From cutting hair in his basement to building barbershops, colleges, and launching a credit union, Larry E. Roberts Jr. shares how grit, vision, and community-first leadership transformed his career—and how barbers and stylists can build sustainable wealth and impact too.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

🔅Start Early & Learn by Doing: Larry began cutting hair at age 13 and emphasizes the value of practical experience—even if it starts in your basement with $20 clippers.

🔅Licensing Is About Safety, Not Just Skill: Roberts highlights the importance of theory and licensing, not just for credibility, but to ensure health and safety in the profession.

🔅Build Before You Own: He warns new barbers and stylists not to rush into ownership. Without a strong client base and clear systems, you risk burnout and instability.

🔅Commission Over Booth for Beginners: Larry recommends commission-based setups for new professionals to guarantee income and learn operations before jumping into booth rental.

🔅Financial Literacy = Longevity: From paying taxes to planning retirement, barbers and stylists need financial systems to build wealth and security.

🔅Create Ecosystems, Not Just Businesses: Larry has built an integrated empire—including barbershops, schools, housing, transportation, a clothing line, and a credit union—to support beauty professionals from all angles.

🔅Think Long-Term: Whether launching a product, barbershop, or school, every move Larry made was part of a 10+ year vision.

🔅Pay It Forward: Larry uses his nonprofit to provide free services, open schools in jails and high schools, and offer housing and mentorship to those in need.

👉Follow Larry on Instagram

👉Follow Larry's Barber College on Instagram

The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.

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The views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.

From barber school to celebrity clients to shop owner and educator, Phillip Dawson shares how he built his career from the ground up—and gives real talk on what students need to succeed after graduation.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS:

🔅Phillip Dawson’s journey from barber school to celebrity barber showcases the power of persistence, networking, and following your calling.

🔅He built his career by showing up, putting himself in the right rooms, and creating opportunities—rather than waiting for them to appear.

🔅Building clientele is a numbers game—consistency in handing out flyers and word-of-mouth still works, even in a digital age.

🔅Phil took a two-year break from barbering but found his way back through a chance opportunity and rebranded himself with a focus on service and professionalism.

🔅Opening a barbershop during the pandemic, Phil used available resources and community support to build the PND Grooming Lounge.

🔅As an educator, Phil sees a shift: more students are now open to working in salons or commission-based shops to build stability before going independent.

🔅He emphasizes financial responsibility, marketing beyond social media, and building a client base while still in school.

🔅Salon/shop owners looking to hire new talent must offer more than just a chair—they need to provide mentorship, growth opportunities, and benefits to attract and retain new professionals.

👉Follow Phil on Instagram

The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.

CONNECT WITH US

📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter

📸 Connect on Instagram

🎵 Connect on TikTok

📺 Watch on YouTube

📝 Check out our Blog

The views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.

From salon assistant to She-E-O of 7 salon concepts, a bridal agency, and an event space, Dana Fountain shares the scrappy, strategic moves that helped her build a beauty empire from the ground up.

In this episode, she breaks down how to calculate your financial needs, grow without debt, choose the right business partners, and turn relationships into real opportunities—all while staying true to your vision

Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

🔅Start Small, Grow Smart: Dana began by renting a tiny space with four chairs and scaled slowly, ensuring each move was financially viable before expanding.

🔅Understand Your Break-Even Point: Dana emphasizes learning how to calculate your true financial needs, using tools like her Your Beauty Blueprint workbook to plan realistically.

🔅Partnerships Require Clarity: She advises establishing aligned goals and mutual benefit before entering any business partnership—and always recommends formal agreements.

🔅Diversify Revenue Streams: Dana’s empire includes salons, bridal services, and venue rentals—demonstrating how to blend passion with profitable business models.

🔅Relationships Are Everything: From clients to collaborators, Dana stresses that relationship-building has been key to every venture she’s launched.

🔅Utilize What You Have: She maximized her network and client base to build capital, including personal loans and non-traditional funding approaches to start owning property.

🔅Get Business Literate: Her success is grounded in learning to run the numbers—she advises stylists to treat their careers like businesses, not just a craft.

👉Follow Dana on Instagram

💡Check out all of Dana's platforms from Your Beauty BluePrint and her salon concepts, to her bridal agency and event space HERE

The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.

CONNECT WITH US

📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter

📸 Connect on Instagram

🎵 Connect on TikTok

📺 Watch on YouTube

📝 Check out our Blog

The views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of...

