Suite Independence | Building a Thriving Beauty Business

Are you running a beauty business — or just doing hair? If you've ever introduced yourself by what you do instead of what you own, this conversation is for you. I sat down with my business coach, Lee Gray of ActionCOACH Business Coaching, inside one of our Utopia Modern Salon Suites locations, and we got into the real talk that every independent beauty professional needs to hear. From raising your...

What does it take to build something you never planned for? Schrene Davis didn't set out to own three cosmetology schools — she was just trying to find a way out of a small town in Western Kansas. From a cheerleading scholarship and a cosmetology license she almost let expire, to becoming one of the early franchisees of Paul Mitchell Schools when there were fewer than five in existence, her journe...

What if the thing standing between you and the business — or life — you want isn't skill, experience, or money... but the way you talk to yourself? Confidence coach Emily Stevens joins me to unpack why so many talented women hold themselves back, how to stop "shoulding" all over yourself, and the small daily shifts that build real, lasting confidence from the inside out. HIGHLIGHTS • Stop "shouldi...

What if great branding could actually do the selling for you — before a single client ever walks through your door? That's exactly what branding photographer Ashlyn Dettwiler (Ashlyn Faith Branding) and marketing strategist Avery Hittle (Set Theory Marketing) are doing for beauty professionals and small business owners in Wichita. These two high school friends turned business partners have built a...

What does it take to leave corporate stability for the uncertain path of entrepreneurship? Just a month ago, Savannah Tasset was a financial analyst at Koch Industries. Today, she's running her own aesthetics business at Utopia. Her story shows that sometimes the riskiest move is staying where you're unhappy—and that a finance degree can be your secret weapon in the beauty industry. Highlights Why...

What if the secret to success in your beauty business isn't growing bigger, but getting smarter about who you serve? After 20 years in the aesthetics industry—including 11 years running a seven-room spa—I made the bold decision to close my doors and return to solo practice. The result? More clients, better income, and the freedom to take a 10-day sailing trip to the Virgin Islands. I'm sharing the...

Would you make a major career change to create space for your family? Today's conversation takes you inside the journey of Brittany Thomas, owner of Rooted Wellness Company, as she shares her path from caring for premature babies to empowering women through hormone optimization and weight loss. We explore the changing landscape of healthcare, the challenges of starting an independent practice, and...

What does it take to partner with a national chain while maintaining the freedom to work on your own terms? In this conversation with Desiree Brogan, a nurse practitioner at the Cranbrook Salon, we explore how she's created a successful aesthetic business by partnering with Skin Clique, who provides that support without sacrificing independence. Desiree shares her journey from working in hospitals...

Are you ready to make 2026 your most intentional and rewarding year yet? Discover how independent beauty professionals are redefining success, embracing clarity, and building businesses that truly support their lives. Today I’m going solo and sharing insights on simplifying your business, finding the right pace, and creating a sustainable, fulfilling career—without the overwhelm. Highlights The bi...

How do you build a business that feels like home—for you and your clients? What if the secret to success is as simple (and as complex) as truly listening, embracing your quirks, and trusting the process of transformation? Discover how the journey from commission salon to independent suite can be both terrifying and exhilarating. Suzie Cote shares her story of personal and professional metamorphosi...

Are you prepared for the unexpected? Imagine if you suddenly couldn’t work—how would that impact your family, your business, and your peace of mind? Today, I sit down with Molly Henthorn from Empower Financial Group to uncover the real risks beauty professionals face and the practical ways to protect your income, your business, and your future. From personal stories to actionable advice, this conv...

What does it really take to turn a passion for beauty into a thriving, in-demand business? How do you build a brand that clients recognize instantly—and keep them coming back for years? Today, I sit down with Brooke Bemis, owner of Brows by B and the Brow Battalion, to uncover the real story behind her journey from serving tables to becoming one of Wichita’s most sought-after brow artists and educ...

Do you think doing your taxes is more like a blowout, a brow wax, or a full Brazilian? For beauty professionals, financial management can sometimes feel simple and sometimes daunting and painful. Today, I sit down with Ryan Kittrell, CPA, to unravel the mysteries of bookkeeping, tax deductions, and financial habits that can make or break your business. Whether you’re a creative who dreads spreadsh...

Are you ready to discover what it really takes to build a business you can step away from and still thrive? Join me as I sit down with Ashleigh Jones, a permanent makeup artist whose journey spans continents, motherhood, and the art of niching down. From building a sought-after salon in Australia to starting over in Wichita, Ashleigh shares the real stories behind her success, the challenges of le...

Are you ready to transform your client relationships and build the business—and life—you truly want? Discover how to create an exceptional client experience, set boundaries, and even let go of clients who aren’t the right fit, all while growing a thriving, independent business. Hanna Johnson, owner of The Wicker Chair Salon & Boutique, shares her journey from commission salons to successful su...

What does it really take to build a legacy in the beauty industry? On our first ever episode of Suite Independence, I share an incredible conversation with Eric Fisher, a true industry icon whose journey to founder of Eric Fisher Salons, Eric Fisher Academy, and Prosper U is filled with lessons on grit, passion, and the power of showing up. We explore how the definition of success has evolved, why...