The Modern Hairstylist ™ Podcast

Welcome to another exciting episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, where we delve into the world of hairstyling and explore the ever-evolving business landscape. In this special two-part series, host Hunter Donia interviews two talented stylists, Sidney Applegate and Shirin Zakerion, who have both made significant shifts in their careers and are now thriving in the hairstyling industry.

Drawing from her experience in developing a tech startup, Shirin has become a trusted source of information and inspiration for those embracing their natural curls and has had the pleasure of becoming a leader within her area. As an educator for Forever Curls and a Read Curl Magazine panelist for 2023, she continues to educate and inspire the curly hair community.

Sidney has made a name for herself by helping clients achieve low-maintenance, dimensional hair color that enhances their natural beauty. As an aspiring educator, she is passionate about helping other hairstylists gain confidence in their hand-painted balayage skills, empowering them to become the go-to specialists in their areas for natural-looking color.

Throughout the episode, Hunter, Sidney, and Shirin discuss the challenges they faced while making some significant shifts in their businesses, as well as the lessons they've learned along the way. Listen in as they share valuable insights and advice on embracing change, taking risks, and overcoming fear in the world of hairstyling.

Whether you are a seasoned stylist, a newcomer to the industry, or simply curious about the business side of hairstyling, this episode is packed with inspiring stories and practical tips that will help you navigate your own career journey. So, tune in and get ready to be inspired by the incredible stories of Sidney Applegate and Shirin Zakerion on The Modern Hairstylist Podcast.

Keywords: Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia, Sidney Applegate, Shirin Zakerion, business shifts, curly hair, Siren salon, Forever Curls, Read Curl Magazine, balayage specialist, Dayton Ohio, hairstylist education, career journey, embracing change, overcoming fear.
Sidney Applegate's Instagram
Sidney Applegate's FREE Balayage Placement Guide
Shirin Zakerion's Instagram
Shirin Zakerion's Website

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Ever found yourself in a tight spot trying to communicate those tricky changes to your clients? Whether it's a price hike, a shift in your working hours, or a new booking system, I get it—it's daunting. But guess what? In this episode, I'm diving deep into a foolproof 3-step process that's helped hundreds of hairstylists, just like you, navigate these waters with confidence and grace.

First up, we chat about the importance of choosing the right vehicle for your message. Spoiler alert: blasting it on social media might not be the best idea. Instead, think email blasts and one-on-one chats. But remember, it's not just about the message—it's about the delivery. Keep it upbeat, client-centric, and focus on the benefits. After all, in the beauty industry, it's all about ensuring your clients feel valued and understood.

But what if you face pushback? Don't sweat it. I'll walk you through handling objections with empathy, without compromising on your business decisions. Sometimes, it's about explaining your side of the story, and other times, it's about helping clients find what's best for them—even if it means parting ways.

Remember this: changes are inevitable. But with the right approach, they can be opportunities for growth, both for you and your clients. So, if you're ready to level up your client communication game, tune in and let's get started!

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Welcome to a super special edition of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast. Today, we're going all-in with a behind-the-scenes look at our beloved Pre-Visit Pathway program. I’m giving you a module-by-module breakdown that's perfect for anyone in the beauty biz looking to step up their game, whether you're a salon owner or a hairstylist eager to enhance your business and client relations.

We kick things off with Module 0, our orientation, where we lay the groundwork for your journey to success in the beauty industry. This initial phase is designed to get you acclimated and motivated to push through the entire course with flying colors. And guess what? You won’t be going at it alone! I'm all about building a strong support system, which means you’ll get live group coaching calls, constant engagement in our community on Facebook, and personalized guidance every step of the way. My goal is to make sure you feel supported and have all your questions answered.

One of the highlights of today’s discussion was definitely Module 1's Experience Customization Form. This has been an absolute crowd-pleaser, drastically reducing no-shows and cancellations while significantly boosting revenue through enhanced client experiences. As we move deeper into the program, we talk about streamlining operations through automation, which starts from Module 4. This is where you’ll learn to simplify your booking processes and manage client interactions effortlessly, ensuring your business operates smoothly.

So, if you're geared up to take back control of your time, find a balance between work and life, and build a scalable business model that allows you to grow quickly without the overwhelm, PreVisit Pathway is calling your name.
Join us today and let’s transform your business together.
Check out Hunterdonia.com/PVP to get started.
Other episodes referenced:
The Most Common Mistakes Hairstylists Make On Their WebsitesPros & Cons of Session / Hybrid / Package Pricing

Streamline your business with user-friendly forms. Join Jotform here!

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In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia and guest Jodie Brown unpack a hot topic in the beauty industry: Are your salon policies actually hurting your client experience? If you’ve ever struggled with enforcing cancellation fees, setting boundaries around no-shows, or wondering whether your policies are driving clients away—this conversation is for you.

Hunter dives into the delicate balance between protecting your time as a business owner and providing a client experience that builds trust and long-term loyalty. You’ll hear real talk about how boundaries and policies can either elevate or damage your reputation—and what modern, sustainable solutions actually work for independent hairstylists in 2025.

Key Takeaways:

🧠 Healthy Boundaries vs. Bad Business: Why strict cancellation policies might be costing you more in long-term growth than they’re saving you in lost income.

📉 How to Reduce No-Shows Without the Backlash: Smart, system-based strategies to reduce last-minute cancellations without alienating your dream clients.

💳 When to Enforce Your Policies (and When Not To): How to assess whether charging a fee is worth the risk to your client relationship—and the surprising truth about ghosting.

✨ Creating a Can’t-Miss Client Experience: How making your appointments feel more like a “win” than a chore can protect your time better than any policy ever could.

🧭 The Real Risk? Damaging Client Trust: Hunter explains the hidden cost of going public with policy frustrations—and how to keep your operations department from bleeding into your marketing strategy.

Why You Should Listen:

As an independent hairstylist, setting boundaries is essential—but are your policies building connection or pushing clients away? If you’re navigating burnout, inconsistent bookings, or rising no-show rates, it’s time to rethink how your systems and client experience actually work together. Tune in to learn how to protect your peace without compromising your professionalism or profitability.

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Welcome back to another episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast. Today, I had the immense pleasure of chatting with Nina Tulio, a name that resonates with authenticity and inspiration in our industry. Nina, like a beacon of hope, shares her journey, reminding us that even through the toughest times, there's a light at the end of the tunnel. Her story is not just about resilience; it's a testament to the power of showing up for yourself and your business, even when the odds seem insurmountable.

Our conversation ventured into some deep and personal territories, exploring the challenging times Nina faced during the 2009 recession. The way she described her experiences – the emotional rollercoaster. Nina's story illustrates the importance of self-belief and the courage to make bold decisions, even when they scare you the most.

In this episode Nina gives us some real actionable things you can do today when facing down your own big decisions. Nina's approach to risk-taking is a lesson in itself. She emphasizes trusting your gut and listening to that internal compass that guides you through tough decisions. This sage advice is a goldmine for anyone at a crossroads in their career or personal life.

But Nina shares her triumphant turnaround – from being on the brink of closure to leading a thriving, profitable salon. Her journey is a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder that with persistence, adaptability, and a deep connection to your 'why,' you can overcome any obstacle.
If this episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Your feedback helps us reach more beauty professionals, spreading inspiration and strength across our wonderful community. Remember, you're not alone in your journey.
Connect with Nina - Instagram @ninatulio or via her website ninatulio.com, where she has a tonne of free resources.

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