The Modern Hairstylist ™ Podcast

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia dives into the potential effects of a Trump presidency on the beauty industry. This candid and analytical discussion explores how policies on tariffs, tax cuts, healthcare, immigration, and deregulation could shape the cost of doing business, consumer behavior, and the overall landscape of the beauty profession. Hunter shares both the challenges and opportunities that may arise, offering thoughtful insights for beauty professionals navigating these uncertain times.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Tariffs and Supply Costs: How proposed tariffs on imports could raise the prices of tools, products, and equipment you rely on—and what you can do to prepare.
• Tax Cuts: Why potential tax cuts for upper-middle-class clients might increase disposable income and bring more people back to salons.
• Healthcare Concerns: The possible effects on affordable healthcare for independent beauty professionals and the uncertainty surrounding the Affordable Care Act.
• Immigration and Labor: How immigration crackdowns could disrupt manufacturing and increase costs for beauty products.
• Deregulation: The potential pros and cons of less regulation in the beauty industry, including licensing, competition, and consumer trust.
• Core Values and Client Relationships: How consumer behavior is shifting toward values-based spending and navigating moral conflicts with clients whose beliefs clash with your own.

Special Segments:

• Listener Question: Hunter answers a listener’s DM about how to handle clients with opposing political beliefs in a way that respects personal values while maintaining professionalism.
• Gender-Affirming Care: Hunter highlights the role hairstylists play in providing affirming spaces and services for LGBTQ+ individuals and shares a free inclusivity course for beauty professionals.

Key Takeaways:

• Stay informed and prepared: Monitor changes in policies and consumer behavior that may impact your business.
• Focus on your values: Use this time as an opportunity to align your business with your core beliefs and attract like-minded clients.
• Don’t panic: Keep pushing forward, stay consistent, and make strategic decisions that position your business for long-term success.

Resources and Links:

• Free LGBTQ+ Inclusivity Course for Salons: hunterdonia.com/pride
• Follow Hunter on Instagram: @hairbyhunty

Let’s Connect:
Got thoughts or questions about this episode? Send Hunter a DM on Instagram! Let’s keep the conversation going.

Closing Encouragement:
No matter how the political and economic landscape shifts, remember that you have the power to create meaningful change in your business and community. You’ve faced challenges before, and you’ll overcome this too. Keep showing up, stay informed, and trust that brighter days are ahead.

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In this week's episode of The Modern Hairstylist, I'm diving into five key lessons I learned while scaling a multi-six-figure beauty business. Whether you're running a busy chair or eyeing new avenues for growth, these insights will be game-changers. We'll talk about evolving from simply building a stable client base to making strategic decisions that push your business to the next level.

Expect a breakdown of the “boring but crucial” tasks that fuel growth, why investing in the right team and resources is non-negotiable, and how buying back your time strategically can elevate both your business and personal life. I’ll also share the importance of taking big swings, making brave investments, and fostering a team that shares your vision. This episode is all about learning what to prioritize so you’re set up for real, sustainable success.

If you're ready to scale your beauty business and take your operations, client experience, and personal growth to new heights, this episode is for you. Let’s get into it!

Watch this episode on Youtube HERE

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Welcome back to The Modern Hairstylist Podcast! In this episode, we’re diving into essential time management strategies to help you stay focused, organized, and productive as an independent hairstylist. We know that balancing client appointments with managing your business can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can stay on top of it all without the stress.

Starting with a powerful exercise to illustrate the impact of multitasking, we’ll explore how setting clear, specific goals can make a huge difference in your daily focus. I’ll guide you on how to break down your goals, prioritize tasks, and set actionable steps to streamline your schedule and avoid “shiny object syndrome.” Plus, learn how to time-block effectively so that each hour in your day aligns with your business and personal growth goals.

Whether you’re looking to refine your client experience, boost revenue, or make the most of every working hour, these tips will help you get organized and take control of your time. So if you're ready to transform your workflow and build a successful business without burning out, this episode is for you. Let’s get into it!

Watch this episode on Youtube HERE

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Welcome back to The Modern Hairstylist Podcast! As the holiday rush hits, it’s essential to protect your well-being while managing the unique demands this season brings. In this episode, we dive into boundary-setting strategies that every independent hairstylist should have in their toolkit to prevent burnout and keep the focus on what matters most. We’ll talk about the importance of taking time for yourself, effective ways to navigate client and family requests without stretching yourself too thin, and tips for creating a holiday schedule that honors both your business goals and personal needs.

This episode is packed with tips for managing family expectations, using systematized workflows to lighten your load, and practical ways to ensure your energy is balanced even during the busiest weeks. Whether you're already feeling the holiday hustle or just want to create a more manageable season, this episode will help you stay grounded and in control. You deserve a restful holiday season – let's make it happen!

