Beyond The Technique Podcast

If you were starting over in the beauty industry, what would make a salon truly worth choosing? In this episode, Kati Whitledge shares the six qualities she would prioritize, including commission-based earning potential, ongoing education, an inspiring service menu, quality products, a clean environment, and exceptional communication. She explains why these elements help beauty professionals grow their careers while feeling seen, supported, and connected to their salon's culture. Whether you're searching for your next salon home or hoping to attract outstanding talent, this conversation will help you recognize—and create—a workplace where people can thrive. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/RWzIEu0m7Bs GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! https://joinmya.com LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge Get my favorite bio-hacking products: https://www.best365labs.com/?ref=tojxxlga

What does it take to build a salon business that can withstand change, team turnover, and unexpected challenges? Rachel Gower, president and CEO of Houston's award-winning salon The Upper Hand, shares how consistent recruiting, a strong apprenticeship program, and strategic marketing have fueled decades of success. She reveals why salon owners must continually evaluate what's working, release what isn't, and create systems that keep the business moving forward when employees or circumstances change. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, adaptation, and the determination to never give up. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/u4_IFRfdkF0 GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! https://joinmya.com/ FOLLOW RACHEL GOWER Website: https://theupperhand.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachel.gower LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge Get my favorite bio-hacking products: https://www.best365labs.com/?ref=tojxxlga SPONSORS Earn more and get your time back with GlossGenius. Use code BEYOND at http://glossgenius.com/beyondthetechnique for 50% off your first two months of a premium plan.

You don't have to wait for a new year to reevaluate your life, raise your standards, and pursue meaningful new goals. In this episode, Kati explores seven key areas of well-being—financial, career, family, social, physical, intellectual, and spiritual—and explains how to determine which deserve your greatest focus in this season. Drawing from her personal transformation, she shares why lasting change requires burning the ships, establishing nonnegotiable routines, eliminating distractions, and intentionally choosing what to say yes and no to. You'll be encouraged to envision the person you want to become, turn that vision into an actionable plan, and confidently go all in—one intentional step at a time. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/XnPah8KgkW8 GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! https://joinmya.com/ LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge Get my favorite bio-hacking products: https://www.best365labs.com/?ref=tojxxlga

What began as a side hustle in a Santa Monica apartment has grown into SUGARED + BRONZED, a nationally recognized beauty brand with 50 corporate-owned locations. Co-founder and president Courtney Claghorn shares how an unwavering focus on client comfort, strategic locations, intentional hiring, and disciplined spending helped turn a simple solution into a scalable business. She also reveals what salon and spa owners should consider before expanding, from market demographics and operational capacity to real estate, construction, funding, and potential cannibalization. Tune in for an honest, inspiring look at thoughtful growth—and the small decisions that can make a major difference in your bottom line. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/K_H_GrALKtY GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! https://joinmya.com/ FOLLOW SUGARED + BRONZED Website: https://sugaredandbronzed.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugaredandbronzed LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge Get my favorite bio-hacking products: https://www.best365labs.com/?ref=tojxxlga

Building a successful beauty career starts with putting in the time, gaining experience, and making yourself available when clients need you most. In this episode, Kati shares why new stylists and service providers should embrace model calls, volunteer opportunities, advanced education, networking, and consistent social media marketing. You'll learn how repetition strengthens your craft, relationships create unexpected opportunities, and early effort can lead to greater freedom later in your career. Tune in to discover the practical steps you can take now to build a loyal clientele and create a sustainable, long-term career in the beauty industry. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/3GO5ltCfCXo GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! https://joinmya.com/ LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge Get my favorite bio-hacking products: https://www.best365labs.com/?ref=tojxxlga

Managing your salon team shouldn't require juggling group texts, emails, social media, and multiple apps. In this episode, Kati welcomes Salon Symphony founder Antonio Stanley to share how his all-in-one platform brings team communication, training, events, goals, tasks, resources, onboarding, and more into one organized space. Discover how leading salon brands are using technology to strengthen communication, simplify operations, improve recruiting, and keep everyone on the same page as they grow. If you're ready to eliminate communication chaos and manage your team more efficiently, this conversation will inspire you to embrace a smarter way of working. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/YgQukbtY6dc GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! https://joinmya.com FOLLOW SALON SYMPHONY Website: https://salonsymphonysoftware.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salonsymphonyapp LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge Get my favorite bio-hacking products: https://www.best365labs.com/?ref=tojxxlga SPONSORS Earn more and get your time back with GlossGenius. Use code BEYOND at glossgenius.com/beyondthetechnique for 50% off your first two months of a premium plan.

