In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia speaks directly to independent hairstylists who’ve already built a thriving business—but are left wondering what’s next. If you’ve filled your books, hit your revenue goals, and created a loyal client base, this episode is your next step roadmap. Hunter unpacks how to leverage the success you’ve built to open new doors in your business, create more freedom, and scale without burning out.

Whether you’re craving a lighter schedule, ready to raise your prices, or curious about adding new revenue streams—this episode will show you what’s possible after you hit your initial goals, and how to evolve without losing what you’ve built.

Key Takeaways:

📈 Leverage What You’ve Built: Understand what “leverage” really means and how to use your current momentum to safely grow your business.

🧠 Maximize Lifetime Client Value: Learn how to increase your average ticket and diversify your revenue without overcomplicating your business.

🛠 Delegate & Systematize: Discover which tasks to offload, when to automate, and how to reclaim your time for bigger-picture projects.

📦 Scale Your Brand Beyond the Chair: Explore next-level options like retail expansion, virtual consultations, eBooks, and education—only when your business is ready for it.

💬 Personalized Growth Paths: Hear how Hunter’s mastermind students break through glass ceilings with custom plans designed around their strengths, schedule, and goals.

Why You Should Listen:

You’ve already built the business everyone told you wasn’t possible—but now you’re asking, “What else am I capable of?” This episode is for the stylist who isn’t satisfied with staying comfortable, who knows there’s more they could offer, and who wants to scale with intention. Tune in for a real, motivating conversation on what’s next—and how to chase it, confidently.

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In one of the most special episodes we’ve ever done on The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, I’m joined by a powerhouse panel—our Modern Stylist Mastermind cohort. These are not just any beauty professionals. These are the salon owners, estheticians, and stylists who have turned “just doing hair” into running empires.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re too advanced for generic coaching or you’re sick of being the only one giving support instead of receiving it—this one’s for you.

We’re diving deep into what actually changes when you surround yourself with the right people, make bold moves, and receive the mentorship you didn’t even know you needed.

💡 What You’ll Learn

• Why “booked and busy” isn’t the only definition of success—and what might actually matter more
• The power of personalized mentorship and micro-accountability in high-level growth
• How these stylists are making more while working less (we’re talking 10K+ months, baby)
• Real talk on the emotional shifts: from imposter syndrome to full-on CEO confidence
• Insights into what makes this mastermind different from anything else out there
• The real-life breakthroughs that happened during retreats, speaker sessions, and in our Slack DMs

🎯 Why It Matters

Too many stylists hit a plateau and think, “Is this it?” But success isn’t a one-time goal—it’s a constantly evolving journey. And if you don’t change your strategy and support system as you evolve, you risk staying stuck in hustle mode. This episode shows you what’s possible when you create space for advanced growth, real community, and authentic accountability.

👀 Who This Is For

• Hairstylists ready to evolve from service provider to CEO energy
• Beauty pros who are already successful but crave a deeper level of support and clarity
• Independent suite owners, salon leaders, and educators feeling a little too isolated
• Anyone who’s “been there, done that” with fluffy coaching programs and wants the real deal

🧨 Don’t Miss

There’s a moment where we discuss the concept of Client Concentration Risk—a game-changing lens to evaluate whether your business is actually stable and scalable. Plus, the $45K revelation that had everyone in the room gasping 👀

This isn’t just an episode—it’s a movement. Tune in and get inspired by the real stories, real strategies, and real success redefined.

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In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia gets real about what it actually takes to stay productive as an independent hairstylist—especially when you're feeling completely overwhelmed. If your to-do list feels never-ending, you're juggling behind-the-chair hours with big business projects, and motivation is nowhere to be found, this episode is the tough-love pep talk (and strategy breakdown) you didn’t know you needed.

Hunter shares how he navigates high-pressure seasons in his business, including how to prioritize, what to delegate, and how to keep moving forward even when he’s not feeling it—plus how to create real momentum without burning out.

Key Takeaways:

📌 From Chaos to Clarity: Learn how to identify the needle-moving tasks and stop wasting time on low-priority distractions.

