Suite Independence | Building a Thriving Beauty Business

Kristin Kienzle
  • 5.0 (4)
  • FASHION & BEAUTY

Welcome to Suite Independence, the podcast designed exclusively for established beauty professionals ready to transform their careers and build the salon business of their dreams. Hosted by industry veteran Kristin Kienzle, founder of Utopia Modern Salon Suites, this show is your essential guide to thriving independently in the beauty world. Kristin, with over 34 years of experience, understands the unique challenges and incredible opportunities you face. She created Utopia to be a supportive, inspiring community where independent beauty professionals can flourish, and this podcast extends that mission directly to you. Forget the styling tips; we're diving deep into the business and personal development aspects that truly empower your success. Each episode offers insight, inspiration, and clarity to help you succeed and build your career in a healthy way. Whether you're looking to grow your client base, refine your business strategy, enhance your financial literacy, prioritize your well-being, or ultimately own your own salon, Kristin shares the wisdom and actionable advice you need. Join a community dedicated to empowering beauty professionals to reach their full potential, ensuring their businesses thrive and afford them the lifestyle they desire. Tune into Suite Independence and start building the vibrant career and fulfilling life you deserve.

Episodes

  1. FEB 9

    From the NICU to a Private Suite | Balancing Life and Business with Brittany Thomas

    Would you make a major career change to create space for your family? Today's conversation takes you inside the journey of Brittany Thomas, owner of Rooted Wellness Company, as she shares her path from caring for premature babies to empowering women through hormone optimization and weight loss. We explore the changing landscape of healthcare, the challenges of starting an independent practice, and why functional medicine is revolutionizing how we approach wellness. Highlights • How 12 years in the NICU shaped Brittany's patient-centered approach to care • The personal fertility journey that deepened her connection to hormone therapy • Why she chose a suite at Utopia over traditional brick-and-mortar practice • The truth about hormone replacement therapy and dispelling the cancer myth • How GLP-1 medications are transforming lives beyond weight loss • Balancing business ownership with being present for family • The hidden time costs of running an independent healthcare practice • Why functional medicine focuses on root causes instead of just treating symptoms • Real patient success stories: from joint pain to biking with loved ones again • How COVID changed the way patients question and engage with healthcare Chapters [0:34] Welcome and Introduction to Brittany Thomas [0:48] Brittany's Background and Education [1:40] Journey to Rooted Wellness [2:49] Hormones and Personal Connection [3:37] Starting the Business at Utopia [4:02] Impact and Community at Utopia [5:08] Balancing Family and Business [7:28] Future Goals and Business Growth [8:21] Passion for Helping People [9:23] Services Offered by Rooted Wellness [11:08] Challenges and Changes in Healthcare [15:07] Revenue Generation and Insurance [17:15] Challenges with Insurance [18:32] Favorite Treatments and Success Stories [20:35] Balancing Business and Patient Care [25:38] Future Goals and Functional Medicine [28:57] Contact Information and Conclusion Resources • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/britt_rootedwellnessco/ • Facebook: Brittany Thomas Wellness • University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) - https://www.uab.edu • University of Kansas (KU) Kansas City - https://www.kumc.edu To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn! If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!

    31 min

  2. JAN 26

    Flexibility and Independence: Desiree Brogan’s Journey with Skin Clique

    What does it take to partner with a national chain while maintaining the freedom to work on your own terms? In this conversation with Desiree Brogan, a nurse practitioner at the Cranbrook Salon, we explore how she's created a successful aesthetic business by partnering with Skin Clique, who provides that support without sacrificing independence. Desiree shares her journey from working in hospitals to offering medical aesthetic services, the benefits of having a national brand behind her while maintaining a personalized boutique experience, and how she's built her practice through authentic relationships and word-of-mouth referrals. Whether you're considering a career in aesthetics or curious about what sets different providers apart, this episode offers valuable insights into building a sustainable practice that prioritizes both patient safety and provider flexibility. HIGHLIGHTS • How Skin Clique allows providers to work as independent contractors with flexible schedules while providing comprehensive support including charting systems, malpractice coverage, and product inventory • The importance of having 700+ colleagues to consult with for complex cases and ongoing support • Why moving from a shared space to her own studio increased revenue by 65% • The power of vulnerability on social media—sharing her GLP-1 weight loss journey inspired patients to seek help • How a $100 referral credit program drives word-of-mouth growth • The stepped training protocol that ensures providers build experience safely before advancing to more complex procedures • Why treating patients holistically (full face assessment, skincare routine, SPF protection) matters more than just addressing one concern • The value of being equipped to handle complications personally rather than handing patients off to another provider CHAPTERS [0:00] Introduction to Desiree Brogan [1:02] Desiree's Role and Services at Skin Clique [1:39] Working with Skin Clique: Flexibility and Independence [3:42] Training and Support at Skin Clique [7:14] Personalized Patient Care [12:19] Social Media and Patient Engagement [16:54] Referral Program and Events [18:17] Transition to a New Location [24:53] Safety and Training Protocols [26:33] Holistic Approach to Patient Care [28:02] Conclusion and Contact Information RESOURCES MENTIONED • Skin Clique - National aesthetic services company providing support for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and doctors offering medical aesthetic treatments https://www.skinclique.com • Contact Desiree at Utopiahttps://utopiamodernsalon.com/location/cranbrook/ • Desiree Brogan on Instagram - @desireebrogan_np https://www.instagram.com/desireebrogan_np • Desiree Brogan on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/desiree.brogan22 To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn! If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!

