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. 4D AGO

    From Swinging London to The Beatles: A Hair Icon’s Journey

    Send a text Leslie Cavendish shares his extraordinary journey from East London to becoming a legendary hairdresser for The Beatles and other icons. Discover behind-the-scenes stories, lessons learned, and the culture of 60s London that shaped his career. Chapters 00:00 A Surreal Encounter with Paul McCartney 01:40 The Journey to Becoming a Hairstylist 06:45 Lessons from Vidal Sassoon 12:58 The Start of Celebrity Hairdressing 19:12 The Beatles and the Hairdressing Connection 22:34 Behind the Scenes with Paul McCartney 24:34 Memorable Moments at Abbey Road 26:58 The Cutting Edge: A Hairdresser's Journey 30:17 Cultural Reflections in Hairdressing 31:45 The Skinhead Haircut Incident 35:10 Celebrity Encounters Beyond the Beatles 40:54 The Legacy of a Hairdresser 44:38 A Dream of Cutting Jesus Christ's Hair www.lulubenavidez.com @lulubenavidez www.evolvehairsolutions.com

    45 min

  2. FEB 23

    A Visionary in Beauty Education

    Send a text This episode features Don Wismer, a visionary education leader in the beauty industry, discussing the future of beauty education, industry trends, and inclusive leadership. Discover insights on innovative training, diversity initiatives, and how to thrive in a rapidly evolving market. www.lulubenavidez.com @lulubenavidez www.evolvehairsolutions.com

    47 min

  3. FEB 16

    From Struggling to Thriving | My Complete Transformation Journey

    Send a text In this episode, Maria Arellano shares her transformative journey from struggling with weight and self-image to embracing a healthier lifestyle and body positivity. Through her experiences in photography and personal growth, she emphasizes the importance of mindset, identity, and the tools that helped her achieve her goals. Maria's story is one of resilience, empowerment, and the realization that true beauty comes from within. www.lulubenavidez.com @lulubenavidez www.evolvehairsolutions.com

    47 min

  4. FEB 9

    What Fashion Shows Look Like Behind the Scenes | Sarai Martinez

    Send a text In this episode of Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs, hosts Lulu Benavidez and Sue Krokonis Hanson welcome celebrity hairstylist Sarai Martinez. They explore Sarai's journey from studying fashion design in Canada to becoming a renowned hairstylist in the beauty industry. The conversation delves into the intricacies of working with clients, the chaos behind the scenes at fashion shows, and the difference between being camera-ready and being real in real life. Sarai shares insights on building trust with clients, managing stress during photo shoots, and the importance of continuous education in the beauty field. The episode also touches on the future of the beauty industry with the integration of AI and concludes with rapid-fire questions that reveal Sarai's personal style and preferences. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts 01:30 Sarai Martinez: A Journey in Cosmetology 05:39 Adapting to Different Client Needs 10:45 Behind the Scenes of Fashion Week 15:32 The Difference Between Camera Ready and Real Life 19:12 Building Trust with Clients 21:35 The Stress of Photo Shoots 23:47 Maintaining Calmness and Health in High-Pressure Situations 26:53 Being a Trendsetter vs. Following Trends 28:42 The Future of the Beauty Industry 30:32 Rapid Fire Questions with Sarai Martinez www.lulubenavidez.com @lulubenavidez www.evolvehairsolutions.com

