Unchained From the Chair

Brett welcomes Brandi Fulton, a financial wizard who is reshaping the way business owners in the salon industry manage their finances. Brandi offers a goldmine of insights into tax preparation, bookkeeping, and retirement planning. [04:00] Brandi’s journey into the beauty industry. [06:35] The importance of financial education, according to Brandi Fulton. [19:43] The role of education in Brandi’s services. [23:38] Common financial mistakes Brandi Fulton sees beauty professionals make. [28:15] Understanding tax payments and business structures. [34:24] The reality of retirement planning in the beauty industry. [37:55] Introducing the Financially Fit Beauty Society. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

Brett welcomes Krystine Sherwood, the Beauty Pro Coach, to discuss the nuanced challenges of salon ownership, the unsung heroism of professional coaching, and the epiphanies that have shaped Krystine’s personal trajectory. [03:00] Krystine’s personal approach to coaching, and the difference between coaches and consultants. [06:28] The impact life coaching has had on Krystine Sherwood, both professionally and personally. [16:27] The challenges and triumphs of business growth. [21:43] Krystine’s life coaching services for beauty pros. [27:48] Lessons learned from running a salon business. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

Brett is joined by Shawna Enright, a visionary in the beauty industry, a successful salon owner, a creator of a unique extension line, and a stylist with an entrepreneurial spirit. Shawna shares the key lessons she's learned on her path to financial freedom, maintaining a successful work-life relationship, and serving her dream clients. [08:52] Shawna career evolution and transition into salon ownership. [16:19] Why Shawna chose to specialize in hair extensions. [18:44] Shawna's current salon and business philosophy. [22:33] Her approach to investing in salon and revenue growth. [29:00] How Shawna Enright sets financial goals and evaluates investment opportunities. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

In this episode, Brett interviews Ambrosia Carey, a master hairstylist, salon owner, and trailblazer as an educator and business consultant in the beauty industry. Ambrosia shares the wealth of knowledge she's gained from her ascent, her strategies for success, and her insightful approach to achieving personal and professional fulfillment. [05:04] Ambrosia's advice on business growth. [13:51] How Ambrosia approaches hiring and leadership. [22:41] The power of teamwork in any business venture. [25:06] Why Ambrosia launched The Beauty Business Collective. [29:24] How Ambrosia finds work-life balance. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

In this episode, Brett is joined by Sharon Huckle, serial entrepreneur and founder of The Unstoppable Stylist. Sharon is not only a co-founder of several ventures but also an inspiring industry coach who has masterfully woven her narrative through the worlds of beauty, dining, and hospitality. [05:12] Sharon's journey as a salon owner. [09:48] The approach Sharon Huckle takes with all her businesses and her advice for entrepreneurs. [14:20] How Sharon transitioned into coaching. [18:31] Sharon's business structures and financial management approach. [26:21] The importance of mindset and messaging in business. [35:38] Sharon’s six-part framework for success. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

In our latest episode, Brett welcomes Crystal Green, a master hairstylist turned educator and coach. As the founder of Your Hair Mentor, Crystal provides coaching resources for beauty pros looking to build a thriving business that serves them. [05:02] Crystal's early career and transition to hairdressing. [13:30] The challenges of being an independent contractor. [17:29] How Crystal Green left the salon and entered the world of coaching. [21:41] Crystal’s one-on-one coaching programs and workshops. [26:35] The importance of recognizing and embracing your value. [33:43] Why digital connections are so important in the beauty business. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

In this episode, Brett is joined by Michelle Cook, the visionary behind Carter Cook CPAs, a firm that's revamping the financial landscape for beauty professionals. Tune in to discover the secrets to financial mastery in the beauty industry and learn how Michelle's approach to business is helping beauty professionals everywhere to rewrite their financial narratives. [04:36] How Michelle Cook transitioned from beauty pro to accounting maven. [09:47] Why Michelle decided to start her own firm, Carter Cook CPAs. [15:50] The evolution of Carter Cook CPAs and where it stands today. [21:24] Michelle’s "concierge service" business model. [27:44] The importance of pricing yourself correctly as a beauty pro. [35:44] What surprised Michelle Cook most about her entrepreneurial journey and the lessons she’s learned along the way. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

In this episode, Brett interviews Jessica Patton, a stylist-turned-business coach. Using her signature 5M Method, Jessica gives salon owners and independent hair stylists the tools they need to book their dream clients and take their businesses to new heights. [05:58] How Jessica Patton made the leap from virtual assistant to coach. [08:49] The mindset and financial management shifts Jessica had to make as an entrepreneur. [16:19] The challenges of marketing yourself as a business owner and the strategies Jessica employs. [18:08] Jessica’s VIP days and coaching approach. [20:14] The 5M Method. [24:18] Jessica’s advice for new entrepreneurs and the importance of niching down. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

Brett hosts Jodie Brown, a hairstylist veteran turned podcaster, marketing agency owner, and business, branding, and marketing educator for beauty pros. Founder of Align Creative and voice behind the "Hairstylist Rising" podcast, Jodie blends her beauty industry roots with her passion for marketing, guiding professionals who often grapple with the expansive world of digital branding. [05:10] How Align Creative came to be and evolved into the business it is today. [14:16] Why Jodie Brown believes Mastermind groups are so important for entrepreneurial success. [21:53] How Jodie approaches the money side of her business. [28:46] The various ways salon owners and beauty biz pros can work with Align Creative. [37:47] What surprised Jodie most about the entrepreneurial journey. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

