Stylist Soul Tribe Conversations

Hosted by Lisa Huff

Business Entrepreneurship Marketing Education

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Episodes

103

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to 'Stylist Soul Tribe Conversations', your source of inspiration and empowerment inside the beauty industry. Hosted by Lisa Huff, this podcast aims to ignite passion, purpose, and potential in hairstylists, salon owners, and industry professionals worldwide. Each episode, ranging from concise 15-minute insights to detailed hour-long conversations, is thoughtfully curated to offer a mix of solo musings, co-hosted discussions, and interviews with members of our close-knit Stylist Soul Tribe community and other industry trailblazers. We delve into business-building strategies, lifestyle design, personal growth, and the power of the law of attraction. Our conversations are both uplifting and insightful, crafted to help you build a life and business beyond your wildest dreams. The power of community is at the heart of everything we do. At 'Stylist Soul Tribe Conversations', we believe in the magic that happens when likeminded individuals come together, support each other, and collectively raise the bar in the industry. So join us as we explore the transformative power of community and celebrate the beauty of becoming, together.

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60 recent

August 19, 202622 min

The TED Talk Series: Going Gray, Going Curly, and the Mindset Shift Nobody Talks About

Have a topic request or someone you think we should have on the pod?! Send us a text and let us know! What happens when a client tells you they want to stop fighting their natural texture, or finally let the gray grow in, but they're terrified of how they'll look? In this episode of Stylist Soul Tribe Conversations, we're tackling the mindset work behind the chair that's just as important as the service itself. Annette Durkin, a 20+ year stylist, curl enthusiast, and longtime member of the Stylist Soul Tribe, is back for her second appearance on the podcast. We dive deep into the societal pressures that make women feel like their natural hair isn't "professional" or "beautiful," and more importantly, how you as a stylist can help clients navigate the emotional transition to embracing their authentic selves. If you've ever had a client hesitate to wear their curls or grow out their gray because of what others might think, this episode is for you. Annette shares her behind-the-chair wisdom on how to guide clients through the mindset shift, why a great haircut is more powerful than you think, and how to help clients fall in love with their uniqueness. Connect with Annette: Instagram: instagram.com/hairnette74/ Resources & Links Mentioned: Statistics source: 80% of women feel insecure from media images National Organization for Women Curly hair bias study: Lindenwood University study on straight vs. curly hair in professional settings CROWN Act study (2019): Black women and workplace hair bias Gray hair perception study: Frontier Scoop news Annette's first podcast episode: The Science of Haircutting: Unveiling the Head Shape Matters System Head Shape Matters: https://headshapematters.com/ This summer I'm hosting the Summer Specialization Series: three live virtual panels on the specialties that are really taking off in the industry right now. June 29 — Hair Loss, Extensions, and Enhancements July 27 — Curly Hair August 31 — Scalp Health and Head Spas Grab your spot here: https://stylistsoultribe.mykajabi.com/2026-summer-series Connect with Lisa Huff Instagram Facebook YouTube

August 12, 202647 min

How a Stylist Borrowed Half a Million Dollars & Paid It Back in 3 Years

Have a topic request or someone you think we should have on the pod?! Send us a text and let us know! In this episode, I sit down with Michelle, an Australian salon owner in Switzerland with TWO thriving locations, to hear the wild story of how she built her empire from the ground up. We're talking holiday romances, wealthy clients who became silent investors, and the moment Michelle realized she loved running her business more than being behind the chair. Michelle shares the exact systems, spreadsheets, and leadership strategies she used to secure private investments without even asking, pay back half a million in three years through pure hustle, achieve near-zero staff turnover (only 3 stylists left in 9 years!), and step out from behind the chair, and why she had to crawl back before she could truly leave. You'll learn why a detailed business plan attracts big money, why hustle has its season, how to become the boss stylists never want to leave, why stepping back is an identity crisis (not just a business decision), the financial formula you need to step back safely, and why 80% is good enough. Whether you're a salon owner dreaming of scaling or a stylist wondering if you're cut out for leadership, this one's for you. Michelle also gives a sneak peek into her upcoming masterclass on how to strategically step back from behind the chair without tanking your business . Resources: Connect with Michelle: michelle_tanner_consult DM me @lisahuffhair to access Michelle's exclusive masterclass on stepping back from the chair on Tuesday, September 15 @ 10:30am CDT Recommended book: Rocket Fuel by Gino Wickman This summer I'm hosting the Summer Specialization Series: three live virtual panels on the specialties that are really taking off in the industry right now. June 29 — Hair Loss, Extensions, and Enhancements July 27 — Curly Hair August 31 — Scalp Health and Head Spas Grab your spot here: https://stylistsoultribe.mykajabi.com/2026-summer-series Connect with Lisa Huff Instagram Facebook YouTube

