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

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. 🤮 I’m here to help you adapt and innovate with an open and growth fueled mindset 💕 While I'll never downplay the overall concerns about how Ai could impact the world, it's here and I'm choosing to look at and find ways that it can benefit YOU, the people that I want to connect with and serve. You can find the Beauty Business Ai Lab HERE, it's the beauty industry's first ai resource and also contain's the beauty industry's first ai powered course, the new version of what was my Easy Money workbook and guide has now been fully updated to leverage ai to help you manage the money side of your business with lighting fast speed and ease without sacrificing quality. As a business coach, I prioritize trust and service. That's why I've paused the Salon Suite University program to incorporate AI tools that enhance value and align with current technology. I've also launched the Beauty Business AI Lab to help you grow your business through AI. Be the first to know about the refreshed Salon Suite University Labs when they're available by clicking HERE

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

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

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/

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 our businesses from a place of self love, and abundance based gratitude. No matter what type of economy we’re in, or how your business is going, acting from a place of fear is always going to keep you down. 💕💕💕

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

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/