In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia speaks to impact driven beauty professionals who feel torn between doing good and getting paid. If headlines about billionaires and broken systems have made you second guess your pricing or feel guilty about profit, this conversation will help you separate ethical business from harmful practices so you can protect your livelihood and still show up for your community. With guest Jodie Brown, Hunter breaks down the real differenc...
Aug 11, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 195
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia walks you through the 2025 booking‑software landscape, breaking down why the “best” platform isn’t about the cheapest subscription or flashiest AI feature, but about how well it actually works for you and your clients. Hunter compares today’s most talked about systems, shares the must have features that still get overlooked (hello, two‑way Google Calendar!), and explains why some all‑in‑one add‑ons may do more harm than good. You’ll...
Aug 04, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 194
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast Hunter Donia and cohost Jodie Brown unpack the psychology that makes a seventy‑five dollar Labubu doll sold‑out Addison Rae tickets and a last minute Yosemite campsite feel worth every penny, then translate those same forces into booking and pricing strategies behind the chair. From limited booking windows that nudge indecisive clients to click “Book Now,” to the hidden cost of broadcasting every open slot, Hunter shares quick tweaks that turn FO...
Jul 28, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 193
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter sits down with independent, brand‑agnostic educator Brenda Amaral to unpack the chemistry truths that help stylists cut waste, get predictable results, and stop fear‑buying shelves full of “just in case” tubes. Brenda pulls back the curtain on the tariff panic, “stock up now” messaging, and ammonia‑free buzzwords that keep colorists spending more than they need to. From why endless glazing can actually speed up fading, to putting the “fil...
Jul 21, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 192
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown break down one of the most common mistakes stylists make when trying to grow their clientele, and how it could be stopping new clients from ever finding you. As more stylists aim to stand out with unique service offerings and specialties, it’s easy to get caught up in niche language, trendy techniques, or add-on services that don’t actually speak to what your dream client is looking for. Hunter shares why focusing to...
Jul 14, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 191
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown open up about the all-too-familiar experience of building your beauty business from a place of fear, and how to shift toward something more empowering and sustainable. From spiraling over client feedback to making reactive business decisions, Hunter shares his personal mindset struggles as an entrepreneur and the hard lessons that came from letting scarcity lead the way. Together, Hunter and Jodie unpack how high-str...
Jul 07, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 190
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown unpack one of the biggest challenges stylists are facing in 2025: feeling maxed out with nothing to show for it. If you’re working nonstop but your income, energy, or momentum aren’t growing—it’s probably not because you’re lazy. It’s because you’re spending your time in the wrong places (and no one ever taught you what the right ones are). Hunter breaks down how to start treating your time like your most valuable re...
Jun 30, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 189
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown talk through a deep dive into the real way hairstylists should be using AI in their business and what to avoid if you want your content to still sound like you . After airing out their AI frustrations in a recent episode, " Why ChatGPT is Trash ," Hunter and Jodie are back with a more strategic conversation about how tools like ChatGPT can actually save you time and make your marketing easier—without compromising you...
Jun 23, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 188
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia is joined by the one and only J Ladner for a fiery and empowering conversation about the real key to working faster behind the chair— confidence-led efficiency . If you’re constantly running behind, overfoiling to “prove” yourself, or stuck in outdated techniques that are burning you out—this episode is your wake-up call. Jay breaks down why overthinking, bloated service menus, and “baby light syndrome” are slowing so many stylists ...
Jun 16, 2025•31 min•Season 1Ep. 187
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia is joined by Lisa Huff and Jodie Brown for a brutally honest (and hilarious) conversation about the risks and realities of using ChatGPT and AI tools in your beauty business. If you’ve ever wondered whether AI is helping or hurting your brand voice, marketing, and client experience—this episode is for you. Together, they unpack the ways stylists are leaning too heavily on automation, how AI-written content is starting to look and fe...
Jun 09, 2025•42 min•Season 1Ep. 186
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and branding educator Jodie Brown dig into an emotional but all-too-relatable topic: imposter syndrome. Even after you've built a thriving business, hit major milestones, or earned respect in the industry—why does that self-doubt still creep in? This episode takes an honest look at how imposter syndrome evolves (not disappears) as you grow, and how your fear of judgment, failure, or “losing it all” can feel even louder once you...
