people passion purpose podcast with host Nina L. Kovner

In this episode, Nina proclaims 2024 to be the year of perspective for the salon industry. One viral TiKTok or some comments from random strangers on the Internet is not fact, or truth. The algorithms are designed to feed off our enragement and discourse. Because of that, we are collectively losing perspective around how different salon businesses and models work, how salons make decisions aligned with their brands, and how salons grow. Whether it be overcorrecting and confusing healthy boundaries and walls, connecting the prices you charge and client feedback with your personal worth, tossing out the fundamentals of client retention and happiness, deciding salon business ownership wasn't for you, having the best year ever, or the worst, we talk about it all to help you regain and retain perspective to have a more awesome, authentic and aligned with your brand year. You can find Passion Squared on the socials here and here, and on the web here. You can learn more about Creating Your Awesome Salon Brand here. Thank you so much for listening. Cheering you on, every day, always! 

In this special episode of the pod, Nina is joined by author, writer, storyteller, content creator, and small business owner Roxan McDonald. Roxan shares her story of how she became a writer and storyteller, her viral rise on TikTok, not being nice, where gratitude fits in her recovery and life, moving to a new country and we dive into Roxan's latest creation, the Spiritual AF Activity Book and Journal. You can find Roxan on the socials here and her new book here. You can find Passion Squared on the socials here and on the web here. Thank you so much for listening!  

In this episode, Nina responds to a question from Evan Joseph about dealing with a salon client who is being unreasonable and combative. There are several things to consider when deciding how to handle upset or angry salon clients; your business Agreements, your brand, lifetime client value, and the outcome you seek. Having healthy boundaries is essential in business, and Nina shares a few different ways to respond to these situations in a healthy way along with an example from My AwesomeAF Healthy Boundary Handbook which has several conversation frameworks like this to help you navigate the most common issues that arise. You can find Nina on the socials here and here, and on the web here. You can get a copy of My AwesomeAF Healthy Boundary Handbook here. Thank you so much for listening. And thank you @evanjosephcurls for inspiring this episode. 

In this episode, Nina talks about the true purpose of providing home care solutions for your clients and some of the false narratives being shared in the professional salon industry. The truth is, your client's happiness matters not just on the day of their salon visit, but also, all the days in between. The purpose of offering home care is not about money or profits, it is one of the results, however, not the most important result, which is client happiness and convenience. Nina also breaks down the simple math of professional home care, dispelling a narrative about it not having any profit. These narratives, which lack significant context, cause harm and create confusion. It doesn't have to be that way. Together, we can change the narrative, which allows you to make more aligned decisions for your business and brand. Thank you so much for listening. You can find Passion Squared on the web here and on the socials here and here. 

In this episode, Nina shares some simple, high-impact ways to show clients you care, build trust, and create more value for them. These simple actions, which have nothing to do with social media or algorithms, can help you retain awesome clients, and help you generate more revenue in the process. Also in this episode, Nina shares the real reason behind their obsession with squirrels, birds, and trees which is a story of hope and healing. You can find Nina and Passion Squared on the web here and on the socials here and here. Thank you for listening! 

One way to reduce team discourse, leadership overwhelm and angst is to have clear, simple, aligned, and compassionate communication. And while that sounds like, duh Nina, the truth is it's one of the most common reasons discourse is created in the first place, and why people quit. Unmet expectations, broken promises, or misaligned expectations come back to communication. In this episode, Nina shares the Awesome Team Handbook framework they created for clients of Passion Squared, along with some crucial details and context. Whether it's team, tenant, or client agreements, the more clear you are on your brand, the more clear your communications will be. Healthy communication, happy people. You can find the Team Handbook Template here, the Client Agreements Framework here, and find Nina on the socials @passionsquared and at passionsquared.net Thank you so much for listening! 

In this episode, Nina shares the Healthy Boundary Conversation Framework from My AwesomeAF Healthy Boundary Handbook to help guide you through some of the more challenging discussions when salon clients are asking about the pricing of your services and when you have a price increase. Nina also walks you through the differences between healthy boundary communications on price increases and no boundary communications. You will immediately feel the difference. You can apply these frameworks to any difficult conversation, and the ones you tend to avoid. We also talk about Taylor Swift, because, of course, we do. You can find My AwesomeAF Healthy Boundary Handbook here and find Passion Squared on the socials here. Thank you so much for listening! 

