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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