The Hairstylist Rising Podcast

Hosted by Jodie Brown

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197

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May 2026

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About the show

The most actionable + real beauty industry podcast. The aim of Hairstylist Rising is to bring business, life, marketing and social media education to all hairstylists and make hitting the next level in your career attainable, no matter what that is. There are more options than ever before when building your dream career in the beauty industry. What you need is the mindset and marketing strategy to get you closer to your dreams and goals, faster. On Hairstylist Rising you will hear interviews from hairstylists, salon owners, suite stylists, business coaches, independent educators, brand educators and other beauty professionals and business owners who have carved out their own path to success and can inspire you to do the same. You will also get actionable mini trainings that will help you take the steps to mindful marketing in your business and finding ultimate fulfillment in your career and life. I'm Jodie Brown and I can't wait to take you inside the world of hairstylists that are rising.

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60 recent

May 10, 202647 min

How Jamie Dana built a six figure hair business using Instagram + how hairstylists can land brand deals and content creator contracts

Escape to Elevate retreat in Italy October 2026 www.escapetoelevate.com Jamie's Instagram program: risesocialacademy.com Jamie's monthly Instagram content membership for hairstylists: thesocialsuite.com Connect with Jodie on Instagram: @itsjodiebrownThis week on Hairstylist Rising, I'm re-sharing one of the most loved episodes of the show with the incredible Jamie Dana. Jamie has been in the beauty industry for 13 years and has done almost every role you can imagine, from receptionist and assistant to commission stylist, suite owner, salon owner, independent educator, and brand collaborator. She is also one of the original online educators in the hair industry and the woman behind the Framar Jamie Dana collection, which became the biggest single day of sales in Framar's history.In this conversation, Jamie shares the early years that shaped how she built her business. She talks about being homeschooled, getting bullied in beauty school, working under the table at her first salon, and trying to build a clientele with Groupons before Instagram existed. She shares the exact moment Instagram changed everything for her, going from barely booked to fully booked three months in advance and raising her prices, all within six months.We get into what it actually looks like to step into online education for hairstylists. Jamie talks about launching her first online course, originally called O'HotGraham, which she had to rename to Rise Social Academy after a legal threat from Instagram, and how she eventually walked away from a six figure clientele to go all in on teaching. She also breaks down how she grew her YouTube channel by studying the algorithm for six months before posting a single video, and why the long form video space in the hair industry is still wide open today.Then we go behind the scenes of the Framar collaboration. Jamie pitched the entire collection herself, including the documentary series that brought stylists along for the ride. She shares what really happened during that year and a half process, the tears, the moments off camera, and the launch strategy that turned it into the biggest sales day in the brand's history.We also dig into something every creative needs to hear. How do you know which ideas to pursue and which to put on the back burner? Jamie shares her three year rule for evaluating projects, why the takeoff phase of any new venture takes more energy than you expect, and how to keep moving forward through imposter syndrome at every level of your career.Whether you are a new stylist building your clientele, a seasoned pro thinking about education, or a creative weighing up your next big move, this episode is a real look at what is possible in the beauty industry today.Jamie will be joining us as a guest educator at Escape to Elevate, our branding, marketing, and content creation retreat in the Italian countryside this October 2026. If you want to be in the room with her and a community of beauty industry leaders, authors, educators, and creators, you can find all the details at escapetoelevate.com.Come say hi on Instagram @itsjodiebrown and let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode.

