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What happens when imagination steps off the page and becomes a living work of art?

LuLu Benavidez and co-host Sue Krukonis Hanson welcome Olga Saretsky, founder of Kikimora Studio, for an inspiring conversation about creativity, authenticity and persistence.

Olga shares her journey from dancer and choreographer to the creator of extraordinary Living Art and wearable sculptures. She reveals the fashion show that changed her direction, why covering the face gave her greater artistic freedom, and how she continued creating even when others didn’t understand her vision.

Olga also shares an important realization: our work may express who we are, but it does not define all that we are.

Discover Olga’s work:

[www.kikimorastudio.com](http://www.kikimorastudio.com)
[www.kikimorafashion.com](http://www.kikimorafashion.com)

Subscribe to Beauty Industry Voices for inspiring conversations with artists, innovators and entrepreneurs who are transforming creativity into meaningful careers.

Chapters:
00:00 Meet Olga Saretsky
01:25 From dance to Living Art
03:15 The fashion show that changed everything
05:21 Inspiration for the beauty industry
06:45 The challenges of creative business
07:55 Building the Kikimora team
08:38 Finding freedom behind the mask
10:57 The power of authenticity
12:00 You are more than your work
14:03 Persistence and finding your voice
15:52 The truth about overnight success
17:30 Protecting your originality
18:33 Five personal questions
20:28 Creativity and human potential
21:25 Where to find Olga’s work
23:50 Olga’s message to the audience

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In this episode, Maria shares how she grew her Instagram following from just over 2,000 to more than 177,000 followers by creating practical, no-nonsense special occasion hairstyling tutorials.

She talks about developing techniques for fine and thinning hair, the influence of legendary educator Martin Parsons, why mastering technique comes before creativity, and the discipline behind creating her content week after week.

Maria also reveals her Instagram routine, why she posts her content manually, the importance of engaging with followers, and one of the biggest mistakes she sees hairstylists make on social media: trying to be everything to everyone.
Whether you're a hairstylist, educator, salon professional, or creative entrepreneur trying to build an audience, Maria's story is a wonderful reminder: know what you do, stay focused, keep showing up—and never stop learning.

Subscribe for more conversations with the voices shaping the beauty industry.

Chapters
00:00 – Meet Maria Esparolini
02:25 – The Hairstyle That Reached 1 Million Views
04:00 – Creating Styles for Fine & Thinning Hair
05:44 – Why No-Nonsense Techniques Work
06:14 – Learning From Martin Parsons
08:00 – Technique vs. Creativity
10:23 – How Maria Grew Her Instagram Following
11:02 – Her Weekly Content Routine
13:10 – Why She Posts Manually
14:10 – Who Maria Creates Content For
17:42 – Why “How-To” Content Works
19:38 – Breaking an Hour-Long Style Into 60 Seconds
22:59 – From Behind the Chair to Online Educator
24:44 – Understanding Instagram Analytics
27:55 – Maria's Advice for Low Engagement
28:23 – The Social Media Mistake Stylists Make
30:01 – Why Consistency Matters
31:16 – Rapid Fire With Maria
33:54 – Advice to Her Younger Self
34:19 – Where to Follow Maria
35:39 – Final Thoughts

Keywords

Maria Esparolini, hairstylist education, hairstylist Instagram, Instagram for hairstylists, grow Instagram followers, beauty industry, beauty industry podcast, hairstylist podcast, special occasion hair, special occasion hairstyles, bridal hair, wedding hairstyles, updo tutorials, fine hair styling, thinning hair styling, hair education, hairstylist educator, social media for hairstylists, Instagram Reels for hairstylists, salon marketing, beauty business, hairstylist tips, hair tutorials, behind the chair, Martin Parsons, creative hairstyling, beauty education, hairstylist success, social media growth, Beauty Industry Voices

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What separates a busy stylist from a six-figure stylist?

Salon educator and Trainers Playbook founder Coach Chris Baran shares the systems that help stylists increase their income without trying to do everything themselves.

Chris explains the importance of establishing clear salon standards, assessing each team member’s abilities, and training associates to take responsibility for repeatable services. Strategic delegation allows experienced stylists to concentrate on the creative, higher-value services that clients specifically seek them out for.

Whether you are a salon owner, educator, associate, or stylist, this conversation offers practical ideas for building stronger teams, developing talent, and creating greater earning opportunities.

