The Curly Girl's Obsessions

Jennifer Janisch

Hi, I’m Jennifer Janisch, owner of Adored Salon and Adored Signature Hair Extensions, and I’m obsessed with curly hair. I love it, I cut it, I style it, I extend it, I’m obsessed. And this podcast is all about my Curly Hair Obsessions.

  1. 3d ago

    The Truth About Risk-Takers Nobody Talks About

    In this week’s episode of The Curly Girl’s Obsessions, host Jennifer takes us on an unexpected but deeply personal journey - sparked by a three-hour Greek mythology film, "The Odyssey," that she watched with her husband Brad. What began as a battle against sleep after a long workday turned into a powerful reflection on life, faith, and the quiet courage it takes to keep moving forward. Jennifer unpacks the film’s central mantra, “God helps those who help themselves,” and weaves it into her own experiences as a salon owner, mentor, wife, and self-proclaimed risk-taker (who is terrified of heights). If you’ve ever felt stuck, scared, or unsure whether your efforts are enough, this episode is your reminder that the journey matters as much as the destination. Jennifer gets real about the contradictions we all carry. She admits to a severe, worsening fear of heights - yet she’s built a career on bold business and financial risks. She explains the difference: taking risks in business isn’t about blind faith; it’s about rolling up your sleeves and working to make those risks pay off. She also shares a vulnerable story from a treacherous mountain road in Nashville, where she had to physically get out of the car and trust Brad to navigate - a literal act of faith in action. That moment becomes a metaphor for her leadership style: she doesn’t dictate answers to her team. Instead, she asks guiding questions, letting them discover solutions for themselves. Because growth doesn’t come from being handed the answer - it comes from figuring it out, failing, and learning in the process. The episode also tackles the hard truth about failure. Jennifer’s advice? The first 60 to 90 seconds after a setback are the hardest - but if you sit with it, you’ll find the lesson. Failure is never the end; it’s just a data point for your next move. And she gets honest about self-care, too. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Just like the airplane oxygen mask rule, you have to help yourself first before you can truly help anyone else. Using Odysseus’s journey as a mirror for daily life, Jennifer reminds us that the islands and monsters we face are just everyday stressors - and those who keep their faith, stay consistent, and take one step at a time are the ones who eventually make it home. Tune in for a heartfelt, no-nonsense conversation about resilience, leadership, and the power of showing up for yourself. Don’t forget to subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs a little extra courage, and follow The Curly Girl’s Obsessions on social media. Jennifer is also heading off for a two-week family vacation - so let this episode be your reminder to take time to recharge, too. See you on the next adventure!

  2. Jul 27

    Why TikTok Is Beating Instagram for Hairstylists (And What You Need to Know)

    Welcome back to The Curly Girl’s Obsessions Podcast! This week, we’re sitting down with Jennifer Janisch - owner of Adored Salon in Chicago and your curly hair authority - to unpack a game-changing marketing breakthrough. After years of relying on Google, Facebook, and Instagram, Jennifer discovered that TikTok isn’t just for dance trends; it’s a goldmine for service-based businesses. In just six weeks, she landed 24 new clients and grew her following from under 300 to over 2,000. How? A laser-focused strategy built on “curl reveals,” consistent posting, and a willingness to embrace repetition. If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to attract clients through social media, this episode is your roadmap. Jennifer walks us through the exact content that went viral - spoiler: it’s not the technical cutting tricks, but the magical moment when the gel cast breaks and curls spring to life. She explains why TikTok’s algorithm rewards educational, longer-form content (unlike Instagram’s thirst for aesthetics) and how her daughter’s editing skills turned raw footage into compelling stories. Plus, she shares the “rinse and repeat” strategy she initially resisted: putting “naturally curly hair” in the first sentence of every caption and the first five seconds of every video. The result? A steady stream of bookings, from cut-and-styles to high-ticket curly hair extension installations. But it’s not just about clients - Jennifer also reveals how TikTok comments became her content focus group, how mentioning her Chicago location attracted out-of-town travelers, and how she launched a secondary revenue stream with $100 online styling tutorials. Whether you’re a hairstylist, a solopreneur, or any service provider, this episode will convince you that TikTok is no longer optional. Tune in to hear how vulnerability, niche focus, and a little help from a tech-savvy teen can transform your business. Press play now - your next client might be one video away.

