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. DEC 15

    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

  2. DEC 1

    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

  3. NOV 17

    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

  4. NOV 3

    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

  5. OCT 20

    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

  6. OCT 6

    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
  • 6 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
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Kristin Kienzle