The Hairdresser Strong Show

From cutting hair in his basement to building barbershops, colleges, and launching a credit union, Larry E. Roberts Jr. shares how grit, vision, and community-first leadership transformed his career—and how barbers and stylists can build sustainable wealth and impact too. Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review! KEY TAKEAWAYS:...

From barber school to celebrity clients to shop owner and educator, Phillip Dawson shares how he built his career from the ground up—and gives real talk on what students need to succeed after graduation. Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review! KEY TAKEAWAYS: 🔅Phillip Dawson’s journey from barber school to celebrity barber sho...

From salon assistant to She-E-O of 7 salon concepts, a bridal agency, and an event space, Dana Fountain shares the scrappy, strategic moves that helped her build a beauty empire from the ground up. In this episode, she breaks down how to calculate your financial needs , grow without debt, choose the right business partners, and turn relationships into real opportunities —all while staying true to...

After transitioning from beauty school to working in salon environments for 7 years, Shantel Phillips shares how she built deep client relationships and made the leap into suite ownership, offering real talk on what it takes to succeed at every stage. Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review! KEY TAKEAWAYS: 🔅Shantel worked in s...

💬 This isn’t just another podcast…we’re releasing our 3/28 Community Conversation from Instagram Live. In this special Community Conversation, Jenae, a recent Aveda Grad, shares how shadowing in real salon environments gave her clarity, self-assurance, and insight she didn’t get in the classroom. Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us...

Tariffs, Recession, Expanding your Business, Inflation Employment Trends, and Consumer Trends This conversation explores various economic trends affecting consumers and businesses, focusing on the shift towards skilled trades, the impact of inflation, recession fears, and the importance of mental health in the workplace. It also delves into luxury market psychology and the implications of student...

💬 This isn’t just another podcast…we’re releasing our 3/25 Community Conversation from Instagram Live with Diana Varvaro (School Director at Paul Mitchell the School NYC ) and Frank Bennett (Co-Founder & Hair Coloring Director at A.F. Bennett Salon & Wellness Spa ) In this special Community Conversation, Diana Varvaro and Frank Bennett share real-world insights on how soft skills, mentors...

In this episode, Nick Stenson, Brand Founder & CEO of Nick Stenson Beauty , shares his journey from stylist to executive to entrepreneur—offering real-world insights on brand building, navigating uncertainty, and creating meaningful impact in the beauty industry. Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review! KEY TAKEAWAYS: 🔅 Fo...

In this episode, Jenna Stakias , CEO & Founder of The True Empire , shares her top tools, trends, and strategies to help beauty pros and content creators elevate their social media game—without the overwhelm. Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review! KEY TAKEAWAYS: 🔅 Diversify your platforms — Don’t rely on just one (like T...

Ellen Crupi of HabitAware joins us to share how stylists can recognize and compassionately support clients dealing with trichotillomania and other body-focused repetitive behaviors—offering tools, hope, and healing behind the chair. Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review! KEY TAKEAWAYS: 🔅 Trichotillomania and other Body-Focus...

What does it take to go full-time in a suite? Tiffany Anyanwu breaks it down—from balancing side gigs and budgeting wisely to setting boundaries and nurturing client relationships that go deeper than hair. Her journey is a real look at the hard work behind building something of your own in today’s beauty industry. Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what y...

Trump Tariffs = Uncertainty around Inflation + Slowing Interest Rate Cuts! What do we do during uncertain times? How are our customers feeling? + A special fun story to change the subject from Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt! Check out this week's news updates, build Strong Business, and serve your customers better! Takeaways: 📉 Stock Market & Economy U.S. markets saw major drops in Q1 2025 due...

April is Stress Awareness Month, making it the perfect time to rethink how we handle pressure behind the chair. Tune in to hear Dr. Rebecca Heiss , a stress physiologist and author, break down the science of stress, revealing how hairstylists can reframe pressure and turn stress into a tool for success in a fast-paced, client-focused industry. 🔔Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new ep...

💬 This isn’t just another podcast…we’re releasing our 3/12 Community Conversation from Instagram Live with Ashleigh Taylor of Taylor and York Salon in Washington, DC. The DMV is changing fast—layoffs, inflation, and uncertainty are on everyone’s mind, including our clients. As hairstylists, we’re not just service providers; we’re trusted confidants, problem solvers, and business owners navigating...

In this episode, Dr. Adrin Seven Washington —celebrity stylist, educator, and business strategist—shares how he built a career working with top names like Patti LaBelle and Naomi Campbell while earning a doctorate in cosmetology. We discuss the importance of education, networking, finding your niche, and creating multiple income streams to achieve long-term success in the beauty industry. 🔔Follow...

What does it really take to help new stylists succeed? In this episode, Wayne White—hairstylist, educator, and former Marine—shares his insights on mentorship, patience, and the challenges facing new professionals in the beauty industry. We discuss how to bridge the gap between school and real-world success, why so many stylists struggle with anxiety, and how salon owners can better support rising...

From apprentice to President of John Paul Mitchell Systems , Jason Yates ' journey is proof that hard work, humility, and seizing the right opportunities can lead to incredible success. In this episode, Jason shares his insights on leadership, career growth, and why the beauty industry is as resilient as ever. 🔔 Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what yo...

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Steve Reiss, Executive Director of Industry Relations & Insights at Pivot Point International , as we explore the evolving landscape of beauty education, the power of mentorship, and why the future of the beauty industry depends on shifting perceptions and investing in the next generation. 🔔Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new epi...

Inflation is scary and likely to not give up in the near term. Trump's government is slashing government jobs and spending, which is definitely not going to help the economy in the near term. Ultimately, I share findings from a study on Gen-Z and how they think about leadership! Check out this week's news updates, build Strong Business, and serve your customers better! Takeaways: *The dynamics of...

Join us for a special episode with Aryn Detres , Founder of The Left Brain Group and The Hair Index , as she champions the rise of independent education in the beauty industry. Discover how indie educators are reshaping the landscape, creating community, and offering accessible learning experiences outside of major brands. 🔔 Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released....

Barbering isn’t just about cutting hair—it’s about perseverance, resilience, and putting in the work. In this episode, Sam Nolan shares his inspiring journey from struggling student to successful barber, shop manager, and educator. We dive into the real challenges of the industry, from overcoming setbacks to building a loyal clientele, mastering the craft, and pushing through the grind to build a...

This special episode continues our real-time docuseries with Brianne and Jessica of Darling Nikki Salon as they share what it’s really like to open and grow a salon from scratch. From their grand opening to hiring their first stylists and building a community, we dive into their early challenges, big wins, and next steps on their salon journey. 👀 Missed Part one? Listen on Apple Podcasts Listen o...

Join us as Ben Mollin , CEO and Founder of the Ben Mollin Project , shares the real pros and cons of working with brands, how to stand out in a crowded industry, and why staying true to your purpose is the key to long-term success. 🔔 Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review! KEY TAKEAWAYS: 🔅 Know Your "Why": Before working wit...

Join us as Gina , salon business educator and owner of The Network Salon , shares her insights on pricing, education, and creating exceptional client experiences. This episode dives deep into how hairstylists can align their value with their services and build a sustainable, client-focused career. Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Ashley Rivera from Tippy , as we dive into all things tips—claiming, taxes, and salon liability. Learn how proper tip management can build financial stability and set you up for long-term success in the beauty industry. Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review! KEY TAKEAWAYS: 🔅 Claimi...