In this episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I’m having a very honest conversation about burnout and why I’ve made the difficult decision to step away and take a break.

Over the last several months, life has truly been lifing, and I’ve been feeling something that many creatives and entrepreneurs experience but don’t always talk about openly — burnout. After attending a powerful mental health event hosted by Our Collective Trauma and Healing (OCTA), I heard a perspective that gave me so much clarity around what I’ve been experiencing.

One of the questions asked during the panel was: How do you know the difference between burnout and just being lazy?

That moment gave me the confirmation I needed to be honest with myself about where I am right now.

For almost six years, I’ve shown up every single week with a new episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast. While consistency is something I’m incredibly proud of, I realized that in the process of consistently showing up for everyone else, I’ve been consistently neglecting myself.

In this episode, I share what burnout has looked like for me, the emotional weight that comes with constantly pouring into others, and why I’ve decided to pause the podcast for a while so I can refill my cup, reconnect with my passions, and give myself the space I truly need.

💡 Key Takeaways

• The difference between burnout and laziness: “I don’t want to” vs “I can’t”

• Why constant consistency without rest can lead to burnout

• The importance of pouring into yourself before pouring into others

• How high expectations we place on ourselves can contribute to burnout

• Why taking a break can be necessary for long-term creativity and sustainability

💄 Join the Friends in Beauty Community Waitlist

A supportive space for beauty professionals who want growth, visibility, and connection without burnout or competition.

👉🏽 [Join the Waitlist] https://friendsinbeauty.com/fib-community-waitlist

Leave us a 5 star review and share this episode with a friend or 2 or 3.

[email protected]

GET A PEEK INSIDE OF BEAUTYPRO FUNNELS HERE

https://www.getbeautyprofunnels.com/friends

SHOP MENTED COSMETICS: https://www.mentedcosmetics.com/akua-robinson

🤎USE CODE "670FED67397" for 15% off of your first purchase.

🚀 FREE GUIDE → 13 WAYS TO GROW YOUR CLIENTELE https://friendsinbeauty.com/grow-your-clientele-7590

GET BOOKKEEPING & ACCOUNTING SERVICES - Tell Them Friends in Beauty Sent You

https://kickstartaccountinginc.com

LEARN HOW TO RECORD + EDIT A PODCAST IN 7 DAYS OR LESS:  https://bit.ly/DIYPodcasterCourse

FRIENDS IN BEAUTY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY

https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsinbeauty

MUST HAVE BEAUTY, PODCASTING, CONTENT CREATION TOOLS, AND BOOKS

https://www.amazon.com/shop/akuarobinson

Social Media Info:

Friends in Beauty (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) - @friendsinbeauty

Friends in Beauty (YouTube) - Friends in Beauty 

Akua Robinson (Instagram,Twitter) - @akuarobinson

AkuaRobinson (Facebook) - Akua Robinson MUA

Akua Robinson (Website) - www.akuarobinson.com

In this episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I’m so excited to sit down with Laverne Amara, founder of NVLX Labs, an eco-lux clean haircare brand created specifically for the loc community.

Laverne is a certified loctician and trichology analyst whose work focuses on scalp health, buildup prevention, and education in the natural hair space. In our conversation, she shares how her journey evolved from providing services behind the chair to launching her own product line, and what it really takes to bring a beauty brand to life from scratch.

We talk about the realities of product formulation, why her shampoo took about a year to perfect, and the science behind creating formulas specifically for locs versus loose natural hair. Laverne also opens up about entrepreneurship later in life, balancing multiple identities, and why slow, sustainable growth matters more than chasing viral moments.

She also shares her experience serving in the military for over two decades, how hair regulations have evolved over the years, and why representation, inclusion, and education are so important in both beauty and professional spaces.

If you’re building a brand, thinking about launching products, or simply want real insight into what it takes to grow something meaningful from the ground up, this episode is for you.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Why loc haircare requires different formulations than traditional products

• How long it realistically take to develop a beauty product from scratch

• Why slow growth can be more sustainable than viral success

• The importance of scalp health in loc maintenance

• How volunteering, networking, and relationships open doors in business

• Why starting a business later in life can be an advantage

🌐 Connect with Laverne

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nvlxlabs/

• Website: https://nvlxlabs.com/

Leave us a 5 star review and share this episode with a friend or 2 or 3.

