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Welcome to a very special and reflective episode of Samantha’s Beauty Confessions. Today, we’re closing the curtain on Season One, and I wanted to take a moment to update you on what’s next for the podcast, my business, and, well… life. If you've ever felt stretched thin trying to keep up with your dreams, this episode will resonate. I get candid about the highs, the challenges, and why prioritizing our mental health is sometimes the most beautiful choice we can make.

In this episode, I talk about the reality of juggling it all—from creating content, educating, and traveling, to still working behind the chair! These past months have brought big changes, and while my passion for this podcast is as strong as ever, I realized I wasn’t able to give it 100% right now. So, I'm choosing to step back, recharge, and come back with even more heart, knowledge, and inspiration for Season Two. This break isn’t goodbye—it’s about coming back stronger and more intentional.

I also share a big thank-you to each of you for tuning in each week, for every listen, every message, and every story shared. It’s your support that fuels this journey, and I can’t wait to keep growing together. While we’re on pause, be sure to follow me on Instagram for updates on Season Two’s return. And hey, if you missed any episodes or want to revisit your favorites, now’s the perfect time! You'll always discover something new, just like I do every time I listen back.

Thank you for being here and for making Season One so unforgettable.

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Hey y'all! In today’s episode of Samantha's Beauty Confessions, we’re delving into something that so many of us struggle with but rarely talk about openly: perfectionism. Trust me, if you’ve ever felt paralyzed by the need for everything to be “just right” before you start a new project or put yourself out there, this one is for you. I’m sharing my own journey from being stuck in perfectionism to finally embracing imperfect action. And here’s the best part—by the end of this episode, you’ll feel inspired to take that first messy step toward your goals, knowing that progress beats perfection every single time.

Perfectionism can feel like an invisible weight, convincing us to stay in our comfort zone, where we feel safe from failure, criticism, and judgment. I get real about how this mindset held me back for years and how it even kept me from launching my Instagram page for way too long. But through some soul-searching—and yes, a hard life lesson during my divorce—I learned that trying to present a flawless image only holds us back. Sometimes, it takes a humbling experience to realize that the perfect image we strive to maintain doesn’t bring real fulfillment. In this episode, I explore the roots of these fears and how I started to let go of them.

We’ll also talk about practical steps to get unstuck. From breaking down overwhelming goals into tiny, manageable actions to reframing our fear of judgment and seeing failure as just another learning experience, I’m giving you the tools I wish I had years ago. Remember, every successful person you look up to once started where you are now—struggling, uncertain, but brave enough to begin anyway. If you’re a beauty professional, content creator, or anyone with big dreams, these lessons are especially for you.

So, if you’ve ever worried about what people will think or let the “not-good-enough” monster stop you from sharing your ideas, this episode will be a game-changer. Let’s learn to give ourselves grace, embrace the journey, and remind ourselves that imperfect action is still action. By the end of our chat, you’ll be ready to take that leap, no matter how imperfect your plan may seem. You deserve to chase your dreams and live a life that feels true to you—without waiting for things to be perfect. So, let’s grow together, one imperfect step at a time!

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Hey, y’all! Today, I’m sharing something really personal that shaped my journey in ways I never expected—overcoming my fear of public speaking. If you’re someone who’s ever felt held back by the thought of speaking up or standing in front of a crowd, this one’s for you. In this episode, I speak about how this fear kept me from growth opportunities, limited my self-confidence, and, honestly, stopped me from showing up as the real me. I hope that by hearing my story, you’ll feel inspired to face whatever fear might be holding you back, too.

Starting with high school speech class, I learned pretty early that I struggled with speaking in front of people. Even into college, I found ways to avoid it—enrolling in smaller classes, trying to dodge presentations, and finally just not showing up. My nerves were so bad I’d blank out, and I thought I’d never get past it. Years later, after a big life change, I decided I had to work through this for myself and for anyone else who might feel like I did. That’s when I found a coach to help me, and it was a game-changer.

Pushing through that fear didn’t just help me with public speaking—it unlocked parts of myself I hadn’t been able to share. I finally started connecting with my audience, sharing my face and voice on social media, working with brands, and speaking at events. That confidence was already inside me, and sometimes we just need a little help to uncover it. I hope my journey shows you that facing our fears opens doors to incredible opportunities and helps us grow in ways we never expect. Give it a listen, and I hope it sparks something for you!

