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Cutting Through It | Hair Stylists, Clientele, Income, Salon, Cosmetologist
By Sherri Brodie | Hairstylist, Business CoachBusinessEntrepreneurshipEducationArtsSelf-ImprovementFashion & Beauty
Cutting Through It | Hair Stylists, Clientele, Income, Salon, Cosmetologist episodes
- 24 | Stuck at the Same Client Count for Months? The One Blind Spot That's Capping Your Growth
Have you ever felt like you want more behind the chair…
More clients.
More confidence.More income.More stability.But no matter how hard you try… it just doesn’t seem to click?
If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of what your next step should be — this episode is for you.
In this episode, I’m sharing a simple story that opened my eyes to something I see happening with hair stylists all the time.
We want to move forward.
We want to grow.We want success behind the chair.But instead of moving in the right direction…
We keep trying to push through something that isn’t working.
And the truth is…
👉 It’s not that the opportunity isn’t there
👉 It’s not that you’re not capableIt’s that something deeper is holding you back.
That something is fear.
Inside this episode, we talk about:
- Why so many hair stylists feel stuck even when they’re working hard
• How fear shows up in ways you may not even realize• The difference between working harder… and moving in the right direction• The simple shift that can change everything in your careerAnd most importantly…
How to recognize when you’re standing at the wrong “door” — and what it takes to turn and move toward the right one.
In this episode, I break down three of the biggest fears I’ve seen (and personally experienced) that hold hairstylists back:
- Fear of stepping out of your comfort zone
• Fear of putting yourself out there and promoting your business• Fear of not being good enough or ready yetThese are the things that quietly keep you stuck… even when you’re doing everything else “right.”
You can’t build confidence… clients… or consistent income…
if you’re avoiding the very things that lead you there.
Because success behind the chair isn’t about doing more…
It’s about doing the right things — even when they feel uncomfortable.
FREE RESOURCES
Free Tutorial + Checklist: 5 Ways to Get More Clients in Your Chair
Discover five practical strategies you can start using today to attract more of the right clients and build a stronger business.https://www.onpointhairbysherri.com/free-trainingVisit My Website
Explore free resources, courses, podcast episodes, and tools to help you build a thriving career behind the chair.https://www.onpointhairbysherri.comJoin My Free Facebook Community
Connect with other hairstylists who are building their businesses with confidence, clarity, and support.https://www.facebook.com/groups/2749808815367908/Follow Me
YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook: @onpointhairbysherriEnjoying the Podcast?
If you've been listening for a while and haven't hit subscribe yet, now's a great time — so you never miss an episode. And if you know another hairstylist who needs to hear this one, send it their way; it might be exactly what they need this week. I'd also love it if you left a review — I read every single one, and it helps this podcast reach more hairstylists just like you.Email Me
I'd love to hear from you! If this episode encouraged you or you have a question you'd like me to cover on a future episode, send me an email.31 min - Why so many hair stylists feel stuck even when they’re working hard
- 23 | Thinking About Renting a Chair or Opening a Salon Suite? Why Hair Stylists Struggle and How to Know If You’re Ready
Have you been thinking about renting a chair… opening a salon suite… or going out on your own as a hair stylist?
Wanting more freedom… more control… and a bigger piece of the income?
I understand exactly why this feels like the next step.
But before you make that move, there are some things you need to understand — because going out on your own isn’t just about doing hair anymore…
It’s about running a business.
In this episode, I’m breaking down what it actually looks like to step into:
- Booth rent
• Salon suites• And briefly, commission salonsBut more importantly…
I’m helping you understand what these require of you as a stylist — mentally, financially, and skill-wise.
Because the truth is, a lot of hair stylists don’t struggle because they aren’t talented…
They struggle because they move into independence before they’re fully ready.
And that can lead to:
- Financial stress
• Inconsistent income• Loss of confidence• Feeling overwhelmed behind the chairThis episode is here to help you slow down, think it through, and make a confident decision — not an emotional one.
