She Makes Waves

In this episode of She Makes Waves, I’m thrilled to chat with Renee Feldman about her inspiring journey from city salons to a cozy neighborhood space. Renee shares how her career evolved in unexpected ways, revealing her deep passion for creating natural, beautiful looks and building strong client relationships.

Renee’s story highlights her transition from a bustling city environment to a more personal, community-focused salon setting. She also opens up about the importance of balancing her professional life with being present for her twin girls, emphasizing how finding that balance has been a crucial part of her journey.

Her experience serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience needed to adapt to change and the joy of crafting a career that reflects both personal passions and professional growth.

Renee shares how her path evolved unexpectedly, touching on the importance of being selective about the clients and team members she works with. This episode is all about finding balance, building strong relationships, and staying true to your creative vision.

Website: http://reneefeldman.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reneefeldmanweddings/

https://www.instagram.com/reneefeldman_studio/

In this episode of She Makes Waves, I dive into the current state of customer service and hospitality in business. After a series of frustrating interactions with companies, like dealing with my Dyson blow dryer and a "predator towing" company, I started to wonder: Where has good customer service gone? I share both negative and positive customer support experiences, discussing how hospitality is essential in building trust and long-lasting relationships. In this episode, I emphasize that how we respond to problems in our businesses can be more impactful than the problem itself. Whether you're in the beauty industry or any other small business, the hospitality and customer care you offer could be the most valuable marketing tool you have. Tune in for real-life stories and insights on how businesses, big and small, can step up their customer support game.

In this episode of She Makes Waves, I dive deep into the art of noticing signs and synchronicities in everyday life. The inspiration for this came from a powerful experience I had when Capone left this world—when the fire alarm went off in my salon for the first time ever, signaling to me that he was still with me. Since then, I’ve noticed so many signs from the universe, whether it’s seeing fire trucks or the numbers 333. These moments have helped me feel more guided, protected, and redirected. I also talk about how paying attention to signs has shifted my perspective—allowing me to be more present, less anxious, and more aligned with where I am right now. This episode is for anyone looking to understand how the universe communicates and how we can feel more connected to our journey. Listen in for stories of synchronicity, spiritual guidance, and learning to trust the signs.

In this episode of She Makes Waves, I explore the profound power that hairstylists hold in creating and cultivating community connections. I’m diving deep into how our work behind the chair goes far beyond just cutting and styling hair.

I share a personal experience from a recent visit to my friend Kara’s salon in Santa Barbara. This trip opened my eyes to the incredible ripple effect hairstylists have within their communities. Every shop I entered knew Kara—not just as a stylist, but as a community leader, someone who connects people and fosters relationships. It was a beautiful reminder that our work is about so much more than just hair; it's about being intuitive healers, relationship builders, and the glue that holds our communities together.

In this episode, I also reflect on how we often overlook our impact. We get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget that each client we touch is part of a larger network of connections that we help to nurture and grow. I discuss the idea that hairstylists are some of the best community builders out there—our ability to connect with people and make them feel seen and heard is unparalleled.

This episode is for any hairstylist who’s ever questioned the significance of their work. If you’ve ever wondered if you’re making a difference, listen in. You’ll discover just how vital our role is in the fabric of our communities. We’re not just stylists—we’re making waves, one client at a time.

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In this episode, I sit down with Erin Zosel, a passionate entrepreneur who owns Sloan’s Beauty Bar and also works in real estate. Erin shares her journey of establishing multiple salon locations in the Minneapolis area, and we dive into the importance of filling gaps in the market while staying close to her team. Despite having locations close to one another, Erin discusses how she balances the demands of each salon, making sure she's present and supportive of her staff.

We also chat about the unique charm of Minneapolis and how it’s often underestimated. Erin shares some nostalgic memories of growing up in Eden Prairie, contrasting it with her deep connection to the city today. Her hands-on approach to management really stands out as she talks about the personal relationships she maintains with her team, always striving to support them in every way possible.

We explore the challenges of being a supportive leader, as Erin expresses her desire to be even more present, despite already being highly involved. The conversation highlights the importance of curiosity, asking questions, and constantly seeking ways to improve as key elements of her leadership style.

As we wrap up, Erin talks about her current hiring process, particularly at her North Loop location, where she’s slowly expanding her team. She encourages stylists to reach out, even if there’s a waitlist, as she’s always open to meeting new talent.

Erin’s dedication to her craft and her community is evident throughout our conversation, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, beauty, and the Minneapolis scene.

