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

Connect with us:

Instagram

TikTok

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

In this vibrant and unfiltered episode, Josie and Quinn sit down with the unapologetically bold duo behind Bleach: Krista Storm, an online educator and viral stylist personality, and Carly Gurinskas, a branding visionary and stylist with nearly 20 years in the industry.

Together, they unpack what it really means to build a brand that doesn’t fit the beige box. From surviving a full salon walkout to going viral for charging $320 for a root touch-up, Krista and Carly share the highs, lows, and hilarious behind-the-scenes that shape their salon and careers.

Expect real talk about:

• ​Navigating friendship + business partnerships
• ​Building a salon with $30K during COVID shutdowns
• ​Going viral on TikTok (and the hate that comes with it)
• ​Why pricing transparency is non-negotiable
• ​Letting go of outdated salon models
• ​Holding space and leading with conviction
• ​Embracing human design to supercharge collaboration
• ​And why being bold (and maybe pink-ceilinged) is the only way forward

Whether you’re a baby stylist, seasoned pro, or salon owner questioning if you really want a team, this episode is a hug, a wake-up call, and a hype sesh rolled into one.

Connect with us on Instagram:

Krista Storm: @kristakstorm

Carly Gurinskas: @haircare.of.carly

Rooted + Rising: @rootedandrisingbeauty

Key Highlights:

• Featuring Shardé Hunter, a 15-year veteran hairstylist and extension specialist

• Insights into salon career progression from hourly employee to suite owner

• Strategies for professional growth in the beauty industry

Episode Quotes:

• "It is not our abilities that show what we truly are. It is our choices." - Dumbledore

• "Nothing changes if nothing changes"

Topics Covered:

• Salon Career Stages

• • Hourly employment

  • Commission-based work

  • Suite rental

  • Business ownership

    
    

• Career Transformation Strategies

• • Negotiating raises

  • Analyzing business metrics

  • Specializing in extensions

  • Working smarter, not harder

• 
  

  Professional Development Insights

• • Importance of valuing employees

  • Making data-driven career decisions

  • Setting progressive business goals

  • Managing work-life balance

  
  

  Key Takeaways:

  • Prioritize personal growth over current circumstances

  • Use data to make strategic career choices

  • Don't be afraid to specialize and pivot

  
  

  Guest Bio:Shardé Hunter is a 35-year-old hairstylist specializing in extensions and education, based in Sunnyvale, California. With over 15 years of industry experience, she has worked in various salon models and now runs her own business with a full-time assistant.Recommended for: Hairstylists, beauty professionals, entrepreneurs, career changers

  
  

  Instagrams to follow:

  Shardé Hunter

  • Hair Page
  • Ho Page

  
  

  Rooted + Rising

  Josie Aldrich

  Quinn Mattingly

In this episode, co-hosts Josie Aldrich and Quinn Mattingly reconnect after a week apart, sharing personal experiences and reflections on their time off. They discuss their love for reality TV, particularly 'Love Island' and 'Real Housewives,' and how these shows create a sense of community. The conversation shifts to an inspiring magic show Quinn attended, highlighting the importance of passion and creativity in both the arts and personal growth.

Takeaways:

• Taking time off can lead to a refreshing perspective.
• Reality TV can create a sense of community and connection.
• Engaging with the arts can be deeply inspiring.
• Personal growth often comes from pursuing one's passions.
• The experience and connection with the audience matter more than the performance itself.
• Sharing personal stories can create emotional connections.
• It's important to support and uplift fellow artists.
• Finding joy in simple moments can lead to greater happiness.
• Networking and manifesting opportunities can lead to unexpected experiences.
• Being open to new experiences can lead to personal growth.

In this heartfelt episode of Rooted and Rising, Josie and Quinn sit down with salon owners Jacki Spellman of Lifted Salon and Cassie Bigelow of Dimension Salon to explore what it really means to lead with heart, collaborate without ego, and build sustainable success in the beauty industry.
From navigating burnout to embracing imposter syndrome, they get honest about the emotional labor of being behind the chair, and how building community is often the most powerful business plan. As a bonus, they share how these two “sister salons” support each other through real friendship, aligned values, and shared mentorship.
Whether you're dreaming of owning a salon or just trying to survive the busy season, this one will speak to your stylist soul.

In this episode, we cover:
- How Jackie and Cassie built salons rooted in community not competition
- Their very real, very funny approach to imposter syndrome and burnout
- The systems, values, and boundaries that make their salons sustainable
- Tips for regulating your nervous system in and out of the salon
- The financial realities of salon ownership (including creative purchase agreements and unexpected pivots)
- The power of collaboration, authenticity, and saying “I see you” to other stylists
- Why self-care isn’t optional: it’s a leadership skill
- A love letter to the stylist who thinks they’re “just a hairdresser” (spoiler: you’re not)

Guests:
✨ Jacki Spellman — @theliftedstylist | @lifted_salon
✨ Cassie Bigelow — @beautybybigelow | @beautybydimensions

In this quickie episode, Josie and Quinn catch up from their hotel room in Reno: raspy voices, cough drops, and all. From getting re-inspired by Call Her Daddy’s $125 million podcast deal to hearing about a wild “I need to speak to a supervisor!” moment back at the salon, this one is full of real talk, big dreams, and a reminder that you never know who’s watching. Plus, a surprise appearance from the podcast husbands 🍹

Topics we cover in this episode:

• ​Behind-the-scenes of our Reno podcast trip
• ​Josie’s NYC Train the Trainer experience with Davines
• ​Why the Call Her Daddy doc lit a fire under us
• ​Believing in your podcast (even when you Google everything)
• ​Owning your elevator pitch as a stylist and creator
• ​Being flies-with-honey gals in a sometimes chaotic industry
• ​Podcast husbands living their best lives by the pool 🍹
• ​Why we love our Hulken bags (affiliate link below!)

Mentioned in this episode:

• ​Call Her Alex
• ​Hulken Bag affiliate link: https://go.shopmy.us/p-18663827
• ​Follow us on Instagram: @rootedandrisingbeauty@quinn_does_hair @lighten.with.josie