Learn more about Coach Chris Baran:
www.trainersplaybook.com
Instagram: @CoachChrisBaran

👍 Like this episode, subscribe, and share it with a salon professional who is ready to grow.

Chapter Timestamps

00:00 Introduction
00:38 Building six-figure stylists
02:12 Establishing salon standards
04:28 Assessing skills before training
06:35 Why delegation increases income
08:47 Focusing on higher-value services
10:32 Getting associates on the floor
12:18 Training smarter and growing faster
13:08 Final thoughts

Keywords

Coach Chris Baran, Chris Baran, six-figure stylist, six-figure hairstylist, hairstylist income, salon business growth, salon education, salon associate training, salon leadership, stylist training, beauty industry education, salon systems, salon standards, salon delegation, salon team building, salon owner advice, growing a salon team, hairstylist career growth, salon profitability, Trainers Playbook, beauty industry podcast, professional hairstylist, associate program, stylist success, salon coaching

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What if failure isn’t something to fear—but one of our greatest teachers?

In this episode, we sat down with George Alderete to talk about the experiences that shaped his career in the beauty industry. George shares lessons from competition, education, and teaching, as well as the challenges that helped him grow both personally and professionally.

We explore why failure can be an important part of success, the value of continuing education, and what it means to pass your knowledge on to the next generation.

If you’re a hairstylist, educator, student, or creative professional building your career, George’s story is a reminder: keep learning, keep competing, and never be afraid to fail forward.

Subscribe for more conversations with the voices, artists, educators, and innovators shaping the beauty industry.

00:00 – Introduction to George Alderete
01:00 – George’s Journey in the Beauty Industry
03:00 – Learning Through Competition
05:00 – Why Failure Is a Great Teacher
07:00 – Becoming an Educator
09:00 – Lessons Learned Along the Way
11:00 – Leaving a Legacy
12:20 – Final Thoughts

Keywords:

George Alderete, Beauty Industry Voices, beauty industry, hairstylist education, hair education, cosmetology education, cosmetology students, beauty industry educator, hair competitions, hairstylist competition, failure is the best teacher, learning from failure, career success, hairstylist success, salon professional, beauty professionals, hairdresser career, continuing education, mentorship, beauty industry leadership, creative careers, hairstylist inspiration, salon education

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Welcome to Beauty Industry Voices, formerly known as Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs.

The name and format may be changing, but the heart of our podcast remains the same. Host LuLu Benavidez will continue sharing meaningful conversations with beauty professionals, artists, educators, wellness experts, photographers, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and passionate people with extraordinary stories.

Different co-hosts will also join LuLu based on each guest and subject, bringing fresh perspectives to every conversation.

Follow or subscribe and join us for this exciting new chapter—where every voice has a story of passion, creativity, and purpose.

Hosted by LuLu Benavidez

#BeautyIndustryVoices #BeautyIndustry #PodcastTrailer

Chapters

00:00 A New Chapter Begins
00:20 How Beauty Industry Voices Began
00:45 Creativity Beyond the Salon
01:10 The Voices You Will Meet
01:35 A Fresh Co-Host Format
01:55 Our Purpose Remains the Same
02:10 Welcome to Beauty Industry Voices

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In this special Summer Series episode, we revisit our conversation with beauty-industry icon Joe Santy.

Joe shares his journey from being nicknamed “Perm Boy” to becoming a respected educator and expert in texture, color, permanent waving, and hair chemistry. He discusses how education and innovation have transformed the beauty industry, as well as the importance of truly understanding the science behind the services we perform.

Joe also shares valuable lessons from his decades of experience and offers encouraging advice for the next generation of hairstylists. This conversation celebrates a career built on curiosity, education, innovation, and a genuine passion for the professional beauty industry. ([Buzzsprout][1])

Please like, subscribe, and share this episode with another beauty professional.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to the Summer Series
00:45 Joe Santy’s Career Journey
03:00 Lessons from a Changing Industry
06:00 Understanding Hair Chemistry
07:25 Innovation in Texture and Color
12:00 Advice for the Next Generation
14:55 Final Thoughts

Tags:
Joe Santy, Joe Santy interview, Beauty Industry Voices, beauty industry podcast, hair industry icon, hair education, hairstylist education, professional beauty industry, hair chemistry, permanent waving, texture expert, hair color education, salon education, beauty industry legend, hairdresser interview, beauty career advice, cosmetology education, salon professionals, hair innovation, beauty educator, hairstylist inspiration, beauty industry leaders, Summer Series podcast, hair science, salon owner, beauty professionals

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What does it take to grow from a young hairstylist with a pair of scissors into one of the beauty industry’s most respected educators, salon owners, and product innovators?

