What does it really take to build a legacy in the beauty industry? On our first ever episode of Suite Independence, I share an incredible conversation with Eric Fisher, a true industry icon whose journey to founder of Eric Fisher Salons, Eric Fisher Academy, and Prosper U is filled with lessons on grit, passion, and the power of showing up. We explore how the definition of success has evolved, why relationships matter more than technical skills, and how to thrive in a changing world, whether you’re just starting out or looking to reignite your purpose.

Highlights

• Eric Fisher’s unconventional path from music to beauty
• The influence of family and mentors on career choices
• How the beauty industry offers real economic opportunity and flexibility
• The importance of lifelong learning and constant self-improvement
• Building a culture of empathy, grit, and showing up
• The evolution of beauty standards and the impact of social media
• Creating memorable client experiences beyond technical skills
• The business of beauty: financial literacy, retail, and maximizing value
• Giving back, mentorship, and the legacy of teaching
• Insights on photography, creativity, and developing your own aesthetic
• Adapting to generational shifts and staying relevant as a leader

Chapters

00:00 — Welcome & Introduction to Eric Fisher

00:58 — Eric’s Early Journey: From Drummer to Beauty School

03:19 — Lessons from London and Global Experience

05:21 — Opening the First Salon and Learning from Mentors

08:21 — The Power of Passion and Loving Your Work

10:30 — Changing Perceptions: Beauty School as a Career

13:55 — The Value of Trade Schools and Economic Mobility

16:41 — Lifelong Learning and the Birth of Prosper U

19:59 — Building Habits, Practicing Excellence, and Showing Up

24:24 — Grit, Motivation, and the Challenges Facing Young Professionals

28:34 — Empathy, Mentorship, and Individualized Teaching

32:21 — Relationship Skills, Scripts, and Business Building

36:47 — Maximizing Value: Retail, Financial Planning, and Average Ticket

41:04 — The Experience Economy: Creating Memorable Client Moments

46:53 — The Role of Money, Success, and Defining Your Best

50:51 — Photography, Creativity, and Changing Beauty Standards

54:09 — Giving Back, Mentorship, and the Power of Teaching

59:58 — What’s Next: Growth, Legacy, and Lifelong Learning

1:01:06 — Closing Thoughts & Appreciation

Resources Mentioned

• Eric Fisher Academy
• Prosper U
• Eric Fisher Instagram (Hair)
• Eric Fisher Instagram (Photography)

Books:

• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
• The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
• A Circle of Creativity by Rick Rubin
• The Experience Economy by B. Joseph Pine II & James H. Gilmore
• Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

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