The Aspiring Stylist with Tracey Franklin

As a hairstylist for over two decades I can tell you one thing - and that's you can't do everything . You simply can't and that's a good thing! It's a good thing that you can't do everything, but that being said, you will need to learn more about yourself as a stylist and the industry to deside what it's good to miss out on and what you could hurt your career. Join me at the Aspiring Stylist Podca...

As a stylist, selling salon retail can be a tricky business - you want to increase your salon's revenue and provide the best experience for your clients, but you don't want to feel like you're being pushy or compromising your values. But did you know that selling retail can benefit both your clients and your bottom line? In this episode, we'll explore why retail is a crucial part of the overall sa...

In this episode of The Aspiring Stylist, we're talking about the exciting and intimidating experience of graduating from beauty school. You’re leaving the safety of school and entering the real world as a hairstylist, barber or beauty professional and it’s not for the faint of heart. But don't worry, we're here to help you navigate the transition. We'll talk about the value of apprenticeship progr...

Let’s set the scene: you just graduated beauty school. Congratulations! You’re ready to take on the beauty industry, make some real money and only one thing is missing (the clients). Starting as a new stylist can be difficult, but building your clientele from scratch is possible! Your first clients are usually family and friends, but the biggest challenge in the beginning gaining the trust of new...

Imposter syndrome shows up in many different ways for hairstylists, and it always has. But unfortunately ,with the rise of social media and the internet it's gotten 1000% worse. We can get on our phone and instantly be connected with thousands of hairstylists with the click of a button and whether we mean to or not, start comparing ourselves to every move they've ever made. It's easy to get caught...

When she finally finds "the one". 😍 Oh, did you think I was talking about a husband?! No, honey I'm talking about finding the real needle in a haystack - the perfect hairstylist and beauty team for the wedding day! Today we're talking about what it takes to be the ultimate wedding glam squad, how to survive (and thrive) the full wedding day behind the chair, what to do when things go wrong (becau...

For any stylist, new or old, getting genuine feedback from clients is the key to long term growth behind the chair. But have you ever wondered how to actually get REAL feedback from clients? If yes, this episode is for you. Join me at the Aspiring Stylist Podcast group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaspiringstylist Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy: http://aspirebarberandbeauty.com...

It seems like no one wants to work in a commission salon anymore, but is working as an independent stylist the freedom and payout stylists think it will be? As a salon owner, and educator I've seen the trend swing quickly from commission salon models to booth rent and in this episode we’re exploring the pros, cons and things you might not have thought about if you're trying to decide what's best f...

Want a behind the scenes look into the day in the life of a successful stylist? In this episode we're taking you behind the chair and beyond.  Join me at the Aspiring Stylist Podcast group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaspiringstylist Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy: http://aspirebarberandbeauty.com/ Can I ask you a favor? If you enjoy the show, will you follow us and leave a 5...

Have you ever wondered how much a hairstylist actually makes per year? We're walking through what you can expect to make your first few years behind the chair both at a commission based salon or as an independent stylist working for yourself (at a salon suite or booth rental). Join me at the Aspiring Stylist Podcast group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaspiringstylist Aspire Barbe...

The beauty industry is changing everyday, and so is how we present ourselves. Ten years ago every high end salon was wearing all black business casual, now most stylists have  total freedom of what they can wear and how they show up to work. In this episode we'll discuss first impressions, personal style, how you should present yourself inside and outside the salon and how dressing well can comple...

On my first day behind the chair I had zero clients. On my second day behind the chair I had one client. One of the biggest misconceptions of the beauty industry is you'll have a full clientele the day after you graduate from beauty school, but this simply isn't true. In this episode we're talking about how many clients you need to see per day and how long it takes most stylists to get to reach th...

The beauty standards have changed and the industry is changing with it. This week we're talking if the beauty industry is too saturated and as stylists and future stylists how we can navigate in this new world of beauty, social media and ever changing expectations.  Join me at the Aspiring Stylist Podcast group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaspiringstylist Aspire Barber and Beaut...

There's a stigma around admitting you don't have it all figured out. Of course, you're gonna make mistakes, you're still learning. You will always be learning. Whether you're learning on purpose, or life's handing out lessons for free, you will be a completely different stylist in five years and in five years again.  So much of the treasured knowledge that I carry with me was learned by things not...

This week we're going to talk about maternity leave, having a baby that's under a year old, and being a mom that's behind the chair. While I already had my children when I started my work as a stylist I've worked with countless women as they transition through this season of their life and I want to help prepare you and share a few tips on how to make this process easier for you and for your clien...

Did you know more than half of hairstylists, barbers and beauty professionals leave the industry within two years of graduation? As an educator, this statistic devastates me, but nevertheless it's the truth. In this episode we're unpacking why so many hairstylists leave the industry and how you can prepare yourself to succeed in this industry. Join me at the Aspiring Stylist Podcast group on Faceb...

Stop thinking about your business as selling and start thinking about it as empowerment! Your mindset is everything and I promise, your clients pick up on what you're thinking. Too many stylists are passing up their opportunities to educate, empower and uplift their clients because they don't want to recommend another product or service. You have to remember, this is why your clients are coming to...

This episode is dedicated to exploring the essential tools that every hairstylist, especially those in their first year, should have in their toolkit. We’re talking about  the importance of each tool, how to shop for the best quality, and my best advice for maintenance and use. Join me at the Aspiring Stylist Podcast group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaspiringstylist Aspire Barb...

No matter what your philosophy or mission as a hairstylist, we all have one thing in common - there’s only so much time in the day (and that goes for everyone) both ourselves and our clients. For new stylists everything takes longer. Haircuts, colors, extension application, you name it, it takes longer. But I’ve known many stylists that are tenured in their career still struggling with time manage...

As hairstylists we know there's a delicate balance between being vulnerable with your guests and oversharing. But what does healthy vulnerability look like? Are you oversharing with your clients? Join me at the Aspiring Stylist Podcast group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaspiringstylist Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy: http://aspirebarberandbeauty.com/ Can I ask you a favor? If...

If I've said it once - I've said it 100 times the beauty industry isn’t for the faint of heart! It's the first week in February and I know some of y'all haven't looked at those goals you made for 2024 since you wrote them in December. If you're already feeling behind, uninspired or you just need a pep talk to get your week started this episode is for you! 💖 Join me at the Aspiring Stylist Podcast...

There's something killing your business. It lurks around every corner and waits for you to let your guard down. It isn't the social media algorithm, or the economy or the owner of your salon.   This week we're talking about the most terrifying professional killer of all - excuses. Join me at the Aspiring Stylist Podcast group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/theaspiringstylist Aspire B...

As hairstylists we're always networking. It's a vital part of the job and industry as beauty professionals, but how often are you networking within your own salon? When was the last time you talked with your co-workers about your offerings, the type of clients you'd like to serve and how you can work together to build each other's clientele?  This model is great for salons that have different serv...

I have the honor to introduce one of my favorite stylists, Aveda Purefessional, Educator, and this week's guest: Sher Smith . In 2010, Sher graduated from the Aveda Institute in Knoxville, TN where she lived and worked until moving to Los Angeles in 2020, now, 3 years later Sher has returned to Tennessee and works halfway between Knoxville and Nashville at my salon, in Cookeville, TN Loxx Salon an...

Congratulations! 🥳 You just passed the state boards - now what?! As a stylist this is one of the most exciting and intimidating transitions you'll make. Now that you've passed the boards you're ready to get to work, but what does that really mean? In this episode we'll talk about everything from what salon owners look for on a resume to what kind of salons are hiring stylists salons are hiring st...