The Modern Hairstylist ™ Podcast

Latest Episodes:

My Year in Review: What This Year Taught Me About Capacity (Part 2) Dec 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia continues his Year in Review series with Part 2, and this one is all about capacity. Not time on the calendar, but the actual energy it takes to keep saying yes, keep moving, and keep chasing the next experience. Hunter breaks down what happened after a season of constant travel, tour dates, and personal plans stacked back to back, and the moment he realized that being grateful and being burned out can exist at the exact same time.

If you have ever wondered why you can technically “fit it in” but still feel like you are running on fumes, this conversation will hit. Hunter shares how he is learning to make decisions from a place of self respect, plan ahead with intention, and build a life where fulfillment is not only reserved for the biggest trips or the biggest moments.

Key Takeaways:

🧠 Capacity Is Not The Same As Time: Why having an open day does not automatically mean you should say yes, and how to tell when your energy is tapped out.

🧳 The Hidden Cost Of “Chasing It All”: What it looks like when your schedule gets so packed that even the best things start to feel heavy.

🌿 Recovering From Burnout Without Running Away: How Hunter found relief by creating smaller adventures closer to home, instead of relying on big trips to feel alive again.

🗓 Planning Ahead As Self Protection: The shift from last minute chaos to intentionally budgeting time, money, and space so life feels sustainable.

✨ Choosing Joy In The Small Stuff: Why fulfillment is often hiding in your everyday life, and how to stop overlooking it while you wait for the next big thing.

Why You Should Listen:

If you are a high performer who keeps pushing, keeps stacking goals, and keeps thinking you will rest later, this episode is your permission slip to zoom out and tell the truth about what your pace is costing you. You will walk away with a new way to think about capacity, a more grounded approach to planning, and a simple challenge to reflect on what this year actually held, before you sprint into the next one.

Let's connect on Instagram!

My Year in Review: Trips, Lessons, And Growth (Part 1) Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia kicks off a personal Year in Review series by reflecting on the trips he took, the lessons those experiences forced him to learn, and how they shaped the way he thinks about work, life, and success. This is not a highlight reel. It is an honest look at what changed behind the scenes and what it actually took to grow into a new chapter.

If you have been craving a reset, questioning your direction, or feeling like you are outgrowing the version of business you built, this episode will help you zoom out. Hunter shares the moments that challenged him, the patterns he noticed in himself, and the mindset shifts that helped him come back clearer, calmer, and more intentional.

Key Takeaways:

🌍 What travel reveals about your life
How getting out of your normal environment can expose what is working, what is not, and what you have been tolerating on autopilot.

🧠 Lessons that changed how he shows up
The internal shifts that helped Hunter make better decisions, protect his energy, and stop forcing a version of success that did not feel aligned.

📈 Growth that is not just about money
Why personal growth and business growth are connected, and how your business changes when you start building a bigger life around it.

🧭 The value of reflection as a business tool
How looking back with honesty can help you choose your next moves with clarity instead of pressure.

Why You Should Listen:

If you want to end the year feeling proud and start the next one feeling grounded, this episode will meet you where you are. It is part storytelling, part reflection, and part real life perspective on growth that actually sticks. Tune in for a refreshing reset that will help you think differently about what you want next and how to build it.

Let's connect on Instagram!

Real Stylists And How They're Navigating The Holidays Dec 15, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia sits down with a panel of real independent stylists to talk about how they are actually navigating the holidays this year. From schedule choices to client gifts to family expectations, this roundtable gives you a behind the scenes look at what other beauty pros are doing in their businesses right now, without pretending there is one perfect way to do it.

Whether your books feel lighter than usual, you are completely slammed, or you are somewhere in between, you will hear honest perspectives on setting boundaries, keeping things special for clients, and staying sane through the rush. This episode is here to help you feel less alone and more grounded in the choices you make for your own holiday season.

Key Takeaways

🎁 Client gifts that do not drain you
How stylists are using simple ideas like scratch off cards, low lift gifts, and service based surprises so clients feel appreciated without wrecking profit or energy.

⏰ Extra hours or not
Why some stylists add a single high value day, some stretch a bit for regulars, and others keep their schedule exactly the same, and how each option can work depending on your life season.