    34 min

  5. FEB 2

    Behind the Chair: The Life of a Celebrity Stylist

    Send a text In this engaging conversation, Lucia shares her journey in the hairdressing industry, starting from her early days at 15 to becoming a sought-after stylist for celebrities and major brands. She discusses the importance of passion, the differences between fashion and real-world glamour, and her experiences working with renowned professionals. Lucia also highlights her role as a lead stylist for the texture team and her personal connection to cancer care, stemming from her mother's battle with the disease. The conversation wraps up with rapid-fire questions that reveal her insights and future aspirations in teaching and in expanding her impact in the industry. Chapters 00:00 Journey into Hairdressing: Early Beginnings 03:08 Aha Moments: Recognizing Success in the Industry 06:06 Fashion vs. Real World Glamour: Understanding the Differences 08:57 Passion in Hairdressing: Learning from the Best 12:00 The Importance of Texture: Leading the Texture Team 15:04 Cancer Care and Hair: A Personal Journey 18:04 Rapid Fire: Insights into the Artist's Mind 21:06 Future Aspirations: Teaching and Expanding Horizons www.lulubenavidez.com @lulubenavidez www.evolvehairsolutions.com

    29 min

  6. JAN 26

    Behind the Curtain: Wig Building, Collaboration, and the Many Roads of the Beauty Industry

    Send a text In this episode of Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs, we sit down with Richard Krammes—veteran hairstylist, wig designer, and educator with 35+ years in the professional beauty industry and theatre. Richard shares how he went from barber school and salon life to discovering the “hidden world” of wigs, learning under masters at places like the Banff Centre, and stepping into high-level productions at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA). You’ll hear what it really takes to build wigs for live performance—historical accuracy, collaboration with directors and costume designers, and the pressure of backstage quick changes (including a wild 42-second wig change story!). Richard also talks about teaching the next generation at Boulder TEC, why “show up and be ready” is still the secret to longevity, and how creativity can open doors you never planned for. Follow Richard on Instagram: @RichardWighead Subscribe for more conversations with creative pros across industries. www.lulubenavidez.com @lulubenavidez www.evolvehairsolutions.com

    45 min

  7. JAN 19

    You Can’t Train Gen Z Like You Were Trained

    Send a text Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs, hosts LuLu Benavidez and Sue Krokonis Hanson, sit down with Coach Chris Baran, renowned salon educator and founder of Trainers Playbook, to explore what it takes to build high-performing teams and modern training systems in today’s beauty industry. Chris shares how he went from unexpectedly entering the hairdressing world to becoming a respected leader in professional education. Drawing on decades of experience, he explains why systematized training is no longer optional—and how salons can create clear, repeatable pathways that help stylists and educators grow faster, with less stress and more consistency. The conversation dives into the biggest training mistakes salons make, especially when relying on outdated methods that don’t connect with today’s emerging professionals. Chris explains why training must evolve to meet the needs of Gen Z, including stronger engagement, clearer communication, and an environment built for rapid skill development. You’ll also hear practical insights on: * How to improve associate training with standards, assessments, and accountability * Why delegation is key to breaking income ceilings and reaching six figures * How to build a healthy salon culture through aligned values and expectations * The power of creating a team “Code of Honor,” to encourage constructive feedback and reduce conflict * Reframing “selling” into caring, and why ethical recommending improves client outcomes and loyalty Whether you’re a salon owner, educator, or stylist building your career, this episode offers a clear roadmap for thriving in an industry that’s changing fast—without losing the heart of great service. Learn more about Trainers Playbook:Trainersplaybook.com Follow Coach Chris Baran on Instagram: @CoachChrisBaran 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, and share with a salon professional who’s passionate about education and culture. www.lulubenavidez.com @lulubenavidez www.evolvehairsolutions.com

    1 hr

  8. JAN 12

    From Bilingual Student to Educational Leader

    Send a text  Claudia Macias shares her inspiring journey in education, from her early experiences as a bilingual student to founding KIPP elementary schools. She discusses her collaborations with major educational institutions, the importance of storytelling in education, and her initiatives promoting healthy habits through Veggie Pals. Claudia also highlights the significance of early childhood development and the need for self-care among educators and parents. Her insights and experiences provide valuable lessons for anyone involved in education and parenting. www.lulubenavidez.com @lulubenavidez www.evolvehairsolutions.com

    49 min
See All (73)

Trailer

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

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
    73
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Artists, Icons and Entrepreneurs
  • Show Website
    Artists, Icons and Entrepreneurs