Belonging = Better Work. Here’s why.
- Jen Martinelli
- Sep 8, 2025
- 10 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
“True belonging doesn’t require you to change who you are; it requires you to be who you are.”
— Brené Brown, Braving the Wilderness.
🖤 From Jen: Belonging, Lunch Tables, and the Rooms We Build.
Hey BEAUTISTA Fam, Thursday was the first day of school for us in NJ —freshman year for my daughter, sixth for my son. My daughter had been refreshing her schedule for days: Who’s in my classes? Who’s in my lunch? When it finally posted, she was upset: “I’m not in lunch with anyone!" I was driving at the time and called Matt to think this through. I decided we had to email the school. He typed while I talked. Our note to the school said it plainly: school is academic and social—and belonging is not extra credit. Humans look for rooms where we feel seen. When we feel we belong, we rise. When we don’t, we shrink and play small—a feeling I know too well and spent years undoing. And the data backs it up: when people feel they belong at work, job performance jumps, turnover risk is roughly cut in half, and sick days plummet; Gallup’s decades of research say connected, engaged teams simply perform better. The reply from the school came back crystal clear: “A schedule is a schedule. We can’t change it.” I was frustrated. Then I sat with two truths at once: Belonging is fuel. It makes people braver and better. (In schools, even a brief “you belong here” message lifted grades and health over years.) Grit is a teacher. Life will seat us at tables where we don’t know a soul. With the right mindset, those moments teach voice, courage, and how to hold our own—even while we’re finding our people. That’s the bridge to our industry. Fall is our rush—new clients, new students, new hires, new classes. Culture is the invitation under it all: You belong here. Here’s how we do things. When we build rooms that signal belonging—clear expectations, visible wins, real mentorship—people show up bigger. And when we can’t change the room (yet), we can help each other move through it with grace until we find—or build—the right one. Freshman lunch tables are a mirror for salon floors and classrooms—it’s the same question: who’s here, how we treat each other, and does this space help us grow? Let’s make rooms that make people braver. And if you’re in the lunch room with no friends, we see you. This is your moment to resist shrinking and start building the muscle of creating the room you wish existed. It won’t be like this forever—and your future self will thank you for how you showed up here. xoxo -Jen Martinelli |
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🚀 The Shift: Weekly Mindset + Strategy Upgrade.
Belonging Sprint (7 Days)
Why: When people feel they belong, they show up bigger. When they don’t, they shrink. Let’s build rooms that make people braver.
Pick your track (choose one for the week):
A) If you feel “on the edge” (the lunch room with no friends)
One real check-in (daily). Ask one person a specific question and listen for 60 seconds.Script: “Hey ___, how did that color correction go yesterday?”
Ask a tiny favor. People bond when they help.Script: “Can I run a 10-second toner idea by you?”
Do a micro-collab. Make something small together (15–30s tip clip, before/after, or a quick demo).Script: “Want to record a 20-second gloss tip together after lunch?”
Start a mini ritual. Same time, same table: “wins & what’s next” in 60 seconds.Script: “I’m doing a 1-minute ‘win + next step’ at 3:00 by the back station—join me?”
Show your work where it matters. Post one small proof (before/after, tip clip) to your BEAUTISTA portfolio or the Feed, then tag/invite one teammate for feedback.Script: “Dropped a 30s clip—one note you’d change?”
Keep the tone: be kind, be curious, help each other finish and show your work where it matters.Tiny bridges beat big speeches—one honest touch a day is enough to feel the room start to open.
B) If you’re building the room (owners, educators, leaders… students can lead, too)
Say names early. “Welcome, ___ and ___.”
Buddy for week one. Pair each new/quiet person with a friendly guide.
One-minute wins. End each day with “Who got a small win?” (say it out loud).Scripts you can steal:
“This table’s our ‘new faces sit here’ spot—pull up a chair.”“Here’s how we do things here: be kind, be curious, help each other finish and share your work.”
That’s how rooms change—and how we stop shrinking.
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🎙️ In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
 |
MATRIX: Toning FUN-damentals — our first drop in a BIG wave of education! Format: Look & Learn • Live Online • Level: Essential Acid or alkaline? With so many toner options, this fast power hour broke down how to get tonal control with SoColor Sync—so you can pick the right formula for every client, every time. You’ll learn:
🎥 Watch the replay → https://beautista.com/video/MzjpW9pLluP5rLqChNTY Pro tip: Watch with your team or class. Pause at each section, write one go-to formula per scenario, and add it to your BEAUTISTA portfolio notes. P.S. This is the first of so much education coming—turn on Alerts in BEAUTISTA Connect (and grab the app) so you’re first in line when new seats drop. _______________________________________________________________________________ |
💻 Tech-Forward:
Where tech meets beauty (and your next big move begins).
Instagram Broadcast Channel (for clients)
Why it’s worth it (quick data):
When you send your first message, all your followers get a join notification—that’s free, push-style reach you don’t get from the feed.
