Are you ready to discover what it really takes to build a business you can step away from and still thrive? Join me as I sit down with Ashleigh Jones, a permanent makeup artist whose journey spans continents, motherhood, and the art of niching down. From building a sought-after salon in Australia to starting over in Wichita, Ashleigh shares the real stories behind her success, the challenges of letting go, and the power of community in business and life.

Highlights

• Ashleigh’s path from part-time waxing to becoming a renowned eyebrow specialist in Australia
• The leap from solo entrepreneur to managing a team of seven
• How she built a business designed for independence—and actually stepped away
• Navigating the emotional and practical challenges of moving countries and running a business remotely
• The impact of motherhood and postnatal depression on her career and identity
• Rebuilding in the U.S.: why she chose to focus on herself and her craft
• The science and artistry behind cosmetic tattooing, lip blushing, and 3D areola tattooing
• Why trends don’t belong in permanent makeup—and how Ashleigh educates her clients
• Hilarious and surprising client stories (including fake IDs and eyebrow requests to the ears!)
• Advice for beauty professionals on finding and owning your niche

Chapters

00:34 — Meet Ashleigh Jones: From Perth to Wichita

01:08 — Building a Business on Brows

02:41 — Stepping Back: Trust, Team, and Letting Go

04:29 — Moving to the U.S. & Maintaining a Business Abroad

05:21 — Motherhood, Postnatal Depression, and Business Transitions

07:00 — Reconnecting with the Business and Letting Go

10:41 — Starting Fresh: Focusing on Services in Wichita

13:19 — The Art and Science of Cosmetic Tattooing

16:07 — Trends, Client Education, and Natural Results

22:38 — Niche Down: Advice for Beauty Professionals

25:44 — Building Trust, Connection, and Community

28:00 — Closing Thoughts & Ashleigh’s Contact Info

Resources Mentioned

• Ashleigh Jones — Permanent Makeup Artist
  https://bellesorelle.com.au/wichita-home

To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!

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Are you ready to transform your client relationships and build the business—and life—you truly want? Discover how to create an exceptional client experience, set boundaries, and even let go of clients who aren’t the right fit, all while growing a thriving, independent business. Hanna Johnson, owner of The Wicker Chair Salon & Boutique, shares her journey from commission salons to successful suite ownership, revealing the lessons, challenges, and mindset shifts that shaped her career. Whether you’re a stylist, entrepreneur, or anyone seeking more freedom and fulfillment, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and real talk about what it takes to succeed on your own terms.

Highlights

• Hanna’s path from beauty school to independent salon ownership
• The challenges and growth that come from early career experiences
• How losing a job unexpectedly led to independence and business success
• Building deep, loyal client relationships—and why privacy matters
• Creating a premium client experience that goes beyond great hair
• Balancing business growth with personal life and family
• Raising prices, setting boundaries, and attracting your dream clientele
• The importance of community and mentorship in an independent business model
• Navigating difficult client situations and knowing when to say goodbye
• Using AI tools for professional communication
• Why supporting others in your industry leads to collective success

Chapters

• 0:00 — Introduction & Hanna’s background
• 0:52 — Meet Hanna Johnson: Journey in Hairdressing
• 1:41 — Starting Out: From School to Commission Salon
• 2:08 — Challenges and Growth in the Early Years
• 4:11 — The Turning Point: Going Independent
• 6:58 — Building Client Relationships
• 9:11 — Creating a Premium Client Experience
• 14:24 — Balancing Business and Personal Life
• 17:49 — Raising Prices and Client Retention
• 19:15 — Dealing with Difficult Clients
• 22:07 — Using AI for Professional Communication
• 24:29 — The Importance of Community Support
• 27:03 — Mentorship and Business Growth
• 30:28 — The Benefits of Independence
• 32:07 — Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Resources Mentioned

• Paul Mitchell Schools
  Paul Mitchell Cosmetology Schools
• Wichita Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award
  Wichita Chamber of Commerce

To learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!

If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!