598: The Power of Play

What if the secret to unlocking your salon team's innovation, energy, and connection was... play? In this powerful episode, Kati welcomes Mia Sundstrom, Director of Play Transformation at the National Institute for Play, who shares how understanding and embracing your unique "play personality" can lead to peak creativity and workplace culture breakthroughs. Drawing from her background as a Division I athlete, coach, and the legacy of her grandfather Dr. Stuart Brown’s groundbreaking research, Mia explains how play isn’t a distraction from work, it’s a competitive advantage. If you’re a salon owner or leader ready to energize your team and rethink productivity, this is a conversation you can’t afford to miss. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/29ASyjiqu4k   GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book    POWERED BY:  JOIN mya! joinmya.com   FOLLOW MIA SUNDSTROM Website: https://nifplay.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-sundstrom1/    LET’S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/    SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/    Join the ‘Smarter Room’ Mastermind with Jay Williams! Click Here to Learn More: https://thejwco.com/a-smarter-room/

In this deeply personal episode, Jentry Petzold shares his journey back to the beauty industry after a five-year hiatus, where he built businesses in waste management and real estate. Jentry opens up about the faith transformation that changed everything—moving from New Age practices to Christianity. Jentry is on a mission to empower beauty professionals through his new program, S.E.A CHANGE. This mentorship initiative blends life coaching with faith-based resources, aiming to help salon professionals grow both personally and in their walk with Jesus. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about courage, conviction, and creating a community of purpose-driven leaders. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/JLeiT1l0sRA   GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book    POWERED BY:  JOIN mya! joinmya.com   FOLLOW JENTRY PETZOLD Website: https://www.jentrypetzold.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jentrypetzold/  Our First Podcast Together: https://joinmya.com/podcast/0238-unconventional-leadership-with-jentry-petzold    LET’S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/    SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/    Join the ‘Smarter Room’ Mastermind with Jay Williams! Click Here to Learn More: https://thejwco.com/a-smarter-room/

In this episode, industry experts, Brett Pierce and Michael Yost get candid about the highs and lows of leading a team, learning financial fundamentals, and building a thriving culture. They share the evolution of their understanding of business operations, the power of team-based pay—and the myths surrounding the concept, and how career growth can and should extend beyond traditional metrics. If you're a salon owner striving for stronger leadership, better financial clarity, and lasting team culture, this conversation is for you. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/YEPc0QCR81Q   GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book    POWERED BY:  JOIN mya! joinmya.com   FOLLOW STRATEGIES Website: https://strategies.com/  Connect with Christy Harty: [email protected]    LET’S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/    SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/    Join the ‘Smarter Room’ Mastermind with Jay Williams! Click Here to Learn More: https://thejwco.com/a-smarter-room/

In this episode, tech entrepreneur Ameet Kallarackal joins us to explore how AI is transforming the salon industry. From website optimization to content creation, Ameet shares how his company, Glammatic, helps salon owners drive traffic, increase appointments, and stay ahead of the digital curve. They address the common fear of losing brand voice with AI and how salon owners can ease into using these tools effectively. Tune in to discover how AI can save you time, enhance your online presence, and help your team-based salon thrive. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/UBGpaG5aUB0   GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book    POWERED BY:  JOIN mya! joinmya.com   FOLLOW GLAMMATIC Website: https://www.glammatic.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glammaticpro/    LET’S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/    SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/    Join the ‘Smarter Room’ Mastermind with Jay Williams! Click Here to Learn More: https://thejwco.com/a-smarter-room/

In this inspiring episode, Kati welcomes first-time podcast guest Kayla Swanson, a rising leader in the beauty industry who shares her unexpected journey from virtual assistant to event producer and podcast host. Kayla opens up about her personal transformation, how she found her purpose, and the mindset shifts that helped her embrace feedback and trust the process of growth. Kayla shares her insights to the power of healthy competition and collaboration—core values championed by HPSA—and how these values fuel a culture of growth and connection among salon owners. From behind-the-scenes stories to career-defining moments, this episode offers a heartfelt look at what makes the beauty industry a uniquely supportive and transformational space. Don’t miss Kayla’s energetic and insightful debut!   WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/WTnmje2UMcs   GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book    POWERED BY:  JOIN mya! joinmya.com   FOLLOW HPSA Website: https://highperformancesalon.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highperformancesalon/    LET’S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/    SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/    Join the ‘Smarter Room’ Mastermind with Jay Williams! Click Here to Learn More: https://thejwco.com/a-smarter-room/

