The VIP Suite at IMAGE Studios with Matthew Landis

In this episode of The VIP Suite, host Matthew Landis sits down with IMAGE Icon 2026–2027, barber and entrepreneur Johan Fitch at IMAGE Studios Melbourne, Florida.  Johan describes how his marriage, children, and the miracle of becoming parents despite medical doubts deepened his sense of purpose. For Johan, success is a balance between business and life: he now works four days a week, reserving S...

In this episode of The VIP Suite, host Matthew Landis sits down with Jen Lydick , owner of Lydick Label Permanent Cosmetics at IMAGE Studios in Reno, Nevada. Jen pulls back the curtain on one of the most high-trust corners of the beauty industry—permanent cosmetics—where clients literally put their faces in your hands. She shares how the industry has evolved from heavy-handed, “Sharpie brow” techn...

Matthew sits down with Todd Peckham , hairstylist at IMAGE Studios Denver and Denver drag legend, to unpack what it takes to run multiple creative careers at a high level. From course corrections and happy accident, to the non‑negotiable power of being on time, Todd shares the habits that built a loyal clientele over decades. He explains why solid fundamentals, honest communication, and never faki...

In this episode of The VIP Suite , Matthew Landis sits down with Leila Macias , licensed aesthetician, CIDESCO diplomat, and owner of Esthetics Café at IMAGE Studios Poway, CA . Leila specializes in results-driven acne treatments. She shares how a single, unforgettable teenage pimple sparked a lifelong passion for skincare, ingredient deep-dives, and personalized treatment plans. Drawing from her...

In this episode of The VIP Suite at IMAGE Studios , Director of Education Matthew Landis sits down with Omaha-based hairstylist and content creator Jayden Randels , an IMAGE Studios La Vista Pro who went from hair school graduate to fully booked in under a year. Jayden shares how a last-minute decision to join a friend in hair school turned into a career he loves, why entering Behind the Chair’s O...

Matthew sits down with globally recognized educator and founder of Hair Love University and The Vitality Project, Elizabeth Faye . Elizabeth shares her powerful journey from troubled teen and behind-the-chair stylist to trauma-informed life coach and wellness advocate for beauty and wellness pros.  They dive into burnout, nervous system health, “trauma dumping” in the salon, why beauty and wellnes...

In this special episode of The VIP Suite, Matthew Landis and Kenzie Bowlby unveil the highly anticipated IMAGE Pro Academy, an all-new learning platform designed to empower independent beauty and wellness professionals.  Discover how the Academy will offer shorter, more flexible live classes; on-demand learning modules; exclusive master classes with industry leaders; and a vibrant community forum....

 In this episode of The VIP Suite, host Matthew Landis interviews Dr. Trayce Madre, psychologist, entrepreneur, and luxury hair brand founder. Trayce candidly shares her journey from struggle to seven-figure success, revealing how mindset, specialization, and business systems transformed her career. Discover her strategies for identifying your ideal client, perfecting client experience, and buildi...

Host Matthew Landis welcomes Lexi Barnett, founder of Unwind MicroSpa in Warson Woods, Missouri, to talk about turning her passion for skincare into a thriving micro-business, prioritizing results-driven relaxation and personalized client care.  Discover Lexi’s unique touches—like her famous homemade Unwind cookies, the creation of her facial membership club, and her strategies for consistent grow...

Matthew Landis welcomes Soula Christopulos—talented hairdresser, certified growth coach, and business consultant from IMAGE Studios in Holladay, Utah. Soula shares her 20-year journey in the beauty industry, her leap to independence, and how her passion for helping others led her to coaching and consulting. Together, they discuss the challenges beauty and wellness professionals face, from overcomi...

Host Matthew Landis sits down with Minerva O'Toole, a seasoned stylist, educator, and creative force at IMAGE Studios Warson Woods in St. Louis. Minerva shares her journey from theater and fashion to bridal and backstage at New York Fashion Week, revealing the driving forces behind her passion: endless curiosity, the pursuit of inspiration, and a deep commitment to helping others shine. The c...

Join host Matthew Landis in this inspiring episode of The VIP Suite as he sits down with Kate Lofton, owner of Gold Rush Salon at IMAGE Studios in Boulder, Colorado. Kate shares her journey from defining her ideal client to building a business that prioritizes comfort, efficiency, and a positive mindset. Discover how she tailors her services for busy women, incorporates thoughtful touches like cli...