Inside this episode, we talk about:
- What renting a chair or salon suite really means (beyond just doing hair)
• The difference between freedom and responsibility behind the chair• The most common reasons stylists struggle after going independent• What you need in place before making the move• Why your timing in your career matters more than you thinkIn this episode, I also reference a past episode about money and understanding your income behind the chair — something that becomes even more important when you’re independent.
Listen here:
Episode 14 – Why Making Money Isn’t the Same as Keeping It: The #1 Way, I Learned This by Getting Burned at Tax TimeGoing independent can absolutely be the right move…
But only when you have the foundation to support it.
Because freedom without preparation often leads to stress — not success
FREE RESOURCES
Free Tutorial + Checklist: 5 Ways to Get More Clients in Your Chair
Discover five practical strategies you can start using today to attract more of the right clients and build a stronger business.https://www.onpointhairbysherri.com/free-trainingVisit My Website
Explore free resources, courses, podcast episodes, and tools to help you build a thriving career behind the chair.https://www.onpointhairbysherri.comJoin My Free Facebook Community
Connect with other hairstylists who are building their businesses with confidence, clarity, and support.https://www.facebook.com/groups/2749808815367908/Follow Me
YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook: @onpointhairbysherriEnjoying the Podcast?
If you've been listening for a while and haven't hit subscribe yet, now's a great time — so you never miss an episode. And if you know another hairstylist who needs to hear this one, send it their way; it might be exactly what they need this week. I'd also love it if you left a review — I read every single one, and it helps this podcast reach more hairstylists just like you.Email Me
I'd love to hear from you! If this episode encouraged you or you have a question you'd like me to cover on a future episode, send me an email.29 min - Booth rent
- 22 | Why Hair Stylists Feel Stuck (And How the Wrong Salon Is Holding You Back)
Have you been feeling anxious behind the chair… like something just isn’t clicking?
Do you ever question if you’re in the right place… or if you’ll actually be able to build a successful career as a hairstylist?
Are you working hard… but still feeling overwhelmed, unsupported, or unsure of your direction?
If any of that resonates with you, this episode is for you.
In this episode, I’m talking about one of the biggest decisions you will ever make as a hairstylist — and one that often gets made without enough thought.
Your salon environment.
Because the truth is…
a lot of the anxiety, overwhelm, and doubt hairstylists feel behind the chair doesn’t always come from lack of talent.It often comes from being in an environment that doesn’t support where you are in your career.
Where you work will influence:
- How confident you feel
• How quickly you grow• The type of clients you attract• Your income potential• And how long you stay in this industryThe right environment will support you.
The wrong one will slowly wear you down.
Inside this episode, I walk you through:
• The different types of salon environments available to hairstylists
• What each type actually requires from you (beyond just doing hair)• Why choosing the wrong environment can impact your confidence, income, and growth• How your stage in your career should influence the decision you make
• The key factors to consider before committing to a salonThis episode is meant to help you pause, reflect, and make a more intentional decision about where you’re working. Because when you’re in the right environment, your confidence grows… and when your confidence grows, your clientele follows — and the income you’ve been dreaming of starts to become your reality.
FREE RESOURCES
Free Tutorial + Checklist: 5 Ways to Get More Clients in Your Chair
Discover five practical strategies you can start using today to attract more of the right clients and build a stronger business.https://www.onpointhairbysherri.com/free-trainingVisit My Website
Explore free resources, courses, podcast episodes, and tools to help you build a thriving career behind the chair.https://www.onpointhairbysherri.comJoin My Free Facebook Community
Connect with other hairstylists who are building their businesses with confidence, clarity, and support.https://www.facebook.com/groups/2749808815367908/Follow Me
YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook: @onpointhairbysherriEnjoying the Podcast?
If you've been listening for a while and haven't hit subscribe yet, now's a great time — so you never miss an episode. And if you know another hairstylist who needs to hear this one, send it their way; it might be exactly what they need this week. I'd also love it if you left a review — I read every single one, and it helps this podcast reach more hairstylists just like you.Email Me
I'd love to hear from you! If this episode encouraged you or you have a question you'd like me to cover on a future episode, send me an email.28 min - How confident you feel
- 21 | Why Hairstylists Think About Quitting and What Most Don’t See Yet
Have you ever had a moment behind the chair where you wondered if you chose the wrong career?
