BUILDING & BREAKING with Nina L. Kovner

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

In this episode Nina chats with Stacey Rackham, owner of Mint Hair Crafting salon. Stacey shares her journey on becoming a salon owner, leader, why inclusivity became a brand promise at Mint, and how growth can sometimes be super uncomfortable, and we even hear the sweet story of how Stacey found her fur baby Walter! You can find Stacey (and Walter) on the socials @minhaircrafting @staceyrackhair

In this episode Nina sits down with the leaders and co-owners of Nine Zero One Salon, Academy, Beauty Coach TV, In Common Beauty and BeYOUtiful Foundation. Riawna + Nikki share their story of the early days of being salon owners, the lessons they learned, how they have remained awesome business partners and friends, along with why communication and respect have become the foundation for the brands they have created. This is a must listen for anyone thinking about becoming a small business owner and leader. You can learn more about these humans, their brands and causes on the socials at @riawna @nikkilee901 @ninezeroone @beautycoach_com @incommon @beyoutiful_foundation

In this episode Nina sits down with @alicia.the.alchemist owner of two salons, educator, new mama and super awesome human! Alicia shares her story of finding the beauty biz, lessons on leadership, delegation, releasing judgement and how she finds her rhythm. You can find Alicia on the gram @alicia.the.alchemist Thank you Alicia for sharing your inspirational story with us!

In this episode Nina sits down with Caron, an Army and Navy veteran, hairdresser, makeup artist, small biz owner and mental health advocate. Caron shares her story about discovery the beauty biz as a child, entrepreneurial lessons learned in her military training, and the importance of erasing the stigma of mental health and wellness. You can find Caron on the gram @caronsim and @yesdaaahling and on the web at caronism.com Thank you Caron for sharing your story with us and thank you for your service!

In this episode Nina sits down with Tina DeSeta, salon owner, colorist, community builder and mental health warrior. Tina shares about why she became a hairstylist and how her purpose fuels her passion for people to feel seen. You can find Tina on the gram @tinadesetahair and on Facebook at Deseta Hair Design. Thank you Tina for being awesome and sharing your story with us! We love you.

In this episode Nina shares three simple ways you can show your clients you care and grow your business long term. These basic fundamentals are not fancy, new or revolutionary, but if you are not doing them consistently, you will find yourself on the struggle bus more often than not. You can find Nina on the gram @passionsquared and on the web at passionsquared.net

In this episode Nina shares a recent experience she had getting stuck on a highway, alone, at night, in the mountains, in a snowstorm, and all the lessons she learned about being brave, our capacity for strength in scary situations, and the incredible kindness of strangers. Warning: this story may cause some fear and anxiety, but the lessons shared may be worth the temporary discomfort you may feel. You can find Nina on the web @passionsquared and at passionsquared.net

In this episode we sit down with J Ladner, salon owner, educator, artist, influencer, husband and father. We talk purpose, leadership, LGBTQ rights, influencer marketing and OMG all the feels and more. You can find J on the gram @itsmrjladner and at salonjladner.com