In this episode, Nina shares some much-needed context to help you understand the difference between salon-going and non-salon going consumers, which helps you better define your own target market, dream clients, or what we call at Passion Squared, brand people. When you have clarity around this, you can spend more time focusing on who you serve, and less time and frustration on the folks who simply don't see value in a salon experience or never will. Nina also shares a super important marketing fundamental to help you align your pricing with your brand, strategy, business model, objectives, and desired outcomes and simplify your decision-making. You can find us on the socials @passionsquared and on the web here. Thank you so much for listening! 

In this episode, Nina invites you to dismantle a decades-old narrative about salon "retailing". The truth is, your clients come to you because of your professional experience and expertise which includes how to maintain their hair, skin, etc. at home. The purpose and objective of educating your clients and recommending home care products and tools are to ensure your clients are happy. The outcome of happy clients is a happy business, which includes additional revenue. Money is not the objective, however, it can be one of the outcomes. If you choose not to educate your clients, you cannot get mad when they seek that education elsewhere, be it the drugstore aisle, Amazon, YouTube, or TikTok. You can find the most recent post we discussed in this episode here. You can find us on the web at passionsquared.net and on the socials @passionsquared Thank you so much for listening! 

In this episode, I share my process and experience of saying yes to a trip to Los Angeles for a special event and all the feelings I had, and the lessons I picked up along the way. This is a story of identifying new traumas, not feeling ready, the healing that comes with feeling your feelings, determination, finding hope again, and celebrating every step, literally and figuratively. A big shout-out of gratitude to David and Alexis Thurston of Danger Jones and every human I was honored to connect with at the event for your trust, compassion, grace, and love. Thank you for being part of my healing. You can find Nina on the socials @passionsquared and on the web at passionsquared.net Thank you so much for listening. Here comes the sun! 

In this episode, Nina share's chapter from their book Follow Your Heart, written in 2013. The chapter is called PEOPLE, and it walks you through why the concept of independence is a myth, and why interdependence is really where it's at still to this day. You can apply this concept to both your business and your life because the truth is, you need people, we need people, and none of us would be where we are today without the people who held us, guided us, and lifted us up along the way. You can find Nina on the socials here and the Follow Your Heart digital and audiobook here. Thank you so much for listening! Have a beautiful day. 

In this episode, Nina invites you to look at the words and language you use as a salon owner and how they align with your brand and the outcomes you seek. Traditionally, there's been a focus on commission in the salon industry, which becomes problematic and creates unrealistic expectations, confusion, and disappointment. Whether you are an employment-based salon owner or a lease-based salon owner, this is an episode that may be the spark you need to dive deeper into your brand work, and in turn, create a more clear, aligned, consistent and valuable story around the compensation or lease program you offer which can help you find the folks who see value in what you offer and are the best fit for your brand. You can find Passion Squared on the socials @passionsquared and on the web at passionsquared.net Thank you so much for listening! 

One way to reduce team discourse, leadership overwhelm and angst are to have clear, simple, aligned, and compassionate communication. And while that sounds like, duh Nina, the truth is it's one of the most common reasons discourse is created in the first place, and why people quit. Unmet expectations, broken promises, or misaligned expectations come back to communication. In this episode Nina shares the Team Handbook framework they created for clients of Passion Squared, along with some crucial details and context. Whether it's team, tenant, or client agreements, the more clear you are on your brand, the more clear your communications will be. Healthy communication, happy people. You can find the Team Handbook Template here and find Nina on the socials @passionsquared and at passionsquared.net Thank you so much for listening! 

One way to reduce team discourse, leadership overwhelm and angst is to have clear, simple, aligned, and compassionate communication. And while that sounds like, duh Nina, the truth is it's one of the most common reasons discourse is created in the first place, and why people quit. Unmet expectations, broken promises, or misaligned expectations come back to communication. In this episode Nina shares the Team Handbook framework they created for clients of Passion Squared, along with some crucial details and context. Whether it's team, tenant, or client agreements, the more clear you are on your brand, the more clear your communications will be. Healthy communication, happy people. You can find the Team Handbook Template here and find Nina on the socials @passionsquared and at passionsquared.net Thank you so much for listening! 

