Beyond The Technique Podcast

If you were starting over in the beauty industry, what would make a salon truly worth choosing? In this episode, Kati Whitledge shares the six qualities she would prioritize, including commission-based earning potential, ongoing education, an inspiring service menu, quality products, a clean environment, and exceptional communication. She explains why these elements help beauty professionals grow their careers while feeling seen, supported, and connected to their salon's culture. Whether you're searching for your next salon home or hoping to attract outstanding talent, this conversation will help you recognize—and create—a workplace where people can thrive.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/RWzIEu0m7Bs
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From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book
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BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique
MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge
Get my favorite bio-hacking products: https://www.best365labs.com/?ref=tojxxlga

What does it take to build a salon business that can withstand change, team turnover, and unexpected challenges? Rachel Gower, president and CEO of Houston's award-winning salon The Upper Hand, shares how consistent recruiting, a strong apprenticeship program, and strategic marketing have fueled decades of success. She reveals why salon owners must continually evaluate what's working, release what isn't, and create systems that keep the business moving forward when employees or circumstances change. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, adaptation, and the determination to never give up.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/u4_IFRfdkF0
GET MY BOOK!
From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book
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JOIN mya! https://joinmya.com/
FOLLOW RACHEL GOWER
Website: https://theupperhand.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachel.gower
LET'S CONNECT!
BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique
MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya
FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge
Get my favorite bio-hacking products: https://www.best365labs.com/?ref=tojxxlga
SPONSORS
Earn more and get your time back with GlossGenius. Use code BEYOND at http://glossgenius.com/beyondthetechnique for 50% off your first two months of a premium plan.

You don't have to wait for a new year to reevaluate your life, raise your standards, and pursue meaningful new goals. In this episode, Kati explores seven key areas of well-being—financial, career, family, social, physical, intellectual, and spiritual—and explains how to determine which deserve your greatest focus in this season. Drawing from her personal transformation, she shares why lasting change requires burning the ships, establishing nonnegotiable routines, eliminating distractions, and intentionally choosing what to say yes and no to. You'll be encouraged to envision the person you want to become, turn that vision into an actionable plan, and confidently go all in—one intentional step at a time.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/XnPah8KgkW8
GET MY BOOK!
From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book
POWERED BY:
JOIN mya! https://joinmya.com/
LET'S CONNECT!
BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique
MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya
FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge
Get my favorite bio-hacking products: https://www.best365labs.com/?ref=tojxxlga

What began as a side hustle in a Santa Monica apartment has grown into SUGARED + BRONZED, a nationally recognized beauty brand with 50 corporate-owned locations. Co-founder and president Courtney Claghorn shares how an unwavering focus on client comfort, strategic locations, intentional hiring, and disciplined spending helped turn a simple solution into a scalable business. She also reveals what salon and spa owners should consider before expanding, from market demographics and operational capacity to real estate, construction, funding, and potential cannibalization. Tune in for an honest, inspiring look at thoughtful growth—and the small decisions that can make a major difference in your bottom line.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/K_H_GrALKtY
GET MY BOOK!
From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book
POWERED BY:
JOIN mya! https://joinmya.com/
FOLLOW SUGARED + BRONZED
Website: https://sugaredandbronzed.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugaredandbronzed
LET'S CONNECT!
BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique
MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya
FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge
Get my favorite bio-hacking products: https://www.best365labs.com/?ref=tojxxlga

Building a successful beauty career starts with putting in the time, gaining experience, and making yourself available when clients need you most. In this episode, Kati shares why new stylists and service providers should embrace model calls, volunteer opportunities, advanced education, networking, and consistent social media marketing. You'll learn how repetition strengthens your craft, relationships create unexpected opportunities, and early effort can lead to greater freedom later in your career. Tune in to discover the practical steps you can take now to build a loyal clientele and create a sustainable, long-term career in the beauty industry.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/3GO5ltCfCXo
GET MY BOOK!
From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book
POWERED BY:
JOIN mya! https://joinmya.com/
LET'S CONNECT!
BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique
MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya
FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge
Get my favorite bio-hacking products: https://www.best365labs.com/?ref=tojxxlga