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

In Part 2 of our leadership deep dive, we’re tackling proactive leadership strategies to create a thriving salon culture. Learn how to set clear expectations, communicate with confidence, and lead by example—not just in action, but through clear communication. We’ll cover holding your team accountable without micromanaging, addressing issues with clarity and kindness, and creating systems that drive long-term success. If you’re ready to shift from reacting to leading with confidence, tune in!

Want the full script? Download it here: https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/i4lkgeeq3r

Get FREE access to our Creative Service Profit Maker Webinar now! https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/ao7u0l0qzq

Key Take-aways:

1. Leading vs Reacting: reaction comes from a place of fear and defensiveness.

2. People may think they’re leading, but we need to understand more about the individual to know what works for them.

3. Is the way you’re perceiving love or acceptance healthy?

4. There are reactive and proactive listeners. Reactive leaders wait until a problem explodes to address it.

5. Never complain about a team member behind their back.

6. As a leader, pull anyone aside to hash out issues and listen.

7. You can’t hold team members accountable for what you yourself are not practicing.

8. Proactive leaders set clear standards up front, have it in clear writing, and reinforce them.

9. Proactive leaders address small issues before they become big.

10. Leading by example isn’t only about the task, it also needs to be communicated.

11. Explaining why creates purpose behind the task.

12. A script example is: “I’m restocking the backbar because I noticed we’re running low, when we stay ahead of this we don’t run out in the middle of a service.”

13. “Hey (name) I’ve noticed a pattern where (address a specific issue), I want to check in with what’s going on.” Then pause.

14. Be short and sweet, and direct and kind.

15. Create a framework that surrounds the issue not the person.

16. When you create clear systems and you create consistency, it becomes a ripple effect.

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

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

Running a salon team isn’t just about great hair—it’s about clear expectations, accountability, and strong leadership. In this episode, we break down why stylists ignore responsibilities, how to get them to care, and the key shifts that turn frustration into teamwork. Learn how to lead with confidence, and create a culture where everyone takes ownership. If you’re tired of repeating yourself or struggling with follow-through, this episode is for you.

Get FREE access to our Creative Service Profit Maker Webinar now! https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/ao7u0l0qzq

Key Take-aways:

1. One of the biggest reasons a task isn’t done is they just don’t see how it can benefit them.

2. Rather than should’s or shouldn't's, focus on tying responsibilities to personal success.

3. Creating a culture of salon leadership brings up future leaders, making your business more sustainable.

4. Be firm but kind

5. Another reason someone doesn’t take responsibility is because they assume someone else will take care of it.

6. When addressing, keep it short and simple, and pull them away privately.

7. When someone owns a task, they’re more likely to do it.

8. Create a sanitation list and introduce it at a meeting.

9. Another reason something isn’t done is because someone doesn't feel accountable.

10. Try a nomination box to bring team morale together, give a gift card to the most nominated employee.

11. Personally thank and publicly recognize when someone goes above and beyond.

12. Come up with solutions during team meetings. Ask your staff if they have ideas.

13. Focus on clarity over assumption

14. Have policies like this written in a team handbook or policy guide.

15. Address issues 1:1 and not in a group. Calling someone out publicly is a form of public shaming.

16. If you have high turnover, it’s time to take a look at how you’re leading your culture and environment.

17. Frame your approach as collaboration so that you can work together and bond as a team.

18. The bigger picture is to create a team that builds a sustainable business, and therefor creating opportunity and freedom to make choices or take risk.

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

Entrepreneurship is full of highs, lows, and lessons you don’t see coming. In Life Lessons of an Entrepreneur, Ambrosia Carey shares unfiltered insights on business growth, boundaries, and the mindset shifts that make success sustainable. Whether you're a hairstylist, salon owner, or creative entrepreneur, this podcast delivers real talk on navigating challenges, scaling with purpose, and building a business that works for you—not the other way around. Tune in for honest conversations, actionable strategies, and the lessons Ambrosia learned the hard way so you don’t have to. Subscribe now!

Get FREE access to our Creative Service Profit Maker Webinar now: https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/ao7u0l0qzq !

Are you in our Membership Waitlist? Join now! https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/gnfbcgfrjq

Get 2 week of GlossGenius for FREE: https://glossgenius.biz/AmbrosiaCarey

Key Take-aways:

1. Slow down, you could actually get more done because it allows you to be efficient.

2. No one is coming to save you, rather than resenting the feeling of being held back, make different choices and take authority of your life’s outcomes.

3. Perfection is just fear in a fancy outfit. Done is better than perfect.

4. Ask yourself, what can you launch messy today?

5. Boundaries are your freedom, not your punishment.

6. Boundaries don’t push the right people away, they push the wrong people out.

7. If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no.

8. People will show you who they are…believe them.

9. Money is a tool and not a trophy.

10. Your energy is your most valuable currency.

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

Get FREE access to our Creative Service Profit Maker Webinar now!