March 11, 202621 min

The unexpected personal growth of being a hairstylist

In this episode of the Hairstylist Rising Podcast, I’m joined by longtime hairstylist, salon owner, and author Annie Fisher for a conversation about the deeper meaning behind a career in the beauty industry.Annie has spent nearly three decades behind the chair and recently released her book Love Is in the Hair, a powerful reflection on the relationships, growth, and impact that come from working in this industry.While hairstyling is often seen as a creative career, Annie shares why the work we do goes far beyond hair. From the connections we build with clients to the personal transformation that happens throughout our careers, this conversation highlights why the beauty industry can be one of the most meaningful professions out there.We talk about Annie’s journey into the industry, the evolution of her career from stylist to salon owner to author, and how writing her book became a way to reflect on everything the industry has given her.If you are a hairstylist, salon owner, or beauty professional who has ever felt like your work matters on a deeper level, this episode will remind you why this career is so special.In this episode we discuss• Annie’s journey into the beauty industry and how she first got started • Why being a hairstylist is about relationships, not just hair • The personal growth that happens throughout a career behind the chair • Reinvention in the beauty industry and evolving throughout your career • The emotional impact hairstylists have on their clients • The inspiration behind Annie’s book Love Is in the Hair • Why storytelling and legacy matter in creative careersResources mentionedLove Is in the Hair by Annie Fisher is available now on Amazon in ebook, paperback, and hardcover.Connect with AnnieBook: Love Is in the Hair by Annie Fisher Available on AmazonIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with a hairstylist or salon owner who needs the reminder that what we do in this industry truly matters.

March 4, 202648 min

How to maximize your income behind the chair (Retail, Marketing & Multiple Income Streams for Hairstylists) Re-Air

In this episode of the Hairstylist Rising podcast, Ambrosia Carey, a veteran hairstylist, and salon owner with over 25 years of experience, shares her journey in the beauty industry. Ambrosia discusses the importance of marketing, branding, and sustainability for modern hairstylists and salon owners. She emphasizes the critical role of understanding data in making informed business decisions and suggests integrating additional revenue streams such as retail, affiliate links, and subscription boxes. Ambrosia also highlights the importance of consistency, routine, and building trust with clients to foster a sustainable business. Tune in for actionable advice on maximizing income, managing time efficiently, and creating a thriving, multi-faceted beauty business.00:00 Welcome and Introductions00:36 Ambrosia's Journey in the Beauty Industry02:47 Marketing Insights for Modern Hairstylists07:59 Building a Sustainable Beauty Business10:55 Maximizing Profitability and Time Management21:55 Retail Strategies and Client Retention24:20 Monthly Team Meetings and Product Discussions24:51 Introducing New Products Through Independent Stylists25:46 Affiliate Links and Salon Profitability26:58 Maximizing Retail Sales in Limited Spaces29:46 Leveraging Influencer Marketing for Hero Products31:56 Building Trust and Client Relationships36:39 Sustainable Practices and Consistency37:47 Creative Routines and Time Management44:55 Final Thoughts and Resources

February 25, 202638 min

The three growth levers every salon + independent hairstylist should be tracking ( + how culture and pricing impact profit)

Get your copy of Profit Is PersonalIn this episode of the Hairstylist Rising Podcast, Jodie sits down with salon business coach and author Nina Tulio to talk about what profit really means inside a salon business.If you’ve ever felt fully booked but still financially stretched… this conversation will hit home.Nina shares insights from her new book, Profit Is Personal, and explains why profit is not just about numbers on a spreadsheet — it’s about leadership, culture, systems, pricing, and personal growth.Inside this episode, we cover:Why avoiding your numbers is costing you more than you thinkHow to read your profit and loss statement without fearThe 3 growth levers every salon owner should track weekly:Frequency of visitAverage ticketVolume (plus the bonus lever: retention)The difference between revenue and actual profitHealthy profit targets for:Commission salon ownersIndependent artists and suite rentersHow payroll, back bar, and rent impact your marginsWhy emotional discounting damages your valueHow to create pricing based on facts and data — not comparisonThe connection between culture, onboarding, and profitabilityWhy social media panic shouldn’t dictate your business decisionsNina also breaks down what sustainable profit really looks like and why reinvesting into your team, systems, and long-term growth is part of building a strong business.If you are:A commission salon ownerAn independent stylist wanting stronger marginsConsidering opening a salonOr simply ready to stop winging your financesThis episode will give you clarity, direction, and a framework to start paying attention to what actually matters.Resources MentionedGet your copy of Profit Is Personal Visit Nina Tulio at ninatulio.com