Do you ever feel burned out as a hairstylist and start thinking a 9-to-5 job might be easier?
Are you in a season where building your clientele feels hard and you’re questioning whether it’s worth it to keep going?
If you’ve ever thought about quitting hairstyling, this episode is for you.
In this episode, I’m sharing a personal story from my career that completely changed how I view the hairstylist journey.
Recently, during a FaceTime call with my family, I had a moment that reminded me just how blessed I am to have stayed the course in this industry. Today I work only a couple days a week behind the chair, earn a strong income, and have the freedom to enjoy my life and prepare for retirement.
But it wasn’t always like that.
There was a season in my career when I was exhausted, overwhelmed running a salon, raising my children, and questioning whether I should leave the hairstylist industry altogether.
In this episode, I talk about:
- Why many hairstylists reach a point where they feel burned out behind the chair
• The reality of leaving the industry for what seems like a more “secure” job• What I learned after stepping away from the chair and losing the freedom I once had• The hard lessons that helped me rebuild my clientele and my confidence• The mindset shift that helped me stay in the hairstylist career and eventually create more freedom in my lifeIf you’re feeling discouraged, overwhelmed, or questioning whether you should continue as a hairstylist, this episode will give you perspective before making a decision based on frustration or fear.
Sometimes the season you’re in right now is simply the part of the journey where you’re building something bigger than you can see yet.
Want more help growing your business behind the chair?
Visit my Links & Resources page to grab my FREE tutorial, Four Ways to Get Clients in Your Chair Fast, join the FREE On Point Pro community, and explore more resources created to help you grow behind the chair and beyond.onpointhairbysherri.com/links
Visit My Website
Explore free resources, courses, podcast episodes, and tools to help you build a thriving career behind the chair.https://www.onpointhairbysherri.comFollow Me
YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook: @onpointhairbysherriEnjoying the Podcast?
If you've been listening for a while and haven't hit subscribe yet, now's a great time — so you never miss an episode. And if you know another hairstylist who needs to hear this one, send it their way; it might be exactly what they need this week. I'd also love it if you left a review — I read every single one, and it helps this podcast reach more hairstylists just like you.Email Me
I'd love to hear from you! If this episode encouraged you or you have a question you'd like me to cover on a future episode, send me an email.35 min - Why many hairstylists reach a point where they feel burned out behind the chair
- 20 | Why You Can’t Seem to Retain New Clients, and How One Simple Shift Will Turn Things Around as a Hairstylist
What if I told you that most new clients who sit in your chair will never come back?
Not because they didn’t like you.
Not because they didn’t like their haircut.But because of something most hairstylists never do.
In this episode of Cutting Through It, Sherri Brodie shares one of the biggest mistakes stylists make after a new client appointment—and the simple system that can turn a first-time guest into a loyal, long-term client.
Why Most New Hair Clients Never…
Sherri also shares a story from early in her career about the first second-day follow-up call she ever had to make… and why it terrified her at the time. That one uncomfortable phone call ended up teaching her one of the most valuable lessons she’s carried through more than four decades behind the chair.
Why Most New Hair Clients Never…
If you’re a hairstylist trying to:
- build a loyal clientele
• keep new clients from disappearing• increase rebookings• or grow your business behind the chairthis episode will give you a powerful shift in how you think about client relationships and retention.
Because here’s the truth:
The most successful stylists aren’t always the most talented.
They’re simply the ones who do the small things most stylists avoid.
Why Most New Hair Clients Never…
Listen in to learn the mindset and systems that help hairstylists turn one appointment into a client who stays for years.
Want more help growing your business behind the chair?
Visit my Links & Resources page to grab my FREE tutorial, Four Ways to Get Clients in Your Chair Fast, join the FREE On Point Pro community, and explore more resources created to help you grow behind the chair and beyond.onpointhairbysherri.com/links
Visit My Website
Explore free resources, courses, podcast episodes, and tools to help you build a thriving career behind the chair.https://www.onpointhairbysherri.comFollow Me
YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook: @onpointhairbysherriEnjoying the Podcast?
