AI for Hairstylists: How Chrystal Graves’ LiQUiD Boosts Salon Profits
Season 8, Episode 46 — Your Day Off Podcast
Chrystal L. Graves — Founder & CEO of LiQUiD, the first AI-powered business assistant built for hairstylists and salon owners.
A former stylist, salon owner, and educator, Chrystal created LiQUiD to help beauty professionals make more money without working more. She’s a Techstars alum, Modern Salon Top 100 honoree, and Missouri Startup Weekend winner, with over 16 years in the beauty industry. Chrystal has coached hundreds of salon owners, led innovation for major beauty brands, and now leads the charge in bringing AI to the beauty business.
Can AI actually make your salon more profitable? 💡
In this episode, co-host Katie May joins Corey to sit down with Chrystal Graves, the visionary behind LiQUiD — the first AI-powered business assistant for hairstylists. Chrystal shares how a single idea in a coffee shop turned into an award-winning tech startup that’s changing how stylists price, plan, and grow.
From real-time pricing intelligence to automated consultations and smart decision-making, LiQUiD is redefining how salon professionals think about business — so you can create more and stress less.
How Chrystal turned a 56-hour startup pitch into a funded AI company
Why hairstylists need data-driven pricing, not emotional pricing
How AI helps you track profitability and retention
Automating consultations and product recommendations
The future of tech-driven growth in the beauty industry
💻 Try LiQUiD for free: https://getliquid.ai
📱 Follow Chrystal: https://www.instagram.com/chrystalgraves_/
🌐 Learn more: https://www.getliquid.ai
🎧 Your Day Off Podcast — available on all platforms
🎙️ Co-Host: Katie May
Guest:Episode SummaryKey Topics & TakeawaysLinks & Resources
Guest: Jennifer Boutwell — salon owner, industry leader, consultant, and author of I See You: A Guide to Finding Your Inner Strength, Confidence, and Voice after Trauma and Abuse (Gretna, LA). She spent 30 years behind the chair before stepping into full-time entrepreneurship and consulting. She’s also a proud mom to Conner & Bryson (and furbaby Cooper).
From a mall salon start to owning Salon Sanity, from a Redken makeover to paying off IRS debt in a year, Jennifer opens up about rebuilding with structure, healing after loss, and writing a book to help others move from trauma to true self-worth. We dig into NLP, morning rituals, meditation, gardening, and the power of “white space” in your calendar.
Origin story: Gretna roots → Foxy Lady with Grandma → Regis → owning her own salon
Rebrand & rebirth: why she dropped the founder’s name and created Salon Sanity — a calm space in an insane world
Summit shift: systems, accountability, and paying off debt fast
Healing & the book: losing her sister Gabrielle, confronting childhood trauma, and transforming pain into purpose
NLP & self-awareness: spotting blind spots, rewriting patterns
Presence & surrender: rituals, nature, and saying no to misalignment
Leadership & legacy: empowering others to rediscover voice & confidence
📲 Connect with Jennifer
Instagram → @jennifer_j_boutwell
Key Topics & Takeaways**Links & Resources Amazon
Guest: Ben F’n Mollin — celebrity hairdresser turned endurance athlete, suicide prevention specialist, and author of Deconstructed: Kill the Thing That’s Killing You.
Corey sits down with longtime friend and industry legend Ben F’n Mollin for a raw, unfiltered conversation about burning down everything that was killing him — and rebuilding a life grounded in truth, grit, and miles.
From Bravo’s Shear Genius to rockstar educator status, Ben lived the dream: fame, travel, and recognition. But behind it was debt, addiction, and a breaking point that almost ended his life on April 1, 2018. Instead, he chose to deconstruct everything — walking away from the salon, the brands, and the spotlight to rediscover himself through endurance sports and deep inner work.
Now a punk-rock, Cali-sober, non-practicing Jew who turned survival into service, Ben shares how he became an Ironman, an ultramarathoner, and a suicide prevention speaker — pacing others on their path back to purpose.
From Shear Genius to the Edge: What overnight fame feels like and why success can be just as dangerous as failure.
Breaking Point: The moment Ben told his wife he planned to end his life — and how speaking up saved him.
