How do you build a business that feels like home—for you and your clients? What if the secret to success is as simple (and as complex) as truly listening, embracing your quirks, and trusting the process of transformation?
Discover how the journey from commission salon to independent suite can be both terrifying and exhilarating. Suzie Cote shares her story of personal and professional metamorphosis, the power of branding with authenticity, and the importance of building trust through deep listening and consultation. From butterfly-themed decor to the infamous Nicholas Cage magnet, this conversation explores the joys and challenges of creating a space where clients feel seen, heard, and valued—not just as customers, but as part of a community. Along the way, we unpack the emotional rollercoaster of the beauty industry, the art and science of color, and the rituals that help us leave work at work.
Highlights
Chapters
00:00 — Introduction to Suite Independence
00:47 — Meet Suzie Cote: The Butterfly Theme
01:28 — The Concept of Emergence
03:44 — Transition to Independence
04:49 — Challenges and Misconceptions
06:06 — Innovations in Client Experience
09:31 — The Importance of Feedback
12:41 — Building Trust with Clients
17:01 — Catering Music to Audience Preferences
17:22 — The Nicholas Cage Magnet Story
20:23 — Managing Negative Feedback as a Recovering People Pleaser
21:59 — The Importance of Consultation in Hairdressing
24:44 — Transitioning to Independent Work
28:04 — Embracing Quirkiness and Personal Branding
28:27 — Building a Personalized Clientele
30:58 — Balancing Emotional Energy in the Salon
32:17 — Closing Thoughts & Gratitude
Resources Mentioned
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 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Chapters
Resources Mentioned
To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!
If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!
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
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
Books:
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