Beyond The Technique Podcast

Raising your prices isn't about charging more, it's about elevating your standards so you can deliver the level of excellence today's clients expect. With industry expenses rising 12–20% since 2021, strategic price adjustments are what allow you to invest in better education, tools, technology, and the kind of talent that keeps your business thriving. Data shows that a 10% price increase can generate more than double the financial impact of a small commission bump, giving your team greater earning potential without increasing your workload. When you confidently update your pricing, you attract clients who value your expertise, support your growth, and stay committed long-term. Ultimately, raising prices is one of the most powerful moves you can make to strengthen your culture, your team, and the future of your business. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/oWDK2mpM_zo   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/    FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE FOLLOW NINA TULIO: https://www.instagram.com/ninatulio/    SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

Get ready for a powerful and refreshingly honest conversation with legendary salon owner, educator, and curly-hair specialist Casey Voss—a 25-year industry vet whose story reads like a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and leadership. In this episode, Casey opens up about rebuilding after a devastating salon fire, navigating major business transitions, letting go of ego, and learning to trust bold decisions even when they cost her people, comfort, or certainty. You'll hear how vision-casting, year-end audits, boundary-setting, and courageous conversations became the foundation of her growth—and how they can transform your salon too. Kati and Casey dive into the realities of leading teams, the challenges of turnover, and the freedom that comes when you finally stop operating out of fear and start building intentionally. If you're hungry for clarity, courage, and a renewed sense of purpose in your salon leadership, this conversation will light you up. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/GvFg9Ir4qNo   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 CASEY VOSS! Website: https://www.vossthecurlboss.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vossthecurlboss/  Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@caseyvossthecurlboss    LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/    FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE   SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

When others doubt you, it can become your greatest edge. In this episode, Kati reveals how being underestimated became her superpower—from prevailing in a courtroom to building a one-of-a-kind tech platform that is reshaping the beauty industry. She shares how working quietly in the shadows allows you to learn, grow, and prepare without the noise of critics. Discover why the most powerful moves often happen when no one's watching, and how proving yourself right is far more rewarding than proving others wrong.   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/    FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE   SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

In this inspiring episode of Beyond The Technique, host Kati Whitledge welcomes salon owner, educator, and L'Oréal Professional Artist, Daniel Mason-Jones for a powerful conversation about the trends shaping the salon industry in 2026. Daniel shares how purpose and passion can transform not just a career, but an entire community. You will discover how building culture, offering education, and prioritizing well-being can create thriving, loyal salon teams. This episode will leave you feeling motivated to lead with empathy, courage, and vision for the year ahead.   WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/GkKdJD6uwx0   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 DANIEL MASON JONES Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielmasonjones/  Website: https://www.danielmasonjones.com/ Muse Salon: https://www.musesalonandspa.com/    LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/    FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE   SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

Happy Thanksgiving! Today we talk about how gratitude and greed shape the culture of a business and the mindset of its leaders. We break down how greed, which is often disguised as ambition, can cause burnout, discontent, and competition, while gratitude restores joy, collaboration, and purpose. Kati shares personal and professional examples, from lessons with her child to experiences in leadership, illustrating how gratitude transforms both people and organizations. She also introduces practical ways to express appreciation through understanding love languages and recognizing small wins.  WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/0VYjq0HUUZ4   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/    FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE   SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

Kati welcomes celebrity stylist and educator Jill Buck to share how she took control of her career and built a high-value, high-demand business model—both behind the chair at 901 Salon in West Hollywood and as a traveling stylist for A-list clients. Jill opens up about her 22-year journey from Oregon to LA, how she transitioned to on-location work during COVID, and the strategies she uses today to ensure she only books profitable full transformations and color changes. She reveals her $800–$1,000 minimum color ticket mindset, why she now conducts consultations via email, and how she empowers younger stylists by routing lower-tier services their way. Jill also dives into 901's luxury VIP experience, the independent stylist-assistant model shaped by California labor laws, and how she maintains work-life balance while launching her handmade accessory line and working on "Dancing with the Stars." Get ready to rethink how you fill your books, elevate your brand, and control who sits in your chair. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/EoYtOYJ_wA0   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    LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/    FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE   SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

