The Modern Hairstylist ™ Podcast

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown pinpoint the hidden break in your funnel that stops excited followers from becoming first time clients. If people are engaging with your posts but disappear after they hit your website, this conversation shows you how to turn your site into a true decision page and guide every new client through one clean path that you can measure and improve. 

Whether your traffic comes from Instagram, Google, or referrals, you will learn how to route visitors to a short digital consultation form, collect t...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown give a calm, practical plan for the moments when tech makes you want to quit. If you are staring at a screen, second guessing yourself, and thinking the software is broken, this conversation shows you how to reset your mindset, get resourceful, and move forward without wasting hours. 

Whether you are setting up a new tool, reconnecting automations you have not touched in months, or just trying to make a simple feature work, you will learn how to pause, find the right h...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown break down the nurture phase of your marketing funnel so new followers become first time clients. If people are finding you but not booking, this conversation shows how to keep attention, build trust, and guide the next step with simple, repeatable touchpoints. 

Whether you want a clearer content plan for stories and posts, a profile that earns the follow, or a more reliable channel like email to stay in front of people, you will learn where to show up and what to s...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown show stylists how to build true top of funnel visibility that turns into bookings. If you have been doing all the right things but still feel invisible, this conversation focuses on getting the right eyeballs on your work and keeping them engaged. 

Whether you are rebuilding your book or simply ready to be more discoverable, you will learn how to research your ideal client, show up where they already spend time, and keep your profiles search and AI ready without living online a...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown share three fast actions to break out of burnout, fear, and creative paralysis. This is not a pep talk. It is a simple plan you can use the next time you feel stuck and need momentum. 

Whether you feel weighed down by the world, uninspired by your day to day, or frozen by overthinking, you will learn how to spark dopamine with a just for fun business project, make an impact that reconnects you to your why, and schedule productive self care t...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown share simple fixes that make your Instagram feed cleaner, clearer, and more bookable. If you have heard that curation does not matter anymore, this conversation shows why visuals still build trust for a visual service and how to make your grid easy to scan at a glance. You will learn quick changes that improve first impressions without slowing you down. 

Whether you want a feed that looks consistent, covers that read clearly, or photos and videos that actually show your skill, you w...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown sort the myths from the metrics on what should determine your prices. If you have been told to lean on years of experience, awards, or a fancy salon vibe to justify a raise, this conversation shows you a clearer path based on demand, retention, and real numbers. You will also hear Hunter’s take on when competition matters and how to use it without copying your neighbor. 

Whether you are moving to a new city, leaving a team salon, or simply wondering if...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia sits down with Michelle Cook CPA to clarify what the so called Big Beautiful Bill actually changes for beauty professionals. If you have heard conflicting takes on tip taxation, entity status, and year end reporting, this conversation gives you straight facts on what is in the final law and how to prepare your business for it. 

Whether you are a W2 employee, a booth renter filing Schedule C, or an S corp owner, you will learn what qualifies, what does not, and what documentation y...

REGISTER for the Raise Your Prices Without Losing Clients Workshop HERE: hunterdonia.com/prices

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown answer real listener questions about pricing and price increases. If you are wrestling with client backlash, guilt, timing, or the logistics of charging for time and product, this Q and A breaks it all down into clear, workable steps so you can raise prices with confidence and keep your business healthy. The questions came straight from Hunter’s community and span mindset, ma...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown dig into whether session package pricing still makes sense right now. If you keep hearing mixed advice about a la carte, hourly, parts and labor, or packages, this conversation gives you a clear way to decide what works for your business and your clients in 2025.

Whether you want simpler menus, fewer surprises at checkout, or a model that better reflects transformations instead of line items, you will learn how to choose a structure that protects your time and margin while staying easy...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown speak to stylists who feel torn about raising prices while headlines keep warning about inflation and recession. If you are hesitating because the future feels shaky, this conversation shows you how to make a clear decision based on your numbers and your demand instead of the news cycle.

Whether you are worried about losing clients, afraid of pricing yourself out, or simply unsure how much to raise and when, you will learn practical ways to protect your margin, choose a smart increase...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia speaks to impact driven beauty professionals who feel torn between doing good and getting paid. If headlines about billionaires and broken systems have made you second guess your pricing or feel guilty about profit, this conversation will help you separate ethical business from harmful practices so you can protect your livelihood and still show up for your community. With guest Jodie Brown, Hunter breaks down the real difference between unethical capitalism and ethical leadership behind the chair.

Whether you are nervous to raise prices, managing a...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia walks you through the 2025 booking‑software landscape, breaking down why the “best” platform isn’t about the cheapest subscription or flashiest AI feature, but about how well it actually works for you and your clients.

Hunter compares today’s most talked about systems, shares the must have features that still get overlooked (hello, two‑way Google Calendar!), and explains why some all‑in‑one add‑ons may do more harm than good. You’ll leave with a clear checklist of what really matters, so you can stop stalling, start stre...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast Hunter Donia and cohost Jodie Brown unpack the psychology that makes a seventy‑five dollar Labubu doll sold‑out Addison Rae tickets and a last minute Yosemite campsite feel worth every penny, then translate those same forces into booking and pricing strategies behind the chair.

From limited booking windows that nudge indecisive clients to click “Book Now,” to the hidden cost of broadcasting every open slot, Hunter shares quick tweaks that turn FOMO into fully booked. You will also hear how one mastermind stylist fields fifty new‑client requests a month wi...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter sits down with independent, brand‑agnostic educator Brenda Amaral to unpack the chemistry truths that help stylists cut waste, get predictable results, and stop fear‑buying shelves full of “just in case” tubes. Brenda pulls back the curtain on the tariff panic, “stock up now” messaging, and ammonia‑free buzzwords that keep colorists spending more than they need to.

From why endless glazing can actually speed up fading, to putting the “filler” directly in the bowl instead of double processing, to how a 5‑minute heated test strand can save an accidental c...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown break down one of the most common mistakes stylists make when trying to grow their clientele, and how it could be stopping new clients from ever finding you.

As more stylists aim to stand out with unique service offerings and specialties, it’s easy to get caught up in niche language, trendy techniques, or add-on services that don’t actually speak to what your dream client is looking for. Hunter shares why focusing too hard on what excites you, without translating it into what your...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown open up about the all-too-familiar experience of building your beauty business from a place of fear, and how to shift toward something more empowering and sustainable.

From spiraling over client feedback to making reactive business decisions, Hunter shares his personal mindset struggles as an entrepreneur and the hard lessons that came from letting scarcity lead the way. Together, Hunter and Jodie unpack how high-stress hustle culture can sabotage your growth, and how to trade it for calm, confident, and data-backed decisions that actually stick.<...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown unpack one of the biggest challenges stylists are facing in 2025: feeling maxed out with nothing to show for it.

If you’re working nonstop but your income, energy, or momentum aren’t growing—it’s probably not because you’re lazy. It’s because you’re spending your time in the wrong places (and no one ever taught you what the right ones are).

Hunter breaks down how to start treating your time like your most valuable resource, how to identify the biggest time s...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown talk through a deep dive into the real way hairstylists should be using AI in their business and what to avoid if you want your content to still sound like you.

After airing out their AI frustrations in a recent episode, "Why ChatGPT is Trash," Hunter and Jodie are back with a more strategic conversation about how tools like ChatGPT can actually save you time and make your marketing easier—without compromising your brand voice or client connection.

From better prompts to th...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia is joined by the one and only J Ladner for a fiery and empowering conversation about the real key to working faster behind the chair—confidence-led efficiency. If you’re constantly running behind, overfoiling to “prove” yourself, or stuck in outdated techniques that are burning you out—this episode is your wake-up call.

Jay breaks down why overthinking, bloated service menus, and “baby light syndrome” are slowing so many stylists down—and how taking back your authority at the chair can change everything. From simplifying your systems to re-training y...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia is joined by Lisa Huff and Jodie Brown for a brutally honest (and hilarious) conversation about the risks and realities of using ChatGPT and AI tools in your beauty business. If you’ve ever wondered whether AI is helping or hurting your brand voice, marketing, and client experience—this episode is for you.

Together, they unpack the ways stylists are leaning too heavily on automation, how AI-written content is starting to look and feel the same, and why relying on tools like ChatGPT without understanding your brand fund...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and branding educator Jodie Brown dig into an emotional but all-too-relatable topic: imposter syndrome. Even after you've built a thriving business, hit major milestones, or earned respect in the industry—why does that self-doubt still creep in?

This episode takes an honest look at how imposter syndrome evolves (not disappears) as you grow, and how your fear of judgment, failure, or “losing it all” can feel even louder once you’ve found success. Hunter opens up about the mental spiral that can happen when people outside the indu...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia speaks directly to independent hairstylists who’ve already built a thriving business—but are left wondering what’s next. If you’ve filled your books, hit your revenue goals, and created a loyal client base, this episode is your next step roadmap. Hunter unpacks how to leverage the success you’ve built to open new doors in your business, create more freedom, and scale without burning out.

Whether you’re craving a lighter schedule, ready to raise your prices, or curious about adding new revenue streams—this episode w...

In one of the most special episodes we’ve ever done on The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, I’m joined by a powerhouse panel—our Modern Stylist Mastermind cohort. These are not just any beauty professionals. These are the salon owners, estheticians, and stylists who have turned “just doing hair” into running empires.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re too advanced for generic coaching or you’re sick of being the only one giving support instead of receiving it—this one’s for you.

We’re diving deep into what actually changes when you surround yourself with...

In one of the most special episodes we’ve ever done on The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, I’m joined by a powerhouse panel—our Modern Stylist Mastermind cohort. These are not just any beauty professionals. These are the salon owners, estheticians, and stylists who have turned “just doing hair” into running empires.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re too advanced for generic coaching or you’re sick of being the only one giving support instead of receiving it—this one’s for you.

We’re diving deep into what actually changes when you surround yourself with...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia gets real about what it actually takes to stay productive as an independent hairstylist—especially when you're feeling completely overwhelmed. If your to-do list feels never-ending, you're juggling behind-the-chair hours with big business projects, and motivation is nowhere to be found, this episode is the tough-love pep talk (and strategy breakdown) you didn’t know you needed.

Hunter shares how he navigates high-pressure seasons in his business, including how to prioritize, what to delegate, and how to keep moving forward even when he’s not fe...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia dives into the rising trust gap between hairstylists and their clients—and what independent stylists can do to repair it. From price confusion to boundary backlash, Hunter unpacks the real reasons clients are questioning the salon industry and how stylists can respond with strategy (not snark).

Joined by marketing expert Jodie Brown, they break down survey data, industry trends, and real social media commentary to explore how the pandemic reshaped client expectations—and how you can meet them without sacrificing your own values or sanity.

Register for the Client Experience Glow-Up Party here: https://hunterdonia.com/party

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia unpacks how independent hairstylists can transform their pre-visit experience to match the modern client’s expectations in 2025. If you’re struggling with last-minute cancellations, slow bookings, or clients hesitant about your pricing, this episode will show you how the real magic happens before a guest even steps into your chair.

Hunter is joined by Jodie Brown to explore why today’s clients crave fast responses, emotional connec...

With everything feeling heavy—from the world to the beauty industry to our own nervous systems—it’s easy to fall into hustle mode, clinging to surface-level strategies in hopes they’ll fix everything. But here’s the truth: your business doesn’t need another bougie amenity. It needs you.

In this heartfelt, truth-packed episode, I’m unpacking what really makes clients stick around, spend more, and rave about their appointments. And spoiler alert? It’s not your branded towels or your aesthetic Instagram feed. It’s your energy, your leadership, and the way you make people feel.

We’re...

Register for the Client Experience Glow-Up Party here: https://hunterdonia.com/party

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia dives into the question so many independent hairstylists are asking in 2025: Do I really need social media to grow my clientele? If you’ve ever felt burnt out, overwhelmed, or just plain tired of posting to Instagram without seeing results, this episode is your reality check and your roadmap.

