Beauty Industry Voices

Lulu Benavidez

Beauty Industry Voices brings together passionate creatives, industry leaders, artists, wellness professionals, photographers, educators, and entrepreneurs to share their voices, stories, and journeys. We explore the experiences behind their careers—the challenges, creativity, mindset, lessons, and passion that helped shape who they are today. Each guest brings a different voice and perspective, giving you inspiration, ideas, and real stories you can connect with and learn from. Artists. Icons. Entrepreneurs. Creatives. Different voices. Stories worth hearing.

  1. 1d ago

    Why We Are Obsessed With Mid-Century Beauty Fitness Trends

    Send us Fan Mail Le discusses her Mid-Century Audit and the philosophy that guides her work: one body, one journey, one lifetime. For those feeling overwhelmed by modern exercise advice, this conversation provides a refreshing look at midlife fitness and how to adapt your physical routine to your current chapter. As a dedicated fitness coach, Le emphasizes that effective training should be progressive, not aggressive. She explains the importance of prioritizing everyday movement and shares how LuLu’s own training has evolved over their years of collaboration. Whether you are adjusting to life transitions or seeking a more compassionate way to stay active, this discussion offers a roadmap for healthy aging. Subscribe to Beauty Industry Voices for weekly conversations on meaningful living, and let us know in the comments how your relationship with exercise has changed over time. 00:00 — Welcome Back, Le Bergin 01:09 — From Teaching to Fitness and Personal Coaching 03:51 — One Body, One Journey, One Lifetime 07:43 — The Mid-Century Audit: Reflecting and Starting Over 11:15 — How LuLu’s Workouts Have Changed 13:04 — Practicing Movement for Everyday Life 16:44 — Finding Hope Through the Audit 18:30 — Making Coaching Simple and Personal 20:47 — Progressive, Not Aggressive: Adapting Your Workouts 24:25 — Fill in the Gap: Connecting Information to Action 27:30 — Overwhelmed by Fitness Advice? 29:01 — Taking the First Step and Moving Forward www.lulubenavidez.com www.beautyindusrtyvoices.com @lulubenavidez

  2. Sep 21

    From Salon Owner to Global Beauty Editor

    Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode of Beauty Industry Voices, LuLu Benavidez and co-host Sue Hanson welcome Janie Tongue, Editor-in-Chief of Independent Beauty Professional Magazine, international educator, former salon owner, and founder of IBP Media Concierge. From growing up with a hairdresser mother to owning a salon in Florida, educating around the world, and launching a beauty magazine during the pandemic, Janie's journey shows the power of saying YES. Janie shares why credibility matters more than temporary attention, how relationships open doors, and why some of the beauty industry's most valuable voices are not necessarily the loudest. Discover how beauty professionals can build visibility, develop meaningful relationships, create opportunities beyond the chair, and leave a lasting legacy. In this episode, you'll discover: Why saying yes can change the direction of your career. How Janie created an internationally recognized beauty magazine. Why professional credibility matters more than social media attention. Why recognizing the industry's unsung heroes matters. How IBP Media Concierge connects professionals with opportunities. Why ergonomics and protecting your body matter for career longevity. How mentoring the next generation strengthens our entire industry. Whether you're a hairstylist, salon owner, educator, artist, student, or entrepreneur, this conversation will remind you that your experience has value and your voice deserves to be heard. Remember: Your story matters. Your voice matters. Your legacy matters. Chapters: 00:00 The Three Qualities of a Respected Industry Voice 00:40 Meet Janie Tongue 01:04 From a Hairdresser's Daughter to Salon Owner 02:35 Discovering a Passion for Education 04:43 Why Saying YES Opens Doors 06:08 Creating a Global Beauty Magazine 09:31 Giving Forgotten Industry Voices a Platform 13:44 Introducing IBP Media Concierge 19:01 Why Credibility Matters More Than Attention 21:36 How Beauty Professionals Can Build Visibility 23:11 Creating Opportunities Beyond the Chair 25:28 Leadership, Delegation and Building Loyalty 26:38 Leaving a Legacy Through Mentorship 28:20 Supporting Students and Protecting Careers 30:56 Quick Fire: Getting to Know Janie 33:47 Where to Find Janie 34:43 Janie's Final Words of Wisdom Subscribe for weekly conversations on meaningful living, and let us know in the comments which quality you value most in your own life. www.lulubenavidez.com www.beautyindusrtyvoices.com @lulubenavidez