Once people join, your updates land in their DM inbox with polls, links, and quick reactions—made for timely things like openings and promos.
Meta says broadcast channels are now one of the most popular ways creators talk to their community—1.5B+ messages a month flow through them.
Even big consumer brands use them for real-time drops and feedback, building loyalty and sales.
Set it up (10 minutes):
IG → Messages → Compose → Create channel → name it “[Your name/business name] Alerts”. Turn on “Show on profile.”
First post (paste this):
“Welcome! I’ll share last-minute openings, new service drops, and seasonal specials here. Tap ‘Join’ so you don’t miss a spot. Book in 1 tap → [BEAUTISTA link]”
Pin the channel to your profile and share the join link to Stories weekly.
What to send (2–3×/week):
“Cancellation at 3:30 — Cut + Gloss. Book → [link]”
“September Reset bundle just opened (cut + gloss + 10-min scalp check). Book → [link]”
Poll: “Which fall shade next? Caramel / Cocoa / Copper” (add booking link after results).
Product education (shopping) - “Frizz in humidity? Try [Product]. Pea-size on damp hair, mids→ends, air-dry or diffuse. Shop: [store link]”
Tip: Keep it short, one link only (your BEAUTISTA booking page). If joins slow down, re-share the channel to Stories with a “Join for openings” sticker.
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Stage 5 — Build Your Talent Funnel (Here’s the data.)
From recent BEAUTISTA campaigns—1.5M+ impressions across markets—the pattern is consistent:
Most people find us after drowning in Indeed: lots of resumes, little signal. When they switch to a portfolio-first funnel on BEAUTISTA, here’s what a typical 90 days looks like:
Real people to talk to: about 60 actual DM conversations you can act on (roughly 2/day).
The right eyes on your page: a few hundred qualified opens on your BEAUTISTA page.
Applications that mean something: for every 100 page views, expect 1–2 portfolio applications (adds up to ~4–10 apps per run, depending on market).
Speed changes everything: reply within minutes with a 10-min intro link and you’ll often see qualified interest the same day (some launches get 3–4 on Day 1).
Hires from a warm bench: once prequalified, about 1 in 10 become hires; in focused markets it’s closer to 1 in 5.
What starts the convo: a simple owner selfie video (hook → 3 reasons to join) beats glossy ads for getting DMs.
Bottom line: This system cuts noise and creates signal: simple path → fast reply → visible proof (their portfolio, your video). We run that cadence for you so you’re not starting from zero when a chair opens.
👉 Want your numbers to look like this? Book a 20-min audit with Matt and we’ll show exactly where your current flow leaks—and how the portfolio-first system fixes it.
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🔥 What’s Happening:
Virtual Live Events You Don’t Want to Miss
NEW: BEAUTISTA Classes Hub (Live)
We just turned on a single place to see what’s next: BEAUTISTA → Classes. You can filter by time of day and brand.
What’s coming (sneak peek themes):
Toning fundamentals & Shades EQ deep dives
Silk press systems that last
Scalp care for barbers (add-on services that stick)
Blonding for all curl patterns
Color care certification (retention win)
Salon profit & team growth playbooks
Brands you’ll see: REDKEN, MATRIX, BIOLAGE, PUREOLOGY, SUMMIT x BEAUTISTA.
Grab a seat > https://beautista.com/classes
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REDKEN: Intro to the Redken Haircolor Collection
Mon, Sept 8 • 11:00 AM ETLOOK & LEARN • LIVE ONLINE • CLASS LEVEL: ESSENTIAL
Get a clean overview of the full Redken haircolor portfolio—when (and why) to reach for Shades EQ, Color Fusion, Color Gels Lacquers, and Color Gels Oils.
You’ll learn (fast + practical):
How the lines are positioned (level system, background, tone, families)
Formulation basics you can trust (mixing, processing, application)
Everyday “stuck” scenarios → simple techniques that solve them
Bonus: using the Redken Style Station App for formulas, look books, and revenue ideas
Pro tip: Turn on Education Alerts in BEAUTISTA Connect (and the app) so you’re first to know when new sessions drop.
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🌟 Partner Perks:
Career-Changing Collabs You Shouldn’t Miss
GROWTH (Extended!)
Quick reminder: we’ve been loving GROWTH, the hair wellness line that helps you start real conversations about thinning and post-summer shed. They offered FREE Starter Kits to the next 30—and kept the offer going after hitting 30 because demand was so strong. It’s still live (limited extension).
Why salons care
Opens an easy, trusted convo your clients already want to have (thinning, shedding, post-summer stress).
Pairs naturally with scalp services and at-home care.
Adds a wellness revenue stream without feeling salesy.
How to roll it out (5 minutes)
Add “Scalp + Growth Consult” to your menu (10 mins).
Print a QR at the front desk → links to your recommended kit.
