In this episode of The VIP Suite, host Matthew Landis interviews Dr. Trayce Madre, psychologist, entrepreneur, and luxury hair brand founder. Trayce candidly shares her journey from struggle to seven-figure success, revealing how mindset, specialization, and business systems transformed her career. Discover her strategies for identifying your ideal client, perfecting client experience, and building a brand that thrives, even through setbacks. Hear about her latest projects, mentorship, ...

Host Matthew Landis welcomes Lexi Barnett, founder of Unwind MicroSpa in Warson Woods, Missouri, to talk about turning her passion for skincare into a thriving micro-business, prioritizing results-driven relaxation and personalized client care. Discover Lexi’s unique touches—like her famous homemade Unwind cookies, the creation of her facial membership club, and her strategies for consistent growth through social media and community engagement. Whether you’re an aspiring esthetici...

Matthew Landis welcomes Soula Christopulos—talented hairdresser, certified growth coach, and business consultant from IMAGE Studios in Holladay, Utah. Soula shares her 20-year journey in the beauty industry, her leap to independence, and how her passion for helping others led her to coaching and consulting. Together, they discuss the challenges beauty and wellness professionals face, from overcoming the comparison game to embracing the business side of their careers. Soula offers practical ad...

Host Matthew Landis sits down with Minerva O'Toole, a seasoned stylist, educator, and creative force at IMAGE Studios Warson Woods in St. Louis. Minerva shares her journey from theater and fashion to bridal and backstage at New York Fashion Week, revealing the driving forces behind her passion: endless curiosity, the pursuit of inspiration, and a deep commitment to helping others shine. The conversation delves into the importance of finding your niche, the value of mentorship, and the lessons...

Join host Matthew Landis in this inspiring episode of The VIP Suite as he sits down with Kate Lofton, owner of Gold Rush Salon at IMAGE Studios in Boulder, Colorado. Kate shares her journey from defining her ideal client to building a business that prioritizes comfort, efficiency, and a positive mindset. Discover how she tailors her services for busy women, incorporates thoughtful touches like client feedback forms, and leverages both Instagram and Facebook to connect with her community. Kate...

In this special episode of The VIP Suite, host Matthew Landis sits down with IMAGE Studios Founder and CEO, Jason Olsen, to break down the recently passed "No Tax on Tips" provision, a major win for independent beauty and wellness professionals. They talk about who qualifies for the deduction and what steps you need to take if you’re eligible. Jason and Matthew address common questions and misconceptions, providing clarity on income limits, reporting requirements, and the importance of tracki...

Aisha Carter Cathey Fe of Spalon Suiradal has created a beauty business centered on faith, purpose, and healing at IMAGE Studios in Birmingham, Alabama. She shares how her grandmother's cancer experience inspired her to provide free services to cancer patients, creating a tranquil atmosphere that offers peace beyond physical transformation. About Aisha: • Specializes in precision cuts, silk press, and extensions based on her love of cutting and helping hair grow • Created "Beauty Inside...

In this episode of The VIP Suite, host Matthew Landis sits down with Emmanuel Garcia, The Temecula Barber and owner of The Storm Room (@emmvnvel2) to explore his remarkable journey from cutting hair in his parents' backyard during COVID to becoming a successful salon professional at IMAGE Studios in Temecula, California. Garcia shares his unique approach to barbering, emphasizing the importance of truly listening to clients and helping them achieve their desired look, especially for those who...

From surviving several toxic apprenticeships to building a dream tattoo business at IMAGE Studios in Jacksonville, Florida, Sawyer Gray's raw and inspiring story will light a fire in every salon suite professional who's ever felt stuck. Hear how this passionate tattoo artist turned personal challenges into a powerful journey of creative freedom, client connection, and unapologetic self-belief. With vulnerability, humor, and grit, Sawyer reveals the heart behind her art and the courage i...

Mika Toussaint, a renowned aesthetician from IMAGE Studios Dallas Galleria, has turned personal struggles into professional mastery. After battling hormonal acne and navigating profound personal loss, Mika developed Dallas Pro Aesthetics, a unique wellness practice that goes beyond traditional skincare by integrating nutrition, mental health, and personalized treatment plans. Her approach doesn't just heal skin, it empowers clients to create lasting, comprehensive wellness transformations. In...