In this episode, Nina dives deeper into an Instagram post shared last week on being mindful about creating content drenched in justification around the value, worth, and pricing of your brand services and products. Whether you are a stylist, a salon, a fitness trainer, a massage therapist, a lash artist, or a content creator, always remember your content is your marketing. When you find yourself sharing content that speaks to your value, worth, and pricing, ask yourself who is this targeting and whether is it adding value and solving a problem for those you serve. Your current clients already know the value of the experience you deliver at the price you set. Your future clients will make a decision that they value the experience you deliver at the price you set. Those who don't see value in the experience you deliver at the price you set aren't your people. You can find Nina and Passion Squared on the socials @passionsquared and on the web at passionsquared.net Thank you for listening.

Bestie of Passion Squared and the beauty industry Gordon Miller recently launched a new podcast, Social Beauty Makers, and invited Nina on his pod. From Social Beauty Makers A renowned coach, marketer, and thought leader in social and digital media, Nina Kovner, Passion Squared CEO, gives us a 15-minute master class on the fundamentals related to 'brand' and 'branding' -two words too often used interchangeably... in error. Today perhaps more than ever before, the essence of who we are and we show up (as businesses, professionals, or as humans) matters to those we connect with day-to-day. And just as education matters in your craft, so does it matter in raising the bar on your marketing game. Listen in for more. You can find Gordon on the socials @gordnm and Nina @passionsquared

In this episode Nina shares insights into why it's essential to understand your brand values, what those you serve value, and the difference between brand values and brand value. With the recent decision Amazon made to end their Smile program they chose to abandon a part of their brand that was of value for some, and in doing so, moves folks to question Amazon's actual brand values. Your brand story is the foundation of all that you do as a small business owner, and it begins by having clarity of your brand purpose, promise, and people. You can find Nina on the socials @passionsquared and on the web at passionsquared.net Thank you so much for listening!

In this episode, Nina shares insights and examples of why it's important to align your words, language, communications, and content with your brand purpose, promise, people, voice, values, and vibe. Your words have energy, meaning, and impact. You want the words you choose to help you move toward the outcome you're seeking while ensuring they are in the language of your client, customer, or consumer. You can find Nina and Passion Squared on the socials @passionsquared and at passionsquared.net Thank you so much for listening!

In this episode Nina shares some insights into how you can double down on caring, building trust, and delivering value for your clients, teams, and tenants this year. Whether you believe a recession is here or on the way, getting back to the fundamentals of building relationships, referrals, retention, and revenue is very much in style. What's out of style is client shaming, blaming, and being inflexible. Care, trust, and value are very much in. Focus on solutions, along with clarity of your brand purpose, promise, and people. You got this! You can find Nina and Passion Squared on the web here and on the socials @passionsquared Thank you so much for listening.

Welcome back to the podcast, lol! It's been a minute. In this episode Nina shares some wisdom and thoughts around the feelings and hopes of new days and how that can translate into any day of the year. Whether you spend your New Year's Day in silence and reflection, or out playing in nature, or binge watching your favorite show, prioritizing your self-care is essential to feeling more grounded, present and intentional as a leader, small business owner and human. If feeling more grounded and intentional and self-care is on your 2023 list, this episode is for you. You can find Nina and Passion Squared at passionsquared.net and @passionsquared on all the socials. Thank you so much for listening, and Happy New Year!

In this episode, Nina shares their frameworks for both decision making and creating awesome client agreements, two critically important tools for you to simplify your life as a leader and creative small business owner. The truth is you likely spend way too much time, energy, and stress not making decisions, avoiding problems, and feeling resentful when clients show up late, cancel at the last minute, or not show up at all. Clear, detailed agreements, along with a framework for making decisions and solving problems are your bestie. You can find the Decision Making Framework here and the Creating Awesome Client Agreement Framework here. You can find us on the web here and on the gram here. Thank you so much for listening. 

In this episode, Nina share's some insights into why some brands stand up publicly and fight injustices in our world and why some choose not to. This episode is not about politics, it's about clarity of brand story, vision, and values. It's about the choices you make as a brand in relation to what your people value, whether it be clients, team members, or tenants if you are leading a lease-based business. It's about aligning your actions with your brand promises. Thank you so much for listening with an open heart and brain. If you would like to keep the conversation going, you can find us on the gram and on the web.  NOTE: This is our first episode after 6 months, and there were some glitches, lol. We decided to keep the glitches in the episode to honor being perfectly imperfect. Perfection is a myth. Repeat as often as needed. 

