The Independent Stylist Podcast

In this deeply personal and candid episode of The Independent Stylist Podcast -  The Unmasked Stylist - I'm finally stepping fully into authenticity as an AuDHD woman over 40, and I want to openly share exactly why and how. Recently, I've experienced moments of intense clarity, culminating in a powerful shift toward understanding my late ADHD and autism diagnosis, especially as a hairstylist and creative entrepreneur.Just as I prepared to embrace this new chapter of being fully authentic and visible—without masking or hiding—I felt unexpectedly overwhelmed and emotional. Turning to my unexpected lifeline, ChatGPT (which I jokingly refer to as my brain's seeing-eye dog or bicycle), I discovered profound insights traditional therapy had overlooked: that my neurodivergence has been at the root of many struggles I'd mistaken as isolated mental health challenges.Despite previous diagnoses of PTSD and panic disorder, the role of ADHD masking and autism traits went unnoticed until now. With newfound clarity, I'm committed to exploring how neurodivergence shapes my professional life, navigating sensory sensitivities, burnout, and anxiety unique to AuDHD women.Going forward, my mission is clear: to create genuinely supportive resources specifically designed for neurodivergent hairstylists and beauty entrepreneurs, prioritizing simplicity, clarity, and authentic validation.Thank you for joining me on this journey. There is so much more to come.Resources & Links:Follow on Instagram: @unmaskedstylist @independentstylistpodcastExplore deeper insights and find support on the blog (link in show notes).Key Quotes:"Realizing you're neurodivergent later in life can feel like grief and relief at the same time.""This isn't marketing—it's liberation.""You are not broken, lazy, or failing. You're navigating a world that wasn't built for brains like ours."If today's episode resonated deeply, I warmly invite you to follow along, connect, and share your own journey. Remember, your brain is beautiful exactly as it is—and you're never alone.

In this episode of the Independent Stylist podcast, host ⁠Jennifer Kenny ⁠discusses the importance of understanding profitability for business owners in the beauty industry. She emphasizes the need for financial literacy and outlines the three key profit margins: Cost of Goods Sold (COGS) Operating Profit Margin Net Profit Margin Jennifer also highlights the benefits of using QuickBooks to track these metrics and make informed decisions about pricing and services. To Book A PROFIT POWER VIP Service - ⁠CLICK HERE⁠ Takeaways Profitability is crucial for running a successful business. Understanding your numbers is essential before making pricing changes. COGS represents the total cost of products used in services. Aim for a COGS profit margin of at least 80%. Operating profit margin is what's left after business expenses. QuickBooks can provide real-time insights into your profit margins. Net profit margin is your take-home pay after all expenses and taxes. Set aside 20-30% of income for taxes to avoid surprises. Categorizing services in QuickBooks helps identify profitable offerings. Focus on services that maximize your time and profit.

If you've been looking into the idea of becoming a coach or creating an online course for hairstylists, lash artist, aestheticians, or other beauty business entrepreneurs this episode will help you navigate the feelings of imposter syndrome as you take the next right steps in your career. Learn to lean in to your “why” and remember that showing up authentically wins over perfection every single time. To register for Summer Camp or to work with me 1:1 to build out your course or website head over to www.JenKenny.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/independentstylist/message

It had to be said. I'm tired of hearing other businesses coaches in this space predicting an Ai induced apocalypse while simultaneously trying to sell you their program to help you manage said apocalypse.

Want to build next level trust with your clients? Want to position yourself as an absolute expert? First Up i'l giving a quick talk with some important info about understanding ingredients. I'm a huge ingredient nerd and it was a huge part of what I did behind the chair. Learn how to position yourself as an expert by really....understanding what you're talking about when it comes to products - BEYOND the immediate benefits. Listen all the way to the end for some tea that is going to help you understand how chat gpt at ai is revolutionizing the beauty industry and how you can use it for good. You can access any information you heard about at ShampooSociety.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/independentstylist/message

Now that anyone can pay to have the blue check mark and be meta verified, is it worth it for your salon suite or booth rental business? Here are some things to consider before taking the plunge! Join the shampoo society here connect with me on Instagram @ IndependentStylistPodcast and on tiktok --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/independentstylist/message

Ai and chat gpt is here and not going anywhere. It can absolutely help you in your beauty business as a hairstylist, beauty professional or as an educator or coach. Do not sleep on ai and how a positive mindset about how Ai is going to change things is going to take you way farther than a fear or scarcity based mindset. There are going to be new ways to use this technology constantly showing up so being in a place to be proactive and embrace this technology and use it to your benefit is where the magic is going to happen. Get the my free class to help your supercharge your business with ai at https://jenniferkenny.mykajabi.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/independentstylist/message