Pressure can sharpen your focus, strengthen your performance, and inspire growth—but when it becomes constant, it can threaten your health, relationships, and leadership. In this episode, Kati shares lessons from her own transition out of salon ownership while exploring how anxiety, stress, fear, overwhelm, and pressure affect salon and spa leaders. You'll learn why pressure paired with adequate resources creates a healthy challenge, while pressure without enough preparation, recovery, support, or time becomes a threat. Walk away with a practical framework for recognizing your limits, regulating your response, asking for help, and taking the next best step. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/tREATyLhs_M GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! https://joinmya.com LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique mya Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge Get my favorite bio-hacking products: https://www.best365labs.com/?ref=tojxxlga SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org

AI is transforming the front desk, and salon and spa owners can now deliver immediate, personalized support without overwhelming their teams. In this episode, conversation designer Jyoti Iyer introduces Brook, a virtual assistant that manages calls, texts, website chats, appointment bookings, and client requests—even after hours. Discover how the right AI can eliminate voicemail, prevent missed opportunities, reduce booking friction, and provide measurable insight into your return on investment. You'll also learn what to look for when choosing an AI platform and how this technology can create a calmer team, a smoother guest experience, and a more efficient business. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/XA_t0we7O4o GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! https://joinmya.com FOLLOW BROOK Website: https://www.iambrook.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookbyrozie LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique mya Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge Get my favorite bio-hacking products: https://www.best365labs.com/?ref=tojxxlga SPONSORS In-Person Masterclass for Salon Owners: Register now to take advantage of the early bird savings! Go to http://eventbrite.com/e/roadmap-to-salon-success-an-in-person-masterclass-for-salon-owners-tickets-1990691675389 Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org

Your greatest weakness may actually be one of your greatest strengths—simply overused, misused, or applied in the wrong context. In this episode, Kati explores how qualities like communication, confidence, loyalty, optimism, decisiveness, and adaptability can create powerful results but also damage trust and relationships when left unchecked. You'll learn a practical four-step process to name, notice, neutralize, and redirect these behaviors with greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence. Whether you lead a salon, spa, med spa, or simply want to grow personally and professionally, this conversation will help you steward your strengths wisely and become the best version of yourself. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/iRJ4sjLchWk GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! https://joinmya.com/ LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique mya Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge Get my favorite bio-hacking products: https://www.best365labs.com/?ref=tojxxlga SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org

In this inspiring episode, Kati sits down with salon owner and educator Kelley Martell to explore her 22-year journey of creativity, resilience, and continual growth in the beauty industry. Kelley shares why salon owners must remain humble, stay present with their teams, and recognize the talent and fresh perspectives emerging from today's newest hairstylists. She also encourages beauty professionals to pursue education, overcome imposter syndrome, embrace opportunities, and remember that success reflects the effort invested in mastering their craft. From navigating serious health challenges to making bold business pivots, Kelley's story is a powerful reminder that setbacks can become opportunities to regroup, evolve, and move forward stronger. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/pdJO4aOhBgU GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! https://joinmya.com/ FOLLOW Website: https://www.facebook.com/somethingfiercellc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somethingfiercehair LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge Get my favorite bio-hacking products: https://www.best365labs.com/?ref=tojxxlga SPONSORS GlossGenius: Earn more and get your time back with GlossGenius. Use code BEYOND at http://glossgenius.com/beyondthetechnique for 50% off your first two months of a premium plan. Join PBA: https://www.probeauty.org

Your brain is wired to notice problems, but constantly focusing on what's wrong can stall progress, exhaust leaders, and create a fearful salon or spa culture. In this episode, Kati explores the difference between pessimism, blind optimism, and realistic optimism—and shares how effective leaders face the facts, focus on what they can control, and believe improvement is possible. You'll learn how to interrupt negative thought patterns, recognize harmful "absolute language," celebrate meaningful wins, and expect solution-minded leadership from your team. Walk away with practical questions that will help you address challenges without allowing them to overshadow everything that's already going right. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/PxfsZWjw36k GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! https://joinmya.com/ LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge Get my favorite bio-hacking products: https://www.best365labs.com/?ref=tojxxlga SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org

What if understanding why you lead the way you do could transform how you connect with your team? Certified Enneagram coach and salon owner Jennifer Culverhouse reveals how the Enneagram goes beyond surface-level behaviors to uncover the motivations, strengths, fears, and patterns driving each of us. Discover how greater self-awareness can help salon and spa owners navigate conflict, appreciate different personalities, and recognize when their greatest strengths become leadership blind spots. You'll walk away encouraged to move beyond autopilot, lead with conscious intention, and view the people who challenge you as opportunities for growth. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/A0FaH65dM4k GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! https://joinmya.com FOLLOW JENNIFER CULVERHOUSE Website: https://myportal.summitsalon.com/course/enneagram-series-jennifer-culverhouse Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/jennifer_enneagram_guide LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge Get my favorite bio-hacking products: https://www.best365labs.com/?ref=tojxxlga SPONSORS In-Person Masterclass for Salon Owners: Register now to take advantage of the early bird savings! Go to http://eventbrite.com/e/roadmap-to-salon-success-an-in-person-masterclass-for-salon-owners-tickets-1990691675389 Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org

The most effective salon and spa leaders don't need to be the hero—they become the trusted guide who helps others reach their full potential. In this episode, Kati Whitledge explains how owners can empower their leaders, leaders can develop their teams, and service providers can help clients become the heroes of their own stories. Discover why empathy and authority are essential to effective guidance—and how micromanaging, rescuing, and seeking recognition can limit both your people and your business. If you're ready to create more leaders, release control, and build a company that can thrive without you solving every problem, this episode is for you. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/urJB-PvMt9E GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! joinmya.com LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge Get my favorite bio-hacking products: https://www.best365labs.com/?ref=tojxxlga SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org

