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Do What You Love and Figure Out Who You Are Before Doing the Work

In this multi-topic episode, Jen and Todd share their thoughts on the importance of passion and self-discovery in both personal and business life.

Jen starts with a heartfelt story about a client who was moved to tears after Jen transformed her hair with extensions, reminding Jen why she loves her work.

Todd follows with a discussion on the significance of doing the work to figure out who you are, emphasizing that copying others won't lead to success.

They also explore the dynamics within salons, the importance of attracting the right kind of clientele, and how new hairstylists should approach building their careers.

Moreover, the conversation shifts to business strategies, using Trader Joe's unique model as an example to illustrate how businesses can thrive by doing things differently.

They wrap up with an exciting announcement about an upcoming workshop on June 13th. MORE INFO HERE!

00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter
00:29 Opening Takes: Do What You Love
02:17 Opening Takes: Figure Out Who You Are
02:41 The Importance of Self-Reliance in Business
04:56 Challenges in Salon Leadership and Team Dynamics
07:25 Advice for New Stylists and Building Clientele
14:28 Dealing with Extension Fix Requests
18:26 Client Consultation Challenges
19:14 Dealing with Discount Seekers
20:34 Business Insights from Trader Joe's
23:40 Maximizing Salon Space and Efficiency
26:27 Product Selection and Brand Alignment
30:11 Donation Strategies and Community Impact
32:26 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

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Feeling uninspired? Overwhelmed? Just going through the motions in your salon, studio, or behind the chair?

You're not alone—and you're not broken.

In this episode, Todd and Jen tackle what it really means to be in a professional slump, why it's more common than you think, and how to pull yourself out of it with simple, actionable strategies.

They cover everything from signs of burnout and creative stagnation to client overbooking and social media comparison traps.

Whether you’re a stylist, salon owner, or creative professional, this conversation will help you find clarity, community, and fresh inspiration.

🔥 What You’ll Learn:

• Why being in a slump is normal (and sometimes necessary for growth)
• 6+ causes of professional slumps in the hair industry
• Practical ways to re-ignite creativity and motivation
• The truth about running a business vs. doing great hair
• Why classes and community are essential to your long-term success
• What to do today if you’re feeling stuck

🕒 Episode Timestamps:

• [00:00] Opening: Wrapping up the school year + “be present” mindset
• [03:00] Hair vs. business: Two completely separate skill sets
• [06:00] Stop cutting corners: Why investing in your business matters
• [07:30] What a slump feels like (and how to recognize it)
• [09:00] Jen's insight: How growth, change, and perspective combat slumps
• [10:45] Behind the scenes: Hello’s upcoming Blow Dry Finish Workshop
• [12:30] The value of revisiting fundamentals, even after 10+ years
• [14:30] Creating styling menus to boost revenue & client experience
• [17:00] MVP mindset: Launch now, improve later
• [18:00] Causes of burnout: repetition, overbooking, and lack of boundaries
• [20:00] The role of social media & comparison in salon burnout
• [22:00] Reassessing your clientele and long-term goals
• [24:00] Mentorship, phone calls, and vision-setting
• [26:00] Why quitting may not be the answer—and what to ask yourself first
• [28:00] Growth doesn’t always mean more—it might mean less
• [29:30] Simple actions that create massive change
• [33:00] Advice for employees who feel stuck but don’t want to leave
• [35:00] Finding your hype group: community matters
• [37:00] The SLUMP Acronym: Step back. Learn. Update. Meet. Pick.

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Leveraging Hospitality to Boost Your Salon Business

In this episode, Jen and Todd reflect on their past month's experiences and dive into the differences between hospitality and service within the hair industry.

They emphasize how leveraging honest hospitality can enhance client retention and attract new clients, ultimately growing your salon business.

They stress reading the room, making clients feel special, and creating emotional connections as key factors in delivering outstanding hospitality.

Furthermore, they underline the importance of leading by example and investing in your team to sustain a warm, client-focused culture.

Key points include actionable tips on remembering client preferences, creating a welcoming ambiance, and stepping out of comfort zones to make real-world progress in business.

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
00:44 Episode Milestone and Future Plans
01:07 Hospitality vs. Service Overview
02:04 Opening Takes: Knowledge and Progress
07:24 Client Retention and Growth Strategies
15:32 Service vs. Hospitality in Business
18:09 The Importance of Hospitality in Service
18:58 Consistency in Client Service
19:13 Client Retention Through Personal Connection
21:16 The Pitfalls of Self-Centered Service
23:41 Reading the Room: Tailoring Service to Clients
25:23 Practical Tips for Enhancing Hospitality
28:30 Leadership and Team Management
33:47 Building a Unique Brand vs. Franchising
35:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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The Art of Preparedness in a Hair Salon

In this episode, Jen and Todd discuss how preparedness will set your business apart.

They touch on the importance of growth opportunities, freedom in the workplace, and the value of supportive mentorship.

The episode highlights how using technology and innovative practices can enhance both client and staff experiences.

They also share insights on the essential tasks like maintaining cleanliness, conducting real consultations, and the overall importance of creating a welcoming environment.

With real-life examples and practical advice, Jen and Todd provide a blueprint for running a successful client and employee-focused salon.