🎄 Holiday vibes in the studio
Ways to create a cozy experience with decor, photo shoots, and music, plus how some stylists use intake forms so clients can choose whether they want holiday playlists or not.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family and free hair
Real stories about family members who expect free services, what changed when stylists started saying no, and clear language you can use the next time someone asks you to “just do it quick” at a gathering.

🧠 Permission to do what works for you
Why your demand, your personal life, and your nervous system matter more than what “everyone else” is doing, and how to release guilt around not doing gifts, extended hours, or big promos if they are not aligned.

Why You Should Listen

If you have ever wondered how other stylists are handling the holidays or felt pressure to do more than you realistically can, this episode will feel like sitting in on a supportive group chat. You will walk away with practical ideas, stronger language for your boundaries, and the reminder that you are allowed to build a holiday season that works for your clients and for you.

Connect with these stylists on Instagram:

Jess Ortiz: @FlairedBeauty

Kristen Code: @kristencode

Brandy Chavez: @brandythehairstylist

May Luu: @mayidoyourhair

Let's connect on Instagram!

How To Create a 2026 Plan That Sticks Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia speaks to independent hairstylists who are tired of creating big New Year goals that fizzle out by February. Instead of another pretty planner that never gets used, Hunter walks you through the exact way he planned his most successful year so far and what needs to change if you want a 2026 plan that actually sticks.

Whether you are aiming for more consistent income, a lighter schedule, or finally following through on the projects that have been sitting on your list for years, this conversation will help you create a plan that feels realistic, sustainable, and genuinely supportive of your life behind and beyond the chair.

Key Takeaways

📌 Create the plan you actually need
Learn why most stylists either overshoot with impossible goals or choose what feels comfortable, and how to set targets that match your real numbers, capacity, and business season.

📌 Set attainable goals you can work backward from
Hear how to choose revenue and project goals that you can reverse engineer with simple math, so you know exactly what needs to happen month by month instead of guessing.

📌 Focus on what the business truly needs
Understand the difference between shiny ideas and the unglamorous projects that actually move the needle for bookings, retention, and profit.

📌 Build inspiration and accountability into your year
Get Hunter’s process for pairing discipline with built in motivation, check ins, and community support so you are not relying only on willpower when life gets busy.

📌 Recalibrate instead of quitting on your plan
Learn how to check in on your goals throughout the year, adjust when circumstances change, and tweak your targets without slipping into all or nothing thinking.

Why You Should Listen

If you have ever bought a planner, written out beautiful goals, then lost momentum a few weeks later, this episode is for you. Hunter will help you create a 2026 plan that feels doable on your actual schedule, supports both your income and your energy, and gives you clear direction for the entire year instead of another burst of motivation that fades away.

Let's connect on Instagram!

How To Reconnect With Your Purpose When You Feel Disconnected (for High Achievers) Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

Listen to "Real Stories of 10k Months, Big Growth & Bigger Confidence — Mastermind Roundtable" HERE

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia opens up about what happens after you hit your goals and still feel weirdly disconnected from your work. If your books are full, your revenue is steady, and you are technically “successful” but you feel numb, restless, or unsure what is next, this conversation is for you. Hunter and Jodie Brown talk honestly about using work as your only source of fulfillment, what happens when that rush wears off, and how to reconnect with your purpose without burning everything down.

Whether you are tempted to blow up your business, keep overworking just to feel productive, or you simply feel off and cannot explain why, this episode will help you see what is really going on underneath. You will learn how to shift your focus toward a life that feels good outside of the salon, while still protecting and growing the business you worked so hard to build.

Key Takeaways:

💬 When success stops feeling exciting
Why the early stages of growth feel so addictive, what changes once your income is stable, and why slow steady growth can feel disappointing even when it is exactly what you need.

🏠 Building a life outside of your business
How Hunter realized he was using work to avoid his personal life, the shifts he made in therapy, and why your hobbies, relationships, and environment matter just as much as your booking rate.

⏰ Trading revenue goals for time goals
What to focus on once you have moved past “I do not know how I will pay this bill” and into sustained success, including how to think about getting your time back instead of only chasing higher numbers.

🧱 Doing the boring work that actually scales
Real examples of unsexy projects like tracking pre booking data over months, why these experiments feel dull in the moment, and how they quietly transform your long term sustainability.

🧠 Noticing self sabotage and disconnection
How high achieving stylists unconsciously create chaos to feel something again, and what it looks like instead to make aligned decisions that support both your business and your personal life.

