Money O2

Welcome back to SOLO Diaries!

If you’re a beauty/wellness solopreneur who wants fewer fires, clearer numbers, and calmer weeks (without earning less), this preview with Susannah Bolich is for you. An OG Qnity alum, former intrapreneur/leader, and now solo ~4 years, Susannah rebuilt around simple prep-and-follow-up systems and light-touch tracking—so her time actually pays her back.

Why this matters: A full calendar can still mean thin margins and burnout. Susannah shows how preparing before the visit, following up after, and tracking a few key numbers turns “I feel” into “I know”—and compounds into real wins (including buying her first home at 27).

In this free preview, you’ll hear:

• How Qnity’s “Missing Link” (prepare & follow-up) boosted rebook/retention and confidence

• Why tracking just a few numbers weekly beats living in spreadsheets you’ll never open

• The shift from “hope & vibes” to facts on paper—and how it calmed money stress

• The ripple effect: first quarter of tracking → ~$1,000/week sales lift → $5,000 saved → a first home (later sold after a ~75% value increase)

• What actually changes when you go solo (cash-flow “feel,” ownership of mistakes, seasons hitting harder)

Want the full, tactical playbook?

Upgrade to MONEY SOLO Premium to get Susannah’s exact prep/follow-up loop, the 3-number weekly tracker she uses, how she plans for seasonal slowdowns, and the 2026 focus that will lift her $/hour without adding days.

Sign up using Susannah’s links: [Monthly] | [Annual]

Follow Susannah @hairbysusannahjolyn for real-time behind-the-chair tips and solo business ideas.

Thanks for listening to SOLO Diaries—see you next time!

Welcome back to MONEYO2!

In this conversation, I’m joined by Carl Richards—the creator of the Sketch Guy column, a CFP®, and bestselling author whose simple drawings help people see money more clearly. Carl’s story begins with an accidental entry into finance and evolves into a career dedicated to helping people talk honestly about money, align decisions with values, and take action.

Carl and I explore how money acts like a mirror—revealing what we truly value through how we spend our time and money—and how real change happens when we move from “knowing” to doing.

In this episode, Carl shares:

• The origin story behind his finance career and the Sketch Guy work that made money feel understandable
  

• Why money is a portal to what matters—and how to read your spending/time for clues about your values
  

• A kinder way to start money talks: give yourself permission to be clumsy, and don’t give yourself permission to quit
  

• “Profit = permission”—a mindset shift that turns profit into fuel to keep doing the work (plus his essay, “Cash Flow Love”)
  

• A real family moment: staying in a hard conversation with his kids about tradeoffs (tuition, trips, expectations) and finding pride in discipline
  

• The “Isn’t this enough?” question and the generational scripts and shame many of us carry about money
  

• His next book: a beautifully designed coffee-table project meant to spark everyday money conversations—on a salon counter, at a yoga studio, not just on CNBC
  

Why this matters for students, educators, and leaders:

Money touches every journey. These simple frameworks—naming values, talking openly, and treating profit as permission—help close the gap between what we know and what we do.

📣 I’d love to hear what resonated—DM me @erinkuhnbhansali or email [email protected]. Your feedback shapes future episodes and resources for schools and owners.

To explore Carl’s work, check out The Behavior Gap and The One-Page Financial Plan, and follow him on Instagram @behaviorgap, and keep an eye out for his new design-forward book of sketches aimed at sparking real money conversations. 

Thanks for listening—see you next time!

Erin

It's not about what you make—it's about what you keep. If you're a beauty or wellness solopreneur who wants clear profits, this episode with Alicia Austin, CEO of SalonScale, is for you.

Alicia went from solo stylist to salon owner to tech founder. Despite appearing successful, she was frustrated and struggling to make ends meet. That's when she discovered the culprit: a massive amount of money was walking out the door in wasted product.

Why this matters: Most solos chase top-line revenue and ignore bottom-line costs—especially product costs. Alicia explains how using SalonScale software helps solos add $800–$1,200/month by charging accurately for products and reducing waste, so every service actually turns a profit.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• The SalonScale origin story—and why beauty needs variable pricing, not flat rates

• The shift from revenue obsession to profit clarity

• How separating product (parts) from time and skill (labor) transforms your margins overnight

• A 4-week rollout that pays for itself in 2–3 days for many solos

• How to talk to clients about pricing without debating your worth

Ready for MORE financial education from SalonScale?

SalonScale is a proud sponsor of MONEY SOLO by Qnity, enabling ANYONE to access tons of free financial education at no cost. When you upgrade to MONEY SOLO Premium, you'll unlock even more benefits: LIVE weekly coaching, our digital tracker integrated with Square, and ongoing tools to build a calm, profitable solo business.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN FOR FREE TO ACCESS 50+ FREE FINANCIAL VIDEOS: Join Freemium

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR PREMIUM: Monthly | Annual

Explore SalonScale: Start a 14-day free trial here.

You can follow Alicia on Instagram at @alicia.salonscale — and get product tips and updates @salonscale

Thanks for listening to SOLO Diaries—see you next time!

