The Evolved Stylist

Episode 6 - "Delve Deep: A Conversation Starter Game"

Welcome back to "The Evolved Stylist"! In this episode, hosts Sarai and Rebecca take a deep dive into thought-provoking questions in a game of "Delve Deep." Get ready for candid insights, personal revelations, and plenty of laughter as Sarai and Rebecca share their answers and explore the stories behind them.

Episode Highlights:

• Question 1: What have you avoided your whole life?
  • Rebecca opens up about her avoidance of owning a home, citing a fear of commitment as the underlying reason. She shares her dream of retiring and owning a home in Thailand, highlighting her desire for a sense of freedom and adventure.
  • Sarai reveals that she's never been in a major car accident or broken a bone, reflecting on her gratitude for her physical well-being and the luck she's had in avoiding serious accidents.
• Question 2: What's your least favorite aspect about yourself?
  • Rebecca bravely confronts her inner struggles, admitting that she sometimes wonders if she's selfish. She explores the origins of this self-doubt and reflects on her journey toward self-acceptance and growth.
  • Sarai shares her tendency to swing between extremes, from moments of sunshine and rainbows to periods of darkness and isolation. She delves into the challenges of finding balance and stability in her emotions, and the importance of self-awareness in navigating her inner landscape.
• Question 3: What dessert will you always order if it's on the menu?
  • In a lighthearted moment, both Rebecca and Sarai reveal their shared love for creme brulee, confessing that it's their go-to dessert whenever it's available. They bond over their mutual appreciation for this indulgent treat.
• Question 4: Where would you hide out during a zombie apocalypse?
  • Rebecca shares her playful fantasy of hiding out on a bridge in the mountains or escaping to the ocean, joking that zombies don't swim.
  • Sarai reflects on her lack of survival skills and expresses a wish to know some doomsday preppers. She humorously imagines getting lost in the woods in Montana rather than attempting to outrun the zombies.
• Question 5: What first made you realize you were getting old?
  • Rebecca candidly admits to discovering a white eyebrow hair, prompting her to confront the reality of aging. She humorously adds that mentally, she feels like she wants to live like a garden gnome and stay home.
  • Sarai shares her experience of noticing random physical pains and mentally, realizing that she no longer cares about superficial things like celebrity gossip or fashion trends. She embraces her desire to be a homebody and focus on what truly matters to her.
• Question 6: If you were to die a few hours from now, what would you regret the most?
  • Rebecca opens up about her regret of never meeting her biological father and wishes she could have had the opportunity to connect with him before his passing.
  • Sarai playfully jokes about not getting to enjoy her favorite foods for her last meal but also reflects on the possibility of regretting not spending more time with her parents.
• Question 7: When was the last time you were proud of yourself?
  • Rebecca recounts a proud moment from her recent hiking adventure, where she faced her fears and crossed a log over water without letting doubt hold her back.
  • Sarai reflects on her journey of rebuilding her business and doubling down on herself, overcoming challenges and accomplishing things she never thought possible.

As the game of "Delve Deep" comes to a close, Sarai and Rebecca express gratitude for the opportunity to connect on a deeper level and invite listeners to reflect on their own answers to these thought-provoking questions. Join them for an episode filled with laughter, introspection, and moments of shared pride and vulnerability.

Welcome back to The Evolved Stylist Podcast! In this episode, Rebecca and Sarai dive deep into their recent experiences and revelations about their careers and passions.

Rebecca kicks things off by sharing her exciting adventures in Thailand since our last episode. The vibrant culture, breathtaking landscapes, and enriching experiences all contributed to her personal growth and inspiration.

Meanwhile, Sarai opens up about her decision to step out of retirement and re-enter the world of education. She reflects on the unparalleled magic of connecting with others in person, emphasizing that while online education has its merits, nothing can replace the intimacy and connection of face-to-face interactions.

The hosts draw parallels between their journeys and those of iconic figures like Elton John and Cher, who have returned to the spotlight after "retirement" because their craft is simply ingrained in their souls.

But it's not all glitz and glamour. Rebecca and Sarai get real about the challenges of burnout and exhaustion, discussing Sarai's struggle with feeling compelled to choose between being a mental health coach and a stylist. She shares her journey of breaking through ego barriers and embracing the multidimensional aspects of her identity.

Sarai's candid admission of feeling blocked creatively resonates deeply with both hosts, as they explore the importance of setting aside pride and ego to pursue one's true calling. For Sarai, the joy, energy, and community of in-person education classes are irreplaceable, reaffirming her belief that education is her ultimate purpose.

Rebecca adds her perspective on the stigma of "being more than just a hairstylist," asserting her identity as a multifaceted individual with intelligence, resilience, and grit beyond her profession.

As Rebecca and Sarai delve deeper into their discussion, the excitement bubbling within them about their upcoming education tours becomes palpable. Like a dormant fire suddenly reignited, they share their enthusiasm for hitting the road once again, connecting with students face-to-face, and spreading their knowledge and passion for styling.

Their voices resonate with an unmistakable energy as they talk about the thrill of stepping back into the spotlight and the profound impact they hope to make on their students' lives. For Sarai, the prospect of rekindling that magic of personal connection is like a beacon calling her back to her true calling.

Rebecca echoes this sentiment, expressing her eagerness to engage with aspiring stylists in a dynamic, interactive setting. The anticipation of sharing her expertise, fostering a sense of community, and igniting inspiration in others fuels her determination to make her education tour an unforgettable experience.

Rebecca and Sarai pause to reflect on the importance of balance amidst the excitement and hustle of their upcoming education tours. They emphasize the need to prioritize self-care and listen to their bodies and minds, even as they dive headfirst into their passionate pursuits.