🧠 Discipline Over Motivation: Discover how to show up for your goals even when you don’t feel like it—and why motivation isn’t the magic solution.

💻 Productivity Tools & Delegation Tips: Hear how Hunter uses planning systems, automation, and strategic outsourcing to get more done without doing it all himself.

👯‍♀️ The Power of Accountability: Understand how to build accountability into your process (even if you’re working solo) and why deadlines matter for creatives.

🔥 Break the Overwhelm Cycle: Real talk on scrolling, procrastination, and building momentum when big projects feel too heavy to start.

Why You Should Listen:

Feeling like you’re drowning in your business, putting off important projects, or waiting to “feel motivated” before you take action? You’re not alone. But you do have the power to move forward—whether you feel like it or not. This episode will show you how to push through with purpose, protect your time, and still make progress in the thick of chaos.

Because even when you’re overwhelmed, your goals don’t have to wait.

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In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia dives into the rising trust gap between hairstylists and their clients—and what independent stylists can do to repair it. From price confusion to boundary backlash, Hunter unpacks the real reasons clients are questioning the salon industry and how stylists can respond with strategy (not snark).

Joined by marketing expert Jodie Brown, they break down survey data, industry trends, and real social media commentary to explore how the pandemic reshaped client expectations—and how you can meet them without sacrificing your own values or sanity.

Key Takeaways:

🧠 Where the Trust Broke Down: Explore how pandemic-era shifts, price hikes, and boundary setting led to client skepticism—and how to reverse it.

💬 Rebuilding the Relationship: Learn how to approach policy enforcement and pricing from a place of clarity and professionalism (not passive-aggressive rants).

💸 The Truth About Pricing Perception: Discover why transparent, package-based pricing builds more trust—and helps clients feel good about booking with you.

⚖️ Balance Respect With Results: Hear how successful stylists are maintaining boundaries and creating client loyalty with strategic systems and messaging.

🌟 A Better Booking Experience: Learn why today’s consumers expect upfront info, emotional connection, and a premium feel from the very first interaction.

Why You Should Listen:

If you've ever wondered why clients ghost, push back on policies, or hesitate to invest—this episode gives you the honest answers. Whether you’re brand new or booked out, Hunter will help you reframe how you show up online and behind the chair so you can attract clients who trust you and happily pay your prices.

Because building a modern beauty business isn’t just about having boundaries—it’s about communicating them with care.

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Register for the Client Experience Glow-Up Party here: https://hunterdonia.com/party

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia unpacks how independent hairstylists can transform their pre-visit experience to match the modern client’s expectations in 2025. If you’re struggling with last-minute cancellations, slow bookings, or clients hesitant about your pricing, this episode will show you how the real magic happens before a guest even steps into your chair.

Hunter is joined by Jodie Brown to explore why today’s clients crave fast responses, emotional connection, and personalized service from the first interaction—and how small tweaks to your pre-booking process can make a massive difference in building trust and getting clients excited to work with you.

Key Takeaways:

🧠 What Clients Really Expect in 2025: Understand the modern salon client's mindset and how to meet them where they are.

📋 The Power of a Streamlined Pre-Visit: Learn how digital forms, personalized consultations, and clear pricing build instant trust and increase bookings.

⚡ Speed + Personalization: Find out how to respond faster without living on your phone—and why automation doesn’t have to mean losing the human touch.

💬 How to Talk About Pricing: Discover why clarity upfront can be the difference between a client booking—or ghosting.

🚀 Set the Tone for a Luxe Experience: Create an elevated, high-end feeling from the very first click or conversation.

Why You Should Listen:

Feeling like your booking process might be holding you back? Clients today are making decisions before they ever sit in your chair—and if you’re not creating a next-level pre-visit experience, you’re missing out. Tune in to learn how to create a seamless, personalized, and profitable client journey from first impression to first appointment.

If you want to book dream clients consistently and make your services feel worth every penny, this episode is for you.

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With everything feeling heavy—from the world to the beauty industry to our own nervous systems—it’s easy to fall into hustle mode, clinging to surface-level strategies in hopes they’ll fix everything. But here’s the truth: your business doesn’t need another bougie amenity. It needs you.

