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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
- 14 | Why Making Money Isn’t the Same as Keeping It. The #1 Way I Learned This by Getting Burned at Tax Time
Do you feel like you’re working nonstop behind the chair but your income still feels inconsistent?
In this episode, we’re talking about one of the most common financial mistakes hairstylists make — and why so many talented stylists struggle with inconsistent salon income despite being fully booked.
This isn’t about shame. It’s about awareness.
Hairstylists are creative, generous, and service-driven. But most of us were never taught how to manage money as a commission stylist, booth renter, or salon suite owner. We focus on doing great hair while ignoring the financial structure that keeps a business stable.
Inside this episode, we cover:
Why so many hairstylists experience income instability
A personal story about trusting a CPA without fully understanding my own numbers
The risk of being “too busy” to manage your finances
Why trusting professionals is not the same as understanding your business
What to look for in a CPA who understands hairstylist income, booth rent, commission, and write-offs
Why separating business income, tax savings, and personal spending is critical
How financial clarity creates confidence and long-term stability behind the chair
If you’ve ever felt stressed about money, unprepared for tax season, or unsure where your income is really going, this episode will help you slow down and build financial structure into your hairstylist business.
Before you move on, ask yourself:
Do I truly know my monthly and weekly numbers?
Am I separating business and personal money?Am I building stability — or just surviving month to month?You don’t have to become a financial expert. But you do need enough understanding to protect your career and create consistent income behind the chair.
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.18 min - 13 | Why Raising Your Prices Feels Scary—and the 3 Things That Make It Easier for Hair Stylists
There was a season in my life when I was exhausted, underpaid, and just getting by behind the chair.
I was raising my kids on my own, working nonstop, and doing my best to make it work—but deep down, I knew something wasn’t adding up. I wanted to raise my prices, but I didn’t feel confident enough to do it. My work didn’t yet reflect the value I wanted to charge, and I knew I couldn’t skip that step.
In this episode, I share the turning point that changed everything.
This isn’t a story about overnight success or quick fixes. It’s an honest look at what it really took for me to go from barely getting by to building a fully booked chair—and why that shift had far more to do with decisions and discipline than luck.
In this episode, you’ll hear:The moment that forced me to take a hard look at my career and my reality
Why I knew raising my prices couldn’t come before raising my confidence and skill level
The decision to invest in education, even when money was tight
How consistent practice changed my work and how clients perceived me
Why talking through what I learned with other stylists helped everything click
What happened when I made myself available during the hours others avoided
How one client confirmed I was finally on the right path—and everything shifted after that
If you’re a hairstylist who feels like you’re doing good work but still struggling financially, this episode is for you. It’s a reminder that feeling stuck doesn’t mean you’ve failed—it often means you’re standing right before a necessary shift.
My hope is that this story helps you reflect on where you are, what needs to change, and what’s possible when you stop trying to push harder and start choosing differently.
And if you’re ready for support—whether that’s building confidence in your cutting, strengthening consultations, or getting clearer on the business side of your chair—you’ll find resources and coaching options on my website whenever the time feels right.
Thanks for listening, and for letting me share this part of my journey with you.
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.22 min - 12 | 3 Secrets to Getting Clients Without Feeling Salesy as a Hair Stylist
Struggling to Get Clients? 3 Ways hairstylists Can Build a Full Book and Financial Stability
If marketing makes you uncomfortable…
If you hate posting…If you feel awkward talking about yourself…Or if you’re doing “all the things” but your chair still isn’t growing…This episode is for you.
In today’s conversation, I’m speaking directly to hairstylists who feel stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure what to do next to get clients in their chair — not just any clients, but clients they actually enjoy working with.
After decades in this industry — rebuilding my business more than once — I want you to know this:
👉 Marketing doesn’t mean you’re salesy.
👉 Marketing doesn’t mean posting perfect photos.👉 And marketing is not optional if you want a full, stable chair.What it does mean is learning how to show up with clarity, confidence, and connection — and that’s exactly what we talk about in this episode.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode1️⃣ Education-Based Marketing (How to Stand Out Online Without Feeling Fake)Posting pretty pictures isn’t enough anymore.
In this section, I teach you:
Why teaching builds trust faster than selling
How showing your knowledge helps clients feel confident before they book
Simple ways to explain what you do so people understand your value
When clients learn from you, they begin to trust you — and trust is what fills chairs.
2️⃣ In-Person Networking & Relationship MarketingMarketing doesn’t live only on your phone — it lives in the real world.
We talk about:
Why getting involved in your community matters
How networking groups help you build real referral relationships
Creating a simple “elevator message” so you don’t freeze when introducing yourself
Why confidence grows through repetition, not perfection
You don’t need to impress people — you just need to be clear about how you help.
