Listen to the episodes below, or on your favorite podcast platform
episodes
Claim to Shame: MLMs, Scams, & Misleading Ads
Where’s the line between marketing and fraud? As professionals, we’re expected to make informed recommendations to clients - so how can we separate facts from fiction? When business opportunities or product results sound too good to be true, that’s a red flag. We learn from Bonnie Patten, Executive Director of Truth In Advertising, exactly how to recognize fraudulent income and health claims.Published Jan 11, 2021.
New Year, Same Boat?
The year 2020 may be behind us, but our circumstances as beauty professionals have not changed, nor will they improve immediately. We consider the year ahead in terms of financial and personal health, salon operations, and professional growth.. Published Jan 4, 2021.
Ending 2020 on a High Note
Surviving 2020 wasn’t easy, so give yourself credit for what you accomplished. In this special year-end episode, we reflect on what we gained throughout this unusual experience and share insights from loyal Outgrowth listeners. Published Dec 28, 2020.
In Case You Missed It
The beauty industry’s response to the coronavirus pandemic has revealed significant gaps in knowledge and questionable business practices. Providing fact-based information directly from the source, Outgrowth tackled the most frequently asked questions and topics that deserved more attention. In case you missed it, we revisit the most controversial topics Outgrowth covered during this most unusual year. Published Dec 21, 2020.
Universal Licensing: Closer Than We Think?
Considering a move to another state? Wish you had a professional license that would be accepted in all fifty states? The concept of universal licensure offers that possibility, but will states change their laws to make that a reality? Susan Colard of the NIC, the predominant testing organization in our industry, describes new efforts to standardize licensure and increase portability through a national database and national credential. Published Dec 14, 2020.
What You Need to Know to Sell Gift Cards
Selling gift cards or certificates during the holiday season? What happens to outstanding gift cards if your business closes? What you don’t know about the restrictions on expiration dates and the disclosure requirements may surprise you. In our discussion with attorney Amy Toepper of Legal In A Box, we discover the important legal considerations, and potential liabilities, for business owners. Published Dec 7, 2020.
Legislative Intent: Protecting the Industry
What’s the incentive to comply with regulations if no one’s held accountable? When government recognizes exploitation and unsafe working conditions in the beauty industry, the response should be legislation, education, and enforcement that directly addresses the problem. In our first interview with an elected official, Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz of New York explains how she gives voice to her constituents with a proposed bill that could transform our industry. Published Nov 30, 2020.
What We Are All Feeling: Processing 2020
In this year filled with personal and professional losses, how do we regain our sense of stability? Where do we find emotional support for ourselves and how can we best support others? Our special guest Joy Smith provides constructive ways to work through our individual, complicated responses to this shared experience. Published Nov 23, 2020.
End of Times: Nail Fail
The recent New York Times article declaring the "end of the manicure" prompts our discussion about the assumptions and implications of consumer beauty writing. What’s the damage to salon professionals and why does the nail industry continue to be such an easy target? Published Nov 16, 2020.
Government Affairs: Bills, Bills, Bills
When legislators introduce new bills, how will they impact our businesses? Why haven’t we done more to engage in the political process? Despite the size and diversity of our industry, we have not mobilized to promote and protect our interests. Will the ongoing threat of deregulation be the cause that finally brings us together? Published Nov 9, 2020.
Proactive Planning for the Next Shutdown
What planning should beauty pros do now to prepare for the next shutdown? How do we reduce our exposure and generate income from alternative sources in this likely scenario? Applying the lessons learned from our COVID experiences, we recommend a proactive approach to the challenges of working in a service-based industry in 2021 and beyond. Published Nov 2, 2020.
Straight From The Source: California Department of Public Health
How do we manage our risk factors and avoid being shut down again? What impact will new COVID reporting requirements have on our industry? California’s more cautious approach to a second reopening seems to be working, and we want to understand why. Our guest Dr. Barbara Materna, PhD, the Chief of the Occupational Health Branch in the California Department of Public Health, explains the process and collaboration happening at the state level. Published Oct 26, 2020.
Re-Flex Your Marketing Muscles
Finding that you need to reconnect with existing clients and reach new ones? Concerned about your salon’s survival into 2021? Want to rebuild your clientele? Rather than expect the holiday season to bring more business, apply these strategies to flex your marketing muscles again. Published Oct 19, 2020.
Beauty School Cop-Out: How Our Education Has Failed Us
Do pros really need a beauty school education to succeed in the industry? Does our current system offer learning opportunities, or create artificial barriers to entry? We reflect on our own beauty school experiences to explore how existing laws and licensure requirements may undermine our best arguments for fighting deregulation and advancing our interests.Published Oct 12, 2020.
The CDC: Straight From The Source
Who writes the federal guidelines for the beauty industry? Why does the CDC consider PPE the last line of defense for beauty pros? How can we improve ventilation in our salons? What steps should be taken if COVID-19 exposure happens? Our guest Dr. Cherie Estill from the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health answers our questions and we discuss the implications. Published Oct 5, 2020.
