Are you prepared for the unexpected? Imagine if you suddenly couldn’t work—how would that impact your family, your business, and your peace of mind? Today, I sit down with Molly Henthorn from Empower Financial Group to uncover the real risks beauty professionals face and the practical ways to protect your income, your business, and your future. From personal stories to actionable advice, this conversation is packed with insights every independent professional should hear.

Highlights

• The true impact of being unable to work—and how to plan for it
• How Empower Financial Group partners with beauty professionals to offer tailored benefits
• Real-life stories of professionals who faced unexpected challenges
• The surprising affordability of income protection and other benefits
• What to consider when choosing coverage as a self-employed professional
• How to adjust your protection as your business grows
• The unique value of working with a partner who understands your industry

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction: The Unexpected Impact of Absence

00:10 — Meet Molly from Empower Financial Group

00:58 — Molly's Visit to the Salons

01:43 — The Importance of Benefits for Beauty Professionals

01:56 — Empower Financial Group's Offerings

02:22 — Income Protection: A Critical Component

02:39 — Real-Life Scenarios and Testimonials

03:44 — Understanding the Cost of Benefits

04:54 — The Value of Income Protection

05:00 — Empower's National Reach and Claims Support

07:49 — Customizing Coverage for Beauty Professionals

13:16 — Conclusion and Future Opportunities

Resources Mentioned

• Empower Financial Group
  Website: https://www.empowerfingroup.com/
  
  

To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!

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What does it really take to turn a passion for beauty into a thriving, in-demand business? How do you build a brand that clients recognize instantly—and keep them coming back for years? Today, I sit down with Brooke Bemis, owner of Brows by B and the Brow Battalion, to uncover the real story behind her journey from serving tables to becoming one of Wichita’s most sought-after brow artists and educators. We talk about the grit, the branding, the boundaries, and the bold decisions that shaped her career, plus the lessons she’s learned about building a business, a brand, and a life you love.

Highlights

• Brooke’s journey from her first salon job to opening her own suite
• The moment she decided to niche down and focus exclusively on brows
• How branding (and a love of pink) set her apart in a crowded market
• The power of boundaries and policies in building a sustainable business
• Why she created a unique booking system—and how it keeps her schedule (and sanity) intact
• The leap from side hustles to full-time entrepreneur (and why it was terrifying)
• Launching a product line and professional tool collection for beauty pros
• The importance of community, networking, and training your “competition”
• How to handle burnout, set boundaries, and rediscover your “why”
• Advice for new estheticians and beauty professionals

Chapters

00:00 — Welcome & Introduction to Brooke

01:07 — Brooke’s Early Career and Finding Her Niche

02:10 — Building Brows by B: The Brand and the Experience

03:33 — The Power of Branding (and Pink Everything)

05:44 — From Side Hustles to Full-Time: Making the Leap

09:19 — Creating Hype: Booking, Waitlists, and Client Experience

15:24 — Training, Mentorship, and Building Community

21:03 — Product Lines, Tools, and Teaching Clients

23:11 — Burnout, Boundaries, and Rediscovering Passion

26:05 — Advice for New Beauty Pros & Final Thoughts

Resources

• Brows by B Website & Shop — Products, trainings, and more

To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!

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Do you think doing your taxes is more like a blowout, a brow wax, or a full Brazilian? For beauty professionals, financial management can sometimes feel simple and sometimes daunting and painful. Today, I sit down with Ryan Kittrell, CPA, to unravel the mysteries of bookkeeping, tax deductions, and financial habits that can make or break your business. Whether you’re a creative who dreads spreadsheets or a salon owner ready to level up, you’ll find practical advice, relatable stories, and a few laughs along the way. Let’s make taxes a little less scary—and maybe even a little fun.

Highlights

• Why beauty professionals struggle with bookkeeping and how to overcome it
• The truth about financial advice on social media
• Simple systems to keep your business finances organized
• What expenses are really deductible (and which ones aren’t)
• The importance of regular financial check-ins
• How to avoid the “it’s a write-off” spending trap
• Success stories from beauty pros who got their finances on track
• When to hire a CPA or bookkeeper
• Fun comparison: Is doing your taxes a blowout, brow wax, or full Brazilian?

Chapters

00:00 – Welcome & The Tax Service Analogy

00:47 – Meet Ryan Kittrell, CPA

01:34 – The Importance of Bookkeeping for Beauty Professionals

02:07 – Common Financial Challenges in the Beauty Industry

03:27 – Navigating Social Media Financial Advice

04:24 – Understanding Tax Deductions for Beauty Professionals

05:54 – Simple Financial Systems for Small Businesses

08:08 – When to Hire a CPA or Bookkeeper

09:22 – What Expenses Are Deductible?

