Rooted + Rising: Through the Beauty Industry

Rooted + Rising
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Rooted + Rising is a podcast for hairstylists where experience meets ambition. Through open conversations and shared journeys, the hosts Quinn Mattingly and Josie Aldrich, explore the evolution of being a hairstylist: growing our skills, mindset, and opportunities behind and beyond the chair. Whether you're a longtime stylist or just starting out, join us as we learn, inspire, and rise together.

  1. MAR 23

    Carly Zanoni of Blonde Chronicles on Online Education, Imposter Syndrome, and Growing Without Losing Yourself

    In this episode, Josie and Quinn sit down with Carly Zanoni, hairstylist, educator, and founder of Blonde Chronicles University, to talk about what it actually looks like to build something from scratch, the messy, unglamorous, figuring-it-out-as-you-go version. Carly breaks down how BCU started as a private Instagram account and a Wix website (her words: "so bad"), why timing and a $10 price point mattered more than she expected, and how she's continued to evolve the platform without losing what makes it feel real. We also get into the stuff that doesn't always make it to the highlight reel. Anxiety behind the chair and online, navigating epilepsy while running a growing business, and why hustle culture almost cost her more than she realized. Plus, Carly shares tangible advice on landing brand deals, growing on social media as a micro influencer, and why charging your worth is not a conversation that ever fully gets easy. If you're somewhere in the messy middle of building something, this one is for you. Topics covered: How BCU started and evolved from private Instagram to KajabiStartup costs, early mistakes, and what she'd do differentlyAnxiety as a stylist and as an online educatorLanding and maintaining brand partnerships (including Schwarzkopf)Why follower count isn't everything when pitching to brandsPricing, raising your rates, and the emotions tied to bothManaging epilepsy and chronic illness while running a businessWhy accessibility and authenticity have been central to her growthFind Carly:Instagram: @the.blonde.chroniclesBlondeChroniclesUniversity.com

    1h 36m

  2. MAR 9

    Beyond the Chair: Beauty, Belonging, and Designing a Life You Actually Want with Rachel Nixon

    In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Nixon, owner of The Sacred Hive in Petaluma, California, author of The Ugly Side of Beauty, and the hand-tied stitch queen herself, for a conversation about beauty, belonging, and what it really means to build a career on your own terms. Rachel opens up about how human design and female bio rhythms completely changed the way she leads her team, works with clients, and protects her own energy behind the chair. She talks about why she asks clients where they are in their cycle before booking a bleach service, how she created a "zen zone" policy for extension appointments, and why she believes the old hustle-til-you-break model of hairdressing is one she refuses to pass down to the next generation. We also get into the business side: how Rachel went from earning over a million dollars as a mentor to pouring it into building the Sacred Hive, her employee pay structure with no income cap, and how she splits her time between Petaluma and New Orleans, where, as she puts it, her soul lives. This episode is for every stylist who has ever felt like the black sheep, wondered if there's a better way, or just needed permission to stop trying to fit a mold that was never made for them. In this episode: What human design is and how it transformed Rachel's leadership styleUsing female bio rhythms to serve clients and manage a team with more careThe zen zone: why Rachel goes silent during extension installs (and how to have that conversation with your clients)The real reason hair extensions are a confidence transformation, not just a serviceBuilding The Sacred Hive: the money, the mindset, and the five-year visionWhy Rachel splits her time between California and New Orleans — and how you can design your career around more than one placeWhat she'd tell baby stylist Rachel if she could go backConnect with Rachel: Instagram: @rachelnixonstitchqueenThe Sacred HiveThe Ugly Side of BeautyEverything Hand Tied

