In this episode of the Successful Stylist Academy Podcast, we sit down with one of our Business Collective attendees, Vanessa Gross, to share her real, raw journey from working behind the chair to opening the doors of her very first salon. We dive into what inspired her leap, the mindset shifts she had to make, and the systems that helped her scale. If you’ve been thinking about salon ownership or looking for motivation to grow, this is the conversation you need to hear.

Get FREE access to our profit making webinar: https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/ao7u0l0qzq

Our 6 figure stylist guide here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/622541789b7136a9e313da40

Key Take-aways:

1. Apply your years of growth as a form of service toward others.

2. The beauty of being in a salon environment is passing along your knowledge and paying forward as a mentor.

3. Growth doesn't go without it’s challenges, lean on others who want to help you, which is why Successful Stylist Academy exists.

4. Take your learning lessons as your strength.

5. Learning new tools and adding technology can introduce another branchs of creativity, revenue, and growth.

6. Focusing on your client growth and retention also supports your communication skills, confidence, and leadership.

7. Recognize when you’ve graduated to the next level and align with those who are at the same frequency.

You can find Vanessa on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/vanessagrossstyle?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Email & text marketing is the quickest way to increase your income and GlossGenius has AI support to make this as simple as clicking a button! Try it out for 2 weeks FREE: https://glossgenius.biz/AmbrosiaCarey

Get 15% off Pharmagel, our favorite skincare line with code SSA15: http://www.pharmagel.net/discount/ssa15?redirect=%2F%3Fafmc%3Dssa15

What separates a good stylist from a great one? In this episode, we sit down with industry educator Katie Alm to talk about the unspoken habits and mindset shifts that set top stylists apart in today’s competitive beauty industry.

We cover everything from discipline, professional growth, and being of service — to why collaboration will always outlast comparison. Whether you're a salon assistant, an independent stylist, or a beauty educator, this episode dives deep into the leadership skills, daily discipline, and client-first mindset that fuel long-term success behind the chair.

If you're looking to grow your beauty business, avoid burnout, and build a sustainable career in the salon industry — this one's for you.

If you missed part 1: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/successful-stylist-academy/id1584273127?i=1000702210150

Get FREE access to our profit making webinar: https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/ao7u0l0qzq

Our 6 figure stylist guide here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/622541789b7136a9e313da40

Key Take-aways:

1. If you want more opportunities, be willing to be available and be of service. Let no task be below you.

2. As an educator or leader, the person who is helping you is the most important person while under your care.

3. If someone challenges you when learning, let them. For every stylist that challenges you, there are 2-3 that won’t.

4. How someone approaches learning is often how they’ll approach their career.

5. If you want to grow in this career, all it requires is discipline.

6. You don’t have to be a salon owner to be the final boss. You have to have the passion to feed your fellow community.

7. If you are giving 30% of your time to something, how can you expect 100% return?

8. The biggest thing that can kill your career is boredom.

9. Instead of hating on someone, collaborate with them.

You can find Katie on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/katieealm?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Email & text marketing is the quickest way to increase your income and GlossGenius has AI support to make this as simple as clicking a button! Try it out for 2 weeks FREE: https://glossgenius.biz/AmbrosiaCarey

Get 15% off Pharmagel, our favorite skincare line with code SSA15: http://www.pharmagel.net/discount/ssa15?redirect=%2F%3Fafmc%3Dssa15

In this episode, we join Katie Alm, getting real about what actually moves the needle in your beauty career, and it’s not chasing the latest trends. From posting with intention to fully understanding the brands you align with, we’ll cover mindset and strategy shifts that can change everything.

Get FREE access to our profit making webinar: https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/ao7u0l0qzq

Our 6 figure stylist guide here: https://view.flodesk.com/pages/622541789b7136a9e313da40

Key Take-aways:

1. Posting with intention, sharing your knowledge, and aligning with a brand you love can change the trajectory of your career.

2. Experimenting with the full line of a brand you love and getting really knowledgeable about the full line, makes all the difference.

3. Forget the trending, use the tried and true: posting consistently, come from a place of gaining more experience, and get to know the culture behind the brand.

4. It’s all about perspective baby! Do you look at what you’re losing or what you’re gaining?

5. Where can you volunteer help in an area that might be needed?

6.If you’re juggling more than one career path at the same time, communicate and accommodate your clients. By setting the tone in the beginning and letting clients know how you operate, there won’t be surprises when it does happen.

Email & text marketing is the quickest way to increase your income and GlossGenius has AI support to make this as simple as clicking a button! Try it out for 2 weeks FREE: https://glossgenius.biz/AmbrosiaCarey

Take 15% off our favorite skincare line, Pharmagel with code SSA15: http://www.pharmagel.net/discount/ssa15?redirect=%2F%3Fafmc%3Dssa15