In this episode of Hair Love Radio, guest-host Tucker James engages in a heartfelt conversation with Sarah Okamuro, a salon owner and multimedia artist. They reflect on their experiences at the Hair Love Retreat 2025, discussing the importance of presence, contentment, and creative expression. Sarah shares her journey of embodiment and how she integrates her artistic skills into her work. They also delve into the Vitality Project, a wellness program aimed at supporting beauty professionals. The episode concludes with key takeaways and insights on personal growth and community support within the salon industry. Join the Vitality Project today! Takeaways The Hair Love community fosters lasting relationships and support. Presence is a gift that enhances experiences and connections. Contentment can be cultivated and protected in daily life. Creative expression is essential for personal and professional growth. The Vitality Project offers accessible wellness tools for beauty professionals. Embodying learned skills is crucial for personal development. Small changes can lead to significant transformations over time. Community support is vital for navigating the challenges of the salon industry. It's important to create safe spaces for clients and professionals alike. Embracing creativity can lead to fulfilling experiences and connections.

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hair Love Radio and Community Connections 03:54 Reflections on Hair Love Retreat 2023 11:44 The Importance of Presence and Embodiment 17:49 Creative Expression and Personal Growth 24:11 Creative Expression Through Journals 27:51 The Vitality Project: A Path to Healing 38:37 The Emotional Toll of Beauty Work 41:15 Wrap-Up and Key Takeaways Follow Sara and Tucker on Instagram!

In this episode of Hair Love Radio, Shelby Bettencourt interviews Tucker James, an educator and hairstylist, about the importance of hospitality in the hairdressing industry. They discuss personal growth through experiences like the Hair Love Retreat, the significance of cleanliness and client engagement, and how understanding client needs can enhance the overall salon experience. Tucker emphasizes the need for hairstylists to focus on hospitality, cleanliness, and effective communication to build lasting relationships with clients.

Join the Vitality Project Today, Enrollment is now Open! - https://hairloveuniversity.com/vitality

Sign up for Love Retreat- https://heyelizabethfaye.com/love-retreat-2026

takeaways

• Embrace opportunities that push you out of your comfort zone.
• Hair Love Retreats provide transformative experiences for personal growth.
• Hospitality is essential for client retention in the salon industry.
• Cleanliness in the salon significantly impacts client perception and retention.
• A well-executed shampoo experience can elevate client satisfaction.
• Understanding client preferences is key to providing excellent service.
• Collaboration with clients leads to better outcomes and satisfaction.
• Setting a standard of cleanliness in the salon is crucial for success.
• Effective communication can disarm difficult clients and build trust.
• Prioritizing personal wellness is essential for serving clients effectively.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hair Love Radio and Guest Introduction 03:01 Embracing Opportunities and Personal Growth 05:53 The Impact of Hair Love Retreats 08:56 The Importance of Hospitality in Hairdressing 11:58 Client Engagement and Understanding Needs 14:45 Key Elements of Hospitality in the Salon 17:36 Cleanliness as a Cornerstone of Client Retention 20:49 Elevating the Shampoo Experience 23:50 Understanding Client Preferences and Expectations 26:23 The Art of Collaboration with Clients 29:27 Final Thoughts on Hospitality and Client Relationships

Join the wellbeing revolution! Bring The Vitality Project into your Salon, Spa, or School today! https://hairloveuniversity.com/vitality In this episode of Hair Love Radio, Elizabeth sits down with Erin Kuhn Bhansali, co-owner and president of Qnity and host of The Money O2 Podcast. Together, they dive deep into money mindset, practical strategies to increase your income behind the chair, and the truth about financial literacy in the beauty industry.

From growing your client count to maximizing your average ticket, Erin breaks down the 5 Core Money Metrics that every beauty pro needs to track to create long-term wealth and Sacred Success. 💰✨

They also get real about financial trauma, mindset healing, and what it really takes to move from stress to sovereignty with money as a creative.

🎧 Whether you're just starting out or you've been in the game for 15+ years, this episode will meet you where you are and give you tactical tools to take the next step forward.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN:

• The 5 Money Metrics (and how to use them)

• Why hairstylists need financial literacy ASAP

• How trauma impacts your money story (and what to do about it)

• Simple ways to increase your income this week

• Why money and mindset are always connected

Connect with Erin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/qnityinc/ Listen to Erin's Podcast: https://www.moneyo2podcast.com/

Connect with Elizabeth on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyelizabethfaye/

Welcome to Hair Love Radio!Live from Hair Love 2025 in Southern Utah, host Danny J sits down with award-winning artist and industry leader Chrystofer Benson From growing up third-generation in hair to leading global stages and building an independent creative collective, Chrystofer opens up about the losses that shaped him (including a pivotal NAHA night), why authenticity beats approval, and how to pursue excellence—not perfection.

They talk dogs 🐶, desert cabins, and the real work behind "overnight success": practice, humility, and debriefs. You'll hear how Chrystofer collaborates across brands, why legacy matters more than hype, and how community spaces like Hair Love help creatives regulate, reflect, and rise. If you've ever felt burnt out, stuck, or judged by the internet, this conversation will hand you permission and a plan.