[email protected]

GET A PEEK INSIDE OF BEAUTYPRO FUNNELS HERE

https://www.getbeautyprofunnels.com/friends

SHOP MENTED COSMETICS: https://www.mentedcosmetics.com/akua-robinson

🤎USE CODE "670FED67397" for 15% off of your first purchase.

🚀 FREE GUIDE → 13 WAYS TO GROW YOUR CLIENTELE https://friendsinbeauty.com/grow-your-clientele-7590

JOIN US INSIDE OF THE TRAILBLAZERS CLUB

https://bit.ly/FIBTrailblazersClubb

GET BOOKKEEPING & ACCOUNTING SERVICES - Tell Them Friends in Beauty Sent You

https://kickstartaccountinginc.com

LEARN HOW TO RECORD + EDIT A PODCAST IN 7 DAYS OR LESS:  https://bit.ly/DIYPodcasterCourse

FRIENDS IN BEAUTY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY

https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsinbeauty

MUST HAVE BEAUTY, PODCASTING, CONTENT CREATION TOOLS, AND BOOKS

https://www.amazon.com/shop/akuarobinson

Social Media Info:

Friends in Beauty (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) - @friendsinbeauty

Friends in Beauty (YouTube) - Friends in Beauty 

Akua Robinson (Instagram,Twitter) - @akuarobinson

AkuaRobinson (Facebook) - Akua Robinson MUA

Akua Robinson (Website) - www.akuarobinson.com

NOTE: I am a Brand Ambassador and affiliate for certain businesses, products and services that I believe in. I may have referenced these and included links in this video, description or someplace else at this site. I hope you find the resources helpful.

Copyright, Liability Waiver and Disclaimers. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act, and/or without the prior express written permission of Friends in Beauty, LLC, Akua Robinson Artistry, LLC and/or Akua Robinson.

On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I’m diving into the new Reality Check documentary and unpacking everything it brought up for me about America’s Next Top Model. As someone who grew up watching the show, I’m reflecting on how it shaped our understanding of beauty, success, and even humiliation in the name of entertainment.

I talk about the outrageous photo shoots, the behind-the-scenes dynamics, Tyra’s leadership at just 30 years old, and how much of it reflects the era we were in. More importantly, I explore what accountability looks like now and how far the beauty industry has evolved since the early 2000s. 

Share this episode with another Friend in Beauty and join the conversation. 

Enjoy this episode!

ALLURE ARTICLE: https://www.allure.com/story/peter-thomas-roth-jeffrey-epstein-emails-boycott

💄 Join the Friends in Beauty Community Waitlist

A supportive space for beauty professionals who want growth, visibility, and connection without burnout or competition.

👉🏽 [Join the Waitlist] https://friendsinbeauty.com/fib-community-waitlist

GET A PEEK INSIDE OF BEAUTYPRO FUNNELS HERE

https://www.getbeautyprofunnels.com/friends

SHOP MENTED COSMETICS: https://www.mentedcosmetics.com/akua-robinson

🤎USE CODE "670FED67397" for 15% off of your first purchase.

🚀 FREE GUIDE → 13 WAYS TO GROW YOUR CLIENTELE https://friendsinbeauty.com/grow-your-clientele-7590

GET BOOKKEEPING & ACCOUNTING SERVICES - Tell Them Friends in Beauty Sent You

https://kickstartaccountinginc.com

LEARN HOW TO RECORD + EDIT A PODCAST IN 7 DAYS OR LESS:  https://bit.ly/DIYPodcasterCourse

FRIENDS IN BEAUTY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY

https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsinbeauty

MUST HAVE BEAUTY, PODCASTING, CONTENT CREATION TOOLS, AND BOOKS

https://www.amazon.com/shop/akuarobinson

Social Media Info:

Friends in Beauty (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) - @friendsinbeauty

Friends in Beauty (YouTube) - Friends in Beauty 

Akua Robinson (Instagram,Twitter) - @akuarobinson

AkuaRobinson (Facebook) - Akua Robinson MUA

Akua Robinson (Website) - www.akuarobinson.com

If you’re a beauty professional, creative, or small business owner looking for grants you can apply for right now, this episode is for you.

