Artists, Icons and Entrepreneurs

Send us Fan Mail Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs, LuLu Benavidez and Sue Hanson, sit down with Penny Burns, founder of Beauty Cast Network, to talk about empowering the next generation of beauty professionals. Penny shares her passion for helping beauty school graduates understand what comes next after school and how to build careers that are profitable, sustainable, and meaningful. She also tal...

Send us Fan Mail This conversation focuses on the technical and interpersonal aspects of being a successful colorist. We cover how Beth Minardi approaches complex hair color techniques while maintaining high standards for client satisfaction. Whether you are a new stylist or a seasoned pro, these lessons provide a clear framework for handling difficult consultations and refining your application m...

Send us Fan Mail Discover the artistic philosophy of Jesse Rodriguez, a Houston artist rooted in Magnolia Park. Learn how he translates history into art. This conversation explores the connection between ancient Aztec art and modern creative expression. We discuss how Jesse Rodriguez approaches his work to ensure every piece creates a lasting image that stands the test of time. Whether you are int...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Mya James for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about beauty, aging, self-care, and the importance of staying consistent in the way we care for ourselves. This conversation offers a candid look at what it means to grow both personally and professionally while navigating the demands of building a business. Mya reminds us that success is not o...

Send us Fan Mail Kim Weaver Moore, a renowned haircutting educator, shares her journey from a passionate hairstylist to an innovator with her Head Shape Matters system. Discover how her blend of science, geometry, and artistry is transforming haircutting education and practice. We dive deep into the world of hair education, exploring the foundational principles of hair cutting and hair design. Thi...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we explore Brooke LeMasters' journey in the beauty industry, her innovative approach to color, and insights on building a creative salon culture. Perfect for stylists looking to elevate their craft and confidence.   Chapters 00:00 The Art of Consultation in Hair Color 02:20 Brooke LeMasters: A Journey into Color 11:19 Building a Salon Culture: Lessons Learned 15:21...

Send us Fan Mail This episode features a deep dive into the history and innovation of hairdressing, highlighting legendary stylist Christopher Brooker's insights on the craft, culture, and evolution of hair design. He shares the importance of "personal growth" and how embracing "creativity" allowed him to step beyond traditional boundaries. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to t...

Send us Fan Mail This episode features Marcy Cona, a renowned global creative director in the beauty industry, sharing insights on artistry, innovation, human connection, and the future of beauty. Discover her journey, leadership philosophy, and vision for elevating creativity in a tech-driven world.  Chapters 00:00 The Human Touch in Technology 02:06 Introducing Marcy Kona: A Creative Visionary 1...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs! In this episode, we hear from someone whose family history in the "barber shop" deeply influenced his career path. He shares the importance of "personal growth" and how embracing "creativity" allowed him to step beyond traditional boundaries, even as his brothers taught him "how to cut hair". Thi...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs! In this episode, we explore the origins of a career, emphasizing the importance of creativity and teamwork. The discussion highlights a significant past collaboration from 1988, underscoring how personal growth and effective business communication contribute to successful ventures. The conversation also touches on embracing new ideas a...

Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs! In this inspiring interview, Omar Antonio shares his journey from a punk rock kid to a globally recognized hair artist and educator. Discover his creative process, the influence of international travel, and how he transforms hair into wearable art, pushing boundaries in the industry. In this episode, we discuss the creative process beh...

Send us Fan Mail This episode features Lisbeth Ortiz, a Mexican-born visual artist whose work explores identity, resilience, and cultural heritage. She shares her journey from Mexico City to Houston and New York, her artistic inspirations, community initiatives like the Frida Festival, and her ongoing projects that celebrate and empower Latin culture.  Lizbeth reflects on her upbringing and experi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we hear from an entrepreneur, author, and mentor who shares her journey of writing a memoir. She discusses how the process became one of healing and personal growth, offering her new mental clarity. Discover how she found her purpose in life through this experience and the self-development gained along the way. www.lulubenavidez.com @lulubenavidez www.evolvehairso...

Send us Fan Mail Leslie Cavendish shares his extraordinary journey from East London to becoming a legendary hairdresser for The Beatles and other icons. Discover behind-the-scenes stories, lessons learned, and the culture of 60s London that shaped his career. Chapters 00:00 A Surreal Encounter with Paul McCartney 01:40 The Journey to Becoming a Hairstylist 06:45 Lessons from Vidal Sassoon 12:58 Th...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs, we sit down with Don Wismer, Director of Education for America’s Beauty Show, to explore how beauty education is evolving and what this means for the industry's future. Don shares why today’s beauty professionals must go beyond technique and embrace a deeper understanding of science, business strategy, and client consultat...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Maria Arellano shares her transformative journey from struggling with weight and self-image to embracing a healthier lifestyle and body positivity. Through her experiences in photography and personal growth, she emphasizes the importance of mindset, identity, and the tools that helped her achieve her goals. Maria's story is one of resilience, empowerment, and...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs, hosts Lulu Benavidez and Sue Krokonis Hanson welcome celebrity hairstylist Sarai Martinez. They explore Sarai's journey from studying fashion design in Canada to becoming a renowned hairstylist in the beauty industry. The conversation delves into the intricacies of working with clients, the chaos behind the scenes at fashi...

Send us Fan Mail In this engaging conversation, Lucia shares her journey in the hairdressing industry, starting from her early days at 15 to becoming a sought-after stylist for celebrities and major brands. She discusses the importance of passion, the differences between fashion and real-world glamour, and her experiences working with renowned professionals. Lucia also highlights her role as a lea...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs, we sit down with Richard Krammes—veteran hairstylist, wig designer, and educator with 35+ years in the professional beauty industry and theatre. Richard shares how he went from barber school and salon life to discovering the “hidden world” of wigs, learning under masters at places like the Banff Centre, and stepping into high-l...

Send us Fan Mail Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs, hosts LuLu Benavidez and Sue Krokonis Hanson, sit down with Coach Chris Baran, renowned salon educator and founder of Trainers Playbook, to explore what it takes to build high-performing teams and modern training systems in today’s beauty industry. Chris shares how he went from unexpectedly entering the hairdressing world to becoming a respected...

Send us Fan Mail  Claudia Macias shares her inspiring journey in education, from her early experiences as a bilingual student to founding KIPP elementary schools. She discusses her collaborations with major educational institutions, the importance of storytelling in education, and her initiatives promoting healthy habits through Veggie Pals. Claudia also highlights the significance of early childh...

Send us Fan Mail David Velasco shares his remarkable journey from a young hairdresser in Tampa to becoming a prominent figure in the hairdressing industry. He discusses the impact of his early international experiences, the challenges of balancing a demanding career with personal life, and the valuable lessons learned from leadership roles at major companies like Wella and Bumble and Bumble. David...

Send us Fan Mail In this engaging conversation, Lulu Benavidez and Sue Hanson reflect on the new year, discussing personal growth, the importance of human connection, and the value of reaching out to others. They share insights on navigating change, setting resolutions, and the power of storytelling. The hosts emphasize the significance of building relationships and maintaining balance in life, wh...

Send us Fan Mail In this heartfelt episode, Lulu Benavidez and Sue Hanson reflect on the past year, sharing insights into the meaning of Christmas, the importance of family traditions, and the journey of grief through the holidays. They discuss the role of faith in their lives and the lessons learned from their podcast guests, emphasizing the value of passion, discipline, and gratitude. The conver...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, photographer Renee Rodriguez shares her transformative journey in the world of photography, highlighting how personal experiences and societal tragedies have shaped her artistic vision. From her early inspirations to her impactful projects like Redemption Love, Renee emphasizes the importance of storytelling through visual arts. She discusses her involvement with...