Money Matters: Accountant Answers (Part 2)
What triggers an audit by the IRS? What actions should you take if you've misclassified your staff as contractors or need to close your business? How can advance planning reduce your tax liability? Take control of your finances by learning how a certified public accountant can inform and guide you in the second of our 2-part episode with Desarie Anderson, CPA, EA. Published Sep 28, 2020.
Money Matters: Accountant Answers (Part 1)
Did you know that every decision you make in your business has tax consequences? What’s the difference between a hustle and a legitimate business? How do you track your cash flow? Take control of your finances by learning how a certified public accountant can inform and guide you in the first of our 2-part episode with Desarie Anderson, CPA, EA. Published Sep 21, 2020.
Industry Forecast: Dark Clouds or Silver Linings?
Missing beauty shows and educational events? Feeling anxious about the holiday season and the future of your salon? In one of our most personal episodes ever, we describe how these new circumstances affect our old routines. While planning ahead may seem futile, we’re working to manage our expectations and benefit from opportunities that would not have existed otherwise. Published Sep 14, 2020.
Government Affairs: Get Involved
Will Congress give the beauty industry any economic relief? What actions can we take to make a difference at the state and federal levels? From tracking legislation to exercising our right to vote, we have opportunities to influence the direction of our government and the future of our industry. We welcome back Myra Reddy, Director of Government Affairs and Industry Relations for the Professional Beauty Association. Published Sep 7, 2020.
The Dresscode Project: Beauty Has No Gender
Does your salon still charge different prices based on gender? What does your salon culture communicate about your values? As we examine traditions of the past, salon owners take the necessary steps to be more welcoming, inclusive, and accessible for clients of all gender identities. Our guest Kristin Rankin shares the mission of The Dresscode Project to promote gender-affirming salons. Published Aug 31, 2020.
Re-Lease Me: Salon & Booth Rental Contracts
How do you renegotiate an existing lease? What happens if you can’t afford your rent, or your business closes? Because a contract defines the terms and limits your options, any change in your circumstances has significant legal and financial implications. Attorney Amy Toepper explains best practices for salon owners and booth renters when reviewing leases, ideally before you sign, but even afterwards. Published Aug 24, 2020.
Filling the Leadership Void: A Call to Action
What direction will the industry take and who will lead us? How do we ensure that those we elevate deserve our trust? When the responsibility for our actions falls on us individually, following the advice of unqualified leaders has never been so risky. Difficult choices lie ahead for all of us. The launch of Outgrowth Insiders ensures we’re taking a big step toward the future, together. Published Aug 17, 2020.
State Board: Straight From the Source
Still waiting for your state board to advocate for the industry? Wondering who actually writes the rules? Searching for a way to have your voice heard? Limited understanding of how state governments function restricts our ability to meaningfully engage in the process. For answers to all of these questions, we go directly to the source in our interview with Kristy Underwood, the Executive Officer of California’s Board of Barbering and Cosmetology which regulates the largest population of beauty licensees in the country. Published Aug 10, 2020.
Clean Hands, Safe Salons (Part 4)
Is operating outdoors safe? How do we avoid another shutdown of our salons? Where do we belong in the reopening timeline? In Part 4 of our popular series Clean Hands, Safe Salons, Leslie Roste, BSN, RN, of Barbicide, updates best practices and cautions against complacency in our fight against COVID and deregulation. We also tease a big announcement for Outgrowth listeners. Published Aug 3, 2020.
The Luxury Lie: Famous Salons with Infamous Practices
With branded products, trendy furnishings, and aspirational marketing, luxury salons occupy an enviable position in the beauty industry. But from the perspective of actual service providers, abusive behavior from salon owners, managers and clients makes their position not just unpleasant, but unacceptable. Editorial manicurist Gracie J describes her experiences dealing with discrimination and exploitation while working in famous NYC salons. Published July 27, 2020.
Salon Policies: No Show? No Problem!
How do you handle no shows, late cancellations, and other undesirable behaviors? Confront your fears and insecurity, not your clients, before problems arise. Salon policies cannot protect your businesses without careful planning, clear communication, and consistent enforcement. Published July 20, 2020.
Outside Influence: Speak For Yourself
Want more influence over how the government controls the beauty industry? Disappointed that no one listens to your concerns? There’s much more to creating change than just sharing your opinions. We introduce 5 simple steps you can follow to get involved in advocacy and ensure that your interests are served. Published July 13, 2020.
Body of Work: A Pain in the Neck?
Feeling the aches and pains of returning to work? Want to prevent discomfort and injuries? Improving the relationship between our bodies and our salon environments takes time and investment. Sara Taylor Eggleston, a professional disability management specialist and founder of Structured Health Resources, describes her proactive approach to ergonomics. Published July 6, 2020.
Pricing for Safety: What Can You Afford?