After transitioning from beauty school to working in salon environments for 7 years, Shantel Phillips shares how she built deep client relationships and made the leap into suite ownership, offering real talk on what it takes to succeed at every stage.

Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

🔅Shantel worked in salons for 7 years before opening her own suite, crediting that time with helping her build confidence, strong relationships, and a loyal clientele.

🔅Her salon experience gave her real-world training that school alone couldn’t provide—especially in client interaction, business flow, and team dynamics.

🔅She emphasizes that building client trust over time is key to retention and long-term growth.

🔅Balance is possible, but priorities shift — Managing executive roles while building a brand taught Nick that clarity and boundaries are key to avoiding burnout.

🔅The emotional transition from being part of a “salon family” to working solo in a suite can be tough, but it is necessary for personal growth.

🔅Financial preparedness and knowing how to manage income, expenses, and taxes are crucial before going independent.

🔅For new stylists, Shantel recommends gaining experience in a salon first before jumping into suite life.

👉Follow Shantel on Instagram

The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.

CONNECT WITH US

📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter

📸 Connect on Instagram

🎵 Connect on TikTok

📺 Watch on YouTube

📝 Check out our Blog

The views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.

💬 This isn’t just another podcast…we’re releasing our 3/28 Community Conversation from Instagram Live.

In this special Community Conversation, Jenae, a recent Aveda Grad, shares how shadowing in real salon environments gave her clarity, self-assurance, and insight she didn’t get in the classroom.

Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!

Key Takeaways

Shadowing bridges the gap between school and salon life, offering an inside look at how different businesses operate and stylists approach their craft.

Feeling nervous is normal, but doing some prep, like researching the salon and preparing questions, can ease anxiety and help shadowers confidently show up.

Every salon has a different vibe and workflow—shadowing helps students see where they might fit best and what environment they thrive in.

Being proactive during a shadowing session, like asking thoughtful questions and observing closely, turns it into a high-impact learning opportunity.

Jenae’s real-world experience gave her a front-row seat to aspects of the job not taught in school, such as retail strategies, client conversations, and team dynamics.

Shadowing builds community—talking with stylists and owners creates mentorship moments, connections, and clarity on what success in the industry can look like.

Showing up with intention and curiosity matters—a shadower’s mindset influences what they walk away with.

👉Connect with Jenae on Instagram

The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.

CONNECT WITH US

📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter

📸 Connect on Instagram

🎵 Connect on TikTok

📺 Watch on YouTube

📝 Check out our Blog

The views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.

Tariffs, Recession, Expanding your Business, Inflation Employment Trends, and Consumer Trends

This conversation explores various economic trends affecting consumers and businesses, focusing on the shift towards skilled trades, the impact of inflation, recession fears, and the importance of mental health in the workplace. It also delves into luxury market psychology and the implications of student loans on financial stability.

takeaways

• Economic trends are crucial for understanding consumer behavior.
• There is a growing trend of Gen Z opting for skilled trades over college.
• The ROI of college degrees is increasingly questioned.
• Inflation continues to impact consumer spending habits.
• Recession fears are influencing how consumers approach spending.
• Mental health is becoming a priority for employees in the workplace.
• Luxury purchases are driven by psychological factors.
• Customer experience is vital for business success.
• Global economic shifts are affecting local markets.
• Student loan policies are becoming stricter, impacting borrowers.

Resourece:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/preparing-americans-for-high-paying-skilled-trade-jobs-of-the-future/

+

https://www.cnbc.com/2025/04/24/gen-z-workers-opt-out-of-college-and-go-into-trades.html

+

https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cpi.pdf

+

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/gen-z-terrified-recession-ditching-155850124.html

+

https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/recession-hair-rcna200248

+

https://www.entrepreneur.com/growing-a-business/how-to-build-a-brand-that-the-ultra-wealthy-cant-resist/488991

+

https://fortune.com/well/2025/04/18/gen-z-millennial-workers-mental-health/

+

https://nypost.com/2025/04/16/lifestyle/why-no-one-wants-to-make-work-friends-anymore-experts-say/

+

https://apnews.com/article/global-economy-tariffs-imf-d15febaaaab65c7df8538cce170231eb

+

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/student-loan-borrowers-will-see-social-security-checks-tax-refunds-disappear-over-defaulted-debt-trump-administration-says-d132bbed

Coming up in the hair industry I never understood why hairdressing is not as respectable as getting a college degree required job... Now, I think the college degree idea is changing, but still not quite there with hairdressing. Join us in changing that!