3️⃣ Local Visibility & Creative MarketingSometimes the best opportunities are right around you.
In this part of the episode, I share:
How to cross-promote with nearby businesses
Creative ways to increase visibility in your local area
Why exposure often comes before income
How small efforts compound into long-term growth
Building a clientele isn’t about doing everything — it’s about doing the right things consistently.
A Mindset Shift to Take with You
You don’t grow your business by staying comfortable.
You grow by doing the things that feel awkward until they don’t.Confidence doesn’t come before action — it comes after.
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.36 min - 11 | Sick of Stressing About Money Behind the Chair? Here's What to Fix Before You Blame Your Prices
Are you feeling stressed about money behind the chair?
Wondering if you need a second job just to stay afloat?This episode is for the hairstylist who loves doing hair but feels overwhelmed, discouraged, or uncertain about how to create steady income in the salon.
Here’s the truth: struggling financially as a hairstylist doesn’t mean you failed or chose the wrong career. It usually means your chair business needs structure, clarity, and leadership.
In this episode, I walk you through three practical shifts that help you stop operating in survival mode and start building real financial stability behind the chair.
We talk about:
Knowing your numbers
You cannot grow what you don’t track. I break down why understanding your monthly, weekly, and daily income goals is the foundation of confidence as a hairstylist. When you know your numbers, you stop panicking about slow weeks and start making intentional business decisions.Tracking client retention and booking patterns
If clients aren’t rebooking consistently, it’s not personal — it’s data. I share how to look at your books, identify gaps in client retention, and improve the experience, communication, or follow-up that may be affecting your income.Showing up as the CEO of your chair
Whether you are booth rent, commission, or in a salon suite, your chair is a business. We talk about what it means to lead your appointments professionally, build trust during consultations, increase rebooking, and create consistent salon income.This episode is about learning how to run your hairstylist business with intention so you can increase income without burning out or giving up on a career you love.
After listening, take action:
Write down your monthly income goal.
Break it into weekly and daily targets.Look at your current bookings and identify where the gaps are.Choose one change to implement this week.You don’t need a second job.
You need clarity, structure, and leadership behind the chair.If this episode helped you, share it with another hairstylist who may be struggling financially and leave a review so more stylists can find the support they need.
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.32 min - 10 | Stay the Course: 6 Ways Hairstylists Can Push Through Slow Seasons and Build a Stronger Business
If your books have slowed down, you’re feeling discouraged behind the chair, or you’ve quietly wondered if you chose the wrong career — this episode is for you.
As we head into a new year, many hairstylists are feeling uncertain. Clients are spending differently, comparison is louder than ever, and slow seasons can make you question everything. In this episode, I’m speaking directly to the stylist who feels tired, unsure, or tempted to quit — because I’ve been there, and I’m so glad I didn’t.
In this episode, I share a powerful personal story and walk you through six foundational ways to stay the course, even when business feels shaky.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- How to get clear on your why so you don’t lose momentum
- How to be proactive with a simple business plan (without overwhelm)
- Daily mindset practices that protect your confidence during slow seasons
- Why support and accountability are essential — not optional
- How self-care and boundaries prevent burnout behind the chair
- How to stop comparing yourself and truly own your value
Focus Statement for the new year:
I promised I’d include this in the show notes. Use this sentence to help you create your own focus statement for the year:
“My mission is to help __________ feel __________ by __________ so they can __________.”
Write it. Post it somewhere visible. Come back to it often.
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.34 min - 09 | The Mindset Reset Every Hairstylist Needs When Business Feels Stuck
As the year comes to a close, many hairstylists feel tired, overwhelmed, or mentally cluttered—unsure how to step into the new year without carrying the weight of the old one.
In this episode, “How Hairstylists Can Reset Their Mindset Before the New Year Begins,” I invite you to slow down and take a quiet pause before the rush of resolutions, goals, and expectations begin.
This is not about numbers, hustle, or doing more.
It’s about reflection, release, and choosing how you want to feel moving forward.In this episode, we explore:
✨ Why the space between Christmas and New Year is powerful for reflection✨ How to let go of burnout, fear, and self-doubt from the past year✨ Three grounding questions that help you close emotional “open tabs”✨ How to reset your mindset without pressure or overwhelm✨ A simple ritual you can carry into the new year for clarity and balanceIf you’ve been feeling drained behind the chair, questioning yourself, or craving a calmer, more confident way to move forward, this episode will help you reset mentally and emotionally before the new year begins.
Press play, take a breath, and give yourself permission to start the next season with clarity and peace.
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.13 min - 08 |Nobody Warned You It Would Feel Like This: The Burnout Every Hairstylist Hits and Doesn't Talk About"
Christmas is a season of reflection, gratitude, and remembering what truly matters.