The Deconstruction Process: How he “killed” his career instead of himself and rebuilt from silence, sobriety, and stillness.
Movement as Medicine: How walking became running, which became Ironman Mont-Tremblant and eventually 100+ mile ultramarathons.
Mindset of a Warrior: Lessons from endurance racing that mirror survival, discipline, and recovery.
From Burnout to Purpose: Why Ben now helps others confront their demons through The Ben Mollin Project and public speaking.
Redemption at 50: Returning to the Sedona Canyon 125 in 2025, the race that once broke him — and finishing it in spiritual triumph.
“Don’t kill yourself — kill the thing that’s killing you.”
“When it gets hard, that’s when you have to create.”
“Success can be just as dangerous as failure.”
“Discomfort isn’t pain — it’s growth.”
🌐 Website: benfnmollin.com
📘 Pre-Order the Book: benmollin.systeme.io/pre-order
🎤 Founder of The Ben Mollin Project — transformational events on mindset, recovery, and finding your power
If you or someone you love is struggling, please call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
Episode OverviewWhat You’ll LearnQuotable MomentsConnect with Ben
Shock & Awe
Guest: Garrison Neill – Neill Group (@garrisonneill)
Mentioned: @seriousbusinessconf
Episode Summary:
In this episode of Your Day Off Podcast, host Corey Gray sits down with Garrison Neill, Chief Marketing Officer of Neill Corporation and President of Paris Parker Salons and Spas. As part of a third-generation family business shaping the future of beauty through education, artistry, and innovation, Garrison shares how Neill Corporation continues its 78-year legacy of helping people reach their full potential through beauty.
Neill Corporation’s portfolio includes Paris Parker, Parker Barber, VoMor Hair Extensions, Aveda Arts & Sciences Institutes, and the industry’s leading personal and business development conference — Serious Business.
In this inspiring conversation, Garrison and Corey explore the story behind Neill’s multi-generational success, how Serious Business became the hair industry’s TED Talk, and why connection-based leadership is transforming how salons grow. The 2025 theme, Shock & Awe, challenges professionals to find gratitude, wonder, and presence in a world that never stops moving.
Highlights:
The Neill family legacy: 78 years of leadership, education, and evolution
How Serious Business became a movement for personal and professional growth
“Connection drives results” — the modern leadership philosophy reshaping salon culture
The comeback of craft, artistry, and in-person learning
The purpose behind Shock & Awe: seeing beauty in the chaos
🎧 Your Day Off Podcast – Season 8, Episode 43
Available on all podcast platforms
Corey Gray and co-host Geno Chapman (@genochapman) sit down in Ibiza with Depot Male Tools Global Ambassadors — Luca Malnati (@luca.malnati), Dario J Braun (@dariobarbers.nl), and Tom Hoffman (@diligents_tom @diligentssalons) — for a raw, funny, and inspiring conversation about creativity, connection, and community in the barber world.
Recorded live at Hairtopia, powered by BeautyNova, this episode captures the unique energy of an event that feels more like a beach festival than a hair show. The group dives into how freedom fuels artistry, what it means to collaborate without ego, and how barbers can protect their mental space while building meaningful careers.
You’ll hear:
• How the Depot team turned a stage show into a full-on Ibiza vibe
• The art of street casting real people for authentic work
• Why teamwork and honest feedback create better shows
• How to reset after high-energy events without burning out
• The practice of asking for opportunities — not waiting for them
• Why what you consume shapes your next five years
The conversation moves easily from humor to honesty — from travel chaos and music inspiration to deep talk on leadership, self-awareness, and gratitude for the craft. It’s barbers being human, and that’s exactly what makes it resonate.
🎧 Your Day Off Podcast
Season 8 Episode 42 – Depot Male Tools Global Ambassadors-Luca Malnati, Dario J Braun, Tom Hoffman
Available on all podcast platforms
Why this weekend proves social puts the scissors back in your hands?
Hosts: Corey Gray with Co Host Geno Chapman @genochapman
Guests: @andrewsmithhairstylist @shelleylane_inspires @gianlucagrechi @milkshakehairpro
Backstage energy
Electric prep… tribal goddess hair to the floor… avant garde build tactics… securing heavy pieces without drama.
