Beauty Industry Voices

Send us Fan MailWhat comes after beauty school? Margaret Francois of SalonCentric joins LuLu Benavidez to discuss how education, community, and social media can help beauty professionals build their careers.Recorded September 28 in Chicago at Mireya Villarreal’s From Chair to Boss event, this Beauty Industry Voices conversation explores supporting the next generation—from developing business skills to creating a professional online presence.We discuss:• Education and resources available to beauty students• The value of networking and community• Using social media as a professional portfolio• Separating personal and business accounts• AI-generated beauty images and realistic client expectations• Why showing your real work and progress mattersThank you, Margaret, for sharing your perspective, and Mireya, for bringing our industry together to learn and grow.Subscribe to Beauty Industry Voices and share this conversation with a fellow beauty professional. What do you wish you had known when you started your career? Tell us in the comments!Explore more: https://beautyindustryvoices.com00:00 — Opening and Meet Margaret Francois00:38 — Education, Community, and Connection01:21 — The Growth of From Chair to Boss02:15 — Supporting Students Beyond Beauty School03:36 — Building a Brand and Social Media Presence05:01 — Personal Accounts vs. Professional Portfolios05:54 — AI Beauty Images and Client Expectations06:41 — Using AI Thoughtfully and Showing Your Progress07:34 — Thank You and ClosingTags:Margaret Francois, SalonCentric, Beauty Industry Voices, LuLu Benavidez, From Chair to Boss, Mireya Villarreal, beauty school, cosmetology students, beauty career, beauty education, salon business education, social media for hairstylists, hairstylist branding, beauty industry networking, professional portfolio, AI beauty images, client expectations, beauty industry podcastwww.lulubenavidez.comwww.beautyindusrtyvoices.com@lulubenavidez

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Beauty Industry Voices, Lulu Benavidez sits down with Hans at the Chair 2 Boss event in Chicago. They discuss the realities of growing a business while staying committed to community impact. Whether you are navigating your own path or looking for inspiration to grow, this conversation offers a roadmap for aligning your professional ambition with your values.Learn how to prioritize networking as a growth tool and why the beauty industry relies on strong interpersonal ties. Hans shares his perspective on moving from a chair to a boss, emphasizing the importance of staying grounded throughout the process. By focusing on these core principles, you can create a sustainable business model that supports both your goals and those around you.Subscribe for weekly conversations on meaningful living, and let us know in the comments what role community plays in your professional journey.#BeautyIndustryVoices #FromChairToBoss #CosmetologyEducation #SalonBusiness #BeautyIndustryChapter Time0:00 Elevating Standards and Giving Back3:10 Human Connection in a Digital Age5:12 The Reality of Overnight Success6:45 Becoming a Solution Providerwww.lulubenavidez.comwww.beautyindusrtyvoices.com@lulubenavidez

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Beauty Industry Voices, LuLu Benavidez welcomes Jonathan, Executive Director of Seeing for Ourselves. From his childhood in the Bronx and career with New York City Transit to his work in books and PBS documentaries, Jonathan shares how storytelling became the thread connecting his life’s work.Discover how participatory photography helps public housing residents, people serving probation, and young immigrants share their experiences beyond stereotypes. Jonathan also discusses My Climate Future, a film bringing young people’s perspectives into the climate conversation, and his commitment to continuing founder George Carrano’s legacy.We finish with “Voices in Five,” revealing Jonathan’s favorite film, meaningful childhood memories, and reassuring advice to his younger self.Watch or listen, share this conversation with someone who loves photography and storytelling, and subscribe to Beauty Industry Voices.Learn more: Seeing for OurselvesChaptersThese timestamps match your supplied transcript.00:00 — Opening Preview: Dignity and Hope00:42 — Meet Jonathan Fisher02:03 — Welcome to Beauty Industry Voices02:47 — Growing Up in the Bronx05:36 — NYC Transit: Maps, MetroCards, and Storytelling09:16 — Getting Around New York City10:35 — George Carrano and Seeing for Ourselves12:52 — What Is Participatory Photography?15:07 — AI Images and Unrealistic Expectations15:50 — Project Lives: Public Housing Through Residents’ Eyes18:25 — Photography, Probation, and Second Chances20:02 — Young Immigrants Tell Their Stories22:27 — Community Arts and Opportunities for Youth24:23 — Continuing George’s Legacy and My Climate Future28:41 — Supporting the Film’s Impact Campaign29:32 — Voices in Five: Getting to Know Jonathan33:26 — Where to Connect and Support the Work34:20 — Thank You and ClosingKeywords and tagsJonathan Fisher, Seeing for Ourselves, Beauty Industry Voices, LuLu Benavidez, participatory photography, visual storytelling, community photography, Project Lives, public housing photography, In a Whole New Way, criminal justice rehabilitation, photography and second chances, immigrant stories, Not From These Parts, My Climate Future, youth climate voices, George Carrano, PBS documentaries, photography nonprofit. Know in the comments how you find hope in your own daily experiences.www.lulubenavidez.comwww.beautyindusrtyvoices.com@lulubenavidez