Check out the Vitality Project Here!

Instagrams: @dannyjdotcom , @cbensonhair Bio: Chrystofer Benson is a world-renowned globally award-winning colorist and hairstylist, global educator, and creative director, best known for pushing the boundaries of hair design through his cutting-edge brand, CBC (Chrystofer Benson Collective). With a career defined by innovation, precision, and fearless artistry, he is widely recognized as one of the most influential forces in the global beauty industry today. Chrystofer Benson is celebrated for his visionary creativity, technical mastery, and powerful educational influence in the professional beauty community.

Danny-J is a TEDx speaker & podcast host with a "truth-is-stranger-than-fiction" life story. She thrives on sharing life hacks, lots of laughs, and personal stories to help influencers and leaders cultivate resilience, communicate authentically, and experience success no matter your current circumstances. Key takeaways

• Compete with yourself. Wins are rare; losses teach systems, speed, and resilience.
• Past ≠ prison. Your story shapes you; it doesn't trap you.
• Excellence over perfection. Aim high, debrief honestly, and keep improving.
• Humility scales careers. Ask, learn, and collaborate—ego slows growth.
• Practice is a superpower. Reps reduce time on set and raise stage performance.
• Create to make people think. Provocative art > universal approval.
• Guard your energy. Work only with partners who value mutual impact.
• Hold real space. Positive, specific feedback grows teams; ripping people down doesn't.
• Community prevents burnout. Gather with like minds; let others "hold space" for you, too.
• Legacy mindset. Build beyond the individual (Chrystofer = a collective, not a cage).

• 00:00 – Cold open & theme
• 00:28 – Vitality Project spot & mindset matters
• 02:02 – Welcome from Hair Love 2025
• 03:00 – Dog parents unite: Kai & TikTok fame
• 05:05 – Why Southern Utah? From NYC stages to quiet studios
• 08:00 – Third-generation beginnings & almost-lawyer detour
• 10:10 – Competing early, seeing the big stages, asking to learn
• 13:05 – Salon vs. education: choosing where to put your energy
• 16:00 – Originality over imitation & attracting the right clients
• 18:10 – Personal brand before "personal brand" was a thing
• 20:05 – The NAHA loss that changed everything (always have the next collection)
• 24:30 – Art that provokes thought (and not everyone has to like it)
• 27:15 – Building loopholes, collaboration & a print magazine
• 31:20 – Why print still matters: honoring the art & the artist
• 34:05 – How Chris landed at Hair Love (and why the timing was right)
• 37:00 – Containers, triggers, and intentional community
• 40:05 – Vitality & wellness: staying grounded while leading
• 43:10 – What the industry needs now: authenticity over cancel culture
• 46:00 – Relationships, reciprocity, and celebrating wins
• 49:00 – Future focus: coaching, fresh work, and fair judging
• 52:00 – Final advice: "Your past isn't your prison."
• 53:30 – Closing credits & Hair Love sign-off

Welcome to Hair Love Radio! In this heartfelt episode, host Corey Grey sits down with Kate Owens-Hines, founder of Sensory Safe Solutions and passionate autism advocate. Kate shares her personal journey as a mother raising a child with autism and how it inspired her mission to create sensory-safe spaces in the beauty industry. Together, they explore the impact of sensory processing disorders, the importance of inclusion, and the transformative power of advocacy and education. A must-listen for parents, beauty professionals, and anyone passionate about creating a more inclusive world. Follow our guests on Instagram: Corey - @hairdustry Kate - @thesensorysafesolution We Hair Love You!

00:00Introduction to Hair Love Radio and Guest Introduction 02:58Kate's Unique Background and Sensory Safe Solutions 05:47Navigating Autism: A Personal Journey 08:34Transforming Challenges into Advocacy 11:42Creating a Safe Space in the Hair Industry 14:21Advocacy and Curriculum Development for Autism Awareness 23:02Creating Safe Spaces: A Growing Movement 25:06Understanding Sensory Processing and Autism 31:23Curriculum Insights: Educating for Inclusion 34:24Overcoming Challenges in Salon Environments 38:24The Importance of Certification and Community 41:04The Future of Autism Awareness and Support 44:10A Personal Mission: Making the World Safer

✨ Welcome back to Hair Love Radio! ✨

We're bringing back one of YOUR favorite episodes all about Vitality—and it's just as inspiring today as it was when it first aired.

In this replay, Elizabeth shares the story behind The Vitality Project—the beauty industry's very first wellness program. After a year and a half of hard work and big dreaming, she finally revealed how this program came to life, why it matters, and how it's changing the way we care for ourselves, our teams, and our clients.

This "done-for-you" program can be seamlessly integrated into salons, spas, and schools, giving beauty professionals and students the tools they need to thrive in every area of life.

Whether you're a salon or spa owner, a school director, or a beauty entrepreneur, this conversation will inspire you to think bigger and bring more vitality into your work and your world. Join the Vitality Project!

✨ Welcome back to Hair Love Radio! ✨

We're resharing one of your favorite episodes from a past season—short, sweet, and packed with wisdom on how to start building a true community in your salon. 💕

In this episode, Elizabeth Faye shares tangible tips on shifting the way you look at your brick-and-mortar salon, inviting new clients into your space, and deepening connections with the ones who already love you.

