How I Built A Fully Booked Business in 3 Months

03/17/25 • 26 min

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia shares the full process of how he built a fully booked salon suite in just three months, even after relocating to a completely new area with no existing clientele. If you’re an independent hairstylist looking to fill your books fast—without burnout—this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you do just that.

From niching down the right way to creating a client experience that fuels referrals, Hunter breaks down exactly what worked, what didn’t, and how you can replicate his success in 2025.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Why Client Experience Comes First: Learn why retention is just as important as attracting new clients—and how an unforgettable experience can grow your business faster than social media alone.

🔹 The Power of Specialization: How choosing a niche (without boxing yourself in) can help you stand out and attract high-quality, loyal clients—even in a small town.

🔹 Marketing That Works Fast: The proven strategies Hunter used to consistently attract 5+ new client requests per week—and how you can apply them to your business.

🔹 The Overwhelm Factor: The unexpected challenges of rapid growth, why burnout almost derailed everything, and how Hunter streamlined his systems to create a sustainable, profitable business.

🔹 Implementing Boundaries & Systems: How to confidently raise your prices, set up online booking, and stop working six-day weeks—without losing clients.

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve ever wondered how long it really takes to build a booked-out business as an independent hairstylist, this episode is your blueprint. Whether you're starting from scratch or need to scale without burnout, Hunter’s firsthand experience will help you work smarter, not harder—so you can grow a business that supports your life (instead of taking over your life).

Let's connect on Instagram!

From niching down the right way to creating a client experience that fuels referrals, Hunter breaks down exactly what worked, what didn’t, and how you can replicate his success in 2025.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 The Power of Specialization: How choosing a niche (without boxing yourself in) can help you stand out and attract high-quality, loyal clients—even in a small town.

🔹 Marketing That Works Fast: The proven strategies Hunter used to consistently attract 5+ new client requests per week—and how you can apply them to your business.

🔹 Implementing Boundaries & Systems: How to confidently raise your prices, set up online booking, and stop working six-day weeks—without losing clients.

Why You Should Listen:

Let's connect on Instagram!

Previous Episode

How Hairstylists Can Stand Out And Charge High Prices in 2025

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, host Hunter Donia is joined by marketing expert Jodie Brown to break down exactly how independent hairstylists can position themselves to stand out in a saturated market — and confidently charge premium prices in 2025.

With client expectations evolving and competition fiercer than ever, offering great hair isn’t enough. Hunter shares the strategies that elevate your client experience, increase your perceived value, and create a luxury feel that keeps clients loyal — even when your prices are higher than the salon down the street.

If you want to know how to build a high-end experience that clients can’t stop talking about (and are happy to pay top dollar for), this episode is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 Personalization Pays Off: Learn why clients are willing to spend more when their experience feels custom-built just for them — and how to implement personalized touches that actually matter.

🔹 Beyond Great Hair: Discover why beautiful balayage or perfect blonding isn’t enough to justify premium prices — and what truly sets top-earning stylists apart.

🔹 Systematizing Luxury: How to create a consistent, high-end client experience (even on your busiest days) by using simple systems that ensure every guest feels valued.

🔹 The Secret to Retention: Uncover the surprising reasons clients leave — and how a small communication shift can massively boost client loyalty and referrals.

🔹 Luxury Without Burnout: Hunter shares how to deliver a premium experience without overextending yourself, so you can protect your energy while still exceeding client expectations.

Why You Should Listen:

If you’re ready to charge what you’re worth without the fear of losing clients — and want to feel confident that every client who sits in your chair understands the value you bring — this episode will show you exactly how to blend personalization, smart systems, and next-level service into a sustainable, high-end salon experience.

Let's connect on Instagram!

Next Episode

How To Raise Your Prices The Right Way, Without Fear

In this episode of The Modern Hairstylist Podcast, Hunter Donia and Jodie Brown dives into one of the most emotionally charged topics for independent hairstylists: raising your prices. If you’ve ever felt guilty, nervous, or totally unsure about how to raise your rates—especially in uncertain times—this episode gives you the clarity and confidence to increase your pricing the right way.

Hunter breaks down how to navigate the emotional side of price increases, how to communicate with clients (without confrontation), and how to align your pricing with the value you already provide—without apologizing for it.

Whether you’re fully booked and overwhelmed or just beginning to build demand, this conversation is your permission slip to charge what you're worth without fear.

Key Takeaways:

🔹 The Real Reason Price Increases Feel So Personal: Understand why it's harder for hairstylists to raise prices compared to other industries—and how to shift your mindset.

🔹 How to Know You’re Ready: Hunter explains the two types of price increases and how your business numbers (not your emotions) should guide your decision.

🔹 Non-Confrontational Communication Tips: Learn exactly how to roll out a price change without guilt, awkwardness, or assuming your clients will leave.

🔹 Mistakes to Avoid: From posting increases on social media to over-explaining—here’s what not to do when raising your prices.

🔹 Client Retention Through Value: How to reinforce your pricing by reminding clients of the premium, personalized experience they already love.

Why You Should Listen:

If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to raise your prices—or if fear has kept you stuck—this episode will walk you through the mindset, math, and messaging needed to do it with confidence. Whether you're charging your worth for the first time or rethinking your entire pricing structure, this episode will help you make empowered, sustainable decisions for your business in 2025 and beyond.

Let's connect on Instagram!