Successful Stylist Academy

In the fast-paced world of hairstyling, it's easy to feel stuck in "artist mode"...busy, talented, and booked, yet still overwhelmed and unsure how to scale. In this Successful Stylist Academy podcast breakdown, Ambrosia Carey shares how adopting a Salon CEO mindset can transform your income, schedule, and long-term business success without abandoning the artistry that made you fall in love with the industry. You'll learn why mindset is a direct driver of revenue, boundaries, and growth strategy, how the comfort-zone trap can keep even high-performing stylists stuck, and why creativity deserves structure. This episode is a powerful reminder that the next level of success doesn't come from doing more, it comes from thinking differently, building systems, and shifting your identity from service provider to strategic business leader.  Free Full Proof Profit Maker Webinar Here: https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/ao7u0l0qzq Tap if you missed the 5% Client Retention Rule 1. Transitioning into a Salon CEO mindset is essential for long-term growth because your identity influences how you price, market, set boundaries, and lead your business strategy.   2. Staying in "artist mode" can feel safe and productive, but it often creates stagnation by keeping you busy with familiar tasks instead of pushing you toward the changes that unlock higher income and stability. 3. The comfort-zone trap is real: growth requires embracing discomfort, making calculated decisions, and stepping into leadership even when it feels unfamiliar. 4. Structure strengthens creativity, when you pair your artistry with strategy, systems, and a long-term vision, your talent becomes more profitable, consistent, and sustainable. 5. Working on your business (not just in it) is the difference between short-term survival and long-term success, because strategy time creates clarity, improves retention, and reduces chaos. 6. Creating space for thinking and decision-making helps prevent burnout, because new outcomes can't be created from constant stress, overextension, and reactive scheduling. 7. You don't have to abandon your artistry to be a CEO, you're learning to protect it with leadership, boundaries, and a business model that supports your life, not just your calendar. Get 15% off our favorite skincare line, Pharamgel with code SSA15: https://pharmagel.net/?ref=SSA15 personal growth, overcoming challenges, self-awareness, stress reduction, clarity, roadmap to success  

Are you exhausted from constantly chasing new clients on Instagram, TikTok, and referral apps, but not seeing your income reflect how hard you work behind the chair? In this episode, Ambrosia Carey breaks down the data-backed 5% client retention rule and shows you how a tiny improvement in retention can boost your salon revenue by 25–95% without adding more days, longer hours, or triple-booking chaos. If you're a hairstylist, colorist, booth renter, or salon owner who wants to build a sustainable, freedom-based beauty business, this conversation walks you through the difference between client acquisition and client retention, why social media can't be your only growth strategy, and how top-performing salons retain more first-time guests and turn them into loyal, high-value clients. You'll learn simple, repeatable systems you can plug into your existing booking software to stabilize your income, pre-book smarter, and create a client experience that feels elevated, personal, and totally on-brand. If you've been craving a clear roadmap to become the go-to stylist in your market, increase your rebook rate, and build a waitlist-worthy beauty business, this episode is for you. Watch our FREE Profit Maker Webinar Replay HERE: https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/ao7u0l0qzq   Enjoy our Marketing Guide Freebie HERE: https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/ke6k90nlq2 Share your experience and leave us a review HERE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/successful-stylist-academy/id1584273127 Key Takeaways 1. A small 5% increase in client retention can raise your profitability by 25–95%, making retention one of the most powerful levers for growing your salon income without adding more hours behind the chair. 2. Top-performing salons rely on new clients for only about 10% of their total revenue; the rest comes from returning guests who pre-book, buy retail, say yes to add-ons, and refer friends, because the experience is consistent and predictable. 3. Client acquisition (CAC) is expensive in both money and energy: think content creation, DMs, inquiries, and ad spend, while a retained client costs virtually zero to reacquire and is far easier to serve at a higher level. 4. Retention is not about perfection; it's about a repeatable client journey: clear consultation, simple at-home routines, a strong checkout process, and an agreed-upon maintenance schedule that protects your client's hair and your time. 5. A simple three-touch system: post-visit check-in, midpoint reminder, and pre-book or follow-up nudge, can dramatically reduce ghosting, extend the lifetime value of each guest, and make your income more stable month after month. 6. Low pre-booking rates and stretched-out maintenance cycles are not marketing problems, they're communication problems; tightening how you talk about timing, pricing, and future appointments can quickly improve your retention numbers. 7. You don't need "more clients" to grow; you need to deepen the relationship with 80–120 ideal clients who feel seen, cared for, and excited to come back. Freeing up your calendar and nervous system so you can pursue education, brand partnerships, or salon ownership without burning out. 8. By focusing on one improvement (like pre-booking, consultation, or checkout) and tracking one number for 90 days, you can increase your retention by 15% and build a more profitable, sustainable, and freedom-based beauty business. For more tips, find us on Instagram Subscribe on YouTube for updates Take 15% off our favorite skincare line, Pharmagel with code SSA15: https://pharmagel.net/?ref=SSA15      