Rebecca shares a mantra that has guided her through the highs and lows of her career: "Work hard, play hard, and self-care hard." It's a reminder that while dedication and hard work are essential, so too is finding time for relaxation, joy, and self-nurturing activities.

Sarai echoes this sentiment, acknowledging the temptation to push oneself to the limit in pursuit of success, but also recognizing the vital role that self-care plays in sustaining long-term fulfillment and well-being.

As they prepare to embark on their education tours, Rebecca and Sarai pledge to prioritize balance and self-care, setting boundaries and listening to their intuition every step of the way.

Join us as we delve into the complexities of identity, passion, and purpose in the ever-evolving world of styling and education. Tune in to The Evolved Stylist Podcast for more inspiring conversations and insights!

Episode 7 - Finding Flow: Balancing Passion and Boundaries

Welcome back to "The Evolved Stylist"! In Episode 8, hosts Sarai and Rebecca dive deep into the delicate dance of finding flow in work and life. Join them as they explore the challenges of balancing passion, productivity, and boundaries, and share personal insights and strategies for disconnecting from work and being present in the moment.

Episode Highlights:

• The Flow State: Sarai and Rebecca discuss the exhilarating feeling of being in flow, where creativity and productivity seamlessly merge. They acknowledge that during these moments, it's okay to work long hours and immerse oneself fully in the task at hand.
• Creating Boundaries: Despite the allure of flow, the hosts recognize the importance of setting boundaries to maintain balance and prevent burnout. They share their struggles with detaching from work and the strategies they use to be present outside of the salon, such as turning their phones on "Do Not Disturb" mode and creating task lists to stay organized.
• Navigating Work-Life Balance: Sarai reflects on her own journey of finding balance, sharing how she has worked every day for the past month but still prioritizes self-care through yoga and meditation. She acknowledges the importance of taking time off and plans to reintroduce weekends off in the future.
• Passion vs. Rest: Rebecca delves into the paradox of passion, acknowledging that when you're passionate about your work, it can be challenging to take time off. She emphasizes the importance of seizing moments of creativity and productivity while also recognizing the need for rest and rejuvenation.
• The Art of Disconnecting: Rebecca shares her experience of going on a yoga retreat and engaging in a digital detox, highlighting the struggle of finding balance between work and personal life. She acknowledges the challenge of finding the right balance and the importance of self-awareness and self-care in navigating this journey.
• The Tightrope of Balance: Sarai and Rebecca discuss the delicate balance between work and rest, acknowledging that it's a continuous process of adjustment and self-discovery. They encourage listeners to embrace their passion while also prioritizing their well-being and setting boundaries to protect their energy and creativity.

As the episode concludes, Sarai and Rebecca leave listeners with a reminder that finding flow is about honoring both the fire of passion and the need for rest. They encourage listeners to embrace the journey of finding balance and to be kind to themselves along the way. Join them next time as they continue to explore the complexities of work, life, and personal growth on "The Evolved Stylist."

"Stripping Down to Our Core: A Journey of Self-Acceptance"

Welcome to another heart-to-heart episode of The Evolved Stylist podcast, where your hosts, Sarai Speer and Rebecca Taylor, dive deep into the realms of self-acceptance, vulnerability, and the power of being seen. This episode is a raw and unfiltered exploration of the struggles we face with our self-image and how it impacts our lives, both personally and professionally.

In This Episode:

Opening Thoughts: Sarai and Rebecca kick things off with a candid chat about their current states – from Rebecca's recent filler experience feeling like the "Hamburglar" to Sarai's self-proclaimed "naked mole rat" look. It's a reminder that we're all human, trying to navigate the ups and downs of life.

A Meditation Moment: Sarai leads us through a powerful meditation designed to ground us and remind us of our worth. If you're driving, save this part for later. For everyone else, prepare to chill the fuck out and reconnect with your inner light.

The Struggle with Self-Image: The conversation shifts to the challenges of body confidence and the pressures of maintaining a certain image. Sarai shares her personal battle with swimsuit anxiety, a sentiment many of us can relate to, highlighting how deep-seated and universal these issues are.

External Changes vs. Internal Healing: Our hosts discuss the common misconception that changing our external appearance will fix our internal turmoil. They reflect on their experiences in the beauty industry, where clients often seek external transformations in hopes of internal satisfaction.

Finding Center: Rebecca and Sarai ponder what takes them away from feeling centered and grounded. They touch on the dangers of seeking external validation and the importance of coming back to oneself through practices like meditation, journaling, and connecting with nature.

Radical Acts of Self-Acceptance: The episode takes a turn towards the liberating experiences of embracing one's true self, flaws and all. From wearing a two-piece at a water park to sending unflattering nudes for a medical consultation, our hosts share their moments of vulnerability and the freedom found on the other side.

The Role of Hairdressers in Identity and Healing: Reflecting on their careers, Sarai and Rebecca discuss how hairdressers often play a role in shaping clients' identities. They emphasize the shift towards a more holistic approach to beauty, where the focus is on healing from the inside out.

Closing Thoughts: The episode wraps up with a light-hearted yet profound reminder to chop it off and let go – whether that's literal hair or metaphorical baggage. It's a call to embrace our true selves, imperfections and all, and to support each other in this journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

Join us on this intimate journey as we strip down to our core, sharing laughs, tears, and everything in between. Remember, you're not alone in your struggles, and there's power in vulnerability. Let's continue to support, uplift, and inspire one another as we evolve together.**

Connect with Us:
- Follow us on Instagram [@TheEvolvedStylist](https://instagram.com/TheEvolvedStylist) for more insights, behind-the-scenes content, and a community of like-minded souls.
- Share your stories of self-acceptance and healing with us. Your journey could be the light someone else needs to see.

Thank you for tuning in, and remember: You are worthy, you are capable, and you are perfectly imperfect. See you in the next episode!