One of our missions is to raise the esteem and perceived importance & value of hairdressers across the USA. HdS NEWS is part of that effort. We believe to achieve this goal, we must raise the bar of professionalism, service, and sophistication of hairdressers. We hope you enjoy the news and look forward to your comments!

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DISCLAIMER: Robert holds a B.A. in Business Administration with a Minor in Finance. Robert curates the news, explaining his understanding. We suggest you use this information to talk with your financial advisor, business advisor, and/or CPA. Legal counsel may be required for some of your decisions as well. If you want business advice from Hairdresser Strong, you can hire us as a consultant/advisor, but we are not financial advisors, lawyers, or accountants.

THIS IS NOT FINANCIAL ADVICE. THIS IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. IF YOU NEED LEGAL, TAX, OR FINANCIAL ADVICE, SEE A LAWYER, CPA, OR FINANCIAL ADVISOR, RESPECTIVELY

#hair #hairnews #hairpreneur #beautypreneur #hairdresserstrong #hairdresser #strong #entrepreneur

💬 This isn’t just another podcast…we’re releasing our 3/25 Community Conversation from Instagram Live with Diana Varvaro (School Director at Paul Mitchell the School NYC) and Frank Bennett (Co-Founder & Hair Coloring Director at A.F. Bennett Salon & Wellness Spa)

In this special Community Conversation, Diana Varvaro and Frank Bennett share real-world insights on how soft skills, mentorship, and intentional hiring practices can help both rising stylists and salon leaders build resilient, client-focused businesses—even in uncertain times.

Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!

Key Takeaways

For Stylists & Students:

• Develop soft skills like communication, empathy, and active listening—they’re just as important as technical ability when building long-term client relationships.
• Ask intentional questions during interviews to find a salon that aligns with your values and growth goals.
• Don’t chase the trendiest salon—look for environments that offer mentorship and professionalism.
• Show up with curiosity and consistency; reliability builds trust with clients and teams.

For Salon Owners & Leaders:

• Hire based on character and values—not just skillset—to build a cohesive and growth-driven team.
• Soft skills should be part of your hiring rubric and training processes.
• Set clear expectations from day one and reinforce them regularly to avoid confusion or conflict later.
• Treat every conversation—whether hiring or firing—as a chance to lead with clarity and kindness.
• Support team development with feedback loops and ongoing education, not just technical upskilling.

👉If you have any questions 💭 or comments, Send us a DM

👉Connect with Diana on Instagram

👉Connect with Frank on Instagram

The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.

CONNECT WITH US

📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter

📸 Connect on Instagram

🎵 Connect on TikTok

📺 Watch on YouTube

📝 Check out our Blog

The views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and...

In this episode, Nick Stenson, Brand Founder & CEO of Nick Stenson Beauty, shares his journey from stylist to executive to entrepreneur—offering real-world insights on brand building, navigating uncertainty, and creating meaningful impact in the beauty industry.

Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

🔅Follow your passion, not the plan — Nick’s pivot from aspiring orthopedic surgeon to beauty industry leader shows how true success often comes from following what excites you, not what you originally mapped out.

🔅Building a brand requires relentless testing — Nick spent years working with top chemists, refining each formula until it met luxury standards—no shortcuts.

🔅Trust, but verify — After experiencing business partnership challenges, Nick stresses the importance of carefully vetting who you go into business with—and protecting yourself financially.

🔅Balance is possible, but priorities shift — Managing executive roles while building a brand taught Nick that clarity and boundaries are key to avoiding burnout.

🔅Community is everything — Whether in salons or through products, Nick believes the beauty industry thrives when it focuses on uplifting people and creating positive, lasting experiences.

🔅Navigating uncertainty is part of the journey — Rather than fearing unknowns, Nick encourages embracing them with a mindset of curiosity, resilience, and adaptability.

👉Follow Nick Stenson Beauty on Instagram

👉Follow Nick on Instagram

👉Check out Nick Stenson Beauty's website

The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.

CONNECT WITH US

📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter

📸 Connect on Instagram

🎵 Connect on TikTok

📺 Watch on YouTube

📝 Check out our Blog

The views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.