Send us Fan MailStop fighting the mirror and start listening to what your skin is telling you about healthy aging.On this episode of Beauty Industry Voices, host Lulu Benavidez shares her extensive experience to help you redefine your relationship with time. We often get caught in the trap of chasing external perfection, forgetting that true elegance comes from within. This conversation serves as a guide for anyone ready to prioritize their well-being over societal pressures.Embracing natural beauty is not about ignoring the changes that come with time; it is about honoring them. Lulu offers a fresh perspective on aging beautifully, moving past traditional standards to help you feel more at home in your own skin regardless of where you are in your journey.Subscribe for weekly conversations on meaningful living, and let us know in the comments how you define confidence at this stage of your Timestamps00:00 - Why Jordan Parker takes a whole-person approach to skincare01:05 - From business school to aesthetics: how she found her path02:03 - Autoimmune skin issues that changed her perspective03:47 - Why skin reflects what is happening internally04:38 - What more women should understand about acne05:58 - How medical treatment differs from aesthetic skincare08:50 - Healthy aging instead of anti-aging marketing11:03 - What gua sha is and why she uses it13:13 - Why professional guidance beats social media skincare trends15:17 - How her virtual consultations are personalized18:21 - Why at-home skincare drives most of the results21:44 - Best advice for women who feel frustrated with their skin22:44 - What makes Jordan laugh every time23:11 - Why hiking is her favorite way to spend time off24:48 - A surprising personal talent: singing25:45 - The biggest influence in her life26:52 - What she is most grateful for right nowStop fighting the mirror and start listening to what your skin is telling you about healthy aging.#BeautyByJordanCo #HealthyAging #SkincareTips #AestheticianAdvice #SkinWellnesswww.lulubenavidez.comwww.beautyindusrtyvoices.com@lulubenavidez

Send us Fan MailYour Health Matters: Dr. Kristine Gravino on Women's WellnessWhen did you last put your own health first?Dr. Kristine Gravino for an important conversation about women's health, self-care, and the importance of understanding our physical well-being at every stage of life.As working women, mothers, caregivers, and entrepreneurs, we often put everyone else's needs ahead of our own. But taking care of ourselves is not a luxury—it's a necessity.Dr. Gravino shares her perspective on why women need to become more aware of their health, make time for self-care, and recognize the importance of physical well-being.Whether you're building a career, raising a family, managing a business, or enjoying a new chapter in life, this conversation is a reminder that your health matters, too.Join us for a meaningful discussion about making ourselves a priority.🎙️ Hosted byLuLu Benavidez  🎧 Podcast Beauty Industry Voices🌐 www.beautyindustryvoices.comSubscribe to our YouTube channel, share this episode with the women in your life, and join our growing community.This conversation is for education and awareness and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. DChapters00:00 – Meet Dr. Kristine Gravino  01:21 – Her Journey Into Psychology & Wellness  02:15 – Surviving a Brainstem Stroke at 21  03:43 – Why Wellness Starts With the Mind  05:18 – Dr. Gravino’s Stroke & Recovery Story  08:04 – LuLu Shares Her Daughter’s Stroke Journey  11:27 – Recovery, Age & the Power of Mindset  12:28 – Celebrating Small Wins  16:31 – Why Women Need Whole-Person Wellness  18:14 – Emotional Eating & Understanding Your Patterns  20:22 – Why Healthy Habits Are Hard to Maintain  23:09 – The Power of Accountability  24:18 – Fitness, Aging & Staying Strong  26:25 – Building Self-Trust  27:56 – How to Begin Your Wellness Journey  29:23 – Start Small for Lasting Change  31:17 – Why Women Often Put Themselves Last  32:50 – Finding Balance & Preventing Burnout  34:09 – Resilience After Major Life Changes  36:13 – Rapid-Fire Questions  36:26 – Dr. Gravino’s Morning Routine  37:15 – One Healthy Habit to Start Tomorrow  39:08 – How to Calm Your Mind Quickly  39:44 – What True Wellness Means  40:02 – Advice to Her Younger Self  42:03 – Where to Find Dr. Gravino  42:58 – Free Mindset Workshops  43:39 – Final Thoughts & Thank Youwww.lulubenavidez.comwww.beautyindusrtyvoices.com@lulubenavidez