  3. Sep 14

    How to Preserve Our Culture Before It Fades

    Send us Fan Mail Meaningful conversations happen when we choose to leave a mark. Join LuLu, Sue, and Joann Rodriguez for a raw discussion. In this episode, we explore the depth of personal legacy and the importance of ensuring our stories aren't erased by time. It is a candid look at how we show up for one another, capturing the genuine reactions and shared sentiments that define our connections. Whether you want to deepen your personal relationships or find inspiration in others' stories, this conversation offers space to reflect on what truly matters. We discuss the art of staying present and the power of being heard in a digital world. Subscribe for weekly beauty industry voices and meaningful conversations with passionate people. 00:00 Welcome to Beauty Industry Voices 01:05 Introducing JoAnn Rodriguez 02:20 The story behind Magnolia Park Arts & Community 05:15 Turning a family legacy home into a community space 08:40 Preserving culture in Houston’s Magnolia Park 12:10 Supporting artists and local creativity 15:30 Working alongside Jesse E. Rodriguez / Magnolia Grown 18:45 Why community programs matter 22:00 Books, art, and cultural storytelling 25:15 What JoAnn hopes people feel at MPAC 28:00 Rapid Fire / Voices in Five 30:00 Closing thoughts and thank you Tags: JoAnn Rodriguez, Magnolia Park Arts and Community, MPAC Houston, Magnolia Park Houston, Houston artists, Latino art, Latina community, cultural preservation, community arts, nonprofit arts organization, Beauty Industry Voices, LuLu Benavidez, community advocate, local artists, Houston culture, family legacy, art and culture, Magnolia Grown, Jesse E Rodriguez, podcast interview, women in leadership, creative community www.lulubenavidez.com www.beautyindusrtyvoices.com @lulubenavidez

  4. Sep 7

    How to Master Persistence in Your Creative Work

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when imagination steps off the page and becomes a living work of art? LuLu Benavidez and co-host Sue Krukonis Hanson welcome Olga Saretsky, founder of Kikimora Studio, for an inspiring conversation about creativity, authenticity and persistence. Olga shares her journey from dancer and choreographer to the creator of extraordinary Living Art and wearable sculptures. She reveals the fashion show that changed her direction, why covering the face gave her greater artistic freedom, and how she continued creating even when others didn’t understand her vision. Olga also shares an important realization: our work may express who we are, but it does not define all that we are. Discover Olga’s work: [www.kikimorastudio.com](http://www.kikimorastudio.com) [www.kikimorafashion.com](http://www.kikimorafashion.com) Subscribe to Beauty Industry Voices for inspiring conversations with artists, innovators and entrepreneurs who are transforming creativity into meaningful careers. Chapters: 00:00 Meet Olga Saretsky 01:25 From dance to Living Art 03:15 The fashion show that changed everything 05:21 Inspiration for the beauty industry 06:45 The challenges of creative business 07:55 Building the Kikimora team 08:38 Finding freedom behind the mask 10:57 The power of authenticity 12:00 You are more than your work 14:03 Persistence and finding your voice 15:52 The truth about overnight success 17:30 Protecting your originality 18:33 Five personal questions 20:28 Creativity and human potential 21:25 Where to find Olga’s work 23:50 Olga’s message to the audience www.lulubenavidez.com www.beautyindusrtyvoices.com @lulubenavidez

  5. Aug 24

    I Gained 177K+ Followers in One Year: Here is How

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Maria shares how she grew her Instagram following from just over 2,000 to more than 177,000 followers by creating practical, no-nonsense special occasion hairstyling tutorials. She talks about developing techniques for fine and thinning hair, the influence of legendary educator Martin Parsons, why mastering technique comes before creativity, and the discipline behind creating her content week after week. Maria also reveals her Instagram routine, why she posts her content manually, the importance of engaging with followers, and one of the biggest mistakes she sees hairstylists make on social media: trying to be everything to everyone. Whether you're a hairstylist, educator, salon professional, or creative entrepreneur trying to build an audience, Maria's story is a wonderful reminder: know what you do, stay focused, keep showing up—and never stop learning. Subscribe for more conversations with the voices shaping the beauty industry. Chapters 00:00 – Meet Maria Esparolini 02:25 – The Hairstyle That Reached 1 Million Views 04:00 – Creating Styles for Fine & Thinning Hair 05:44 – Why No-Nonsense Techniques Work 06:14 – Learning From Martin Parsons 08:00 – Technique vs. Creativity 10:23 – How Maria Grew Her Instagram Following 11:02 – Her Weekly Content Routine 13:10 – Why She Posts Manually 14:10 – Who Maria Creates Content For 17:42 – Why “How-To” Content Works 19:38 – Breaking an Hour-Long Style Into 60 Seconds 22:59 – From Behind the Chair to Online Educator 24:44 – Understanding Instagram Analytics 27:55 – Maria's Advice for Low Engagement 28:23 – The Social Media Mistake Stylists Make 30:01 – Why Consistency Matters 31:16 – Rapid Fire With Maria 33:54 – Advice to Her Younger Self 34:19 – Where to Follow Maria 35:39 – Final Thoughts  Keywords Maria Esparolini, hairstylist education, hairstylist Instagram, Instagram for hairstylists, grow Instagram followers, beauty industry, beauty industry podcast, hairstylist podcast, special occasion hair, special occasion hairstyles, bridal hair, wedding hairstyles, updo tutorials, fine hair styling, thinning hair styling, hair education, hairstylist educator, social media for hairstylists, Instagram Reels for hairstylists, salon marketing, beauty business, hairstylist tips, hair tutorials, behind the chair, Martin Parsons, creative hairstyling, beauty education, hairstylist success, social media growth, Beauty Industry Voices www.lulubenavidez.com www.beautyindusrtyvoices.com @lulubenavidez