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Hey y'all! In this episode of Samantha’s Beauty Confessions, I’m getting real about something I think so many of us go through—burnout. But this isn’t the typical “I’m working too much” kind of burnout. It’s more complex, tied into changes in both my personal life and business. 

If you've been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just out of sync with yourself, tune in.  I’m opening up about how I’ve been working through it and offering some honest advice on how we can all keep moving forward.

I talk about the emotional side of burnout and how life transitions have been playing a big role in my journey. We’ve all been there—trying to balance new responsibilities, unexpected changes, and still keep up with everything else. It’s messy, but I’ve learned some important lessons about slowing down, sitting with my feelings (even the uncomfortable ones), and trying new things that bring me joy, like yard work and exercise.

I also share the little shifts that are helping me reset—things like getting more in touch with my emotions, exploring new interests, and even unplugging from social media. It’s all about finding peace in the chaos and giving ourselves permission to take breaks, recharge, and come back stronger. If you're feeling a bit lost or burned out, I hope this episode helps you feel seen and gives you a few ideas on how to make it through. Let's keep growing together!

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In this episode of Samantha's Beauty Confessions, I sit down with the amazing Summer Labayen, a hairstylist, L’Oréal Professional Ambassador, and educator with over 20 years in the industry. If you’re a stylist juggling multiple roles or just curious about breaking into the influencer space, this episode is a must-listen. Summer shares her journey from starting in high school beauty programs to becoming an independent educator and influencer while raising three kids. She also drops invaluable tips on content creation, social media strategies, and landing brand partnerships—all while staying grounded and balancing family life.

We dive deep into how Summer transitioned from commission-based salon work to booth rental, how she balances her career with motherhood, and the unexpected challenges that come with being a beauty industry influencer. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow your brand on social media or take your hairstyling career to the next level, Summer’s insights on leveraging platforms like Instagram and working with major brands like L'Oréal are golden. From filming and editing her own content to pitching herself for brand ambassador roles, she proves that success in this space is all about being proactive and consistent.

By the end of the episode, you’ll feel inspired to take charge of your own career, pitch yourself for new opportunities, and build authentic connections within the beauty community. Summer’s story is a testament to what can happen when you say "yes" to opportunities, stay persistent, and use social media not just as a tool for business growth but also to foster meaningful friendships. Trust me, y'all—after hearing this episode, you’ll be ready to elevate your own game, both behind the chair and online!

Connection with Summer
Instagram - @manely.summer

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Hey y’all! Welcome back to Samantha’s Beauty Confessions! In this episode, we're wrapping up the Q&A session that started last week. Today, I'm answering all of your questions about how to grow on Instagram and use social media to build a thriving beauty business. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the ever-changing landscape of social media, this episode will give you practical advice to make your content stand out.

We’re covering everything from growth strategies to content planning, plus tips for boosting engagement—like how to use geotags, hashtags, and pinned posts effectively. Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your approach, I’m sharing tools and strategies that make navigating the beauty industry's social media scene a whole lot easier.

Listen in as we talk about staying consistent, tapping into analytics to see what works best, and how to keep your content game strong without burning out. If you want to boost your visibility and make your Instagram work for your beauty business, you won’t want to miss this one!

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Hey y’all, welcome back to Samantha's Beauty Confessions! 

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by client expectations, struggled with setting boundaries, or wondered how to handle tough situations in the salon, this episode is exactly what you need. Today, I’m sharing some of my most memorable (and challenging) experiences, from dealing with demanding clients to navigating those awkward beauty school moments—and more importantly, what I learned that can help you thrive in your own career.

We’re tackling the stress of social media, how to avoid burnout, and strategies to manage tricky pricing situations without undermining your value. It’s easy to feel like you need to do it all—keep up with trends, keep your clients happy, and somehow stay sane—but there’s a better way. You’ll learn practical tips for enhancing your client experience in a way that doesn’t take up extra time but leaves a lasting impact, helping you stand out and build stronger relationships with your clients.

And y’all, don’t forget—this is just part one! Next week, I’ll be back with even more answers to your business questions, including my best advice on Instagram strategies, content creation, and other tools to help you grow your beauty business. 

So, grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s grow together!

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Have you ever felt uncertain about how to read a client’s reactions or second-guessed your own instincts behind the chair? Maybe you’ve been looking for ways to stand out in the competitive world of hair education while staying true to your unique style. In part two of my conversation with Krista Bartik we uncover solutions to these common challenges that can often hold you back from reaching your full potential as a stylist or educator.