July 22, 202635 min

When Your Body Makes You Slow Down with Ashley Gillen

Have a topic request or someone you think we should have on the pod?! Send us a text and let us know! Ever feel completely drained at the end of a workday, even if you didn't do anything "physically exhausting"? In this episode of Stylist Soul Tribe Conversations , I sit down with Ashley Gillan, salon owner, health coach, and host of The Energized Hairdresser Podcast . Ashley opens up about her journey through Graves' disease, thyroid disease, and the chronic stress that forced her to completely rethink how she shows up in her business and her life. We get real about: Why salon work is so uniquely exhausting (physically and emotionally) The wake-up call that changed everything How to set boundaries with clients without over-explaining Sane, non-perfectionist approaches to meal prep and daily systems If you've ever felt guilty for needing rest, struggled to say no, or wondered why you're so tired even when you're "just doing hair," this one's for you. Connect with Ashley Gillan Instagram: @TheEnergizedHairdresser Podcast: The Energized Hairdresser – available wherever you listen Website: https://www.energizedhairdresser.com/ Resources & Links Mentioned Laurel Denise Planner – Ashley's favorite for visual planning Notion – for organizing ideas across devices Cook Once, Eat All Week by Cassy Joy Garcia – meal prep book mentioned in the episode This summer I'm hosting the Summer Specialization Series: three live virtual panels on the specialties that are really taking off in the industry right now. June 29 — Hair Loss, Extensions, and Enhancements July 27 — Curly Hair August 31 — Scalp Health and Head Spas Grab your spot here: https://stylistsoultribe.mykajabi.com/2026-summer-series Connect with Lisa Huff Instagram Facebook YouTube

July 15, 202624 min

My 100th Episode: GRATEFUL AF

Have a topic request or someone you think we should have on the pod?! Send us a text and let us know! Holy sh t. We made it to 100! No script. No video. No filter. Just me, a microphone, and a random Monday when I realized I needed to pause and actually acknowledge this insane milestone. In this episode, I'm taking you behind the curtain, scrolling back through 401 weeks of Instagram posts, reading the very first caption that started it all, and getting real about what it's actually taken to get here. Less than 1% of podcasts ever reach 100 episodes. Most don't make it past episode 3. And yet, here we are. If you've been here since day one, welcome back. If this is your first time, welcome home. Either way, I'm spilling everything: the origin story, the dry spells, the tears, the wins, the evolution from a tiny mastermind to a global ecosystem, and why I still feel like I'm just getting started. Plus, I'm asking YOU: what do you want from the next 100 episodes? Because I can't do this without you. Let's go. 💡 Key Takeaways Most podcasts don't survive, but we did. It all started with one Instagram post. Soul Tribe has evolved into a full ecosystem. Delegation made the business stronger. The podcast had "dry spells" and that's okay. The next 100 episodes depend on YOU. 🎯 Resources Mentioned Stylist Soul Tribe Jumpstart – 12-week coaching container for beauty professionals Stylist Soul Tribe Mastermind – Monthly calls with your tribe Board of Support – Meet the 5 longtime members now leading calls Marketplace – Where members' big magic ideas are featured (Traveling Hairstylist, SEO services, social media management, virtual assistance, bookkeeping, and more) Book: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert – The book that sparked the original idea This summer I'm hosting the Summer Specialization Series: three live virtual panels on the specialties that are really taking off in the industry right now. June 29 — Hair Loss, Extensions, and Enhancements July 27 — Curly Hair August 31 — Scalp Health and Head Spas Grab your spot here: https://stylistsoultribe.mykajabi.com/2026-summer-series Connect with Lisa Huff Instagram Facebook YouTube

July 8, 202647 min

Can You Really Be a Salon Owner and a Present Mom Without Losing Your Mind?

