Suite Independence | Building a Thriving Beauty Business Podcast By Kristin Kienzle cover art

Suite Independence | Building a Thriving Beauty Business

Suite Independence | Building a Thriving Beauty Business

By: Kristin Kienzle
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Welcome to Suite Independence, the podcast designed exclusively for established beauty professionals ready to transform their careers and build the salon business of their dreams. Hosted by industry veteran Kristin Kienzle, founder of Utopia Modern Salon Suites, this show is your essential guide to thriving independently in the beauty world. Kristin, with over 34 years of experience, understands the unique challenges and incredible opportunities you face. She created Utopia to be a supportive, inspiring community where independent beauty professionals can flourish, and this podcast extends that mission directly to you. Forget the styling tips; we're diving deep into the business and personal development aspects that truly empower your success. Each episode offers insight, inspiration, and clarity to help you succeed and build your career in a healthy way. Whether you're looking to grow your client base, refine your business strategy, enhance your financial literacy, prioritize your well-being, or ultimately own your own salon, Kristin shares the wisdom and actionable advice you need. Join a community dedicated to empowering beauty professionals to reach their full potential, ensuring their businesses thrive and afford them the lifestyle they desire. Tune into Suite Independence and start building the vibrant career and fulfilling life you deserve.2025 Kristin Kienzle Art Career Success Decorative Arts & Design Economics
Episodes
  • Unlocking the Power of Branding and Marketing with Ashlyn and Avery

    Unlocking the Power of Branding and Marketing with Ashlyn and Avery
    Mar 23 2026
    What if great branding could actually do the selling for you — before a single client ever walks through your door?That's exactly what branding photographer Ashlyn Dettwiler (Ashlyn Faith Branding) and marketing strategist Avery Hittle (Set Theory Marketing) are doing for beauty professionals and small business owners in Wichita. These two high school friends turned business partners have built a one-stop shop that pairs high-end brand photography with strategic social media marketing — so you never have to wonder what to do with your photos again. We talk about why your social media presence is your first impression, what brands like Apple and Rodan + Fields do that you should be doing too, and why growing too fast (or charging too much too soon) can actually hurt you. Plus: the raw truth about the early years when the numbers just weren't adding up.HighlightsYour Instagram page is your first impression — and if it's empty, unclear, or full of stock photos, you're losing clients before they ever meet youGreat branding isn't just a logo: it's the world you invite your customers to be a part of (the Apple example is one you won't forget)Photography and marketing strategy working together creates seamless, consistent content — no more photos sitting unused on a hard driveThe importance of niching down and being findable when someone searches for exactly what you offerAnalytics aren't just numbers — they show you what's working, what isn't, and how to prove ROI on your marketing investmentThe average consumer has to see something seven times before they purchase — and strategy is what makes those seven impressions happenWhy branding also attracts the right clients — and gives you permission to say no to the wrong onesPaying your dues: the honest truth about starting low and trusting the processMarketing as an investment, not an expense — and how to prove it with real ROI dataChapters0:00 — Introduction: Branding & Marketing0:57 — Ashlyn's Origin Story: From Senior Photos to Branding2:16 — Avery's Journey: Nursing School to MBA to Marketing3:33 — How They Teamed Up4:04 — The Light Bulb Moment: Clients Weren't Using Their Photos5:30 — Creating the One-Stop Shop Package7:27 — Matching Visual Style to Your Brand8:58 — Brand Worlds and the Apple Example10:24 — Why Beauty Pros Should Invest in Branding14:52 — Using Photos Beyond Instagram: Decor, Billboards, Pamphlets17:44 — Consistency Builds Trust and Business Growth20:10 — Patience, Pricing, and Paying Your Dues23:17 — Branding for Beauty Professionals Specifically24:41 — Standing Out on Social Media in a Saturated Market27:02 — Niche Down and Get Found in Search28:31 — Why Analytics Matter (and Most People Ignore Them)31:41 — Ads, Repetition, and the Psychology of Buyer Behavior33:23 — Showing Clients Their ROI and Growth35:06 — Marketing as an Investment, Not an Expense37:11 — Credibility, Education, and Why It Matters Who You Hire39:43 — Their Collab Content Packages: 4-Month, 8-Month, and Year Options41:58 — The New Done-For-You Full Social Media Management Option44:28 — Partner Perks: Spray Tans, Hair, Makeup & More46:20 — Wrap Up & How to ConnectResources & MentionsAshlyn Faith Branding — Instagram: @ashlynfaithbranding | Website: https://ashlynfaithphotography.com/Set Theory Marketing — Instagram: @settheorymarketing | Website: settheorymarketing.comMeadow Med Spa (Mackenzie) — mentioned as a standout example of consistent, growth-focused branding: https://www.meadowaesthetics.com/Brows by B / Brow Battalion — referenced as an excellent example of recognizable, well-invested branding: https://shopbrowsbyb.com/Brit Siva — beauty industry business coach: https://www.brittseva.com/To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!
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    48 mins
  • Taking the Leap | From Finance to Aesthetics with Savannah Tasset