In this episode of the Successful Stylist Academy Podcast, Ambrosia pulls back the curtain on one of the most confusing parts of running a profitable business as an independent stylist or salon owner: where your money actually goes. Instead of just looking at your bank balance and hoping for the best, she walks you through a simple "waterfall" visual so you can see how every dollar flows through your business, into costs, marketing, overhead, education, and finally: profit. You'll learn realistic percentage benchmarks for each category, the most common money leaks that silently eat into your income, and how to fix them without adding more hours behind the chair. If you've ever felt busy but not truly profitable, this conversation will help you reclaim your confidence, your cash flow, and your long-term freedom. Get FREE access to our Creative Service Profit Maker Webinar now!  The booking software that makes my job easier is GlossGenius with AI support to make tasks as simple as clicking a button! Try it out for 2 weeks FREE: https://glossgenius.biz/AmbrosiaCarey Want more episodes like this? Drop a review here & tell us what you want to hear more of: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/successful-stylist-academy/id1584273127 Key Take-Aways: 1. Think of your business like a waterfall, not just a bank balance. 2. Money flows from the faucet into a series of "glass cups" : direct costs, client acquisition, overhead, growth, and finally profit. 3. When you see each glass clearly, you stop assuming all the money in your bank account is truly yours and start treating it as money with a job.   4. Get clear on your direct costs (COGS) so every bowl of color is profitable.  5. Direct costs include anything you touch, mix, or use on your client: color, lightener, developer, foils, gloves, towels, shampoo, conditioner, cleaning supplies, and even credit card fees.  6. Aim to keep these costs around 10–12% of your total revenue, and know that once you creep toward 15–20%, it is a danger zone and a clear sign you need a price increase.  7. Stop overordering and start pricing services with product usage in mind. 8. Common leaks include buying too much inventory, letting products expire, turning unsold retail into backbar, and never updating prices when suppliers raise theirs. 9. Fix this by using systems or software to track inventory, calculating your cost per scoop or per gram, and doing a quick monthly inventory check so your shelves are lean and intentional, not a graveyard of old product.   10. Track your Customer Acquisition Cost (CAC) so your marketing actually pays you back. 11. Your CAC includes ads, promos, new client discounts, referral rewards, branding shoots, social media time, website, and booking software that help you get clients in the door. 12. A healthy benchmark is 5–10% of your revenue, and a simple formula is: if you spend $200 on ads and get 5 new clients, your CAC is $40 per client and each client should bring in at least four times that in lifetime value.   13. Prioritize retention over constant hustle for new clients. 14. Common mistakes are chasing visibility without conversion, not tracking where new clients come from, and focusing more on strangers online than on the guests already in your chair. 15. Track first-time versus repeat clients monthly, create a simple referral system with a clear reward, and double down on the platforms and efforts that are actually sending you clients, not just likes.  16. Audit your overhead before it quietly drains your profit. 17. Overhead includes rent or booth rent, utilities, Wi-Fi, insurance, software, accounting, subscriptions, cleaning, payroll taxes, and benefits. 18. Ideally, this lands between 35–45% of your total revenue, and when it creeps toward 50% or higher, you either need to cut costs, raise prices, or both to keep your business from tipping upside down.   19. Be ruthless with subscriptions and intentional with tax planning. 20.Typical leaks are paying for apps and tools you no longer use, overspending on décor or space that does not match your income level, and failing to save ahead for taxes. 21. Quarterly, comb through subscriptions, automate your bookkeeping and reports, and move around 30% of your profit into a separate tax or high-yield savings account so you are not surprised at year-end.  22. Treat education, events, and travel as growth costs; not automatic write-offs. 23. Hair shows, classes, coaching, membership programs, flights, hotels, and meals are powerful when they are strategic, but expensive when they are random. 24. Try to keep these growth costs under about 8–10% of your annual revenue, give every class a clear action plan for how you will turn it into income, and look for ways to turn trips into content, offers, or digital assets you can reuse.   25. Decide how your profit will be divided before it hits your account. 26. Profit is what remains after all buckets are filled, and it is not the same as your paycheck.  27. A sample breakdown is: 30% for taxes, 10% for emergency reserves, 10–15% to reinvest in education, marketing, or tools, and 45–55% to pay yourself, so every dollar has a purpose instead of disappearing.  28. Do a simple money audit and fix just one leak this month. 29. Look at last month's income and write down what you spent on supplies, client acquisition, overhead, and education, then see what was truly left as profit.   Get 15% off Pharmagel, our favorite skincare line with code SSA15: http://www.pharmagel.net/discount/ssa15?redirect=%2F%3Fafmc%3Dssa15  

Offering extensions can transform your average ticket, attract premium clients, and position you as an expert. In this episode I break down how to use "scholarship" (free-labor) installs to sprint your social proof, fill your portfolio, and raise prices with confidence, without giving away the store. You'll get scripts, a 7-day action plan, and the math to make it smart. Get FREE access to our profit making webinar: https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/ao7u0l0qzq Get 20% off your first order & subscribe to Rooted Hair for ongoing deals & education: https://rootedhair.ca/ Key Take-aways: 1. Free or low-cost installs are not "giving away time" — they're a strategic investment that builds your portfolio, confidence, and social proof. 2. Choose models intentionally; their hair, vibe, and reliability should match your dream client. 3. Always do an in-person consultation to assess density, texture, lifestyle, and realistic expectations. 4. Use model installs to capture strong content: videos, transformations, reactions, and movement shots. 5. Set clear expectations — free installs do not include free maintenance. 6. Outline deliverables for your model such as tags, testimonials, or specific content requirements. 7. Recommend the extension method that fits the client's hair and lifestyle, not just what you want to showcase. 8. Present your offer as a structured model call, not a giveaway. 9. Use the model period for testing, check-ins, and refining your technique and systems. 10. Limit freebies to maintain value and avoid attracting bargain-hunters. 11. Avoid models needing heavy color correction — it adds unpaid hours and unpredictable results. 12. Use team members as in-salon models to build credibility and visibility. 13. Start with a small beta group to gather feedback, testimonials, and repeat business. 14. Track long-term earnings — even a handful of models can generate thousands in yearly maintenance revenue. 15. Practice before launching publicly; confidence grows through private reps and real clients. 16. Streamline your technique — clients value efficient installs just as much as luxury experiences. 17. Avoid selecting models strictly through DMs; refusals to consult in person are red flags. 18. Remember: free installs are an intentional investment that fuel your launch, proof, and profitability. Take 15% off our favorite skincare line, Pharmagel with code SSA15: https://pharmagel.net/?ref=AMBROSIAMANN  

