In this episode of Rooted + Rising Through the Beauty Industry, Josie Aldrich and Quinn Mattingly sit down with stylist Sam Vimbela, Quinn’s “same-day salon sister”, to talk about the first two years of life behind the chair.

Sam shares her honest highs and lows, from tough pricing conversations and busy books to the lessons she’s learned about client communication, active listening, and building consultation confidence. We also unpack how Gen Z is influencing the beauty industry through individuality, authenticity, and a refusal to “just do it the way it’s always been done.”

✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why people skills > perfect layers in your first years

• How to build consultation confidence and lead conversations

• The Gen Z perspective on individuality, authenticity, and breaking salon stereotypes

• Common misconceptions about younger stylists and how they see it

• Real highs & lows: busy weeks, after-photo guilt, and system gaps with pricing

• A current Gen Z vocabulary list that “no man deserves”.

This is a must-listen for new stylists, salon assistants, and salon leaders mentoring Gen Z talent.

🔗 Connect with us on Instagram

@lighten.with.josie | @quinn_does_hair | @hairbysamijoe | @rootedandrisingbeauty

gen z hairstylist, new stylist advice, salon consultation tips, hair industry podcast, stylist mindset, client communication hair, early career hairdresser, beauty industry education, behind the chair advice, stylist growth journey

In this heartfelt and no-fluff episode, we sit down with our social media manager and branding expert Lily Xiong (aka our gift from the universe) to talk about what it really means to show up for yourself as a stylist, creative, or small business owner.

Lily shares her deeply personal journey, from rock bottom moments to rebuilding her life and career through hair, hustle, and heart. We talk about:

• Why your personal brand is your superpower

• The mindset shift behind consistent content creation

• Her three must-do tips for building visibility on Instagram

• Why every stylist (yes, even employees) should consider a personal website

• How boundaries = better business

• And what it actually looks like to honor where you are right now

This episode is full of real talk, vulnerable moments, and tough love (in the best way). If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to juggle life, clients, and content: you’re not alone. And you’re going to walk away from this one feeling seen, supported, and fired up.

Connect with Lily on Instagram:

@lilymariexobeauty

@alchemysalonandspa

@wildsonderco

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In this vulnerable and laugh-filled episode of Rooted + Rising Through the Beauty Industry, we sit down with stylist and educator Gisell Mada to explore a topic that hits home for so many beauty pros: imposter syndrome.

Gisell opens up about her journey from second-guessing herself to becoming known as a transformation specialist and how faith, motherhood, and community helped her find stability in the chaos. We talk about the emotional labor behind big color services, what it feels like to teach with shaky confidence, and why accepting compliments can be one of the hardest parts of growth.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re faking it, doubting your talent, or wondering when you’ll “finally feel legit,” this episode is for you.

Follow Gisell Mada on Instagram + TikTok