Beyond The Technique Podcast

How much should we really trust customer feedback when emotions can change from one moment to the next? In this episode, Kati Whitledge sits down with social scientist, and the CCO for European Wax Center, Katie Mullen to explore the complicated relationship between human emotion, consumer behavior, and the feedback people give businesses. Katie shares why a negative rating may reflect far more than the actual customer experience—and why salon, spa, and beauty business owners need greater context before reacting to every piece of feedback. Tune in to learn how understanding the human behind the response can help you evaluate feedback more objectively and make better decisions for your business.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/9JtX_JbGp5s

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 EUROPEAN WAX CENTER Website: https://waxcenter.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/europeanwax

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 do you do when your salon experiences a walkout or another devastating team loss? In this episode, Kati shares one of the biggest lessons she learned through her own salon walkouts: give yourself space to feel the emotions, but don't stay there—you have to take action. She also explores the important line between being vulnerable with your team and placing an emotional burden on them that isn't theirs to carry. Most importantly, Kati reminds salon owners why relationships with other owners are essential for surviving—and ultimately thriving through—the very best and very hardest seasons of leadership.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/5RzIEVR94EA

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

The beauty industry is facing a serious threat as rising student-loan defaults expose the gap between cosmetology education and sustainable career success. Kati welcomes back Terra Harvell, founder and CEO of Harper Ellis Hair Co. and Strata Salon Systems, to explore why business acumen, financial literacy, and proven career pathways must become part of every stylist's education. Terra shares candid advice for emerging stylists and challenges salon owners to build profitable businesses that create lasting wealth and meaningful opportunities for their teams. Tune in to discover why getting into the right rooms, learning from proven leaders, and setting aside your ego could help secure both your future and the future of the beauty industry.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/4DT5lDGkniA

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 TERRA HARVELL Website: https://stratasalonsystems.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theterraharvell

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.

Are you someone who naturally resists structure, expectations, or doing things simply because "that's how it's done"? In this episode, Kati explores how our natural tendencies can become strengths or stumbling blocks, especially when independence and rebellion keep us from meeting the standards we've set for ourselves. You'll learn why looking to the proven success of others doesn't mean sacrificing your individuality, and how experimentation can help you discover what actually works for you. Whether you're an entrepreneur, innovator, change agent, or independent thinker, this conversation will challenge you to stay open-minded, try before you dismiss, and make choices that move your career and life forward.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/8Qw9MV4e5EY

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

THE FOUR TENDENCIES: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=the+four+tendencies+by+gretchen+rubin&crid=1NVFCOF61XU81&sprefix=the+four+ten%2Caps%2C280&ref=nb_sb_ss_p13n-expert-pd-ops-ranker_ci_hl-bn-left_1_12

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

Are you facing the same team challenges, relying on AI for business answers, or feeling exhausted from making every decision alone? Award-winning salon owner and mentor Celene Dupuis reveals four clear signs that it's time to seek guidance—and why coaching should be the last investment you cut when business gets tough. She and Kati discuss navigating seasons of rebuilding, strengthening salon systems, understanding your finances, and surrounding yourself with people who can help you reach the next level. Tune in for an honest conversation that will help you identify what's holding you back, trust yourself, and take the next right step toward a more profitable and scalable salon.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/qeKE4L8vJWA

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 CELENE DUPUIS Website: https://www.cognitoforms.com/RevampSalonCompany/StrategyCallWithCelene Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celenedupuis

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

Courage isn't something you're born with—it's something you build through practice. In this episode, Kati shares three powerful ways to become less timid: take action before you feel confident, intentionally increase your tolerance for rejection, and get clear about what you want so you can ask for it directly. Through relatable examples for salon owners, leaders, and hairstylists, you'll learn how courageous action can transform everything from difficult conversations and price increases to rebooking, retail recommendations, and career opportunities. If fear of criticism, embarrassment, or hearing "no" has been holding you back, this episode will inspire you to do it scared and start creating the future you truly want.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/o4MH_FinNvM