What is HairAid and how can a hairstylist actually change a life in one week? Ambrosia talks with Alannah Zilkowsky (HairAid project lead) and Corey/Hairdustry about HairAid's volunteer-led projects in Cambodia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Guatemala. Learn how teams teach core foundational haircuts in less than a week, why graduates can earn income immediately, who can volunteer (you don't need to be an educator), costs and logistics, real success stories, and why many stylists return feeling re-energized and burnout-free. If you've wondered how to use your salon skills for global impact, this is your playbook. Catch the Profit Marker Replay HERE: https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/ao7u0l0qzq To learn more about HairAid: https://hairaid.org.au/ 1. HairAid is a volunteer-led charity that teaches core foundational haircuts in less than a week, so people in extreme poverty can earn income immediately. 2. You don't need to be an "educator" to serve basic skills. Willingness to follow HairAid's method, and a servant mindset are enough.   3. Projects operate in countries like Cambodia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Guatemala, partnering with local NGOs for lasting impact.   4. Students often experience their first formal education on day one, and by day's end they complete a live one-length cut with guidance.   5. The curriculum covers greeting, tools, sectioning, one-length, V-shape, long layers, round layers, graduated bob, and short cuts (adapted per location).   6. Impact is immediate: graduates open micro-salons, support families, and even return as translators/trainers, creating ripple effects.   7. Volunteers report personal transformation, learning presence, surrender, and gratitude, often returning re-energized and cured of burnout.   8. HairAid's logistics remove guesswork: pre-trip packets, packing lists, cultural notes, training videos, and on-ground induction day. 9. Typical projects host 12–18 volunteers; costs include a volunteer fee plus flights, many stylists fundraise via clients and salon events. 10.  Common fears (cost, travel, "am I good enough?") are normal; pairing with experienced leads and teammates makes it manageable. 11. Service extends beyond the classroom: HairAid supports local social enterprises (hotels, eateries) to uplift the wider community. 12. Post-COVID rebuilding means fewer trips now, with more locations returning; connections on the ground help open future countries.  13. You can contribute even if you're not ready to travel: share the mission, sponsor a volunteer, or connect HairAid to credible local partners.  14. Bringing a spouse or friend is welcome, non-stylists can help with admin, cross-checks, or allied community projects.  1 5. Big picture: teaching a skill changes a life, restores dignity, and builds community, while reminding us why this industry matters. Get 15% off Pharmagel, our favorite skincare line by entering code SSA15: http://www.pharmagel.net/discount/ssa15?redirect=%2F%3Fafmc%3Dssa15

Your time is your most valuable and limited business asset. In this episode, Ambrosia Carey reveals how to calculate your true hourly rate, spot hidden time drains, and protect your schedule so your business actually works for you. Perfect for hairstylists, salon owners, and creative entrepreneurs ready to scale without burning out. Get your free time tracker here: https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/cm08owklix Watch our FREE profit maker webinar here: https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/ao7u0l0qzq Key Take-Aways: 1. No one talks about the one asset you can't raise… your time. 2.If you've ever spent hours prepping for a client just to break even, delivered amazing work that took more out of you than it gave back, it might be worthwhile to track you time. 3. Time is your most limited, non-renewable resource. Money can be replaced. 4. Time is the invisible labor in your business, from admin to prep, content creation, client communication, setup, cleanup, and everything in between. 5. Calculate how much time went into prep, during, and post. Then subtract taxes, fees, and costs which will bring your real return. 6. Hidden time costs are everywhere. From travel time you don't bill for, to client follow-ups on your days off, to team management and inventory issues, it all adds up. 7. Here's how to protect and optimize your time: Create repeatable processes, batch content and communication, schedule work during your best energy hours, use time-based pricing, and track your time for one week to see where your hours actually go. 8. Scaling isn't just adding clients, it's reclaiming time so you can build with intention. 9. If you're ready to protect your time, grab my free Time Audit Worksheet: a simple guide to help you track your real time costs, calculate your hourly return, and identify where your time is being underpaid or unaccounted for. 10. Let's protect your time, and build something sustainable together. Join our Membership Waitlist Take 15% off our favorite skincare line, Pharmagel with code SSA15:  http://www.pharmagel.net/discount/ssa15?redirect=%2F%3Fafmc%3Dssa15 Email & text marketing is the quickest way to increase your income and GlossGenius has AI support to make this as simple as clicking a button! Try it out for 2 weeks FREE: https://glossgenius.biz/AmbrosiaCarey