Have a topic request or someone you think we should have on the pod?! Send us a text and let us know! If you're a salon owner or beauty professional who is also a mom, you've likely asked yourself this question more times than you can count: Can I really do both without completely losing myself? In this raw and inspiring conversation, Lisa sits down with Sarah Swift, a 33-year industry veteran, mother of three teenagers, and the creator of The Integrative Mother Experience (TIME) . Sarah doesn't sugarcoat her journey. She shares the messy, behind-the-scenes reality of navigating chemical sensitivities, infertility, miscarriages, family tragedies, and the crushing burnout cycle that so many service professionals accept as "just part of the job." But here's the twist: Sarah found a way out. She transformed her business from a burnout machine into a curated, aligned system that supports both her career and her family—allowing her to be more present and fulfilled than ever before. And now, she's on a mission to help other salon-owner moms do the same. If you're tired of the hustle, exhausted from pleasing everyone, and craving a life that actually feels aligned, this episode is your permission slip to design something different. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why "balance" is a trap and what you should strive for instead (hint: it's integration ) The power of "fast, messy action" and why waiting for perfection keeps you stuck How to recognize a "Big Magic" idea from the universe, and what to do when you feel the call Sarah's 5-step TIME framework for avoiding burnout, setting boundaries, and actually receiving joy How to build a business that can weather life's storms (including family tragedies) without falling apart Why you are not for everyone, and why that's a beautiful thing The simple morning ritual that changed everything for Sarah (and how you can start one too) Resources & Links Sarah's Website: theintegrativemotherexperience.com Sarah's Instagram: @timewithsarahswift Join Sarah's Free Private Facebook Group: Apply via her website Book Mentioned: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert This summer I'm hosting the Summer Specialization Series: three live virtual panels on the specialties that are really taking off in the industry right now. June 29 — Hair Loss, Extensions, and Enhancements July 27 — Curly Hair August 31 — Scalp Health and Head Spas Grab your spot here: https://stylistsoultribe.mykajabi.com/2026-summer-series Connect with Lisa Huff Instagram Facebook YouTube

July 1, 202640 min

S-Corps, Tip Credits, and Tax Deductions: A CPA’s Guide for Beauty Pros

Have a topic request or someone you think we should have on the pod?! Send us a text and let us know! If you're a stylist or beauty professional who has ever felt confused, overwhelmed, or even frustrated when it comes to your business finances, this episode is your wake-up call. Today, we are joined by the incredible Michelle Cook, a beauty school graduate turned licensed CPA and the founder of Carter Cook CPAs . Michelle and her team specialize in guiding beauty professionals to move beyond compliance and into forward-focused strategy . In other words, she doesn't just help you file your taxes; she helps you use your numbers to grow your business. In this episode, Michelle pulls back the curtain on the recent tax law changes that every salon owner and independent stylist needs to know about right now. We break down the brand-new FICA Tip Credit (which could save you thousands permanently) and the temporary Tip Deduction (worth up to $5,000 in savings). We also tackle the confusing world of S-Corps (when to switch, what to pay yourself, and why the "general rule" might be costing you money), uncover the top hidden deductions you're probably missing, and have an honest conversation about why making six figures doesn't always mean you feel rich, and how to fix that. Whether you're a booth renter, a salon owner, or scaling a multi-seven-figure empire, this episode is your ultimate financial playbook. Key Takeaways Two New Tax Laws Are a Big Deal for Beauty Pros The FICA Tip Credit is permanent and eliminates payroll taxes on tips—this alone can save you thousands. The Tip Deduction is temporary (2025–2028) and allows a deduction of up to $25,000 in tips, saving you roughly $5,000 annually. Don't Assume Your CPA Knows the Nuances Not all CPAs specialize in the beauty industry. Ask your tax preparer directly: "Are we taking advantage of the new tip credit and tip deduction?" If they missed it, they should amend your return for free. If they won't, run a cost-benefit analysis to see if hiring someone else to amend is worth it. Maximize Your Write-Offs with These Hidden Deductions Home Office: Must be exclusively used for business—deduct a portion of utilities, internet, and mortgage interest. Vehicle: Track business miles (errands, trade shows, education), but not your daily commute. Cell Phone: Allocate a percentage of your monthly bill if used for business. All-Inclusive Retreats: 100% deductible as education—a better deal than paying for meals (only 50% deductible) separately. The S-Corp "Rule of Thumb" Might Be Wrong for You General CPAs often say you need $100K in profit for an S-Corp, but Michelle says start thinking about it at $50K in profit . Your salary must be "reasonable" for your location and role—$30K may work in some areas but won't fly in San Francisco. The only reason to form an S-Corp is to save on taxes . Make sure your CPA runs a personalized analysis first. Wealth Isn't About a Number—It's About Behavior Many high-earners feel broke because of lifestyle creep. Smart business owners lock in a comfortable lifestyle and let the extra profit work for them (investing, saving, or scaling). Disclaimer: This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or tax advice. Please consult your own qualified professional. Connect with Michelle Cook: https://www.cartercookcpas.com/ Course: Beauty Bookkeeping – Learn to organize your numbers, pay yourself correctly, and set aside taxes like a pro. This summer I'm hosting the Summer Specialization Series: three live virtual panels on the specialties that are really taking off in the industry right now. June 29 — Hair Loss, Extensions, and Enhancements July 27 — Curly Hair August 31 — Scalp Health and Head Spas Grab your spot here: https://stylistsoultribe.mykajabi.com/2026-summer-series Connect with Lisa Huff Instagram Facebook YouTube

