601: How to Survive The Beauty Industry

In this raw and inspiring episode, Wesley Palmer reveals the real challenges of surviving and thriving in the beauty industry. From dropping out of hair school to becoming a top educator with Paul Mitchell, Wesley shares the unfiltered journey of career reinvention, industry burnout, and the power of authentic connection. You’ll hear how sobriety, self-care, and social media transformed his career, and why so many stylists burn out before they ever break through. If you're questioning your path or looking for a spark to reignite your passion, this is the must-listen conversation you didn’t know you needed. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/iYZga51lAIw   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 WESLEY PALMER Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wesdoeshair/    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/

It’s our 600th episode! I’m Kati Whitledge, and when I launched the Beyond The Technique podcast in 2016, there were no American podcasts for salon owners—so I created one. In this milestone episode, I’m sharing the five biggest lessons I’ve learned through hundreds of unscripted conversations with salon pros, educators, and leaders, and how podcasting helped grow my salon, build my network, and scale our software company, mya. If you’re craving connection, consistency, and next-level growth, this is the episode for you! WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/mbaCR9a2mhw   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 KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/    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/

Join us today as we feature Instagram Influencer and Educator, Kell Grace! Kell is known for teaching four updos in four minutes. She reveals how she built a high-demand brand through simple, wearable styling techniques—and teaches salon owners how to turn brides into long-term clients. With over 300,000 followers and two decades of experience, Kell shares strategies for building income through in-salon workshops, smart product partnerships, and her innovative lookbooks. Whether you're a stylist, salon owner, or educator, this conversation is packed with real-world business tips you can use right away. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/Tceamc7n1Xs   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 KELL GRACE Website: https://kellgrace.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellgrace/  GET HER LOOKBOOK: Click Here   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/

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/