In this video, I’m breaking down rolling grants—funding opportunities that are open year-round or monthly, so you don’t have to wait for a once-a-year deadline to access money for your business.These grants are especially great if you’re:-A beauty pro or service-based entrepreneur-A creative or solopreneur-Running a side hustle or growing a small business-Tired of feeling like grants are “out of reach”👇🏽 GRANTS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 👇🏽✨ Amber Grant (WomensNet) – 3 monthly $10,000 grants + end-of-year awardshttps://ambergrantsforwomen.com/get-an-amber-grant/✨ Skip Instant Grants – $1,000 grants announced regularlyhttps://tryskip.co/r/AKUA131✨ Hustler’s Microgrant – Monthly $1,000 grantshttps://www.hersuitespot.com/hustlersgrant/✨ The Awesome Foundation – $1,000 micro-grants awarded monthlyhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/en✨ Galaxy of Stars Grant – $2,500 ongoing grants for underrepresented foundershttps://galaxyofstars.org/galaxy-grants/✨ Friends & Family Fund – $2,500 small business grantshttps://www.skysthelimit.org/friends-family-fund✨ Her Rise Micro Grant – $1,000 grants for women entrepreneurshttps://www.hersuitespot.com/herrise/✨ Greatness Grant – $2,500 grantshttps://greatnessgrant.com

CHECK OUT EP. 265 - Your Grant Writer Isn’t AI - $19M+ in Grants Secured | Insider Tips You Need to Know - https://youtu.be/d_kPkI_AO08?si=Xs1e9H093wSwk0g0

🎧 This episode is meant to remove the intimidation around grants and remind you that you don’t have to be perfect or “ready” to apply—you just have to start.👉🏽 If this helped you, share it with a Friend in Beauty and leave a comment letting me know which grant you’re applying for!✨Join the Waitlist for the Friends in Beauty bus trip to the Makeup Show NYC on Sunday, May 3, 2026 - https://friendsinbeauty.com/fib-bus-trip-waitlist-6442💄 Join the Friends in Beauty Community WaitlistA supportive space for beauty professionals who want growth, visibility, and connection without burnout or competition.

👉🏽 [Join the Waitlist] https://friendsinbeauty.com/fib-community-waitlist

GET A PEEK INSIDE OF BEAUTYPRO FUNNELS HERE

https://www.getbeautyprofunnels.com/friends

📌 How To Attract High-Paying Clients in the Beauty Industry:https://youtu.be/aZ5WE_SIubs✨SHOP MENTED COSMETICS: https://www.mentedcosmetics.com/akua-robinson🤎USE CODE "670FED67397" for 15% off of your first purchase.🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more beauty biz tips, vlogs, and grant resources: https://www.bit.ly/FIBTube🚀 FREE GUIDE → 13 WAYS TO GROW YOUR CLIENTELE https://friendsinbeauty.com/grow-your-clientele-7590

GET BOOKKEEPING & ACCOUNTING SERVICES - Tell Them Friends in Beauty Sent You https://kickstartaccountinginc.com

LEARN HOW TO RECORD + EDIT A PODCAST IN 7 DAYS OR LESS: https://bit.ly/DIYPodcasterCourseFRIENDS IN BEAUTY

FACEBOOK COMMUNITY https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsinbeauty

MUST HAVE BEAUTY, PODCASTING, CONTENT CREATION TOOLS, AND BOOKS https://www.amazon.com/shop/akuarobinson

Social Media Info:

Friends in Beauty (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) - @friendsinbeauty

Friends in Beauty (YouTube) - Friends in Beauty

Akua Robinson (Instagram,Twitter) - @akuarobinson

AkuaRobinson (Facebook) - Akua Robinson MUA

Akua Robinson (Website) - www.akuarobinson.com

In this special birthday episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I’m taking a moment to slow down, reflect, and share a birthday pep talk straight from the heart.

