In this episode of The Terra Harvell Show, Terra sits down with Kristin Stutz, former stylist and salon owner turned Certified Financial Planner, for a candid and eye-opening conversation about what happens when life throws you a curveball, and your business isn’t prepared for it.
Today, through Illume Financial Strategies, she helps salon owners and stylists build financial plans that protect their future and create true wealth, even if they can’t work behind the chair.
This episode unpacks:
· How Kristin’s salon survived a full year without her in it
· Why most salon owners are one crisis away from closing their doors
· The truth about “freedom” in booth rent and suite models — and why it can cost you everything
· How to build an exit strategy that turns your business into a sellable asset
· The financial blind spots that keep stylists from building real wealth
If you’ve ever told yourself, “That could never happen to me,” this episode is the wake-up call you need.
Follow & Connect:
Host: Terra Harvell | @theterraharvellshow | @theterraharvell | @stratasalonsystems
Guest: Kristin Stutz - Facebook: Illume Financial Strategies | LinkedIn: Kristin Stutz, CFP® | www.illumefs.com | Click to schedule a meeting with Kristin
Kristin Stutz is a Financial Adviser with Eagle Strategies LLC, a registered investment adviser and a New York Life company. illume Financial Strategies, LLC is not owned or operated by Eagle Strategies LLC
In this episode of The Terra Harvell Show, Terra sits down with salon owner Sydney Vakilzadeh for a brutally honest conversation about the day that completely changed her business, and why hearing “Your business plan is sh*t” was the best thing that ever happened to her.
Sydney went from running a booth-rent mindset to building a thriving Strata™-structured salon, The Social Owasso, where stylists scale faster, earn more, and actually have a future inside the business. In just 10 months, she tripled her monthly revenue and created a culture that stylists are lining up to join.
This episode unpacks:
If you’re a salon owner who’s tired of feeling stuck or scared to make changes, this conversation will make you rethink everything.
Follow & Connect:
Host: Terra Harvell | @theterraharvellshow | @theterraharvell | @stratasalonsystems
Guest: Sydney Vakilzadeh | @sydthestylist_ | @thesocialowasso
In this episode of The Terra Harvell Show, Terra sits down with salon owner Ashley Thomas for a raw conversation about what it really takes to scale a multimillion-dollar salon, and why most owners are getting it dead wrong.
Ashley built a $2.2M commission-based salon in a town of just 3,000 people, without booth rent, without burnout, and without losing her team.
This episode unpacks:
If you're tired of fighting fires, feeling stretched thin, or scared to make the hard calls, this episode is for you.
Follow & Connect:
Host: Terra Harvell | @theterraharvellshow | @theterraharvell | @stratasalonsystems
Guest: Ashley Thomas | @hbic.sixten
In this episode of The Terra Harvell Show, Terra is joined again by Dawson Floyd, Harper Ellis’ in-house legal and business strategist, for a brutally honest breakdown of the white label craze taking over the salon industry.
If you’ve been sold the dream of “starting your own hair line” with a cute logo and someone else’s product, this one’s for you.
Terra opens up about her own experience nearly launching white label at Harper Ellis (and why she pulled the plug), and together they dissect the real business math behind margins, control, scalability, and why white label is not a path to wealth.
This episode exposes:
Salon owners: if you’re serious about building a business you can grow and eventually exit — you need this episode.
Follow & Connect:
@theterraharvellshow | @theterraharvell | @stratasalonsystems
Guest:
Dawson Floyd, Harper Ellis In-House Legal Strategist & Business Advisor
In this episode of The Terra Harvell Show, Terra sits down with salon owner Jenny McCurry for a raw and powerful conversation about growth, grit, and grace.
Jenny has been inside Harper Ellis education for years, but what makes her story powerful isn’t just her loyalty; it’s her growth.
From questioning her leadership to rebuilding a team rooted in trust, systems, and standards, Jenny’s story is one so many salon owners will see themselves in.
This episode is raw, empowering, and a must-listen if you know you're meant for more but feel stuck.
Follow & Connect: @theterraharvellshow | @theterraharvell | @stratasalonssystems
Guest: @jennymccurrystylist | Salon: @onyx.thesalon
In this episode of The Terra Harvell Show, Terra dives into one of the most controversial topics shaking up the beauty industry: white labeling hair extensions.
