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!
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    38 mins
  • From the NICU to a Private Suite | Balancing Life and Business with Brittany Thomas

    From the NICU to a Private Suite | Balancing Life and Business with Brittany Thomas
    Feb 9 2026

    Would you make a major career change to create space for your family? Today's conversation takes you inside the journey of Brittany Thomas, owner of Rooted Wellness Company, as she shares her path from caring for premature babies to empowering women through hormone optimization and weight loss. We explore the changing landscape of healthcare, the challenges of starting an independent practice, and why functional medicine is revolutionizing how we approach wellness.


    Highlights


    • How 12 years in the NICU shaped Brittany's patient-centered approach to care

    • The personal fertility journey that deepened her connection to hormone therapy

    • Why she chose a suite at Utopia over traditional brick-and-mortar practice

    • The truth about hormone replacement therapy and dispelling the cancer myth

    • How GLP-1 medications are transforming lives beyond weight loss

    • Balancing business ownership with being present for family

    • The hidden time costs of running an independent healthcare practice

    • Why functional medicine focuses on root causes instead of just treating symptoms

    • Real patient success stories: from joint pain to biking with loved ones again

    • How COVID changed the way patients question and engage with healthcare


    Chapters


    [0:34] Welcome and Introduction to Brittany Thomas

    [0:48] Brittany's Background and Education

    [1:40] Journey to Rooted Wellness

    [2:49] Hormones and Personal Connection

    [3:37] Starting the Business at Utopia

    [4:02] Impact and Community at Utopia

    [5:08] Balancing Family and Business

    [7:28] Future Goals and Business Growth

    [8:21] Passion for Helping People

    [9:23] Services Offered by Rooted Wellness

    [11:08] Challenges and Changes in Healthcare

    [15:07] Revenue Generation and Insurance

    [17:15] Challenges with Insurance

    [18:32] Favorite Treatments and Success Stories

    [20:35] Balancing Business and Patient Care

    [25:38] Future Goals and Functional Medicine

    [28:57] Contact Information and Conclusion


    Resources


    • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britt_rootedwellnessco/

    • Facebook: Brittany Thomas Wellness

    • University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) - https://www.uab.edu

    • University of Kansas (KU) Kansas City - https://www.kumc.edu


    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
  • Flexibility and Independence: Desiree Brogan’s Journey with Skin Clique

    Flexibility and Independence: Desiree Brogan’s Journey with Skin Clique
    Jan 26 2026

    What does it take to partner with a national chain while maintaining the freedom to work on your own terms? In this conversation with Desiree Brogan, a nurse practitioner at the Cranbrook Salon, we explore how she's created a successful aesthetic business by partnering with Skin Clique, who provides that support without sacrificing independence. Desiree shares her journey from working in hospitals to offering medical aesthetic services, the benefits of having a national brand behind her while maintaining a personalized boutique experience, and how she's built her practice through authentic relationships and word-of-mouth referrals. Whether you're considering a career in aesthetics or curious about what sets different providers apart, this episode offers valuable insights into building a sustainable practice that prioritizes both patient safety and provider flexibility.


    HIGHLIGHTS


    • How Skin Clique allows providers to work as independent contractors with flexible schedules while providing comprehensive support including charting systems, malpractice coverage, and product inventory

    • The importance of having 700+ colleagues to consult with for complex cases and ongoing support

    • Why moving from a shared space to her own studio increased revenue by 65%

    • The power of vulnerability on social media—sharing her GLP-1 weight loss journey inspired patients to seek help

    • How a $100 referral credit program drives word-of-mouth growth

    • The stepped training protocol that ensures providers build experience safely before advancing to more complex procedures

    • Why treating patients holistically (full face assessment, skincare routine, SPF protection) matters more than just addressing one concern

    • The value of being equipped to handle complications personally rather than handing patients off to another provider


    CHAPTERS


    [0:00] Introduction to Desiree Brogan

    [1:02] Desiree's Role and Services at Skin Clique

    [1:39] Working with Skin Clique: Flexibility and Independence

    [3:42] Training and Support at Skin Clique

    [7:14] Personalized Patient Care

    [12:19] Social Media and Patient Engagement

    [16:54] Referral Program and Events

    [18:17] Transition to a New Location

    [24:53] Safety and Training Protocols

    [26:33] Holistic Approach to Patient Care

    [28:02] Conclusion and Contact Information


    RESOURCES MENTIONED

    • Skin Clique - National aesthetic services company providing support for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and doctors offering medical aesthetic treatments

    https://www.skinclique.com

    • Contact Desiree at Utopia
    https://utopiamodernsalon.com/location/cranbrook/

    • Desiree Brogan on Instagram - @desireebrogan_np

    https://www.instagram.com/desireebrogan_np

    • Desiree Brogan on Facebook

    https://www.facebook.com/desiree.brogan22

    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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    29 mins
  • Beyond Chaos | Building Sustainable Beauty Businesses in 2026

    Beyond Chaos | Building Sustainable Beauty Businesses in 2026
    Jan 12 2026


    Are you ready to make 2026 your most intentional and rewarding year yet?     Discover how independent beauty professionals are redefining success, embracing clarity, and building businesses that truly support their lives. Today I’m going solo and sharing insights on simplifying your business, finding the right pace, and creating a sustainable, fulfilling career—without the overwhelm.


