Rooted + Rising: Through the Beauty Industry

In this episode of Rooted & Rising , we're joined by Melanie of The Happy Hair Company , an independent hairstylist, community builder, and someone who might just change the way you think about the stylist-client relationship, based in Michigan. If you've ever followed along from the outside and thought her brand just feels different , this episode is for you. We cover: How The Happy H...

Here are the updated show notes: Show Notes: Three months ago, Quinn and Josie made major career moves: new salons, new environments, new everything. Now they're back with the update they promised: the real one, not the highlight reel. In this episode, Quinn and Josie get candid about what switching salons actually feels like, the identity crisis, the ego checks, the slow Januaries, and the mo...

This week on Rooted in Rising, we're sitting down with Kia Rogers: curl specialist, Evo Salon Educator, and the stylist Sacramento's curly-haired community has been buzzing about. Kia keeps it completely real about every chapter of her career: starting at a five-star commission salon with zero clients and a dream, navigating COVID and a newborn, going solo in a suite with seven grand and s...

We know you saw Alysa Liu 's halo tree ring hair at the Winter Olympics and completely lost your mind because so did we. Naturally, we needed to chat with the hairstylist behind the iconic look so we could share it with you! Meet Kelsey Miller : hairstylist, lived-in color specialist, and the woman behind Alyssa Liu's viral Olympic halo look. With 15+ years behind the chair, Kelsey special...

In this episode, Josie and Quinn sit down with Carly Zanoni, hairstylist, educator, and founder of Blonde Chronicles University, to talk about what it actually looks like to build something from scratch, the messy, unglamorous, figuring-it-out-as-you-go version. Carly breaks down how BCU started as a private Instagram account and a Wix website (her words: "so bad"), why timing and a $10...

In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Nixon, owner of The Sacred Hive in Petaluma, California, author of The Ugly Side of Beauty , and the hand-tied stitch queen herself, for a conversation about beauty, belonging, and what it really means to build a career on your own terms. Rachel opens up about how human design and female bio rhythms completely changed the way she leads her team, works with...

This one is for the clients. In today’s episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the salon experience and sharing everything we wish clients knew before, during, and after their appointment. From clean vs. dirty hair… to arriving on time (but not too early 👀)… to what actually happens in a consultation… to how to tell your stylist you don’t love your hair . We’re breaking it all down with hones...

On this special field episode of Rooted + Rising, Josie and Quinn head inside the Paul Mitchell cosmetology program to capture what beauty school really feels like. You’ll meet Natalie, an instructor who has guided countless new stylists through their first shaky haircuts, breakthroughs, and everything in between (including one of your favorite hosts, Quinn!). She shares what today’s students are...

In this episode, we’re sharing our  real  favorite things: the hair products, tools, and everyday essentials we reach for constantly. From behind the chair must-haves to the random life upgrades that genuinely make our days better, this one is a cozy, chatty roundup of things we truly love (and would absolutely repurchase). Just some honest favorites from two licensed yappers. 💬✨ Things We Menti...

Season 2 of Rooted & Rising is officially here. In this premiere episode, hairstylists and co-hosts Quinn and Josie share major career and life updates, including moving to new salons, leveling up their education, and stepping into new creative opportunities since Season 1. This episode sets the tone for a new season focused on growth, professionalism, and real conversations in the beauty indu...

In this episode of Rooted + Rising Through the Beauty Industry , Josie Aldrich and Quinn Mattingly sit down with stylist Sam Vimbela , Quinn’s “same-day salon sister”, to talk about the first two years of life behind the chair. Sam shares her honest highs and lows, from tough pricing conversations and busy books to the lessons she’s learned about client communication, active listening, and buildin...

In this heartfelt and no-fluff episode, we sit down with our social media manager and branding expert Lily Xiong (aka our gift from the universe) to talk about what it really means to show up for yourself as a stylist, creative, or small business owner. Lily shares her deeply personal journey, from rock bottom moments to rebuilding her life and career through hair, hustle, and heart. We talk about...

In this vulnerable and laugh-filled episode of  Rooted + Rising Through the Beauty Industry , we sit down with stylist and educator  Gisell Mada  to explore a topic that hits home for so many beauty pros:  imposter syndrome . Gisell opens up about her journey from second-guessing herself to becoming known as a transformation specialist and how faith, motherhood, and community helped her find stabi...

