Welcome to the Beyond The Technique podcast with Kati Whitledge. We exist to support beauty & wellness pros and your growing team and business. We believe it's what you do beyond the technical aspects of your craft that will bring substantial success. We promise to bring you the most forward-thinking industry topics to help you consistently grow and develop yourself and your business.
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We are joined today by global educator and curl specialist Aaron Scott Lacy, who shares his powerful industry journey and the mindset that’s helped him rise without needing external validation. Aaron opens up about what balance looks like in his life, how he defines true success, and the intentional approach he brings when teaching groups of all si…
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In this episode we bring industry icon Ivan Zoot to explore the often-dreaded but absolutely essential topic of pricing in the beauty business. With over 40 years of experience, Ivan breaks down the misconceptions around price increases and reveals the power of data-driven decisions that can boost confidence and client retention. From the real reas…
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Today you’ll learn what the most successful people have in common. Our host, Kati Whitledge shares simple daily habits that foster a growth mindset, like documenting your wins and reflecting on lessons learned. You’ll gain strategies for navigating setbacks, setting clear goals, and taking bold action—even when it’s uncomfortable. Whether you're an…
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Unlock the secrets to becoming a six-figure booker! In this episode, we welcome beauty industry coach Justin Gold, who reveals the six keys to booking $100K or more in services. Whether you're a stylist striving to hit new income goals or a salon owner looking to elevate your team's performance, this conversation is packed with game-changing insigh…
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586: Efficient, Intentional, and Revs Your Spirit Up!
29:43
29:43
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29:43Get ready to be inspired as the incredible J. Ladner returns to share his game-changing approach to taking your career behind the chair to the next level! If you're willing to adapt and embrace a more efficient way to color hair, J’s insights will light you up. He’s not only a master of his craft but a passionate advocate for ensuring hairdressers …
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585: Deliver World Class Customer Service
29:04
29:04
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29:04Get ready to be inspired by first-time guest Marty Smith, a seven-figure multi-location salon owner who got into the beauty industry at a young age and never looked back. Marty takes us through every stage of his journey to salon ownership, sharing the key moments that shaped his success. He reveals the core team values that drive world-class custo…
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584: Emily Chen is The Influencer of Our Industry!
33:34
33:34
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33:34In this episode we welcome back the incredible Emily Chen, known as @EmChenHair on Instagram and recognized as one of the top 25 influencers across all industries. Emily shares her inspiring journey from high school dropout to six-figure stylist, ultimately building a thriving seven-figure commission salon. Now a global educator, she empowers hairs…
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Join us for today for a conversation with video production expert Chris Sulimay, who began his journey in the beauty industry over 30 years ago and has since evolved into a go-to video strategist for speakers, coaches, and consultants. Chris reveals the key elements we’ve been missing in our video content and shares expert tips on how to stand out …
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Get ready for an eye-opening conversation with returning guest and seven-figure salon owner, Ashley Thomas! Unlike traditional salon business coaches, Ashley brings a unique edge to the industry by secret shopping salon client experiences, uncovering hidden gaps that impact retention and revenue. In this episode, she reveals the critical steps salo…
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581: What Your Clients Know That You Don’t
39:33
39:33
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39:33Join us for an inspiring conversation with Greg Starkman, Founder and CEO of Innersense Organic Beauty, as he shares his journey from hairstylist to beauty executive to pioneering the organic haircare movement. Greg and his wife set out to create high-performance, non-toxic hair products, driven by a mission to revolutionize clean beauty. He discus…
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Get ready to be epically inspired by John Mosely, the globally recognized force behind Popular Nobody. In this powerhouse episode, John takes us through his journey—his childhood, the people who shaped him, how he embraced his uniqueness, and the game-changing mindset barbers need to succeed. Packed with wisdom and unending quotes, this conversatio…
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In this episode, we welcome Ross Loveland, owner of True Profit Salons, as he shares essential financial insights that can transform your salon’s profitability—taking you from minimal earnings to 20% profit or more. If you’re working with a bookkeeper or CPA, Ross reveals a powerful question to challenge their understanding of your business and ens…
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578: Make Instagram Easy, with Jamie Dana!
