The Beauty Connective Podcast

From hearing "you suck" as a beginner to navigating emotionally heavy conversations with clients, I sat down with Maddy Fries (@cutenailsbymaddy) for this episode that explores the emotional realities of being a beauty professional and why protecting your own energy matters just as much as perfecting your craft. www.thebeautyconnective.com

Hannah Wilson (@wilsons_nails) shares how burnout pushed her to make one of the biggest pivots of her career. After losing two-thirds of her clientele and starting over, she rebuilt her business, found her niche, and created a career she really enjoys. This episode is a reminder that sometimes the long way around ends up being the right path. @wilsons_nails @thehive.nailbar @nailnectar_co www.theb...

This week on The Beauty Connective Podcast, Gabrielle Martinson Herrera (@gabrielle.citycenternails) shares the deeply personal story of how the nail industry became her way out of an abusive relationship. We talk about survival, rebuilding your life through beauty, finding support in the industry, and how learning a skill gave her the independence she needed to leave. www.thebeautyconnective.com

In this episode, I sit down with Utah nail tech Kendal Nelson-Stein (@mynailgirl.k) to talk about her journey from dropping out of college to building a fully booked nail clientele in one of the most saturated beauty markets. We dive into how she grew her clientele so quickly, the pricing strategy that helped her stand out, client retention, conversational skills behind the chair, and the importan...

In this episode, I sit down with Paige Olson (@littlecanvasnailstudio), a Virginia-based nail tech and educator, to talk about her journey from doing nails in her dorm room during COVID to building her own studio and stepping into education. We get into the reality of apprenticeships, navigating toxic environments, and what it really looks like to trust your gut when choosing a nontraditional care...

In this episode, I sit down with Brooklyn Carlisle (@_barebybrooklyn_) to talk about what it really looks like starting out in aesthetics. From a tough drama-filled school experience to going solo without feeling prepared, she shares how she figured it out anyway. If you’ve ever felt not ready but still want to make it work, this one’s for you. @_barebybrooklyn_ www.thebeautyconnective.com

I sat down with brow artist and educator Tess Gilliland (@lala.browz) to talk about how she went from having one client to building a full brow business and now opening her own school. We got into mindset, taking risks before you feel ready, and what actually holds beauty professionals back (hint: it’s not your technique). @lalabrow.lounge www.thebeautyconnective.com

It’s been one year of the Beauty Connective podcast, which honestly feels unreal. In this episode, I’m recapping the biggest lessons I’ve learned from 21 guests across the beauty industry and how much it’s shifted the way I think about success. Spoiler: it’s way more about mindset than anything else.

I sat down with Jun Koo, founder of Butter Shears, who visits hundreds of salons and barbershops and gets a true behind-the-scenes look at how they operate. We talked about the patterns he notices between successful and struggling stylists, the energy inside different salons, and what’s actually holding people back in the beauty industry. This episode is a really honest look at what’s happening be...

Why does working in the beauty industry sometimes feel like it’s not taken seriously? Kylee and Sofia Wood (@nailartbysofia_) open up about the insecurities many beauty professionals face, the stereotypes around being a nail tech, and the surprising amount of intelligence, skill, and business strategy that goes into the job. www.thebeautyconnective.com

Social media helped us grow, but it’s not the whole answer. In this episode, Hayley (@mysticsnakenails) and I talk about why beauty professionals deserve more than just chasing the algorithm. We share how our backgrounds in education shaped our vision for The Beauty Connective and why we believe the industry needs a better way to get discovered. This is the real conversation behind why TBC exists,...

In this episode, I sit down with Kortney Poulson (@nailsbykort_) to talk about the real behind-the-scenes of doing nails for celebrities from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives . We get into what it’s actually like working with high-profile clients, the pressure that comes with it, and how she built a reputation for fast, efficient nail work while working at a high level.

Nail tech and educator Hailey Duncan joins Kylee for a real, unfiltered conversation about the state of nail apprenticeships in Utah. Why are so many new techs leaving programs unprepared? Why are instructor licenses so easy to get? And how did apprenticeships turn into expensive programs with almost no standards? We break down what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change, for the safety o...