As a hairstylist, increasing your income isn't always about adding more, it's about deepening the way you communicate, consult, and recommend. In this episode, we explore the mindset shifts and soft skills that make all the difference. You'll learn how to remove the ick from sales by shifting your focus from pushing to partnering. From understanding the stories you tell yourself about selling, to crafting recommendations that actually help your clients feel seen and supported, this conversation goes deep into what it truly means to build trust behind the chair. We'll talk about how retail becomes a tool for transformation, how to simplify your systems, and how the care you give can create a lasting foundation, not just for your client relationships, but for your career. If you've ever struggled with selling retail, felt weird bringing up products, or want to serve better and earn more, this episode is for you.   Download our FREE full proof profit maker HERE: https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/nlle1d1php We would love to hear from you, drop a review & we will add you into our next giveaway: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/successful-stylist-academy/id1584273127 Key Take-aways: 1. Ways of creating opportunities can happen simply by focusing on a specific problem. 2. What are the stories you tell yourself when it comes to providing a service and sales? 3. Delivery is everything. If we learn to deliver differently, we remove the ick from sales. 4. The repulsive sales feeling comes from someone thinking they're trying to take something from us. 5. Care vs. Commission. 6. Start with the recommendation through the consultation. 7. It's more of a partnership with your client, and you want to work together. 8. Care can be both about the care of the hair with the result in mind, but it can also be about helping the client feel less overwhelmed & learning how to repeat what we do behind the chair.  9. If you don't know or like the product, it's hard to talk about it. 10. Impact happens with passing knowledge onto our clients, because they spend more time with their hair than we as service providers do. 11. Retail builds trust, which builds a different foundation, and career. 12. Soft skills should happen in beauty school & with mentorship. 13. The art of being seen & heard is repeating back what you hear. 14. Ask what might be missing before starting the service.  15. Every time a client comes to see you, they left some other place, and they're coming to you for a reason.   16. Technology has made it possible that we communicate less, but with our industry, we need to communicate more. 17.Communication skills are vital to a successful foundation. Learn more about people and how you can provide exceptional care.  18. Life is a mirror not a window. 19. We have processes & procedures for everything else in our service, do the same for retail. 20. 4 parts: Captivate, fascinate, educate, close. 21. Find out what's most important to your clients. Then find out the What, why, how, when. 22. For a low-performing stylist, find out why your clients aren't purchasing from you.   23. Coach to the habits, not the numbers. 24. Every day, pick up 2-3 products and get to know the product. You can find Kristie on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/kristie.theorie?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Email & text marketing is the quickest way to increase your income and GlossGenius has AI support to make this as simple as clicking a button! Try it out for 2 weeks FREE: https://glossgenius.biz/AmbrosiaCarey Get 15% off Pharmagel, our favorite skincare line with code SSA15: http://www.pharmagel.net/discount/ssa15?redirect=%2F%3Fafmc%3Dssa15    

In this episode, we sit down with Carrie Scott, Financial Advisor with Cetera Investors, to talk about building real, sustainable wealth as a creative business owner. Whether you're a hairstylist, solopreneur, or growing your side hustle, this conversation is packed with approachable tips on setting up financial systems, the biggest mistakes creatives make with money, how to plan for slow seasons and long-term wealth, shifting from hustle mode to intentional money moves. Carrie breaks down complex topics with warmth, clarity, and zero judgment. This is the episode every creative didn't know they needed.   Find Carrie Scott here: website: https://scottwealthmgmt.ceterainvestors.com/ or feel free to contact by email. Carrie recommends you read this book Our 6 figure stylist guide here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/622541789b7136a9e313da40  Key Take-aways: 1. You can open a RothIRA for your working child to help them get started with their long term wealth building. 2. As a small business owner, look over your spending and income month to month & start with an emergency fund. 3. Set yourself up for success by putting yourself first and start investing for your future plan. 4. Would you rather pay yourself or the IRS? 5. The average age that someone starts to invest in their future is 40. Imagine what it would look like to start earlier. 6. Start with the end in mind. Have the final number you want to retire with and get clarity on what you should be putting away. 7. Monthly installments can help over the one lump sum to accrue interest over 8. Get the mindset of how you'll start your investment; short, medium, or long term for the best success.  9. Debt accrual is a financial killer and can hold you back from moving forward. Do you want to sacrifice now or later? 10. Index means the money is split between all companies. 11. Investing into a mutual fund or ETF is a safe way to invest. 12. A Simple IRA maxes at $16,500 for the year 2025 if you're under 50 & have at least 1 employee. There is no cost to set it up, and the employer has to match up to 2%. 13. SEP IRA is for a solo $70k per year or 25%. 14. Both Simple & SEP IRA's have matching as well as separate requirements.  15. If you put $300 away in an investment account, you're not actually putting away $300 because $80-100 would have been counted toward taxes, so your check looks like it drops closer to $200 instead. 16. Financial advisors not only help you with choosing how to invest in the right type of account to fit your needs a goals, they also help you come up with a plan to pay off debt, save, and get to your goals faster. 17.Short term typically don't have fees & don't pay much, intermediate (5+ year goal) mutual funds which compounds over time, but you don't have to be 59 ½ before you can touch the money. Long-term don't touch until you're 59 ½  18. IRS charges a 10% fee if you take money out prior to 59 ½  19. Annuities you don't have an age limit when you want to take money out of an account. You only pay taxes for the income, and it's a nice way to build a legacy and pass over the generations. 20. You have to take income at the age of 73 on your IRA. 21. CDs and HYSA (high-yield savings account) interest payments and terms change all the time. Email & text marketing is the quickest way to increase your income and GlossGenius has AI support to make this as simple as clicking a button! Try it out for 2 weeks FREE: https://glossgenius.biz/AmbrosiaCarey Get 15% off Pharmagel, our favorite skincare line with code SSA15: http://www.pharmagel.net/discount/ssa15?redirect=%2F%3Fafmc%3Dssa15  