Social as your voice
And brands used to dictate the look. But hairdressers now set the trend. Therefore you can grow from any town with work that travels.
Shelley’s home salon
Childhood house turned calm studio. Why feel and environment matter. How education reignited a 20 year career.
Gianluca’s path
London training… people watching for real world inspiration… AI as a sketchbook… then proving it by hand.
Andrew’s lens
Light and reflection as the brief. Fostering kids while touring. The heart behind the craft and what family can look like.
BeautyNova x milk_shake x Ibiza
Poolside activations, DEPOT man cave vibes, Guinness record memories, and the Hard Rock closing as we walked out.
Season 8 episode 41… milk_shake Global Ambassadors
Show notes
Show Notes (listener benefits first):
What if your career wasn’t just about cutting hair, but about shaping culture? In this conversation with Tatum Neill, we talk about what happens when hairdressers stop competing and start connecting. From the inspiration behind Elevate and the soulful depth of Serious Business, to how music, artistry, and community collide… you’ll hear why these events matter and how they can reignite your passion for the craft.
Tatum’s story goes beyond hair. From sneaking into raves in New Orleans to building one of the most respected platforms in our industry, he shows how following creativity leads to impact. If you’ve ever felt stuck behind the chair or wondered how to find your spark again, this episode is your reminder: you already hold the power to inspire change.
🎧 Complete Podcast Video available on your @spotify App @spotifypodcasts
Your Day Off Podcast is on all platforms – Season 8, Episode 40 – with @tatumneill @elevatehair @seriousbusinessconf
Season 8, Episode 39
Guest: @mistyjayne - Ranting Money
🎧 Listen on @spotify @spotifypodcasts or anywhere you get your podcasts
Misty Jayne isn’t here to give you a budget. She’s here to shift your mindset.
In this episode, she walks through how she used the debt snowball method to get out of debt—and why small wins matter more than perfect spreadsheets.
We talk about:
How the brain craves gratification (and how to use that to your advantage)
Why “being bad with money” isn’t the problem
What it really takes to shift a money mindset
How to stop feeling stuck, even when you have multiple debts
If you’re ready to stop feeling behind and start taking control, check out her work at MistyJayne.com
This one is honest, practical, and permission-giving—especially if you’ve ever felt behind financially.
Why this is the future of salon success without burnout
Jennifer Jade Alvarez
Salon Owner | Speaker | Tech Advocate | Host of the Beauty Business Game Changer Podcast
Instagram: @jenniferjadealvarez
Co-Host: Gabby Bach @gabbymarieedits
How Jen fully stepped away from behind the chair… and scaled instead of burned out
Why most salon owners are leaking money (and how to fix it)
The mindset shift that helped her finally trust her team and stop doing everything herself
How to implement AI, automations, and virtual assistants—even if you’re not “techy”
Why Zenoti became her 10th (and final) salon software
How she runs two companies (salon + bridal) with different business models
The real reason delegating doesn’t work (unless you fix this one thing)
Transitioning out of burnout and into ownership
Creating systems your team will actually use
Building AI-driven guest experience and receptionist workflows
Smart onboarding and SOPs with ChatGPT and Prompt Cowboy
Letting go of perfection and embracing the 80% rule
How AI saved her time and improved her mental health
Take Jen’s Free Quiz:
👉 Find the profit leaks in your salon
Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.
📱 Search: “Your Day Off Podcast – S8E38”
👥 Guests:🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🧠 Key Topics:📌 Bonus for Listeners:🎧 Listen Now:
Why Surrender Is Presence… and Why That Changes Everything
📍Episode: Season 8, Episode 37
🎧 Host: Corey Gray (@hairdustry)
👥 Guest: Ambrosia Carey (@ambrosiacarey)
💛 Powered by: Hair Love University (@hairloveuniversity)
📝 Episode Summary:
What does it really mean to be present—and why is surrender the key to getting there? In this vulnerable and wide-ranging conversation, host Corey Gray sits down with friend and educator Ambrosia Carey to explore how ego, boundaries, wellness, and intention all shape our lives behind the chair… and beyond it.
