Beauty Industry Voices

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

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

    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 @lulubenavidez

  2. Aug 31

    Introducing Beauty Industry Voices | A New Chapter Begins

    Send us Fan Mail Welcome to Beauty Industry Voices, formerly known as Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs. The name and format may be changing, but the heart of our podcast remains the same. Host LuLu Benavidez will continue sharing meaningful conversations with beauty professionals, artists, educators, wellness experts, photographers, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and passionate people with extraordinary stories. Different co-hosts will also join LuLu based on each guest and subject, bringing fresh perspectives to every conversation. Follow or subscribe and join us for this exciting new chapter—where every voice has a story of passion, creativity, and purpose. Hosted by LuLu Benavidez #BeautyIndustryVoices #BeautyIndustry #PodcastTrailer Chapters 00:00 A New Chapter Begins 00:20 How Beauty Industry Voices Began 00:45 Creativity Beyond the Salon 01:10 The Voices You Will Meet 01:35 A Fresh Co-Host Format 01:55 Our Purpose Remains the Same 02:10 Welcome to Beauty Industry Voices www.lulubenavidez.com @lulubenavidez

  3. 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 @lulubenavidez

  4. 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 @lulubenavidez

  5. 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 @lulubenavidez

  6. Aug 3

    This Hair Innovator Did Something Nobody Expected

    Send us Fan Mail In this special Summer Series episode, we revisit our conversation with beauty-industry icon Joe Santy. Joe shares his journey from being nicknamed “Perm Boy” to becoming a respected educator and expert in texture, color, permanent waving, and hair chemistry. He discusses how education and innovation have transformed the beauty industry, as well as the importance of truly understanding the science behind the services we perform. Joe also shares valuable lessons from his decades of experience and offers encouraging advice for the next generation of hairstylists. This conversation celebrates a career built on curiosity, education, innovation, and a genuine passion for the professional beauty industry. ([Buzzsprout][1]) Please like, subscribe, and share this episode with another beauty professional. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Summer Series 00:45 Joe Santy’s Career Journey 03:00 Lessons from a Changing Industry 06:00 Understanding Hair Chemistry 07:25 Innovation in Texture and Color 12:00 Advice for the Next Generation 14:55 Final Thoughts Tags: Joe Santy, Joe Santy interview, Beauty Industry Voices, beauty industry podcast, hair industry icon, hair education, hairstylist education, professional beauty industry, hair chemistry, permanent waving, texture expert, hair color education, salon education, beauty industry legend, hairdresser interview, beauty career advice, cosmetology education, salon professionals, hair innovation, beauty educator, hairstylist inspiration, beauty industry leaders, Summer Series podcast, hair science, salon owner, beauty professionals www.lulubenavidez.com @lulubenavidez

  7. Jul 27

    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

  8. 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

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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Lulu Benavidez & Sue Krukonis Hanson
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    95
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Beauty Industry Voices
  • Show Website
    Beauty Industry Voices

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