Beyond The Technique Podcast

Celebrity Hairstylist and Salon Owner, Traci Barrett joins Beyond the Technique to share her powerful journey from answering phones in a corporate salon to becoming a renowned hair artist in LA—and ultimately building a purpose-driven salon in Phoenix. In this episode, Traci and Kati dive into rethinking the traditional salon model, from commission structures and team-based environments to eliminating fear-based leadership and non-compete culture. Traci reveals how her personal life challenges reshaped her vision and led her to build a salon rooted in mentorship, education, sustainability, and service. You'll learn how she's creating a new standard through a structured education pathway, inclusive hair design, and a hospitality-inspired client experience, including her innovative focus on scalp care and Head Spa services. If you're a salon owner or leader who wants to build a modern, values-driven, and team-centered business that actually works, this episode will expand how you think about the future of our industry.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/xRVcir54p_0
 
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracibarrett/ 
 
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In this episode, your host Kati Whitledge challenges salon and spa owners to rethink how they make decisions in a world full of distractions, pressure, and decision fatigue. She breaks down what "smart decisions" really mean—choices that align with your purpose, passion, and business objectives, and why every decision may not deserve your energy. You'll learn how to slow down impulsive reactions, focus on what truly moves the business forward, and empower your leaders to own decisions in their areas of responsibility. Kati shares a simple but powerful four-question framework you can use for everything from hiring to new services and product offerings. If you want clearer thinking, better leadership, and more confident decisions that actually drive results, this episode is for you.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/bi20OMbLgaU
 
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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/ 
 
FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/
Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE
 
SPONSORS
Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

In this episode, Kati sits down with Terra Harvell to talk about what it really means to build a salon you can actually walk away from—and why most salons are never truly sellable. Terra shares her journey from behind-the-chair to building scalable systems, including the hard lessons that led her to rethink commission models, leadership, and profitability. They unpack the concept of salon "roll-ups," exit strategies, and how to increase enterprise value instead of creating another job for yourself. You'll learn why only 2 out of 10 salons ever sell, and what needs to change if you want your business to be one of them. If you're a salon owner who wants freedom, options, and a business that works without you, this conversation will challenge and inspire you to think bigger.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/We3y_jtcAI0
 
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Website: All the Things
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theterraharvell/ 
 
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FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/
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SPONSORS
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In this episode, your host Kati Whitledge explores the powerful and often misunderstood difference between self-confidence and pride—and why both can quietly shape the way you lead, grow, and relate to others. She explains how real confidence is built on competence, truth, and humility, while pride is usually rooted in insecurity, image, and the need to protect ego. You'll learn the subtle behaviors that reveal when pride is creeping in, especially for high performers and fast-growing leaders, and how defensiveness can be an early warning sign. Kati shares practical, honest strategies for staying grounded, receiving feedback, and approaching others with both truth and respect. This conversation will challenge you to build "humble confidence" so your results, character, and relationships can all grow together.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/p6owNN6Rzzk
 
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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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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: CLICK HERE
 
SPONSORS
Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

In today's episode, Kati sits down with Blake Reed Evans to explore what modern leadership really looks like in today's salon environment. Blake shares his journey from associate stylist to shareholder and salon owner, and how mentorship, education, and a clear growth path shaped his success. Blake breaks down a new model of salon ownership, team development, and why flexible schedules and evolving benefits are essential to attract and retain top talent. You'll hear how Blake's salon balances high standards with a supportive culture, adapts to generational shifts, and creates long-term stability for both owners and team members. This conversation is a must-listen for salon owners and leaders who want to build a sustainable business, grow future leaders, and elevate the team experience.
WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/6BOqa2ncsQY
 
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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FOLLOW BLAKE REED EVANS
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blakereedevans/ 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@blakereedevans 
 
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: CLICK HERE
 
SPONSORS
Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/