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The holiday season is officially upon us, and for many beauty professionals, it's the busiest time of year. But does busy have to mean burnout? In this special re-air, we dive into how to maximize your profit during the holidays—without working more hours or sacrificing your well-being.

In this episode, we’ll unpack why this time of year brings such a rush of clients and why it’s not just about working harder to make more money. We’ll discuss key strategies that focus on using what you already have in place—your current clients, retail products, and smart marketing—to bring in more revenue without adding extra days to your schedule.

If you’re ready to reframe your approach this holiday season and stop sacrificing your personal time for extra income, this episode is for you. We’ll also talk about leveraging sales psychology, creating a festive but inclusive client experience, and why understanding the value of your time is essential for sustainable business growth.

Tune in to learn how you can make this holiday season your most profitable one yet, without the holiday hustle taking over your life!

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As we approach 2025, client expectations are shifting, and independent hairstylists need to be prepared. In this episode, I dive into the latest trends shaping our industry, including the importance of price transparency and how to adapt your pricing strategy to build trust. We’ll also explore how creating content that connects directly with your clients’ pain points can set you apart, and why showcasing your salon experience might not be as effective as you think.

On top of that, we touch on the role of sustainability in salons. Is it essential to go eco-friendly, or does it depend on your ideal client? I’ll help you decide how to align your practices with the values that matter most to your clients.

Whether you’re focused on improving your online presence, enhancing client communication, or rethinking your service offerings, this episode offers key strategies to help you grow and thrive in the evolving beauty industry.

Tune in to learn what it takes to stay ahead in 2025 and ensure you’re meeting the rising demands of your clients.

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In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia dives deep into a game-changing topic that many hairstylists overlook: the massive potential of selling retail products and add-ons. Hunter starts by asking a thought-provoking question: What would an extra $10,000 in revenue do for you? He emphasizes that this isn't a distant dream, but an achievable reality by spending just a few extra minutes with each client.

Key Takeaways:

1. Why Stylists Avoid Retail and Add-Ons: Hunter notes that whenever he brings up retail and add-ons, the episode typically gets fewer downloads. Why? Stylists are missing out on one of the most essential opportunities to grow their income and impact client retention and satisfaction.
2. Maximizing Your Average Ticket: The heart of the episode focuses on raising the average ticket—how much a client spends per appointment. Hunter breaks it down with easy-to-understand math: Selling just one $25 shampoo or offering a $25 add-on can increase your income by an extra $10K annually. He reminds listeners that it's not about working more hours but making the hours you work more profitable.
3. The Power of Retail Sales: Selling retail is a high-return, low-time investment that can generate significant revenue. Spending five minutes discussing a product can earn you more per hour than most services. Hunter stresses that retail isn’t just about more money in your pocket—it's about offering clients solutions and helping them maintain gorgeous hair between appointments.
4. The Added Benefits of Retail and Add-ons:
   • Higher Client Retention: Clients who are equipped with the right products will think of you every time they use them, leading to better loyalty and retention.
   • Improved Service Outcomes: When clients use the right products at home, it makes your job easier and produces better results.
   • Organic Referrals: Happy clients with great-looking hair naturally become walking advertisements for your business.
5. Making Retail & Add-ons Work for You: Hunter lays out a plan to incorporate retail and add-ons seamlessly into your routine:
   • Choose a product line you genuinely believe in and that aligns with your service style.
   • Offer valuable, time-efficient add-ons that enhance the client's experience.
   • Create a consistent sales routine, seamlessly recommending products throughout the entire appointment—not just at the end.
   • Utilize affiliate links and online retail options to generate passive income even when clients aren’t in the chair.
6. Actionable Challenge: Hunter ends the episode with a challenge: look at your upcoming week, pick one client, and plan which products and add-ons you’ll recommend. Set a goal, stay persistent, and don’t be discouraged by initial "no’s." Remember, consistency is key!

Ready to increase your revenue without working more hours? Dive into this episode for actionable tips on how to maximize your client appointments by selling retail and add-ons. Whether you're looking to pay off debt, take a vacation, or reinvest in your business, this strategy could be your golden ticket.

Listen to the full episode now and start transforming your business!

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LEARN MORE ABOUT PRE-VISIT PATHWAY

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia breaks down the key challenges hairstylists face in their journey to success and how adopting systems and automations can revolutionize their careers. Whether you're just starting out or navigating the next level of your business, understanding these two critical phases will help you achieve true work-life balance and sustainable wealth.

Episode Highlights:

1. The Two Phases of Struggle for Hairstylists

Hunter discusses the two major phases every hairstylist must navigate on the road to success:

• Phase 1: Growing your clientele. The biggest challenge here is standing out in a saturated market, especially with the rise of digital platforms like Instagram, Google, and YouTube, where clients have endless options.
• Phase 2: Scaling your success. Once you’ve built a strong client base, the focus shifts to managing communication, increasing demand, and balancing client expectations with your available time.