The awesome news is your clients are respecting your Safe In Our Salon Agreements + Protocols and canceling their reservations if they feel ill or have been exposed, the not so awesome news is you may be having a trauma response to your 2020 experience. If this feels relatable, you are not alone. In this episode, Nina shares some thoughts on how to navigate the current cancellation surge you may be seeing in your salon, some resources, and tools to care for your mental health and wellness, taking a look at your lapsed client list, and reaching out to the people who've been too busy and forgot to make a reservation who are healthy and would love to hear from you. Thank you to @hairbrained_offical and to @flamingoloungehair for inspiring this episode. You can find us online at passionsquared.net and on the gram and Facebook @passionsquared Thank you for listening. And remember, do your very best to be where your feet are.  

In this all-new episode of the pod, Nina shares their experience with the recent 33-day social break they took. At Passion Squared, we've been sharing with our clients and community for years about the importance of taking breaks, however, during this break, Nina saw the need for even more time off, and when you are on, remembering your purpose for being there, focusing on who you serve and the solutions you have for those you serve. It's time to get back into a healthy relationship with the socials, stay aligned with your brand purpose, promise, and people and prioritize your mental health and wellness. Thank you so much for listening. You can find Nina and Passion Squared online at passionsquared.net @passionsquared If you are a salon owner, you can learn more about A School here.

(This episode originally aired on December 24, 2019) In this episode, Nina shares her experience around navigating the holidays when you struggle to find joy in them, a little but super important rant on Britney memes and mental health, along with reading a few pages from her NEW My AwesomeAF Boundary Book that touches on clients demanding to be squeezed in and talking politics with family. You can get your copy of My AwesomeAF Boundary Book in the Passion Squared Shop here and find Nina on the gram @passionsquared Thank you so much for listening!   

(This episode originally aired on February 13, 2020) In this episode we sit down with Danielle Green of Radically Curly to talk about the Hair Love book, the recent Oscar win for the Hair Love animated short film, and the CROWN Act. It is currently LEGAL in all but three states (now 14 as of this encore episode) in the US to discriminate against Black people who wear natural, protective and braided hairstyles both in schools and in the workplace. This is racism. Period. Danielle shares her experience as a hairstylist, educator and leader in the movement of not only embracing natural hair texture but falling in love with the hair you were born with. After you listen to this episode, we invite you to join us in signing the petition to get the CROWN Act in all 50 states. Visit bit.ly/CROWNAct to be part of the solution and end this form of discrimination. You can find Danielle on the web @radicallycurly and radicallycurlysalon.com Thank you Danielle for sharing your heart, wisdom and passion with us. We LOVE you.

In this episode of the pod, Nina shares fifty five life and business wisdoms and lessons on their 55th birthday with special guest and bestie Gordon Miller of Hairbrained. Grab your favorite beverage and snack, get cozy, take a listen and if you feel inspired, share some of your wisdoms and lessons with us on the socials. You can find Nina + Passion Squared on the gram @passionsquared @ninakovner and Gordon @gordnm @hairbrained_official Thank you so much for listening and for you trust, support and LOVE. We're gratefulAF for you. Some Causes Close To Nina's Heart   Black Trans Travel Fund Marsha P Johnson Institute Trevor Project Dress Code Project Best Friends Animal Society Salt River Wild Horse Management Group Some Causes Close To Gordon's Heart PAWS Chicago Your Local Food Bank

In this What's On My Mind episode we are back with Nina sharing what's been on their mind the last couple weeks. Nina share's their thoughts on business integrity and ethics, business agreements and how they align with your own brand vision and values along with your brand purpose, promise and people. This applies to all aspects of your business and the daily decisions you make as a leader and small business owner. We talk lifetime client value and could not help but talk about the the recent Venmo drama and some things to consider before you make a decision for your own business. You can find us on the gram @passionsquared and on the web at passionsquared.net To listen to the recent episode with Dr. Nancy on Mental Health, click here. To get your copy of My AwesomeAF Boundary Book, click here. To learn more about A School, click here.  Thank you for listening and for your trust, support and love.