47:41
47:41
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47:41Level up your Instagram game this year! Social media influencer and hairstylist educator Jamie Dana joins us to share what’s in and out for Instagram, how to simplify your strategy, and the key insights that drive success. From content cadence to must-watch metrics, plus her done-for-you platform and virtual workshops for salon teams, this is the e…
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577: Retail Compensation for Commission Stylists
21:54
21:54
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21:54In today’s episode, Kati Whitledge unveils her innovative 2025 compensation structure for commission stylists, featuring simplified, dollar-based retail KPIs that are clear, achievable, and easy for every team member to understand. Hear how her leadership team developed this approach, the importance of testing and measuring new concepts, and the va…
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Join us as Dr. John Rusin, renowned physical therapist and personal trainer, reveals his ultimate blueprint for living a vibrant, strong, and youthful life. From mobility and strength to anti-aging strategies, Dr. Rusin shares expert advice on optimizing training, physical movement, and nutrition. Discover practical tips to keep your body healthy a…
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Discover the powerful connection between hormones and health with functional medical and hormone specialist Karen Hanson. Karen shares the key symptoms both men and women experience when hormones are out of balance, the critical role vitamin D plays in overall wellness, and what to focus on as we navigate the aging process. Don’t miss this insightf…
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Join Salon Owner and CEO of Spark Pro Global, Heather Harris, as she reveals the two pivotal decisions she made after discovering her newly purchased salon was unprofitable. Heather shares how she learned to delegate effectively, quantify the value of her time, and empowers other salon owners to buy back their time. Don't miss her insights on creat…
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573: Teach Your Team to Build Their Ticket
35:54
35:54
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35:54Join us for an inspiring conversation with Atlanta Nail Tech Influencer and Salon Owner, Tahra Clarke! Tahra shares her journey to success, including her innovative approach to running her nail salon, purchasing her own commercial building, and empowering nail technicians to build their tickets to achieve six-figure incomes. Whether you're in the n…
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Join us as Vish's Head of Partnerships, Will Simpson, makes his first appearance on Beyond The Technique podcast. Will shares strategies to free up trapped cash, his motivation to support salons, and ideas for reinvesting newly unlocked funds. Discover key takeaways from his inspiring industry journey that could save your salon thousands in the com…
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In this episode, Kati Whitledge, founder of mya, shares five transformative insights to take into 2025. From her top books of 2024 to her upcoming reads, word of the year, and bold objectives, Kati challenges us to think big and redefine how we say "yes" or "no" to opportunities. Get ready to ignite growth, embrace change, and take powerful steps t…
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Today we are joined by first-time guest and award-winning salon owner Sarah King Lynch reveals her "3-month rule" for making impactful team pivots, whether major or minor. With a crystal-clear vision and massive goals, Sarah inspires you to create effective feedback loops—asking critical questions like "What could go right?" and "What could go wron…
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569: Overcoming Losing Influential Stylists
45:01
45:01
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45:01We are excited to bring back award-winning salon owner Patricia Uiterwyk, owner of Venue Salon and Spa, an Aveda salon in Lakeland, Florida. Patricia shares how she has navigated the challenges of losing influential stylists and how she and her team have implemented new tools that empower her and her leaders to foster a healthy and connected team c…
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In this episode, returning guest Jennifer Alvarez shares her powerful story of discovering a $100K loss and the transformative steps she took to design a client funnel that leaves no detail overlooked. Jennifer takes us through her inspiring industry journey, from moving out from behind the chair to purchasing real estate, creating her own hair ext…
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In this episode, Katelyn Alberts educates us on the essentials of hosting a successful event, from planning the foundational elements to creating a memorable experience that taps into attendees' senses, learning styles, and love languages. She reveals how long an event should be, the ideal marketing timeline, post-event steps, and offers strategies…
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In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome award-winning salon owner Martha Lynn Kale, owner of the acclaimed Mirror Mirror Salon in Austin, TX, and author of The Ambitious Stylist. Martha shares how her unwavering standards have helped her build a team of over 40, creating one of the best places to work in Austin. She also reveals the one thing sa…
