On this episode of BUILDING & BREAKING, I talk about a TikTok that showed up on my FYP and stopped me in my tracks: a hairstylist working inside a Walmart salon known as @walmarthairstylist

At first glance, I thought it had to be AI. Not because I was judging her. But because I rarely see content that shows this level of care, communication, and client experience coming from a value-based salon on TikTok.

So I watched more. And then I read the comments. Hairdressers, from every business model and market position, from luxury salons to independents, were cheering her on.

Katie is a passionate hairstylist and aspiring content creator. She's intentional. She's thoughtful. And her content isn't about ego or going viral, it's about client experience.

Her TikTok bio says: "Luxury beauty on a budget." And what she's showing us is the fundamentals of building a brand, and that Value isn't only your price point, it's how people feel in your chair.

In This Episode

• Why brand trust is built in the experience, not the marketing
• How Katie embodies the fundamentals of care, trust, and value.
• Why stylists at every price point resonated with her content
• How our industry has lost perspective chasing viral moments and "charge your worth" narratives
• The power of bringing people back to what matters: the client experience

Katie is building a personal brand and creating content, but she's doing it through the lens of service, to both clients, and other hairstylists. Because long term trust isn't built by showing off the work. It's built by showing how you treat people. There is so much our industry can learn, and relearn, from Katie. Be sure to follow and give her lots of love on TikTok @walmarthairstylist And if you are ready to get back to what matters and build a brand that feels aligned and good to you, join me inside MENTORED. Simply tap Subscribe on the @passionsquared Instagram.

Thank you for listening and sharing with your business besties!

Other episodes mentioned: Care, Trust, and Value in 2023 2024: The Year of Perspective for The Salon Industry