Business
**The Modern Hairstylist ™ Podcast**

Teaching you how to grow your beauty business as a hairstylist or salon owner without the overwhelm by implementing modern strategies so you can reclaim time, freedom and energy from working behind the chair.

Latest Episodes:

How AI is Revolutionizing New Client Search for Hairstylists Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast! Today, Hunter explores a revolutionary shift in the hairstyling industry that could redefine how clients find their dream stylists—and how you can position yourself to thrive.

You’ll hear a story that will make you rethink the way clients are discovering hairstylists today. Plus, Hunter dives into a trend that’s no longer “on the horizon” but is happening right now, shaking up the way business is done in the beauty world.

What to Expect in This Episode

A groundbreaking moment from a hairstylist that might make you question everything you know about client acquisition.
The surprising ways technology is quietly reshaping the industry—and how you can ride the wave instead of being swept away.
Why some hairstylists will thrive while others might struggle to adapt to this new reality.

Hunter asks the tough questions: Are you doing enough to future-proof your business? Is your online presence working for you—or against you?

Key Themes We’ll Cover

The importance of being crystal clear about who you are as a stylist. Hunter challenges you to think deeply about your specialty and how your messaging connects with the people you want to serve.
The role of trust in the hairstylist-client relationship and why it’s more crucial than ever to create transparency around your services and values.
How technology is changing the way clients make decisions. Hunter discusses how these tools are quietly but powerfully filtering through the noise to bring clients closer to the right stylist for them.

Why This Matters Now

The hairstyling industry has always been about connection, creativity, and craft. But now there’s a new layer to consider—one that could make or break your ability to reach the people who need you most.

Whether you’re ahead of the curve or feeling behind, this episode will get you thinking: Am I ready for what’s next?
Resources:
Podcast Episodes-

Marketing Mistakes That Make a Big Difference In Getting New Clients
SEO Crash Course: How to Rank Higher In Search Results & Be Found By Your Ideal Clients
Hunter's Programs

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Marketing Mistakes That Make a Big Difference In Getting New Clients Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia dives into the marketing missteps that might be holding independent hairstylists back from attracting new clients. If you’ve ever felt like your marketing efforts aren’t delivering results—whether it’s through social media, your website, or local outreach—this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you optimize your strategies and uncover hidden opportunities for growth.

Key Takeaways:

The Funnel Fix: Learn how to get more eyeballs on your website, social media, and booking platforms by leveraging local outreach and SEO best practices.
Avoid Common Pitfalls: Discover how small tweaks, like optimizing your Instagram bio or ditching stock photos, can make a big impact on your client bookings.
Nailing Your Niche: Understand the power of specialization and why honing in on your expertise is essential for thriving in today’s competitive beauty industry.
Speak Their Language: Find out how to communicate with clients in clear, non-industry jargon to build trust and improve conversions.
Proven Marketing Tactics: From referral programs to research-backed SEO strategies, Hunter shares modern methods to reach your ideal audience effectively.

Why You Should Listen:

Are you tired of feeling like you’re spinning your wheels with your marketing? This episode is a game-changer for hairstylists looking to attract ideal clients and grow their businesses with smarter, more effective strategies. Tune in to pinpoint what’s missing in your marketing approach and start making the changes that matter most.

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Dealing with Chronic Reschedulers, Cancellers, and Latecomers in Your Salon Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to The Modern Hairstylist Podcast! Chronic reschedulers, constant cancellers, and repeat latecomers can wreak havoc on your salon schedule—but dealing with them doesn’t have to be a nightmare. In this episode, I’m sharing effective strategies for managing these challenging client behaviors while maintaining professionalism and protecting your boundaries.

We’ll go beyond the basics of cancellation and late policies, diving into advanced techniques for mitigating these issues before they escalate. Learn how to establish clear boundaries, craft proactive policies, and have those tough-but-necessary conversations—all without damaging client relationships.

Key Takeaways:

Create Advanced Policies: Learn how to implement clauses that address chronic behaviors without alienating your clients.
Set Clear Expectations: Discover how to communicate your boundaries with confidence, ensuring clients respect your time.
Balance Boundaries and Client Care: Understand how to enforce your policies while still delivering a high-quality client experience.
Avoid Wasted Time and Money: Find out why strategies like “scheduling earlier than booked” or padding appointment blocks can hurt your business—and what to do instead.
Master Difficult Conversations: Get actionable scripts for addressing chronic lateness and rescheduling with professionalism and empathy.

