Artists, Icons and Entrepreneurs

Lulu Benavidez & Sue Krukonis Hanson
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Updated Weekly

Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs is a space where creative professionals, such as elite hairstylists and visual artists, share how they built their careers through consistency, craft, and heart. We dive into their process, mindset, and journey so you can get inspired to grow your own creative career too.

  1. 2d ago

    The Balayage Queen Reveals Her Billion-Dollar Beauty Strategy

    Send us Fan Mail What does it take to grow from a young hairstylist with a pair of scissors into one of the beauty industry’s most respected educators, salon owners, and product innovators? In this inspiring episode of Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs, LuLu Benavidez and Sue Krukonis Hanson sit down with Candy Shaw, widely known throughout the industry as The Balayage Queen. Candy shares how she began cutting hair at only 13 years old, developed her entrepreneurial spirit, and built a career centered on education, service, innovation, and helping others succeed. She opens up about working behind the chair in her 50-chair Atlanta salon, creating systems that allow stylists to work more efficiently, developing her French cutting and balayage techniques, and launching Sunlights—the first clay-based balayage lightener brought to market. Learn expert balayage techniques and business strategies from Candy Shaw, the world-renowned hairstylist and educator. Discover how to build a career in the hair industry. Lulu Benavides hosts this conversation with Candy Shaw, often called the balayage queen for her mastery of hair color. This session is designed for aspiring stylists and salon owners looking to elevate their professional practice through proven methods. We discuss the journey from behind the chair to becoming a successful salon owner and innovator in the beauty space. Throughout the interview, you will gain insights into the entrepreneurial mindset required to thrive in a competitive market. Candy Shaw shares her experience as a product innovator and educator, providing actionable hair industry advice for anyone looking to scale their own business. Whether you are mastering new balayage techniques or seeking mentorship, this discussion offers a roadmap for long-term growth. Subscribe for weekly career breakdowns and artist spotlights. Comment below with the biggest challenge you face as a hair professional. 00:00 Growing Up Around Beauty Industry Icons 00:23 Cutting Hair at 13 Years Old 01:10 How Candy Shaw Sees Herself 01:47 The Butterfly Effect and Being a Unicorn 02:25 Building a Salon, Academy, and Product Company 03:25 The Honest Truth About Entrepreneurship 04:02 Why Candy Still Works Behind the Chair 04:20 Systems, Speed, and Quality Service 05:30 Bringing the Salon Chair into the Classroom 06:00 Leading a 50-Chair Salon by Example 06:46 How and Where Candy Teaches 08:19 Balancing Career, Family, and Travel 09:02 The Power of Saying No 10:11 LuLu’s Paul Mitchell Story 11:09 Growing Up Backstage with Industry Legends 12:30 The Original Hairdressing Community 13:01 Candy’s Father, Humility, and Leadership 13:47 Why the Industry Needs More Talent 14:40 Followers Versus True Believers 15:45 The Creation of Sunlights Balayage 16:30 Developing the First Clay Lightener 17:23 Solving a Problem and Building a Brand 18:17 Helping Others and Changing Lives Keywords: #CandyShaw #BalayageQueen #SunlightsBalayage #BeautyIndustry #SalonOwner #HairEducation #BalayageArtist #Hairdresser #BeautyEntrepreneur #SalonSuccess #AIEPodcast www.lulubenavidez.com @lulubenavidez www.evolvehairsolutions.com