I talk about how my relationship with birthdays has changed over the years and why I now find more joy in simplicity than big celebrations. I also open up about a recent emotional season—caring for my cat, Kash, during a health scare—and how that experience reminded me of the importance of community, support, and giving myself grace.

I reflect on my journey into the beauty industry, why I believe beauty professionals are the original influencers, and how important it is for us to recognize our impact without feeling overshadowed by social media. This episode is about persistence, self-reflection, and honoring your path—even when it doesn’t look like what you imagined.

If you’re navigating a tender season, celebrating a milestone, or simply need a reminder that you’re not alone, this episode is for you.

✨BIRTHDAY DONATIONS✨:

CashApp: AkuaRobinson

Zelle: [email protected]

✨ READY FOR PERSONALIZED SUPPORT?

💄 Book a 1:1 High-Paying Client Positioning Audit

Get clear on what signals you’re sending, what’s blocking higher-paying clients, and what to fix first.

👉🏽 [Book Your Call] https://friendsinbeauty.com/fib-client-positioning-audit

💄 Join the Friends in Beauty Community Waitlist

A supportive space for beauty professionals who want growth, visibility, and connection without burnout or competition.

👉🏽 [Join the Waitlist] https://friendsinbeauty.com/fib-community-waitlist

GET A PEEK INSIDE OF BEAUTYPRO FUNNELS HERE

https://www.getbeautyprofunnels.com/friends

SHOP MENTED COSMETICS: https://www.mentedcosmetics.com/akua-robinson

🤎USE CODE "670FED67397" for 15% off of your first purchase.

🚀 FREE GUIDE → 13 WAYS TO GROW YOUR CLIENTELE https://friendsinbeauty.com/grow-your-clientele-7590

JOIN US INSIDE OF THE TRAILBLAZERS CLUB

https://bit.ly/FIBTrailblazersClubb

GET BOOKKEEPING & ACCOUNTING SERVICES - Tell Them Friends in Beauty Sent You

https://kickstartaccountinginc.com

LEARN HOW TO RECORD + EDIT A PODCAST IN 7 DAYS OR LESS:  https://bit.ly/DIYPodcasterCourse

FRIENDS IN BEAUTY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY

https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsinbeauty

MUST HAVE BEAUTY, PODCASTING, CONTENT CREATION TOOLS, AND BOOKS

https://www.amazon.com/shop/akuarobinson

Social Media Info:

Friends in Beauty (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) - @friendsinbeauty

Friends in Beauty (YouTube) - Friends in Beauty 

Akua Robinson (Instagram,Twitter) - @akuarobinson

AkuaRobinson (Facebook) - Akua Robinson MUA

Akua Robinson (Website) - www.akuarobinson.com

In this episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I’m breaking down a realistic and strategic way beauty pros can potentially get into Ulta Beauty World without purchasing a ticket.

After the chaos surrounding Ulta Beauty World ticket sales, I wanted to share another perspective and an alternative path that many people may not be thinking about. While this is not guaranteed, I walk you through what I would personally do if I wanted to get in the building and make the most of the opportunity.

I share how volunteering with beauty brands has played a huge role in my career, from working with brands like Danessa Myricks and AJ Crimson to building long-term relationships that still benefit me today. I explain how offering value, supporting brands on-site, and showing up professionally can open doors that simply buying a ticket never could.

In this episode, I break down how to identify the right brands, how to pitch yourself confidently, what roles you can offer, and how to follow up in a way that builds real relationships. If you are a makeup artist, beauty professional, or aspiring industry creative who wants access, experience, and connections, this episode is for you.

If you missed out on Ulta Beauty World tickets or you are looking for smarter ways to grow in the beauty industry, this conversation will shift how you think about access and opportunity.

💡 Key Takeaways

How beauty pros can potentially get into Ulta Beauty World without a ticket Why volunteering with brands can lead to long-term career opportunities How to pitch yourself to beauty brands the right way What value brands actually need at large beauty events Why relationships matter more than swag in the beauty industry

Leave us a 5 star review and share this episode with a friend or 2 or 3.