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565: Tipping The Scale with Alicia Soulier
25:20
25:20
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25:20In this episode, we welcome back Alicia Soulier, founder of SalonScale Technology, as she shares her inspiring journey through the beauty industry and insights from her new book, The Scale. Alicia dives into the essential practices salon owners need to adopt to ensure profitability and sustainability in today’s economic landscape. Tune in to learn …
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564: Compensation, Marketing, and Firing Bad Clients
28:42
28:42
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28:42In this episode, our host Kati Whitledge, founder of mya and Beyond The Technique, introduces an innovative approach to boosting retail sales performance among stylists. She also reveals her most successful marketing strategies for filling last-minute appointment gaps. Plus, Kati shares a must-have checklist to help you recognize when it’s time to …
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Join us for an inspiring episode with first-time guest Emily Hankemeier, a 17-year beauty industry veteran and salon owner. Having owned three salons, her current location receives over 12 stylist applications each month, making it the go-to salon in the area. Emily shares her powerful hiring package, growth-focused marketing strategies, and incred…
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In this episode, industry legend and first-time guest Chris Baran joins us to share his wealth of knowledge. Known for his innovative teaching programs and cool, edgy style, Chris dives into why trainers in salons often face burnout and how we can proactively support them. Tune in to learn his strategies for keeping trainers inspired and thriving i…
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In this episode, returning guest and best-selling author John DiJulius, a multi-location salon owner, shares his expert insights on creating a recruiting experience. It’s not about the questions asked in interviews, but the key qualities his team looks for in identifying Rockstar recruits while filtering out the wrong candidates. Stay tuned until t…
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In this episode, award-winning multi-location salon owner Lia Hakim shares her inspiring journey of perseverance through some of life’s most challenging seasons. From raising small children while working as a flight attendant to opening and franchising her salon business, Lia’s story is one of courage and determination. Tune in to discover her pass…
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In this episode, we're excited to welcome back Stacey Soble, Director of Brand Content Strategy with Salon Today. Stacey shares four pivotal ways to connect with the most successful salon owners and must-attend events and resources in the beauty industry. Tune in to discover how building the right network can elevate your business and fuel your gro…
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558: Financial Dos and Don’ts for 7-Figure Salons
33:52
33:52
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33:52In this episode, we welcome back industry financial wellness guru, Tom Kuhn, to dive into the essential tools and practices every salon owner must implement for a thriving and sustainable business. Plus, all listeners have the chance to get their own personal financial scorecard by participating in the exciting study led by Tom and the Qnity team. …
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In this episode, returning guest expert Jay Williams guides us on increasing the productivity of our team members. He shares the key foundations for creating an environment where people are open to feedback, along with practical frameworks for effective communication. There are so many actionable insights in this episode that you’ll want to share i…
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In this episode, our founder and host, Kati Whitledge, reveals the five key habits that drive the success of top-performing business owners. We explore the powerful connection between brain, body, and behavior, and how these factors shape a winning mindset. Tune in as we discuss the critical role discipline and consistency play in achieving lasting…
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555: Ordinary People Cultivating Extraordinary Salons
20:19
20:19
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20:19n this episode, our founder and host, Kati Whitledge reflects on a powerful sermon she recently heard at church, drawing insightful connections to the salon and spa industry. She reveals three key principles that ordinary people can use to build extraordinary businesses, offering practical advice that every owner will find both inspiring and action…
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In this episode, licensed clinical therapist Zelina Chinwoh opens up about the often-overlooked struggles of salon and spa ownership, shedding light on the unique challenges that no one prepares you for. Zelina’s candid and uplifting guidance offers practical coping skills and tools to help you compartmentalize your professional and personal life, …