February 18, 202633 min

The 90 day content method for salons and stylists

In this solo episode of Hairstylist Rising, Jodie breaks down the exact quarterly brand building content system she teaches salon owners and hairstylists who want to:Attract dream clients who value their expertiseRaise prices with confidenceStand out in an increasingly competitive marketBuild a team of stylists who align with their visionCreate consistent bookings without living on InstagramIf you’ve been posting inconsistently, overthinking every caption, or feeling like your content isn’t translating into real growth, this episode walks you through a practical 90 day strategy to fix that.You’ll learn:• Why brand building is non-negotiable for hairstylists in 2026 • How clients and potential team members are vetting you across multiple touchpoints • The three foundational questions that clarify your brand direction • How to create visual and messaging consistency that builds trust • A step-by-step batching system for salon content • How to audit your content quarterly so you double down on what actually books clientsJodie explains why repetition builds reputation and how becoming known for one clear specialty can position you as the go-to stylist in your market.Whether you’re a solo hairstylist trying to fill your books with better clients or a salon owner looking to attract aligned team members, this episode gives you a realistic, implementable content plan you can start this week.Your action stepBlock off 30 minutes this week and answer:What reputation am I building this quarter?What does someone need to believe about me before they book?What am I trying to accomplish in the next 90 days?Then start building your content around that.If this episode helped you think differently about salon branding and content strategy, subscribe to Hairstylist Rising and leave a review. It helps more hairstylists build businesses that actually support their life.

February 11, 202632 min

How to plan for an extended salon leave without losing clients (whether it's for maternity leave or you're planning a long trip!)

Connect with LeishaWhat happens to your clients when you need to step away for more than a week or two?In this episode of the Hairstylist Rising Podcast, Jodie sits down with Leisha, founder of The Traveling Hairstylists, to talk about one of the biggest fears independent stylists face, taking extended time off without losing everything they’ve built.They unpack what long term leave really looks like behind the chair, why “just save more money” isn’t always realistic, and what to do to protect your clients, your rental space, and your peace of mind when life happens. Planned or unexpected.In this episode, we coverWhy extended leave feels so risky when you’re self-employedHow Leisha’s team supports stylists during maternity leave, medical leave, and personal travelWhat it means to have a substitute stylist work in your space and care for your clientsHow stylists can protect their rental situation while they’re awaySimple client communication strategies to stay top of mindPractical ways to financially prepare, even if you start smallThe client side of leave, what feels awkward for them and how to make it seamlessWhy this model helps stylists return like they never leftConnect with LeishaWebsite: thetravelinghairstylist.comInstagram: @thetraveling.hairstylists

February 4, 202637 min

Curl confidence, career pivots, and redefining success as a stylist

Check out Escape To Elevate 2026In this episode of Hair Stylist Rising, Jodie sits down with Casey Voss for a powerful conversation about curl confidence, identity, and redefining what success can look like behind the chair.Casey shares her unconventional path into the beauty industry, the moment in beauty school that changed how she understood her purpose, and how curly hair became the doorway into deeper work around self-worth, confidence, and client trust.You’ll hear what it actually looked like to walk away from the traditional salon success model, slow down her schedule, raise her prices, and rebuild a business that prioritizes presence, alignment, and sustainability — even when that meant short-term discomfort.This episode is part mindset shift, part career reframe, and part practical guidance for stylists who want to create confident clients while protecting their own energy.What we talk aboutCurl confidence and why helping clients feel seen matters more than “fixing” hairIdentity, neurodivergence, and why so many stylists thrive in this industryThe moment Casey realized her work was about confidence, not just curlsRedefining success after salon ownership, burnout, and overworkingSlowing down behind the chair and building a premium, one-client-at-a-time experienceTaking a short-term pay cut to create long-term alignment and freedomWhy rebuilding can feel humbling — and why it’s often necessaryHow resilience is built through lived experience, not confidence hacksCreating confident clients through education, communication, and representationWhy stylists “transfer what they own” and how self-trust impacts client trustA few lines you’ll want to remember“We transfer what we own.”“Don’t give up because something’s hard. Let things be simultaneous.”“If you can blow out my hair, you can blow out anyone’s hair.”Connect with CaseyFollow Voss the Curl Boss on socialAccess her free resources and education through the link in her bioListen to her podcast It’s not about your hairIf this episode resonated, send it to a stylist who’s questioning the old rules and quietly craving a different way of doing things. And if you’re listening on your way to the salon, screenshot the episode, tag me, and tell me what landed most.