In this special Christmas episode, I’m sharing a personal message for hairstylists—one that comes straight from my heart. I reflect on the early days of my career, the unexpected turns my life took, and how the gift of hairstyling became more than just a job—it became a way to provide, to serve, and to impact lives.
If you’ve ever questioned your path, felt discouraged behind the chair, or forgotten the value of the work you do every day, this episode is for you.
The gift you carry as a hairstylist isn’t just skill—it’s the ability to make people feel seen, comforted, and whole.
Sometimes we just need to pause long enough to remember why we started — and who we’re becoming because of it.
If you need encouragement behind the chair this season, press play
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and peace as you head into the new year.
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.11 min - 07 | Your Chair Is Your Business — A Simple Year-End Reset for Hairstylists
If you’ve ever left the salon feeling completely drained — not because of the hair you did, but because of the people you had to manage — this episode is for you.
Today, we’re diving into one of the biggest reasons hairstylists feel overwhelmed, resentful, or ready to quit the industry: a lack of boundaries.
Not talent.Not clients.Not the workload.But boundaries.As hairstylists, we’re natural people-pleasers… which means we often say yes when we’re exhausted, work on our days off, accept chronic lateness, and let client behavior slide because we’re scared to lose them.
But the truth is: these habits are the fast track to burnout.In this episode, I’m breaking down:
✨ The real reason so many stylists feel overwhelmed behind the chair
✨ The 3 types of boundaries every hairstylist must set— Time boundaries— Client behavior boundaries— Emotional + personal boundaries✨ Why enforcing boundaries actually improves client retention✨ How people-pleasing creates silent resentment that hurts your confidence✨ How faith, self-worth, and inner peace play a role in protecting your career✨ The first small shifts you can make today to regain control, energy, and joyIf you’re tired of feeling stretched thin, constantly giving, or walking on eggshells around clients — this episode will help you reconnect with your confidence and step back into your power.
You deserve peace.
You deserve respect.And you deserve a career that doesn’t burn you out.The book I mentioned in this episode is: Stop Walking on Eggshells by Paul T. Mason, MS, Randi Kreger
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 beyondhttps://www.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.24 min - 06 | 3 Traits of Confident Hairstylists with Fully Booked Chairs
3 Traits of a Confident, Successful Hairstylist
Are you a hairstylist struggling with confidence behind the chair?
Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to grow your career?You’re not alone — and this episode will show you exactly what successful hairstylists do differently.In this episode, I break down the three essential traits every confident, successful hairstylist must develop if they want to build a strong clientele, improve their skills, and create long-term success in the salon industry.
Whether you’re a new stylist trying to find your footing or an experienced stylist rebuilding your business, this ep
This episode will help you:
✨ Understand the real foundation of hairstylist confidence
✨ Identify what’s holding you back behind the chair✨ Learn the mindset traits top hairstylists share✨ Overcome self-doubt and fear in your career✨ Gain clarity on how to grow your clientele and skillsI also share a personal story from my own journey — rebuilding my career, learning new skills from scratch, navigating fear, and discovering the traits that truly create success behind the chair.
If you're looking for hairstylist motivation, career guidance, confidence-building tips, or support during a hard season in your business, this episode will give you practical direction and encouragement you can use today.
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.27 min - 05 | Why Saying Yes to Every Client Is Quietly Burning You Out
Are you feeling overwhelmed behind the chair — not because of the hair you’re doing, but because of the clients you’re managing?
Hairstylist burnout doesn’t usually come from lack of talent.
It often comes from a lack of boundaries.In this episode, we’re talking about one of the biggest causes of emotional exhaustion in the salon: not setting clear boundaries with clients.
If you’re a hairstylist who:
• Says yes when you’re exhausted
• Works on your days off• Accepts chronic lateness• Avoids hard conversations• Feels resentful but afraid to lose clientsThis episode is for you.
Inside, we break down:
✨ Why hairstylists burn out — and how people-pleasing plays a role
✨ The 3 types of boundaries every hairstylist must establish– Time boundaries– Client behavior boundaries– Emotional and personal boundaries✨ How setting boundaries actually improves client retention✨ Why protecting your energy builds confidence behind the chair✨ The small, practical shifts you can start making todaySetting boundaries as a hairstylist isn’t about being harsh.
It’s about protecting your peace, your income, and your long-term career.If you’ve been feeling drained, stretched thin, or close to quitting the industry — this episode will help you regain clarity and confidence.
You deserve a career behind the chair that feels sustainable.
The book mentioned in this episode:
Stop Walking on Eggshells by Paul T. Mason, MS & Randi KregerFREE 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.26 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.