2. Challenges in Growing a Clientele (Phase 1)

Growing a clientele in today's beauty industry is more challenging than ever. Here's why:

• Increased competition: Clients have more access to hairstylists through online platforms and apps. Finding new clients and standing out can feel like an uphill battle.
• Educated competition: New hairstylists are coming into the field with business and marketing acumen, making it tougher for everyone.
• DIY hair care products and influencers: Clients are bombarded with DIY hair care solutions through brands and influencers, making it harder to keep them loyal to your services.

3. Challenges in Scaling Success (Phase 2)

When hairstylists move into phase two, new struggles arise:

• High client communication demands: Clients today expect rapid responses. Studies show 68% of customers leave a business due to poor customer service, and a “fast” response is considered within 10 minutes.
• Post-pandemic scheduling issues: Clients are busier than ever, leading to pressure on hairstylists to work unfavorable hours.
• Losing 20% of your clientele annually: Due to natural attrition, hairstylists need to consistently welcome new clients to maintain growth, even if it feels impossible with a fully booked schedule.

4. The Importance of Time and Systems

Hunter emphasizes that the common issue across both phases is time. Without enough time to focus on business growth, personal life, and self-care, hairstylists face burnout. The solution? Implementing automations and systems. By streamlining your workflow, you can:

• Regain control of your schedule
• Enhance your clients' experience
• Meet the fast-paced demands of today’s customers without sacrificing your work-life balance

5. Leveraging Automations and Systems

Drawing insights from Fortune 500 companies, Hunter shares that 90% of businesses believe in automating processes to meet evolving customer needs. This automation revolution isn't just for big corporations—hairstylists can harness these tools to stay competitive and avoid burnout.

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Have a question for Hunter? A topic you'd like him to talk about? Feedback? Text us here!

 In this special episode, Hunter Donia takes us behind the scenes of his signature program, PreVisit Pathway (PVP), which has helped over a thousand hairstylists streamline and automate their beauty businesses. With doors to the program reopening, Hunter shares exclusive audio from the three most popular modules that students rave about. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the concept of automation in your beauty business, this episode is packed with actionable insights that will elevate your client experience and help you achieve work-life balance.

https://hunterdonia.com/pvp

Key Segments:

1. [00:00] Introduction to PreVisit Pathway
   • Hunter introduces the PreVisit Pathway and the transformational impact it has had on beauty professionals. He emphasizes how PVP allows hairstylists to streamline operations, set boundaries, and deliver a next-level client experience without being overwhelmed by manual processes.
2. [02:21] Module 1: Experience Customization Form
   • Discover how to implement a digital form that enhances the salon experience for every client. This form allows clients to share their preferences (like chat level or additional services), ensuring a personalized and seamless experience. Hunter also walks through the technical setup using JotForm and shares success stories from PVP alumni.
3. [08:58] Module 2: First Service Consultation Form
   • Learn how to create a consultation form that automates new client onboarding and ensures the right clients book the right services. This module covers how to set boundaries, deny non-ideal clients, and streamline the consultation process to save time while providing an exceptional intake experience.
4. [13:24] Module 3: Client-Only App
   • Hunter explains the creation of a web-based app exclusively for existing clients. This app allows clients to book services, access resources, and view service menus. Hunter shares his personal success with this tool and explains why it's key to removing the online booking link from public view, improving client management and privacy.
5. [17:40] Conclusion & Full Program Overview
   • Hunter gives a brief summary of all eight modules in the PreVisit Pathway, from onboarding to scaling your business with data-driven decisions. He encourages listeners to join the program and offers details on how to enroll.

Takeaways:

• Automating your beauty business enhances the client experience and helps you manage your time effectively.
• The PreVisit Pathway's tools, like the Experience Customization Form and Client-Only App, set you up for long-term success by improving both client satisfaction and operational efficiency.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PRE-VISIT PATHWAY

PVP Testimonials - https://hunterdonia.com/pvp

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Welcome back to The Modern Hairstylist podcast! Today, we’re diving into a topic that can make or break your client relationships—response time. In a world where instant communication is expected, being slow to respond to new or existing clients can cost you business. But here's the thing: you don't need to be available 24/7 to provide great customer service. Instead, it's all about leveraging the right tools to respond quickly while keeping your boundaries intact.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through smart strategies to speed up your response times without sacrificing your work-life balance. From using digital assets like a personalized client app to automating frequently asked questions, I share the exact systems you need to ensure clients feel taken care of—even when you're off the clock. You’ll also learn how to streamline your client communication, set up auto-responders across platforms, and use digital consultation forms to collect all the info you need upfront.

If you want to provide a top-tier client experience without being glued to your phone, this episode is for you. You’ll leave with actionable steps to respond faster, retain clients longer, and eliminate the overwhelm of managing inquiries.

So if you’re ready to boost your efficiency and keep clients happy without burning out, tune in now!

Watch the episode on Youtube

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