January 28, 202621 min

How to create experience based salon services that stand out in 2026

Connect with Lacie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lacie.kushniruk/Clients are craving more than a great outcome. They want an experience that helps them feel connected, seen, and excited about who they are. In this episode, Jodie sits down with Lacey Kushner to talk about experience-based salon services and the innovation hairstylists can use to stand out in 2026 and beyond.Lacey breaks down her concept color coding, inspired by the viral color seasons trend, and explains how turning consultation into a paid, high-touch experience can lead to stronger confidence behind the chair, higher pre-booking rates, bigger average tickets, and a referral wave you can actually feel.In this episode, we coverThe industry shift toward experience-based and connective servicesWhy “different is better than better” is the real play for stylists right nowHow Lacey created color coding using warm, neutral, and cool drapingWhy this process helps clients “see themselves” in a new wayThe confidence boost this creates for newer stylists and apprenticesThe marketing results Lacey saw after running a color coding adHow a paid consultation service can convert into bigger transformationsWhy mapping out a client’s next few hair moves increases retentionThe results Lacey sharesShe had to shut off an ad early because demand spiked so quicklyA significant portion of new clients booked their next appointment on the spotPre-booking increased over time, especially for newer stylistsAverage ticket size rose as clients committed to bigger changesWhat is color codingColor coding is a 30 to 45 minute paid service where the client is draped in white and guided through a swatching process to identify warm, neutral, or cool tones that best highlight their features. The goal is to create clarity, confidence, and a visual “aha” moment that makes future hair decisions easier and more exciting.Resources and linksLearn more about color coding: saloncoding.comConnect with Lacey: Lacey.Kushner on social platformsIf you loved this episodeShare it with a stylist friend who’s ready to stand out in 2026 and wants a more elevated client experience behind the chair.

January 26, 20260 min

PSA: We’re Switching to Wednesdays

Quick heads up: Hairstylist Rising is moving to a Wednesday drop instead of Mondays. This isn’t a full episode, but the next one goes live Wednesday, January 28th. Hit follow so it pops up in your feed midweek. See you Wednesday.

January 19, 202630 min

How to pay yourself more as a hairstylist without raising prices

Try the free pricing and profit calculatorMaking more money behind the chair doesn’t automatically mean you’re taking more money home. And for a lot of hairstylists, that disconnect is exactly why they feel stuck, burnt out, or frustrated with their business, even when they’re fully booked.In this episode of the Hairstylist Rising Podcast, I’m joined by Chrystal Graves, founder of LiQUiD, to break down what profitability really looks like for hairstylists and salon owners.Chrystal shares her journey from apprentice to salon owner to selling her salon in a seven-figure exit, and how systems, not hustle, were the foundation of her success. We talk honestly about money, numbers, and why the industry has avoided these conversations for so long.Inside this episode, we cover:The difference between income, profit, and actual take-home payWhy so many hairstylists feel broke even when they’re making good moneyHow to calculate your fixed and variable expenses without overwhelmWhy paying yourself a consistent paycheck changes everythingHow to increase your profit without immediately raising your pricesWhy upselling through education increases retention and incomeHow decision fatigue keeps stylists from making more moneyThe role technology can play in simplifying your business, not complicating itChrystal also explains why LiQUiD offers its pricing and profit calculator completely free, and how removing the fear around numbers gives stylists real power and clarity over their business and lifestyle.If you want your business to support your life, not run it, this episode is a must-listen.Resources mentionedTry the free pricing and profit calculator:https://salonassistant.getliquid.ai/auth?callbackUrl=%2Fhome&redirectCount=1Connect with CrystalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechrystalgravesIf this episode made you rethink how you look at money behind the chair, share it with another stylist who needs to hear this conversation.