In this heartfelt, truth-packed episode, I’m unpacking what really makes clients stick around, spend more, and rave about their appointments. And spoiler alert? It’s not your branded towels or your aesthetic Instagram feed. It’s your energy, your leadership, and the way you make people feel.

We’re diving into powerful client data, the emotional reality of business in 2025, and why showing up as a grounded, joyful human is the strategy you’ve been missing.

📚 What You’ll Learn

• Why surface-level “value adds” are no longer enough to retain high-quality clients
• The real reason your loyal clients are obsessed with you—and it’s not what you think
• What hundreds of surveyed salon clients revealed as their top priority when booking
• How fear-based business decisions might be sabotaging your growth
• The difference between reacting from anxiety vs. leading from vision
• Why joy, trust, and connection aren’t “nice to have”—they’re your edge

🧠 Why It Matters

In a world flooded with noise, uncertainty, and overwhelm, your clients are no longer looking for perfection. They’re looking for something real. Something safe. Something you. This episode reminds you that your most magnetic business strategy doesn’t come from a funnel or a viral reel—it comes from you showing up fully and intentionally.

This isn’t just about “good vibes.” It’s about creating a sustainable, referable, and unforgettable business by mastering the one thing no one else can duplicate: your presence.

🎯 Who This Is For

• Hairstylists who feel stuck in hustle mode or like they’re constantly falling behind
• Beauty pros who want to raise prices, retain better clients, and lead with clarity
• Salon owners craving a grounded, human-first approach to business growth
• Anyone feeling disconnected from their purpose and needing a reset
• Neurodivergent babes who want joy, structure, and sustainability—not burnout

✨ Don’t Miss

I’m sharing real survey data from hundreds of salon clients across the U.S.—and what they said made an appointment unforgettable. You’ll be shook at how simple but powerful the top answers were (and how much potential you’ve been leaving on the table).

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Register for the Client Experience Glow-Up Party here: https://hunterdonia.com/party

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia dives into the question so many independent hairstylists are asking in 2025: Do I really need social media to grow my clientele? If you’ve ever felt burnt out, overwhelmed, or just plain tired of posting to Instagram without seeing results, this episode is your reality check and your roadmap.

With special guest Jodie Brown, Hunter breaks down what it actually takes to grow a thriving hair business without relying on reels, likes, and hashtags. From local marketing strategies to passive visibility tools, they explore how stylists can still get new clients—without spending all day on their phones.

Key Takeaways:

📉 The Truth About Stepping Back: Learn what really happens when you stop posting, and how to know if your business can handle it.

📍 Marketing Beyond Instagram: Explore proven offline and non-social strategies—like website optimization, review platforms, and lead capture funnels.

🧠 Know Your Ideal Client: Discover how client behavior has changed in 2025 and why blindly ditching Instagram may not align with your dream clientele.

💬 The Referral Trap: Are word-of-mouth bookings enough in today’s market? Hunter shares why stylists still need a consistent, strategic marketing plan—even if they’re fully booked.

💡 Reframe Your Funnel: If you don’t want to post daily, learn how to repurpose social as a nurture tool instead of a discovery platform.

Why You Should Listen:

Ready to delete Instagram—or just post a little less? You’re not alone. But before you ghost your followers, you need a plan. This episode gives you the clarity to build a modern marketing strategy that matches your strengths, speaks to your dream clients, and works even when you’re not online 24/7.

If you’re craving a smarter way to grow your business—one that doesn’t burn you out—tune in to find out what really works (and what’s just noise).

Check out the episode referenced on today's episode: Maximizing, Managing and Preparing for Busier Times In Your Business

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In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia shares why retail sales and service add-ons aren’t just extra income—they’re critical tools for independent hairstylists looking to grow sustainably in 2025. If you’ve ever felt “salesy” recommending products or you’re unsure if retail is worth your time, this episode is a must-listen.

Joined by marketing expert Jodie Brown, Hunter breaks down why retail and add-ons are part of your client experience—not separate from it. From increasing your new client retention to creating a client experience that sells for you, Hunter shares how this often-overlooked income stream can create more consistency, less burnout, and better boundaries behind the chair.