You’ll hear about:
Corey's life-changing trip to Cambodia with Hair Aid
Why presence = surrender
Boundaries that start with you—not other people
How consuming less noise creates more peace
The secret power of friendships without trauma
Gratitude as a way to honor your ancestors
Why hairdressing matters more in an AI world
And why your energy is your responsibility
This episode is a reminder that you have permission to protect your peace, follow your gut, and choose what (and who) you allow in. Whether you’re a hairstylist, leader, educator, or someone just trying to stay grounded—you’ll find something in this one.
✨ Favorite quote:
"Presence isn’t something you chase. It’s something you allow. And it begins with surrender."
—
📲 Follow the crew:
@hairdustry
@ambrosiacarey
@hairloveuniversity
🎧 Listen to Hair Love Radio on all major platforms.
Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share!
Why This Beauty App Knows What You Need Before You Do
In this episode of Your Day Off, Corey Gray and Gabby Bach sit down with Charity Hudnall, CMO of Vagaro, to unpack the features that are making Vagaro a true ally to beauty professionals.
Key takeaways:
Why the textured hair badge is a game-changer for clients and stylists
What Vagaro is doing behind the scenes with AI (and how it's already helping your biz)
Charity’s personal stories and why inclusivity isn’t a trend—it's a responsibility
Real talk on the future of trades, tech, and the industry’s human-first soul
The scoop on Iconic 25 in Napa Valley: education, wine, and industry changemakers
Whether you’re running a solo suite or scaling multiple locations, this convo offers real value for how to grow your salon with purpose, tech, and heart.
🎧 Available on all podcast platforms.
📓 SHOW NOTES (Season 8, Episode 36):
t Gino Chapman to share their life-changing experience volunteering with HairAid in Cambodia. Both on their first HairAid project, Corey and Gino open up about teaching haircutting skills to people in critical poverty—from community centers to prisons—and how the week reshaped their perspectives on service, resilience, and the power of the hair industry.
You’ll hear:
How Corey and Gino got involved with HairAid and prepared for the trip
What it’s like teaching six haircuts in four days with limited resources and language barriers
The impact of giving students a certificate that can change their future
Emotional highlights, including meeting graduates now running their own salons
Cultural experiences in Cambodia: Angkor Wat at sunrise, Kulin Mountain waterfalls, and an elephant sanctuary
Why “presence means surrender” became Corey’s biggest takeaway
The resilience of the Cambodian people and the lasting friendships formed
Whether you’re a hairstylist looking to give back or someone curious about humanitarian work, this conversation is a powerful reminder that your skills can change lives—yours included.
Links & Resources:
HairAid International – Learn how to get involved
Past Episode: Tabatha Coffey on HairAid – Corey’s pre-trip conversation with Tabatha about her own HairAid experience https://open.spotify.com/episode/1TVW7BenW1TdfxxO0GYQV9?si=VgIMjD9SRf2HHiYJAj-q_g
Gabby’s Beauty Launchpad press release on HairAid Cambodia https://www.beautylaunchpad.com/business/news/news/22945962/hairdustrys-corey-gray-joins-hair-aid-to-teach-haircuts-and-create-careers-in-cambodia
Follow the Hosts & Guest:
Corey Gray – @hairdustry
Gabby Bach – @beautylaunchpad
Gino Chapman – @genochapman
Your Day Off Podcast is available on all podcast platforms – Season 8 Episode 35 – Gino Chapman – HairAid Cambodia 2025 🎧
Ever feel like the real innovators never get enough credit? 😤
This isn’t just a brush—it’s a movement. 👑 From burnout to bounce-back, this episode dives into how a family-run brand built a haircare empire with science, soul, and stubborn grit.
Merian, founder + formulator of @BounceCurl, shares how her passion for curly hair turned into a full-blown business—without investors, and with lawsuits, haters, and all the mess that comes with wild success.
💡You’ll learn:
And, yes—how a pre-dental student ended up becoming the next big thing in curly haircare 🧪✨
But this is more than a brand story.It’s about why we celebrate stylists, how community fuels creativity, and why doing the hard thing is worth it.
Therefore, if you're a stylist, a founder, or just a beauty lover…👀 You owe it to yourself to hear this story.