After nearly launching her own private label program, Terra pulls back the curtain on why she backed out... and why this model might be costing stylists and salon owners more than they realize.
Key Takeaways:
• Why white labeling is rarely profitable for salon owners
• The moral dilemma of competing with your own clients
• What it really takes to build a sellable, scalable brand in the beauty industry
Follow & Connect:
@theterraharvellshow | @theterraharvell | @harperellishairco | @stratasalonssystems
In this episode of The Terra Harvell Show, Terra is back with Harper Ellis’ in-house attorney, Dawson Floyd, to blow the lid off why so many salon owners are struggling to grow—and losing their best people in the process.
They dive deep into the real reasons salon models are broken, why most leaders lack the confidence to make bold changes, and how Terra’s team is building something entirely new, from day-one training to multi-stream income for stylists.
You’ll hear what it takes to build a business your people don’t want to leave, why salon ownership has felt so “icky” for so long, and how scaling isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people.
If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or scared to lead differently—this is your wake-up call.
Follow & Connect:
@theterraharvellshow | @theterraharvell | @harperellishairco
Guest:
Dawson Floyd, Harper Ellis In-House Legal Strategist & Business Advisor
In this episode of The Terra Harvell Show, Terra is joined by Harper Ellis' in-house attorney (aka our legal beagle) Dawson Floyd, for a no-BS breakdown of what’s actually holding salon owners and stylists back from building real wealth.
Together, they dive deep into the toxic booth rent vs. commission war, the emotional chaos driving the beauty industry, and why most salon models are structurally designed to fail.
This episode will make some people uncomfortable, and that’s exactly the point. If you’re still clinging to outdated beliefs or scared to shift your model, consider this your official permission slip (and push) to change everything.
Follow & Connect:
@theterraharvellshow | @theterraharvell | @harperellishairco
Guest:
Dawson Floyd
In this episode of The Terra Harvell Show, Terra pulls back the curtain on what it takes to build high-performing stylists from the ground up—and why most salon owners are doing it all wrong.
She’s joined by two incredible Harper Ellis stylists who’ve gone through the assistant program and come out on the other side with six-figure stats, unshakable confidence, and leadership skills beyond their years.
Together, they unpack the hard conversations, the burnout moments, and the system that created results most stylists never even dream about.
If you’re a salon owner still “feeling it out” instead of leading with a plan—this one’s your wake-up call.
Follow & Connect:
@theterraharvellshow | @theterraharvell | @harperellishairco |
Guests:
Kyrsten Chandler | IG: @thekyrstenchandler
Lani Israel | IG: @thelani.israel
In this episode of The Terra Harvell Show, Terra sits down with Emily Ford, founder of Fortify My Brand, to uncover the secrets of building a standout personal brand that attracts high-paying clients and skyrockets your influence.
Emily shares her journey from humble beginnings to branding powerhouse, breaking down how to show up confidently online, build trust, and turn followers into loyal customers—without feeling salesy.
Key Takeaways:
• The biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make on social media
• Why personal branding is the key to long-term success
• How to create content that connects, builds trust, and converts
Follow & Connect:
@theterraharvellshow | @theterraharvell | @harperellishairco | @theterraharvell (TikTok) | @harperellishairco (TikTok)
Guest: Emily Ford | IG: @itsemily | @fortifymybrand
Your vision needs more than just motivation, it needs a plan.
Too many salon owners stay stuck because they don’t know how to bridge the gap between where they are and where they want to be.
A strong vision is the foundation of success, but without strategy and execution, it’s just a good idea.
If you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to bring your goals to life, this episode is for you.
Stream the full episode now on Spotify and YouTube. Follow us on all platforms! The Terra Harvell Show IG: @theterraharvellshow The Terra Harvell Show Facebook: The Terra Harvell Show Terra Harvell IG: @theterraharvell Terra Harvell Tiktok: @theterraharvell Harper Ellis IG: @harperellishairco Harper Ellis TikTok: @harperellishairco
This week on The Terra Harvell Show, Terra Harvell, the CEO and founder of Harper Ellis Hair Co., is sharing her journey from humble beginnings to leading one of the fastest growing brands in the hair industry.
