The TONYA STOKES Podcast

EXCITING NEWS! STYLE — Salon Talks You'll Love Every Time — has been recognized by Feedspot as one of the Top 100 Beauty Business Podcasts of 2026! (This podcast was recorded before we were recognized) In Part 2 of this STYLE podcast conversation, we're continuing our discussion about faith, mindset, accountability, and leadership, using my SALT framework to help you face business challeng...

Running a salon comes with challenges; empty appointment books, rising expenses, difficult clients, and unexpected setbacks. But sometimes the problem isn't how hard we're fighting. It's how we're approaching the battle. In this episode of STYLE, we're talking about faith, mindset, accountability, and leadership, using my SALT framework to help you face business challenges with a different perspec...

What if collaboration not competition, is the key to your next level? In this episode of STYLE, Tonya explores how beauty professionals can combine resources, reduce costs, and build wealth together. Plus, why you should collaborate before you partner and how SALT can help you build something bigger than your chair. Check out my book on amazon: https://a.co/d/0iH2mUdP

In a world full of criticism and negativity surrounding the beauty industry, it's time to remember who we are. Inspired by Matthew 5:13, this episode challenges beauty professionals to be the SALT of the industry, setting the standard, adding value, leading with excellence, and transforming lives, one client at a time.  Check out my book:   https://a.co/d/063goTHq

What if success doesn't have to be so hard? Let's challenge the popular "get it out the mud" mentality and rethink what true leadership looks like through a personal story about guidance, wisdom, and learning from those who have already walked the path before us. My book: The Salon Suite Life

When the economy shifts, your clients do too. Here’s how to guide them with strategywithout lowering your value. The Salon Suite Life book: https://a.co/d/0dmSgmWr https://a.co/d/iYUUqQo

Sometimes what you create will work… but that doesn’t mean it’s what was promised. In this episode, we break down Genesis 16 and the real cost of forcing something that wasn’t ready. If you’ve ever made a move out of pressure instead of trust, this conversation will hit home. The Salon Suite Life book: https://a.co/d/0dmSgmWr https://a.co/d/iYUUqQo

AI isn’t the future it’s already in your salon. In this episode, Tonya breaks down simple, real ways stylists can use AI to save time, reduce burnout, and run a more efficient business, without losing their personal touch. The Salon Suite Life book: https://a.co/d/0dmSgmWr https://a.co/d/iYUUqQo

Not all pricing is created equal. In this episode, we break down why your prices should reflect your market not what you see online and how to avoid one of the biggest mistakes in the beauty industry right now. The Salon Suite Life book: https://a.co/d/0dmSgmWr https://a.co/d/iYUUqQo

Are you really mad at the service, or just the price? Let’s talk about what goes into hair pricing, why costs vary, and why everything isn’t meant for everybody. The Salon Suite Life book: https://a.co/d/0dmSgmWr https://a.co/d/iYUUqQo

My Black Friday & Cyber Monday deals flopped, my other promo went crazy, and I’m trying to figure out what’s happening out here. Let’s talk salon deals, timing, and client behavior. https://a.co/d/iYUUqQo

Tonya wants to chat a little about this economy and your mindset. This is a short check in, HOW ARE YOU and HOW ARE YOU SHOWING UP FOR YOUR CLIENTS? https://a.co/d/iYUUqQo

 In this episode of  Style: Salon Talks You'll Love Every Time , Tonya Stokes breaks down how today's economic slowdown is reshaping salon life. From clients stretching appointments and cutting luxury add-ons to rising costs on everyday essentials, salons everywhere are feeling the squeeze. Tonya shares real behind-the-chair insights, the tough choices independent stylists are facing, and...

In this episode, I share two powerful analogies to remind you that not all movement means progress. If you’ve been working hard but feeling stuck, this message is for you. It's time to move with purpose and expectation. You're not behind. You're just in a planting season. #builttorise https://a.co/d/iYUUqQo

No matter how focused you are, your surroundings shape your future. This episode Tonya Stokes, breaks down why upgrading your environment is non-negotiable. Click here to grow your Salon business Be my guest, email me at info@tonyastokes.com https://a.co/d/iYUUqQo

In this episode, I dive into the powerful concept of mindset — inspired by Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck. Are you operating with a growth mindset, or are you stuck in fixed thinking? More importantly, are you holding on to your career or business long after your effectiveness? Tune in as I explore this honest question through the lens of the beauty industry and entrepreneurship — and shares empowerin...

In this episode, we're diving deep into a truth that quietly shapes our lives: Those who commit to nothing are distracted by everything. If you've been feeling pulled in every direction, stuck in overwhelm, or unsure where to focus — this conversation is for you. Learn why commitment isn’t about locking yourself in — it’s about setting yourself free. Get ready for a mindset shift that will...

In this episode of STYLE: Salon Talks You’ll Love Every Time, we break down how rising tariffs are impacting salon owners and stylists—from supply shortages to increased costs. Plus, I’ll share 3 practical ways to protect your profits without losing client trust. https://a.co/d/iYUUqQo

In this honest and unfiltered episode, I open up about a personal bias I’ve never shared with my clients—my discomfort with braids in Corporate America. I talk about where that belief came from, how it clashes with my support for natural hair, and what it means to "play the game" while staying true to yourself. This is a real conversation about perception, professionalism, and the fine lin...

In this episode of STYLE – Salon Talks You’ll Love Every Time, Tonya shares a heartfelt Mother’s Day message and opens up about the eerie similarities between today’s economy and the 2008 downturn. If you’re feeling a slowdown in the salon or wondering what to do next in real estate, this episode offers six actionable tips to help you stay ready—not just reactive. https://a.co/d/iYUUqQo

This podcast is about small thinkers — who they are, how they operate, and the impact of their mindset. https://a.co/d/iYUUqQo

In this episode of STYLE — Salon Talks You’ll Love Every Time — Tonya Stokes poses a powerful question: Are you performing your business at a lower register? Through a heartfelt story about singing at weddings and the quiet power of mentorship, Tonya draws a bold connection between playing it safe and rising to your potential. If you’ve been showing up small, waiting for permission, or stuck in yo...

In this bite-size episode of STYLE: Salon Talks You’ll Love Every Time , Tonya Stokes reflects on the power of unlimited potential. She shares why staying consistent with marketing—even during slow seasons—is key to long-term success. If you’ve ever felt stuck waiting for clients to return, this one’s for you. It’s a quick reminder to keep showing up, because your potential truly has no limits. ht...

Are you truly making progress in your business, or just staying busy? In this bite-sized episode, let’s talk about the power of focused productivity. Inspired by a well-known challenge, I asked myself:  “Tonya, name five things you did today to move your business forward.”  The answer was eye-opening. Tune in to hear why shorter, intentional to-do lists can lead to greater success—and why holding...

Setting boundaries isn’t just about saying no—it’s about protecting your time, energy, and business. In this episode of STYLE – Salon Talks You’ll Love Every Time, I dive into why boundaries are essential for salon owners and stylists who want to avoid burnout and create a stress-free work environment. Learn three key strategies to set and enforce boundaries with clients and team members, includin...