    29 min

  3. JAN 12

    Beyond Chaos | Building Sustainable Beauty Businesses in 2026

    Are you ready to make 2026 your most intentional and rewarding year yet? Discover how independent beauty professionals are redefining success, embracing clarity, and building businesses that truly support their lives. Today I’m going solo and sharing insights on simplifying your business, finding the right pace, and creating a sustainable, fulfilling career—without the overwhelm. Highlights The biggest lessons from 2025 and how they’re shaping the future of the beauty industryWhy clarity and simplification are the new keys to growthHow independent professionals are redefining “independence” to include support and structureThe power of consistency and calm in businessWhat it means to align your business with your life—not just your workThe growing importance of community and environment for long-term satisfactionPractical encouragement for building a business that supports you, not the other way aroundChapters 00:00 — Reflecting on 2025: Industry Growth and Intentionality 01:46 — Insights and Predictions 02:25 — Clarity and Simplification in Business Practices 04:21 — Redefining Independence: Support and Structure 05:13 — Carrying Forward Lessons into 2026 06:14 — The Power of Consistency and Calm 08:01 — Redefining Success: Predictability and Space 08:44 — Community and Environment: Keys to Professional Growth 09:53 — Final Thoughts: Building a Business That Supports You To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn! If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!

    12 min

  4. 12/29/2025

    The Trust Factor | How Hairstylist Suzie Cote Keeps Clients Coming Back

    How do you build a business that feels like home—for you and your clients? What if the secret to success is as simple (and as complex) as truly listening, embracing your quirks, and trusting the process of transformation? Discover how the journey from commission salon to independent suite can be both terrifying and exhilarating. Suzie Cote shares her story of personal and professional metamorphosis, the power of branding with authenticity, and the importance of building trust through deep listening and consultation. From butterfly-themed decor to the infamous Nicholas Cage magnet, this conversation explores the joys and challenges of creating a space where clients feel seen, heard, and valued—not just as customers, but as part of a community. Along the way, we unpack the emotional rollercoaster of the beauty industry, the art and science of color, and the rituals that help us leave work at work. Highlights The meaning behind Suzie’s butterfly theme and how it shapes her brandNavigating the leap from commission salon to independenceOvercoming misconceptions and fears about going soloInnovations in client experience: from online booking to personalized amenitiesThe art of consultation and why it’s the key to client satisfactionBuilding trust and long-term relationships with clientsEmbracing feedback (even the tough kind) as a recovering people pleaserThe story behind the Nicholas Cage magnet and what it reveals about personal brandingBalancing emotional energy and self-care in a people-focused businessThe value of community and finding your ideal clienteleChapters 00:00 — Introduction to Suite Independence 00:47 — Meet Suzie Cote: The Butterfly Theme 01:28 — The Concept of Emergence 03:44 — Transition to Independence 04:49 — Challenges and Misconceptions 06:06 — Innovations in Client Experience 09:31 — The Importance of Feedback 12:41 — Building Trust with Clients 17:01 — Catering Music to Audience Preferences 17:22 — The Nicholas Cage Magnet Story 20:23 — Managing Negative Feedback as a Recovering People Pleaser 21:59 — The Importance of Consultation in Hairdressing 24:44 — Transitioning to Independent Work 28:04 — Embracing Quirkiness and Personal Branding 28:27 — Building a Personalized Clientele 30:58 — Balancing Emotional Energy in the Salon 32:17 — Closing Thoughts & Gratitude Resources Mentioned https://www.suziecotehairartist.com/To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn! If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!

