Description

What if the thing that almost broke you was actually what built you? In this episode, I’m sharing the untold story of how I nearly walked away from the beauty industry—before my career even began.

Long before Hustle & Heart Salon ever existed, I was a young stylist filled with ambition, walking into what I thought was a dream opportunity. But behind the charm of my first salon job was a painful unraveling that almost made me quit. Today, I’m pulling back the curtain on that season—not to throw shade, but to show how hard beginnings can lead to beautiful growth.

This one’s personal.

🔑 Key Themes + Takeaways

01:24 — Starting out: Beauty school, big dreams, and a salon job offer that felt like fate

02:21 — No onboarding, no systems, no support—just survival

03:09 — Learning to hustle in the pre-Instagram days of the industry

04:08 — The shift: When gratitude meets burnout and humanity gets overlooked

05:25 — The unraveling: A misunderstanding before her wedding that changed everything

08:15 — Getting fired a week before walking down the aisle

09:37 — Stepping away from the industry in silence and heartbreak

10:15 — The still, small voice that called her back

11:05 — What to look for in a healthy salon environment as a new stylist

11:53 — Why growth plans matter—and how she built better ones for her team

12:21 — Clarity is kindness: How expectations foster empowerment

12:50 — The power of mentorship and assistant programs for new stylists

13:46 — Extending grace to the past, while holding space for growth

14:19 — If you feel stuck or unsure, your story isn’t over yet

📝 Journal Prompt

Have you ever faced a moment that made you want to quit? What did you learn from it—and how did it shape who you’re becoming?

💛 Let’s Stay Connected

I really do mean it when I say: my DMs are always open.

✨ Got a story to share? A moment that hit home? Slide in anytime.

Here’s where to find me and go deeper:

We’re building something real here. I’m so glad you’re part of it.