Why You Should Listen:

If your business looks good on paper but you do not feel how you thought you would feel at this stage, you are not alone. This episode gives language to that foggy disconnected season and offers a calmer path forward. You will walk away with a clearer picture of what you actually want next, how your business can support that vision, and small grounded changes that help you reconnect with your purpose again.

Let's connect on Instagram!

Advanced Strategies To Grow Clientele and Un-Cap Your Income Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown share advanced marketing moves for stylists who are already booked and want to keep growing. If you feel like you have hit a glass ceiling with pricing and demand, this conversation shows the next level strategies that help you attract higher ticket clients and earn more without adding more days behind the chair.

Whether you are ready to build an email list, test video consultations, or put a small budget behind ads, you will learn how to layer new systems onto what already works so your growth is not capped by the algorithm or your calendar.

Key Takeaways:

📚 Lead magnets that capture the right clients
Offer a simple guide that solves a real problem for your ideal client, collect the email, and use that owned channel to nurture interest until they are ready to book. Include affiliate links when it makes sense for added revenue.

🎥 Video consultations that close
Treat video consults like a true sales call that builds trust and helps clients commit to higher ticket services. Test paid versus free to see what brings the best leads for your market.

✉️ Email nurture that does the follow up for you
Build a short automated sequence that addresses pain points, answers objections, and shows next steps so clients move from curious to confident without extra manual work.

💳 Paid ads when the organic ceiling hits
Use a small geo targeted budget to promote your best-performing content or lead magnet so you reach more of the exact people who are likely to book with you.

🧪 Test then scale
You already have proof that your core marketing works. Add one advanced lever at a time, measure results, and scale the winners so your time and money go further.

Why You Should Listen:

If you are booked yet want more freedom and higher earnings, this episode gives you a practical path to grow beyond the chair hours you have now. You will leave knowing which advanced strategy to try first and how to set it up quickly using the momentum you already have.

Let's connect on Instagram!

How To Stay Consistent On Social Media When You’re Over It Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown tackle a very real problem for stylists who are over social media yet still want consistent results. Hunter reframes consistency as a non negotiable business task and breaks down the root causes that keep stylists from posting. You will hear simple ways to remove those blockers so showing up becomes practical instead of perfect.

Whether your book has new gaps or you just do not feel like posting, this conversation gives you a repeatable plan. From building a light marketing structure to batching captions first and pairing visuals later, Hunter shows how to keep the faucet on without burning out.

Key Takeaways:

🧭 Treat consistency like a business essential
Think of posting as a faucet you keep on to drive results now and later.

🧱 Remove the four big blockers
Time and energy burnout, lack of results, overthinking, and weak systems are common and solvable.

🗂 Build a simple plan you trust
Create a basic marketing plan, know your topics, and batch captions first so pairing photos is easy.

📸 Make content collection effortless
Take photos at every appointment to signal pride in your work and strengthen client loyalty.

✍️ Post without overthinking
Your photo and caption do not need to match perfectly. Focus on getting valuable words out.

🧰 Use ready to go tools
Templates and caption starters reduce friction so you can post faster and more often.

⏳ Short term sacrifice for long term gain
A season of steady posting creates the demand and freedom you want later.

Why You Should Listen:

If social feels exhausting and your results have slowed, you will leave with a realistic plan to stay consistent and a few quick switches that make posting doable on your busiest weeks. Then go post something today before the day ends.

Let's connect on Instagram!

How Stylists Are Handling Last Minute Cancellations and No Shows in 2026 Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia brings a real roundtable of hairstylists to share what is actually working for last minute cancellations and no shows. You will hear how peers use cards on file, when they charge the fee, when they waive it, and how they communicate without burning bridges. This is a practical look at boundaries and grace so you can protect your time and income with confidence.

Whether you are tightening policies for high ticket services or navigating edge cases with loyal clients, you will learn simple scripts and decision points that keep relationships intact while keeping your book running smoothly.

Key Takeaways:

💳 Card on file that clients accept
How stylists position the requirement, what pushback looks like, and why it filters for clients who respect your time.

🧾 When to charge the fee
Clear lines for no shows, case by case choices for late cancels, and how direct communication after a first strike sets expectations.

🧠 Boundaries with grace
Where stylists make exceptions, how loyalty and circumstances matter, and how to avoid the trap of endless exceptions.