  6. Aug 17

    The Salon System Behind Six-Figure Stylists

    Send us Fan Mail What separates a busy stylist from a six-figure stylist? Salon educator and Trainers Playbook founder Coach Chris Baran shares the systems that help stylists increase their income without trying to do everything themselves. Chris explains the importance of establishing clear salon standards, assessing each team member’s abilities, and training associates to take responsibility for repeatable services. Strategic delegation allows experienced stylists to concentrate on the creative, higher-value services that clients specifically seek them out for. Whether you are a salon owner, educator, associate, or stylist, this conversation offers practical ideas for building stronger teams, developing talent, and creating greater earning opportunities. Learn more about Coach Chris Baran: www.trainersplaybook.com Instagram: @CoachChrisBaran 👍 Like this episode, subscribe, and share it with a salon professional who is ready to grow. Chapter Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 00:38 Building six-figure stylists 02:12 Establishing salon standards 04:28 Assessing skills before training 06:35 Why delegation increases income 08:47 Focusing on higher-value services 10:32 Getting associates on the floor 12:18 Training smarter and growing faster 13:08 Final thoughts Keywords Coach Chris Baran, Chris Baran, six-figure stylist, six-figure hairstylist, hairstylist income, salon business growth, salon education, salon associate training, salon leadership, stylist training, beauty industry education, salon systems, salon standards, salon delegation, salon team building, salon owner advice, growing a salon team, hairstylist career growth, salon profitability, Trainers Playbook, beauty industry podcast, professional hairstylist, associate program, stylist success, salon coaching www.lulubenavidez.com www.beautyindusrtyvoices.com @lulubenavidez

  7. Aug 10

    What Failure Taught Me About Success

    Send us Fan Mail What if failure isn’t something to fear—but one of our greatest teachers? In this episode, we sat down with George Alderete to talk about the experiences that shaped his career in the beauty industry. George shares lessons from competition, education, and teaching, as well as the challenges that helped him grow both personally and professionally. We explore why failure can be an important part of success, the value of continuing education, and what it means to pass your knowledge on to the next generation. If you’re a hairstylist, educator, student, or creative professional building your career, George’s story is a reminder: keep learning, keep competing, and never be afraid to fail forward. Subscribe for more conversations with the voices, artists, educators, and innovators shaping the beauty industry. 00:00 – Introduction to George Alderete 01:00 – George’s Journey in the Beauty Industry 03:00 – Learning Through Competition 05:00 – Why Failure Is a Great Teacher 07:00 – Becoming an Educator 09:00 – Lessons Learned Along the Way 11:00 – Leaving a Legacy 12:20 – Final Thoughts Keywords: George Alderete, Beauty Industry Voices, beauty industry, hairstylist education, hair education, cosmetology education, cosmetology students, beauty industry educator, hair competitions, hairstylist competition, failure is the best teacher, learning from failure, career success, hairstylist success, salon professional, beauty professionals, hairdresser career, continuing education, mentorship, beauty industry leadership, creative careers, hairstylist inspiration, salon education www.lulubenavidez.com www.beautyindusrtyvoices.com @lulubenavidez

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5 Ratings

About

Beauty Industry Voices brings together passionate creatives, industry leaders, artists, wellness professionals, photographers, educators, and entrepreneurs to share their voices, stories, and journeys. We explore the experiences behind their careers—the challenges, creativity, mindset, lessons, and passion that helped shape who they are today. Each guest brings a different voice and perspective, giving you inspiration, ideas, and real stories you can connect with and learn from. Artists. Icons. Entrepreneurs. Creatives. Different voices. Stories worth hearing.

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