In this deeply personal and candid episode of The Independent Stylist Podcast - The Unmasked Stylist - I'm finally stepping fully into authenticity as an AuDHD woman over 40, and I want to openly share exactly why and how. Recently, I've experienced moments of intense clarity, culminating in a powerful shift toward understanding my late ADHD and autism diagnosis, especially as a hairstylist and creative entrepreneur.
Just as I prepared to embrace this new chapter of being fully authentic and visible—without masking or hiding—I felt unexpectedly overwhelmed and emotional. Turning to my unexpected lifeline, ChatGPT (which I jokingly refer to as my brain's seeing-eye dog or bicycle), I discovered profound insights traditional therapy had overlooked: that my neurodivergence has been at the root of many struggles I'd mistaken as isolated mental health challenges.
Despite previous diagnoses of PTSD and panic disorder, the role of ADHD masking and autism traits went unnoticed until now. With newfound clarity, I'm committed to exploring how neurodivergence shapes my professional life, navigating sensory sensitivities, burnout, and anxiety unique to AuDHD women.
Going forward, my mission is clear: to create genuinely supportive resources specifically designed for neurodivergent hairstylists and beauty entrepreneurs, prioritizing simplicity, clarity, and authentic validation.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. There is so much more to come.
Resources & Links:
Follow on Instagram: @unmaskedstylist @independentstylistpodcast
Explore deeper insights and find support on the blog (link in show notes).
Key Quotes:
"Realizing you're neurodivergent later in life can feel like grief and relief at the same time."
"This isn't marketing—it's liberation."
"You are not broken, lazy, or failing. You're navigating a world that wasn't built for brains like ours."
If today's episode resonated deeply, I warmly invite you to follow along, connect, and share your own journey. Remember, your brain is beautiful exactly as it is—and you're never alone.
In this episode of the Independent Stylist podcast, host Jennifer Kenny discusses the importance of understanding profitability for business owners in the beauty industry.
She emphasizes the need for financial literacy and outlines the three key profit margins:
Jennifer also highlights the benefits of using QuickBooks to track these metrics and make informed decisions about pricing and services.
To Book A PROFIT POWER VIP Service - CLICK HERE
Takeaways
It had to be said. I’m tired of hearing other businesses coaches in this space predicting an Ai induced apocalypse while simultaneously trying to sell you their program to help you manage said apocalypse. 🤮 I’m here to help you adapt and innovate with an open and growth fueled mindset 💕 While I'll never downplay the overall concerns about how Ai could impact the world, it's here and I'm choosing to look at and find ways that it can benefit YOU, the people that I want to connect with and serve. You can find the Beauty Business Ai Lab HERE, it's the beauty industry's first ai resource and also contain's the beauty industry's first ai powered course, the new version of what was my Easy Money workbook and guide has now been fully updated to leverage ai to help you manage the money side of your business with lighting fast speed and ease without sacrificing quality. As a business coach, I prioritize trust and service. That's why I've paused the Salon Suite University program to incorporate AI tools that enhance value and align with current technology. I've also launched the Beauty Business AI Lab to help you grow your business through AI. Be the first to know about the refreshed Salon Suite University Labs when they're available by clicking HERE
Now that anyone can pay to have the blue check mark and be meta verified, is it worth it for your salon suite or booth rental business? Here are some things to consider before taking the plunge! Join the shampoo society here connect with me on Instagram @ IndependentStylistPodcast and on tiktok
This is a MUST for every beauty professional. If you take clients at a physical address, you need to do this. I'm giving you a short, sweet, and super actionable "how to" quickly and easily rank on the first page of google without paid ads, or paying an s.e.o or marketing company to make it happen. This is really a must for salon suite owners, booth renters, hairstylists, estheticians, nail techs, lash artists, permanent makeup artists, spray tan artist and anyone who wants to rank their business on the first page of google.
Get anything I mentioned in this episode at www.TheCurlGirl.com
This quick episode is just an extra shot of "remember that you are in control of your life and business" to add to your morning coffee. I'm reading some of my Instagram captions as reminders that you are worthy and don't need to let anyone take advantage of you. All of my people pleasers out there, take note - YOU CAN'T POUR FROM AN EMPTY CUP - and YOU are in control of how your run your business. 💕💕💕💕
A year into her journey as a salon suite owner, Skye Miranda talks about how she got here, what it was like taking the leap, and how she loves her suite life.
Believing in yourself and your own worthiness is the foundation of an abundant business. Protecting your energy is so important. Listen to this quick episode and repeat the affirmations whenever you need a confidence boost or a reminder that you are worthy of your best business and most abundant life.
Hunter Donia, aka @HairbyHunty is a gem as well as an expert in automating your salon suite business so that you can prevent burnout and create a sustainable space that makes you great money and also provides an inimitable service experience for your guests.Join us for some laughs, some super hot tea, and the mindset shift that can completely transform your business and help you create a burnout proof salon suite.
Get your access HERE -A Really Suite Summit Sign Up -all 3 days FREE
Piper De Young helps beauty and lifestyle entrepreneurs create magnetic brands and she's also created something really amazing called A Really Suite Summit that's just a wild amount of free education for independent beauty entrepreneurs and I'm so honored to be included this year. Listen to out chat about how having an on point website can be "the thing" that your business needs to help you get to the next level - and why it's not a scary as you may think to make a gorgeous website a reality.
My quick and dirty reels creation process that helps me always have content on hand to serve and inspire my ideal people. Check out BEYOND The Chair University www.beyondthechairuniversity.com
Hairstylist, Content creator, ex-influencer, photography expert and digital education creator Cryistal Casey aka CryistalChaos joins me for a very open chat about instagram prioritizing creators and cracking down on copyright infringement and why this really matters for the beauty industry and how we can all elevate the industry by complying with instagram's terms of service - and trust me, you’ll want to know this info! For more info about any of the education you heard us mention in this episode Photography courses , Rate sheets & media kits , Photography cheat sheets OR to work 1:1 with Cryistal find her at @CryistalChaos