Struggling to market your creative business or attract high-quality clients? In this episode, we join Jodie Brown who walks through the exact steps to define your ideal client, clarify your brand message, and choose the right marketing channels to grow your business. Learn why niching down helps you stand out, how to stop overthinking your content, and how to use repetition to build reputation. Whether you're a hairstylist, salon owner, or creative entrepreneur, this episode will help you simplify your strategy and create marketing that actually works. Get FREE access to our profit making webinar: https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/ao7u0l0qzq Our 6 figure stylist guide here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/622541789b7136a9e313da40  Key Take-aways: 1. When you find there is a need to solve, that's what shapes your marketing message. 2. Some people get confused with the type of clients they want to have vs the type of clients they're already attracting. 3. You attract what you project.  4. Identifying your ideal client is a fundamental must do. 5. Who are you talking to and what problem do you solve or what desire do you want to facilitate? 6. Why you? What is the unique way you'll solve your clients problems? 7. When you get those answers defined then you can choose your marketing channels. 8. Most businesses get hung up because they don't get specific enough. Niching down will always help you stand out.  9. A common mistake businesses make is thinking the can't post the same thing twice. 10. Marketing isn't about saying 100 different things, it's about saying 1 thing 100 different ways. 11. Repetition equals reputation. 12. Marketing yourself as a generalist can be harder, focus on the experience. 13. Three areas of focus to be successful in marketing your business are: website, Instagram, and email list. 14. The first step before coming up with a strategy is gaining clarity on your brand story. 15. Add a CTA (call to action) in your bio with an easy & structured way to guide visitors into clients. 16. Pinning a post with all of your important information is helpful as well. 17. Once you have clarity in your brand, have a structured way of funneling visitors into clients, then create your content plan. 18. Content is about bringing the foundations to life. You can find Align Creative Co on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/aligncreativeco?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Email & text marketing is the quickest way to increase your income and GlossGenius has AI support to make this as simple as clicking a button! Try it out for 2 weeks FREE: https://glossgenius.biz/AmbrosiaCarey Get 15% off Pharmagel, our favorite skincare line with code SSA15: http://www.pharmagel.net/discount/ssa15?redirect=%2F%3Fafmc%3Dssa15    

In this episode of the Successful Stylist Academy Podcast, we sit down with one of our Business Collective attendees, Vanessa Gross, to share her real, raw journey from working behind the chair to opening the doors of her very first salon. We dive into what inspired her leap, the mindset shifts she had to make, and the systems that helped her scale. If you've been thinking about salon ownership or looking for motivation to grow, this is the conversation you need to hear. Get FREE access to our profit making webinar: https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/ao7u0l0qzq Our 6 figure stylist guide here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/622541789b7136a9e313da40  Key Take-aways: 1. Apply your years of growth as a form of service toward others. 2. The beauty of being in a salon environment is passing along your knowledge and paying forward as a mentor. 3. Growth doesn't go without it's challenges, lean on others who want to help you, which is why Successful Stylist Academy exists.  4. Take your learning lessons as your strength.  5. Learning new tools and adding technology can introduce another branchs of creativity, revenue, and growth. 6. Focusing on your client growth and retention also supports your communication skills, confidence, and leadership. 7. Recognize when you've graduated to the next level and align with those who are at the same frequency. You can find Vanessa on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/vanessagrossstyle?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Email & text marketing is the quickest way to increase your income and GlossGenius has AI support to make this as simple as clicking a button! Try it out for 2 weeks FREE: https://glossgenius.biz/AmbrosiaCarey Get 15% off Pharmagel, our favorite skincare line with code SSA15: http://www.pharmagel.net/discount/ssa15?redirect=%2F%3Fafmc%3Dssa15    

What separates a good stylist from a great one? In this episode, we sit down with industry educator Katie Alm to talk about the unspoken habits and mindset shifts that set top stylists apart in today's competitive beauty industry. We cover everything from discipline, professional growth, and being of service — to why collaboration will always outlast comparison. Whether you're a salon assistant, an independent stylist, or a beauty educator, this episode dives deep into the leadership skills, daily discipline, and client-first mindset that fuel long-term success behind the chair. If you're looking to grow your beauty business, avoid burnout, and build a sustainable career in the salon industry — this one's for you. If you missed part 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/successful-stylist-academy/id1584273127?i=1000702210150 Get FREE access to our profit making webinar: https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/ao7u0l0qzq Our 6 figure stylist guide here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/622541789b7136a9e313da40  Key Take-aways: 1. If you want more opportunities, be willing to be available and be of service. Let no task be below you.  2. As an educator or leader, the person who is helping you is the most important person while under your care. 3. If someone challenges you when learning, let them. For every stylist that challenges you, there are 2-3 that won't.  4. How someone approaches learning is often how they'll approach their career.  5. If you want to grow in this career, all it requires is discipline. 6. You don't have to be a salon owner to be the final boss. You have to have the passion to feed your fellow community. 7. If you are giving 30% of your time to something, how can you expect 100% return? 8. The biggest thing that can kill your career is boredom. 9. Instead of hating on someone, collaborate with them. You can find Katie on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/katieealm?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Email & text marketing is the quickest way to increase your income and GlossGenius has AI support to make this as simple as clicking a button! Try it out for 2 weeks FREE: https://glossgenius.biz/AmbrosiaCarey Get 15% off Pharmagel, our favorite skincare line with code SSA15: http://www.pharmagel.net/discount/ssa15?redirect=%2F%3Fafmc%3Dssa15  

In this episode, we join Katie Alm, getting real about what actually moves the needle in your beauty career, and it's not chasing the latest trends. From posting with intention to fully understanding the brands you align with, we'll cover mindset and strategy shifts that can change everything. Get FREE access to our profit making webinar: https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/ao7u0l0qzq Our 6 figure stylist guide here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/622541789b7136a9e313da40  Key Take-aways: 1. Posting with intention, sharing your knowledge, and aligning with a brand you love can change the trajectory of your career.  2. Experimenting with the full line of a brand you love and getting really knowledgeable about the full line, makes all the difference. 3. Forget the trending, use the tried and true: posting consistently, come from a place of gaining more experience, and get to know the culture behind the brand. 4. It's all about perspective baby! Do you look at what you're losing or what you're gaining? 5. Where can you volunteer help in an area that might be needed? 6.If you're juggling more than one career path at the same time, communicate and accommodate your clients. By setting the tone in the beginning and letting clients know how you operate, there won't be surprises when it does happen. Email & text marketing is the quickest way to increase your income and GlossGenius has AI support to make this as simple as clicking a button! Try it out for 2 weeks FREE: https://glossgenius.biz/AmbrosiaCarey Take 15% off our favorite skincare line, Pharmagel with code SSA15: http://www.pharmagel.net/discount/ssa15?redirect=%2F%3Fafmc%3Dssa15  