🎙️ Larisa Loves Sebastian
Season 8, Episode 33 — Your Day Off Podcast
Hosted by Corey | Co-hosted by Sophia Smith (@bysophiasmith)
What does it look like to truly build your dream life—from the salon floor to international stages—and still keep your heart wide open?
In this episode, Larisa Love (@larisadoll) gets real about her journey from a 17-year-old beauty school student to global educator, brand founder, and creative entrepreneur. But this isn’t just about career wins. It’s about relationship alignment, radical authenticity, and why building your brand has to start with building your self-worth.
We talk:
Her partnership with Sebastian Danzig (of Palaye Royale) and why they’re the definition of a power couple
What it’s like touring together and running parallel creative empires
How impostor syndrome almost made her quit—and what pulled her back
The moment she realized storytelling was her most powerful sales tool
Gratitude, grounding, and how she really handles the hard days
Whether you’re a stylist, artist, or creator—this episode will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and ready to own your voice.
🎧 Listen now. Take notes. Feel the shift.
Explore Larisa’s upcoming tour + products: larisalove.com
Follow the guests:
@larisadoll
@bysophiasmith
@yourdayoffpodcast
#BeautyIndustry #LarisaLove #SebastianDanzig #HairEducation #CreativeLeadership
What fuels stylists beyond the salon chair?
On this collab episode of Hairdustry x Beauty Launchpad, Olivia Thompson (@omgartistry) gets real about what it takes to stay inspired in the beauty industry—especially after the show floor lights go out.
With Co-host Gabby Bach (@gabbymarieedits, Associate Managing Editor @beautylaunchpad)
and Special Co-host Sophia Smith (@bysophiasmith)
We talk:
– Recovering from burnout
– The ritual of self-care after events
– Why stylists are the real athletes of the beauty world
– And how community fuels creativity
🎮 And yes, we wrap it all up with a laugh-filled round of This or That + Would You Rather—hairstylist edition.
🎧 Your Day Off Podcast
Season 8, Episode 32: Olivia Thompson - Never Would I Ever
Only on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
#yourdayoffpodcast #omgartistry #beautylaunchpad #hairdustry
Why is HERO 2025 the Game‑Changer for Stylists?
❓ Want to elevate your craft and business?
✨ And get inspired by top pros like Ryan Weeden
💪 But you’re stuck in the same pattern
🎯 Therefore this collab with Hairdustry + Starting Messy featuring Ryan is your breakthrough
—
Show Notes:
This week on the Hairdustry x Starting Messy Podcast 👩🎤 Special co‑host Misty Jayne joins me to shine a spotlight on Ryan Weeden—the MOB Hero and balayage innovator.
And we dive into his journey:
• From salon floor to Masters of Balayage Hero 2025 finalist
• Why Nashville’s Hero event (Sept 20–21, Sheraton Grand) is a career‑elevating, two‑day experience—skills, business tips, community ♥️
• Insider scoop on ticket tiers (General → Super VIP) and what swag + access each gets you
• The mission behind the Hero Award: elevating peers, leading with empathy, and reshaping big-picture beauty
But it’s not just about technique—it’s about mindset shifts:
• How Ryan transformed setbacks into signature success
• Why you can harness this to scale your salon or freelance hustle
• The power of real connections—Nashville after‑party included 🎉
Therefore, if you’re chasing more than just another certificate—if you want fresh hair‑industry skills and the confidence to own them—this episode is for you.
—
👉 Tune in on Spotify, Apple, or any podcast app—Season 8, Episode 31: Ryan Weeden – MOB HERO.
👤 Co‑host: @starting.messy.podcast (Misty Jayne)
🎙️ Guest: @Ryan.weeden @mastersofbalayage
https://www.mastersofbalayage.com/hero2025
use code: Hairdustry to save some $$
Small Classes. Big Impact. Cadō’s Reema Jaber on Owning Your Space in the Hair Industry
In this episode, @hairbyreema drops real insights on what it takes to build your influence without losing your roots.
