Salon and spa leaders, this episode explores what the 2026 Hybrid Salon really looks like and why so many owners are rethinking traditional commission-only models. Michelle shares her real journey of evolving from a large employee-based salon to a thriving hybrid space that blends commission stylists with renters — while protecting culture, standards, and education. You'll hear practical strategies for hiring, onboarding, pricing rent, and managing shared logistics so hybrid models feel collaborative instead of chaotic. The conversation breaks down how transparency, mentorship, and structured systems create opportunity for stylists without sacrificing leadership or brand identity. If you're wondering how to future-proof your salon, attract high performers, and design a model that gives both owners and providers more freedom, this episode gives you a clear blueprint.

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In this powerful episode, Kati challenges leaders to get radically clear about what they actually want, and why clarity is the first step to creating the life they've always imagined. She explains how your brain's reticular activating system works, why your environment and media consumption matter, and how visualization and identity shifts accelerate real change. Kati shares her personal story of transformation, revealing why lasting results don't come from quick fixes, but from deciding who you are and showing up as that person daily. If you're ready to stop starting over, set better boundaries, and finally follow through long enough to see real results, this episode will reset how you think about goals, growth, and perseverance.

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Today we sit down with Allison Moncheck—award-winning hairstylist, educator, and owner of Unorthodox Salon—to unpack what it really means to build a career by doing things differently. Allison shares her unconventional journey from teenage cosmetologist to school counselor and back into the salon world, ultimately building a thriving business that prioritizes people over polish. You'll hear how she grew from a two-chair "baby salon" into a multi-chair concept, launched a suite rental model, and created a viral Head Spa experience—all while staying true to her values. As a self-described introvert, Allison opens up about stepping outside her comfort zone, building a strong team culture, and defining success without comparing herself to others on social media. This episode is a must-listen for salon owners and stylists who want permission—and practical inspiration—to build a business that's truly their own.

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In this episode, your host Kati Whitledge breaks down why client retention is the real growth engine for salon owners—and how increasing retention by just 5% can boost profitability by up to 95%. She explains why repeat guests spend more, stay longer, and why the second visit is the true tipping point for loyalty. Kati shares practical strategies to improve rebooking, follow-up, and client engagement using smarter systems and more personal communication. She also reveals how better client-provider matching (instead of "swipe-style" booking) dramatically improves long-term results, including real-world success stories. If you want fuller books, stronger relationships, and more predictable revenue, this episode gives you a clear, simple game plan.

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Celebrity Hairstylist and Salon Owner, Traci Barrett joins Beyond the Technique to share her powerful journey from answering phones in a corporate salon to becoming a renowned hair artist in LA—and ultimately building a purpose-driven salon in Phoenix. In this episode, Traci and Kati dive into rethinking the traditional salon model, from commission structures and team-based environments to eliminating fear-based leadership and non-compete culture. Traci reveals how her personal life challenges reshaped her vision and led her to build a salon rooted in mentorship, education, sustainability, and service. You'll learn how she's creating a new standard through a structured education pathway, inclusive hair design, and a hospitality-inspired client experience, including her innovative focus on scalp care and Head Spa services. If you're a salon owner or leader who wants to build a modern, values-driven, and team-centered business that actually works, this episode will expand how you think about the future of our industry.

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In this episode, your host Kati Whitledge challenges salon and spa owners to rethink how they make decisions in a world full of distractions, pressure, and decision fatigue. She breaks down what "smart decisions" really mean—choices that align with your purpose, passion, and business objectives, and why every decision may not deserve your energy. You'll learn how to slow down impulsive reactions, focus on what truly moves the business forward, and empower your leaders to own decisions in their areas of responsibility. Kati shares a simple but powerful four-question framework you can use for everything from hiring to new services and product offerings. If you want clearer thinking, better leadership, and more confident decisions that actually drive results, this episode is for you.

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In this episode, Kati sits down with Terra Harvell to talk about what it really means to build a salon you can actually walk away from—and why most salons are never truly sellable. Terra shares her journey from behind-the-chair to building scalable systems, including the hard lessons that led her to rethink commission models, leadership, and profitability. They unpack the concept of salon "roll-ups," exit strategies, and how to increase enterprise value instead of creating another job for yourself. You'll learn why only 2 out of 10 salons ever sell, and what needs to change if you want your business to be one of them. If you're a salon owner who wants freedom, options, and a business that works without you, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to think bigger.

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In this episode, your host Kati Whitledge explores the powerful and often misunderstood difference between self-confidence and pride—and why both can quietly shape the way you lead, grow, and relate to others. She explains how real confidence is built on competence, truth, and humility, while pride is usually rooted in insecurity, image, and the need to protect ego. You'll learn the subtle behaviors that reveal when pride is creeping in, especially for high performers and fast-growing leaders, and how defensiveness can be an early warning sign. Kati shares practical, honest strategies for staying grounded, receiving feedback, and approaching others with both truth and respect. This conversation will challenge you to build "humble confidence" so your results, character, and relationships can all grow together.

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In today's episode, Kati sits down with Blake Reed Evans to explore what modern leadership really looks like in today's salon environment. Blake shares his journey from associate stylist to shareholder and salon owner, and how mentorship, education, and a clear growth path shaped his success. Blake breaks down a new model of salon ownership, team development, and why flexible schedules and evolving benefits are essential to attract and retain top talent. You'll hear how Blake's salon balances high standards with a supportive culture, adapts to generational shifts, and creates long-term stability for both owners and team members. This conversation is a must-listen for salon owners and leaders who want to build a sustainable business, grow future leaders, and elevate the team experience.

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Resilience isn't about avoiding stress, it's about learning how to adapt, endure, and grow stronger through every season of business. In this episode, Kati breaks down the four inevitable seasons salon and spa owners face—growth, steadiness, decline, and drought—and explains why waiting for a "stress-free" season is a trap. You'll learn how resilient leaders stay disciplined, protect their identity, and make clear decisions without letting fear or emotion drive permanent choices. This conversation will challenge you to see pressure as preparation and lead yourself and your team forward with clarity, ownership, and hope—no matter the season you're in.

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