Why You Should Listen:
Struggling to manage clients who are always late, cancel last minute, or constantly reschedule? It’s time to take control of your salon schedule and reclaim your time—without losing your cool or risking a bad review. Tune in to learn how to handle these tricky situations like a pro!
Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/w8MwJauOQnI

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Stepping Back from Your Business Without Sacrificing Growth Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia shares strategies for hairstylists who are feeling burned out or overwhelmed by the demands of running a business. If you're struggling to balance behind-the-chair work with the constant hustle of business growth, this episode is for you. Hunter discusses how to take a break from your business without letting it stagnate or lose momentum, and how building the right systems can help you recharge without sacrificing your success.

Key Takeaways:

How to Recover Without Losing Ground: Learn how to take time away from business development without letting your growth plateau.
When Is It Okay to "Coast"?: Discover the key signs that it’s time to ease up on business hustle, and when you should push through.
Maximize Your Time and Energy: Practical tips on building systems, setting boundaries, and using automation to reclaim your time.
The Dangers of Burnout: Find out how to avoid burnout by taking care of both your business and your personal well-being.
Real Talk About the Growth Phases: Whether you’re just starting out or have an established clientele, Hunter breaks down what taking a break looks like at every stage of your business.

Why You Should Listen:
Are you feeling like you're on the edge of burnout? Tired of juggling clients and business tasks with no time to breathe? It’s time to get strategic about taking breaks, without letting your business suffer. Tune in to learn how you can step back, recharge, and still keep your business on track.

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How a Trump Presidency May Affect the Beauty Industry Nov 18, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia dives into the potential effects of a Trump presidency on the beauty industry. This candid and analytical discussion explores how policies on tariffs, tax cuts, healthcare, immigration, and deregulation could shape the cost of doing business, consumer behavior, and the overall landscape of the beauty profession. Hunter shares both the challenges and opportunities that may arise, offering thoughtful insights for beauty professionals navigating these uncertain times.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

Tariffs and Supply Costs: How proposed tariffs on imports could raise the prices of tools, products, and equipment you rely on—and what you can do to prepare.
Tax Cuts: Why potential tax cuts for upper-middle-class clients might increase disposable income and bring more people back to salons.
Healthcare Concerns: The possible effects on affordable healthcare for independent beauty professionals and the uncertainty surrounding the Affordable Care Act.
Immigration and Labor: How immigration crackdowns could disrupt manufacturing and increase costs for beauty products.
Deregulation: The potential pros and cons of less regulation in the beauty industry, including licensing, competition, and consumer trust.
Core Values and Client Relationships: How consumer behavior is shifting toward values-based spending and navigating moral conflicts with clients whose beliefs clash with your own.

Special Segments:

Listener Question: Hunter answers a listener’s DM about how to handle clients with opposing political beliefs in a way that respects personal values while maintaining professionalism.
Gender-Affirming Care: Hunter highlights the role hairstylists play in providing affirming spaces and services for LGBTQ+ individuals and shares a free inclusivity course for beauty professionals.

Key Takeaways:

Stay informed and prepared: Monitor changes in policies and consumer behavior that may impact your business.
Focus on your values: Use this time as an opportunity to align your business with your core beliefs and attract like-minded clients.
Don’t panic: Keep pushing forward, stay consistent, and make strategic decisions that position your business for long-term success.

Resources and Links:

Free LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Course for Salons: hunterdonia.com/pride
Follow Hunter on Instagram: @hairbyhunty

Let’s Connect:
Got thoughts or questions about this episode? Send Hunter a DM on Instagram! Let’s keep the conversation going.

Closing Encouragement:
No matter how the political and economic landscape shifts, remember that you have the power to create meaningful change in your business and community. You’ve faced challenges before, and you’ll overcome this too. Keep showing up, stay informed, and trust that brighter days are ahead.

