of Sunny In Denbigh, a natural hair care brand founded based on a haircare need she had for her own two daughters. Sunny In Denbigh products are natural and non-toxic, providing a solution for chronic issues …
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In this episode, returning guest and best-selling author John DiJulius, a multi-location salon owner, shares his expert insights on creating a recruiting experience. It’s not about the questions asked in interviews, but the key qualities his team looks for in identifying Rockstar recruits while filtering out the wrong candidates. Stay tuned until t…
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Ep. 239: Why I Quit My Job To Become A Full Time Makeup Artist - Akua Robinson
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22:18
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22:18On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast you get me all to yourself. I have so many new supporters on all of my platforms but I don’t think I do a good job of continuously sharing my story with you. Unless you have been a part of my journey from the beginning you probably have no clue how I got into makeup, what kind of job I had bef…
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In this episode, award-winning multi-location salon owner Lia Hakim shares her inspiring journey of perseverance through some of life’s most challenging seasons. From raising small children while working as a flight attendant to opening and franchising her salon business, Lia’s story is one of courage and determination. Tune in to discover her pass…
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Ep. 238: How Kulfi Became The First South-Asian Owned Makeup Brand In Sephora - Priyanka Ganjoo
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58:22
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58:22On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Priyanka Ganjoo to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. After a five-year-long career on the corporate side of the beauty industry, Priyanka saw first-hand how South Asians were being underrepresented in beauty. Constantly searching for products that matched her skin tone and tired of …
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In this episode, we're excited to welcome back Stacey Soble, Director of Brand Content Strategy with Salon Today. Stacey shares four pivotal ways to connect with the most successful salon owners and must-attend events and resources in the beauty industry. Tune in to discover how building the right network can elevate your business and fuel your gro…
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Ep. 237: How The House Of Flawless Is Thriving On TikTok Shop - Alores Norris
1:12:59
1:12:59
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1:12:59On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Alores Norris to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. After 11 years of being a stay-at-home mom and a military wife, A'Lores decided to go out into the beauty world and start her own makeup company. House of Flawless started with just a few lipstick colors she would mix in her kitchen…
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558: Financial Dos and Don’ts for 7-Figure Salons
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33:52In this episode, we welcome back industry financial wellness guru, Tom Kuhn, to dive into the essential tools and practices every salon owner must implement for a thriving and sustainable business. Plus, all listeners have the chance to get their own personal financial scorecard by participating in the exciting study led by Tom and the Qnity team. …
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Ep. 236: Book Clients & Streamline Your Beauty Business With The Readyhubb App - Chidi Ashley
1:07:56
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1:07:56On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty podcast I welcome Chidi Ashley to the Friends in Beauty guest chair. Chidi Ashley is the Founder of Readyhubb a beauty marketplace designed to help beauty professionals earn more doing what they love! Readyhubb’s booking site is designed to connect beauty professionals to clients in their city & creat…
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