Post a 15–30s “how I use it” clip to your BEAUTISTA portfolio + IG.
Train one simple script: “If thinning is on your mind, this is the starter kit I trust—want me to text you the link?”
👉 Claim your FREE Starter Kit (next 30): https://beautista.com/register/growth-giveaway-2025
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👀 Watch This Space
(Jobs Worth Seeing)
Ouidad (NYC Flagship), 📍 New York, NY— Assistant Hairstylists & Stylists (Now Hiring)
OUIDAD (NYC Flagship) is hiring Assistant Stylists and Stylists—a rare chance to build your career inside a curl-first culture with decades of texture education behind it.
Why this matters:If you love curls, coils, and waves, this is a place where technique, consultation, and client education are the craft. Expect real mentorship, model work, and a clear path to growth in a brand that’s synonymous with texture.
Who thrives here:
Detail-minded cutters and finishers who want to specialize in curls
New pros who learn fast and love education
Experienced stylists ready to deepen technique and lead with consultation
(30 seconds):🎬 Watch the inside look → https://beautista.com/opportunity-detail/ouidad-salon-hairstylist-1?autoplay=true
NYC Opportunities (apply with your BEAUTISTA portfolio):
Pro tip: Add 3–5 curl-focused before/afters and a 30s “why curls?” intro clip to your BEAUTISTA portfolio before you hit apply. It shows your eye, your finish, and how you talk to texture clients.
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🎤 Educators Wanted: Your Dream Role Just Went LiveReady to teach, inspire, and represent iconic brands?
💥 Educator roles at Pureology, Redken, and Kérastase are now LIVE on BEAUTISTA.Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a rising educator, this is your moment.
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🔦 BEAUTISTA Spotlight
Melissa Jaqua — Celebrity Stylist, Educator, Builder
Melissa grew up in Toledo, Ohio with a simple truth: she was meant to do hair. License in hand, she drove to L.A. and kept going—salons, sets, stages—until doors opened. Along the way she became a global platform artist for John Paul Mitchell Systems, helped shape Paul Mitchell The School’s Advanced Academy, and won a NAHA (Multicultural Hair).
The credits read like a highlight reel—The Voice, So You Think You Can Dance, Dancing with the Stars, Will & Grace, plus films like Top Gun: Maverick, Babylon, and the Oscar-winning The Artist—with an Emmy nomination on the way.
But her favorite plot twist? Turning the dream into education—teaching across six continents and mentoring thousands of stylists. After 40 years behind the chair and on set, she’ll tell you the real win is the people: clients who trust her skill and her authenticity. Full-circle moment: a spot in her high school Hall of Fame—for the girl once told to get a “real job.”
Why follow her: consistent craft, set-ready standards, and a teacher’s heart. She’s the mentor model we want students and rising pros to study.
👉 View Melissa’s BEAUTISTA portfolio »https://beautista.com/canvas/melissa-jaqua
Want this kind of experience and impact for your students?Reach out to jeneanne@beautista.com and we’ll show you how to make it happen.
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💫 WE WANT TO FEATURE YOU
Have a story about how BEAUTISTA helped or inspired your career?
Email us at hello@beautista.com to be spotlighted in an upcoming issue.
💡 BEAUTISTA Tips & Tricks
PSA for Every Member 📢
Was it a full moon? We got a lot of messages this week asking if you should even make a portfolio when you don’t see local openings that you are interested in on BEAUTISTA. Let’s clear it up in one line: Creating 👏 a 👏 BEAUTISTA 👏 portfolio 👏 does 👏 not 👏 rely 👏 on 👏 our 👏 job 👏 listings.
Your portfolio beats a resume—and you don’t need Word. You’re creatives. APPLY ANYWHERE: paste your BEAUTISTA link in the form or upload your auto-generated BEAUTISTA resume (with QR) so hiring managers open your portfolio—video + images—in seconds.
Your portfolio is your link to the world. It shows your work (and your 30-sec intro), and it beats a resume every time.
Use it anywhere (simple):
Apply on any site: paste your BEAUTISTA link in the notes/cover letter.Copy you can steal: “Here’s my BEAUTISTA portfolio (work + quick intro): [link].”
Or upload your Resume: open your portfolio → Print Resume. It auto-creates a resume with your link + QR so hiring managers can open your portfolio (video + images) in seconds.
Make it your one link: IG bio, email signature, Google profile, school LMS—set them to your BEAUTISTA portfolio (pros/students) or BEAUTISTA career page (owners/schools).
Bottom line: Don’t wait for an opening to appear on BEAUTISTA. Create the opportunity by sharing your BEAUTISTA portfolio wherever you want to work.
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🗣 Your Take
📊 Last weeks results
💌 Pass It On
Know someone who needs this kind of real talk in their beauty journey?Share The TRIMM with a fellow BEAUTISTA and help them grow, too.
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