The most effective salon and spa leaders don't need to be the hero—they become the trusted guide who helps others reach their full potential. In this episode, Kati Whitledge explains how owners can empower their leaders, leaders can develop their teams, and service providers can help clients become the heroes of their own stories. Discover why empathy and authority are essential to effective guidance—and how micromanaging, rescuing, and seeking recognition can limit both your people and your business. If you're ready to create more leaders, release control, and build a company that can thrive without you solving every problem, this episode is for you. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/urJB-PvMt9E GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! joinmya.com LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/ FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: https://www.best365labs.com/?ref=tojxxlga SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

If you want a new life, a stronger business, or a better future, you must first become someone who believes those outcomes are possible. In this powerful episode, Kati shares how changing her identity helped her overcome lifelong struggles, lose more than 100 pounds, and transform the way she leads and lives. Salon owners and leaders will learn how to replace limiting labels with empowering "I am" statements, trade "I should" for "I must," and take full ownership of their results. Tune in for an honest and motivating reminder that lasting change begins when you envision who you want to become—and consistently start living like that person today. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/vMtSLRFhb8Y GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! joinmya.com LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/ FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

What if happiness wasn't just a personal goal—but a competitive business advantage? In this episode, Heather Bagby shares the powerful Head, Heart, and Hands framework from her new book, Beautiful and Balanced , revealing how emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and consistent action can help salon leaders build stronger teams, develop grit, and create lasting success. If you're looking for the leadership book every salon owner should read, this conversation will challenge the way you think about growth, fulfillment, and building a business that thrives from the inside out. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/ZNPyqreCBoo GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! joinmya.com FOLLOW HEATHER BAGBY Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heatherbagby/ GET HER BOOK: https://a.co/d/0j9FWJ91 LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/ FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE SPONSORS GlossGenius | Manage your business with ease. Use code BEYOND to save 50% on your first 2 months of Gold and Platinum plans: glossgenius.com/beyondthetechnique Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

Are your stylists and service providers building their careers through real-world experiences—or just watching everyone else's on social media? In this episode, Kati challenges salon owners, leaders, hairstylists, and beauty professionals to get out from behind the screen, seek meaningful education, build powerful industry relationships, and place themselves in environments that fuel long-term growth. Discover why proximity to great people, inspiring salons, and transformational experiences will always outperform chasing trends and algorithms. If you're ready to reignite your passion, elevate your career, and create opportunities that social media alone can never provide, this episode is your invitation to get up, get out, and grow. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/DxR5jQzEYLQ GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! joinmya.com LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/ FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

Discover how salon owner and mentor Ashley Vance is leading a movement to heal the beauty industry by addressing burnout, mindset, and the leadership challenges that keep salons from thriving. In this inspiring conversation, Ashley shares her journey from receptionist to multi-location salon owner, why integrity and direct communication are essential for healthy teams, and how salon leaders can create environments where people grow instead of simply surviving. If you're committed to building a stronger culture, developing emotionally resilient professionals, and helping shape a healthier future for our industry, this episode is one you won't want to miss. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/UXtWW2eaauc GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! joinmya.com FOLLOW ASHLEE VANCE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashlee.n.vance/ LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/ FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

Today, your host Kati Whitledge encourages salon and spa owners to leap into the deep end, reminding leaders that building a dream business requires huge faith to face unpredictable unknowns. Drawing from a raw personal story of a failed collaboration and a lawsuit early in her career, Kati reveals how to navigate toxic professional relationships and double down on your determination to succeed. She breaks down why owners must stop overcomplicating operations and instead shift their core focus to nurturing client relationships and inspiring staff to buy into them as a leader. Tune in to learn how to humbly lean on your community during challenging seasons, take daily action, and leverage high-pressure moments to unlock your next level of success. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/tJSihQWs91U GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! joinmya.com LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/ FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

For salon, spa, and beauty industry educators, great facilitation is about more than sharing information—it's about creating experiences that people remember and apply. In this episode, Kati sits down with industry educator and Redken facilitator Mandy McCullough to explore the four pillars of dynamic teaching: visual engagement, auditory engagement, physical engagement, and self-discovery. Whether you're leading team meetings, onboarding new hires, teaching classes, or presenting on stage, you'll learn practical strategies to transform passive learning into active experiences that improve retention, increase participation, and elevate your impact as a leader and educator. WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/6b1YnV_dw_s GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book POWERED BY: JOIN mya! joinmya.com FOLLOW MANDY MCCULOUGH Facilitation Masterclass: https://www.redkenpro.com/education/event-listing/679149-in-person Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancyfinish/ Hiring Experienced Stylists Podcast | Episode 534: https://joinmya.com/podcast/534-hiring-experienced-stylists LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/ FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE SPONSORS GlossGenius | Manage your business with ease. Use code BEYOND to save 50% on your first 2 months of Gold and Platinum plans: glossgenius.com/beyondthetechnique Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/