In this powerful and raw episode, Lisa Giles, founder of Straight Out of Cosmo, shares her deeply personal journey from a vocational school hairstylist to salon owner, educator, and industry disruptor. She opens up about overcoming trauma, embracing authenticity, and how hairstyling gave her purpose, healing, and the platform to help others do the same. From launching and closing her first app to building a revolutionary education platform for real-life stylists, Lisa’s story is a masterclass in resilience, mindset, and redefining success in the beauty industry. If you're a beauty pro seeking inspiration, real talk, and tools to grow personally and professionally, this episode is a must-listen. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/0XYWRL5nFxo   GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book    POWERED BY:  JOIN mya! joinmya.com   FOLLOW LISA GILES Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeoflisag/  Website: https://lifeoflisag.com/    LET’S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/    SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/    Join the ‘Smarter Room’ Mastermind with Jay Williams! Click Here to Learn More: https://thejwco.com/a-smarter-room/

In this episode, we welcome Siobhan McCaffrey from Phorest Salon Software to uncover what truly goes through a client’s mind before they book with a new salon. She shares the crucial metrics that signal why some salons stall in growth—and how to fix the breakdowns in your buyer’s journey before they hurt your bottom line. Plus, stick around until the end to hear how you can join our FREE exclusive event designed to help you stay ahead of the curve! JOIN OUR FREE WEB EVENT: https://joinmya.com/from-click-to-chair  WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/En41P52Ga-M   GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book    POWERED BY:  JOIN mya! joinmya.com   FOLLOW PHOREST SALON SOFTWARE Get a Demo: https://www.phorest.com/us/demos/siobhan-mccaffrey/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phorestsalonsoftware/    LET’S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/    SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/    Join the ‘Smarter Room’ Mastermind with Jay Williams! Click Here to Learn More: https://thejwco.com/a-smarter-room/

In today’s episode, our founder and host Kati Whitledge reveals how beauty pros can earn six figures by mastering the business side of being behind the chair. She shares proven strategies for building a loyal, high-spending clientele that keeps coming back and spends more each visit. If you’re a salon owner who wants your team to boost retention and retail sales, this is the episode to share! WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/MNoLaC9dG0o   GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book    POWERED BY:  JOIN mya! joinmya.com   LET’S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/    SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/    Join the ‘Smarter Room’ Mastermind with Jay Williams! Click Here to Learn More: https://thejwco.com/a-smarter-room/    Qnity’s “The Fill” Conference Visit fillbyqnity.com and use code MYA20 for 20% off your registration!

We are joined today by global educator and curl specialist Aaron Scott Lacy, who shares his powerful industry journey and the mindset that’s helped him rise without needing external validation. Aaron opens up about what balance looks like in his life, how he defines true success, and the intentional approach he brings when teaching groups of all sizes and experience levels. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new behind the chair, this conversation offers rich insight into serving guests with all hair types. If your salon is committed to excellence in textured hair service, this is a must-listen. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/nrUHfDYjpJc   POWERED BY:  JOIN mya! joinmya.com   FOLLOW AARON SCOTT LACY Website: https://www.aaronscottlacy.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronscottlacy/  Email: [email protected]   LET’S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/    SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/    Join the ‘Smarter Room’ Mastermind with Jay Williams! Click Here to Learn More: https://thejwco.com/a-smarter-room/    Qnity’s “The Fill” Conference Visit fillbyqnity.com and use code MYA20 for 20% off your registration!

In this episode we bring industry icon Ivan Zoot to explore the often-dreaded but absolutely essential topic of pricing in the beauty business. With over 40 years of experience, Ivan breaks down the misconceptions around price increases and reveals the power of data-driven decisions that can boost confidence and client retention. From the real reason your $189 haircut might be totally worth it, to why 80% occupancy is the sweet spot for pricing strategy, this conversation is packed with practical insights and surprising truths. Whether you're nervous about raising your prices or just want to fine-tune your value proposition, this episode will change how you think about your worth—and how you communicate it. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/ECnAkHo8sr8   POWERED BY:  JOIN mya! joinmya.com   FOLLOW IVAN ZOOT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivanzoot/  Website: https://www.ivanzoot.com/  Books: https://www.ivanzoot.com/educational-materials    GIFTS GET A FREE SOCIAL MEDIA [CTA] AUDIT https://joinmya.com/social-media-audit    GET A FREE AUDIT OF YOUR WEBSITE https://joinmya.com/sticky-website-audit    LET’S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/    SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/    Join the ‘Smarter Room’ Mastermind with Jay Williams! Click Here to Learn More: https://thejwco.com/a-smarter-room/    Qnity’s “The Fill” Conference Visit fillbyqnity.com and use code MYA20 for 20% off your registration!