Brett sits down with Pat Hogan, an influential figure at Cirque Salon Studios and a trailblazer in beauty pro business coaching, to discuss the opportunities and challenges beauty professionals face in the modern age and the industry gap that inspired Pat to become a business growth coach. [05:46] Pat Hogan shares his views on the industry’s shift away from commission stylists toward salon suite owners. [08:20] The gap in the industry that inspired Pat to become a business coach for beauty pros. [15:41] Pat describes his ideal coaching client and what a typical engagement looks like. [22:21] Where Pat sees the industry heading in the next five years. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

Brett interviews Kelly Cahen, a nationally recognized stylist, seven-figure salon owner, and small business coach, about the opportunities and challenges of entrepreneurship. [09:32] Kelly Cahen shares how her entrepreneurial journey began and her vision for her first salon. [14:53] How losing her entire team forced Kelly to reimagine and rebuild her salon, which is now a seven-figure business. [20:15] The events that led Kelly to become a small business coach for salon owners. [29:07] How Kelly’s experience has affected the way she thinks about money and growth. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

In this episode, Brett chats with Lynzie Smith, founder of Common Wealth Collective, about how she harnesses the power of community, education, and support to uplift and drive change within the beauty industry. [03:46] What is Common Wealth Collective, and who is it for? [17:46] The events that led Lynzie Smith to create what is now Common Wealth Collective. [28:21] Lynzie describes the innovative cohort program and curriculum she created. [34:04] Lynzie Smith shares her personal and professional vision for the next three to five years. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

In this episode, Brett interviews Cyd Charisse, the co-founder and co-owner of Destroy the Hairdresser, a coaching program focused on helping salon owners future-proof their businesses. [06:11] Cyd Charisse’s journey from hairstylist to co-founding a million-dollar coaching business. [14:55] Why Cyd’s coaching business focuses on fostering strong, non-toxic leadership within the salon industry. [22:31] How Cyd Charisse uses boundary-setting and time-blocking to run her business. [27:18] The rigorous vetting and training process Cyd uses to onboard coaches. [33:35] The potential profitability and value of the salon industry, according to Cyd Charisse. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

In this episode, Brett interviews Shelby Bettencourt, a hairstylist, breathwork facilitator, and coach. Shelby shares her transformative journey, including how she built a full clientele in just six months after moving to Miami, opened her own salon suite, and eventually transitioned into coaching so she can help others achieve professional and personal freedom. [06:26] Why Shelby Bettencourt believes that success in both business and life are intertwined. [20:34] Shelby’s journey from working in structured and unstructured salon environments to opening her own salon suite and her eventual transition to coaching other salon professionals. [32:36] Why Shelby views money as a resource that enables her to help others and build relationships. [41:38] Shelby Bettencourt’s strategies for self-improvement and keeping herself grounded. [51:31] How Shelby overcame the biggest obstacle in her life: herself. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

In this episode, Brett interviews Caylee Auge, a former salon owner turned business trainer and coach focused on empowering her colleagues in the beauty industry to take charge of their businesses using easy-to-apply tools and strategies. You’ll learn the critical elements of Caylee’s business success as she shares the strategies that helped her build, scale, and ultimately sell her award-winning salon business. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

Are you ready to exit your hair salon? In this episode, Brett shares 10 key questions you should ask yourself to determine if you're ready to transition away from your salon business. [04:05] Are you prepared or ready to sell your salon? [04:25] Do you have your personal, financial, and business goals aligned? [06:18] Have you created an advisory team? [07:13] Do you have a contingency plan? [08:21] Have you completed a business valuation of your salon? [09:13] Have you considered all of your exit options? [09:56] Is your transition plan in writing? [10:57] Have you considered and designed a post-salon life? [11:58] Do you have a pre-transition value of your assets and some preliminary due diligence underway? [13:27] Do you have a management succession program? For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

Stylist and salon owner turned international business coach Nina Tulio shares the lessons she's learned along her entrepreneurial journey. [09:06] Nina Tulio shares her experience opening her own hair salon in Pennsylvania and the challenges she faced as a salon owner. [17:29] Brett and Nina discuss the practical and emotional aspects of selling a hair salon. [22:03] Nina's transformation from hair salon owner and stylist to international business coach. [33:24] Nina Tulio shares the number-one reason stylists come to her for coaching: pricing. [44:03] Why going into debt was the low point of Nina's entrepreneurial journey and what she learned from that experience. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

In this episode, Brett shares his insights on choosing the right buyer if you're thinking about one day selling your salon business. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

Brett interviews Nikke Le, owner of Statements the Salon in Woodbridge, VA; creator of Statements the Academy, a time-tested curriculum that teaches stylists how to become fully booked in lightning speed; and founder of The Statements Project, a salon consultancy company that aims to make education convenient, broad, and affordable for all stylists and salon owners. In this episode, you'll hear about Nikke's transformation from an inexperienced leader to a visionary businesswoman, her passion for building legacy businesses, and how she extends her knowledge and guidance to others in the industry. [00:11:51] Nikke Le’s leadership advice based on her experience managing a 6,000-square-foot salon. [00:20:16] The steps Nikke took to transition into coaching. [00:26:36] How Nikke sets herself apart as a coach and shapes the client experience. [00:37:48] Where Nikke sees herself and her business heading over the next 10 years. [00:41:08] The biggest lessons Nikke has learned during her 36 years in the beauty industry. [00:50:23] Nikke Le’s definition of success. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.

In this episode, Brett shares why creating your exit and estate plans can help you chart a course forward and secure your financial future as a salon owner. For more information and resources related to this episode, please visit the show notes.