Shows
The Messy HairstylistDear Messy, Help! I'm Opening a Salon and No One's Applying.Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!In this “Dear Messy” episode, Abby and Kelsey team up to answer a message from a nail tech who’s opening a full salon — but struggling to find the right team.Together, they unpack practical, creative, and realistic ways to approach hiring in 2025, including:How to brand your salon to attract stylists who fitWhy building relationships is more effective than cold job postsThe power of reaching out in your local community (yes, old-school works!)Creative ideas beyond Indeed: school visits, open house, and meet...2025-04-1024 minThe Messy HairstylistHow to Actually Find a Mentor (Even If You Don’t Have One Yet)Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!It’s just Abby on the mic today while Kelsey is enjoying spring break with her kids—and we’re diving into a super real question from a listener: “How do I find a mentor?”Abby’s sharing how she went over 10 years in her career before finding her first true mentor and how mentorship doesn’t always look the way you expect.In this episode, you’ll learn: • What a mentor really is (and isn’t) • Different ways to find one—even withou...2025-03-2723 minThe Messy HairstylistThe 30-Day Waitlist: How to Go from Overlooked to Overbooked with Instagram AdsSend a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!Are you tired of relying on word-of-mouth and hoping new clients magically find you? In this episode, We are sitting down with Stephanie Mitchell, marketing expert and Instagram & Facebook ads strategist for beauty pros. She’s sharing exactly how hairstylists can go from overlooked to overbooked in just 30 days using strategic Instagram ads.We’re breaking down: ✔️ The biggest mistakes stylists make when trying to book more clients ✔️ Why organic social media isn’t enough to grow your business in...2025-03-2042 minThe Messy HairstylistDid Hair School Prepare You for Reality? Here’s What They Don’t TeachSend a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!Kelsey and Abby unpack the reality of transitioning from beauty school to salon life, tackling essential topics that aren't covered in classrooms. They dive into emotional intelligence, finding the right job, managing finances, and building client loyalty.• Importance of emotional intelligence for stylists • Navigating the job landscape post-graduation • Balancing speed and quality of service • Financial literacy in hairdressing • Building a loyal clientele from scratch • The impact of salon culture on newly trained stylists Follow Abby on...2025-02-2829 minThe Messy HairstylistEmbarrassing Salon Moments We’ve All Had!Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!This episode dives into the hilarious and embarrassing moments that happen in salons, highlighting the messy side of hairstyling that stylists often never talk about. Kelsey and Abbey share personal stories while encouraging listeners to find humor in their own salon blunders.• Discussing embarrassing salon mishaps • Unpacking the awkwardness of minor injuries • The challenge of unexpected bathroom breaks • Stories of clients falling asleep during appointments • Encouragement to share personal salon storiesFollow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @the...2025-02-0622 minThe Messy HairstylistWould You Rather? Hairstylist EditionSend a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!We explore the everyday challenges hairstylists face from silent clients to nitpickers. By engaging in fun “Would You Rather” scenarios, we unpack the lessons learned from client interactions and offer practical tips for connecting with those we service.• The tension of silent clients and their impact on stylists • Navigating feedback from nitpicky clients to enhance experience • The chaos of double bookings and no-shows in salons • Importance of communication and understanding client vision • The amusing side of stylist dilemmas in fun scenarios2025-01-2328 minThe Messy HairstylistManaging Overstimulation in the SalonSend a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!Feeling overwhelmed by the constant noise and energy of a bustling salon? You're not alone. After years of navigating the chaos, Kelsey finally found solace in a serene workspace, and she's excited to share how you can achieve the same peace of mind. This episode is packed with insights from Kelsey's personal journey, exploring the triggers of overstimulation in salon environments and offering practical strategies to manage them. From setting noise boundaries to embracing the tranquility of noise-canceling headphones and crafting a visually calm space...2024-10-3117 minThe Messy HairstylistManaging Overstimulation in the SalonSend a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!Feeling overwhelmed by the constant noise and energy of a bustling salon? You're not alone. After years of navigating the chaos, Kelsey finally found solace in a serene workspace, and she's excited to share how you can achieve the same peace of mind. This episode is packed with insights from Kelsey's personal journey, exploring the triggers of overstimulation in salon environments and offering practical strategies to manage them. From setting noise boundaries to embracing the tranquility of noise-canceling headphones and crafting a visually calm space...2024-10-3117 minThe Messy HairstylistNavigating Chaos in Salon ExpansionSend a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!In this episode, Kelsey Morris shares the behind-the-scenes of opening her new salon, Sydney Co 2.0. From her proudest achievements to the tough lessons learned along the way, Kelsey offers a candid look at the highs and lows of expanding her business. Tune in to hear how she navigated challenges, built a strong team, and created a space that reflects her vision, all while embracing the unexpected twists that come with growth. Whether you’re a salon owner or just curious about what it takes to ex...2024-10-2426 min