In this episode, nail tech and educator Annie Keller (@nailart.by.annie) shares how she doubled her nail tech income by creating digital products - protecting her hands, reducing burnout, and building a more sustainable career. She walks through the moment she realized she needed a different path, how she got started, and how she now helps other nail techs do the same.

In this episode, Kylee sits down with Reanna Kester (@redidmynails) , nail educator and founder of Cuticle & Co (@cuticleandcompany) , to talk about how she turned a small idea into a fast-growing beauty brand. Reanna shares her journey from doing nails in a suite to running a company from her basement — now with a full team, loyal following, and products that nail techs love. They talk about...

In this episode of The Beauty Connective Podcast , Kylee chats with Mar Aranda (@mar.mstyling), a hair extension specialist and Mane Luxe (@maneluxemethod) educator from the Bay Area. Mar shares her story of rebuilding her career and life after major changes. From owning a salon and going through a divorce to starting fresh in a new city and finding joy behind the chair again. They talk about the...

Kylee sits down with nail tech and master aesthetician Jayde Burke to talk about her journey of turning passion into a career. From going viral on social media to navigating brand deals, Jayde shares how she’s built her business in the beauty industry. She opens up about the power of writing down goals, manifesting dreams, and envisioning the future she wants, proving that mindset can be just as i...

In this episode of The Beauty Connective Podcast , host Kylee Hone sits down with Jessica Page —salon owner, KT educator, and founder of The Mane Collective . With over 20 years in the beauty industry, Jessica shares her journey of resilience and growth, from opening her own salon to rebuilding after a devastating fire, and ultimately creating a supportive community for beauty professionals. The c...

In this episode of The Beauty Connective Podcast , Kylee sits down with hairstylist, salon owner, and educator Kens Davis for an honest conversation about burnout, boundaries, and the pressure to keep hustling in the beauty industry. Kens shares how therapy and personal growth shaped her journey, the importance of mindset in overcoming “I’m not enough” beliefs, and the simple systems she uses to s...

When Utah nail artist Paige Castro of Paige’s Nail Kitchen got an email offering her a dream brand deal, she thought her hard work had finally paid off. But what started as a $1,500-a-month opportunity turned into a $138 lesson in spotting scams. In this episode, Paige shares how it all unfolded - from the initial excitement to the gut punch realization - and the emotional toll it took. We talk ab...

Utah nail tech Maliyah Herrin was born a conjoined twin, has lived with a disability, and has undergone two kidney transplants—but none of it has stopped her from thriving in the beauty industry. In this episode, she shares how she built her nail career, grew a loyal following on social media, and became a voice for disability representation in beauty. Maliyah’s story is proof that passion and per...

In this episode, Evan Stowers—salon owner, mentor, and one of Utah’s top 10 hairstylists—shares his journey through 15 years in the beauty industry. He opens up about the personal hurdles he faced early on, what it took to find his place in a female-dominated space, and the mindset it takes to truly master your craft. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at how Evan leads with intention as...

In this episode, Hilda Custodio—known as your TikTok Nail Lady and owner of Payton Manis Beauty Lounge—shares how she grew from doing nails at home as a single mom to running a busy salon and building a viral presence online. We dive into her journey as a salon owner, the impact of TikTok on her business, what it’s really like behind the scenes of going viral, and how she uses her platform to upli...

In this episode, I’m joined by Jenna Puzzio (@jennapuzziohair)—marketing expert and beauty industry strategist—to break down the three essential pillars of marketing that every beauty pro needs to understand: attention, connection, and retention . We dive into how to grab the right kind of attention (hint: it’s not about going viral), how to build genuine connection that turns followers into loyal...

In this episode, I sit down with Alyssa Freeman, a master esthetician based in Utah who’s built a thriving solo practice by getting crystal clear on her niche and doubling down on client experience. We talk about how niching down doesn’t limit your potential—it unlocks it—and why creating a standout client experience is the secret to long-term loyalty and steady bookings. Whether you’re just start...