Don't sleep on this, get your 2 week trial to GlossGenius, it has seamless scheduling, automated reminders, integrated payments, marketing tools, and client management to streamline operations and boost growth: https://glossgenius.biz/AmbrosiaCarey

We want to hear from you! Drop your review & tell us what you enjoy & what you want to hear more of!

Key Take-aways:

1. If you are 80% capacity on your books for 3 months, you know it’s time to start hiring.

2. How much cash flow do you have? If you’re generating 6 figures, you’ll have a stronger cushion in case you need a safeguard for any changes in the business.

3. If you’re not quite at 6 figures but your profit margins are at 20%, this is a benchmark that allows you to see if you’re ready for the next stage of growth

4. Sometimes small business get ahead of themselves and want to grow a team due to emotional investments, and they fall backward financially.

5. When you’re ready to hire, define clearly what this person looks like; lay out responsibilities, job description, qualifications, will they be an employee or rental? How much experience do they have, are they looking for an apprenticeship or assistant program before taking clients?

6. Once you know what you’re looking for, visit beauty schools to get a better sense of what students are looking for in a leader.

7. Connect locally though social media. Be intentional about your approach with places that could align with your brand.

8. Connect in person with other businesses through local events. This is a great way to attract new clients for your growing team.

9. Recruiting can attract people who are less loyal or looking for the next best thing & that could be a red flag to growing a less sustainable team.

10. Build up your resumes and contact to set up a group interview if there are 3 of more candidates.

11. Invite stand outs to come back for an individual interview where you can address specific topics, allow them to ask questions, and go into details what you are both looking for to see if you align.

12. The last step is a technical interview to see how they work behind the chair. this is a good time to see how they communicate, interact, are they a natural educator?

13. The next step is to decide how your training will go down. What are you providing for them as a team member? Do you want to them to get involved? Are you interested in training?

14. If you’re bringing on an employee, have an employee handbook prepared to lay out responsibilities, expectations,and benchmarks.

15. Trust is built through repetition. Offering a 1:1 meeting with your employees is a time to check-in & go over goals and realign expectations.

16. Offering incentives, incentives, opportunities for leadership also builds trust.

17. When first hiring, start with a 90 day trial to see if you are a good fit.

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

Are you ready to take control of your finances and build lasting wealth? In this episode, we’re breaking down a sustainable plan to grow your income, reduce debt, and invest in your future—all tailored for hairstylists, salon owners, and beauty entrepreneurs. Learn smart money strategies, the best ways to eliminate high-interest debt, and how to start investing wisely (even if you're new to it). Whether you're looking to scale your business, create passive income, or build financial security, this episode gives you actionable steps to make it happen. Tune in and start making your money work for you!

Get FREE access to our Creative Service Profit Maker Webinar now: https://small-kiwi-98108.myflodesk.com/ao7u0l0qzq

Start your high yield savings account with a bonus kickback on Marcus: https://www.marcus.com/share/AMB-9K4-NTGI

Get 2 weeks of GlossGenius free, lowest processing fees in the biz & AI tools to help you run your business! https://glossgenius.biz/AmbrosiaCarey

Key Take-aways:

1. Pay off high interest debt first: credit cards can hold an interest rate up to 25% causing the average person to pay 2.5x more than the original purchase.

2. The suggested amount is to pay 15-25% of your income monthly to pay off that debt.

3. Avalanche Method: is a debt repayment strategy where you focus on paying off debts with the highest interest rates first to save the most money on interest over time.

4. Allocate 20-30% of your income every month toward your emergency fund, whether you choose to pay off debt first or divide 25% to debt and 5% toward saving.

5. Some debt is healthy debt, but your credit score is impacted when your debt to credit limit goes over 30%. Once your debt to credit limit hits 30%, it can drop your credit score by 20 to 50 points depending on your overall credit profile.

6. An emergency fund provides financial security by covering unexpected expenses. It offers peace of mind, supports business stability during slow periods, and allows you to make decisions confidently without financial stress. Plus, it encourages better money habits and protects long-term investments.

7. Setting clear goals helps you get there faster.

8. Set aside 10-15% of your income to your savings once you’ve paid of your remaining debts. The goal is to build 3-6 months of your monthly average spending to hold in your savings.

9. The next step is to open a high-yield savings account, which compounds over time at a higher interest rate allowing you to accumulate more income as the account grows.

10. Compounding means you’re growing income from interest continues to grow as the money grows. The more frequently your interest is compounded, the quicker your money grows.

11. Leverage your own business as an investment. You want every square inch of your business to be income producing. If you’re independent, what lines or affiliate programs can you work with to add multiple streams of income?

12. Build a roadmap for your income strategy building. Start thinking of this as placing your efforts seasonally to pour into multiple buckets, which allows wealth to build more wealth for yourself.

13. When seeking a financial advisor, ask them what their fee structure is.

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