In this special episode of The VIP Suite, host Matthew Landis sits down with IMAGE Studios Founder and CEO, Jason Olsen, to break down the recently passed "No Tax on Tips" provision, a major win for independent beauty and wellness professionals. They talk about who qualifies for the deduction and what steps you need to take if you’re eligible. Jason and Matthew address common questions a...

Aisha Carter Cathey Fe of Spalon Suiradal has created a beauty business centered on faith, purpose, and healing at IMAGE Studios in Birmingham, Alabama. She shares how her grandmother's cancer experience inspired her to provide free services to cancer patients, creating a tranquil atmosphere that offers peace beyond physical transformation. About Aisha:  • Specializes in precision cuts, silk...

In this episode of The VIP Suite, host Matthew Landis sits down with Emmanuel Garcia, The Temecula Barber and owner of The Storm Room (@emmvnvel2) to explore his remarkable journey from cutting hair in his parents' backyard during COVID to becoming a successful salon professional at IMAGE Studios in Temecula, California. Garcia shares his unique approach to barbering, emphasizing the importan...

From surviving several toxic apprenticeships to building a dream tattoo business at IMAGE Studios in Jacksonville, Florida, Sawyer Gray's raw and inspiring story will light a fire in every salon suite professional who's ever felt stuck.  Hear how this passionate tattoo artist turned personal challenges into a powerful journey of creative freedom, client connection, and unapologetic self-...

Mika Toussaint, a renowned aesthetician from IMAGE Studios Dallas Galleria, has turned personal struggles into professional mastery. After battling hormonal acne and navigating profound personal loss, Mika developed Dallas Pro Aesthetics, a unique wellness practice that goes beyond traditional skincare by integrating nutrition, mental health, and personalized treatment plans. Her approach doesn&ap...

Grace Schafer is not your average hairstylist. A red hair enthusiast, cutting specialist, wedding artist, and certified extension artist, from IMAGE Studios in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she has carved out a unique niche in the beauty industry by combining her passion for theater, science, and hair design. With a keen eye for color theory and a commitment to educating her clients, Grace has built The...

Alyssa Pablo shares her inspiring journey from salon manager to GlossGenius Brand Manager, offering invaluable insights into marketing strategies, retail sales, and work-life balance for independent beauty and wellness professionals. Discover powerful tools like AI-powered marketing, custom service packages, and simplified checkout processes that can help you scale your business, boost client rete...

In this episode of The VIP Suite podcast, host Matthew Landis welcomes Zoey Pearson, a salon suite entrepreneur who turned her single penthouse space into a thriving multi-suite head spa business. Zoey lead a viral TikTok movement that led to over $47,000 in gift card sales, a fully booked schedule, and hiring a dream team of professionals, all within the IMAGE Studios salon suite model. Zoey open...

Keri Mills is a successful hairstylist who built a thriving business at IMAGE Studios in Laguna Hills, California. Keri started her career at Supercuts, which provided valuable business experience, before moving to a high-end salon. Opening her own suite at IMAGE Studios gave her the freedom to tailor her business and services to meet the needs of her dream clientele. Keri is killing it in her bus...

Katie Brenner, owner of KTB Hair at IMAGE Studios Arapahoe Crossing, Colorado, shares her remarkable journey from being an independent hairstylist to becoming a Global Artistic Director for Rusk Hair Care and Christian Michael Hair Extensions, and an Artist for a plethora of other national brands. She opens up about her determination, persistence, and the challenges she overcame to achieve success...

Matthew Landis sits down with the powerhouse duo, Desarai Mannelly and Emily Condle, co-founders of Sage Head Spa, to discuss their journey from longtime friends to successful business partners. Desarai and Emily share how their complementary strengths, mutual trust, and backgrounds as an esthetician and cosmetologist have fueled Sage Head Spa’s expansion from one location in Alpharetta, Georgia,...

April Benincosa, owner of four IMAGE Studios® locations in Salt Lake City, talks with Matthew about her evolution from hairstylist to successful entrepreneur and coach. April shares her transition from working behind the chair to managing multiple salons and becoming the first IMAGE Studios®  franchisee. She discusses the emotional decision to quit hairdressing after 24 years, creating additional...

In this episode, Matthew welcomes Danny Argote, tattoo artist and founder of Ink and Art Collective at IMAGE Studios in Thornton, Colorado. Danny shares his artistic journey from tracing comic books to becoming a sought-after tattoo artist, including his work at San Diego Comic-Con. He sees parallels between tattooing and other creative fields, like hairdressing, and the duo agree on the importanc...