June 24, 202611 min

The Pricing Mistake Most Hairstylists Make

Have a topic request or someone you think we should have on the pod?! Send us a text and let us know! Are you raising your prices based on strategy… or just repeating what you've always been told? One of the biggest mistakes I see hairstylists make is increasing haircuts by $5 and color services by $10 without ever looking at whether their service menu is actually balanced. In this video, I'm walking you through my Price-Per-Minute Clarity Check—a simple exercise that helps uncover hidden pricing imbalances inside your service menu. You'll learn: ✔️ Why most salon pricing becomes unbalanced over time ✔️ How to calculate price per minute for every service ✔️ Why I don't believe all services should automatically increase equally ✔️ How to identify underpriced services without lowering prices elsewhere ✔️ How I combine this with my supply-and-demand pricing philosophy This isn't about random price increases. It's about building an intentional service menu that supports your income, your schedule, and the long-term sustainability of your beauty business. 👇 Watch next: How to Know When You've Earned a Price Increase (Supply & Demand Pricing) If you're a hairstylist, salon suite owner, esthetician, nail tech, or beauty professional looking to create more profit without working more hours, you're in the right place. Connect with Lisa Huff Instagram Facebook YouTube

June 17, 202612 min

The Data-Driven Approach to Raising Your Prices as a Stylist

Have a topic request or someone you think we should have on the pod?! Send us a text and let us know! Are you raising your prices based on feelings… or on actual data? One of the biggest mistakes I see beauty pros make is letting guilt, fear, or ego drive their pricing decisions, either charging more because they think they "deserve" it, or holding back because they're scared of what clients will think. But pricing isn't personal. It's supply and demand. It's math. In this training, I'm walking you through my completely data-driven approach to price increases, so you can raise your rates with clarity, not drama. You'll learn: ✔️ The difference between emotional discounting and strategic price increases ✔️ Why you have to get clear on your pricing structure before you raise anything ✔️ The 4 questions I ask every stylist to determine if they've actually earned an increase—and whether it should be 10%, 20%, or 30% ✔️ Exactly how to roll out your increase without the guilt or awkwardness: when to announce it, how to word the email to your clients, what to say at checkout, and how to handle the rare client who pushes back ✔️ Why you don't need a public Instagram announcement or over-explanation—just a calm, confident rollout This isn't about charging more just because you want to. It's about reading what the market is already telling you and responding with confidence. When your demand is high and your books are full, leaving money on the table doesn't serve you or your clients. But when your prices match your demand, everything shifts—your schedule, your income, and the way you show up behind the chair. 👇 Want hands-on help working through your own price increase strategy? If you're a hairstylist, salon suite owner, esthetician, nail tech, or beauty professional looking to build a business that actually pays you what you're worth, DM me "SST" on Instagram @lisahuffhair—and let's make it happen. Connect with Lisa Huff Instagram Facebook YouTube