13:20 – Avoiding Common Financial Pitfalls

17:51 – The Importance of Regular Financial Reviews

21:20 – Success Stories and Client Experiences

24:38 – The Value of Professional Financial Advice

25:18 – Scheduling Financial Check-Ins

26:27 – Fun Comparison: Taxes vs. Beauty Services

27:55 – How to Reach Ryan & Closing

Resources Mentioned

• Kittrell and Klaskin CPAs: www.kittrellklaskincpa.com
• Special thanks to Mikayla Wise, hairstylist at Tyler Point

To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!

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Are you ready to discover what it really takes to build a business you can step away from and still thrive? Join me as I sit down with Ashleigh Jones, a permanent makeup artist whose journey spans continents, motherhood, and the art of niching down. From building a sought-after salon in Australia to starting over in Wichita, Ashleigh shares the real stories behind her success, the challenges of letting go, and the power of community in business and life.

Highlights

• Ashleigh’s path from part-time waxing to becoming a renowned eyebrow specialist in Australia
• The leap from solo entrepreneur to managing a team of seven
• How she built a business designed for independence—and actually stepped away
• Navigating the emotional and practical challenges of moving countries and running a business remotely
• The impact of motherhood and postnatal depression on her career and identity
• Rebuilding in the U.S.: why she chose to focus on herself and her craft
• The science and artistry behind cosmetic tattooing, lip blushing, and 3D areola tattooing
• Why trends don’t belong in permanent makeup—and how Ashleigh educates her clients
• Hilarious and surprising client stories (including fake IDs and eyebrow requests to the ears!)
• Advice for beauty professionals on finding and owning your niche

Chapters

00:34 — Meet Ashleigh Jones: From Perth to Wichita

01:08 — Building a Business on Brows

02:41 — Stepping Back: Trust, Team, and Letting Go

04:29 — Moving to the U.S. & Maintaining a Business Abroad

05:21 — Motherhood, Postnatal Depression, and Business Transitions

07:00 — Reconnecting with the Business and Letting Go

10:41 — Starting Fresh: Focusing on Services in Wichita

13:19 — The Art and Science of Cosmetic Tattooing

16:07 — Trends, Client Education, and Natural Results

22:38 — Niche Down: Advice for Beauty Professionals

25:44 — Building Trust, Connection, and Community

28:00 — Closing Thoughts & Ashleigh’s Contact Info

Resources Mentioned

• Ashleigh Jones — Permanent Makeup Artist
  https://bellesorelle.com.au/wichita-home

To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!

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Are you ready to transform your client relationships and build the business—and life—you truly want? Discover how to create an exceptional client experience, set boundaries, and even let go of clients who aren’t the right fit, all while growing a thriving, independent business. Hanna Johnson, owner of The Wicker Chair Salon & Boutique, shares her journey from commission salons to successful suite ownership, revealing the lessons, challenges, and mindset shifts that shaped her career. Whether you’re a stylist, entrepreneur, or anyone seeking more freedom and fulfillment, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and real talk about what it takes to succeed on your own terms.

Highlights

• Hanna’s path from beauty school to independent salon ownership
• The challenges and growth that come from early career experiences
• How losing a job unexpectedly led to independence and business success
• Building deep, loyal client relationships—and why privacy matters
• Creating a premium client experience that goes beyond great hair
• Balancing business growth with personal life and family
• Raising prices, setting boundaries, and attracting your dream clientele
• The importance of community and mentorship in an independent business model
• Navigating difficult client situations and knowing when to say goodbye
• Using AI tools for professional communication
• Why supporting others in your industry leads to collective success

Chapters

• 0:00 — Introduction & Hanna’s background
• 0:52 — Meet Hanna Johnson: Journey in Hairdressing
• 1:41 — Starting Out: From School to Commission Salon
• 2:08 — Challenges and Growth in the Early Years
• 4:11 — The Turning Point: Going Independent
• 6:58 — Building Client Relationships
• 9:11 — Creating a Premium Client Experience
• 14:24 — Balancing Business and Personal Life
• 17:49 — Raising Prices and Client Retention
• 19:15 — Dealing with Difficult Clients
• 22:07 — Using AI for Professional Communication
• 24:29 — The Importance of Community Support
• 27:03 — Mentorship and Business Growth
• 30:28 — The Benefits of Independence
• 32:07 — Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources Mentioned

• Paul Mitchell Schools
  Paul Mitchell Cosmetology Schools
• Wichita Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award
  Wichita Chamber of Commerce

To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!

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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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