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5 Important Lessons In Scaling a Multi-Six Figure Beauty Business Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

In this week's episode of The Modern Hairstylist, I'm diving into five key lessons I learned while scaling a multi-six-figure beauty business. Whether you're running a busy chair or eyeing new avenues for growth, these insights will be game-changers. We'll talk about evolving from simply building a stable client base to making strategic decisions that push your business to the next level.

Expect a breakdown of the “boring but crucial” tasks that fuel growth, why investing in the right team and resources is non-negotiable, and how buying back your time strategically can elevate both your business and personal life. I’ll also share the importance of taking big swings, making brave investments, and fostering a team that shares your vision. This episode is all about learning what to prioritize so you’re set up for real, sustainable success.

If you're ready to scale your beauty business and take your operations, client experience, and personal growth to new heights, this episode is for you. Let’s get into it!
Watch this episode on Youtube HERE

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Time Management Tips for Hairstylists to Stay Focused and Organized Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to The Modern Hairstylist Podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into essential time management strategies to help you stay focused, organized, and productive as an independent hairstylist. We know that balancing client appointments with managing your business can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can stay on top of it all without the stress.

Starting with a powerful exercise to illustrate the impact of multitasking, we’ll explore how setting clear, specific goals can make a huge difference in your daily focus. I’ll guide you on how to break down your goals, prioritize tasks, and set actionable steps to streamline your schedule and avoid “shiny object syndrome.” Plus, learn how to time-block effectively so that each hour in your day aligns with your business and personal growth goals.

Whether you’re looking to refine your client experience, boost revenue, or make the most of every working hour, these tips will help you get organized and take control of your time. So if you're ready to transform your workflow and build a successful business without burning out, this episode is for you. Let’s get into it!
Watch this episode on Youtube HERE

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Holiday Season (Part 2): How to Set Boundaries During the Holidays (RE-AIR) Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to The Modern Hairstylist Podcast! As the holiday rush hits, it’s essential to protect your well-being while managing the unique demands this season brings. In this episode, we dive into boundary-setting strategies that every independent hairstylist should have in their toolkit to prevent burnout and keep the focus on what matters most. We’ll talk about the importance of taking time for yourself, effective ways to navigate client and family requests without stretching yourself too thin, and tips for creating a holiday schedule that honors both your business goals and personal needs.

This episode is packed with tips for managing family expectations, using systematized workflows to lighten your load, and practical ways to ensure your energy is balanced even during the busiest weeks. Whether you're already feeling the holiday hustle or just want to create a more manageable season, this episode will help you stay grounded and in control. You deserve a restful holiday season – let's make it happen!

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Holiday Season (Part 1): How to Maximize Profit Without Working More (RE-AIR) Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

The holiday season is officially upon us, and for many beauty professionals, it's the busiest time of year. But does busy have to mean burnout? In this special re-air, we dive into how to maximize your profit during the holidays—without working more hours or sacrificing your well-being.

In this episode, we’ll unpack why this time of year brings such a rush of clients and why it’s not just about working harder to make more money. We’ll discuss key strategies that focus on using what you already have in place—your current clients, retail products, and smart marketing—to bring in more revenue without adding extra days to your schedule.

If you’re ready to reframe your approach this holiday season and stop sacrificing your personal time for extra income, this episode is for you. We’ll also talk about leveraging sales psychology, creating a festive but inclusive client experience, and why understanding the value of your time is essential for sustainable business growth.

Tune in to learn how you can make this holiday season your most profitable one yet, without the holiday hustle taking over your life!

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2025 Client Expectations: Trends You Need to Know and How to Respond Oct 14, 2024

Show notes

As we approach 2025, client expectations are shifting, and independent hairstylists need to be prepared. In this episode, I dive into the latest trends shaping our industry, including the importance of price transparency and how to adapt your pricing strategy to build trust. We’ll also explore how creating content that connects directly with your clients’ pain points can set you apart, and why showcasing your salon experience might not be as effective as you think.

On top of that, we touch on the role of sustainability in salons. Is it essential to go eco-friendly, or does it depend on your ideal client? I’ll help you decide how to align your practices with the values that matter most to your clients.

Whether you’re focused on improving your online presence, enhancing client communication, or rethinking your service offerings, this episode offers key strategies to help you grow and thrive in the evolving beauty industry.

Tune in to learn what it takes to stay ahead in 2025 and ensure you’re meeting the rising demands of your clients.

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