In this inspiring episode of Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs, LuLu Benavidez and Sue Krukonis Hanson sit down with Candy Shaw, widely known throughout the industry as The Balayage Queen.

Candy shares how she began cutting hair at only 13 years old, developed her entrepreneurial spirit, and built a career centered on education, service, innovation, and helping others succeed.

She opens up about working behind the chair in her 50-chair Atlanta salon, creating systems that allow stylists to work more efficiently, developing her French cutting and balayage techniques, and launching Sunlights—the first clay-based balayage lightener brought to market.

Learn expert balayage techniques and business strategies from Candy Shaw, the world-renowned hairstylist and educator. Discover how to build a career in the hair industry.

Lulu Benavides hosts this conversation with Candy Shaw, often called the balayage queen for her mastery of hair color. This session is designed for aspiring stylists and salon owners looking to elevate their professional practice through proven methods. We discuss the journey from behind the chair to becoming a successful salon owner and innovator in the beauty space.

Throughout the interview, you will gain insights into the entrepreneurial mindset required to thrive in a competitive market. Candy Shaw shares her experience as a product innovator and educator, providing actionable hair industry advice for anyone looking to scale their own business. Whether you are mastering new balayage techniques or seeking mentorship, this discussion offers a roadmap for long-term growth.

Subscribe for weekly career breakdowns and artist spotlights. Comment below with the biggest challenge you face as a hair professional.

00:00 Growing Up Around Beauty Industry Icons
00:23 Cutting Hair at 13 Years Old
01:10 How Candy Shaw Sees Herself
01:47 The Butterfly Effect and Being a Unicorn
02:25 Building a Salon, Academy, and Product Company
03:25 The Honest Truth About Entrepreneurship
04:02 Why Candy Still Works Behind the Chair
04:20 Systems, Speed, and Quality Service
05:30 Bringing the Salon Chair into the Classroom
06:00 Leading a 50-Chair Salon by Example
06:46 How and Where Candy Teaches
08:19 Balancing Career, Family, and Travel
09:02 The Power of Saying No
10:11 LuLu’s Paul Mitchell Story
11:09 Growing Up Backstage with Industry Legends
12:30 The Original Hairdressing Community
13:01 Candy’s Father, Humility, and Leadership
13:47 Why the Industry Needs More Talent
14:40 Followers Versus True Believers
15:45 The Creation of Sunlights Balayage
16:30 Developing the First Clay Lightener
17:23 Solving a Problem and Building a Brand
18:17 Helping Others and Changing Lives

Keywords:
#CandyShaw #BalayageQueen #SunlightsBalayage #BeautyIndustry #SalonOwner #HairEducation #BalayageArtist #Hairdresser #BeautyEntrepreneur #SalonSuccess #AIEPodcast

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In this special summer episode of Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs, LuLu Benavidez and Sue Hanson revisit their inspiring conversation with Ivette Mayo, an award-winning entrepreneur, international author, speaker, business mentor, and powerful advocate for women. Ivette shares valuable lessons about overcoming fear, building confidence, embracing your unique story, and having the courage to create meaningful change. Her message reminds us that success does not begin with having all the answers—it begins with taking the first step. Whether you are building a business, beginning a new chapter, or rediscovering your purpose, this conversation will encourage you to trust yourself, use your voice, and move forward with confidence.

Chapters
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
01:12 Meet Yvette Mayo
03:05 Turning Challenges Into Strength
05:18 Finding Your Voice
07:42 Overcoming Fear and Self-Doubt
10:06 Stop Waiting for Permission
12:24 Building Confidence as a Leader
14:47 The Power of Your Story
17:02 Creating Opportunities for Others
19:16 Yvette’s Advice for Moving Forward
20:42 Final Thoughts and Closing

key words
Ivette Mayo, Latina leadership, women in business, women entrepreneurs, female empowerment, confidence building, personal growth, overcoming fear, finding your voice, leadership mindset, business motivation, inspirational women, Latina entrepreneur, women leaders, success mindset, courage and confidence, personal power, motivational interview, entrepreneur story, career inspiration, women empowerment, leadership advice, Artists Icons and Entrepreneurs podcast, summer podcast episode

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