She reminds us that clients aren't just customers—they're part of your brand, your mission, and your bigger purpose. It's time to start including them in more meaningful ways!

Whether you're a stylist or salon owner, this episode is full of inspiration to help you foster connection and grow your community.

Check out the FREE PK Webinar with Nutrafol here!Welcome to Hair Love Radio: In this episode we are bringing back a favorite from our last season incase you missed it or wanted to relisten to this gem of an episode.

We are so excited for this important and interesting conversation with Elizabeth Faye and Johnnell Theresa Nidoh.

Johnnell is the Director of the Professional Salon Division at Nutrafol! We have been so fortunate to have Nutrafol as a brand sponsor this year. We love to align with brands that have similar values to Hair Love and this partnership has been so fulfilling this year.

On this week's episode, they chat all about Hair Wellness from Within, and how to address hair thinning in the salon. As stylists, we have many clients who struggle with this daily and Nutrafol has been on a mission to not only educate the industry and world on hair thinning, but also provide solutions.

Make sure to follow Nutrafol on Instagram!

For any salons + stylists that are interested in Nutrafol, visit nutrafol.com/stylists.

✨ Welcome to Hair Love Radio! ✨

In this special episode, we're resharing one of your top picks. Elizabeth Faye sits down with the incredible Janine Jarman—CEO of Curl Cult, celebrity stylist, salon owner, and lifelong advocate for helping people express their unique style.

Janine's innovative Curl Cult system is a clean, vegan, and hero permanent styling solution that delivers effortless waves and curls with a soft scent and even softer results. She also offers a straightforward retail line packed with lightweight hydration and curl support products that even natural curls adore.

Together, Elizabeth and Janine dive into: 💫 How they've built more ease into their lives and businesses. 💫 Why being easy to work with is your greatest superpower with clients and collaborators. 💫 How they're using AI tools in their businesses—and why there's no need to fear this powerful technology.

👉 Curious about Curl Cult? Check out how to get certified here! We Hair Love You

Welcome to Hair Love Radio! In this episode, our Guest Host Corey Gray welcomes the legendary Ruth Roche to discuss creativity, the impact of AI on artistic expression, and the importance of personal growth in the hairdressing industry. They explore the creative process, the significance of being true to oneself, and how to identify and nurture one's own creative journey.

Ruth shares insights from her artistic background, her Foundations program, and the transformative power of hairdressing in people's lives. The conversation emphasizes the need to embrace change, be open to new ideas, and celebrate the unique creative paths each individual takes.

Follow their journeys on Instagram: @hairdustry (Corey) and @ruthroche (Ruth). Don't forget to follow us at @hairloveuniversity.

We hair love you!

Guest Bio's: Ruth Roche has spent four decades redefining what's possible in hair. As Artistic Director for Trevor Sorbie, Redken, and Pureology, she has shaped global trends while earning more than 15 awards, including 7 NAHA wins, the Uncensored Beauty Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award. Her career spans editorial shoots, celebrity styling, and groundbreaking education, where she's known for blending technical mastery with fearless artistry. Through Vision Craft University, Ruth is channeling her expertise into a bold mission: revolutionizing advanced hair education and igniting creativity for stylists everywhere.

Corey Gray is the Host of Your Day Off Podcast with Hairdustry — winner of the 2025 Hairbrained HVA Podcast of the Year and heard over 2.3 million times. A graduate of Graham Webb International, Corey has spent more than 25 years as a hairdresser, colorist, and suite owner in the Washington D.C. area.

He hosts major events like the Presley Poe and Friends Experience and brings the hair industry's biggest voices to the mic, blending business insight with conversations full of heart. As a volunteer with HairAid, Corey travels to Cambodia to teach haircutting skills to people rebuilding their lives, offering both opportunity and hope.

Corey's work is driven by positivity, authenticity, and human connection — whether he's on stage, behind the mic, or halfway around the world.

Takeaways

Using AI can enhance creativity beyond talent. Creativity is about learning and filling your bucket. You can't compare your insides to someone else's outsides. The creative process involves trial and error. Change is about stepping out of old beliefs. Every artist has their own unique creative process. Being weird can lead to great creativity. The importance of patience in the creative process. Hairdressers have the power to change lives. Creating is essential when inspired.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hair Love Radio and Co-hosting Dynamics 02:13 Welcoming Ruth Roche: A Journey of Transformation 04:09 Getting Happy: Fun Facts and Personal Stories 06:32 Artistic Roots: Music and Painting 08:39 Creativity vs. Talent: The Role of AI in Art 10:50 Creating Music with AI: A New Frontier 14:48 The Impact of AI on Creative Industries 16:39 Identifying Your Creative Process 19:49 The Importance of Learning in Creativity 24:17 Creative Evolution: Reinventing Yourself 25:29 Embracing Change and Letting Go 29:48 The Power of Creation and Love 34:39 Creative Processes and Inspirations 40:20 The Art of Hairdressing and Its Impact 44:04 Reflections on Creativity and Personal Growth