Terra’s story is more than just inspiring—it’s a masterclass in innovation, resilience, and staying true to your purpose while scaling a business. Whether you’re a salon owner or a hairstylist, this episode is packed with information to help you level up.
Key Takeaways:
Terra gets real about the highs, the lows, and everything in between—delivering the kind of advice and perspective that could change how you approach your goals.
Ready to get inspired and empowered? This episode is for YOU.
Hit play now, and let us know your biggest “aha moment” in the comments! Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with a friend who needs to hear it.
Stream the full episode now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or Stitcher.
Follow us on all platforms!
The Terra Harvell Show IG: @theterraharvellshow
The Terra Harvell Show Facebook: The Terra Harvell Show
Terra Harvell IG: @theterraharvell
Terra Harvell Tiktok: @theterraharvell
Harper Ellis IG: @harperellishairco
Harper Ellis TikTok: @harperellishairco
In this heartfelt episode of The Terra Harvell Show, Terra sits down with Jamie Harrington, a hairstylist and loyal Harper Ellis customer, who turned a personal journey of resilience into a mission of hope. Jamie opens up about her unexpected cancer diagnosis, navigating the loss of her hair, and the emotional challenges that came with it. She shares how her experiences not only changed her outlook on life but also inspired her to give back to others facing similar struggles through the Harper Ellis Hope Project.
Together, they discuss her journey from stylist to advocate, the power of hair in restoring confidence, and the deeper meaning behind her work with hair toppers and wigs. Jamie’s story is a powerful reminder of strength, empathy, and the beauty of community support, especially for those overcoming life’s toughest battles.
Key Takeaways:
Tune in to be inspired by Jamie’s resilience, the importance of hair in confidence-building, and the heart behind The Harper Ellis Hope Project!
Follow us on all platforms!
The Terra Harvell Show IG: @theterraharvellshow
The Terra Harvell Show Facebook: The Terra Harvell Show
Terra Harvell IG: @theterraharvell
Terra Harvell Tiktok: @theterraharvell
Harper Ellis IG: @harperellishairco
Harper Ellis TikTok: @harperellishairco
Guest Speaker: Jamie Harrington
Jamie Harrington IG: @ja.y.mie_st.y.list
Jamie Harrington Facebook: Calÿsto Salon
In this episode of The Terra Harvell Show, Terra sits down with Alli Webb, founder of Drybar, to uncover the real journey behind building her iconic brand. Alli shares the truth behind the “overnight success” myth, revealing the relentless work, early challenges, and marketing tactics that made Drybar a beauty staple. With a unique approach to salon culture—where clients trust every stylist to deliver a great experience—Alli explains how Drybar’s model redefined salon expectations.
They discuss the importance of building a network, learning from industry leaders, and maintaining a “beginner’s mindset” to stay open to growth. Alli’s insights on resilience, smart marketing, and surrounding yourself with the right people offer valuable lessons for anyone aiming to scale in a competitive industry.
Key takeaways:
Whether you’re a salon owner, hairstylist, or entrepreneur, this episode offers a roadmap for building a thriving brand.
Stream the full episode now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or Stitcher.
Follow us on all platforms!
The Terra Harvell Show IG: @theterraharvellshow
The Terra Harvell Show Facebook: The Terra Harvell Show
Terra Harvell IG: @theterraharvell
Terra Harvell Tiktok: @theterraharvell
Harper Ellis IG: @harperellishairco
Harper Ellis TikTok: @harperellishairco
Guest Speaker: Alli Webb
Alli Webb IG: @alliwebb
Alli Webb Facebook: Alli Webb
Alli Webb Spotify: The Messy Truth Podcast w/Alli Webb
In this powerful episode of The Terra Harvell Show, Terra Harvell sits down with Kelly Cardenas, the first boss she ever had in the industry! Besides a seasoned past of running multiple salon locations, Kelly is a National Best-Selling Author and Podcast Host of "The Vibe." In this episode, they sat down for a dynamic conversation on leadership, mentorship, and the art of storytelling in the beauty industry. Kelly shares how some of the most impactful lessons aren’t taught—they’re caught through experience and stories that resonate deeply with people.