Grace Schafer is not your average hairstylist. A red hair enthusiast, cutting specialist, wedding artist, and certified extension artist, from IMAGE Studios in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she has carved out a unique niche in the beauty industry by combining her passion for theater, science, and hair design. With a keen eye for color theory and a commitment to educating her clients, Grace has built The Hair Lab into a thriving independent business that challenges traditional salon approaches. In ...

Alyssa Pablo shares her inspiring journey from salon manager to GlossGenius Brand Manager, offering invaluable insights into marketing strategies, retail sales, and work-life balance for independent beauty and wellness professionals. Discover powerful tools like AI-powered marketing, custom service packages, and simplified checkout processes that can help you scale your business, boost client retention, and express your unique professional identity. Dive into the world of beauty entrepreneurs...

In this episode of The VIP Suite podcast, host Matthew Landis welcomes Zoey Pearson, a salon suite entrepreneur who turned her single penthouse space into a thriving multi-suite head spa business. Zoey lead a viral TikTok movement that led to over $47,000 in gift card sales, a fully booked schedule, and hiring a dream team of professionals, all within the IMAGE Studios salon suite model. Zoey opens up how she tackled imposter syndrome, employed a smart and effective marketing strategy, and bu...

Keri Mills is a successful hairstylist who built a thriving business at IMAGE Studios in Laguna Hills, California. Keri started her career at Supercuts, which provided valuable business experience, before moving to a high-end salon. Opening her own suite at IMAGE Studios gave her the freedom to tailor her business and services to meet the needs of her dream clientele. Keri is killing it in her business using strategic marketing, focusing on platforms like Yelp and Google where clients are act...

Katie Brenner, owner of KTB Hair at IMAGE Studios Arapaho Crossing, Colorado, shares her remarkable journey from being an independent hairstylist to becoming a Global Artistic Director for Rusk Hair Care and Christian Michael Hair Extensions, and an Artist for a plethora of other national brands. She opens up about her determination, persistence, and the challenges she overcame to achieve success. Katie’s story is one of grit and adaptability. Katie reflects on her transition to salon s...

Matthew Landis sits down with the powerhouse duo, Desarai Mannelly and Emily Condle, co-founders of Sage Head Spa, to discuss their journey from longtime friends to successful business partners. Desarai and Emily share how their complementary strengths, mutual trust, and backgrounds as an esthetician and cosmetologist have fueled Sage Head Spa’s expansion from one location in Alpharetta, Georgia, to seven thriving locations across the Southeast. With insights into how they introduced Japanese...

April Benincosa, owner of four IMAGE Studios® locations in Salt Lake City, talks with Matthew about her evolution from hairstylist to successful entrepreneur and coach. April shares her transition from working behind the chair to managing multiple salons and becoming the first IMAGE Studios® franchisee. She discusses the emotional decision to quit hairdressing after 24 years, creating additional freedom to pursue her passion for coaching and empowering women. April is on a mission to ...

In this episode, Matthew welcomes Danny Argote, tattoo artist and founder of Ink and Art Collective at IMAGE Studios in Thornton, Colorado. Danny shares his artistic journey from tracing comic books to becoming a sought-after tattoo artist, including his work at San Diego Comic-Con. He sees parallels between tattooing and other creative fields, like hairdressing, and the duo agree on the importance of mastering the fundamentals before breaking the rules. Danny shared his gratitude for the sup...

Matthew chats with spiritual cosmetologist and healer, Juwan Deshawn, on how their spiritual gifts, once a source of isolation, have become integral to their work in the beauty industry. Juwan offers services that go beyond haircuts, including numerology, color magic, and Tarot readings, all rooted in the belief that energy is key to creating authentic beauty experiences. Juwan and Matthew delve into the challenges and rewards of merging spirituality with a professional career in beauty. Juw...

Matthew sits down with vivid hair color specialist Molly Butland to discuss the artistry, creativity, and dedication required to produce vibrant hair colors, from high school experiments to becoming a sought-after colorist known for creating bold, personalized styles. Matthew and Molly explore the importance of creative freedom and the value of creating a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere for clients. They discuss their experiences working in traditional salons and the challenges and re...