In this episode we talk (again!) with Kristin Rankin, hairdresser, owner of Fox & Jane Salon in Toronto + Founder of Dress Code Project. As we celebrate LGBTQIA+ Pride this month, our discussion with Kristin is super relevant as you reflect on how you can be a more inclusive, affirming salon for both your clients + team members. We talk about all the things; salon closures, mental health, pronouns, pricing, the simplicity of removing gender from your services, creating safe spaces for the LGBTQIA+ communities, a graceful way to correct misgendering someone, Pride + more! Thank you Kristin for coming back to the podcast, sharing your passion and for all you do for our communities. We are so grateful for you and your work. You can find The Dress Code Project online at dresscodeproject.com, on the gram @thedresscodeproject and to see gender free pricing and services in action visit Fox & Jane Salon Toronto.  To download the Passion Squared 2021 Pride Guide, click here. With love + Pride- Nina @passionsquared

Content Warning: Depression, Suicidal Ideation & Traumatic Experience In this comeback episode Nina brings back her therapist, Dr. Nancy Sobel, to talk about all the things mental health. Dr. Nancy Sobel is a psychologist in private practice in West LA specializing in the treatment of trauma and compulsive disorders and has been Nina's personal therapist for the past 14 years. Dr. Sobel has worked in the addiction field for over thirty years and has consulted in the development of treatment programs in the United States and abroad. Dr. Sobel is widely known for her work in the entertainment industry and has developed a unique style of therapy for musicians and artists who spend large amounts of time on the road. She helped develop the MusiCares Addiction Recovery Program, a charity for impaired musicians funded in association with the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Dr. Nancy shares her insight into what we may be feeling, how to navigate those feelings in ourselves and in supporting others along with some practical tools, resources and practices to help with your grief, traumatic experiences and depression. We also talked briefly about Nina's personal journey with depression, traumatic experiences and grief along with our current treatment plan. Thank you Dr. Nancy for sharing your expertise, wisdom and heart with us. You can find Dr. Nancy on the gram @gapcreate and Nina @passionsquared It's OK not to be OK and always remember as lonely as you may feel, you are not alone in your struggle or journey. Mental Health Resources  Calm App Headspace App Daring Greatly by Brene Brown EMDR Personal Crazy Index  Dr. Kate Truitt Havening Dr. Rubin Naiman Sleep Hygiene Suicide Prevention Hotline US Crisis Services Canada Trevor Project Trans Lifeline National Institute of Mental Health  

In this episode Nina chats with Dr. Nancy Sobel, a psychologist in private practice in Los Angeles California specializing in the treatment of trauma and compulsive disorders and Nina's personal therapist for the past 13 years. Dr. Nancy shares her expertise, experience and some tools to help you understand and navigate all the stages and feels of this global pandemic. We talk anxiety, fear, guilt, resentment, codependency, routine, ritual, reality, gratitude, hope and more. You can find Dr. Nancy on the gram through her non-profit @gapcreate and on the web at gapcreate.org You can find Nina on the gram @passionsquared Thank you Dr. Nancy for sharing your experience and guidance with us, we love you and are forever grateful for you.  

In this episode Nina shares her thoughts around navigating the anxiety, fear and uncertainty around COIVD-19 for salons + small business owners. If you are seeking guidance and support with your client + team communications, click to read Clear Communication Is Kind. Please use TRUSTED news sources for information in your country, state, county and city and be very careful of what you are sharing online. We need more facts, calm, mindfulness and more sharing of resources that are helpful. Your feelings are valid. We are in this together. And we will get through this together. You can find Nina and Passion Squared on the gram @passionsquared We love you and are here for you today and always.  

In this episode we sat down with Rebecca Taylor, salon owner, colorist, educator, influencer and mental health advocate. We talked about all the things; her recent departure from a brand she helped create, paying artists, opening her second salon, navigating mental health and so much more. You can find Rebecca on the gram @rebeccataylorhair Thank you Rebecca for sharing your passion, truth and journey. We love you!