Join me as I sit down with the brilliant Krista Bartik, a seasoned hair educator who has built her brand around intuition, energy, and innovative education techniques. Krista shares how she uses her intuition to navigate not just her own career but also how she helps clients feel more confident in their look, while offering practical tips on reading clients’ needs and emotions. Whether you’re an established stylist or a newbie to the industry, this episode will help you enhance your communication skills, trust your gut, and grow your client base more efficiently.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• Trusting Your Intuition: Krista dives into how she uses her gut instincts both in styling and business, and how you can use intuition to make decisions in the salon.
• Mastering Client Communication: Discover Krista’s proven strategies for reading client body language, addressing client concerns, and ensuring satisfaction during long color services.
• Krista’s Upcoming Foiling Tool: Get a sneak peek at Krista’s new product designed to help hairstylists foil more efficiently behind the chair.
• Finding Balance: Krista discusses the importance of not spreading yourself too thin and learning to accept that it’s okay to not give 100% to every area of your life.
• Spirituality in Business: Krista shares how her mom’s gift as a medium influenced her perspective and how spirituality can shape your approach to personal and professional growth.

Why You Should Listen:

1. Improve Client Relationships: If you’ve ever struggled with knowing what a client is really thinking, Krista’s advice on reading non-verbal cues will transform your ability to communicate.
2. Boost Your Business with Intuition: Learn how trusting your instincts can set you apart as a stylist and educator in a crowded market.
3. Explore Spirituality in a New Light: Interested in how intuition, energy, and even mediumship can help you thrive? This episode dives into those topics without pushing beliefs but offering new perspectives.
4. Sneak Peek of Exciting Products: Krista is about to launch an innovative tool that every stylist will want to get their hands on, and you’ll hear about it first here!

Related Episodes:

• If you haven't listened to Part 1 of this interview click here to check it out

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Struggling with imposter syndrome or finding it hard to stand out as a hairstylist in the social media age? In this episode, Krista Bartik (@colorbykriss) shares her journey to becoming a successful hair educator, offering insights into overcoming self-doubt, navigating social media challenges, and making your mark in the beauty industry.

Krista takes us through her rapid rise in the hair world, from an unexpected start to becoming an independent educator known for her unique approach. We discuss the highs and lows of her career, including how she dealt with getting her Instagram hacked and why staying authentic is key to long-term success.

Key Topics Covered:

• Finding Your Path: How Krista discovered her passion for hair and made a name for herself in just five years.
• Conquering Imposter Syndrome: Practical advice for overcoming self-doubt, especially as a young stylist.
• Independent Hair Education: What it takes to transition from working with a major company to building your own education brand.
• Social Media Security: Krista’s experience with getting her Instagram hacked and how to protect your own accounts.
• Staying True to Your Passion: Tips for avoiding burnout and rediscovering your love for hair, despite industry pressures.

What You'll Learn:

• How to push past fear and take bold steps in your career.
• Strategies for building a successful and authentic personal brand.
• Key insights into becoming an independent educator in the beauty industry.
• How to secure your social media presence and avoid potential pitfalls.
• Ways to reconnect with your passion for hairstyling and avoid burnout.

Connect with Krista Bartik:

• Instagram: @colorbykriss

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If you are experiencing roadblocks and confusion in your life, this episode will start to make things that bit clearer for you.  

In this episode, I’m sharing five life lessons I wish I could’ve told my younger self. These are the lessons I’ve learned through personal experiences—the hard way.  While we can’t change the past, we can always learn from it.  

Here are the main takeaways:

1. You have plenty of time: Don't rush your life or feel pressured to have everything figured out by a certain age. Your path is unique and it will unfold the way it’s meant to.
2. Life isn’t fair: Sometimes, we get caught up comparing our journey to others. But every person has their own struggles behind the scenes. There’s enough success for everyone.
3. Ask for what you need: Unspoken expectations lead to resentment. Communicate directly and openly with those around you—don’t assume people can read your mind.
4. Be your own person: Trying to fit in or live up to someone else’s expectations will leave you feeling empty. Authenticity is where true fulfillment comes from.
5. Be kind, no matter what: You never know what someone else is going through. A simple act of kindness can completely shift someone’s day—and it will improve your own life too.

I am giving you actionable steps and real-life examples to help you apply these lessons to your daily life. 

If you enjoyed today’s episode, please leave a quick review—no need for anything fancy. Just share a lesson you wish you had known sooner!

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