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

Ready to make this holiday season your most profitable one yet? In this festive episode of Beyond the Technique, host Kati Whitledge catches up with marketing guru Kayla Morgan from Imaginal Marketing Group to unpack strategies that actually drive revenue for salons and spas. Kayla spills all the insider secrets on how to boost cash flow using high-converting retail bounce-backs, interactive "spin-the-wheel" prize games, pre-booking incentives, and VIP-only gift card promotions that protect your bottom line. She also shares actionable tips on hosting memorable holiday open houses, driving local community give-backs, and leveraging cutting-edge Answer Engine Optimization (AEO) to make sure your gift guides pop up when shoppers ask AI for recommendations.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/-LWd6zZgJJ0

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 IMAGINAL MARKETING GROUP Website: https://imaginalmarketing.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/immarketing

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.

Your future isn't shaped by what you want—it's shaped by the behaviors you repeat today. In this episode, Kati explains how your patterns are more predictive than your plans and why meaningful transformation requires personal accountability, patience, and consistent action. You'll learn how to interrupt destructive patterns, create "if-then" responses for predictable triggers, and design an environment that supports the person you want to become. Your past may predict your future, but your past starts today—and one new decision can begin changing your entire direction.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/kmyRzFxvrfc

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

Why do so many salon and spa owners discount their services, avoid raising prices, or hesitate to recommend what their clients truly need? Master coach Brigette Sobus returns to reveal how fear, guilt, people-pleasing, and limiting beliefs can quietly sabotage even the strongest business systems. She shares powerful examples of beauty professionals who increased revenue by addressing the emotional barriers preventing them from confidently selling, leading, and making necessary changes. Tune in to learn why doing the inner work and transforming your relationship with money may be the breakthrough your business needs.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/d_d1J1G2Vik

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 BRIGETTE SOBUS Website: https://powerandjoycoachingacademy.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brigettesobus

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 if the key to greater freedom in your business is simply asking your team one powerful question? In this episode, Kati Whitledge shares how to stop solving every problem and start encouraging team members to bring forward their own proposed solutions. You'll learn how this leadership habit builds confidence, autonomy, trust, and ownership throughout your organization. When you empower your people to run the show, you create stronger leaders—and finally give yourself room to lead.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/vFNITu0vCOY

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

Beauty industry wellness thought leader Elizabeth Faye joins us to share how her journey through burnout, anxiety, and autoimmune challenges transformed the way she approaches success, leadership, and life. She introduces the Vitality Project, a workplace wellness platform designed to help beauty professionals strengthen their mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Discover how salon owners can use education, coaching, personalized insights, and gamified challenges to build healthier cultures, develop stronger leaders, and improve recruitment and retention. This conversation is a powerful reminder that sustainable success begins with caring for yourself and creating an environment where your people can truly thrive.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/DqbODVNeG-U

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 ELIZABETH FAYE Website: https://heyelizabethfaye.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyelizabethfaye

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.

In today's crowded beauty and wellness market, simply offering great services and earning strong reviews is no longer enough to stand out. Salon, spa, and med spa owners now compete not only with established businesses, but also with savvy independent professionals using AI and modern marketing to attract clients. In this episode, Kati Whitledge reveals three essential elements that strengthen your unique selling proposition and make your business truly memorable. Discover why visibility matters, how differentiation drives growth, and what it takes to get—and keep—more clients.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/U8ocsUEixCI

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 happens when a multimillion-dollar salon appears successful but is quietly borrowing money to cover payroll? Atelier Studio owner Anna Johnson shares how a major expansion, rising overhead, and unsustainable staffing costs erased her profits—even while annual revenue remained at $2.6 million. Discover how she used AI-powered financial analysis to restructure compensation, optimize schedules, improve retention, and give her team the accountability they genuinely needed. Anna's remarkable comeback proves that courageous leadership and difficult decisions can transform a struggling business almost overnight.

WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/BcIPqTZRrYA

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 ATELIER SALON Website: https://ateliersalon.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atelieraveda

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

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 http://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