Gal Pal Rationale9. Quiet Grieving: Women's Struggles with Infertility, Miscarriage, Infant Loss, and more, with Abby McKinleyThe gal pals sit down with certified Nurse Practitioner, Abby McKinley, for an important discussion on infertility, pregnancy and infant loss, and more.Episode includesMusic from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):https://uppbeat.io/t/northwestern/hometown2024-10-1056 minThe Messy HairstylistPart 2: Unpacking the WSJ Article—Your Reactions Revealed!Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!Back with a follow-up to the WSJ's take on salon pricing! This episode, Abby and Kelsey dive into your reactions from our recent reel discussing the article. We're addressing your comments and shedding more light on why hairstylists are justified in adjusting their prices in line with inflation. Join us as we continue the conversation, highlighting your insights and reinforcing the need for fair pricing in the beauty industry.Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywartherFollow Kelsey on Instagram...2024-09-2630 minThe Messy HairstylistInflation Everywhere, But Salons Dare? Setting the Record Straight! WSJ Part 1Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!Why the shock over salon price hikes? This episode, Abby and Kesley take on the Wall Street Journal's portrayal of rising salon prices in an article that subtly questions why hairstylists should adjust their rates amidst widespread inflation.We dive deep into the real costs and necessary adjustments hairstylists face to sustain their businesses. From necessary no-show fees to fair pricing for essential services, we discuss why these changes are not only justified but essential.Curious about the industry’s reaction? Ch...2024-09-1921 minThe Messy HairstylistFilling Chairs: Mastering Team Growth in Rental SalonsSend a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!Ready to expand your team in a rental salon? Join Kelsey and Abby as they discuss strategies for attracting top stylists to your space. Learn how to highlight your salon's unique qualities, leverage glowing testimonials, and offer educational opportunities to create an attractive and supportive environment. This episode offers practical tips for thriving in a competitive market and building a cohesive salon team. Tune in for valuable insights tailored specifically for rental salon owners looking to succeed!Follow Abby on Instagram and...2024-08-2927 minThe Messy HairstylistCreating Depth with Hair Color: Balayage, Foils, and Fall TrendsSend a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!Ever wondered how to take your hair color from bland to breathtaking? Abby and I have got you covered! In this episode, we reveal the secrets behind adding depth to hair color using techniques like balayage, foils, shadow roots, and melts. We'll help you decode what clients really mean when they say they want to "go dark" and show you how to differentiate between simply adding darkness and truly creating depth.Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywartherFollow Kelsey...2024-08-1526 minThe Messy HairstylistThe Fears of Hiring an AssistantSend a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!Hesitant about hiring an assistant? Dive into this episode of the Messy Hairstylist Podcast, where Abby shares how taking the leap transformed her business and increased client satisfaction. We discuss the fears many salon owners face—from disappointing clients to making strategic hires—and how Abby overcame these to find the perfect assistant. Learn how this move not only alleviated her stress but also improved her salon's operations and growth. Tune in for actionable insights on overcoming hiring fears and enhancing your business's success.2024-08-0828 minThe Messy HairstylistMastering Blonding and Boosting Your Business: Inside the Blonde Catalyst TourSend a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!Ready to elevate your career? Unlock the secrets to mastering balayage and foil techniques and gain invaluable business insights with our Blonde Catalyst Tour! Join us for an in-depth conversation about this transformative hands-on class and workshop, set to take place in Columbus, Ohio, on October 21st. Discover how this event is more than just a class but a gateway to new opportunities for hairstylists, set in the inspiring backdrop of Kelsey's brand-new salon north of Columbus, Ohio. We'll explore the inspiration behind the tour a...2024-08-0117 minThe Messy HairstylistEmbracing Imperfection: Abby and Kelsey on Messy GrowthSend a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!Ever wondered what it means to be a messy hairstylist? Tune in as we reflect on our journey from a cringeworthy first episode to a podcast gaining traction. We share the value of embracing imperfection, showing up messy, and growing through challenges. Join us for a candid discussion on authenticity, resilience, and why we started this podcast. Be unapologetically real in both the salon and life!Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywartherFollow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair2024-07-1822 minThe Messy HairstylistBalancing Chaos: Kelsey and Abby's Return to Self-Care and Salon LifeSend a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!Feeling overwhelmed and burnt out from the demands as a hairstylist? Take a breather with us on the Messy Hairstylist Podcast! We're back after a much-needed break to share our stories of juggling the chaotic end of the school year, family trips, and our bustling salons. Kelsey and Abby discuss the importance of self-care to avoid burnout and maintain well-being.This episode is a mix of gratitude, personal anecdotes, and a hint of what's to come. Join us for a short but sweet...2024-07-1112 minThe Messy HairstylistWho are you Learning from as a Hair Stylist?Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!Abby and Kelsey discuss the importance of vetting your mentors in an industry where "experts" and "leaders" abound. Thanks to social media and marketing, it's easy to assume someone's the best educator for you. But are they really? We discuss the backgrounds of different educators, questioning their experience and the success of their students. Learn how to avoid flashy courses that overpromise and underdeliver, and find out why the right guidance is crucial for your career growth.Follow Abby on Instagram and...2024-05-0922 minThe Messy HairstylistPTO for Hair Appointments? Abby and Kelsey Weigh In.Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!In this episode, hosts Abby and Kelsey tackle a heated debate from social media about salon hours and client convenience. The spark? A viral TikTok rant about the lack of hairstylists working nights or weekends, forcing some to take PTO for hair appointments.We dive into the tough balance between meeting client needs and protecting our personal time as stylists. Hear from professionals like us who choose to work evenings and how the industry is shifting towards empowering stylists to manage their schedules...2024-05-0223 minThe Messy HairstylistCrafting Stellar Salon Experiences: Kelsey and Abby's VIP Secrets.Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!In this episode, hosts Kelsey Morris and Abby Warther dive into the art of creating exclusive VIP experiences in the salon world. They share a treasure trove of strategies to make every client feel like a VIP, from invitation-only services that ooze exclusivity to personalized thank-you notes that acknowledge client loyalty and inspire continued patronage.Kelsey and Abby peel back the curtain on effective VIP lists, early-access booking, and innovative touches like personalized mailers with scannable QR codes that make clients feel they’ve...2024-04-2519 minThe Messy HairstylistCutting Through the Myths: Mastering the Art of Salon SuccessSend a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!Join Kelsey Morris and Abby Warther as they debunk myths about what it really takes for hairstylists to be successful. In each episode, they tackle common misconceptions about pricing, client relationships, and the true art of hairstyling. From Abby’s financial revelations to Kelsey’s insights on salon dynamics, they cover essential topics like hiring practices and the balance between hard work and passion for the craft.Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywartherFollow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair2024-04-1833 minThe Messy HairstylistClient Shaming in Hairstyling: Are You Guilty?Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!Dive into an honest chat with Kelsey Morris and Abby Warther on the subtle art of client conversations. We're tackling the touchy subject of client shaming, exploring the stigmas around box color and DIY hair jobs. This episode cuts through the old-school industry vibes to question if we're educating or just trying to keep clients loyal.We'll break down the real deal between box color and salon services, giving you the lowdown on what's best for hair health, budget, and beauty goals. It's...2024-04-1124 minThe Messy HairstylistEmbrace Your Inner CEO: Leadership at Every Level in Salon Business.Send a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!Embrace Your Inner CEO: Leadership at Every Level in Salon Business. Join Abby Warther and Kelsey Morris, as we dive into why adopting a CEO mindset is key for success, whether you’re a solo act, a commission stylist, or an independent operator. We’ll discuss leading with confidence, setting clear boundaries, and making smart, strategic decisions. This episode is all about transforming your approach, facing challenges head-on, and leveraging practical tools to enhance your salon’s efficiency. Tune in for insights on how to show u...2024-04-0429 minThe Messy HairstylistAssistant U-Turn: Abby Reconsiders with Kelsey's GuidanceSend a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!Abby's famous for saying she'd never work with an assistant again, but here we are! Looks like she's changing her tune and tapping into Kelsey's wisdom on the matter. In this episode, Kelsey gives Abby the lowdown in a coaching session on whether getting an assistant is the move. Tune in to hear how it all goes down and if Abby's ready to team up once more.Follow Abby on Instagram and TikTok at @theabbywartherFollow Kelsey on Instagram at @kelseymorrishair2024-03-1425 minThe Messy HairstylistExploring Paths: Navigating Success as a Newly Graduated StylistSend a a Text- leave your name & email so we can respond!Ever found yourself at a career fork in the road, choosing between going solo or sticking with the traditional job route? This episode dives into that very choice for hairstylists, featuring a chat with Kelsey's assistant, Aubrey, about her jump into independent styling. We break down the big decisions new stylists face, from navigating salon offers to finding that perfect work-life balance. Aubrey shares her unfiltered journey from newbie to boss, shedding light on the switch from a commission-based salon to running her own show.2024-02-2221 min