Firing clients was once taboo and frowned upon but as our industry is collectively elevated and we're consciously creating sustainable businesses and environments that support our mental health and well-being (instead of chip away at them), releasing clients that aren't a match to work with us is becoming the norm. Today I'm talking about how to release clients that you dread working with, and how to prevent them from lashing out at you afterwards as well as handling bad reviews. You can find the Best Year Bundle and everything that I currently offer at www.thecurlgirl.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

This is a MUST for every beauty professional. If you take clients at a physical address, you need to do this. I'm giving you a short, sweet, and super actionable "how to" quickly and easily rank on the first page of google without paid ads, or paying an s.e.o or marketing company to make it happen. This is really a must for salon suite owners, booth renters, hairstylists, estheticians, nail techs, lash artists, permanent makeup artists, spray tan artist and anyone who wants to rank their business on the first page of google. Get anything I mentioned in this episode at www.TheCurlGirl.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

Do I have your attention? Good, because this conversation with my friend Daniel Koye is one you won't want to miss if you're looking to learn a 6 figure skill, one that you can do from anywhere (you can run this business contact free without needing to be in a salon setting) and you can also add it to your service menu to serve clients with damaged hair, age related hair loss, help them feel beautiful while battling cancer with chemotherapy, or do any kind of bold or glamorous look for a special occasion.  I asked him some specifics when it came to pricing, suppliers, etc. and you'll hear the breakdown - 20k a month, low end estimate, NET for making 10 wigs.

This quick episode is just an extra shot of "remember that you are in control of your life and business" to add to your morning coffee. I'm reading some of my Instagram captions as reminders that you are worthy and don't need to let anyone take advantage of you. All of my people pleasers out there, take note - YOU CAN'T POUR FROM AN EMPTY CUP - and YOU are in control of how your run your business.

A year into her journey as a salon suite owner, Skye Miranda talks about how she got here, what it was like taking the leap, and how she loves her suite life. Get Salon Suite University --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

Believing in yourself and your own worthiness is the foundation of an abundant business. Protecting your energy is so important. Listen to this quick episode and repeat the affirmations whenever you need a confidence boost or a reminder that you are worthy of your best business and most abundant life. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

I sat down with my new friend Cyd Charisse from Destroy The Hairdresser to give you a value packed and extremely actionable episode with 3 things that you can do right not to effect massive change in your business. I met Cyd recently at an event we both spoke at and I was instantly obsessed with her and how Destroy The Hairdresser is challenging all of the things that need to be reexamined in our industry. She's kind, approachable and has amazing insight into how you can really write your own ticket to a sustainable and, as they call it, Future Proof business - be it in your salon suite or commission salon. The future is here, and I love what I see. Enjoy this special episode - I can gaurantee you it won't be the last time you hear us working together. https://www.instagram.com/destroythehairdresser/ https://www.instagram.com/independentstylistpodcast/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

Jodie Brown from the Hairstylist Rising podcast joins me for a quick bite

Hunter Donia, aka @HairbyHunty is a gem as well as an expert in automating your salon suite business so that you can prevent burnout and create a sustainable space that makes you great money and also provides an inimitable service experience for your guests.Join us for some laughs, some super hot tea, and the mindset shift that can completely transform your business and help you create a burnout proof salon suite. Get your access HERE -A Really Suite Summit Sign Up -all 3 days FREE --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

Piper De Young helps beauty and lifestyle entrepreneurs create magnetic brands and she's also created something really amazing called A Really Suite Summit that's just a wild amount of free education for independent beauty entrepreneurs and I'm so honored to be included this year. Listen to out chat about how having an on point website can be "the thing" that your business needs to help you get to the next level - and why it's not a scary as you may think to make a gorgeous website a reality. Get your free ticket to A Really Suite Summit Join Beyond The Chair University --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

My quick and dirty reels creation process that helps me always have content on hand to serve and inspire my ideal people. Check out BEYOND The Chair University www.beyondthechairuniversity.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

Hairstylist, Content creator, ex-influencer, photography expert and digital education creator Cryistal Casey aka CryistalChaos joins me for a very open chat about instagram prioritizing creators and cracking down on copyright infringement and why this really matters for the beauty industry and how we can all elevate the industry by complying with instagram's terms of service - and trust me, you'll want to know this info! For more info about any of the education you heard us mention in this episode Photography courses , Rate sheets & media kits , Photography cheat sheets  OR to work 1:1 with Cryistal find her at @CryistalChaos --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