If you've been listening for a while and haven't hit subscribe yet, now's a great time — so you never miss an episode. And if you know another hairstylist who needs to hear this one, send it their way; it might be exactly what they need this week. I'd also love it if you left a review — I read every single one, and it helps this podcast reach more hairstylists just like you.Email Me
I'd love to hear from you! If this episode encouraged you or you have a question you'd like me to cover on a future episode, send me an email.33 min - build a loyal clientele
- 19 |3 Ways to Build a Loyal Clientele Fast as a Hair Stylist
Why do some hairstylists stay fully booked without advertising…
while others constantly feel like they’re chasing their next client?It’s not talent.
It’s not luck.And it’s not social media.It’s three simple business habits most hairstylists avoid.
In this episode, I break down the 3 growth habits that build loyal clients, increase five-star reviews, generate referrals, and dramatically improve client retention behind the chair.
I haven’t advertised my hair business in years — and I don’t have to.
My reviews, referrals, and rebooking system do the marketing for me.
Inside this episode, we talk about:
• Why five-star reviews are more powerful than paid ads
• The subtle mistakes that cost hairstylists referrals• How rebooking protects your income and builds predictable revenue• Why discomfort keeps stylists from growing faster• The mindset shift that turns your chair into a real businessIf you’ve ever wondered:
Why am I not fully booked yet?
Why aren’t my clients referring their friends?How am I going to make consistent money as a hairstylist?This episode will help you see what’s missing.
Because building loyal clientele isn’t about working harder.
It’s about consistently doing what most stylists won’t.
And when you do?
Your business starts working for you — instead of you constantly working for it.
Next week, I’ll share what to do after the appointment ends to make sure new clients come back.
Your chair is your business.
It’s time to own it like the professional you are.
Want more help growing your business behind the chair?
Visit my Links & Resources page to grab my FREE tutorial, Four Ways to Get Clients in Your Chair Fast, join the FREE On Point Pro community, and explore more resources created to help you grow behind the chair and beyond.onpointhairbysherri.com/links
Visit My Website
Explore free resources, courses, podcast episodes, and tools to help you build a thriving career behind the chair.https://www.onpointhairbysherri.comFollow Me
YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook: @onpointhairbysherriEnjoying the Podcast?
If you've been listening for a while and haven't hit subscribe yet, now's a great time — so you never miss an episode. And if you know another hairstylist who needs to hear this one, send it their way; it might be exactly what they need this week. I'd also love it if you left a review — I read every single one, and it helps this podcast reach more hairstylists just like you.Email Me
I'd love to hear from you! If this episode encouraged you or you have a question you'd like me to cover on a future episode, send me an email.33 min - 18 | Emotionally Drained Behind the Chair? How Hairstylists Prevent Burnout and Protect Their Energy
Have you ever finished a full day behind the chair and felt completely emotionally drained — not just tired, but empty?
If you’ve experienced emotional exhaustion as a hairstylist, this episode is for you.
In the beauty industry, we don’t just cut hair.
We hold space.We listen.We absorb energy.We carry stories.And if you don’t learn how to protect your energy, burnout becomes inevitable.
In this impromptu episode, I share a very real moment from my own week — a long, heavy salon day that reminded me how easy it is for hairstylists to slide into emotional burnout when we don’t set personal boundaries outside of business boundaries.
Because setting policies in your salon isn’t enough.
You must also learn how to:
• Protect your emotional energy behind the chair
• Stay empathetic without absorbing clients’ stress• Prevent hairstylist burnout before resentment sets in• Create personal boundaries that protect your family life• Transition from stylist mode to wife, mom, or partner without carrying the day homeIn this episode, I share:
• Why hairstylists often feel emotionally exhausted
• A powerful mindset shift that helps you stay present without absorbing heavy client energy• A practical technique I learned from a mentor that changed everything• How to reset between appointments and after long salon days• Why protecting your peace is essential for long-term success in the beauty industryMany hairstylists leave this career not because they lack skill — but because they never learned how to manage the emotional weight of it.
You can love this career and still protect yourself.
You can serve your clients well without sacrificing your peace.
You can build a successful hairstylist business without burning out.