Welcome back to SOLO Diaries!

If you’re a beauty or wellness solopreneur who wants a brand that feels elevated and financially solid, this preview with Jacqueline Ciulla is for you. After years of grinding (15 weddings in a month at one point), Jacqueline rebuilt around a clear “why,” simple systems, and content that actually drives clients.

Why this matters: Awards and a busy calendar don’t always mean profit. Jacquelina shows how pricing confidence, intentional marketing, and basic number tracking can flip burnout into sustainable growth—so your time, attention, and money (your “ATM”) pay you back.

In this free preview, you’ll hear:

• How a hard life season shifted Jacqueline’s purpose—and shaped Curated Hair & Company

• The reality behind “busy but broke” wedding work (and what she’d price differently now)

• The content strategy that moved her to the top of local searches (IG/TikTok)

• The simple Square reports she checks to track new clients, average ticket, and seasonality

• Why carving out two “backend” days weekly made the rest of her week easier

Ready to hear the full, raw conversation with Jacqueline?

Upgrade to MONEY SOLO Premium for her complete playbook: pricing shifts that stick, her content rhythm (from 5 hours/day to ~1 hour), referral + reporting setup in Square, and how UGC brand deals add a new revenue stream—plus the mindset that keeps her consistent.

Premium members also get weekly coaching, financial trackers, and ongoing tools to grow a calm, profitable solo business.

Sign up using Jacqueline’s links: [Monthly] | [Annual]

Follow Jacqueline @jacquelinecuratedhair for behind-the-chair tips and content ideas in real time.

Thanks for listening to SOLO Diaries—see you next time!

Welcome back to SOLO Diaries!

If you're a beauty or wellness solopreneur looking to add another revenue stream, this episode is for you. I'm sitting down with Jenn Lyles, who built her business as a solopreneur as a side hustle - by selling products on TikTok Shop. 

Jenn is the perfect example of a modern solopreneur: she runs her own business as a TikToker while maintaining a full-time job as an Executive Director for a Marketing company in beauty. What started as research for beauty school students turned into her discovering that TikTok Shop could be a game-changing revenue stream for anyone in the beauty industry—and she tested it herself first. She is making REAL money, with her highest month as a TikTok shop creator at $80,000.

The message is clear: as a beauty or wellness solopreneur, there’s additional ways to monetize your talent, skill, and expertise. 

In this free preview, you'll hear:

• How Jenn balances solopreneurship with a full-time job 

• How she made $2,000 in her first week simply by talking about a hair serum

• The power of personal brand and why it's driven every major opportunity in her career

• Why beauty professionals are "crazy to be sleeping on TikTok" as a revenue stream

Ready to hear the full, raw conversation with Jenn? Upgrade to MONEY SOLO Premium to get Jenn's complete playbook: her 3-step process for starting, how to build followers while working your regular schedule, why your professional expertise gives you massive credibility advantages, how beauty brands are paying pros $5,000/month for simple content, and the exact time management strategies that let her earn more from TikTok than her day job.

Plus, when you become a Premium member, you'll get access to weekly coaching sessions, ongoing financial trackers, and so many more tools to elevate your solopreneur business. And here's the best part—you'll be supporting Jenn on her financial goals too, as she receives compensation when you join using her links. It's a total win-win!

Sign up for PREMIUM TODAY:

[Click here to pay MONTHLY] and

[Click here pay ANNUALLY ]

Want to follow Jenn's journey? Check out her TikTok at @JennLyles and see exactly how she's building this revenue stream in real-time.

Thanks for listening to SOLO Diaries—hope to see you in PREMIUM!

Drew Irmen is an 18-year industry veteran and solo stylist who rebuilt his business around intentional simplicity and client experience. He’s known for a low-volume, high-intent model, a clean tech stack (Square online booking), and a clutter-free retail approach using texted, pre-filled carts. His north star: sustainable pricing, protected energy, and consistent service.

After nearly two decades in the industry, Drew rebuilt his business around intentional simplicity: fewer clients, cleaner systems, and clear standards. He routes everything to online booking, keeps a lean service menu, and protects white space so each appointment gets full attention. For retail, he texts pre-filled product carts so clients buy exactly what they need, no shelves, no cash-flow drag. The result is a calm, sustainable solo model anyone can adapt.

Key Takeaways:

• Simplicity scales quality. “Everything goes online for me.”

• Protect your energy. “Non-volume scheduling improves service and consistency.”

• Price with intention. “Find your price point to make it make sense.”

• Retail without clutter. Text a pre-filled cart; “they just press the pay button and it ships to them.”

• Keep tools simple. “Square is the simplest.”

Thanks for listening to SOLO Diaries! If you liked this episode with Drew, support him!

1. Become a SOLO by Qnity premium member USING THIS LINK. When you do, you’ll help Drew on his financial goals as he will receive compensation, while you elevate your business. A win-win!

2. Check Drew out at @drew.irmen

Want products? Purchase Drew’s favorite products here

Welcome back to MONEYO2!