In this LIVE from ISSE with Hairbrained episode we have Keya Neal of Texture vs. Race back with us for round two! We talk about ALL THE THINGS, from the reality of independent education, Keya's journey in becoming an awesome public speaker, and the recent problematic Blackish episode on black hair and salons. For even more context and education, please listen to Keya's first episode on the podcast where we discussed cultural appropriation, braided styles and inclusion. A big shout out of gratitude to Keya for coming back and sharing her heart and brain, and to PBA and Hairbrained for creating this space for us to chat and to all the awesome humans who joined us LIVE. You can find Keya on the gram @keya_artistically_neal and on Facebook at Texture vs. Race.

In this episode we sit down with Danielle Green of Radically Curly to talk about the Hair Love book, the recent Oscar win for the Hair Love animated short film, and the CROWN Act. It is currently LEGAL in all but three states in the US to discriminate against black people who wear natural, protective and braided hairstyles both in schools and in the workplace. This is racism. Period. Danielle shares her experience as a hairstylist, educator and leader in the movement of not only embracing natural hair texture but falling in love with the hair you were born with. After you listen to this episode, we invite you to join us in signing the petition to get the CROWN Act in all 50 states. Visit bit.ly/CROWNAct to be part of the solution and end this form of discrimination. You can find Danielle on the web @radicallycurly and radicallycurlysalon.com Thank you Danielle for sharing your heart, wisdom and passion with us. We LOVE you.

In this episode I sit down with Kristen Peckich, stylist, leader, bridal specialist and owner of Lapomponnee Salons + MEC Modern Barbering. Kristen has been a salon owner for 28 years and happens to be the same generation as my, Gen X, when the Internet did not even exist to help empower small businesses. Kristen shares her experience around discovering the power of social media, and how, after 28 years, through the use of Instagram, Facebook and Email Marketing, had record breaking Holiday sales. This is a must listen episode for all, but particularly if you are still confused as to how social + digital media can empower your small business. You can find Kristen and her salons on the gram @lapomponnee + @mecmodernbarbering If you are ready to empower your creative small business with social + digital marketing, join our social school program by visiting passionsquared.net/shop

In this episode I share my experience, wisdom and context around getting paid as a speaker, educator, platform artist and influencer. After 30 years of being an educator, education director and VP of Marketing, Education and Events, I have negotiated hundreds of contracts and today help our clients at Passion Squared understand their value and worth. This is not a black and white one size fits all discussion, but it is one that needs to be clearly understood so you are empowered to advocate and negotiate for yourself. A big shout out of gratitude to all the brands who have invested in and see value in what educators, speakers, platform artists and influencers bring to the table. We see you and appreciate you. And all the gratitude and love to bestie of Passion Squared Rebecca Taylor for inspiring this episode. You can find me on the gram @passionsquared and find my new book along with all the services we offer at passionsquared.net/shop Thank you so much for listening! PS: If you listen all the way to the end you will hear a little song. This is the timer I use when I am working to help me stay focused. Oops!

In this extended episode Nina sits down with her bestie Gordon Miller, CEO of Hairbrained.me to talk about the decade in social, digital, the beauty industry, highlights, proud moments along with some predictions of where they see the future of social, digital and more. Buckle up loves, this is a long yet loaded with so much wisdom episode. You can find Gordon on the gram @gordnm @hairbrained_official and Nina @passionsquared Thank you Gordon for being our special guest and to all of our listeners who have been with us the last two years. We are so grateful for you. Happy New Year!

In this episode Nina shares her experience around navigating the holidays when you struggle to find joy in them, a little but super important rant on Britney memes and mental health, along with reading a few pages from her NEW My AwesomeAF Boundary Book that touches on clients demanding to be squeezed in and talking politics with family. You can get your copy of My AwesomeAF Boundary Book in the Passion Squared Shop here and find Nina on the gram @passionsquared

In this we chat with Andi Scarbrough, a salon owner, educator, reiki master and founder of Crown Works. We talk the meaning and power of 11:11 (we recorded this episode on 11/11 OMG!), how energy impacts how you show up for yourself, your clients, your team, and so much more deep and profound wisdom. You just gotta listen. Thank you Andi for sharing your spirit and wisdom with us. You can find Andi on the gram @crown_works and at crownworks.net

In this episode Nina shares some thoughts around the ongoing test of Instagram hiding likes and the test coming to the US. In addition, Nina helps provide some perspective around the purpose of social media and getting back to what really matters, relationships, solving problems, adding value, listening and more. You can find Nina on the gram @passionsquared and at passionsquared.net. Thank you so much for listening.

