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.

I’m diving into something a bit different. Summer’s here (well, when you hear this), and I’ve decided to take an eight-week break from the podcast – and yes, it scares me a little. But here’s the thing: I don’t want to cling to any identity too tightly, whether it’s being a podcaster or a hairstylist.

I’m all about following the fun this summer, spending time with my daughter, and just living in the moment. It’s a big deal for me to step back and not hold on so tightly to the roles I play. I want to see what it feels like to just be – without the constant need to document everything on social media.

I talk about how letting go of my identity as a hairstylist opened up new ways to appreciate my career and personal life. And trust me, it’s freeing. I want to live a life that feels good now, not just one that looks good on paper.

So, if you’re interested in topics like embracing change, living in the present, and finding joy in the little things, this episode is for you. Join me as I explore what it means to let go, follow the fun, and truly live into the life we have. Thanks for letting me talk this out with you – see you at the end of August!

Follow us on instagram @linmaystudio @lindsaymakeswaves

In this episode, I discuss the struggles many of us face when trying to create and share our work with the world. Whether it’s content, art, a business, or a new teaching, it’s common to feel unready, fear rejection, or obsess over perfection. I often encounter people stuck in the planning stages, never actually putting their ideas out there. Having tried and dabbled in various avenues myself, I’ve learned a lot about what works for me and what doesn’t.

A transformative idea I’ve embraced comes from Rick Rubin, a famous music producer. He views his creations as diary entries—personal, truthful expressions that aren’t up for debate. This perspective has freed me from the need for external validation and allowed me to create more authentically. Just like a diary entry, my work is a snapshot of my truth at a particular moment, and it’s not about whether it’s perfect or widely accepted.

I share how this mindset shift has impacted my approach to my work, from hairstyling to podcasting. It's not about getting everything right or pleasing everyone; it’s about creating honestly and letting go of the need for approval. This episode is encouragement to women, especially those who feel the call to create but are held back by fear or doubt. You can’t do it wrong if you do it honestly and for the right reasons. I hope this inspires you to start creating your own diary entries and sharing them with the world.

Make sure to follow for more episodes and come join me over on Instagram @LindsayMakesWaves

In this episode, I talk about a realization I had during a heartfelt conversation at the salon...the importance of women supporting each other and the transformative power of embracing sisterhood. Reflecting on personal experiences and societal conditioning, I discuss the shift in mindset I've undergone and the significance of sending positive energy and prayers to all women, even those I've struggled with in the past. Theres an ebb and flow of the tide, emphasizing that when one woman rises, we all rise together. Ultimately, I advocate for choosing compassion over competition and celebrating each other's victories, fostering a community where women empower and uplift one another.

In today's episode, I dive into the power of caring in both business and life. Amidst the constant pressure to keep up with industry trends and adopt the latest strategies, I've found that genuine care for my clients has been the cornerstone of my success. Join me as I explore how prioritizing relationships and simplifying processes have transformed my business perspective. From streamlining backend operations to embracing gratitude, I share insights into the journey of discovering what truly matters in business and how authenticity and empathy can set you apart. Whether you're in a season of focusing on client care or refining your business practices, this episode offers valuable lessons for hairstylists and entrepreneurs alike. Tune in and have a wave-making day

Don't forget to follow me over at @LindsayMakesWaves and check out @LinmayStudio on Insatagram!

Recently, I've been reflecting on the idea of surrender and simplifying my life. Join me as I explore the balance between building big businesses and intentional simplicity. I've been drawn to the concept of expansion versus a fixed destination, learning to live in the present and embrace uncertainty. Through my spiritual journey, I've discovered the importance of allowing all emotions and experiences without judgment. I'm also sharing insights from a class with Jeff Foster and reflections on how pain doesn't have to lead to suffering. Let's navigate life's twists and turns together, embracing each moment as it comes. Tune in for more wisdom and inspiration!

Surrender, Expansion, Spiritual Journey, Mindfulness, Self Discovery, Salon Owner, Hairstylist, Small Business Owner.