#389 - Rethinking Guest Journey with Kaytlin Garland
Release Date: 06/09/2025
Thriving Stylist Podcast
As you can probably tell from the title of this episode, things are about to get vulnerable here on the podcast today, as I reveal how very recently I almost gave up and completely shut down Thrivers. In this episode, I want to share the untold story behind my darkest leadership low. From chaotic team expansion and communication breakdowns to the silent sabotage of misaligned visions, it all brought me to the brink of selling my company… Fast forward to today, and I am at a place where I feel like I am awake again and I want to talk about hard things differently. If you're navigating the...
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We’re coming to you live from XClub Retreat 2025 in Texas, and bringing you something special today. I’m sitting down with Kaytlin Garland, a salon owner chosen for the "hot seat" with Joey Coleman, an incredible author and renowned retention expert who spoke at the retreat. Kaytlin and I dive deep into this experience and the transformative insights she gained from it, and the entire retreat as a whole. In this episode, Kaytlin reveals how she's refining her target market and streamlining her client journeys. You'll hear about the surprising clarity that came from holding a...
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Are you a salon owner feeling stuck in old routines, secretly wishing for a breakthrough? Get ready, because I have a full circle moment to share. Almost a year ago now, I released a podcast episode called the #ThrivingStylist60 Experience for Hairstylists & Salon Owners, which was a challenge to stylists on growth. What I was not expecting was the incredible impact it had on my life personally, and today I'm coming back with a new challenge for salon owners. If you’re a salon owner who has been searching for the key to unlock new levels of leadership, team connection, and consistent...
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Have you ever wondered why talented hairstylists are packing up and saying goodbye to established salons? Stylists are leaving mediocre salons for amazing ones, as often happens in an economic downturn, and today, I want to share with you the real reasons why stylists are doing this. Forget the myth that it's all about studio suites and making more money. I want to talk about the underlying issues pushing stylists to seek new opportunities. You’re witnessing an evolving salon landscape, and what I reveal today will help you safeguard your business and focus on what truly makes a salon a...
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Ever feel like you're throwing darts at a pricing board blindfolded? We need to have a bigger conversation about all the pricing models that are out there, because some of these pricing models or methods can deeply affect your business, for better or for worse. I dove deep into researching this topic, and today, I pull the curtain back on the 7 pricing models that are actually out there and reveal with you what I’ve learned. My hope in sharing this information is that you can make an educated decision when it comes to your own pricing decisions. So, if you are ready to ditch the...
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Did you just get a surprise tax form you weren't expecting? Are your Venmo, PayPal, or even salon software tips suddenly under the IRS microscope? If you are a stylist or a salon owner that uses Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, Cash app, Tippy etc. and this has happened, then this episode is one you need to listen to. Today, I discuss the 1099-K form that a lot of stylists were not expecting when it came time to do their taxes, along with the new laws that have come into effect, which I don't believe was widely reported. More importantly, we'll discuss how to prepare NOW to avoid a...
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Are you trying to make sense of the buzzword "tariffs" and what they could actually mean for your salon or stylist career? So much about the tariffs are changing in real time, and I’ve only reported on tariffs once in a previous episode of this podcast, but today I dig a little deeper based on information that’s now available at the time of recording. These tariffs are a complex issue, and so much of this is scary because our administrations are still in negotiations. It is my hope that after today things are a little bit clearer on how tariffs can affect you, because as always, I want to...
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Feeling the pressure of a shifting economy with more client cancellations and stretched-out appointments, many stylists have been tempted to lean on discounts and loyalty programs to keep their chair full. Are these the right strategies to be using, or are they just surface-level solutions? Today, I break it all down and work the math to show how using these types of things really play out for your business in the long-run. I hope this episode arms you with the perspective and knowledge to make the right decision, so you can determine if the financial impact of offering these incentives...
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Have you ever felt the sting of a competitor trying to snatch your hard-earned clients? Are you battling the creeping fear of what I refer to as "Ninja Turtle" stylists who undercut your prices and poach your loyal clientele? Even if it’s something that you may not have experienced yet I want to talk about it, because it is becoming a very real trend in this industry. In this episode, I break it all down and discuss the client poaching trend, what it means and how to handle it. If you’re ready to stop playing defense and start building your kingdom, then what I share today will help...
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Are you feeling the shift? Is "charging your worth" leaving you and your clients feeling...unfulfilled? What if the key isn't about emotional pricing, but about genuine perceived value? Today we go deep into the "worth it" era, and look at how the rising cost of living and changing client expectations are reshaping the salon industry as we know it. In this episode, I share how people are still spending money, but they're spending money in the places that are worth it to them. So, are you ready to move beyond offering just luxury snacks and good consultations so that you can position...
info_outlineWe’re coming to you live from XClub Retreat 2025 in Texas, and bringing you something special today. I’m sitting down with Kaytlin Garland, a salon owner chosen for the "hot seat" with Joey Coleman, an incredible author and renowned retention expert who spoke at the retreat. Kaytlin and I dive deep into this experience and the transformative insights she gained from it, and the entire retreat as a whole.
In this episode, Kaytlin reveals how she's refining her target market and streamlining her client journeys. You'll hear about the surprising clarity that came from holding a mirror up to her business, and so much more. This episode is packed with actionable strategies that will inspire you to elevate your own salon, create more time freedom, and build an unbeatable guest experience!
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