    Highlights

    • The biggest lessons from 2025 and how they’re shaping the future of the beauty industry
    • Why clarity and simplification are the new keys to growth
    • How independent professionals are redefining “independence” to include support and structure
    • The power of consistency and calm in business
    • What it means to align your business with your life—not just your work
    • The growing importance of community and environment for long-term satisfaction
    • Practical encouragement for building a business that supports you, not the other way around

    Chapters

    00:00 — Reflecting on 2025: Industry Growth and Intentionality

    01:46 — Insights and Predictions

    02:25 — Clarity and Simplification in Business Practices

    04:21 — Redefining Independence: Support and Structure

    05:13 — Carrying Forward Lessons into 2026

    06:14 — The Power of Consistency and Calm

    08:01 — Redefining Success: Predictability and Space

    08:44 — Community and Environment: Keys to Professional Growth

    09:53 — Final Thoughts: Building a Business That Supports You


    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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    12 mins
  • The Trust Factor | How Hairstylist Suzie Cote Keeps Clients Coming Back

    The Trust Factor | How Hairstylist Suzie Cote Keeps Clients Coming Back
    Dec 29 2025


    How do you build a business that feels like home—for you and your clients? What if the secret to success is as simple (and as complex) as truly listening, embracing your quirks, and trusting the process of transformation?


    Discover how the journey from commission salon to independent suite can be both terrifying and exhilarating. Suzie Cote shares her story of personal and professional metamorphosis, the power of branding with authenticity, and the importance of building trust through deep listening and consultation. From butterfly-themed decor to the infamous Nicholas Cage magnet, this conversation explores the joys and challenges of creating a space where clients feel seen, heard, and valued—not just as customers, but as part of a community. Along the way, we unpack the emotional rollercoaster of the beauty industry, the art and science of color, and the rituals that help us leave work at work.


    Highlights

    • The meaning behind Suzie’s butterfly theme and how it shapes her brand
    • Navigating the leap from commission salon to independence
    • Overcoming misconceptions and fears about going solo
    • Innovations in client experience: from online booking to personalized amenities
    • The art of consultation and why it’s the key to client satisfaction
    • Building trust and long-term relationships with clients
    • Embracing feedback (even the tough kind) as a recovering people pleaser
    • The story behind the Nicholas Cage magnet and what it reveals about personal branding
    • Balancing emotional energy and self-care in a people-focused business
    • The value of community and finding your ideal clientele

    Chapters

    00:00 — Introduction to Suite Independence

    00:47 — Meet Suzie Cote: The Butterfly Theme

    01:28 — The Concept of Emergence

    03:44 — Transition to Independence

    04:49 — Challenges and Misconceptions

    06:06 — Innovations in Client Experience

    09:31 — The Importance of Feedback

    12:41 — Building Trust with Clients

    17:01 — Catering Music to Audience Preferences

    17:22 — The Nicholas Cage Magnet Story

    20:23 — Managing Negative Feedback as a Recovering People Pleaser

    21:59 — The Importance of Consultation in Hairdressing

    24:44 — Transitioning to Independent Work

    28:04 — Embracing Quirkiness and Personal Branding

    28:27 — Building a Personalized Clientele

    30:58 — Balancing Emotional Energy in the Salon

    32:17 — Closing Thoughts & Gratitude


    Resources Mentioned

    • https://www.suziecotehairartist.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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    33 mins
  • Unexpected Absences: How to Protect Your Salon's Future with Molly Henthorn

    Unexpected Absences: How to Protect Your Salon's Future with Molly Henthorn
    Dec 15 2025


    Are you prepared for the unexpected? Imagine if you suddenly couldn’t work—how would that impact your family, your business, and your peace of mind? Today, I sit down with Molly Henthorn from Empower Financial Group to uncover the real risks beauty professionals face and the practical ways to protect your income, your business, and your future. From personal stories to actionable advice, this conversation is packed with insights every independent professional should hear.


    Highlights

    • The true impact of being unable to work—and how to plan for it
    • How Empower Financial Group partners with beauty professionals to offer tailored benefits
    • Real-life stories of professionals who faced unexpected challenges
    • The surprising affordability of income protection and other benefits
    • What to consider when choosing coverage as a self-employed professional
    • How to adjust your protection as your business grows
    • The unique value of working with a partner who understands your industry

    Chapters

    00:00 — Introduction: The Unexpected Impact of Absence

    00:10 — Meet Molly from Empower Financial Group

    00:58 — Molly's Visit to the Salons

    01:43 — The Importance of Benefits for Beauty Professionals

    01:56 — Empower Financial Group's Offerings

    02:22 — Income Protection: A Critical Component

    02:39 — Real-Life Scenarios and Testimonials

    03:44 — Understanding the Cost of Benefits

    04:54 — The Value of Income Protection

    05:00 — Empower's National Reach and Claims Support

    07:49 — Customizing Coverage for Beauty Professionals

    13:16 — Conclusion and Future Opportunities


    Resources Mentioned

    • Empower Financial Group
      Website: https://www.empowerfingroup.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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    21 mins