In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia shares the full process of how he built a fully booked salon suite in just three months, even after relocating to a completely new area with no existing clientele. If you’re an independent hairstylist looking to fill your books fast—without burnout—this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you do just that.

From niching down the right way to creating a client experience that fuels referrals, Hunter breaks down exactly what worked, what didn’t, and how you can replicate his success in 2025.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Why Client Experience Comes First: Learn why retention is just as important as attracting new clients—and how an unforgettable experience can grow your business faster than social media alone.

🔹 The Power of Specialization: How choosing a niche (without boxing yourself in) can help you stand out and attract high-quality, loyal clients—even in a small town.

🔹 Marketing That Works Fast: The proven strategies Hunter used to consistently attract 5+ new client requests per week—and how you can apply them to your business.

🔹 The Overwhelm Factor: The unexpected challenges of rapid growth, why burnout almost derailed everything, and how Hunter streamlined his systems to create a sustainable, profitable business.

🔹 Implementing Boundaries & Systems: How to confidently raise your prices, set up online booking, and stop working six-day weeks—without losing clients.

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve ever wondered how long it really takes to build a booked-out business as an independent hairstylist, this episode is your blueprint. Whether you're starting from scratch or need to scale without burnout, Hunter’s firsthand experience will help you work smarter, not harder—so you can grow a business that supports your life (instead of taking over your life).

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