🗣 Scripts that work
What to say when a new client refuses to leave a card and what to send after a missed appointment so the next step is clear.

🚫 When to block and move on
Signs it is time to stop online booking for a client and how to close the loop professionally.

Why You Should Listen:

If last minute gaps and no shows are draining your revenue and energy, this conversation gives you peer tested ways to prevent them and a plan for what to do when they happen. You will leave with policy language you can use today and the confidence to enforce it without losing the clients you want to keep.

Connect with these stylists on Instagram below:

Stephanie Lantgen: @manereflection_stephlantgen

Jordana Lorraine: @jordanalorraine_hairstylist

May Luu: @mayidoyourhair

Gina Vernamonti: @luxestudiobygina

Samantha Hathaway: @hairbysamanthahathaway

Kelsi Morrison: @kelsimhair

Let's connect on Instagram!

Dos And Don'ts This Holiday Season Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

The Fully Booked Bundle: Holiday Edition - http://hunterdonia.com/bf

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown share a simple holiday plan that protects your energy while growing your revenue. If you are wondering what to push and what to pause during the busiest weeks of the year, Hunter breaks down why client gifts are optional, how to raise your average ticket without adding more days, and what to do now so January and February do not slow down.

Whether you love the holiday rush or feel tapped out by it, you will learn how to keep the faucet on with consistent marketing, how to choose add ons and retail that make sense, and how to set yourself up so the season is profitable and sustainable.

Key Takeaways:

🎁 Client gifts are optional
Avoid setting a precedent that strains your margin and your time. There are better ways to make clients feel special all year that do not create holiday pressure.

🕰 Work the same hours and earn more
Inflated demand means you can focus on average ticket rather than extra days. Protect your energy and let strategy do the heavy lifting.

📈 Easy ways to raise average ticket
Lean into simple add ons and well chosen retail that fit the season so clients happily spend a little more without a hard sell.

📅 Keep the faucet on
Plan content and promos now so you stay visible through the rush and into the new year. Consistency today prevents a slow January and February.

🧠 Choose profit and presence
Use boundaries that let you enjoy time with loved ones while meeting your goals. The money matters and so does your well being.

Why You Should Listen:

If you want a holiday season that pays well without burning you out, this episode gives you clear moves that you can implement right away. You will leave with a plan to skip the busywork, raise your average ticket, keep your marketing consistent, and roll into the new year with momentum.

Let's connect on Instagram!

New Instagram Features Hairstylists Should and Should NOT Be Using Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown break down the newest Instagram features and call out which ones hairstylists should actually care about. Instead of chasing every shiny update, they walk through a smash or pass style rundown so you know which tools can genuinely help you get booked and which ones you can ignore without guilt.

Whether you feel like Instagram changes every time you open the app or you just want a simple plan for using new features with intention, this episode shows you how to plug the right tools into the marketing you are already doing. You will learn how to use reposts, broadcast channels, close friends, notes, trial reels and more to nurture clients, fill gaps, and keep your page working for you instead of overwhelming you.

Key Takeaways:

📣 Reposts that actually grow your reach
Learn how reposts function as a feed version of story shares and why creating highly shareable content matters more than begging people to repost you.

📢 Broadcast channels and close friends for clients and leads
Turn broadcast channels into a client only space where you can quietly fill last minute openings and share updates, and use close friends to stay top of mind with warm leads who are not quite clients yet.

💬 Notes that spark curiosity and engagement
Use short, hook style notes at the top of the inbox to tease new posts, open spots, or fun updates so followers click through to your profile without you posting more content.

🎞 Trial reels for testing what works
Use trial reels to experiment with hooks, topics, and potential ad content in front of non followers so you can see what lands with a cold audience before you spend money.

🧩 Grid customization for client journey
Hear how grid tools and pinned posts can make your profile easier to understand at a glance and help visitors move from first impression to confident decision to book.

🧠 What to ignore without hurting your growth
Get honest takes on features like the friends tab in reels and longer notes so you can stop stressing about every rumor and focus on what actually moves the needle for a beauty business.

Why You Should Listen:

If Instagram updates make you feel like you are always behind, this episode will calm the noise and give you a clear priority list. You will leave knowing which new features to lean into, how to use them in a way that supports bookings and retention, and which ones you can happily skip while still growing a modern, sustainable hairstylist business.

Let's connect on Instagram!