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Ever feel like quality hairstyling education has become impossible to find? You're not alone. After a brief podcast hiatus (our sincere apologies!), we're tackling the dramatically changed landscape of professional education while sharing our excitement about teaching at the Orlando Premiere Show.

The education ecosystem has transformed over the past five years. What once felt abundant and accessible now requires more effort to discover. Through our social media research, we found stylists primarily taking classes at local distributors, bringing educators to their salons, or attending hair shows. Yet alongside these findings came frustrating comments like "classes suck" or "they're too expensive" – reflecting a broader industry challenge.

We dive deep into the realities of modern education options, from distributor classes (often under $100) to salon-hosted sessions (many product companies offer these for free if you carry their line), to the renaissance of hair shows. While some lament that shows aren't what they used to be, we challenge stylists to look beyond nostalgia and recognize the incredible learning opportunities still available at both major events like Orlando and smaller regional shows. The key difference? Today's education requires more proactive pursuit.

Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther
Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

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Every stylist goes through seasons—times of rapid growth, total burnout, quiet rebuilding, or big, bold change. In this episode, we’re breaking down the four phases of a stylist’s career (spring, summer, fall, and winter) and what each one can teach you. Whether you're just starting out or feeling the urge to pivot, you’ll walk away with clarity, encouragement, and ideas for how to grow through whatever season you're in.

Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther
Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

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In this “Dear Messy” episode, Abby and Kelsey team up to answer a message from a nail tech who’s opening a full salon — but struggling to find the right team.

Together, they unpack practical, creative, and realistic ways to approach hiring in 2025, including:

• How to brand your salon to attract stylists who fit
• Why building relationships is more effective than cold job posts
• The power of reaching out in your local community (yes, old-school works!)
• Creative ideas beyond Indeed: school visits, open house, and meet & greets
• Strategies for the short game and long-term growth

If you’re building a team or dreaming of opening your own salon one day, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to start strong.

Got a “Dear Messy” question you want answered on the pod? Text us with the link above — we might feature you next!

Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther
Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

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I booked 6 new clients in 2 weeks. My Protégé Stylist booked 5.
 And the best part? We didn’t spend a dime on ads.

In this solo episode, I’m breaking down the super simple email + social media strategy I’ve been using since December that’s finally paying off—and how using the same exact strategy helped Cede, a brand-new stylist, fill her books too.

I’ll walk you through:

• Why email should be your #1 marketing tool
• How to repurpose your emails into consistent social content
• Why repeating yourself is not annoying—it’s smart
• The importance of making booking ridiculously easy

If you’re stuck in a marketing rut or trying to help a new stylist grow, this is the episode to tune into.

Want the insider scoop on my emails? You can subscribe to my salon email list HERE and gain inspiration every week. 

Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther
Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

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It’s just Abby on the mic today while Kelsey is enjoying spring break with her kids—and we’re diving into a super real question from a listener: “How do I find a mentor?”

Abby’s sharing how she went over 10 years in her career before finding her first true mentor and how mentorship doesn’t always look the way you expect.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
 • What a mentor really is (and isn’t)
• Different ways to find one—even without a formal relationship
• Why mentors can come from podcasts, classes, and programs
• How to get the most out of the guidance you already have access to

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow in new ways, this episode will help you see mentorship from a whole new perspective.

Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther
Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

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Are you tired of relying on word-of-mouth and hoping new clients magically find you? In this episode, We are sitting down with Stephanie Mitchell, marketing expert and Instagram & Facebook ads strategist for beauty pros. She’s sharing exactly how hairstylists can go from overlooked to overbooked in just 30 days using strategic Instagram ads.

We’re breaking down:
 ✔️ The biggest mistakes stylists make when trying to book more clients
 ✔️ Why organic social media isn’t enough to grow your business in 2025
 ✔️ How to create ads that actually get clients to book – without wasting money
✔️ The right (and wrong) way to set up your offer for success

🚨 Join our FREE Masterclass! 🚨
Stephanie and Abby are hosting a live masterclass on Monday, March 24th, where we’ll teach you:
✔️ The 5 secrets to running ads that actually build your books
✔️ How to create an irresistible offer that gets dream clients excited to book
✔️ The exact caption, video, and strategy that works for ads in 2025

🔗 Sign up for FREE here: https://training.sunnystorm.marketing/freeclass-abby

Don’t miss out—this could be the strategy that completely changes your business!

Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther
Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

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No one’s asking, “How do I market to my bread & butter clients?” anymore. It’s all about the big blonding transformations—but is that really the best long-term strategy? So many stylists are ditching gray coverage and routine color clients from their menus, but those are the ones who keep your books steady and your business sustainable. In this episode, we’re breaking down why bread & butter clients matter, how to market to them, and why building a business on loyalty (not just big-ticket services) might be the smarter move. Let’s talk about the clients who actually keep the lights on!

Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther
Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

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Kelsey and Abby unpack the reality of transitioning from beauty school to salon life, tackling essential topics that aren't covered in classrooms. They dive into emotional intelligence, finding the right job, managing finances, and building client loyalty.

• Importance of emotional intelligence for stylists 
• Navigating the job landscape post-graduation 
• Balancing speed and quality of service 
• Financial literacy in hairdressing 
• Building a loyal clientele from scratch 
• The impact of salon culture on newly trained stylists 

Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther
Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

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This episode of Messy Hairstylist Podcast explores actionable strategies for stylist success, particularly for those returning after a career break. We discuss essential tools like mindset, visibility, the right salon environment, competitive pricing, networking, and effective client retention methods. 
• Importance of mindset and visibility 
• Dressing the part to boost confidence 
• Choosing a supportive salon environment 
• The need for competitive pricing and market research 
• Working prime appointment times for maximum client attraction 
• Strategies for hard launching your stylist brand 
• Utilizing model calls for marketing purposes 
• Engaging with local communities and networks 
• Building a referral system for client retention 
• Networking with other stylists for collaborative growth

Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther
Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair

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Starbucks just made some bold changes—trimming their menu, reimagining the customer experience, and bringing back small but impactful touches. But what does this have to do with hairstylists? A LOT. In this episode, We are breaking down how these shifts apply to your salon business, from simplifying your services to creating a client experience that keeps people coming back. If Starbucks is making moves, we should be paying attention! Tune in for some major business takeaways you can implement today.

Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywarther
Follow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair