The VIP Suite at IMAGE Studios with Matthew Landis

Join host Matthew Landis in this inspiring episode of The VIP Suite as he sits down with Kate Lofton, owner of Gold Rush Salon at IMAGE Studios in Boulder, Colorado. Kate shares her journey from defining her ideal client to building a business that prioritizes comfort, efficiency, and a positive mindset. Discover how she tailors her services for busy women, incorporates thoughtful touches like client feedback forms, and leverages both Instagram and Facebook to connect with her community. Kate also discusses the importance of staying true to your standards, embracing your strengths, and creating a welcoming environment for every...

In this special episode of The VIP Suite, host Matthew Landis sits down with IMAGE Studios Founder and CEO, Jason Olsen, to break down the recently passed "No Tax on Tips" provision, a major win for independent beauty and wellness professionals. They talk about who qualifies for the deduction and what steps you need to take if you’re eligible. Jason and Matthew address common questions and misconceptions, providing clarity on income limits, reporting requirements, and the importance of tracking your tips and expenses.

This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you make the mo...

Aisha Carter Cathey Fe of Spalon Suiradal has created a beauty business centered on faith, purpose, and healing at IMAGE Studios in Birmingham, Alabama. She shares how her grandmother's cancer experience inspired her to provide free services to cancer patients, creating a tranquil atmosphere that offers peace beyond physical transformation.

About Aisha: 

• Specializes in precision cuts, silk press, and extensions based on her love of cutting and helping hair grow
• Created "Beauty Inside and Out" campaign focusing on helping clients feel deserving of beauty
• Named her salon after her son who passed in 2023, maintai...

In this episode of The VIP Suite, host Matthew Landis sits down with Emmanuel Garcia, The Temecula Barber and owner of The Storm Room (@emmvnvel2) to explore his remarkable journey from cutting hair in his parents' backyard during COVID to becoming a successful salon professional at IMAGE Studios in Temecula, California. Garcia shares his unique approach to barbering, emphasizing the importance of truly listening to clients and helping them achieve their desired look, especially for those who want to maintain longer hairstyles while getting a professional cut.

Emmanuel reveals his innovative content creation strategy, breaking down how...

From surviving several toxic apprenticeships to building a dream tattoo business at IMAGE Studios in Jacksonville, Florida, Sawyer Gray's raw and inspiring story will light a fire in every salon suite professional who's ever felt stuck. 

Hear how this passionate tattoo artist turned personal challenges into a powerful journey of creative freedom, client connection, and unapologetic self-belief. With vulnerability, humor, and grit, Sawyer reveals the heart behind her art and the courage it takes to carve your own path in a challenging industry. 

This isn't just a podcast episode—it's a masterclass in turning obstacles into...

Mika Toussaint, a renowned aesthetician from IMAGE Studios Dallas Galleria, has turned personal struggles into professional mastery. After battling hormonal acne and navigating profound personal loss, Mika developed Dallas Pro Aesthetics, a unique wellness practice that goes beyond traditional skincare by integrating nutrition, mental health, and personalized treatment plans. Her approach doesn't just heal skin, it empowers clients to create lasting, comprehensive wellness transformations.
In this inspiring podcast episode, Mika shares her journey of self-discovery, revealing how she became an acne expert and wellness coach by first healing herself. From creating a self-love journal to offering virtual consultations...

Grace Schafer is not your average hairstylist. A red hair enthusiast, cutting specialist, wedding artist, and certified extension artist, from IMAGE Studios in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she has carved out a unique niche in the beauty industry by combining her passion for theater, science, and hair design. With a keen eye for color theory and a commitment to educating her clients, Grace has built The Hair Lab into a thriving independent business that challenges traditional salon approaches.

In this inspiring episode of The VIP Suite podcast, Grace shares her journey from commissioned stylist to independent business...

Alyssa Pablo shares her inspiring journey from salon manager to GlossGenius Brand Manager, offering invaluable insights into marketing strategies, retail sales, and work-life balance for independent beauty and wellness professionals. Discover powerful tools like AI-powered marketing, custom service packages, and simplified checkout processes that can help you scale your business, boost client retention, and express your unique professional identity.

Dive into the world of beauty entrepreneurship with Matthew Landis and Alyssa Pablo from GlossGenius in this game-changing podcast episode. Learn how innovative salon software can transform your business by streamlining booking, payments, and client management, helping beauty...

In this episode of The VIP Suite podcast, host Matthew Landis welcomes Zoey Pearson, a salon suite entrepreneur who turned her single penthouse space into a thriving multi-suite head spa business. Zoey lead a viral TikTok movement that led to over $47,000 in gift card sales, a fully booked schedule, and hiring a dream team of professionals, all within the IMAGE Studios salon suite model.

Zoey opens up how she tackled imposter syndrome, employed a smart and effective marketing strategy, and built a powerful brand using TikTok. She offers valuable advice for anyone looking to scale their beauty...

Keri Mills is a successful hairstylist who built a thriving business at IMAGE Studios in Laguna Hills, California. Keri started her career at Supercuts, which provided valuable business experience, before moving to a high-end salon. Opening her own suite at IMAGE Studios gave her the freedom to tailor her business and services to meet the needs of her dream clientele.

Keri is killing it in her business using strategic marketing, focusing on platforms like Yelp and Google where clients are actively searching, rather than relying heavily on social media. She believes in providing an exceptional client experience...

Katie Brenner, owner of KTB Hair at IMAGE Studios Arapaho Crossing, Colorado, shares her remarkable journey from being an independent hairstylist to becoming a Global Artistic Director for Rusk Hair Care and Christian Michael Hair Extensions, and an Artist for a plethora of other national brands. She opens up about her determination, persistence, and the challenges she overcame to achieve success. Katie’s story is one of grit and adaptability. 

Katie reflects on her transition to salon suite ownership, which provided her with the freedom and control to shape her business and personal life. She highlights the ben...

Matthew Landis sits down with the powerhouse duo, Desarai Mannelly and Emily Condle, co-founders of Sage Head Spa, to discuss their journey from longtime friends to successful business partners. Desarai and Emily share how their complementary strengths, mutual trust, and backgrounds as an esthetician and cosmetologist have fueled Sage Head Spa’s expansion from one location in Alpharetta, Georgia, to seven thriving locations across the Southeast. With insights into how they introduced Japanese head spa treatments to a new market, they detail how they’ve made relaxation and scalp health both accessible and luxurious.

The partners dive into...

April Benincosa, owner of four IMAGE Studios® locations in Salt Lake City, talks with Matthew about her evolution from hairstylist to successful entrepreneur and coach. April shares her transition from working behind the chair to managing multiple salons and becoming the first IMAGE Studios®  franchisee. She discusses the emotional decision to quit hairdressing after 24 years, creating additional freedom to pursue her passion for coaching and empowering women.

April is on a mission to help women cultivate self-love and sovereignty. She shares the spiritual practices that support her personal growth, including mirror work, EFT...

In this episode, Matthew welcomes Danny Argote, tattoo artist and founder of Ink and Art Collective at IMAGE Studios in Thornton, Colorado. Danny shares his artistic journey from tracing comic books to becoming a sought-after tattoo artist, including his work at San Diego Comic-Con. He sees parallels between tattooing and other creative fields, like hairdressing, and the duo agree on the importance of mastering the fundamentals before breaking the rules. Danny shared his gratitude for the supportive community at IMAGE Studios, which helped him transition smoothly to an independent tattoo artist while retaining 90% of his clientele.

Matthew...

Matthew chats with spiritual cosmetologist and healer, Juwan Deshawn, on how their spiritual gifts, once a source of isolation, have become integral to their work in the beauty industry. Juwan offers services that go beyond haircuts, including numerology, color magic, and Tarot readings, all rooted in the belief that energy is key to creating authentic beauty experiences.

Juwan and Matthew delve into the challenges and rewards of merging spirituality with a professional career in beauty. Juwan reflects on their journey to self-acceptance, their experience of being a "black sheep" in their family, and the significance of their...

Matthew sits down with vivid hair color specialist Molly Butland to discuss the artistry, creativity, and dedication required to produce vibrant hair colors, from high school experiments to becoming a sought-after colorist known for creating bold, personalized styles. 

Matthew and Molly explore the importance of creative freedom and the value of creating a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere for clients. They discuss their experiences working in traditional salons and the challenges and rewards of starting their own businesses. Emphasizing fair pricing and knowing your ideal client, they offer practical advice on building a clientele that resonates with their artistic v...

Christopher Johns, a 30-year veteran of the beauty industry built a career based on his passion for making a difference in his clients' lives. Based in Lexington, Kentucky, he shares the the joy he finds in his work and the satisfaction of being part of the Image Studios salon suite community.

Matthew and Christopher discuss the art of hairdressing, emphasizing the importance of personalization and creativity. They explore the challenges faced in understanding and meeting clients' needs and the crucial role of effective communication and empathy. 

They also talk about the significance of mentorship, networking, a...

Matthew sits down with Meg Schmitz, a seasoned franchise owner and consultant, to delve into the intricacies of running a successful beauty, health, or wellness business. They explore the challenges faced by self-employed professionals, from mastering time management and financial literacy to achieving a harmonious work-life balance. 

Meg and Matthew share their experiences and offer practical advice on navigating the opportunities and challenges within the beauty, health, and wellness industry. They underscore the value of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and hard work in achieving success. By taking risks and overcoming fears, beauty professionals can unlock their full potential. 

Carlie Jo is a dynamic entrepreneur who has successfully built two thriving businesses in the beauty industry. Carlie shares how her relentless drive and passion have been key to her growth. Carlie also provides insight into her client base and how she has cultivated a loyal following by offering high-quality services and products.

Carlie opens up about the past six months, a period of significant growth for her extension line, which now serves multiple IMAGE Studio locations and salons across different states. She reflects on the trial and error process that led to her current success, emphasizing...

In this compelling podcast episode, Matthew and Jason Fuentes from IMAGE Studios in Sparks, NV, dive into the inspiring journey of a dedicated father who made a courageous career shift to prioritize his daughter. Discover how Jason transitioned from a demanding corporate role where he spent over a decade, to pursuing cosmetology and owning his own business. As a single parent, the decision was challenging, but his commitment to being present for his young daughter drove him to seek a career with more flexibility and personal fulfillment.

Jason shares the challenges of attending cosmetology school while juggling...

Trina Peckenham, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience, discusses her journey to specializing in hair extensions. Trina also advises aspiring specialists to find their "why" and invest in themselves through education, highlighting the importance of passion and connection with clients for success.

Matthew Landis delves into Trina's decision-making process regarding the type of hair extensions she offers, acknowledging the complexity of the field and Trina's dedication to choosing methods that align with her values of scalp health and natural aesthetics. Trina's integrity shines through her commitment to honest communication with clients, even if it means...

In this episode of The VIP Suite, Matthew Landis interviews acclaimed hair educator and mental health advocate Sarai Speer.  Sarai shares her inspiring story of overcoming addiction and homelessness to build a successful career in hair and the creation of The Balanced Stylist Society. She discusses hitting rock bottom at age 31 before getting sober and committing to personal and professional growth.

Sarai talks about the impact her work behind the chair had on her mental health as she struggled with anxiety, overwork, and an eating disorder. She explains how she burned out from working 100 hours a week b...

Eloise Blake and Talbott Anderson share their inspiring journey of building a thriving salon business from the ground up. From the moment they took a leap of faith together, their partnership blossomed into a remarkable entrepreneurial adventure. Discover how their complementary strengths - Talbott's prowess in business management and marketing, paired with Eloise's creative vision and passion for beauty, laid the foundation for their salon suite success.

Step into their carefully curated studio, designed to emanate a serene and inviting ambiance that reflects their commitment to client comfort and confidence. With a focus on fostering lasting relationships...

Discover the remarkable journey of Julee George, a seasoned hairstylist with 36 years of experience, as she shares insights from beauty school to salon ownership and the transition to becoming an independent stylist. Dive into her captivating story, filled with lessons learned, challenges overcome, and triumphs celebrated in the dynamic world of hairdressing.

Explore the nuances of building a thriving business with Julee's expert guidance, from the importance of mentorship to the power of pre-booking appointments. Gain valuable tips on raising prices, soliciting referrals, and leveraging platforms like Yelp and Google to expand your salon suite's reach.

Join host Matthew Landis as he sits down with Angelique Rodriguez, founder of Aestheticang at Image Studios in Webster, Texas.  As an esteemed esthetician specializing in full-body waxing and skincare, Angelique shares her remarkable journey from working in a medical spa to establishing herself as an independent entrepreneur.

Discover the driving force behind Angelique's decision to launch her own business, along with the hurdles she encountered and the strategies she implemented to cultivate a thriving clientele base. With unwavering authenticity, Angelique provides valuable insights into branding, social media marketing, work-life balance, and overcoming challenges in the competitive b...

Anyea Garrido, military spouse turned trailblazing curly hair entrepreneur shares the uncertainties of military life to becoming a formidable force in the world of hair.  Anyea's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Discover the driving passion and unwavering purpose that propelled her to become a sought-after curly hair specialist. She doesn't just offer hairstyling expertise but creates a sanctuary where clients experience transformation and education hand in hand.

Explore Anyea's unique approach, which prioritizes active listening, collaboration, and emotional well-being. Gain valuable insights into her techniques, carefully crafted to cater to clients with diverse curl textures, fostering a...

In this episode of The VIP Suite, Matthew Landis, IMAGE Studios Industry Expert and certified business coach, engages in a compelling conversation with Marketing Manager, Taylor Phillips, specifically crafted for independent beauty, health, and wellness professionals. Dive into a wealth of insights tailored to salon suite professionals, hairdressers, aestheticians, nail artists, and other personal care experts. The dynamic duo explores the critical significance of crafting authentic and valuable marketing content, drawing on Taylor's extensive experiences, industry insights, and her fervor for creative marketing strategies.

Listeners in the beauty, health, and wellness industry will discover invaluable advice and...

In this episode, we sit down with Rimon Ebrahim, hairstylist, IMAGE Studios Owner  in East Hanover, New Jersey, and owner of Avalon Salon in Millburn, New Jersey. Rimon shares his remarkable journey in the beauty industry, from sweeping salon floors at the age of fifteen to becoming a successful salon owner. He emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where stylists can be happy and successful and discusses his motivation for opening an Image Studios location to empower other professionals in the industry.

Rimon's approach to marketing and building a clientele highlights the value of traditional methods l...

Kelsie Burgin grew up in a small town Texas knowing early on that she wanted to be a hairdresser, and has has been doing hair for seventeen years now. She loves evolving in the beauty industry. Her main goal is to help make women feel as beautiful on the outside as they already are on the inside. She specializes in hand-tied extensions and lived-in color. She has niched down over the years and showcases her work with her treasured clients on her salon Instagram account @chicstudiobeautique. She has recently rebranded on her personal page @misskelsieburgin where she shares her...

Originally recorded live on Instagram with Conlin Hardwood of Craft Barber shares his profound experience with raising prices, marketing, and running his salon suite business. 

Conlin began his barbering career at eighteen and comes from a family tradition in the Utah hair industry. After working at one of Salt Lake City’s premium barbershops for nearly six years, he decided to open Craft Barber, his own luxury barber studio. He specializes in short haircutting, beard trimming, and straight-razor shaving and is proud to continually update his education annually, claiming that he will forever be a life-long student. In...

Esther Oh (aka The Korean Esthetician) is on a mission to revive skin and restore lives at Skin Revival Studio. As someone who has struggled with acne and various skin issues into adulthood, treating and healing skin has been a long standing passion of her. She specializes in acne treatment, age management, and crafting relaxing treatments while delivering results. Outside Skin Revival Studio, you can find her diving into her creative endeavors, including music, sewing, and painting, or cuddling with her goldendoodle, Teddy. 

The VIP Suite is the official podcast of IMAGE Studios, created f...

Books on abstract art at local bookstores, or colorful prints on dresses from her favorite vintage stores, are just a few of the places nail artist, Lori Sartain, draws inspiration for her extraordinary work.   

Lori is a master at her craft. In cosmetology school, while taking the nail portion of her curriculum, she knew right away that it wasn't hair she wanted to pursue, so she withdrew and headed straight to nail school. After employment in several high-end salons and spas, she snagged a salon suite in her favorite space, IMAGE Studios Foothill, where she opened Crow Na...

Inspired by her grandmothers who sold candy and snacks to kids in her neighborhood growing up, Billie Jean Bolden has built her own empire tending to her clientele in a triple salon suite and making sure they not only get the best service in her studio, but that they are equipped between visits with the right products and the right knowledge to always look and feel their best.

Billie Jean is a native of Greenville, SC where she is a devoted wife, a proud mom, and a serial entrepreneur. She is a licensed cosmetologist, certified cosmetology instructor...