[email protected]

GET A PEEK INSIDE OF BEAUTYPRO FUNNELS HERE

https://www.getbeautyprofunnels.com/friends

SHOP MENTED COSMETICS: https://www.mentedcosmetics.com/akua-robinson

🤎USE CODE "670FED67397" for 15% off of your first purchase.

🚀 FREE GUIDE → 13 WAYS TO GROW YOUR CLIENTELE https://friendsinbeauty.com/grow-your-clientele-7590

JOIN US INSIDE OF THE TRAILBLAZERS CLUB

https://bit.ly/FIBTrailblazersClubb

GET BOOKKEEPING & ACCOUNTING SERVICES - Tell Them Friends in Beauty Sent You

https://kickstartaccountinginc.com

LEARN HOW TO RECORD + EDIT A PODCAST IN 7 DAYS OR LESS:  https://bit.ly/DIYPodcasterCourse

FRIENDS IN BEAUTY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY

https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsinbeauty

MUST HAVE BEAUTY, PODCASTING, CONTENT CREATION TOOLS, AND BOOKS

https://www.amazon.com/shop/akuarobinson

Social Media Info:

Friends in Beauty (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) - @friendsinbeauty

Friends in Beauty (YouTube) - Friends in Beauty 

Akua Robinson (Instagram,Twitter) - @akuarobinson

AkuaRobinson (Facebook) - Akua Robinson MUA

Akua Robinson (Website) - www.akuarobinson.com

NOTE: I am a Brand Ambassador and affiliate for certain businesses, products and services that I believe in. I may have referenced these and included links in this video, description or someplace else at this site. I hope you find the resources helpful.

Copyright, Liability Waiver and Disclaimers. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act, and/or without the prior express written permission of Friends in Beauty, LLC, Akua Robinson Artistry, LLC and/or Akua Robinson.

In this episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I’m taking you down memory lane as I reflect on where I was in 2016 and how saying yes, staying consistent, and not quitting changed everything.

With a viral social media trend reminding us that 2016 was ten years ago, I found myself stopping in my tracks and thinking about the version of me who was only three years into my makeup artistry journey. I share some of the defining moments from that year, including my first time being flown out for a job, working on a theatrical production in San Francisco, doing makeup backstage for major performances, and saying yes to opportunities that stretched me creatively and professionally.

I walk you through what it was like navigating self doubt, learning on the job, and building confidence in real time. From working the Mighty Real: A Fabulous Sylvester Musical, to doing makeup for the Bad Boy Reunion concert, to assisting and learning from industry greats, this episode is a reminder that growth often happens before you feel ready.

I also reflect on the power of community, mentorship, and relationships, and how staying connected and open to opportunity shaped my path. If you’ve ever questioned your timing, your progress, or whether it’s worth continuing when things feel uncertain, this episode is for you.

If you’re in a season where you’re still figuring it out, let this conversation remind you that your journey is unfolding exactly as it should.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Why staying consistent matters more than feeling ready

• How saying yes to opportunities builds confidence over time

• The power of mentorship and community in the beauty industry

• Why your early years are laying the foundation for future success

• How reflecting on your past can motivate your next season

Leave us a 5 star review and share this episode with a friend or 2 or 3.

[email protected]

GET A PEEK INSIDE OF BEAUTYPRO FUNNELS HERE

https://www.getbeautyprofunnels.com/friends

SHOP MENTED COSMETICS: https://www.mentedcosmetics.com/akua-robinson

🤎USE CODE "670FED67397" for 15% off of your first purchase.