    33 min

  5. 12/15/2025

    Unexpected Absences: How to Protect Your Salon's Future with Molly Henthorn

    Are you prepared for the unexpected? Imagine if you suddenly couldn’t work—how would that impact your family, your business, and your peace of mind? Today, I sit down with Molly Henthorn from Empower Financial Group to uncover the real risks beauty professionals face and the practical ways to protect your income, your business, and your future. From personal stories to actionable advice, this conversation is packed with insights every independent professional should hear. Highlights The true impact of being unable to work—and how to plan for itHow Empower Financial Group partners with beauty professionals to offer tailored benefitsReal-life stories of professionals who faced unexpected challengesThe surprising affordability of income protection and other benefitsWhat to consider when choosing coverage as a self-employed professionalHow to adjust your protection as your business growsThe unique value of working with a partner who understands your industryChapters 00:00 — Introduction: The Unexpected Impact of Absence 00:10 — Meet Molly from Empower Financial Group 00:58 — Molly's Visit to the Salons 01:43 — The Importance of Benefits for Beauty Professionals 01:56 — Empower Financial Group's Offerings 02:22 — Income Protection: A Critical Component 02:39 — Real-Life Scenarios and Testimonials 03:44 — Understanding the Cost of Benefits 04:54 — The Value of Income Protection 05:00 — Empower's National Reach and Claims Support 07:49 — Customizing Coverage for Beauty Professionals 13:16 — Conclusion and Future Opportunities Resources Mentioned Empower Financial GroupWebsite: https://www.empowerfingroup.com/To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn! If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!

    21 min

  6. 12/01/2025

    Brows and Branding with Brooke Bemis

    What does it really take to turn a passion for beauty into a thriving, in-demand business? How do you build a brand that clients recognize instantly—and keep them coming back for years? Today, I sit down with Brooke Bemis, owner of Brows by B and the Brow Battalion, to uncover the real story behind her journey from serving tables to becoming one of Wichita’s most sought-after brow artists and educators. We talk about the grit, the branding, the boundaries, and the bold decisions that shaped her career, plus the lessons she’s learned about building a business, a brand, and a life you love. Highlights Brooke’s journey from her first salon job to opening her own suiteThe moment she decided to niche down and focus exclusively on browsHow branding (and a love of pink) set her apart in a crowded marketThe power of boundaries and policies in building a sustainable businessWhy she created a unique booking system—and how it keeps her schedule (and sanity) intactThe leap from side hustles to full-time entrepreneur (and why it was terrifying)Launching a product line and professional tool collection for beauty prosThe importance of community, networking, and training your “competition”How to handle burnout, set boundaries, and rediscover your “why”Advice for new estheticians and beauty professionalsChapters 00:00 — Welcome & Introduction to Brooke 01:07 — Brooke’s Early Career and Finding Her Niche 02:10 — Building Brows by B: The Brand and the Experience 03:33 — The Power of Branding (and Pink Everything) 05:44 — From Side Hustles to Full-Time: Making the Leap 09:19 — Creating Hype: Booking, Waitlists, and Client Experience 15:24 — Training, Mentorship, and Building Community 21:03 — Product Lines, Tools, and Teaching Clients 23:11 — Burnout, Boundaries, and Rediscovering Passion 26:05 — Advice for New Beauty Pros & Final Thoughts Resources Brows by B Website & Shop — Products, trainings, and more To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn! If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!