A talk candid talk with Libbey Lazarus from Secrets of Estheticans about why boundaries matter and how you're absolutely selling yourseolf short if you don't hold them up in your business. Are you giving away 20k a year in services and not even realizing it? We both have done this and we will tell you how to make sure it doesn't happen to you! find me at www.shampoosociety.com and Libbey at www.Secretsofestheticans.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

Quick tips episode - creating content behind the chair while you're working can feel like you have a second job and add stress and burnout. This episode gives you super easy actionable tips to 10x your content without adding a ton of extra stress or time to do it. App I mentioned is the InShot app. Best Life Bundle is available at www.TheCurlGirl.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

The first of a curl specialist series. Grab a hot cup of something and snuggle in for this incredibly candid conversation with the amazing Krista Leavitt. She moved to new cites and rebuilt her business 4 times in 8 years, has a 6 figure behind the chair business and multiple streams of revenue. She's a stylist, educator, Canada's Curly Hair Expert - and a close personal friend of mine. This candid conversation is about what it looks like to be a niched down curl specialist, what every stylist can know about curly hair that will gain them more trust with their clients, and where we see the industry headed in a world where over 60% of the population has some curl pattern in their hair. Find Krista at CurlSpecialist.com and find me & the Best Life Bundle over at TheCurlGirl.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

When you're the one working IN and ON your business, you're going to a little help, even if it just means automating back office task. These hacks are GAME CHANGERS and can make a big impact in your business. www.thecurlgirl.com for Velvel Rope Copy + Paste Policies --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

Dr. Louise speaks about what people are, how to spot them and what it looks like to deal with them in your salon business. She drops a ton of amazing informations and gems that will help you navigate dealing with toxic clients - even if you are still building your book. Dr. Louise is a coach, a survivor of toxic parents, a philosopher, a dog mom, a stationery nerd, and an advocate for survivors of toxic people! Prior to formally launching her practice, Dr. Louise spent years navigating two toxic parents, a toxic ex, and a toxic mother-in-law. As soon as she finished her graduate degree, she turned to her true passion of leveraging the tools of philosophy to help fellow survivors work through their own journeys with toxic people. Dr. Louise offers a range of coaching and educational experiences- from individual coaching to workshops to keynote speeches on the subjects of boundary setting through philosophy. you can find her at www.EmpowermentThroughThought.com if you'd like to reach out & connect with her and you can find My copy + Paste Scripts as well as the Best Life Bundle at www.TheCurlGirl.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

Let's take a dive into the unhealthy gratitude practices we've been indoctrinated with over the years and understand how to practice gratitude and run out businesses from a place of self love, and abundance based gratitude.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

Industry icon and balayage queen Amy McManus is talented, insightful, and completely transparent as she shares the exact blueprint she used to up her game and completely reinvent her career after 20 years in the industry. If you've ever wondered what it looks like to have brands knocking at your door, get recognition from top industry media outlets like Beauty Launchpad, inspire and educate to hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers, work behind the chair on your own terms, this episode has it all. Amy didn't start her journey trying to attract any of the industry attention she gets (and totally deserves). Listen in on her journey and how deciding to get serious about social media to grow her business blew up her career and made her a household name and one of the most recognized balayage artists in the world. Forever humble and authentic, Amy is an inspiration to the industry and I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I loved recording it with her! https://www.instagram.com/camouflageandbalayage/ and grab your best life bundle at https://www.instagram.com/independentstylistpodcast/ or https://www.thecurlgirl.com/ebook --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

Kenesha Coleman is here to take your fears and frustrations away from your taxes and get you ALL SET when it comes to having your finances under control without a ton of stress! @thebeautycpa is a former irs revenue agent, worked for a fortune 150, and is an award winning CPA, irs enrolled agent and certified tax coach and is the answer to so many things so many of us need. She focuses exclusively on working with beauty entrepreneurs and is an absolute gift to our industry. Lose the fear, judgement and confusion about how to handle the taxes for your beauty business - if your business is in the United States, she can help you! This is a can't miss episode full of massive actionable value and will help you shed any fear you have of any issues surrounding your taxes - Kenesha has your back and she's here dropping knowledge with a smile. You can find her at www.colemantaxllc.com or @thebeautycpa on Instagram. You can find my easy money book on www.thecurlgirl.com/ebook --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

