The Aspiring Stylist with Tracey Franklin

Did you know every minute the beauty industry is creating almost 900 pounds of waste? I know that’s hard to imagine, but think about how much color, bleach, packaging and products are going into our trash - or worse - into our water. As a stylist and educator I recycle 95% of the waste used in my salon and school. Having sustainable practices in the beauty industry is one of the easiest ways to he...

Trying to keep up in the beauty industry is a full time job. This week we’re talking about those heart-in-your-throat decisions we've all had to make to stay relevant, and the red flags that scream “It’s time to move on!” Don’t worry, we've all been there. And hey, at least AI isn't going to be cutting hair anytime soon, but that doesn't mean we can just sit pretty. We're gonna chat about how to r...

Finding a mentor can be a game-changer for your career in the beauty industry. This week we're covering all the reasons why you need a mentor, why you should start looking early, and why the salon you choose matters! Think less classroom, more real-world learning - everything from hands-on skills to how to make your mark in the business. This episode isn't just about finding mentors in the usual p...

Do you feel like the bookkeeping side of being a stylist or beauty professional is the worst part? We've all been there. Managing money doesn't come naturally to most of us and stylists are no different.  We're talking all things budgeting and expense tracking, and how we're transforming these mundane tasks into an engaging journey of financial awareness and control. This episode is all about givi...

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by all the trends and fads in the industry?  This week, we're digging into how to identify new services that not only match your skill set but fulfill the demands of your clients. I know it can be intimidating to step out of your comfort zone but remember, no risk, no reward. Here's the cherry on top - I've done the homework for you! I'll guide you through the maze of...

Which would scare you more: raising your prices 20% tomorrow or showing up every day this week on TikTok? If both terrify you, you are not alone . In this episode, we’re tackling one of the most intimidating parts of the beauty industry: imposter syndrome. As stylists, we often doubt our self-worth, fearing we aren't "good enough" to showcase our work or charge more. Remember, it's okay to start "...

What sets you apart as a stylist? This is a question every stylist should know the answer to, but so few of us do. How are those skills going to get you a new person in the door? Because I hate to break it to you, but I don’t have people calling my salon to ask who has the most continued education. What sets you apart is your brand. Join me at the Aspiring Stylist Podcast group on Facebook: https:...

Do you ever feel uncertain about how to handle a particularly difficult client? If so, know that you're not alone. Navigating challenging client relationships is part of our industry, but let's face it, not many of us know how to gracefully let a client go when it's affecting our business. Dealing with difficult clients and knowing when to part ways is as much a part of the stylist’s journey as le...

Imagine having a blueprint for all your client appointments, a guaranteed path to effective communication. It may sound too good to be true, but it's not. The key lies in the consultation process, finding the right language and understanding your clients on a deeper level. As stylists, many of the challenges we face can be overcome if we ask the right questions and truly listen to our clients' nee...

Let's talk about the unspoken rules of salon culture and how understanding and navigating them can set the stage for a successful and fulfilling career in the beauty industry. From workplace dynamics and communication strategies to maintaining a professional demeanor and building strong relationships, we're covering it all! We'll discuss the roles and hierarchies within a salon, share tips on fitt...

In this special episode, I'm sharing all the excitement and insights from our first week at Aspire Barber and Beauty Academy . Our students have been buzzing with questions, and now I'm here to answer them all, just for you! We're digging deep into what beauty school really entails, from the fascinating subjects covered in barber school (trust me, it's not just about cutting hair) to the nitty-gri...

I have to tell you something. This week's episode is probably the most raw, real, and emotional episode of the podcast so far.   You might know when I started working in the beauty industry I was a single Mom, working at a preschool, looking for a way to better provide for my children and family. There are so many things I wish I'd known back then, but if I could go back and tell myself 5 things,...

This week we're getting real on how to bounce back after you f*ck up as a stylist, barber, or anyone in the beauty industry. In this episode, we'll explore how to overcome setbacks, the importance of resilience, adaptability, and learning from our oopsies, because, let's face it, nobody's perfect. We'll dive into handling unhappy clients with strategies like active listening, empathy, and problem-...

Do you know who your perfect client is? Do you know why you should care? Have you ever wondered how celebrity stylists like Jen Atkin and Chris Appleton became such iconic voices in the hair industry in a short period of time? They knew their audience. They knew who they wanted to work with and what services they were best at and went for it! Knowing your perfect client is vital to your success an...

So, you want to land a job at a luxury salon? Don't we all! In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain and dishing the insider secrets on what it takes to land that dream job. As a luxury salon owner with over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry, I've got the details on getting hired at a luxury salon you won't want to miss! We'll dive into the must-have qualities and skills that'll m...

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...

I couldn't be more honored to introduce our first guest to The Aspiring Stylist Podcast, my coach (and the woman that saved my salon) Jill Ruone!  In this episode, we're dishing all the details on what happened to our salon, how we met, Jill's career, and how you can avoid making the same business mistakes I did!  About Our Guest:  Jill is a Certified John Maxwell consultant and trainer and one of...

This week we're going to discuss a hotly debated topic in the salon/stylist/barber/beauty universe: commission or booth rent? As a salon owner with experience in both structures, we'll dive into the advantages and disadvantages of both. Most importantly, we'll break down how you as a  stylist can determine which structure is best for you and what questions to ask potential salon owners when lookin...

Are you really connecting with your clients? This is something so many stylists aren't paying attention to or they simply don't understand how important it is. Connecting with your clients is everything. From creating open communication to improving their experience, communication is imperative. We're going to talk about what to look for, how to improve your communication and how your existing cli...

Why is social media so important? Can you be a stylist without social media? What kind of work do I need to show? Do my number of followers matter?  Should I be on Instagram or Facebook or TikTok or all three? There are endless questions I get as a beauty educator on social media and the short answer is: all stylists need to be showing up on social media. Is it annoying? Yes. Is it vital to your g...

It’s the circle of life. Eventually, most of your clients will leave, but it isn't the end of the world or your career. Let's look at this from a different perspective, what is there to gain from losing a client as a hairstylist, barber or anyone in the beauty industry?  In this episode, we'll break down the  scary reality of clients leaving. As salon owners and stylists, it can be hard to accept...

So your parents don't want you to go to beauty school.  As a parent and stylist, this always breaks my heart, but I also understand.  Most parents want better for their children than they had, plain and simple. Maybe they've been preconditioned to believe that the beauty industry is a back-up plan, you'll never make any money or worst of all it isn't a real job. Like every education, beauty school...

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...

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...

Have you ever heard the saying if you can't measure it, you can't manage it? This week we're diving into the true meaning of success in the beauty industry and how understanding the numbers behind your business can give you a clearer picture of your performance and earnings. We’ll discuss the best metrics to can help you measure your success, like pre-booking appointments, retention and referrals....