In this episode, Josie and Quinn sit down with Carly Zanoni, hairstylist, educator, and founder of Blonde Chronicles University, to talk about what it actually looks like to build something from scratch, the messy, unglamorous, figuring-it-out-as-you-go version.

Carly breaks down how BCU started as a private Instagram account and a Wix website (her words: "so bad"), why timing and a $10 price point mattered more than she expected, and how she's continued to evolve the platform without losing what makes it feel real.

We also get into the stuff that doesn't always make it to the highlight reel. Anxiety behind the chair and online, navigating epilepsy while running a growing business, and why hustle culture almost cost her more than she realized. Plus, Carly shares tangible advice on landing brand deals, growing on social media as a micro influencer, and why charging your worth is not a conversation that ever fully gets easy.

If you're somewhere in the messy middle of building something, this one is for you.

Topics covered:

• How BCU started and evolved from private Instagram to Kajabi
• Startup costs, early mistakes, and what she'd do differently
• Anxiety as a stylist and as an online educator
• Landing and maintaining brand partnerships (including Schwarzkopf)
• Why follower count isn't everything when pitching to brands
• Pricing, raising your rates, and the emotions tied to both
• Managing epilepsy and chronic illness while running a business
• Why accessibility and authenticity have been central to her growth

Find Carly:Instagram: @the.blonde.chroniclesBlondeChroniclesUniversity.com

In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Nixon, owner of The Sacred Hive in Petaluma, California, author of The Ugly Side of Beauty, and the hand-tied stitch queen herself, for a conversation about beauty, belonging, and what it really means to build a career on your own terms.

Rachel opens up about how human design and female bio rhythms completely changed the way she leads her team, works with clients, and protects her own energy behind the chair. She talks about why she asks clients where they are in their cycle before booking a bleach service, how she created a "zen zone" policy for extension appointments, and why she believes the old hustle-til-you-break model of hairdressing is one she refuses to pass down to the next generation.

We also get into the business side: how Rachel went from earning over a million dollars as a mentor to pouring it into building the Sacred Hive, her employee pay structure with no income cap, and how she splits her time between Petaluma and New Orleans, where, as she puts it, her soul lives.

This episode is for every stylist who has ever felt like the black sheep, wondered if there's a better way, or just needed permission to stop trying to fit a mold that was never made for them.

In this episode:

• What human design is and how it transformed Rachel's leadership style
• Using female bio rhythms to serve clients and manage a team with more care
• The zen zone: why Rachel goes silent during extension installs (and how to have that conversation with your clients)
• The real reason hair extensions are a confidence transformation, not just a service
• Building The Sacred Hive: the money, the mindset, and the five-year vision
• Why Rachel splits her time between California and New Orleans — and how you can design your career around more than one place
• What she'd tell baby stylist Rachel if she could go back

Connect with Rachel:

• Instagram: @rachelnixonstitchqueen
• The Sacred Hive
• The Ugly Side of Beauty
• Everything Hand Tied

This one is for the clients.

In today’s episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the salon experience and sharing everything we wish clients knew before, during, and after their appointment.

From clean vs. dirty hair…

to arriving on time (but not too early 👀)…

to what actually happens in a consultation…

to how to tell your stylist you don’t love your hair .

We’re breaking it all down with honesty, humor, and zero judgment.

Because great hair isn’t magic.
It’s a partnership.

And when both sides understand the unspoken rules, the experience gets so much better for everyone.

In This Episode, We Talk About:

• Should your hair be clean or dirty before your appointment?

• Why AI inspiration photos can set unrealistic expectations

• What “hair history” actually means (and why it matters more than you think)

• The surprising impact of purple shampoo, color-depositing products, and GLP-1 medications on your hair

• Why showing up 30 minutes early can stress your stylist out

• What to do if you’re in a time crunch or on a budget

• How to say “I don’t feel like talking today” (without hurting your stylist’s feelings)

• The right way to handle it if you don’t love your hair

• Reviews vs. texting your stylist first

• Tipping etiquette in modern salon business models

  What makes a dream client (we’re speaking it into existence 💅)Love This Episode?If this helped you, here’s how you can support the podcast:

Follow us on Instagram:
@rootedandrisingbeauty

On this special field episode of Rooted + Rising, Josie and Quinn head inside the Paul Mitchell cosmetology program to capture what beauty school really feels like.