    29 min

  7. 11/17/2025

    Beauty & Taxes: Navigating Finances Confidently with Ryan Kittrell

    Do you think doing your taxes is more like a blowout, a brow wax, or a full Brazilian? For beauty professionals, financial management can sometimes feel simple and sometimes daunting and painful. Today, I sit down with Ryan Kittrell, CPA, to unravel the mysteries of bookkeeping, tax deductions, and financial habits that can make or break your business. Whether you’re a creative who dreads spreadsheets or a salon owner ready to level up, you’ll find practical advice, relatable stories, and a few laughs along the way. Let’s make taxes a little less scary—and maybe even a little fun. Highlights Why beauty professionals struggle with bookkeeping and how to overcome itThe truth about financial advice on social mediaSimple systems to keep your business finances organizedWhat expenses are really deductible (and which ones aren’t)The importance of regular financial check-insHow to avoid the “it’s a write-off” spending trapSuccess stories from beauty pros who got their finances on trackWhen to hire a CPA or bookkeeperFun comparison: Is doing your taxes a blowout, brow wax, or full Brazilian?Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & The Tax Service Analogy 00:47 – Meet Ryan Kittrell, CPA 01:34 – The Importance of Bookkeeping for Beauty Professionals 02:07 – Common Financial Challenges in the Beauty Industry 03:27 – Navigating Social Media Financial Advice 04:24 – Understanding Tax Deductions for Beauty Professionals 05:54 – Simple Financial Systems for Small Businesses 08:08 – When to Hire a CPA or Bookkeeper 09:22 – What Expenses Are Deductible? 13:20 – Avoiding Common Financial Pitfalls 17:51 – The Importance of Regular Financial Reviews 21:20 – Success Stories and Client Experiences 24:38 – The Value of Professional Financial Advice 25:18 – Scheduling Financial Check-Ins 26:27 – Fun Comparison: Taxes vs. Beauty Services 27:55 – How to Reach Ryan & Closing Resources Mentioned Kittrell and Klaskin CPAs: www.kittrellklaskincpa.comSpecial thanks to Mikayla Wise, hairstylist at Tyler Point To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn! If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!

    29 min

  8. 11/03/2025

    Niche Mastery: Ashleigh Jones' Path to Beauty Business Success

    Are you ready to discover what it really takes to build a business you can step away from and still thrive? Join me as I sit down with Ashleigh Jones, a permanent makeup artist whose journey spans continents, motherhood, and the art of niching down. From building a sought-after salon in Australia to starting over in Wichita, Ashleigh shares the real stories behind her success, the challenges of letting go, and the power of community in business and life. Highlights Ashleigh’s path from part-time waxing to becoming a renowned eyebrow specialist in AustraliaThe leap from solo entrepreneur to managing a team of sevenHow she built a business designed for independence—and actually stepped awayNavigating the emotional and practical challenges of moving countries and running a business remotelyThe impact of motherhood and postnatal depression on her career and identityRebuilding in the U.S.: why she chose to focus on herself and her craftThe science and artistry behind cosmetic tattooing, lip blushing, and 3D areola tattooingWhy trends don’t belong in permanent makeup—and how Ashleigh educates her clientsHilarious and surprising client stories (including fake IDs and eyebrow requests to the ears!)Advice for beauty professionals on finding and owning your nicheChapters 00:34 — Meet Ashleigh Jones: From Perth to Wichita 01:08 — Building a Business on Brows 02:41 — Stepping Back: Trust, Team, and Letting Go 04:29 — Moving to the U.S. & Maintaining a Business Abroad 05:21 — Motherhood, Postnatal Depression, and Business Transitions 07:00 — Reconnecting with the Business and Letting Go 10:41 — Starting Fresh: Focusing on Services in Wichita 13:19 — The Art and Science of Cosmetic Tattooing 16:07 — Trends, Client Education, and Natural Results 22:38 — Niche Down: Advice for Beauty Professionals 25:44 — Building Trust, Connection, and Community 28:00 — Closing Thoughts & Ashleigh’s Contact Info Resources Mentioned Ashleigh Jones — Permanent Makeup Artisthttps://bellesorelle.com.au/wichita-homeTo learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn! If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!

    44 min

  9. 10/20/2025

    Building Dream Clientele: Hanna Johnson's Journey

    Are you ready to transform your client relationships and build the business—and life—you truly want? Discover how to create an exceptional client experience, set boundaries, and even let go of clients who aren’t the right fit, all while growing a thriving, independent business. Hanna Johnson, owner of The Wicker Chair Salon & Boutique, shares her journey from commission salons to successful suite ownership, revealing the lessons, challenges, and mindset shifts that shaped her career. Whether you’re a stylist, entrepreneur, or anyone seeking more freedom and fulfillment, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and real talk about what it takes to succeed on your own terms. Highlights Hanna’s path from beauty school to independent salon ownershipThe challenges and growth that come from early career experiencesHow losing a job unexpectedly led to independence and business successBuilding deep, loyal client relationships—and why privacy mattersCreating a premium client experience that goes beyond great hairBalancing business growth with personal life and familyRaising prices, setting boundaries, and attracting your dream clienteleThe importance of community and mentorship in an independent business modelNavigating difficult client situations and knowing when to say goodbyeUsing AI tools for professional communicationWhy supporting others in your industry leads to collective successChapters 0:00 — Introduction & Hanna’s background0:52 — Meet Hanna Johnson: Journey in Hairdressing1:41 — Starting Out: From School to Commission Salon2:08 — Challenges and Growth in the Early Years4:11 — The Turning Point: Going Independent6:58 — Building Client Relationships9:11 — Creating a Premium Client Experience14:24 — Balancing Business and Personal Life17:49 — Raising Prices and Client Retention19:15 — Dealing with Difficult Clients22:07 — Using AI for Professional Communication24:29 — The Importance of Community Support27:03 — Mentorship and Business Growth30:28 — The Benefits of Independence32:07 — Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources Mentioned Paul Mitchell SchoolsPaul Mitchell Cosmetology SchoolsWichita Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year AwardWichita Chamber of CommerceTo learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn! If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!