In Part 2 of our leadership deep dive, we're tackling proactive leadership strategies to create a thriving salon culture. Learn how to set clear expectations, communicate with confidence, and lead by example—not just in action, but through clear communication. We'll cover holding your team accountable without micromanaging, addressing issues with clarity and kindness, and creating systems that drive long-term success. If you're ready to shift from reacting to leading with confidence, tune in! Want the full script? Download it here: https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/i4lkgeeq3r Get FREE access to our Creative Service Profit Maker Webinar now! https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/ao7u0l0qzq   Key Take-aways: 1. Leading vs Reacting: reaction comes from a place of fear and defensiveness. 2. People may think they're leading, but we need to understand more about the individual to know what works for them. 3. Is the way you're perceiving love or acceptance healthy? 4. There are reactive and proactive listeners. Reactive leaders wait until a problem explodes to address it. 5. Never complain about a team member behind their back. 6. As a leader, pull anyone aside to hash out issues and listen. 7. You can't hold team members accountable for what you yourself are not practicing. 8. Proactive leaders set clear standards up front, have it in clear writing, and reinforce them. 9. Proactive leaders address small issues before they become big. 10. Leading by example isn't only about the task, it also needs to be communicated. 11. Explaining why creates purpose behind the task. 12. A script example is: "I'm restocking the backbar because I noticed we're running low, when we stay ahead of this we don't run out in the middle of a service." 13. "Hey (name) I've noticed a pattern where (address a specific issue), I want to check in with what's going on." Then pause. 14. Be short and sweet, and direct and kind. 15. Create a framework that surrounds the issue not the person. 16. When you create clear systems and you create consistency, it becomes a ripple effect. Enjoy 15% off our favorite skincare line, Pharmagel with code SSA15 at checkout: http://www.pharmagel.net/discount/ssa15?redirect=%2F%3Fafmc%3Dssa15 Email & text marketing is the quickest way to increase your income and GlossGenius has AI support to make this as simple as clicking a button! Try it out for 2 weeks FREE: https://glossgenius.biz/AmbrosiaCarey  

Running a salon team isn't just about great hair—it's about clear expectations, accountability, and strong leadership. In this episode, we break down why stylists ignore responsibilities, how to get them to care, and the key shifts that turn frustration into teamwork. Learn how to lead with confidence, and create a culture where everyone takes ownership. If you're tired of repeating yourself or struggling with follow-through, this episode is for you. Get FREE access to our Creative Service Profit Maker Webinar now! https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/ao7u0l0qzq Key Take-aways: 1. One of the biggest reasons a task isn't done is they just don't see how it can benefit them. 2. Rather than should's or shouldn't's, focus on tying responsibilities to personal success. 3. Creating a culture of salon leadership brings up future leaders, making your business more sustainable. 4. Be firm but kind 5. Another reason someone doesn't take responsibility is because they assume someone else will take care of it. 6. When addressing, keep it short and simple, and pull them away privately. 7. When someone owns a task, they're more likely to do it. 8. Create a sanitation list and introduce it at a meeting. 9. Another reason something isn't done is because someone doesn't feel accountable. 10. Try a nomination box to bring team morale together, give a gift card to the most nominated employee. 11. Personally thank and publicly recognize when someone goes above and beyond. 12. Come up with solutions during team meetings. Ask your staff if they have ideas. 13. Focus on clarity over assumption 14. Have policies like this written in a team handbook or policy guide. 15. Address issues 1:1 and not in a group. Calling someone out publicly is a form of public shaming. 16. If you have high turnover, it's time to take a look at how you're leading your culture and environment. 17. Frame your approach as collaboration so that you can work together and bond as a team. 18. The bigger picture is to create a team that builds a sustainable business, and therefor creating opportunity and freedom to make choices or take risk. Email & text marketing is the quickest way to increase your income and GlossGenius has AI support to make this as simple as clicking a button! Try it out for 2 weeks FREE: https://glossgenius.biz/AmbrosiaCarey Take 15% off our favorite skincare line, Pharmagel with code SSA15: http://www.pharmagel.net/discount/ssa15?redirect=%2F%3Fafmc%3Dssa15  

Entrepreneurship is full of highs, lows, and lessons you don't see coming. In Life Lessons of an Entrepreneur, Ambrosia Carey shares unfiltered insights on business growth, boundaries, and the mindset shifts that make success sustainable. Whether you're a hairstylist, salon owner, or creative entrepreneur, this podcast delivers real talk on navigating challenges, scaling with purpose, and building a business that works for you—not the other way around. Tune in for honest conversations, actionable strategies, and the lessons Ambrosia learned the hard way so you don't have to. Subscribe now! Get FREE access to our Creative Service Profit Maker Webinar now: https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/ao7u0l0qzq !   Are you in our Membership Waitlist? Join now! https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/gnfbcgfrjq Get 2 week of GlossGenius for FREE: https://glossgenius.biz/AmbrosiaCarey Key Take-aways: 1. Slow down, you could actually get more done because it allows you to be efficient. 2. No one is coming to save you, rather than resenting the feeling of being held back, make different choices and take authority of your life's outcomes. 3. Perfection is just fear in a fancy outfit. Done is better than perfect. 4. Ask yourself, what can you launch messy today? 5. Boundaries are your freedom, not your punishment. 6. Boundaries don't push the right people away, they push the wrong people out. 7. If it's not a hell yes, it's a no. 8. People will show you who they are…believe them. 9. Money is a tool and not a trophy. 10. Your energy is your most valuable currency. Enjoy 15% off our favorite skincare line, Pharmagel with code SSA15 at checkout: http://www.pharmagel.net/discount/ssa15?redirect=%2F%3Fafmc%3Dssa15    