You’ll meet Natalie, an instructor who has guided countless new stylists through their first shaky haircuts, breakthroughs, and everything in between (including one of your favorite hosts, Quinn!). She shares what today’s students are navigating, how confidence is built behind the chair, and what she wishes the industry understood about the next generation.

Then, we talk to the students themselves. In honest, unscripted mini-interviews, they open up about the moment it clicked, the challenges that nearly broke them, the people who made a difference, and how cosmetology school is shaping who they’re becoming.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to train as a stylist or you simply love stories about growth, courage, and finding your path, this episode will pull you in.

Rooted + Rising — real stories from inside the beauty industry.

Connect with Everyone on Instagram:

@hairbydulcenatalie

@rootededandrisingbeauty

In this episode, we’re sharing our real favorite things: the hair products, tools, and everyday essentials we reach for constantly. From behind the chair must-haves to the random life upgrades that genuinely make our days better, this one is a cozy, chatty roundup of things we truly love (and would absolutely repurchase).

Just some honest favorites from two licensed yappers. 💬✨

Things We Mentioned

Hair Products

• Heart of Glass (incl. Beautiful Things Leave-In Mask)

• NaturalTech (Replumping Superactive, Renewing Conditioning Scalp Treatment)

• MINU

• Replumping

Hair Tools

• Bio Ionic curling iron

• BaByliss Rapido blow dryer

• T3 Aire 360

• Voloom

• Dom Dom velcro rollers

• Clips: Kristen Ess, SSEN, YS Park

• Bleach brush

• BABE brush

• Bay Area Beauty Engineer brush

• YS Park cutting comb

• Cricket XL foiling comb

• Davines disposable capes (discontinued — RIP 😭)

Beauty + Skincare

• IMAGE Pure Mineral Tinted Moisturizer

• Dieux moisturizer

• Cetaphil moisturizer

• Palmer’s Cocoa Butter swivel stick

• Dove unscented soap

• Thrive Causemetics mascara

Life Upgrades

• Bombas socks

• Kiziks shoes (with inserts)

• Pillow Cube pillow

• Paper Mate felt-tip pens

• Sugar Paper Planner

• Beats Studio Pro headphones

• The Comfy

Wellness

• Dr. Berg electrolytes

• Nello Super Calm

• Magnesium glycinate

• Vitamin D + Vitamin K

Books

• Fourth Wing series

Season 2 of Rooted & Rising is officially here.

In this premiere episode, hairstylists and co-hosts Quinn and Josie share major career and life updates, including moving to new salons, leveling up their education, and stepping into new creative opportunities since Season 1. This episode sets the tone for a new season focused on growth, professionalism, and real conversations in the beauty industry.

We talk about what inspired our salon moves, what we learned through the transition, and how those changes are shaping our work behind the chair — and the podcast itself. We also share recent career highlights, including working on an indie film set, advanced color mentoring in NYC, and international color education in Montréal.

You’ll also hear what’s coming in Season 2 of the podcast: more personal stories, thoughtful industry “tea,” client-focused conversations around maintenance, expectations, and pricing, plus interviews with experienced beauty professionals.

Plus, we introduce our Licensed Yapper merch!

If you’re a hairstylist, salon professional, or creative looking to grow personally and professionally, this season is for you.

If you’ve been here since Season 1 or you’re just finding us now, welcome to the new era.

Let’s stay connected: Follow the podcast and our IG @rootedandrisingbeauty, subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and share this with a friend who loves real conversations in the beauty industry. Leave a review — it helps more than you know. And as always, send us your questions, topics, or salon tea you want us to cover.