  2. Jul 20

    Your Voice Matters More Than Your Doubts

    Send us Fan Mail In this special summer episode of Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs, LuLu Benavidez and Sue Hanson revisit their inspiring conversation with Ivette Mayo, an award-winning entrepreneur, international author, speaker, business mentor, and powerful advocate for women. Ivette shares valuable lessons about overcoming fear, building confidence, embracing your unique story, and having the courage to create meaningful change. Her message reminds us that success does not begin with having all the answers—it begins with taking the first step. Whether you are building a business, beginning a new chapter, or rediscovering your purpose, this conversation will encourage you to trust yourself, use your voice, and move forward with confidence. Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:12 Meet Yvette Mayo 03:05 Turning Challenges Into Strength 05:18 Finding Your Voice 07:42 Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt 10:06 Stop Waiting for Permission 12:24 Building Confidence as a Leader 14:47 The Power of Your Story 17:02 Creating Opportunities for Others 19:16 Yvette’s Advice for Moving Forward 20:42 Final Thoughts and Closing key words Ivette Mayo, Latina leadership, women in business, women entrepreneurs, female empowerment, confidence building, personal growth, overcoming fear, finding your voice, leadership mindset, business motivation, inspirational women, Latina entrepreneur, women leaders, success mindset, courage and confidence, personal power, motivational interview, entrepreneur story, career inspiration, women empowerment, leadership advice, Artists Icons and Entrepreneurs podcast, summer podcast episode www.lulubenavidez.com @lulubenavidez www.evolvehairsolutions.com

  3. Jul 13

    From Beauty to The New U

    Send us Fan Mail Professional makeup artist Marcus Geeter explains why true beauty is actually about building human connections. Learn how to combine confidence and artistry to improve your creative career. As part of our Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs Summer Series, we sit down with Marcus Jeter to challenge traditional beauty standards. He moves the conversation away from surface-level aesthetics, arguing that professional makeup techniques are really about fostering authentic communication. If you are an artist or creative professional, this discussion offers a fresh lens on how your work impacts client relationships. Marcus details his approach as an educator, showing how mastering your craft can boost personal confidence beyond the mirror. We break down why beauty industry professionals must prioritize interpersonal skills to stand out. By viewing your technical skills as tools for connection, you can shift your entire business strategy. Subscribe for weekly creative industry breakdowns, and tell us in the comments which professional skills you want us to cover next. www.lulubenavidez.com @lulubenavidez www.evolvehairsolutions.com

  4. Jul 6

    Beauty School Graduate? Here's What Comes Next

    Send us Fan Mail Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs, LuLu Benavidez and Sue Hanson, sit down with Penny Burns, founder of Beauty Cast Network, to talk about empowering the next generation of beauty professionals. Penny shares her passion for helping beauty school graduates understand what comes next after school and how to build careers that are profitable, sustainable, and meaningful. She also talks about the importance of education, confidence, career guidance, and the role salon owners play in supporting new talent. Chapters: 0:00 — Penny’s Career Journey 0:19 — How Beauty Cast Network Began 1:12 — Helping Graduates Build Sustainable Careers 3:16 — Building the First Digital Career Platform 4:35 — What Beauty Cast Network Does Today 5:56 — What Salon Owners Need to Understand 6:46 — Taking the Baton After Beauty School 7:40 — Why Salon Owners Should Not Burn Bridges 9:03 — Understanding Independent vs. Salon Employment 11:11 — Penny’s Industry Leadership and Influence 13:36 — Beauty School Hours vs. Quality Education 16:34 — How Beauty Cast Network Supports Employers 18:48 — Confidence, Beauty, and Final Thoughts www.lulubenavidez.com @lulubenavidez www.evolvehairsolutions.com

  5. Jun 29

    The Hair Colorist Secret Every Stylist Needs to Know

    Send us Fan Mail This conversation focuses on the technical and interpersonal aspects of being a successful colorist. We cover how Beth Minardi approaches complex hair color techniques while maintaining high standards for client satisfaction. Whether you are a new stylist or a seasoned pro, these lessons provide a clear framework for handling difficult consultations and refining your application methods. Beyond technical skill, we discuss the essential soft skills required for effective salon client relations. You will hear firsthand advice on managing expectations and creating an atmosphere that keeps clients coming back. We also examine current beauty industry trends and how the business of coloring hair is shifting in today's market. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:22 The Experience of Hairdressing 00:51 Overcoming Challenges in the Beauty Industry 08:11 The Future of Hair Color and Education 13:49 The Role of Professional Beauty Association 14:48 Revitalizing the Beauty Industry Post-COVID 15:01 Innovative Approaches to Hair Color Education 15:01 Outro www.lulubenavidez.com @lulubenavidez www.evolvehairsolutions.com