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@erinzosel

@sloanesbeautybar

Visit www.sloanesbeautybar.com

email: [email protected]

In this episode, I got to sit down with Cassie Hamel, who opened up about some pivotal moments in her life and career. We talked about how the fire at her salon was a huge wake-up call, forcing her to rethink everything. Then, when she became a mom, it added a whole new layer to the mix, especially when it came to setting boundaries—something so many of us in this industry struggle with.

Cassie's now on the brink of opening her second location, and she’s excited to bring the diversity of clientele and styles that have always been a hallmark of her work to this new space. But it’s not without its challenges. We discussed the struggles of building a team and the importance of transparency and clear expectations when hiring—something that can make or break a business.

What really struck me was how passionate Cassie is about her apprentices. She genuinely loves mentoring them, helping them grow, and watching them find their footing in the industry. It’s not just about running a successful salon for her; it’s about fostering a community and seeing others succeed too.

Instagram: @littlebrokenthings @scissorpaperock

website: littlebrokenthingschicago.com

In this informative episode, I interview seasoned business attorney Sean Goodwin, who specializes in representing local businesses and creative individuals, including those in the salon industry. With over 16 years of experience, Sean dives deep into essential legal aspects that every aspiring salon owner should know. Our conversation spans topics like the importance of trademarks—from common law to state and federal levels—and how these can protect your salon's brand identity.

Sean emphasizes the significance of proactive legal measures, such as having written employment contracts and choosing the right business address to avoid potential legal issues. The episode also sheds light on the new beneficial ownership information (BOI) filing requirements, which are crucial for avoiding hefty fines.

Sean offers practical advice on how to select a unique and strong business name, whether it's fanciful, arbitrary, or suggestive. Additionally, he covers why enforcing your trademark rights is critical to maintaining the integrity of your brand.

I share my own experiences to illustrate why having a knowledgeable attorney like Sean can make the complex world of business law less daunting and more empowering. This episode is packed with invaluable insights that can save salon owners both time and money, making it a must-listen for anyone looking to start or grow their own salon business.

Visit Sean Goodwin's website to learn more about his legal services

In this powerful episode of She Makes Waves, host Lindsay Mayuga sits down with author and activist Michelle Horton, who shares the harrowing story of her sister Nikki Adamondo. Convicted in 2019 for the murder of her abusive partner, Nikki was later released after seven years in prison due to the Domestic Violence Survivors Act. Michelle discusses the complexities of domestic violence, her advocacy, and the profound impact of Nikki’s story on her life and community. The episode also touches on the unique role of hairstylists and other professionals in recognizing and supporting victims of domestic abuse, underscoring the importance of education and awareness. As Lindsay and Michelle explore these deep issues, they highlight the resilience and solidarity required to navigate such traumatic experiences.

MichelleHortonWriter.com

WeStandWithNikki.com

Instagram:

@michellehortonwriter

@westandwithnikki

Buy the book Dear Sister

Support Nikki and her family

00:24 Introducing Michelle Horton and Her Story

01:44 The Impact of Domestic Violence

03:50 Hairstylists' Unique Position in Recognizing Abuse

07:05 Challenges in Addressing Domestic Violence

11:17 Personal Reflections and Experiences

16:43 Support Systems and Healing

25:11 The Everyday Heroes Behind the Defense Committee

26:43 Building a Supportive Community

27:49 The Concept of Sistering

28:44 Writing the Book: A Journey Through Darkness and Light

31:33 Life After Prison: Nikki's Healing Journey

35:31 The Reality of Domestic Violence and Criminalized Victims

41:02 Ashley Benefield's Case: A Striking Resemblance

46:39 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Hairstylists

I'M BACK... I’ve returned to social media, but my perspective has completely changed. During my time away, I engaged in deep self-reflection, which was often challenging. At times, I felt unproductive because Instagram used to occupy much of my idle time. While I did miss out on some things, I’m here to share my experience. I thoroughly enjoyed my break and highly recommend it to anyone seeking clarity. Coming back with a sense of intentionality has been incredibly refreshing.

Instagram: @lindsaymakeswave + @linmaystudio

website: linmaystudio.com

This week, I'm excited to present my bonus birthday episode, "37 Truths at 37." Over the past 37 years, I've gained many insights and let go of some misconceptions, and I feel compelled to share these with you. I'm embracing my life more fully than ever before, thanks to my social-free summer. I feel at peace and taking the time to truly sit with myself for what feels like the first time in a long while.

Want to connect while I am on my social free summer kick! Shoot me an email.