    Taking the Leap | From Finance to Aesthetics with Savannah Tasset
    Mar 9 2026

    What does it take to leave corporate stability for the uncertain path of entrepreneurship? Just a month ago, Savannah Tasset was a financial analyst at Koch Industries. Today, she's running her own aesthetics business at Utopia. Her story shows that sometimes the riskiest move is staying where you're unhappy—and that a finance degree can be your secret weapon in the beauty industry.


    Highlights


    • Why Savannah graduated high school a year early to pursue aesthetics school at 17
    • How her finance degree from K State became an unexpected advantage for business ownership
    • The moment she realized spreadsheets weren't her calling—and what pulled her back to skincare
    • Setting up an LLC, choosing Image Skincare, and building Serenity Skin Studio from scratch
    • Why dermaplaning is oddly satisfying (and her favorite service to perform)
    • The difference between clients seeking results vs. relaxation—and why reading those cues matters
    • Her advice for anyone stuck in a corporate job while dreaming of a passion career


    Chapters


    0:00 Meet Savannah Tasset
    1:11 Early Aesthetics Journey
    2:57 Finance Path and Koch
    5:47 Called Back to Skin
    7:50 Starting From Scratch
    8:33 Client Experience Philosophy
    10:48 Building the Studio
    14:24 LLC and Systems Setup
    16:31 Why Dermaplaning Works
    17:48 Ideal Client Results
    20:06 Services Menu Breakdown
    23:40 Consultations and Trust
    27:28 Advice and Wrap Up


    Resources Mentioned

    • Image Skincare
      • The professional skincare product line Savannah uses in her studio
    • Gloss Genius
      • The booking and credit card processing system for her business
    • Serenity Skin Studio on Instagram
      • Savannah's business Instagram
    • Serenity Skin Studio on Facebook
      • Savannah's business Facebook page


    To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!


    If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!
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    31 mins
  • Less is More | How Pam Edmondson Proves Bigger Isn't Always Better

    Less is More | How Pam Edmondson Proves Bigger Isn't Always Better
    Feb 23 2026

    What if the secret to success in your beauty business isn't growing bigger, but getting smarter about who you serve? After 20 years in the aesthetics industry—including 11 years running a seven-room spa—I made the bold decision to close my doors and return to solo practice. The result? More clients, better income, and the freedom to take a 10-day sailing trip to the Virgin Islands. I'm sharing the mindset shifts, business strategies, and hard-won lessons that transformed my career from stressed-out spa owner to thriving solo esthetician and business coach.


    Highlights


    • Why I closed my successful seven-room spa to become a solo esthetician again

    • The unexpected result: gaining 28 new clients in my first year at Utopia

    • How identifying your ideal client changes everything (and why most estheticians skip this step)

    • The #1 obstacle holding beauty professionals back: fear and self-doubt

    • Why "bigger is better" is a myth that nearly burned me out

    • Client retention secrets: why keeping clients is easier than finding new ones

    • Competition anxiety: why you literally have no competition when you own your niche

    • The power of repetitive communication (and why clients need to hear things multiple times)

    • How I built a business that lets me take 3-week vacations without stress


    Chapters


    [0:49] Meet Pam Edmondson: A Journey in Aesthetics

    [2:47] Challenges and Changes Post-COVID

    [4:06] Transition to Utopia: A New Beginning

    [4:47] The Unexpected Growth and Benefits

    [7:42] Pam's Coaching Business: Helping Other Estheticians

    [10:05] Success Stories and Coaching Insights

    [15:28] Mindset and Overcoming Fear

    [18:28] Personal Freedom and Adventures

    [19:03] Returning from Vacation: The Importance of Communication

    [20:42] Defining Success in Business

    [21:12] The Reality of Building a Business

    [23:10] Transitioning from Spa Owner to Solo Practitioner

    [26:36] Embracing a Niche and Authentic Client Relationships

    [28:33] The Challenge of Client Retention

    [34:12] Overcoming Competition Anxiety

    [36:54] Conclusion and Contact Information


    Resources Mentioned


    • Evergreen Skin Studio - Pam's esthetics practice - https://www.evergreenskinstudio.com

    • Professional Coaching for Estheticians - Available through Pam's website at https://www.evergreenskinstudio.com or Instagram @evergreenskinstudio


    To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!


    If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!
    Show more Show less
    38 mins
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