In this episode of The Beauty Connective Podcast, Kylee sits down with hairstylist, salon owner, and educator Kens Davis for an honest conversation about burnout, boundaries, and the pressure to keep hustling in the beauty industry. Kens shares how therapy and personal growth shaped her journey, the importance of mindset in overcoming “I’m not enough” beliefs, and the simple systems she uses to stay organized and protect her peace. If you’ve ever struggled to balance your passion with the business side of beauty, this episode will leave you feeling understood and motivated.

When Utah nail artist Paige Castro of Paige’s Nail Kitchen got an email offering her a dream brand deal, she thought her hard work had finally paid off. But what started as a $1,500-a-month opportunity turned into a $138 lesson in spotting scams. In this episode, Paige shares how it all unfolded - from the initial excitement to the gut punch realization - and the emotional toll it took. We talk about the red flags she missed, how she bounced back, and her advice for beauty pros on protecting themselves when brands come calling. This is a must-listen for anyone working in the beauty industry (or anyone who loves a good scam survival story).

Utah nail tech Maliyah Herrin was born a conjoined twin, has lived with a disability, and has undergone two kidney transplants—but none of it has stopped her from thriving in the beauty industry. In this episode, she shares how she built her nail career, grew a loyal following on social media, and became a voice for disability representation in beauty. Maliyah’s story is proof that passion and perseverance can break any mold.

In this episode, Evan Stowers—salon owner, mentor, and one of Utah’s top 10 hairstylists—shares his journey through 15 years in the beauty industry. He opens up about the personal hurdles he faced early on, what it took to find his place in a female-dominated space, and the mindset it takes to truly master your craft.

Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at how Evan leads with intention as a salon owner, why mentorship matters, and how staying committed to growth can shape a lasting career. This conversation is full of honesty, grit, and real talk for anyone building something in beauty.

In this episode, Hilda Custodio—known as your TikTok Nail Lady and owner of Payton Manis Beauty Lounge—shares how she grew from doing nails at home as a single mom to running a busy salon and building a viral presence online. We dive into her journey as a salon owner, the impact of TikTok on her business, what it’s really like behind the scenes of going viral, and how she uses her platform to uplift other nail techs. Hilda keeps it real, inspiring, and relatable from start to finish.

In this episode, I’m joined by Jenna Puzzio (@jennapuzziohair)—marketing expert and beauty industry strategist—to break down the three essential pillars of marketing that every beauty pro needs to understand: attention, connection, and retention. We dive into how to grab the right kind of attention (hint: it’s not about going viral), how to build genuine connection that turns followers into loyal clients, and how to keep those clients coming back through strategic retention tactics.

Whether you're feeling stuck with your content or just want a clearer path to consistent bookings, this episode gives you a simple but powerful framework to audit your marketing and start showing up more intentionally. Jenna shares real-world tips, mindset shifts, and easy-to-implement strategies that will leave you feeling clear, confident, and ready to grow.

In this episode, I sit down with Alyssa Freeman, a master esthetician based in Utah who’s built a thriving solo practice by getting crystal clear on her niche and doubling down on client experience. We talk about how niching down doesn’t limit your potential—it unlocks it—and why creating a standout client experience is the secret to long-term loyalty and steady bookings. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to level up your solo estie business, this one’s full of gems you won’t want to miss.

In this episode, I’m joined by Jaynee Meyer (@jayneenailedit) for a real and refreshing conversation all about the F word—finances. We’re breaking down the basics of managing your finances as an independent beauty professional—how to keep track of income and expenses, stay prepared for taxes, actually pay yourself, and use your profits to invest back into your business or personal goals. Whether numbers overwhelm you or you’re ready to level up your money mindset, this one’s packed with insight and encouragement to get confident with your finances.

In this episode, I’m chatting with Morgan Tucker about her journey from doing nails out of her home to opening Luxe—a beautiful studio space that’s now home to 16 other nail techs. We talk about what it’s really like to make big moves in your business, how to push past doubt, and why believing in yourself is such a huge part of growing something bigger. Morgan shares so many honest insights about stepping into leadership and creating a space that supports other beauty pros. If you’ve ever dreamed of leveling up your business, this one’s for you.

In this first episode of The Beauty Connective Podcast, host Kylee shares the story behind the platform and how it all began. From her love for nails as a kid to leaving her teaching career to pursue her passion, Kylee talks about the journey that led her to create The Beauty Connective. She’ll reveal the vision behind the platform and why she’s so excited to help beauty professionals connect with clients in a more meaningful way. Tune in for the start of something exciting!