    1h 12m

  3. FEB 23

    How to Be Your Hairstylist's Favorite Client

    This one is for the clients. In today’s episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the salon experience and sharing everything we wish clients knew before, during, and after their appointment. From clean vs. dirty hair… to arriving on time (but not too early 👀)… to what actually happens in a consultation… to how to tell your stylist you don’t love your hair . We’re breaking it all down with honesty, humor, and zero judgment. Because great hair isn’t magic.It’s a partnership. And when both sides understand the unspoken rules, the experience gets so much better for everyone. In This Episode, We Talk About: Should your hair be clean or dirty before your appointment? Why AI inspiration photos can set unrealistic expectations What “hair history” actually means (and why it matters more than you think) The surprising impact of purple shampoo, color-depositing products, and GLP-1 medications on your hair Why showing up 30 minutes early can stress your stylist out What to do if you’re in a time crunch or on a budget How to say “I don’t feel like talking today” (without hurting your stylist’s feelings) The right way to handle it if you don’t love your hair Reviews vs. texting your stylist first Tipping etiquette in modern salon business models What makes a dream client (we’re speaking it into existence 💅)Love This Episode?If this helped you, here’s how you can support the podcast: Leave us a review on Apple or Spotify Share this episode with a friend Tag us in your post-appointment selfie Check out our Licensed Yapper merch (use code ROOTED for 10% off) Follow us on Instagram:@rootedandrisingbeauty

    56 min

  4. FEB 9

    Inside Cosmetology School: A Day at Paul Mitchell

    On this special field episode of Rooted + Rising, Josie and Quinn head inside the Paul Mitchell cosmetology program to capture what beauty school really feels like. You’ll meet Natalie, an instructor who has guided countless new stylists through their first shaky haircuts, breakthroughs, and everything in between (including one of your favorite hosts, Quinn!). She shares what today’s students are navigating, how confidence is built behind the chair, and what she wishes the industry understood about the next generation. Then, we talk to the students themselves. In honest, unscripted mini-interviews, they open up about the moment it clicked, the challenges that nearly broke them, the people who made a difference, and how cosmetology school is shaping who they’re becoming. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to train as a stylist or you simply love stories about growth, courage, and finding your path, this episode will pull you in. Rooted + Rising — real stories from inside the beauty industry. Connect with Everyone on Instagram: @hairbydulcenatalie @rootededandrisingbeauty

    57 min

  5. JAN 26

    The Products We Actually Use (Not Sponsored, Just Obsessed)

    In this episode, we’re sharing our real favorite things: the hair products, tools, and everyday essentials we reach for constantly. From behind the chair must-haves to the random life upgrades that genuinely make our days better, this one is a cozy, chatty roundup of things we truly love (and would absolutely repurchase). Just some honest favorites from two licensed yappers. 💬✨ Things We Mentioned Hair Products Heart of Glass (incl. Beautiful Things Leave-In Mask) NaturalTech (Replumping Superactive, Renewing Conditioning Scalp Treatment) MINU Replumping Hair Tools Bio Ionic curling iron BaByliss Rapido blow dryer T3 Aire 360 Voloom Dom Dom velcro rollers Clips: Kristen Ess, SSEN, YS Park Bleach brush BABE brush Bay Area Beauty Engineer brush YS Park cutting comb Cricket XL foiling comb Davines disposable capes (discontinued — RIP 😭) Beauty + Skincare IMAGE Pure Mineral Tinted Moisturizer Dieux moisturizer Cetaphil moisturizer Palmer’s Cocoa Butter swivel stick Dove unscented soap Thrive Causemetics mascara Life Upgrades Bombas socks Kiziks shoes (with inserts) Pillow Cube pillow Paper Mate felt-tip pens Sugar Paper Planner Beats Studio Pro headphones The Comfy Wellness Dr. Berg electrolytes Nello Super Calm Magnesium glycinate Vitamin D + Vitamin K Books Fourth Wing series