Struggling to hire and trust new employees in your beauty business? In this episode, we break down when to hire, how to identify the right team members, and ways to build trust so you can scale your salon or beauty brand with confidence. Learn the key benchmarks for hiring, how to avoid those red flags, and how to create a smooth onboarding process that sets your team up for success. Whether you're bringing on a stylist, assistant, or front desk support, this episode will help you make strategic hiring decisions to grow a sustainable and thriving business. Tune in and take the guesswork out of building your dream team! Get FREE access to our Creative Service Profit Maker Webinar now!  Don't sleep on this, get your 2 week trial to GlossGenius, it has seamless scheduling, automated reminders, integrated payments, marketing tools, and client management to streamline operations and boost growth: https://glossgenius.biz/AmbrosiaCarey We want to hear from you! Drop your review & tell us what you enjoy & what you want to hear more of! Key Take-aways: 1. If you are 80% capacity on your books for 3 months, you know it's time to start hiring. 2. How much cash flow do you have? If you're generating 6 figures, you'll have a stronger cushion in case you need a safeguard for any changes in the business. 3. If you're not quite at 6 figures but your profit margins are at 20%, this is a benchmark that allows you to see if you're ready for the next stage of growth 4. Sometimes small business get ahead of themselves and want to grow a team due to emotional investments, and they fall backward financially. 5. When you're ready to hire, define clearly what this person looks like; lay out responsibilities, job description, qualifications, will they be an employee or rental? How much experience do they have, are they looking for an apprenticeship or assistant program before taking clients? 6. Once you know what you're looking for, visit beauty schools to get a better sense of what students are looking for in a leader. 7. Connect locally though social media. Be intentional about your approach with places that could align with your brand.  8. Connect in person with other businesses through local events. This is a great way to attract new clients for your growing team. 9. Recruiting can attract people who are less loyal or looking for the next best thing & that could be a red flag to growing a less sustainable team. 10. Build up your resumes and contact to set up a group interview if there are 3 of more candidates. 11. Invite stand outs to come back for an individual interview where you can address specific topics, allow them to ask questions, and go into details what you are both looking for to see if you align. 12. The last step is a technical interview to see how they work behind the chair. this  is a good time to see how they communicate, interact, are they a natural educator? 13. The next step is to decide how your training will go down. What are you providing for them as a team member? Do you want to them to get involved? Are you interested in training? 14. If you're bringing on an employee, have an employee handbook prepared to lay out responsibilities, expectations,and  benchmarks. 15. Trust is built through repetition. Offering a 1:1 meeting with your employees is a time to check-in & go over goals and realign expectations. 16. Offering incentives, incentives, opportunities for leadership also builds trust. 17. When first hiring, start with a 90 day trial to see if you are a good fit. Take 15% off our favorite skincare line, Pharmagel with code SSA15: http://www.pharmagel.net/discount/ssa15?redirect=%2F%3Fafmc%3Dssa15  

Are you ready to take control of your finances and build lasting wealth? In this episode, we're breaking down a sustainable plan to grow your income, reduce debt, and invest in your future—all tailored for hairstylists, salon owners, and beauty entrepreneurs. Learn smart money strategies, the best ways to eliminate high-interest debt, and how to start investing wisely (even if you're new to it). Whether you're looking to scale your business, create passive income, or build financial security, this episode gives you actionable steps to make it happen. Tune in and start making your money work for you! Get FREE access to our Creative Service Profit Maker Webinar now: https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/ao7u0l0qzq Start your high yield savings account with a bonus kickback on Marcus: https://www.marcus.com/share/AMB-9K4-NTGI Get 2 weeks of GlossGenius free, lowest processing fees in the biz & AI tools to help you run your business! https://glossgenius.biz/AmbrosiaCarey Key Take-aways: 1. Pay off high interest debt first: credit cards can hold an interest rate up to 25% causing the average person to pay 2.5x more than the original purchase. 2. The suggested amount is to pay 15-25% of your income monthly to pay off that debt. 3. Avalanche Method: is a debt repayment strategy where you focus on paying off debts with the highest interest rates first to save the most money on interest over time. 4. Allocate 20-30% of your income every month toward your emergency fund, whether you choose to pay off debt first or divide 25% to debt and 5% toward saving. 5. Some debt is healthy debt, but your credit score is impacted when your debt to credit limit goes over 30%. Once your debt to credit limit hits 30%, it can drop your credit score by 20 to 50 points depending on your overall credit profile. 6. An emergency fund provides financial security by covering unexpected expenses. It offers peace of mind, supports business stability during slow periods, and allows you to make decisions confidently without financial stress. Plus, it encourages better money habits and protects long-term investments. 7. Setting clear goals helps you get there faster. 8. Set aside 10-15% of your income to your savings once you've paid of your remaining debts. The goal is to build 3-6 months of your monthly average spending to hold in your savings. 9. The next step is to open a high-yield savings account, which compounds over time at a higher interest rate allowing you to accumulate more income as the account grows. 10. Compounding means you're growing income from interest continues to grow as the money grows. The more frequently your interest is compounded, the quicker your money grows. 11. Leverage your own business as an investment. You want every square inch of your business to be income producing. If you're independent, what lines or affiliate programs can you work with to add multiple streams of income? 12. Build a roadmap for your income strategy building. Start thinking of this as placing your efforts seasonally to pour into multiple buckets, which allows wealth to build more wealth for yourself. 13. When seeking a financial advisor, ask them what their fee structure is. Take 15% off our favorite skincare line, Pharmagel with code SSA15: http://www.pharmagel.net/discount/ssa15?redirect=%2F%3Fafmc%3Dssa15  