    33 min

  10. 10/06/2025

    Mastery, Mentorship, and the Future of Beauty with Eric Fisher

    What does it really take to build a legacy in the beauty industry? On our first ever episode of Suite Independence, I share an incredible conversation with Eric Fisher, a true industry icon whose journey to founder of Eric Fisher Salons, Eric Fisher Academy, and Prosper U is filled with lessons on grit, passion, and the power of showing up. We explore how the definition of success has evolved, why relationships matter more than technical skills, and how to thrive in a changing world, whether you’re just starting out or looking to reignite your purpose. Highlights Eric Fisher’s unconventional path from music to beautyThe influence of family and mentors on career choicesHow the beauty industry offers real economic opportunity and flexibilityThe importance of lifelong learning and constant self-improvementBuilding a culture of empathy, grit, and showing upThe evolution of beauty standards and the impact of social mediaCreating memorable client experiences beyond technical skillsThe business of beauty: financial literacy, retail, and maximizing valueGiving back, mentorship, and the legacy of teachingInsights on photography, creativity, and developing your own aestheticAdapting to generational shifts and staying relevant as a leaderChapters 00:00 — Welcome & Introduction to Eric Fisher 00:58 — Eric’s Early Journey: From Drummer to Beauty School 03:19 — Lessons from London and Global Experience 05:21 — Opening the First Salon and Learning from Mentors 08:21 — The Power of Passion and Loving Your Work 10:30 — Changing Perceptions: Beauty School as a Career 13:55 — The Value of Trade Schools and Economic Mobility 16:41 — Lifelong Learning and the Birth of Prosper U 19:59 — Building Habits, Practicing Excellence, and Showing Up 24:24 — Grit, Motivation, and the Challenges Facing Young Professionals 28:34 — Empathy, Mentorship, and Individualized Teaching 32:21 — Relationship Skills, Scripts, and Business Building 36:47 — Maximizing Value: Retail, Financial Planning, and Average Ticket 41:04 — The Experience Economy: Creating Memorable Client Moments 46:53 — The Role of Money, Success, and Defining Your Best 50:51 — Photography, Creativity, and Changing Beauty Standards 54:09 — Giving Back, Mentorship, and the Power of Teaching 59:58 — What’s Next: Growth, Legacy, and Lifelong Learning 1:01:06 — Closing Thoughts & Appreciation Resources Mentioned Eric Fisher AcademyProsper UEric Fisher Instagram (Hair)Eric Fisher Instagram (Photography) Books: Atomic Habits by James ClearThe Four Agreements by Don Miguel RuizThe Anxious Generation by Jonathan HaidtA Circle of Creativity by Rick RubinThe Experience Economy by B. Joseph Pine II & James H. GilmoreUnreasonable Hospitality by Will GuidaraIf you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!

    1h 1m
  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to Suite Independence, the podcast designed exclusively for established beauty professionals ready to transform their careers and build the salon business of their dreams. Hosted by industry veteran Kristin Kienzle, founder of Utopia Modern Salon Suites, this show is your essential guide to thriving independently in the beauty world. Kristin, with over 34 years of experience, understands the unique challenges and incredible opportunities you face. She created Utopia to be a supportive, inspiring community where independent beauty professionals can flourish, and this podcast extends that mission directly to you. Forget the styling tips; we're diving deep into the business and personal development aspects that truly empower your success. Each episode offers insight, inspiration, and clarity to help you succeed and build your career in a healthy way. Whether you're looking to grow your client base, refine your business strategy, enhance your financial literacy, prioritize your well-being, or ultimately own your own salon, Kristin shares the wisdom and actionable advice you need. Join a community dedicated to empowering beauty professionals to reach their full potential, ensuring their businesses thrive and afford them the lifestyle they desire. Tune into Suite Independence and start building the vibrant career and fulfilling life you deserve.

Information

  • Creator
    Kristin Kienzle
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Kristin Kienzle