Episode Summary:

In this episode, Josie and Quinn sit down with Kimber Bootay, a distributor salon consultant with 28 years of experience serving stylists across Northern California. Recently awarded Sales Consultant of the Year for a major manufacturer, Kimber shares the secrets behind her success—including the power of consistency, relationship building, and truly caring for the stylists she serves.

They dive into what makes a standout DSC, the realities of salon distribution, and how stylists and sales reps can build partnerships rooted in mutual respect. Kimber's blend of blunt honesty and deep-hearted support offers a rare glimpse into the sales side of the beauty industry—and reminds us all that we're stronger when we work as a team.

Key Topics:

• The power of consistency in building trust as a sales consultant
• Why great DSCs prioritize being a resource over pushing product
• The emotional labor and logistical complexity of serving salon clients
• Kimber’s take on salon culture, education, and team alignment
• Advice for new sales consultants and salon owners alike
• How empathy between stylists and DSCs can transform industry relationships

Takeaways for Stylists & Salon Owners:

• Your DSC isn’t just a rep—they’re a partner, and the good ones will move mountains for you.
• Salon culture and team buy-in are non-negotiables for long-term success.
• Retail and education should be seen as tools for growth, not burdens.
• The best partnerships are built on clear communication, mutual understanding, and (yes again) consistency.

People and brands mentioned in this episode:

Bassett Salon Solutions – A professional beauty distributor serving salons across the Western U.S., known for offering top-tier brands, sales support, and education to help stylists and salon owners grow their businesses.

Davines – A sustainable, Italian-born haircare brand trusted by professionals worldwide for its high-performance color, care, and styling products.

Bright Eyes Marketing – A creative studio and marketing space in Sacramento, CA, used as the official recording location for this episode of Rooted + Rising.

International Color Genius Program – An advanced Davines education certification for professional hairstylists, designed to elevate technical expertise in color theory, formulation, and application through immersive global training and mentorship.

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The Pod: @rootedandrisingbeauty

Quinn: @quinn_does_hair

Josie: @lighten.with.josie

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In this episode, Josie and Quinn dive deep into the world of Unreasonable Hospitality, inspired by Will Guidara’s bestselling book that redefined the art of service in the restaurant industry, and explore how those same principles can revolutionize the salon experience.

We’re asking: What does it really mean to go above and beyond for our clients behind the chair?

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• What Unreasonable Hospitality is and why it matters
• The difference between service and hospitality
• The fundamentals of exceptional hospitality and how to apply them in a salon setting
• Real-life examples from the book that sparked new ideas for how we treat our guests
• Easy, thoughtful touches that surprise and delight your clients

Takeaways for Stylists:

• Hospitality isn’t about luxury, it’s about connection, generosity, and presence.
• Personalized experiences build trust, loyalty, and word-of-mouth referrals.
• Sometimes, magic is just someone spending more time on something than anyone would responsibly expect.
• You have the opportunity, and responsibility, to make people feel seen and celebrated.

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
• The “95/5 Rule” for creating moments of surprise
• Quote by Raymond Teller: “Sometimes magic is just someone spending more time on something than anyone would responsibly expect.”

Whether you're a seasoned stylist or just starting out, this conversation will inspire you to think beyond the service itself and start crafting extraordinary, personalized experiences your clients will never forget.

Listen now and ask yourself: How can I bring more magic behind the chair?

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The Pod: @rootedandrisingbeauty

Quinn: @quinn_does_hair

Josie: @lighten.with.josie

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In this episode, Quinn interviews Josie about her journey as an educator with Davines. They dive into what inspired her, the highs and lows of teaching, and the impact it has had on her work behind the chair. Josie also shares advice for aspiring educators and salon owners looking to foster ongoing education in their spaces.

Can't get enough of Rooted + Rising?

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The Pod: @rootedandrisingbeauty

Quinn: @quinn_does_hair

Josie: @lighten.with.josie

Do you have something you think is important to share with the beauty industry?

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In this episode of Rooted and Rising, we sit down with Lorena Martinez (@lorena_thecolourbar), a visionary salon owner, author, and mentor whose journey from a Mexican immigrant to a thriving entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. Fresh out of cosmetology school, Lorena took a leap of faith—opening her own studio without a clear plan, just a bold vision. Now, 15 years later, she leads one of the most sought-after salons in the industry.

Join us as we dive into:

• The power of trusting your intuition and taking risks
• How Lorena built a salon culture that feels like home
• Setting boundaries and avoiding burnout in the beauty industry
• Lessons from her journey that every stylist and salon owner should hear

Want to learn more from Lorena? Follow her on Instagram @lorena_thecolourbar for business insights, salon culture inspiration, and behind-the-scenes of her leadership journey.

Need high-quality haircare? Shop salon-approved products at www.thecolourbar.me, and keep an eye out for Lorena’s books, coming soon.

Listen now and get ready to feel inspired to take your next big leap.

#RootedAndRising #SalonSuccess #BeautyEntrepreneur #HairstylistJourney

Can't get enough of Rooted + Rising?

Follow us on Instagram:

The Pod: @rootedandrisingbeauty

Quinn: @quinn_does_hair

Josie: @lighten.with.josie

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Beauty school is just the beginning! In this episode of Rooted + Rising, we dive into the highs, lows, and unexpected lessons that shape a stylist’s journey. From navigating unstructured learning to overcoming real-world challenges, Josie and Quinn explore the power of mentorship, continued education, and the art of balancing technical skills with top-tier client experiences.

We also break down the impact of social media branding and time management, sharing how these tools can build confidence, attract clients, and elevate your career. Whether you're a new stylist or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with insights to help you grow and adapt.

Can't get enough of Rooted + Rising?

Follow us on Instagram:

The Pod: @rootedandrisingbeauty

Quinn: @quinn_does_hair

Josie: @lighten.with.josie

Do you have something you think is important to share with the beauty industry?

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Welcome to Rooted + Rising Through the Beauty Industry!

In this episode, get to know your hosts Quinn Mattingly and Josie Aldrich! We talk about how we ended up as hairstylists and in turn ended up as podcasters. We also discuss what you should expect from future episodes from R+R.

Can't get enough of Rooted + Rising?

Follow us on Instagram:

The Pod: @rootedandrisingbeauty

Quinn: @quinn_does_hair

Josie: @lighten.with.josie

Do you have something you think is important to share with the beauty industry?

Send in your request to be on the show so we can start to brainstorm together!