Send us Fan MailLe discusses her Mid-Century Audit and the philosophy that guides her work: one body, one journey, one lifetime. For those feeling overwhelmed by modern exercise advice, this conversation provides a refreshing look at midlife fitness and how to adapt your physical routine to your current chapter. As a dedicated fitness coach, Le emphasizes that effective training should be progressive, not aggressive. She explains the importance of prioritizing everyday movement and shares how LuLu’s own training has evolved over their years of collaboration. Whether you are adjusting to life transitions or seeking a more compassionate way to stay active, this discussion offers a roadmap for healthy aging. Subscribe to Beauty Industry Voices for weekly conversations on meaningful living, and let us know in the comments how your relationship with exercise has changed over time.00:00 — Welcome Back, Le Bergin01:09 — From Teaching to Fitness and Personal Coaching03:51 — One Body, One Journey, One Lifetime07:43 — The Mid-Century Audit: Reflecting and Starting Over11:15 — How LuLu’s Workouts Have Changed13:04 — Practicing Movement for Everyday Life16:44 — Finding Hope Through the Audit18:30 — Making Coaching Simple and Personal20:47 — Progressive, Not Aggressive: Adapting Your Workouts24:25 — Fill in the Gap: Connecting Information to Action27:30 — Overwhelmed by Fitness Advice?29:01 — Taking the First Step and Moving Forwardwww.lulubenavidez.comwww.beautyindusrtyvoices.com@lulubenavidez

Send us Fan MailIn this inspiring episode of Beauty Industry Voices, LuLu Benavidez and co-host Sue Hanson welcome Janie Tongue, Editor-in-Chief of Independent Beauty Professional Magazine, international educator, former salon owner, and founder of IBP Media Concierge.From growing up with a hairdresser mother to owning a salon in Florida, educating around the world, and launching a beauty magazine during the pandemic, Janie's journey shows the power of saying YES.Janie shares why credibility matters more than temporary attention, how relationships open doors, and why some of the beauty industry's most valuable voices are not necessarily the loudest.Discover how beauty professionals can build visibility, develop meaningful relationships, create opportunities beyond the chair, and leave a lasting legacy.In this episode, you'll discover:Why saying yes can change the direction of your career.How Janie created an internationally recognized beauty magazine.Why professional credibility matters more than social media attention.Why recognizing the industry's unsung heroes matters.How IBP Media Concierge connects professionals with opportunities.Why ergonomics and protecting your body matter for career longevity.How mentoring the next generation strengthens our entire industry.Whether you're a hairstylist, salon owner, educator, artist, student, or entrepreneur, this conversation will remind you that your experience has value and your voice deserves to be heard.Remember: Your story matters. Your voice matters. Your legacy matters.Chapters:00:00The Three Qualities of a Respected Industry Voice00:40Meet Janie Tongue01:04From a Hairdresser's Daughter to Salon Owner02:35Discovering a Passion for Education04:43Why Saying YES Opens Doors06:08Creating a Global Beauty Magazine09:31Giving Forgotten Industry Voices a Platform13:44Introducing IBP Media Concierge19:01Why Credibility Matters More Than Attention21:36How Beauty Professionals Can Build Visibility23:11Creating Opportunities Beyond the Chair25:28Leadership, Delegation and Building Loyalty26:38Leaving a Legacy Through Mentorship28:20Supporting Students and Protecting Careers30:56Quick Fire: Getting to Know Janie33:47Where to Find Janie34:43Janie's Final Words of WisdomSubscribe for weekly conversations on meaningful living, and let us know in the comments which quality you value most in your own life.www.lulubenavidez.comwww.beautyindusrtyvoices.com@lulubenavidez