If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or questioning how long you can keep doing this — listen in.
Burnout isn’t a sign you chose the wrong career.
It’s often a sign you need stronger personal boundaries and better emotional protection behind the chair.
You deserve a thriving career and a peaceful home life.
And you don’t have to choose between the two.
FREE RESOURCES
Free Tutorial + Checklist: 5 Ways to Get More Clients in Your Chair
Discover five practical strategies you can start using today to attract more of the right clients and build a stronger business.https://www.onpointhairbysherri.com/free-trainingVisit My Website
Explore free resources, courses, podcast episodes, and tools to help you build a thriving career behind the chair.https://www.onpointhairbysherri.comJoin My Free Facebook Community
Connect with other hairstylists who are building their businesses with confidence, clarity, and support.https://www.facebook.com/groups/2749808815367908/Follow Me
YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook: @onpointhairbysherriEnjoying the Podcast?
If you've been listening for a while and haven't hit subscribe yet, now's a great time — so you never miss an episode. And if you know another hairstylist who needs to hear this one, send it their way; it might be exactly what they need this week. I'd also love it if you left a review — I read every single one, and it helps this podcast reach more hairstylists just like you.Email Me
I'd love to hear from you! If this episode encouraged you or you have a question you'd like me to cover on a future episode, send me an email.15 min - 17 | Why “being nice” to clients is not what you think it is! The truth about burnout behind the chair
Are difficult client conversations draining your confidence behind the chair?
If you’re struggling with late clients, no-shows, last-minute cancellations, price objections, or unrealistic inspiration photos — this episode is for you.
Most hairstylists don’t struggle with skill.
They struggle with client communication and setting boundaries in their salon business.
And when we avoid uncomfortable conversations, it leads to:
• Lost income from chronic no-shows
• Burnout from emotional exhaustion• Clients who don’t respect our time• Lower client retention• Quiet resentment behind the chairIn this episode, we break down how to handle difficult clients professionally while protecting your peace, your policies, and your profitability.
Because learning how to communicate clearly with clients is one of the most important business skills a hairstylist can develop.
Want more help growing your business behind the chair?
Visit my Links & Resources page to grab my FREE tutorial, Four Ways to Get Clients in Your Chair Fast, join the FREE On Point Pro community, and explore more resources created to help you grow behind the chair and beyond.onpointhairbysherri.com/links
Visit My Website
Explore free resources, courses, podcast episodes, and tools to help you build a thriving career behind the chair.https://www.onpointhairbysherri.comFollow Me
YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook: @onpointhairbysherriEnjoying the Podcast?
If you've been listening for a while and haven't hit subscribe yet, now's a great time — so you never miss an episode. And if you know another hairstylist who needs to hear this one, send it their way; it might be exactly what they need this week. I'd also love it if you left a review — I read every single one, and it helps this podcast reach more hairstylists just like you.Email Me
I'd love to hear from you! If this episode encouraged you or you have a question you'd like me to cover on a future episode, send me an email.35 min - 16 | Client Consultation: The Step-by-Step Plan to Help You Keep Clients Coming Back
If you want stronger client retention and consistent rebooking, your consultation is everything.
In this episode, we’re focusing on practical hair consultation strategies that help hairstylists build trust, increase client loyalty, and guide appointments with confidence.
Because when clients don’t rebook, it’s rarely about your technical skills.
It’s usually because they did not feel confident in you and your abilities.
Inside this episode, you’ll learn:
How to structure a confident, professional hair consultation
The key questions that build instant trustHow to handle inspiration photos without feeling pressuredHow to communicate clearly when something won’t workWhy strong consultations naturally increase rebooking and referralsHow confident client communication strengthens your authorityWhen your client feels heard and guided, she relaxes.
When you feel clear about the plan, you work with confidence.
And when both of you feel aligned, rebooking becomes natural.
If you’re ready to improve client retention, grow a loyal clientele, and feel more confident behind the chair, this episode will give you consultation tips you can implement immediately.
