In this episode I share my very personal journey of joy, courage, fear, depression and all the things this past year that brought me to this moment of immense gratitude, the day of my 53rd birthday. This is a very vulnerable and potentially triggering episode for those who deal with depression, eating disorders and suicidal thoughts. Because of that, please be mindful of when and where you listen and also of the resources available to you in the US such as the Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255 The Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386 Trans Lifeline 877-565-8860. Thank you so much for listening and for all your love, grace, patience and support this past year. It gets better. I promise.

In this episode we sit down with Melanie Guzzo of Virtue Vegan Salon and Stay Sharp Education. Melanie is a salon owner, leader, educator, vegan, and all around courageous bad ass. Melanie shares her journey as an artist, how she found clarity around the Virtue Vegan Salon brand values, healthy boundary setting, moving from behind the chair to full time leader, and so much more. You can find Melanie on the gram @melanieguzzo @virtuevegansalon @staysharpnation Thank you Melanie for sharing your story with us. We love you!

In this episode we sit down with Tracy Ftacek, salon owner, educator, leader and creator of the on demand beauty brand Pretty Convenient. Tracy shares her journey into salon ownership, why culture + communication has become her foundation for success, advice for new owners and so much more. You can find Tracy on the gram @prettyconvenientapp @tracyftacek Thank you Tracy for sharing your story with us. We love you!

In this episode Nina talks with Celeste Gonzalez, hair + make up artist, salon owner, educator and mama! Celeste's story is a must listen as she shares her wisdom around being a newer stylist in the pro beauty biz and how her passion for advanced education has propelled her success in just two short years along with how she navigates finding her rhythm and staying out of the comparison game on social media. Thank you Celeste for sharing your story with us. We love you! You can find Celeste on the gram @celestethestylist

In this episode Nina shares her thoughts on putting clients on blast on social media and the not so awesome impact it can have on your business and brand, along with sharing a blog she wrote back in 2015 on the topic. A big shout out of gratitude to @erin.mills on the gram for inspiring this episode. You can find Nina and Passion Squared on the gram @passionsquared Thank you so much for listening.

In this episode Nina talks with Katie Tellor, salon owner, leader, educator and owner of Abstrakt Studio in Frisco Texas. Katie shares her story about finding the beauty biz, making the leap into ownership and leadership, how she grows her assistants, how social media has helped empower her biz and so much more! You can find Katie on the gram @katietellorhair @abstraktstudio

In this episode Nina takes it all the way back to the beginning of the podcast and reads the reviews our awesome listeners have shared along with the wisdom, power and intel that comes when you take the time to dig deep into the experiences your clients are sharing online. This is a must listen episode for all creative small biz folks, in particular, if you are one that fears review sites. You can find Nina on the gram sharing on behalf of her company @passionsquared Thank you so much for listening!

In this episode Nina chats with Brenda Amaral, leader, salon owner, educator, board member of ABCH and all around awesome human being. Brenda shares her story about how she discovered her love for the pro beauty biz, why she opened a salon, how she handles team members that leave, the importance of inclusivity and integration in the salon biz, and SO much more. You can find Brenda on the gram @brendolah @gwenmirellesalon and here at Texture vs. Race on Facebook. Thank you Brenda for sharing your story with us. We love you!

In this episode Nina chats with Gina Bianca, salon owner, educator, coach and beauty influencer. Gina shares her story about becoming a hairdresser and salon owner along with what inspired her to open and most recently close her first salon. Gina also shares her thoughts on social media, purpose, burnout and more. You can find Gina on the gram at @iamginabianca + @thenetworksalon Thank you Gina for sharing your story with us. We love you!

In this episode Nina chats with Lisa Walker, colorist, educator, mama and founder of Balayage Boot Camp + Hairbangers Academy. Lisa shares her inspiring story of how she went from being an excuse maker to taking responsibility for her career, and in doing so, discovered her gift for empowering hair colorists through her honest, tough love style of education and how she finds her rhythm as a working colorist, educator, biz owner, wife and mama. You can find Lisa on the gram @lisalovesbalayage and online at balayagebc.com