  6. Jun 22

    This Chicano Artist's Collection Left Cheech Marin Speechless

    Send us Fan Mail Discover the artistic philosophy of Jesse Rodriguez, a Houston artist rooted in Magnolia Park. Learn how he translates history into art. This conversation explores the connection between ancient Aztec art and modern creative expression. We discuss how Jesse Rodriguez approaches his work to ensure every piece creates a lasting image that stands the test of time. Whether you are interested in the Houston art scene or the creative process, this discussion provides a clear look at his unique perspective on visual storytelling. Beyond his canvases, we touch upon his personal collection. We also examine how his work is received within his home neighborhood of Magnolia Park and what it means to create art that resonates with your own community. This is a look at the dedication behind the craft Chapters 00:00 The Impact of Magnolia Park on Identity 02:25 Preserving Community History Through Art 06:34 Transforming Spaces: The YWCA to Art Gallery 12:01 Creating Accessible Art Experiences 13:31 Cultural Roots in Art and Music 15:57 The Journey of an Artist 18:22 Transitioning from Graphic Design to Fine Art Keywords #Jesse Rodriguez, #art, #community, # Mexican, #podcast #Magnolia Park, #cheechmarin #culture, #houston #houstontx  www.lulubenavidez.com @lulubenavidez www.evolvehairsolutions.com

  7. Jun 15

    Your Dreams Don't Have an Expiration Date

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Mya James for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about beauty, aging, self-care, and the importance of staying consistent in the way we care for ourselves. This conversation offers a candid look at what it means to grow both personally and professionally while navigating the demands of building a business. Mya reminds us that success is not only about hard work and ambition, but also about balance, self-awareness, and making time to care for yourself along the way. In this episode, we sit down with Mya James for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about beauty, aging, self-care, and the importance of staying consistent in the way we care for ourselves. This conversation offers a candid look at what it means to grow both personally and professionally while navigating the demands of building a business. Mya reminds us that success is not only about hard work and ambition, but also about balance, self-awareness, and making time to care for yourself along the way. #skincare #skincareroutine #skincareproducts  Chapter 1: Creating a Hub Chapter 2: Expanding Horizons Chapter 3: Enbracing Inclusivity In Beauty Chapter 4: Empathy in Beauty Development  Chapter 5: The Importance of Self-care Chapter 6: Prioritizing in Self-care and Wellness Chapter 1: Creating a Hub Chapter 2: Expanding Horizons Chapter 3: Enbracing Inclusivity In Beauty Chapter 4: Empathy in Beauty Development  Chapter 5: The Importance of Self-care Chapter 6: Prioritizing in Self-care and Wellness www.lulubenavidez.com @lulubenavidez www.evolvehairsolutions.com

  8. Jun 8

    This One Formula Will Change How You Cut Hair Forever!

    Send us Fan Mail Kim Weaver Moore, a renowned haircutting educator, shares her journey from a passionate hairstylist to an innovator with her Head Shape Matters system. Discover how her blend of science, geometry, and artistry is transforming haircutting education and practice. We dive deep into the world of hair education, exploring the foundational principles of hair cutting and hair design. This hairdressing course emphasizes that understanding theory enables limitless creativity in every hairstyle. Get ready for some valuable hair tips! Chapters 00:00 The Art and Science of Haircutting 02:18 Journey into the Beauty Industry 04:54 Key Turning Points in Kim's Career 09:31 The Birth of Head Shape Matters 12:10 Blending Artistry with Science 16:51 Challenges in Introducing New Techniques 21:46 The Evolution of Teaching Methods 27:34 Caring for Students and Their Learning 29:11 Proud Moments and Future Aspirations 31:30 Rapid Fire Insights www.lulubenavidez.com @lulubenavidez www.evolvehairsolutions.com

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Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs is a space where creative professionals, such as elite hairstylists and visual artists, share how they built their careers through consistency, craft, and heart. We dive into their process, mindset, and journey so you can get inspired to grow your own creative career too.

Information

  • Creator
    Lulu Benavidez & Sue Krukonis Hanson
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    89
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Artists, Icons and Entrepreneurs
  • Show Website
    Artists, Icons and Entrepreneurs