Key Takeaways:

💡 Redefine “Selling”: Learn how offering retail isn’t being pushy—it’s completing your service and helping your client get the result they came for.

💸 Boost Retention Through Retail: Discover how retail recommendations extend your client experience beyond the chair and keep your name in their routine.

📦 Affiliate Links vs. Stocking Products: Hunter shares a modern strategy for mixing both without turning your salon into a shipping center.

🚿 Add-Ons That Actually Add Up: Learn how offering strategic service enhancements increases your average ticket while solving real client problems.

📈 The Secret to Sustainable Growth: Understand why this income stream helps you avoid burnout and create more freedom—even as you grow.

Why You Should Listen:

Are you missing out on a stream of income that doesn’t require more time behind the chair? In 2025, smart hairstylists are rethinking how they earn—and retail might be the most underrated tool in your business. Whether you stock products, use affiliate links, or both, this episode will show you how to make passive(ish) income without being salesy.

Tune in and learn how to turn your client experience into a revenue-generating machine that works with you—not just when you're behind the chair.

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In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown unpack a hot topic in the beauty industry: Are your salon policies actually hurting your client experience? If you’ve ever struggled with enforcing cancellation fees, setting boundaries around no-shows, or wondering whether your policies are driving clients away—this conversation is for you.

Hunter dives into the delicate balance between protecting your time as a business owner and providing a client experience that builds trust and long-term loyalty. You’ll hear real talk about how boundaries and policies can either elevate or damage your reputation—and what modern, sustainable solutions actually work for independent hairstylists in 2025.

Key Takeaways:

🧠 Healthy Boundaries vs. Bad Business: Why strict cancellation policies might be costing you more in long-term growth than they’re saving you in lost income.

📉 How to Reduce No-Shows Without the Backlash: Smart, system-based strategies to reduce last-minute cancellations without alienating your dream clients.

💳 When to Enforce Your Policies (and When Not To): How to assess whether charging a fee is worth the risk to your client relationship—and the surprising truth about ghosting.

✨ Creating a Can’t-Miss Client Experience: How making your appointments feel more like a “win” than a chore can protect your time better than any policy ever could.

🧭 The Real Risk? Damaging Client Trust: Hunter explains the hidden cost of going public with policy frustrations—and how to keep your operations department from bleeding into your marketing strategy.

Why You Should Listen:

As an independent hairstylist, setting boundaries is essential—but are your policies building connection or pushing clients away? If you’re navigating burnout, inconsistent bookings, or rising no-show rates, it’s time to rethink how your systems and client experience actually work together. Tune in to learn how to protect your peace without compromising your professionalism or profitability.

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In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and special guest Jodie Brown break down the four essential systems that every independent hairstylist needs in place to scale sustainably in 2025. If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the hats you wear as a beauty business owner—marketing, client care, admin, and more—this episode will help you get clarity on where to focus your energy so your business can grow without burning you out.

Hunter shares the exact four “departments” that every stylist needs to build out in their business, how to identify which one is currently holding you back, and how to use your data to make smart, strategic decisions. If you want to work smarter—not harder—in 2025, this is your roadmap.

Key Takeaways:

💡 The Four Key Departments: Learn how to break your business into foundational systems—Marketing, Client Experience & Sales, Operations, and Strategy—and why each one matters.

📊 How to Diagnose What’s Not Working: Use real numbers and client behavior to pinpoint where your energy actually needs to go (it might not be where you think).

🧠 The Most Overlooked Growth Opportunity: Why “outside the chair” client experience is the secret weapon to standing out and staying booked in a competitive market.

🌀 From Chaos to Clarity: How systematizing your business allows you to stop running in circles and start seeing long-term results.

🧱 The Real Reason You’re Burnt Out: Why hustling across every department at once keeps you stuck—and how to shift into focused, intentional growth instead.

Why You Should Listen:

If you’re a stylist who’s working nonstop but still not seeing the growth you want—this episode is for you. Whether you're just getting started or already fully booked, Hunter gives you the tools to think like a CEO and build a beauty business that thrives in 2025’s fast-changing industry landscape. It’s time to focus your energy where it actually moves the needle, and finally scale with confidence.

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