In this vibrant and unfiltered episode, Josie and Quinn sit down with the unapologetically bold duo behind  Bleach: Krista Storm , an online educator and viral stylist personality, and  Carly G urinskas , a branding visionary and stylist with nearly 20 years in the industry. Together, they unpack what it really means to build a brand that doesn’t fit the beige box. From surviving a full salon walk...

Key Highlights: Featuring Shardé Hunter, a 15-year veteran hairstylist and extension specialist Insights into salon career progression from hourly employee to suite owner Strategies for professional growth in the beauty industry Episode Quotes: "It is not our abilities that show what we truly are. It is our choices." - Dumbledore "Nothing changes if nothing changes" Topics Cove...

In this episode, co-hosts Josie Aldrich and Quinn Mattingly reconnect after a week apart, sharing personal experiences and reflections on their time off. They discuss their love for reality TV, particularly 'Love Island' and 'Real Housewives,' and how these shows create a sense of community. The conversation shifts to an inspiring magic show Quinn attended, highlighting the importa...

In this heartfelt episode of Rooted and Rising, Josie and Quinn sit down with salon owners Jacki Spellman of Lifted Salon and Cassie Bigelow of Dimension Salon to explore what it really means to lead with heart, collaborate without ego, and build sustainable success in the beauty industry. From navigating burnout to embracing imposter syndrome, they get honest about the emotional labor of being be...

In this quickie episode, Josie and Quinn catch up from their hotel room in Reno: raspy voices, cough drops, and all. From getting re-inspired by  Call Her Daddy ’s $125 million podcast deal to hearing about a wild “I need to speak to a supervisor!” moment back at the salon, this one is full of real talk, big dreams, and a reminder that you never know who’s watching. Plus, a surprise appearance fro...

The economy feels heavy right now, and hairstylists everywhere are feeling it behind the chair. From inflation to rising product costs to clients spacing out their appointments, this season is stretching many of us in ways we didn’t plan for. But here’s the truth: you are not powerless. In this episode, Quinn and Josie get real about what’s going on with the financial climate and how to play offen...

Welcome to our very first  Rooted in Rising Quickie ! These minis are here for the moments in between; the behind-the-scenes chaos, the random thoughts, the "omg wait, remember when?" convos that don't quite make it into our full episodes. In this one, we catch up on: How we went from a blanket fort to having our names on the screen 🫠 The unexpected (and hilarious) parts of starting...

Join hosts Josie and Quinn as they sit down with Alfonso Martinez, CEO of The Color Bar in Sacramento. In this inspiring conversation, Alfonso shares his journey from software engineer to beauty industry innovator, revealing how his tech background and fearless mindset helped transform a single-chair salon into the #1 Davines retailer in North America. Discover how The Colour Bar pivoted during th...

In this deeply inspiring and honest conversation, we sit down with salon owner and branding queen Rose Newton of Tribe Salon Spa in Roseville, CA. From her early days at beauty school (while pregnant with two babies!), to becoming a powerhouse of intentional leadership, Rose shares what it means to build something bigger than just a business. We talk about the art of hospitality, creating culture...

Episode Summary: In this episode, Josie and Quinn sit down with Kimber Bootay, a distributor salon consultant with 28 years of experience serving stylists across Northern California. Recently awarded Sales Consultant of the Year for a major manufacturer, Kimber shares the secrets behind her success—including the power of consistency, relationship building, and truly caring for the stylists she ser...

In this episode, Josie and Quinn dive deep into the world of Unreasonable Hospitality , inspired by Will Guidara’s bestselling book that redefined the art of service in the restaurant industry, and explore how those same principles can revolutionize the salon experience. We’re asking: What does it really mean to go above and beyond for our clients behind the chair? In This Episode, We Discuss: Wha...

In this episode, Quinn interviews Josie about her journey as an educator with Davines. They dive into what inspired her, the highs and lows of teaching, and the impact it has had on her work behind the chair. Josie also shares advice for aspiring educators and salon owners looking to foster ongoing education in their spaces. Can't get enough of Rooted + Rising? Follow us on Instagram: The Pod...