Together, they discuss the importance of building trust and vision as a salon owner, why fast-paced decision-making matters, and how storytelling can shape how your team learns and grows. Kelly also reflects on his journey in the salon world, sharing personal experiences that helped shape his career and the lasting lessons he’s passed down to future leaders, like Terra.
Key takeaways:
Stream the full episode now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or Stitcher.
Follow us on all platforms!
Terra Harvell IG: @theterraharvell
Terra Harvell Tiktok: @theterraharvell
Harper Ellis IG: @harperellishairco
Harper Ellis TikTok: @harperellishairco
Guest speaker: Kelly Cardenas
Kelly Cardenas IG: @therealkellycardenas
Kelly Cardenas YouTube: @thevibewithkellycardenas
Kelly Cardenas Spotify: The Vibe Podcast with Kelly Cardenas
In this episode of The Terra Harvell Show, you're sitting in on a hair appointment- Terra style. Listen along as Terra interviews business strategist and entrepreneur, Natalie Dawson, President and Founder of Cardone Ventures while giving her an extension move up! They dive deep into the strategies that can take your salon from a single location to a multi-million-dollar empire.
Natalie and Terra also tackle the biggest challenges salon owners face, from leadership struggles to profitability issues. They explore how to keep your best people, train them for future leadership roles, and create long-term incentives that benefit everyone involved.
This episode is packed with valuable advice on how to cast a vision big enough to inspire your team and how to develop the systems and processes to support that growth.
Key takeaways:
• Why starting with a model location is crucial for long-term success.
• How to create a commission structure that motivates and retains top talent.
• The importance of building a culture where your stylists see growth opportunities with you.
• How to craft a vision so big that your team prefers to grow with you.
• The importance of implementing systems and processes to ensure your salon runs smoothly and can scale.
• Why you should invest in your own leadership development and how that translates into business growth.
• How to avoid the trap of running an unprofitable salon and instead, hit profitability from day one.
Whether you're a salon owner looking to scale or a stylist who wants to step into a leadership role, this episode offers the tools and mindset shifts you need to create long-term success in the beauty industry.
Tune in now and discover how to lead with vision, build a high-performance team, and grow a scalable, profitable business!
Follow us on all platforms!
Terra Harvell IG: @theterraharvell
Terra Harvall Tiktok: @theterraharvell
Harper Ellis IG: @harperellishairco
Harper Ellis TikTok: @harperellishairco
Guest speaker: Natalie Dawson
Natalie Dawson IG: @nataliedawson
Natalie Dawson TikTok: @thenataliedawson
🎉 Welcome to the Season 2 Finale of The CEO Diaries! 🎉
Creighton and Terra are wrapping up this season and answering all your questions about The Legacy Program.
Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode, and leave us a review so we can continue to bring you content you enjoy!
Thanks for tuning in and we will see you in season 3!!
Follow us on Instagram!
@ceodiariespodcast
@theterraharvell
@thehandtiedcraftsman
On this week’s episode Terra is diving into Harper Ellis’s brand new Legacy Program! This education is launching in 2024, and it’s going to rock your world.
Can you really make PASSIVE income with Harper Ellis Hair Co?
Do you want to be come a Harper Ellis Educator?
She’s covering this and more in this episode!
Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode, and leave us a review so we can continue to bring you content you enjoy!
Thanks for tuning in!
Follow us on Instagram!
@ceodiariespodcast
@theterraharvell
@thehandtiedcraftsman
On today’s episode, we’re going back in time. We’re walking through the journey of how I went from having zero dollars to my name to becoming a multi-million dollar CEO. That’s right- we’re going allllll the way back to my childhood! Buckle up, it’s a bumpy ride.
Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode, and leave us a review so we can continue to bring you content you enjoy!
Thanks for tuning in!
Follow us on Instagram!
@ceodiariespodcast
@theterraharvell
@thehandtiedcraftsman
Everyone wants a 100 million dollar business, until it’s time to get the work done.
On today’s episode I’m sharing some of the hardest and most uncomfortable aspects of scaling your personal life to the next level, and what I’ve done to change my mindset when things get uncomfortable.
Creighton didn’t hold back this week, you won’t want to miss it!
Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode, and leave us a review so we can continue to bring you content you enjoy! Thanks for tuning in!
Follow us on Instagram!
@ceodiariespodcast
@theterraharvell
@thehandtiedcraftsman