00:00 Welcome Back! Catching Up with Jen
00:33 Discussing Last Week's Guest: Brooke
01:22 Preparedness and Opening Takes
02:05 Business Insights: Private Labels and Value Creation
05:24 Career Reflections and Personal Growth
10:03 Creating a Welcoming Salon Environment
13:53 The Importance of Cleanliness and Consistency
19:59 Collaboration at Hello Hair Co.
20:31 Encouraging Collaboration in the Salon
21:17 The Importance of Asking for Help
22:01 Adherence to Foundational Principles
22:14 Product Selection and Client Satisfaction
23:08 Effective Use of Social Media
24:53 Small Touches That Make a Big Difference
26:09 Leveraging Technology for Client Experience
28:42 Creating Growth Opportunities for Staff
31:12 Balancing Freedom and Responsibility
32:22 Supporting and Mentoring Your Team
33:53 Ensuring Proper Equipment and Tools
36:14 Marketing, Social Media, and Education
37:46 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

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Finding Your Place in the Hair Industry with Brooke Wrobel

Todd is joined by Brooke Wrobel, one of the hair pros at Hello Hair.

Brooke shares her journey into the hair industry, from her decision to skip college and attend hair school at Empire in Hookset, New Hampshire, to her experiences behind the chair.

They discuss various topics, including the challenges of transitioning from school to professional work, the importance of consultations, and Hello Hair's supportive culture.

Brooke also shares her favorite types of clients, memorable client stories, and struggles with social media and personal growth.

The episode wraps up with a fun, rapid-fire question segment, revealing Brooke’s preferences and quirks.

Tune in for a candid and insightful conversation about the highs and lows of being a hairstylist.

Find Brooke @yourhairbestiebrooke or book a consultation with her here!

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
00:35 Brooke's Journey into the Hair Industry
01:58 Hair School Experience
05:19 First Salon Job and Challenges
13:14 Joining Hello Hair
17:54 Client Interactions and Memorable Stories
21:17 Importance of Consultations
22:58 Styling Tips and Product Use
23:41 Working at Hello: Collaboration and Support
27:14 Salon Culture and Client Interaction
32:22 Social Media Challenges and Strategies
37:18 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts
42:10 Conclusion and Future Plans

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Self-Awareness: The Key to Personal and Professional Growth

In this solo episode, Todd explores the critical topic of self-awareness and its impact on both personal and professional life.

Todd opens with a light-hearted take on family bonding over NBA basketball, underscoring the importance of real-life connections in an increasingly digital world.

He discusses the influence of ego, social media pressures, and living in echo chambers on one’s ability to self-assess accurately.

Todd also shares personal anecdotes from the hair industry and his experience as a gym owner to highlight the importance of self-awareness in achieving success and continuous improvement.

He emphasizes the value of journaling, mentorship, and remaining curious to enhance self-awareness.

00:00 Introduction and Updates
00:28 The Importance of Self-Awareness
02:05 Opening Take: NBA Playoffs and Family Time
05:45 Self-Awareness in the Hair Industry
07:47 Understanding the Dunning-Kruger Effect
13:05 Lessons from the Gym: Tracking Progress
15:36 Podcast Journey and Social Media Strategy
24:32 Common Mistakes in Business and Self-Awareness
28:53 Practical Tips for Increasing Self-Awareness
31:59 Conclusion and Call to Action

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Transformative Leadership Insights: Lessons from Starbucks and Chili's CEOs

In this episode, hosts Jen and Todd kick off their discussion with engaging opening takes on the importance of self-care and effective leadership qualities.

Jen discusses her career in the hair industry and the crucial role of self-care in achieving longevity in the profession.

Todd shares a surprising statistic about American-made clothing and suggests that great leaders inspire those around them.

The hosts delve into lessons from the CEOs of Starbucks and Chili's, highlighting how these leaders successfully pivot their companies by streamlining operations and focusing on fundamentals.

Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol emphasizes creating a consistent customer experience, while Chili's CEO Kevin Hochman showcases innovative changes in kitchen operations that have massively increased efficiency and sales.

They encourage listeners to look beyond their industry for inspiration and always be open to reevaluating and upgrading their business practices.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings
01:09 Opening Takes: Self-Care and Career Longevity
03:09 Opening Takes: Made in America and Leadership
06:14 Starbucks: Learning from a Giant
07:44 Starbucks: Addressing Challenges and Innovations
11:07 Starbucks: Focusing on Customer Experience
17:37 Chili's: Streamlining for Success
18:24 Chili's Kitchen Overhaul: Streamlining for Success
19:47 French Fry Fix: Simplifying for Speed
21:26 Team Insights: Listening to Your Staff
23:24 Menu Slim Down: Less is More
25:10 Marketing Moves: Competing with Fast Food
26:51 Consistency is Key: Delivering What You Promise
32:09 Fundamentals First: Mastering the Basics
33:30 Final Thoughts: Continuous Improvement

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Navigating the Beauty Industry: Debunking Myths and Bad Advice from Schools

In this episode, Jen and Todd discuss the misinformation and bad advice being spread by cosmetology schools, particularly regarding business models in the beauty industry.

They share personal anecdotes about leadership and client care, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's clients and providing exceptional service.

Jen also highlights the importance of proper nutrition for optimal performance.

The conversation then shifts to the pitfalls of booth rental versus commission salons, the unrealistic expectations set by schools, and the need for thorough research and mentorship.

They emphasize the importance of shadowing various salon environments to make informed career decisions. Ultimately, the episode aims to offer thought-provoking insights and practical advice for beauty professionals to thrive and sustain successful careers in the industry.

00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:15 Opening Takes: Leadership and Snacks
02:00 Client Relationships and Business Practices
02:17 The Chewy Story: Customer Care
05:32 Challenges in the Hair Industry
06:09 The Reality of Booth Rentals
10:20 The Importance of Continued Education
14:11 Shadowing and Forming Your Own Path
16:34 The Importance of Team Collaboration
17:33 Challenges in Booth Rental Salons
18:39 Misleading Advertisements in the Salon Industry
21:14 The Value of Shadowing and Internships
23:28 Defining Success in the Hair Industry
29:16 Avoiding Social Media Traps
32:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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