Jun 02, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 185
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 schedul...
May 26, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 184
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...
May 19, 2025•54 min•Season 1Ep. 183
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 seas...
May 12, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 182
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 ...
May 05, 2025•16 min•Season 1Ep. 181
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 j...
Apr 28, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 180
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 Ins...
Apr 24, 2025•21 min•Season 1Ep. 179
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...
Apr 21, 2025•32 min•Season 1Ep. 178
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. Fr...
Apr 14, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 177
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 expe...
Apr 07, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 176
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 “departmen...
Mar 31, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 175
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown dives into one of the most emotionally charged topics for independent hairstylists: raising your prices. If you’ve ever felt guilty, nervous, or totally unsure about how to raise your rates—especially in uncertain times—this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to increase your pricing the right way. Hunter breaks down how to navigate the emotional side of price increases, how to communicate with clients (wi...
Mar 24, 2025•22 min•Season 1Ep. 174
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia shares the full process of how he built a fully booked salon suite in just three months, even after relocating to a completely new area with no existing clientele. If you’re an independent hairstylist looking to fill your books fast—without burnout—this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you do just that. From niching down the right way to creating a client experience that fuels referrals, Hunter breaks down ...
Mar 17, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 173
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia is joined by marketing expert Jodie Brown to break down exactly how independent hairstylists can position themselves to stand out in a saturated market — and confidently charge premium prices in 2025. With client expectations evolving and competition fiercer than ever, offering great hair isn’t enough. Hunter shares the strategies that elevate your client experience, increase your perceived value, and create a luxury feel that...
Mar 10, 2025•19 min•Season 1Ep. 172
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia and marketing expert Jodie Brown tackle a hot topic in the hairstylist community—should independent hairstylists consider returning to commission salons? With rising burnout, increasing client expectations, and the ever-growing responsibilities of running a business, some stylists are wondering if the structure and support of a commission salon might be the better path. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure of being ...
Mar 03, 2025•25 min•Season 1Ep. 171
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia and marketing expert Jodie Brown to dive into the must-have skills for hairstylists to thrive in 2025. From streamlining client communication to embracing technology and setting healthy boundaries, they cover everything you need to stay relevant and protect your energy while delivering an outstanding client experience. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by rising client expectations, constant DMs, and juggling it all behind the cha...
Feb 24, 2025•18 min•Season 1Ep. 170
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia and marketing expert Jodie Brown break down why specializing as a hairstylist isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity for success in 2025. The days of trying to appeal to everyone are over. If you want to attract high-quality clients, build long-term loyalty, and grow your income year over year, niching down is the key. Hunter and Jodie dive into what it really means to specialize (hint: it’s not just about technique), how to posi...
Feb 17, 2025•16 min•Season 1Ep. 169
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia sits down with hairstylist marketing expert and co-host Jodie Brown to break down what it really takes to stand out as a hairstylist in 2025. With social media becoming more saturated than ever, simply posting pretty hair pictures isn’t enough to attract and book your dream clients. Hunter shares the most effective strategies for cutting through the noise, building trust with potential clients, and using social media as a powe...
Feb 10, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 168
In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , host Hunter Donia sits down with branding expert and creative director Marisa Burgett to talk all things branding photoshoots —why they matter, how to make them truly represent your brand, and how to make the process fun instead of overwhelming. If you've been putting off getting professional branding photos because you're unsure about the investment, nervous about being in front of the camera, or just don’t know where to start—this episode is ...
Feb 03, 2025•28 min•Season 1Ep. 167
Retention isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept, especially for hairstylists running unique business models. In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast , we’re challenging the traditional ideas of success and diving into why a low-retention clientele doesn’t have to mean low revenue—or failure. If you’ve ever wondered how to make the most out of clients who only see you once or twice, this episode is for you. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Real Deal on Retention: Why retention rates v...
Jan 27, 2025•18 min•Season 1Ep. 167