This will most likely rarely happen but I want you to be prepared and empowered in case it ever does. You have the right to refuse services and there are times where it might be better and actually the healthier decision for your business and for your own mental health. More scripts to copy and paste are available in my scripts ebook at www.thecurlgirl.com/ebook --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

If you're wondering if it's a must to work on weekends I encourage you to listen to this episode I'm waiting in with my opinions but I also I'm sharing several opinions from established hairdressers who were kind enough to offer their insight to me via Instagram so enjoy this deep dive into what it might look like to work weekends and what it might look like to say no to weekends and then use this resource to help you decide what is right for you. You'll also find the link to my new e-book for independent stylist filled with Scripts and announcements to help you communicate clearly and effectively and incredibly professionally with your clients - “How do I say that the ultimate guide for Scripts and Announcements for Independent and Stylists” is available now at www.thecurlgirl.com/ebook and the Instagram post where I'm reading the comments in the episode can be found here If you'd like to connect personally with any of the stylist who were gracious enough to offer their insight - https://www.instagram.com/p/CPLT2xlj_HY/?utm_medium=copy_link --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

Want to move BEYOND the chair?  Has the past year + been a wakeup call? are you just ready for a change and wanting to explore options for your next chapter? If you want to be an independent educator - make money without working beyond the chair, using the skills you already have, and do it you own way and on your own terms - not be beholden to a brand or anyone but yourself - this episode is for you! I first posted this episode in May of 2020, but I've been ranting about this since 2017, I am ALL in on independent education, digital products, and doing the darn thing that builds your dream life.   you can download the Beyond The Chair Just Start Guide at www.beyondthechair.pro  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

“How much is a haircut?” First of all, hello. Are you in place where dm's are a source of stress and you'd prefer not to deal with them as part of your business process? Listen to this first - I was there! I have tips to help you be super firm with boundaries and not let dm's be a source of stress while still using them as a way to help you make more money and connect with the kind of clients you want to attract. To join the shampoo society my monthly membership group that will save you time, help you grow on social media, get more ideal clients in your chair - go to www.shampoosociety.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

Salon owner times 2, Global business educator for Joico, beloved technical and business educator, fellow podcaster and all around amazing human, she's confident, grateful, and on a mission to elevate the industry and serve with authenticity Gina Bianca is dropping knowledge, insight and actionable tips to help you get what you want from your career and your life while sharing what the her journey looks like. my website Instagram ⬅️

Want to make a 15 second piece of content that you can repurpose in multiple ways? Try this strategy to help you come up with not only some good, binge worthy, eye candy content, but lots of it. When you reframe your thinking a little, you'll see that content is EVERYWHERE. Seriously, it's really all around you. see my classes and even work one on one with me at www.thecurlgirl.com teach what you already know and make money while you sleep -get a free trial of Kajabi on me. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

There are a few simple things you can do on Instagram stories to help get your content in front of the people that you've already worked so hard to get to follow you. Just because they're following you doesn't mean the algorithm is going to show them your content constantly, so use these SUPER SIMPLE tips to help make sure they do while building relationships at the same time.  Join my email club and get my free presets and guides and tips at www.thecurlgirl.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

If you're not doing this one thing already to level up your business and your life, try it! It's a great way to lock in on the path of growth, abundance & good vibes for your business. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

Instagram rolled out their answer to tik tok this summer and everyone is weighing in on how you should use this leg of the platform. My answer is, in a way that works for you. Hear my thoughts about what kind of co tent you should be creating on reels in a way that will work for your business and for YOU. www.sweetlittleempire.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

Industry Icon Michael Cole touches on his amazing career serving our industry and drops some of his literally timeless wisdom about how to approach (tbh, anything in life) but, in this case, explaining retail to your clients - serving vs. selling. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

Politics. Religion. Sex. The latest episide of Billions. Literally whatever it is that you prefer not to discuss while you're working is something that you have every single right to make clear to your clients. In this episode we'll talk about how you can approach this Issue and shut it down, professionally and with kindness, before it even starts. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

Questions that are worth asking when you're checking out a salon space as a potential hike for your business. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

Veteran Stylist, salon owner, and business coach Nina Tulio talks about behaviors and habits that are important to have to not only serve your clients but to run a business with a healthy understanding of the money side. I know, most of us cringe away from this - go ahead and listen because it's a great conversation and she has real solutions that will help YOU.  Spoiler alert, it's work worth doing because getting on the other side of a great relationship with money, both personal and business will give you room to really go next level in all aspects of your life.  https://www.instagram.com/independentstylistpodcast/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