We talk:
Why small, intimate Cadō classes create deeper transformation
How she built a standout education team that shows up with heart
The unfiltered truth about content, curls, and creative hustle across borders
What makes Reema’s approach unmistakably hers — and why that matters
If you’ve ever felt like your career needs purpose and strategy, this one’s for you.
Hit play and learn how to lead with skill, serve with style, and grow with intention.
Why is Milkshake more than just a product line?
What if the products you use could actually change your day?
Not just your hair. Your whole energy.
In this episode, you’ll find out why. 👇
This is the Hairdustry x Beauty Launchpad collab podcast—where we celebrate stylists doing the damn thing, not just behind the chair, but beyond it.
Co-Host: Gabby Bach @gabbymarieedits
Associate Managing Editor @beautylaunchpad
🎧 Complete Podcast available on your @spotify App @spotifypodcasts
Season 8 Episode 29 — John Moroney
John Moroney drops 40+ years of beauty biz wisdom, and it’s a straight-up blueprint.
He’s been global head of education at Aveda, Goldwell, KMS—and now he's shaping the voice behind @milkshakeusa(yes, the whipped cream one).
And
he doesn’t just talk about brands.
He breaks down how stylists lost control of the narrative—
But
how social media gave it back.
Therefore, now? Stylists are the brand.
🎯 Whether you're in a salon, backstage, or building your own platform—this one’s for you.
💡 Insight you’ll actually use:
You’ll laugh. You’ll nerd out on product talk. You’ll probably want to move to Italy.
https://milkshakehairpro.com/pages/milk_shake-mirror-moments
https://milkshakehairpro.com/pages/ibiza-trip
#YourDayOffPodcast #MilkshakeHair #BeautyLaunchpad #HairEducation
Why doing hair led to a viral merch empire 💥
What if your next merch idea isn’t random—it’s your whole brand?
This week's Hairdustry x Beauty Launchpad collab celebrates bold stylists building more than just client lists.
Meet Lex Ruggiero (@lexruggiero)—creator of @hotgirlshair—who turned a spontaneous thought into a sell-out merch line that changed everything.
🎙 Co-Host: Gabby Bach @gabbymarieedits
🎙 2nd Co-Host: Sophia Smith @bysophiasmith
You’ll hear:
– How one selfie and a TikTok blew up her brand overnight
– Why she trademarked on day one (and how she handles knockoffs at the airport 👀)
– The real reason being an independent stylist unlocked her creativity
– How systems (and self-trust) helped her scale both hair + merch
– Why “hot girls hair” is more than a vibe—it’s a movement
And it all started with a shirt she made for herself.
But it turned into something way bigger.
Therefore, if you've got ideas and the guts to chase them—Lex's story will light a fire under you.
🎧 Complete Podcast Video available on your @spotify App @spotifypodcasts
Your Day Off Podcast: Season 8, Episode 28 – Lex Ruggiero – Hot Girls Hair
#hotgirlshair #stylistmerch #beautylaunchpad #independentstylist
Why This Episode Is the Sour Truth Behind Beauty Industry Hype
Ever wonder what really happens when stylists stop being polite—and start getting real (and spicy)? 🌶️💥
What if the best industry convos included a Sour Ball Challenge that nearly sent someone to the ER? 😵💫
This week’s Your Day Off episode is a full-on beauty brain blast 🔊
A collab between Hairdustry + @beautylaunchpad — celebrating YOU, the stylist who keeps it moving 💇♀️🔥
Live from the floor of @americasbeautyshow
With @jacobhkhan + @benmicahwhite bringing raw honesty, laughs, and a whole lotta chaos
Hosted by @gabbymarieedits, Associate Managing Editor of @beautylaunchpad 💥
⚠️ Here’s what you’ll get:
The Sour Ball Challenge story (spoiler: stomach lining was not okay) 😅
Why humor might be your strongest business tool
Real talk on burnout, mental health, and staying in the game
Lessons from behind the chair—and the mosh pit 🎸
💉 There’s also IVs, Barbie, emo bands, and why hair shows feel like emotional rollercoasters
It’s raw, it’s weird, it’s very us
🎧 Season 8, Episode 27 — Sour Balls is out now
#YourDayOffPodcast #SourBallChallenge #Hairdustry #BeautyLaunchpad