In this short and powerful Beyond The Technique podcast episode, Kati Whitledge shares a framework for sustaining your energy and purpose as a leader. She reveals why rest is a discipline, not a luxury—and how to build it into your routine to prevent burnout and boost creativity. You'll learn how to delegate for growth, align daily work with your deeper mission, and shift from exhaustion to endurance. Tune in for practical steps to protect your energy, pace your commitments, and lead with purpose that lasts. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/S5z7NinrDRU   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/    FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE   SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

Get ready to be inspired by the incredible journey of Leysa Carrillo—global artistic ambassador for Redken and founder of Forever Curls Academy—as she sits down with Kati to share how her passion for textured hair transformed her career and the industry. From growing up in a strict military family in Cuba to performing in Cirque du Soleil, Leysa's path to beauty was anything but traditional, yet her curiosity, resilience, and love for her clients fueled her rise as a trailblazer in the natural hair movement. In this episode, she opens up about the lack of textured hair education she faced early on, the emotional challenges that pushed her to innovate, and how she built a global movement that empowers stylists to embrace all hair textures with confidence. Leysa also dives into the importance of inclusivity, the progress made since 2020, and why every true specialist should be educated in all hair types. Plus, she shares how Forever Curls Academy is reshaping beauty education and changing state curriculums across the country. This is a must-listen for salon owners and stylists ready to elevate their expertise and invest in textured hair education. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/PGfsFSWPDnk   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 LEYSA CARILLO Website: https://forevercurlsbyleysa.com/pages/digital-membership  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leysahairandmakeup/  Email for Education: info@leysahairandmakeup.com    LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/    FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE   SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

Today we are going to look at key questions every leader needs answer to in order to grow and develop themselves as a leader. These lessons are inspired by The Making of a Manager by Julie Zhuo, emphasizing the importance of leaning into strengths rather than obsessing over weaknesses. Kati opens up about breaking limiting self-beliefs, sharing her own journey of overcoming childhood narratives and developing a growth mindset. She will walk you through practical reflection tools for identifying strengths, navigating imposter syndrome, and managing emotional triggers as leaders. Tune in to discover how self-awareness, honest feedback, and understanding your unique value can transform your leadership journey.   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/    FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE   SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

Today, Kati welcomes Zac Miner and Dan Schmidt from Best 365 Labs to uncover how optimizing your mitochondrial health can transform energy, skin vitality, and longevity from the inside out. Designed for salon, spa, and med spa professionals, this introductory conversation simplifies the science behind biohacking and reveals why mitochondria—the body's "powerhouse cells"—are the key to improved wellness, recovery, and performance. Learn about groundbreaking supplements like methylene blue, NAD, and PQQ, and discover how enhancing mitochondrial function can elevate both your personal health and your clients' results. Tune in to hear Kati's personal experience, gain actionable insights for your business, and access exclusive offers and links for professionals and consumers in the show notes. TRY THE PRODUCTS| USE CODE KW10  GET A WHOLESALE ACCOUNT WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/otbv55KOrT8   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 BEST 365 LABS Website: https://best365labs.com/?ref=tojxxlga  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/best365labs    LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/    FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE   SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

What makes a leader truly empowering instead of overbearing? In this episode, Kati reveals ten traits of leaders who build trust, delegate with confidence, and inspire with vision and empathy. You'll learn practical strategies for active listening, respecting boundaries, and supporting your team's autonomy while still holding them accountable. Tune in to discover how empowering leadership can unlock growth, loyalty, and a thriving culture inside your salon or spa. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/HhhTizw56hc   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/    FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE   SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

Get ready for an inspiring conversation with hairstylist, salon owner, and Masters of Balayage, stage educator, Emily Jones! She is here to share her industry journey that went from styling Barbie dolls to becoming a balayage, blonding, and hair extension expert. In this episode, Bringing Back the Why, Emily opens up about her passion for teaching, her transition from medical school to hair school, and how she discovered her true community in the industry. You'll hear how she stays grounded in her purpose while growing in her career and growing her family. Salon owners and leaders will walk away re-energized to reconnect with their own "why" and inspire their teams to do the same. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/ekYc0pO5Hs4   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 EMILY JONES! Instagram:    LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/    FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE

In this episode, Kati breaks down the ten traits of overbearing leaders, from micromanaging and excessive control to guilt-tripping and lack of empathy. She shares personal stories of struggling with one of the overbearing traits and highlights how these behaviors can stifle creativity, trust, and growth in a salon setting. Kati emphasizes the importance of balancing constructive feedback with encouragement, respecting boundaries, and letting go of the need to always be right. Listen and share today's episode with the leaders at your salon and spa! WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/recTxE_nmqI   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/    FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE   SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

In this episode, Kati Whitledge welcomes Danielle Anderson, a seasoned salon leader and hiring expert, to share her journey and insights from managing teams in the beauty industry. Danielle opens up about her rapid career growth, the challenges she faced post-COVID, and the leadership strategies that helped her build thriving salon cultures. She highlights the importance of hiring for values and cultural fit, using innovative approaches to foster strong teams and successful new salon launches. Listeners will gain practical tips on creating a code of honor, leading with emotional intelligence, and building confidence through challenges. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/ol1D9qkazrI   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! MYA FOR PROS: https://www.instagram.com/mya_pros/  BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/    FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE   SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

This episode explores the psychology of suggestion in marketing and its impact on consumer behavior. Kati shares how strategies like priming, social proof, and sensory cues influence clients to book, buy, and return. She highlights the importance of building trust through reviews, visuals, and in-person recommendations, while creating memorable luxury experiences through ambiance. Listeners will also learn why a single, consistent marketing message repeated across platforms increases impact—and how applying these principles can boost results, especially during high-demand seasons. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/kAbRcpJUQCw   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/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: 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/

In today's episode, Kati welcomes Morgan Thomas, who you may know as Jade Beauty Co., to share her journey through the hairdressing and fashion industries. Together, they unpack the myth of work-life balance, highlighting Morgan's shift toward integration and how she built a thriving career without experiencing burnout. Morgan also offers insights on the evolving landscape of hair education, the value of servant leadership, and why community and mentorship matter more than ever. Share this with your stylists and you will al be inspired by Morgan's career lessons, humor, and practical advice. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/3dnsmiPUvK0   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 MORGAN THOMAS! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadebeautyco/  Website: https://jadebeautyco.com/    LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/    FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE   SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

In this episode, Kati explores the inevitability of offense in the creative industry and why learning to manage it is essential for personal and professional growth. She unpacks the value of constructive feedback, active listening, and assuming positive intent when receiving correction. With real examples and leadership insights, Kati highlights how humility, empathy, and trust create a culture where feedback becomes a tool for development rather than a source of conflict. Tune in to discover how reframing correction as direction can transform your team's growth and your own leadership journey. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/Kqe5xjlKMRo   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/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: 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/

The salon industry is shifting fast, with more stylists choosing self-employment and traditional salons struggling to compete. In this episode, Kati welcomes back business coach Nikki Le to share how owners can elevate the employee experience to retain top talent and thrive in this new market. From customized training to career ladders, Nikki breaks down practical strategies to create a workplace where stylists feel valued, supported, and inspired to stay. If you want to future-proof your salon and win against the booth rental trend, this episode is a must-listen. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/m4g-MRC2GAo   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 NIKKI LE Website: https://www.nikkileconsultancy.com/  Eleve Retreat: https://statements-strong.teachable.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkileconsultancy/ Listen to our first podcast together:  https://joinmya.com/podcast/0391-the-fundamentals-of-managing-your-salons-money-with-nikki-le    LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/    FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE   SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

Distractions don't just steal your time, they drain your energy, creativity, and focus. In this episode, Kati shares her personal journey with ADHD, biohacking, and the power of reducing decision fatigue to stay in flow. You'll discover practical strategies to automate routines, set boundaries, and manage technology so you can protect your energy and productivity. Whether you're a salon owner or creative professional, this conversation will help you eliminate overwhelm and master focus for lasting success. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/SlGz55I_PPI   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/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: 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/

In this episode, Kati welcomes industry coach and mentor, Misty Jane to share her bold perspective on money in the beauty industry. Misty reveals how she paid off $48,000 of debt in just two years, opening the door to a debt-free salon career and her current passion for coaching stylists. Together, they explore the deeper psychological roots of financial struggles, why income alone won't save you, and how giving money a purpose leads to true freedom. Listen today for fresh insights, real strategies, and encouragement to pursue financial wellness as a form of self-care. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/n5D5qBzjOZU   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 MISTY JANE! Website: https://mistyjayne.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_mistyjayne_/    LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/    FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE   SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/