Send us Fan MailMeaningful conversations happen when we choose to leave a mark. Join LuLu, Sue, and Joann Rodriguez for a raw discussion.In this episode, we explore the depth of personal legacy and the importance of ensuring our stories aren't erased by time. It is a candid look at how we show up for one another, capturing the genuine reactions and shared sentiments that define our connections.Whether you want to deepen your personal relationships or find inspiration in others' stories, this conversation offers space to reflect on what truly matters. We discuss the art of staying present and the power of being heard in a digital world.Subscribe for weekly beauty industry voices and meaningful conversations with passionate people.00:00 Welcome to Beauty Industry Voices01:05 Introducing JoAnn Rodriguez02:20 The story behind Magnolia Park Arts & Community05:15 Turning a family legacy home into a community space08:40 Preserving culture in Houston’s Magnolia Park12:10 Supporting artists and local creativity15:30 Working alongside Jesse E. Rodriguez / Magnolia Grown18:45 Why community programs matter22:00 Books, art, and cultural storytelling25:15 What JoAnn hopes people feel at MPAC28:00 Rapid Fire / Voices in Five30:00 Closing thoughts and thank youTags:JoAnn Rodriguez, Magnolia Park Arts and Community, MPAC Houston, Magnolia Park Houston, Houston artists, Latino art, Latina community, cultural preservation, community arts, nonprofit arts organization, Beauty Industry Voices, LuLu Benavidez, community advocate, local artists, Houston culture, family legacy, art and culture, Magnolia Grown, Jesse E Rodriguez, podcast interview, women in leadership, creative communitywww.lulubenavidez.comwww.beautyindusrtyvoices.com@lulubenavidez

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when imagination steps off the page and becomes a living work of art?LuLu Benavidez and co-host Sue Krukonis Hanson welcome Olga Saretsky, founder of Kikimora Studio, for an inspiring conversation about creativity, authenticity and persistence.Olga shares her journey from dancer and choreographer to the creator of extraordinary Living Art and wearable sculptures. She reveals the fashion show that changed her direction, why covering the face gave her greater artistic freedom, and how she continued creating even when others didn’t understand her vision.Olga also shares an important realization: our work may express who we are, but it does not define all that we are.Discover Olga’s work:[www.kikimorastudio.com](http://www.kikimorastudio.com)[www.kikimorafashion.com](http://www.kikimorafashion.com)Subscribe to Beauty Industry Voices for inspiring conversations with artists, innovators and entrepreneurs who are transforming creativity into meaningful careers.Chapters:00:00 Meet Olga Saretsky01:25 From dance to Living Art03:15 The fashion show that changed everything05:21 Inspiration for the beauty industry06:45 The challenges of creative business07:55 Building the Kikimora team08:38 Finding freedom behind the mask10:57 The power of authenticity12:00 You are more than your work14:03 Persistence and finding your voice15:52 The truth about overnight success17:30 Protecting your originality18:33 Five personal questions20:28 Creativity and human potential21:25 Where to find Olga’s work23:50 Olga’s message to the audiencewww.lulubenavidez.comwww.beautyindusrtyvoices.com@lulubenavidez

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Beauty Industry Voices, formerly known as Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs.The name and format may be changing, but the heart of our podcast remains the same. Host LuLu Benavidez will continue sharing meaningful conversations with beauty professionals, artists, educators, wellness experts, photographers, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and passionate people with extraordinary stories.Different co-hosts will also join LuLu based on each guest and subject, bringing fresh perspectives to every conversation.Follow or subscribe and join us for this exciting new chapter—where every voice has a story of passion, creativity, and purpose.Hosted by LuLu Benavidez#BeautyIndustryVoices #BeautyIndustry #PodcastTrailerChapters00:00 A New Chapter Begins00:20 How Beauty Industry Voices Began00:45 Creativity Beyond the Salon01:10 The Voices You Will Meet01:35 A Fresh Co-Host Format01:55 Our Purpose Remains the Same02:10 Welcome to Beauty Industry Voiceswww.lulubenavidez.comwww.beautyindusrtyvoices.com@lulubenavidez