Can you meet new safety requirements without raising your prices? Will your business be profitable and sustainable after reopening? From increased product costs to decreased capacity, every aspect of our salon businesses has been impacted. When everything has changed, these questions can’t be answered until we do the math for ourselves. Published June 29, 2020.
Race & Inclusivity in Beauty & Beyond
If talking about racism makes us feel uncomfortable, it’s because we have been too comfortable with injustice. The time to take a stand for racial equality is long overdue. We must seek to understand, listen, and do more. Our guests Shauna and Angel of DINKS Podcast speak from their experiences as Black women, sharing their thoughts and feelings in a revealing conversation about representation, accountability, and political action. Published June 22, 2020.
Government Affairs: Protecting Beauty Pros
Who speaks for beauty pros? How do we ensure the government understands our needs? Do we have to file a lawsuit to protect our industry and make any progress? In our insightful discussion with Myra Reddy of the Professional Beauty Association, she explains how a collaborative approach to the legislative process gives voice to members, promotes their best interests, and influences policies and regulations at the state and federal levels. Published June 15, 2020.
Clean Hands, Safe Salons (Part 3)
Is blow drying safe? Do partitions and UV sterilizers actually work? In the absence of federal guidance, every state has taken its own path to reopening salons. Our new extended interview with Leslie Roste, BSN, RN, the Director of Education for Barbicide, covers the most controversial issues in Part 3 of our series. Published June 8, 2020.
Re-Open to Interpretation: Guidelines or Suggestions?
How should beauty pros interpret industry guidelines when it’s not clear what’s recommended and what's actually required? Guidelines were meant to make the process of reopening our businesses as safe as possible, but instead, they’ve often been confusing. Published June 1, 2020.
Salon Reopening Guidelines: What's Next
What will be required when salons open? Who makes those decisions? We talk about why state boards haven’t done more, how individual beauty professionals will respond, and what we expect will happen next. Published May 25, 2020.
Affordable Legal Advice for Beauty Pros (Finally!)
Guest Amy Toepper, the Founder and CEO of Legal In A Box, will explain how expert advice can be accessible and affordable. Published May 18, 2020.
Exclusions Apply: What Your Liability Insurance Won't Cover (Part 2)
Part 2 of our conversation about professional liability insurance with Tracy Donley, the Executive Director of Associated Skin Care Professionals. Published May 11, 2020.
Exclusions Apply: What Your Liability Insurance Won’t Cover (Part 1)
Our guest Tracy Donley, the Executive Director of Associated Skin Care Professionals, has all of the answers on insurance in this 2 part episode. Published May 4, 2020.
Industry in Crisis: Is Organizing a Union the Answer?
Our guest Luis Gomez of Workers United NY/NJ describes efforts to improve conditions for the most vulnerable workers in the beauty industry. Published April 27, 2020.
Petitions, Partitions, & PPE
How much damage will we do to our industry as a result of impatience, questionable decisions, and non-compliance? Published April 20, 2020.
Communicating with Clients & Landlords
We offer our take on how to communicate with clients (including those requesting services!) and landlords expecting rent when we’re not allowed to work. Published April 13, 2020.
Clean Hands, Safe Salons (Part 2)
We continue our conversation with infection control expert Leslie Roste, BSN, RN. As Director of Education for BlueCo Brands, Leslie previews Barbicide’s new back-to-work plan with specific recommendations for preparing our salons. Published April 6, 2020.
No One Called for Yelp
We react to the news that Yelp, in partnership with GoFundMe, created fundraising campaigns as “COVID-19 Small Business Relief” on behalf of businesses without prior consent. Published March 30, 2020.
Clean Hands, Safe Salons (Part 1)
With a renewed focus on infection control in the beauty industry, we welcome Leslie Roste, RN, BSN, our first-ever guest. Leslie gives practical advice and her expert opinions on a range of topics. Published March 23, 2020.
Coping with Coronavirus
As we face disruption in our beauty businesses due to the coronavirus pandemic, we suggest ways to be productive even when we cannot provide services directly to clients. Published March 16, 2020.
Live From New York
What should have been an exciting show weekend in New York City was upended when the organizers cancelled due to the coronavirus. What happens next? We answer your questions about exchanging follows on Instagram and including prices in your brochure. Published March 9, 2020.
Deregulation - What's the Big Deal?
Licensing deregulation is a real threat to the professional beauty industry. Why is it happening and what recourse do you have to stop it? Published February 29, 2020.
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Described as the best beauty podcast in 2020, Outgrowth Podcast is for hairstylists, nail techs, estheticians, massage therapists and lash technicians. Hosted by beauty industry experts Ashley Gregory Hackett and Jaime Schrabeck, PhD, this salon industry podcast has helpful interviews with guests that teach topics from increasing salon clientele, salon marketing, salon covid guidelines, beauty industry insights, starting a salon, renting a salon suite, salon Instagram tips, and how to run a successful salon. Join us for weekly episodes of hair podcasts, nail podcasts, esty podcast, and more.