    1h 9m

  6. JAN 12

    Season 2 Premiere: New Salons, New Season, New Era

    Season 2 of Rooted & Rising is officially here. In this premiere episode, hairstylists and co-hosts Quinn and Josie share major career and life updates, including moving to new salons, leveling up their education, and stepping into new creative opportunities since Season 1. This episode sets the tone for a new season focused on growth, professionalism, and real conversations in the beauty industry. We talk about what inspired our salon moves, what we learned through the transition, and how those changes are shaping our work behind the chair — and the podcast itself. We also share recent career highlights, including working on an indie film set, advanced color mentoring in NYC, and international color education in Montréal. You’ll also hear what’s coming in Season 2 of the podcast: more personal stories, thoughtful industry “tea,” client-focused conversations around maintenance, expectations, and pricing, plus interviews with experienced beauty professionals. Plus, we introduce our Licensed Yapper merch! If you’re a hairstylist, salon professional, or creative looking to grow personally and professionally, this season is for you. If you’ve been here since Season 1 or you’re just finding us now, welcome to the new era. Let’s stay connected: Follow the podcast and our IG @rootedandrisingbeauty, subscribe so you don’t miss an episode, and share this with a friend who loves real conversations in the beauty industry. Leave a review — it helps more than you know. And as always, send us your questions, topics, or salon tea you want us to cover.

    53 min

  7. 09/02/2025

    Gen Z in the Salon: Early-Career Lessons & Consultation Confidence (ft. Sam Vimbela)

    In this episode of Rooted + Rising Through the Beauty Industry, Josie Aldrich and Quinn Mattingly sit down with stylist Sam Vimbela, Quinn’s “same-day salon sister”, to talk about the first two years of life behind the chair. Sam shares her honest highs and lows, from tough pricing conversations and busy books to the lessons she’s learned about client communication, active listening, and building consultation confidence. We also unpack how Gen Z is influencing the beauty industry through individuality, authenticity, and a refusal to “just do it the way it’s always been done.” ✨ What you’ll learn in this episode: Why people skills > perfect layers in your first years How to build consultation confidence and lead conversations The Gen Z perspective on individuality, authenticity, and breaking salon stereotypes Common misconceptions about younger stylists and how they see it Real highs & lows: busy weeks, after-photo guilt, and system gaps with pricing A current Gen Z vocabulary list that “no man deserves”. This is a must-listen for new stylists, salon assistants, and salon leaders mentoring Gen Z talent. 🔗 Connect with us on Instagram @lighten.with.josie | @quinn_does_hair | @hairbysamijoe | @rootedandrisingbeauty gen z hairstylist, new stylist advice, salon consultation tips, hair industry podcast, stylist mindset, client communication hair, early career hairdresser, beauty industry education, behind the chair advice, stylist growth journey

    56 min

  8. 08/19/2025

    Showing Up for Yourself: Building a Personal Brand with Lily Xiong

    In this heartfelt and no-fluff episode, we sit down with our social media manager and branding expert Lily Xiong (aka our gift from the universe) to talk about what it really means to show up for yourself as a stylist, creative, or small business owner. Lily shares her deeply personal journey, from rock bottom moments to rebuilding her life and career through hair, hustle, and heart. We talk about: Why your personal brand is your superpower The mindset shift behind consistent content creation Her three must-do tips for building visibility on Instagram Why every stylist (yes, even employees) should consider a personal website How boundaries = better business And what it actually looks like to honor where you are right now This episode is full of real talk, vulnerable moments, and tough love (in the best way). If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to juggle life, clients, and content: you’re not alone. And you’re going to walk away from this one feeling seen, supported, and fired up. Connect with Lily on Instagram: @lilymariexobeauty @alchemysalonandspa @wildsonderco Connect with us: Instagram TikTok

    54 min
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About

Rooted + Rising is a podcast for hairstylists where experience meets ambition. Through open conversations and shared journeys, the hosts Quinn Mattingly and Josie Aldrich, explore the evolution of being a hairstylist: growing our skills, mindset, and opportunities behind and beyond the chair. Whether you're a longtime stylist or just starting out, join us as we learn, inspire, and rise together.

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