Ready to boost your income without adding more hours behind the chair? In this episode, we're diving into creative strategies to grow your salon business and increase revenue. Learn how to make retail sales a natural part of your service, leverage affiliate marketing, and create digital products that keep clients coming back. We'll also discuss hosting client education events, teaching at beauty schools, and collaborating with brands to build new revenue streams. From high-ticket services like extensions to e-commerce opportunities, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you reach your financial goals while elevating your client experience. Get FREE access to our Creative Service Profit Maker Webinar now! https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/ao7u0l0qzq  Email & text marketing is the quickest way to increase your income and GlossGenius has AI support to make this as simple as clicking a button! Try it out for 2 weeks FREE: https://glossgenius.biz/AmbrosiaCarey Key Take-Aways: 1. Retail Sales: Make its a part of your service and not an add-on. 2. Talk retail during the consultation to know what you need to recommend. It's a deeper way to take better care of your client. 3. With the average 15% commission with retail, even if you only sold 10 products per week, that's close to an extra $250 per month…without having to do extra behind the chair. 4. Affiliate marketing will also become more natural if you talk retail in the salon. You can send the link to your clients as well. 5. Add your affiliate links into places that have clickable links such as Pinterest & Facebook. 6. Create digital products such as quick video tutorials for your clients. 7. Digital products also make you irreplaceable. 8. Host an educational event for your clients, it can also bring added income into your space. 9. Start teaching in a beauty school to be a better presenter and offer a low-ticket class for students. 10. Collaborate with brands by having a clear goal and approach from a place of giving, not taking. 11. Work with a brand you've already been using, reach out, showcase examples of your work or create a clever offer. 12. If you've already established a relationship with the brand, propose Sponsorship. 13. Extensions bring added income both as a high ticket service, retail sales on the hair, and a reoccurring service that has an average higher price per minute. 14. If you added a $400 installation twice per month, thats close to $10k per year. 15. Ecommerce is another way of expanding your sales; from retail purchases on your website to sending kits to clients. Take 15% off our favorite skincare line, Pharmagel with code SSA15: http://www.pharmagel.net/discount/ssa15?redirect=%2F%3Fafmc%3Dssa15  

Are you ready to shift your mindset and take control of your beauty career? In this episode, we explore what it truly means to be accountable as a beauty professional. Instead of seeking validation from others, discover how to reclaim your power, embrace leadership, and create work-life harmony. This episode is packed with honest advice and actionable insights for stylists, salon owners, and anyone ready to elevate their mindset and career. Tune in for the conversation you might just be ready to hear! Listen into part 1: Navigating Change in the Salon World: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/successful-stylist-academy/id1584273127?i=1000684015514 Be the first to get access to our FREE webinar, Path To Profit, by joining our newsletter: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/63e914fc8e06d4dae9493e58 Get your first 2 weeks of GlossGenius FREE: https://glossgenius.biz/AmbrosiaCarey Key Take-aways: 1. Rather than focusing on how clients make us feel, what is our responsibility and how we allow ourselves to feel? 2. We all seek validation, but what does it mean to you and once you are validated what do you do with it? 3. Don't give your power away. 4. Assistant vs apprentice: working for someone else vs working for yourself. 5. Find a mentor before leaving beauty school to avoid experimenting with a salon that might not set you up for success. 6. Leadership comes down to your own accountability. 7. There isn't such thing as work-life balance, but there can be work-life harmony. 8. Try letting go of what you think it needs to be, being others in, find your community. 9. We only hear conversations when we're ready to hear it. 10. Don't get too hung up on the stories you tell yourself because those stories can change.  Give yourself grace to be wrong. Find Hairdustry on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hairdustry?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Take 15% off our favorite skincare line, Pharmagel with code SSA15: http://www.pharmagel.net/discount/ssa15?redirect=%2F%3Fafmc%3Dssa15  

In this episode, we sit down with the host of Hairdustry, a podcast dedicated to exploring the mindset and evolution of the hair industry. We discuss how staying adaptable, embracing change, and fostering the right mindset can help hairstylists and salon owners thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. From navigating industry changes to building a sustainable career, this conversation is packed with insights to empower beauty professionals at every stage of their journey. Whether you're behind the chair or leading a salon, you'll walk away with thought provoking advice to align your mindset with how your our future could evolve. If you haven't used GlossGenius, here's a 2 week free trial: https://glossgenius.biz/AmbrosiaCarey To get access to our FREE Path to Profit Webinar, sign up to our Newseltter and we will send you the video once it goes live! Key Take-aways: 1. Responsibility is simply the ability to respond. 2. Instead of responding or reacting, try pausing. 3. Asking the big question "is this true" can help with reshaping limited beliefs. 4. You are what you eat and sometimes you are eating misinformation… are you consuming what is serving you? 5. Change is never what's next. 6. Sometimes we put the energy into what is ahead of us, but really it's about letting go of an old belief system that allows change. 7. Some relationships run its course & we can just be grateful for what it was. 8. We are seeing a rise and recalibration of independent educators in the industry due to the desire of connection. 9. We have a very unique opportunity in this industry to run our own business, even as a W-2 employee. 10. Find Hairdustry on Instagram Tale 15% off our favoriete skincare line, Pharmagel with code SSA15: http://www.pharmagel.net/discount/ssa15?redirect=%2F%3Fafmc%3Dssa15