In this timely episode, I'm joined by real estate executive and ‘influencer Zachary (Zach) Foust @zachary.loft—a real estate executive turned influencer who's reshaping conversations around money, work, the economy, and housing. Zach's journey wasn't linear: after working in the prison system and navigating years of trial-and-error, he built a profitable business that now sells 100+ homes annually—and along the way, completely transformed his approach to money, discipline, and freedom.

Zach and I dive deep into the real headwinds facing today's students and young professionals: a market where median income barely scratches what's needed to afford a home, and a "K-shaped economy" where newcomers feel locked out while others surge ahead. We also explore how content culture can derail sustainable career building—and reveal the mindset shifts that actually create forward momentum.

In this episode, Zach opens up about:

• His transformation from prison system worker to leading real estate executive

• Why "American dirt" (housing) evolved into a financial asset class—and what this means for first-time buyers

• Practical strategies when traditional homebuying math doesn't work: partnering with family/friends, adjusting timelines, and focusing on what you can control

• His targeted advice for Gen Z and early-career professionals

• Daily disciplines that compound over time: consuming long-form, quality content and embracing the "investor, not consumer" mindset

Why this matters for students, educators, and leaders: Money impacts every life journey, and today's economic landscape operates by different rules. Zach's refreshing candor and genuine passion for equipping the next generation with awareness of these NEW rules made this conversation especially meaningful.

📣 I'd love to hear what resonated with you—DM me anytime @erinkuhnbhansali or email [email protected]. Your feedback truly helps shape future episodes and student resources.

Thanks for listening—see you next time!

Erin

Welcome back to MONEYO2!

Today, we’re joined by Chris Baran, renowned Educator and Coach - who talks about the real process of creating transformation. 

Chris shares his inspiring journey to overcome your “disabling stories.” This episode is packed with practical tips, mindset shifts, and empowering advice to help you break free from financial stress and build a prosperous future.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Chris’s personal disabling story 

• How to identify and rewrite the stories you tell about yourself

• Steps to build habits that support long-term financial wellbeing

• The importance of connecting with your deeper “why” to stay motivated

• And so much more

Thanks so much for tuning in! These conversations are a labor of love, and my hope is that you come away feeling inspired and ready to build your financial confidence.

📩 I’d love to hear what resonated with you—DM me @erinkuhnbhansali or email me at [email protected].

To connect with Chris Baran, visit his website or follow him on Instagram @coachchrisbaran.

See you next time!

Erin

Welcome back to MONEYO2! In this deeply personal episode, I’m joined by Rachel Wilkerson — our amazing partner coordinator at Qnity and a passionate advocate for financial wellness and literacy. Rachel’s journey is a testament to resilience: from navigating early motherhood and domestic violence to overcoming financial hardship and rebuilding her life with intentionality and courage.

Rachel grew up in a family without financial education, faced the challenges of single motherhood, bankruptcy, and low credit scores, yet through determination and learning, she transformed her financial story. She’s also the founder of Rise, a nonprofit dedicated to empowering survivors through support, healing, and community connection.

In this episode, Rachel opens up about:

• Growing up without financial education and the impact on her family’s future

• Navigating single motherhood, bankruptcy, and rebuilding credit

• How teaching financial literacy to students changed her own money mindset

• The power of starting small and staying consistent in your financial journey

• Founding Rise — a nonprofit dedicated to supporting survivors with empowerment and healing

• The deep connection between financial freedom, personal healing, and community impact

Rachel’s vulnerability and resilience remind us all that financial freedom is possible — no matter where you start. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by money or unsure how to break the cycle, this episode is for you.

I’d love to hear what moved or inspired you in this conversation — DM me anytime @erinkuhnbhansali or email me at [email protected].

Your feedback means the world.

Follow Rachel on Instagram @rachelwilkerson to stay connected and inspired.Thanks for listening — see you next time!

-Erin

In this episode, I'm joined by Phil Wood—a powerhouse educator who turned a dream into reality through strategic goal-setting, relentless work ethic, and smart financial planning. Phil's story is one of transformation: from being homeless at 15 to living his dream life in Hawaii while supporting his family and in-laws. In this episode, Phil shares:

• How vision boards and written goals helped him achieve every major milestone—house, dream BMW, and Hawaii move
• Building multiple income streams over 20+ years in beauty education
• The financial discipline and work ethic required to make dreams reality
• How self-worth and financial success are deeply connected

Phil worked 16-18 hour days across three jobs, made strategic spending choices, and built his career from service desk to national educator. His disciplined approach ultimately allowed him to become the primary breadwinner supporting his husband and elderly in-laws in paradise. Phil proves that with clear goals, smart spending choices, and unwavering work ethic, you can design and fund the life of your dreams—even if you start with nothing.

I'd love to hear what you took away from this episode—DM me anytime @erinkuhnbhansali or email me at [email protected].

To stay connected with Phil, follow him on Instagram @philipjames_pmfs

Thanks for listening—see you next time! Erin