In this episode I share my very personal journey of joy, courage, fear, depression and all the things this past year that brought me to this moment of immense gratitude, the day of my 53rd birthday. This is a very vulnerable and potentially triggering episode for those who deal with depression, eating disorders and suicidal thoughts. Because of that, please be mindful of when and where you listen and also of the resources available to you in the US such as the Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255 The Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386 Trans Lifeline 877-565-8860. Thank you so much for listening and for all your love, grace, patience and support this past year. It gets better. I promise.  

In this episode we sit down with Melanie Guzzo of Virtue Vegan Salon and Stay Sharp Education. Melanie is a salon owner, leader, educator, vegan, and all around courageous bad ass. Melanie shares her journey as an artist, how she found clarity around the Virtue Vegan Salon brand values, healthy boundary setting, moving from behind the chair to full time leader, and so much more. You can find Melanie on the gram @melanieguzzo @virtuevegansalon @staysharpnation Thank you Melanie for sharing your story with us. We love you!

In this episode we sit down with Tracy Ftacek, salon owner, educator, leader and creator of the on demand beauty brand Pretty Convenient. Tracy shares her journey into salon ownership, why culture + communication has become her foundation for success, advice for new owners and so much more. You can find Tracy on the gram @prettyconvenientapp @tracyftacek Thank you Tracy for sharing your story with us. We love you!

In this episode Nina talks with Celeste Gonzalez, hair + make up artist, salon owner, educator and mama! Celeste's story is a must listen as she shares her wisdom around being a newer stylist in the pro beauty biz and how her passion for advanced education has propelled her success in just two short years along with how she navigates finding her rhythm and staying out of the comparison game on social media. Thank you Celeste for sharing your story with us. We love you! You can find Celeste on the gram @celestethestylist

In this episode Nina shares her thoughts on putting clients on blast on social media and the not so awesome impact it can have on your business and brand, along with sharing a blog she wrote back in 2015 on the topic. A big shout out of gratitude to @erin.mills on the gram for inspiring this episode. You can find Nina and Passion Squared on the gram @passionsquared Thank you so much for listening. 

In this episode Nina talks with Katie Tellor, salon owner, leader, educator and owner of Abstrakt Studio in Frisco Texas. Katie shares her story about finding the beauty biz, making the leap into ownership and leadership, how she grows her assistants, how social media has helped empower her biz and so much more! You can find Katie on the gram @katietellorhair @abstraktstudio

In this episode Nina takes it all the way back to the beginning of the podcast and reads the reviews our awesome listeners have shared along with the wisdom, power and intel that comes when you take the time to dig deep into the experiences your clients are sharing online. This is a must listen episode for all creative small biz folks, in particular, if you are one that fears review sites. You can find Nina on the gram sharing on behalf of her company @passionsquared Thank you so much for listening!

In this episode Nina chats with Brenda Amaral, leader, salon owner, educator, board member of ABCH and all around awesome human being. Brenda shares her story about how she discovered her love for the pro beauty biz, why she opened a salon, how she handles team members that leave, the importance of inclusivity and integration in the salon biz, and SO much more. You can find Brenda on the gram @brendolah @gwenmirellesalon and here at Texture vs. Race on Facebook. Thank you Brenda for sharing your story with us. We love you!

In this episode Nina chats with Gina Bianca, salon owner, educator, coach and beauty influencer. Gina shares her story about becoming a hairdresser and salon owner along with what inspired her to open and most recently close her first salon. Gina also shares her thoughts on social media, purpose, burnout and more. You can find Gina on the gram at @iamginabianca + @thenetworksalon Thank you Gina for sharing your story with us. We love you!

In this episode Nina chats with Lisa Walker, colorist, educator, mama and founder of Balayage Boot Camp + Hairbangers Academy. Lisa shares her inspiring story of how she went from being an excuse maker to taking responsibility for her career, and in doing so, discovered her gift for empowering hair colorists through her honest, tough love style of education and how she finds her rhythm as a working colorist, educator, biz owner, wife and mama. You can find Lisa on the gram @lisalovesbalayage and online at balayagebc.com