May 27, 202630 min

How to Serve Hair Loss Clients Without Becoming a Specialist

Have a topic request or someone you think we should have on the pod?! Send us a text and let us know! You have clients who need hair loss solutions or volume enhancements. You want to help them. But you don't have the time, energy, or desire to master an entirely new specialty. Enter Emilie Carpenter. Emilie is a stylist who built a private studio in a converted office space during COVID. Along the way, she accidentally became an expert in custom-colored human hair toppers and then turned that expertise into a done-for-you business model called Stay Hair Solutions . ✨ In this episode, Emilie shares: Why coloring a topper is nothing like coloring biological hair (and the expensive mistake she made learning that) The 4 surprising use cases for hair toppers beyond just hair loss How she hit her annual sales goal by May, selling directly to other stylists And most importantly: how you can serve your own hair loss clients without doing any of the specialized work yourself Plus, Lisa shares about her client, the $900 topper from a "trusted brand" that looked like a bright yellow hat, and how Emilie saved the day with a flawless custom piece. 💡Key Takeaways You don't need to become a specialist. Emilie does all the sourcing, custom coloring, and fulfillment. You simply connect her with your client, choose your markup, and look like the hero. Hair toppers aren't just for hair loss. Use them for growing out gray, protecting fragile hair from bleach damage, trying bangs without commitment, or adding volume that bio hair can't achieve. Color matching is completely different. A client's exact bio-hair formula will NOT work on a topper. Emilie speaks stylist language but uses a completely different color theory to get a perfect match. The client experience is stress-free. Proof is in the results . Emilie joined the Soul Tribe Marketplace in January and hit her entire annual sales goal by early May. 💬Connect with Emilie Stay Hair Solutions: https://www.stayhairsolutions.com/ Emilie's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stayhairsolutions Connect with Lisa Huff Instagram Facebook YouTube

April 15, 202633 min

How to Buy a Salon (Instead of Building One From Scratch)

Have a topic request or someone you think we should have on the pod?! Send us a text and let us know! What if becoming a salon owner didn’t mean starting from zero? In this episode of Stylist Soul Tribe Conversations , I’m sitting down with Soul Tribe member Raschell to talk about a path to salon ownership that’s rarely discussed in our industry… buying an existing salon. Raschell officially purchased her salon in August 2025, and her story is such a powerful example of what’s possible when you combine intuition, strategy, and the willingness to do things differently. We walk through her entire journey—from the moment the idea was first planted, to navigating fear around leadership, to comparing options, negotiating the deal, securing financing, and stepping into ownership with an existing team. If you’ve ever felt called to salon ownership but overwhelmed by the idea of building something from scratch, this episode will expand what you believe is possible. ✨ In This Episode, We Cover: The moment the opportunity was planted and why timing matters more than readiness The biggest fear most stylists have about ownership (hint: it’s not money) How to evaluate whether buying vs. building is the right move What to look for when reviewing P&Ls, pricing, and salon value A real breakdown of the negotiation process and how to approach it confidently Creative ways to finance a salon purchase , including SBA loan options How to navigate the transition with an existing team (without losing everyone) Why overcommunication is your biggest leadership advantage What it actually looks like to step into the role of salon owner 💡 Key Takeaway: Salon ownership doesn’t have to follow the traditional path. Building from scratch is one option—but buying an existing salon can fast-track your growth , give you immediate infrastructure, and open doors you may not have considered before. The key is approaching it with both data and intuition , and being ready to step into leadership in a whole new way. 🔗 Resources + Mentions: SCORE – Free mentorship and support for business owners SBA Loans (Small Business Administration) – Financing options for purchasing a business 💬 Connect with Raschell: Be sure to check out Raschell’s work and follow along with her journey: https://www.instagram.com/houseofcabelo/ https://www.instagram.com/hairbyraschell/ 💛 Loved This Episode? If this conversation sparked something for you, share it with a stylist who’s been thinking about salon ownership. And if you’re ready to grow your business with support, strategy, and community, come join us inside Stylist Soul Tribe. Connect with Lisa Huff Instagram Facebook YouTube