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Join us in this episode as we chat with Leslie Perry, Director of Membership and Education at the Professional Beauty Association (PBA). Leslie shares her industry journey, expertise, and insights on how your salon could be recognized as the Inspiring Salon of the Year at the 2025 NAHA Awards. Plus, get the scoop on the inaugural Salon Leaders Expe…
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In this episode, we sit down with board-certified Physician Associate, Maria Hawkins to explore the truth about med spas and medical aesthetics. Maria shares her expert insights on avoiding complications, choosing the right professionals, and integrating aesthetic services into your business. She also discusses the evolving industry landscape, the …
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In this episode, we sit down with the founder of HPSA, Jason Everett, who reveals the three keys to a profitable salon and the four ways an owner should pay themselves and their team. Jason shares the inspiring story of a High Performance Salon Academy member who, through the profit-first methodology, wrote herself a check for $450k. Tune in to dis…
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In this episode, we sit down with Billy Davison, the owner of Occipital Salon Marketing, to discuss the critical role of a premium website in the beauty industry. Billy shares insights on the importance of strong SEO and strategies to ensure your salon gets found by customers. Learn how to transform your website into a 24/7 receptionist, equipped w…
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549: Modern Financials for The Growing Salon
33:50
33:50
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33:50Join first time guests, Kristi and Jolene, the salon industry's bookkeeping besties, as they reveal the most crucial financial report salons need to monitor. Discover their expert tips on ensuring salon owners and their businesses earn what they need, reasonably paying themselves, understanding employee costs, and calculating chair profitability. T…
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548: Stages of Pain & Processing When Someone Exits Unethically & Unexpectedly
22:34
22:34
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22:34Join Kati Whitledge, founder of mya and multi-location, award-winning salon owner, and our beloved host of the Beyond The Technique podcast. In this episode, Kati intimately shares the stages of pain and processing that occur when someone exits your business unethically or unexpectedly. Stay tuned until the end to discover a special resource design…
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In today’s episode, we share the success story of The Headroom Salon, owned by the visionary Danielle Cherewyk. Remarkably, retail constitutes 44% of the salon's total sales, with a starting benchmark of 35% for entry-level stylists—a testament to the effective strategies Danielle has implemented. Firmly believing in elevating support over lowering…
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In this episode, we dive into the unique world of salon and spa brokerage with Susan Wos, founder of the only niche brokerage specializing in these businesses on a global scale. Susan offers three tailored paths for owners looking to sell their salons or spas, drawing from her own experience as a former salon owner who successfully sold her busines…
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In this episode, we're thrilled to feature award-winning salon owner and first-time guest, Janet Whetston. Janet's salon has achieved an impressive 43% growth in revenue, a testament to her dedication and strategic approach. She shares how pivotal one-on-one coaching, meticulous tracking of numbers, reenvisioning her salon business model, and optim…
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544: Build A Culture with A Diverse Team!
20:39
20:39
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20:39We have award-winning salon owner Andi Wintzer here to share her insights behind her thriving salon. Andi emphasizes the importance of fostering a diverse and inclusive team culture. She dives into the environmental practices that set her salon apart, highlighting their commitment to sustainability. This year, her salon spa is focused on personaliz…
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Join us today as we share award-winning salon owner, Amber Pope's inspiring journey from a dedicated salon owner and beauty industry leader to a visionary entrepreneur. Amber shares her personal triumphs and the pivotal realizations that transformed her career as she transitioned from working behind-the-chair to fully focusing on her business and t…
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Salon business expert and returning guest, Nina Tulio, shares her deep insights into tackling financial burnout for salon owners and professionals. In today’s episode, we explore five critical areas that impact your salon's profitability, providing actionable strategies to enhance your bottom line. Nina also uncovers three essential elements to ens…
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In this transformative episode, we're thrilled to welcome the visionary, Leon Alexander! Dive into a riveting discussion on reimagining business models with the consumer at the forefront. Leon shares his groundbreaking insights on why thinking differently isn't just innovative—it's essential. Are your customers the same ones who line up at Starbuck…
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