In this episode of Rooted + Rising Through the Beauty Industry, Josie Aldrich and Quinn Mattingly sit down with stylist Sam Vimbela, Quinn’s “same-day salon sister”, to talk about the first two years of life behind the chair.

Sam shares her honest highs and lows, from tough pricing conversations and busy books to the lessons she’s learned about client communication, active listening, and building consultation confidence. We also unpack how Gen Z is influencing the beauty industry through individuality, authenticity, and a refusal to “just do it the way it’s always been done.”

✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why people skills > perfect layers in your first years

• How to build consultation confidence and lead conversations

• The Gen Z perspective on individuality, authenticity, and breaking salon stereotypes

• Common misconceptions about younger stylists and how they see it

• Real highs & lows: busy weeks, after-photo guilt, and system gaps with pricing

• A current Gen Z vocabulary list that “no man deserves”.

This is a must-listen for new stylists, salon assistants, and salon leaders mentoring Gen Z talent.

🔗 Connect with us on Instagram

@lighten.with.josie | @quinn_does_hair | @hairbysamijoe | @rootedandrisingbeauty

gen z hairstylist, new stylist advice, salon consultation tips, hair industry podcast, stylist mindset, client communication hair, early career hairdresser, beauty industry education, behind the chair advice, stylist growth journey

In this heartfelt and no-fluff episode, we sit down with our social media manager and branding expert Lily Xiong (aka our gift from the universe) to talk about what it really means to show up for yourself as a stylist, creative, or small business owner.

Lily shares her deeply personal journey, from rock bottom moments to rebuilding her life and career through hair, hustle, and heart. We talk about:

• Why your personal brand is your superpower

• The mindset shift behind consistent content creation

• Her three must-do tips for building visibility on Instagram

• Why every stylist (yes, even employees) should consider a personal website

• How boundaries = better business

• And what it actually looks like to honor where you are right now

This episode is full of real talk, vulnerable moments, and tough love (in the best way). If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to juggle life, clients, and content: you’re not alone. And you’re going to walk away from this one feeling seen, supported, and fired up.

Connect with Lily on Instagram:

@lilymariexobeauty

@alchemysalonandspa

@wildsonderco

Connect with us:

Instagram

TikTok

In this vulnerable and laugh-filled episode of Rooted + Rising Through the Beauty Industry, we sit down with stylist and educator Gisell Mada to explore a topic that hits home for so many beauty pros: imposter syndrome.

Gisell opens up about her journey from second-guessing herself to becoming known as a transformation specialist and how faith, motherhood, and community helped her find stability in the chaos. We talk about the emotional labor behind big color services, what it feels like to teach with shaky confidence, and why accepting compliments can be one of the hardest parts of growth.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re faking it, doubting your talent, or wondering when you’ll “finally feel legit,” this episode is for you.

Follow Gisell Mada on Instagram + TikTok

In this vibrant and unfiltered episode, Josie and Quinn sit down with the unapologetically bold duo behind Bleach: Krista Storm, an online educator and viral stylist personality, and Carly Gurinskas, a branding visionary and stylist with nearly 20 years in the industry.

Together, they unpack what it really means to build a brand that doesn’t fit the beige box. From surviving a full salon walkout to going viral for charging $320 for a root touch-up, Krista and Carly share the highs, lows, and hilarious behind-the-scenes that shape their salon and careers.

Expect real talk about:

• ​Navigating friendship + business partnerships
• ​Building a salon with $30K during COVID shutdowns
• ​Going viral on TikTok (and the hate that comes with it)
• ​Why pricing transparency is non-negotiable
• ​Letting go of outdated salon models
• ​Holding space and leading with conviction
• ​Embracing human design to supercharge collaboration
• ​And why being bold (and maybe pink-ceilinged) is the only way forward

Whether you’re a baby stylist, seasoned pro, or salon owner questioning if you really want a team, this episode is a hug, a wake-up call, and a hype sesh rolled into one.

Connect with us on Instagram:

Krista Storm: @kristakstorm

Carly Gurinskas: @haircare.of.carly

Rooted + Rising: @rootedandrisingbeauty