FREE RESOURCES
Free Tutorial + Checklist: 5 Ways to Get More Clients in Your Chair
Discover five practical strategies you can start using today to attract more of the right clients and build a stronger business.https://www.onpointhairbysherri.com/free-trainingVisit My Website
Explore free resources, courses, podcast episodes, and tools to help you build a thriving career behind the chair.https://www.onpointhairbysherri.comJoin My Free Facebook Community
Connect with other hairstylists who are building their businesses with confidence, clarity, and support.https://www.facebook.com/groups/2749808815367908/Follow Me
YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook: @onpointhairbysherriEnjoying the Podcast?
If you've been listening for a while and haven't hit subscribe yet, now's a great time — so you never miss an episode. And if you know another hairstylist who needs to hear this one, send it their way; it might be exactly what they need this week. I'd also love it if you left a review — I read every single one, and it helps this podcast reach more hairstylists just like you.Email Me
I'd love to hear from you! If this episode encouraged you or you have a question you'd like me to cover on a future episode, send me an email.17 min - 15 | Dreaming of consistent income and loyal clients? Why staying busy and chasing clients aren’t helping you—and what to do instead
Building a loyal clientele isn’t about doing more, working longer hours, or constantly chasing new clients. It starts with clarity.
In this episode, we’re talking about what it really takes to create long-term success behind the chair — not just staying busy, but building a sustainable hairstylist career that feels aligned, confident, and fulfilling.
I share a personal season in my own career when I felt overwhelmed and unsure of my direction. On the outside, everything looked fine. But internally, I knew something wasn’t aligned. What changed everything wasn’t adding more to my plate — it was stepping back and getting clear.
Inside this episode, you’ll learn:
How clarity creates loyal clients and consistent bookings
Why structure behind the chair builds confidenceThe three areas every hairstylist needs to get clear on to grow sustainablyHow to stop chasing busy and start building intentional growthWhy long-term salon success starts with alignment, not hustleIf you want to build loyal clients who trust you, rebook consistently, and refer others — this episode will help you create the foundation that makes that possible.
This conversation isn’t about adding more goals or pushing harder. It’s about building a hairstylist business that supports you long-term — financially, emotionally, and professionally.
A sustainable career behind the chair doesn’t happen by accident. It’s built with clarity, structure, and intentional growth.
If you’ve been craving more direction, more confidence, or more stability in your salon business, this episode will help you reset and move forward with purpose.
Sometimes the strongest growth comes from slowing down long enough to get clear.
FREE RESOURCES
Free Tutorial + Checklist: 5 Ways to Get More Clients in Your Chair
Discover five practical strategies you can start using today to attract more of the right clients and build a stronger business.https://www.onpointhairbysherri.com/free-trainingVisit My Website
Explore free resources, courses, podcast episodes, and tools to help you build a thriving career behind the chair.https://www.onpointhairbysherri.comJoin My Free Facebook Community
Connect with other hairstylists who are building their businesses with confidence, clarity, and support.https://www.facebook.com/groups/2749808815367908/Follow Me
YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook: @onpointhairbysherriEnjoying the Podcast?
If you've been listening for a while and haven't hit subscribe yet, now's a great time — so you never miss an episode. And if you know another hairstylist who needs to hear this one, send it their way; it might be exactly what they need this week. I'd also love it if you left a review — I read every single one, and it helps this podcast reach more hairstylists just like you.Email Me
I'd love to hear from you! If this episode encouraged you or you have a question you'd like me to cover on a future episode, send me an email.29 min
About Cutting Through It | Hair Stylists, Clientele, Income, Salon, Cosmetologist
From the publisher's feed
Are you a hairstylist who's doing everything right... but your chair still isn't full?
Struggling to get clients, keep them coming back, or make consistent money behind the chair?
Maybe you feel awkward talking to clients, unsure what to say… or wondering why it seems so much easier for everyone else.
“If that’s you, you’re not alone and I want to help you understand what’s really going on.
I'm Sherri, a hairstylist, educator, and business coach with over 40 years of experience. After rebuilding my salon business and clientele from scratch multiple times, I know what it takes to grow a loyal clientele and create lasting success behind the chair. In each episode, I share practical strategies for haircutting confidence, client consultations, client retention, marketing, communication, and building a profitable salon career.
New episodes weekly.