  3. Jul 13

    The Greatest Act of Self-Care Is Learning to Listen

    In this deeply personal episode of The Curly Girl's Obsessions, Jennifer gets real about the toll that running a business - and holding space for your team - can take on your body and soul. After three beloved stylists left her salon in quick succession, Jennifer found herself grappling with more than just a staffing shortage. She developed persistent shoulder and neck pain that wouldn’t go away, even after a long road trip. What she eventually uncovered was a powerful reminder that our bodies often keep score of the stress we think we’re managing just fine. Jennifer opens up about the emotional weight of losing Alyssa, a stylist who had been with her for years, as well as two others who left to pursue their own entrepreneurial dreams. While she fully supported their decisions, the grief of their absence - especially Alyssa’s consistent, bright energy - was heavier than she expected. Jennifer reflects on the reality of hustle culture for business owners, pushing back against the idea that you can simply “avoid burnout” while pouring into every aspect of your salon, your team, and your clients. She shares how the months leading up to Alyssa’s move to Arizona created a slow-burn tension that finally surfaced as physical pain. This episode also dives into Jennifer’s philosophy on curly hair cutting - why she stands by her 16-year-old wet-cutting methods despite trendy social media styles - and the challenges of mentoring stylists who eventually fly the nest. Through it all, Jennifer discovers that acknowledging the source of her pain - both emotional and physical - is the first step toward healing. Whether you’re a business owner, a curly hair enthusiast, or someone navigating a season of change, this conversation is a raw, honest look at what it means to grow through the hard stuff and come out the other side.

  4. Jun 9

    A Conversation About Alyssa’s Next Chapter

    In this touching episode of Curly Girls Obsessions, host Jennifer sits down with Alyssa, a beloved team member at Adored Salon, as she embarks on a transformative journey to Arizona after nearly six years of working together. This heartfelt conversation dives deep into Alyssa's professional path, starting from her early days at the salon to her decision to relocate and pursue her dreams in Scottsdale. Alyssa's story is one of determination, growth, and unexpected love. Starting her stylist career at just 17, she balanced online studies, beauty school, and work while nurturing a passion for hair that ultimately blossomed into a thriving client base. Jennifer and Alyssa reflect on pivotal moments in her career, including a life-changing trip to Arizona that sparked her desire for a fresh start and led to a romantic relationship with someone from her hometown. They discuss the importance of mentorship, the hands-on training approach that shaped Alyssa's skills, and the significance of establishing work-life balance in the demanding world of hairstyling. As Alyssa prepares for this new chapter, she shares the emotional complexities of leaving a community she has built over years - both with her clients, many of whom supported her decision, and with Jennifer, who played a pivotal role in her growth. Listeners will hear about the challenges of saying goodbye, the excitement of new beginnings, and the thoughtful planning that Alyssa undertook to ensure a smooth transition. With a month off before starting her new role in Arizona, Alyssa remains committed to her clients and her brand, ready to embrace all the possibilities that lie ahead. Join us for an inspiring episode that highlights the power of mentorship, the courage to pursue change, and the beauty of personal connections that transcend distance. Whether you're a stylist, a mentor, or someone contemplating a big life decision, Alyssa's journey will resonate with you. Tune in to discover how embracing change can lead to growth, love, and new beginnings!

  5. Jun 2

    How to Earn Six Figures as a Hair Stylist (Proven Growth Strategies)

    In this engaging podcast episode from "Curly Girls Obsessions," Jennifer, a seasoned stylist and salon owner, shares invaluable insights with 18 students from COD Hair School. The session revolves around the business side of hairstyling, emphasizing that while the potential for high income in the industry is often discussed, the actual steps to achieve that success are not as widely covered. Jennifer breaks down the foundational elements necessary for building a thriving career, stressing the importance of attracting clients and establishing oneself as a stylist whose expertise is valued. The conversation is both practical and motivational, as Jennifer reflects on her own journey in the hair industry over the past 35 years. She provides a series of real-world examples, discussing pricing strategies and the significance of upselling additional services to maximize earnings. By sharing anecdotes from her career, including how she successfully convinced clients to opt for conditioning treatments, Jennifer illustrates how small add-ons can lead to significant income increases. Her approach encourages new stylists to be proactive and creative in their consultations, advocating for themselves and their worth in a competitive field. Jennifer also touches on the importance of a structured plan and clear communication with clients when it comes to policies, such as cancellation fees and deposits. She offers insights into the realities of working in a commission salon versus running a booth rental, helping listeners understand the pros and cons of each setup. Throughout the episode, she emphasizes the need for new stylists to leverage mentorship, set realistic financial goals, and embrace their roles as salespeople in order to thrive in the beauty industry. With her candid storytelling and practical advice, Jennifer aims to equip aspiring stylists with the tools and mindset needed for long-term success in their careers. Listeners are not only treated to valuable takeaways but are also encouraged to engage with Jennifer on social media and spread the word about the podcast, further enhancing the community of support for new professionals in the hair industry.

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Hi, I’m Jennifer Janisch, owner of Adored Salon and Adored Signature Hair Extensions, and I’m obsessed with curly hair. I love it, I cut it, I style it, I extend it, I’m obsessed. And this podcast is all about my Curly Hair Obsessions.