With special guest Jodie Brown, Hunter breaks down what it actually takes to grow a th...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia shares why retail sales and service add-ons aren’t just extra income—they’re critical tools for independent hairstylists looking to grow sustainably in 2025. If you’ve ever felt “salesy” recommending products or you’re unsure if retail is worth your time, this episode is a must-listen.

Joined by marketing expert Jodie Brown, Hunter breaks down why retail and add-ons are part of your client experience—not separate from it. From increasing your new client retention to creating a client experience that...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown unpack a hot topic in the beauty industry: Are your salon policies actually hurting your client experience? If you’ve ever struggled with enforcing cancellation fees, setting boundaries around no-shows, or wondering whether your policies are driving clients away—this conversation is for you.

Hunter dives into the delicate balance between protecting your time as a business owner and providing a client experience that builds trust and long-term loyalty. You’ll hear real talk about how bounda...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and special guest Jodie Brown break down the four essential systems that every independent hairstylist needs in place to scale sustainably in 2025. If you're feeling overwhelmed by all the hats you wear as a beauty business owner—marketing, client care, admin, and more—this episode will help you get clarity on where to focus your energy so your business can grow without burning you out.

Hunter shares the exact four “departments” that every stylist needs to build out in their...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown dives into one of the most emotionally charged topics for independent hairstylists: raising your prices. If you’ve ever felt guilty, nervous, or totally unsure about how to raise your rates—especially in uncertain times—this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to increase your pricing the right way.

Hunter breaks down how to navigate the emotional side of price increases, how to communicate with clients (without confrontation), and how to align your pricing with the value you already provide—without apologizing for it.

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia shares the full process of how he built a fully booked salon suite in just three months, even after relocating to a completely new area with no existing clientele. If you’re an independent hairstylist looking to fill your books fast—without burnout—this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you do just that.

From niching down the right way to creating a client experience that fuels referrals, Hunter breaks down exactly what worked, what didn’t, and how you can replicate his success in 2025...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia is joined by marketing expert Jodie Brown to break down exactly how independent hairstylists can position themselves to stand out in a saturated market — and confidently charge premium prices in 2025.

With client expectations evolving and competition fiercer than ever, offering great hair isn’t enough. Hunter shares the strategies that elevate your client experience, increase your perceived value, and create a luxury feel that keeps clients loyal — even when your prices are higher than the salon down the street.

If you want to know how to...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and marketing expert Jodie Brown tackle a hot topic in the hairstylist community—should independent hairstylists consider returning to commission salons? With rising burnout, increasing client expectations, and the ever-growing responsibilities of running a business, some stylists are wondering if the structure and support of a commission salon might be the better path.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure of being both the stylist and the CEO of your business, or if you’ve questioned whether the freedom of independence is worth the hustle...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and marketing expert Jodie Brown to dive into the must-have skills for hairstylists to thrive in 2025. From streamlining client communication to embracing technology and setting healthy boundaries, they cover everything you need to stay relevant and protect your energy while delivering an outstanding client experience.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by rising client expectations, constant DMs, and juggling it all behind the chair, this episode is your roadmap to working smarter, not harder.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Streamlined Client Communication: Disco...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and marketing expert Jodie Brown break down why specializing as a hairstylist isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity for success in 2025. The days of trying to appeal to everyone are over. If you want to attract high-quality clients, build long-term loyalty, and grow your income year over year, niching down is the key.

Hunter and Jodie dive into what it really means to specialize (hint: it’s not just about technique), how to position yourself as an expert, and the biggest mistakes stylists make whe...

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia sits down with hairstylist marketing expert and co-host Jodie Brown to break down what it really takes to stand out as a hairstylist in 2025. With social media becoming more saturated than ever, simply posting pretty hair pictures isn’t enough to attract and book your dream clients.

Hunter shares the most effective strategies for cutting through the noise, building trust with potential clients, and using social media as a powerful tool for business growth. Whether you feel like your content is getting lost in the algorithm or...