🚀 FREE GUIDE → 13 WAYS TO GROW YOUR CLIENTELE https://friendsinbeauty.com/grow-your-clientele-7590

JOIN US INSIDE OF THE TRAILBLAZERS CLUB

https://bit.ly/FIBTrailblazersClubb

GET BOOKKEEPING & ACCOUNTING SERVICES - Tell Them Friends in Beauty Sent You

https://kickstartaccountinginc.com

LEARN HOW TO RECORD + EDIT A PODCAST IN 7 DAYS OR LESS:  https://bit.ly/DIYPodcasterCourse

FRIENDS IN BEAUTY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY

https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsinbeauty

MUST HAVE BEAUTY, PODCASTING, CONTENT CREATION TOOLS, AND BOOKS

https://www.amazon.com/shop/akuarobinson

Social Media Info:

Friends in Beauty (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) - @friendsinbeauty

Friends in Beauty (YouTube) - Friends in Beauty 

Akua Robinson (Instagram,Twitter) - @akuarobinson

AkuaRobinson (Facebook) - Akua Robinson MUA

Akua Robinson (Website) - www.akuarobinson.com

NOTE: I am a Brand Ambassador and affiliate for certain businesses, products and services that I believe in. I may have referenced these and included links in this video, description or someplace else at this site. I hope you find the resources helpful.

Copyright, Liability Waiver and Disclaimers. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act, and/or without the prior express written permission of Friends in Beauty, LLC, Akua Robinson Artistry, LLC and/or Akua Robinson.

In this episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I am diving into one of the biggest beauty industry conversations happening right now and what it really means for makeup artists, beauty pros, and brand owners like us.

With the recent news of Pat McGrath Labs putting its assets up for sale, I felt called to come talk to my Friends in Beauty about virality, velocity, and whether every viral moment truly needs to be monetized. I break down the viral glass skin runway moment that took over the internet, what happened behind the scenes, and why having attention without systems in place can create more pressure than progress.

I walk you through the difference between going viral and being ready for growth, how infrastructure, offers, and inventory impact sustainability, and why it is unrealistic to expect artists to always be prepared for massive viral moments. I also share my personal thoughts about passion, creativity, and whether every beautiful thing we create needs to turn into a product.

If you have ever wondered what would really happen if your content blew up tomorrow, this episode will help you think differently about growth, preparation, and long-term success in the beauty industry.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Why virality alone does not guarantee long-term success

• The difference between virality and velocity in the beauty industry

• Why having demand without systems can hurt your business

• How makeup artists and beauty pros can prepare for growth

• Why not every viral moment needs to be monetized

Enjoy this episode!

Leave us a 5 star review and share this episode with a friend or 2 or 3.

[email protected]

GET A PEEK INSIDE OF BEAUTYPRO FUNNELS HERE

https://www.getbeautyprofunnels.com/friends

SHOP MENTED COSMETICS: https://www.mentedcosmetics.com/akua-robinson

🤎USE CODE "670FED67397" for 15% off of your first purchase.

🚀 FREE GUIDE → 13 WAYS TO GROW YOUR CLIENTELE https://friendsinbeauty.com/grow-your-clientele-7590

JOIN US INSIDE OF THE TRAILBLAZERS CLUB

https://bit.ly/FIBTrailblazersClubb

GET BOOKKEEPING & ACCOUNTING SERVICES - Tell Them Friends in Beauty Sent You

https://kickstartaccountinginc.com

LEARN HOW TO RECORD + EDIT A PODCAST IN 7 DAYS OR LESS:  https://bit.ly/DIYPodcasterCourse

FRIENDS IN BEAUTY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY

https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsinbeauty

MUST HAVE BEAUTY, PODCASTING, CONTENT CREATION TOOLS, AND BOOKS

https://www.amazon.com/shop/akuarobinson

Social Media Info:

Friends in Beauty (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) - @friendsinbeauty

Friends in Beauty (YouTube) - Friends in Beauty 

Akua Robinson (Instagram,Twitter) - @akuarobinson

AkuaRobinson (Facebook) - Akua Robinson MUA

Akua Robinson (Website) - www.akuarobinson.com

In this episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I am sharing the simple but powerful decision that completely changed the type of clients I attract and the way I experience my beauty business.

As I kick off the first episode of 2026, I reflect on what truly shifted my career. It was not more content, more hustle, or more trends. It was the decision to stop talking to everyone and get clear on who I actually wanted to serve. Once I made that choice, everything began to change. My positioning became clearer, my boundaries became stronger, and the clients who came into my world were aligned, respectful, and willing to pay my rates.