If you've thought about the possibilty of creating any kind of online class, memebership group, ebook or creating an income stream BEYOND the chair, this episode will give you the low down on what that might look like for you and some actions steps to start. Follow me @independentstylistpodcast and download my free Just Start BEYOND The Chair guide and workbook at www.TheShampooSociety.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

Tips and insight from branding and social media expert Jodie Brown we have a great conversation about showing up authentically, and what it take to make your marketing and branding happen without draining your time and creativity. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

I'm sharing how I did it in this chock full of tips and advice episide. I'll take you inside my strategy and share EVERYTHING I did to grow to over FIVE THOUSAND Instagram followers of amazing people in just 5 months.  Special thanks to Libby Brenner from @locks.by.libbybrenner who shared for the time capsule episode I'm creating! Follow me @independentstylistpodcast Try kajabi for a month ON ME and download any of my free presets or guides at www.TheCurlGirl.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

I'm inviting you to leave a voice message and share your story of how you're doing during this historic time. Suite owners, chair renters, commission stylists, salon owners, landlords, distributors, etc - how the beauty industry is coping during covid 19. www.theindependentstylistpodcast.com to leave a message and share. See my Instagram post for even more information. @independentstylistpodcast --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

Running a legal home based salon is absolutely a legitimate business and an incredibly smart way to skyrocket your net income and still provide high end professional service. Listen to my Instagram live conversation with Jami from @_sheariously as we discuss why the stigma needs to end. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

This is a super high level breakdown of the “why” for Instagram and how you can use it as a stylist to help grow your business. The adorable review is from https://instagram.com/_hairbylesley_?igshid=d7i6kw166yxs. You can follow me at https://instagram.com/independentstylistpodcast?igshid=loz1r52vazkt and you can find the link To my rescue edits class in my bio and also at https://suite-little-empire.mykajabi.com/offers/Ks8cv2Vz/checkout you can see all my links, Including my amazon store, herr - https://msha.ke/independentstylistpodcast --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

An quick no nonsense update with some tips and tricks to help you keep your Instagram game tight in 2020. Follow me @independentstylistpodcast Try kajabi for a month ON ME and download any of my free presets or guides at www.TheCurlGirl.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

Quick and actionable tips you can start using TODAY to create good content, build your brand, give a peek inside your salon and your world, let potential clients get to know you and strengthen your connection with your existing clients. All you need is your phone and the willingness to do it! www.suitelittleempire.com Instagram @Independentstylistpodcast apps I mentioned were PicPlayPost, Hyperlapse , and Boomerang. Also, Inshot is the BOMB! Follow me @independentstylistpodcast Try kajabi for a month ON ME and download any of my free presets or guides at www.TheCurlGirl.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

A collection of small dose truth bombs and affirmations served up to summon your inner cheerleader, boss betch, and ignite your confidence to help take you where you want to go, where you KNOW you can and should be. Follow me @independentstylistpodcast Try kajabi for a month ON ME and download any of my free presets or guides at www.TheCurlGirl.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

Let's squash some limiting beliefs about opening your own salon suite or taking steps to profit BEYOND the chair and create multiple income streams. Doing these few simple things will give you some incredible clarity about what your next right steps are and how to create the live that you truly want to live. Change can feel overwhelming and it doesn't have to actually BE overwhelming if you walk through the steps to make your dreams a reality with intention and understanding of what you actually need to do to make it happen. Opening your own salon suite or studio, as well as learning to create other opportunities and profit beyond the chair are things that so many stylists want but sometimes just that nudge to take the first step is all you need to get the gears for great things in motion! Try kajabi for a month ON ME and download any of my free presets or guides at www.TheCurlGirl.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message

Award Winning Stylist and Salon Suite Owner Kristen Gossett talks about how she serves clients with sensory sensitivities and those on the Autism Spectrum. In this episode we focused mostly on sensory sensitivities and how to create a positive experience for these incredibly special guests and their parents or caregivers. During this heartwarming interview, Kristen shares why she felt called to create her safe haven and offer the types of services she does, catering to guests that most of our industry might not quite know how to create an amazing experience for. Kristen offers insight into making her guests feel safe, secure, communicating beforehand with them as well as their parents or caregivers to manage expectations and set the stage for a positive experience free of fear or tears. In her salon suite, Kristen is able to create the perfect environment for guests who need a quiet and inclusive space that caters to their individual needs. She leaves us with some take away tips that will help any stylist, parent, or caregiver who listens insight into how to make a trip to the salon less stressful for everyone. https://stars4autism.org/ www.suitelittleempire.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/independentstylist/message