In this episode, I walk you through why clarity creates confidence, how positioning affects your pricing, and why defining your ideal client helps you attract high paying and high quality clients. I also share how content, language, and visibility naturally fall into place once you are clear on who you are speaking to.

If you have been feeling scattered, underpaid, or unsure about your next move, this episode will help you step into 2026 with focus, confidence, and intention.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Why choosing who you want to work with changes everything

• How clarity improves your pricing, boundaries, and confidence

• Why positioning attracts better clients

• How to define your ideal client in the beauty industry

• Why your content becomes more powerful when it speaks to one person

Enjoy this episode!

Leave us a 5 star review and share this episode with a friend or 2 or 3.

[email protected]

✨ READY FOR PERSONALIZED SUPPORT?

💄 Book a 1:1 High-Paying Client Positioning Audit

Get clear on what signals you’re sending, what’s blocking higher-paying clients, and what to fix first.

👉🏽 [Book Your Call] https://friendsinbeauty.com/fib-client-positioning-audit

💄 Join the Friends in Beauty Community Waitlist

A supportive space for beauty professionals who want growth, visibility, and connection without burnout or competition.
👉🏽 [Join the Waitlist] https://friendsinbeauty.com/fib-community-waitlist

GET A PEEK INSIDE OF BEAUTYPRO FUNNELS HERE

https://www.getbeautyprofunnels.com/friends

SHOP MENTED COSMETICS: https://www.mentedcosmetics.com/akua-robinson

🤎USE CODE "670FED67397" for 15% off of your first purchase.

🚀 FREE GUIDE → 13 WAYS TO GROW YOUR CLIENTELE https://friendsinbeauty.com/grow-your-clientele-7590

JOIN US INSIDE OF THE TRAILBLAZERS CLUB

https://bit.ly/FIBTrailblazersClubb

GET BOOKKEEPING & ACCOUNTING SERVICES - Tell Them Friends in Beauty Sent You

https://kickstartaccountinginc.com

LEARN HOW TO RECORD + EDIT A PODCAST IN 7 DAYS OR LESS:  https://bit.ly/DIYPodcasterCourse

FRIENDS IN BEAUTY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY

https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsinbeauty

MUST HAVE BEAUTY, PODCASTING, CONTENT CREATION TOOLS, AND BOOKS

https://www.amazon.com/shop/akuarobinson

Social Media Info:

Friends in Beauty (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) - @friendsinbeauty

Friends in Beauty (YouTube) - Friends in Beauty 

Akua Robinson (Instagram,Twitter) - @akuarobinson

AkuaRobinson (Facebook) - Akua Robinson MUA

Akua Robinson (Website) - www.akuarobinson.com

NOTE: I am a Brand Ambassador and affiliate for certain businesses, products and services that I believe in. I may have referenced these and included links in this video, description or someplace else at this site. I hope you find the resources helpful.

Copyright, Liability Waiver and Disclaimers. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act, and/or without the prior express written permission of Friends in Beauty, LLC, Akua Robinson Artistry, LLC and/or Akua Robinson.

In this episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I am taking you with me into a heartfelt year in review as we close out 2025 and prepare to step into 2026. I reflect on the wins, the lessons, and the beautiful moments that shaped my journey this year, both personally and professionally

I walk you through the milestones that meant the most to me, from returning to teaching at Bennett Career Institute, to speaking in powerful beauty communities, to being invited to panels, summits, and brand experiences that once felt far beyond my reach. I share what it felt like to see long planted seeds begin to grow and how consistency, faith, and community played a huge role in everything that unfolded.

I also open up about moments of rest, burnout, and recalibration, and why listening to your energy matters just as much as staying consistent. This conversation is a reminder that progress is not always loud, but it is always meaningful.

If you are heading into a new year feeling unsure, hopeful, or somewhere in between, this episode will remind you that your efforts matter, your timing is not behind, and your growth is unfolding exactly as it should.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Why reflecting on your year is just as important as setting new goals

• How consistency creates long term visibility and opportunity

• The power of positioning yourself as an expert in your field

• Why rest is part of the growth process

• How to prepare your mindset and strategy for a strong 2026
  

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