I almost threw my phone through a wall this week.
- Jen Martinelli
- Jun 7
- 12 min read
"Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back
and realize they were the big things."
🖤 From Jen: Throwing My Phone Through a Wall. (jk)
Hi BEAUTISTA Fam.
Well... it's officially been one week without a functioning phone.
If you read last week's TRIMM, you know the story. Apple confirmed my phone has a battery issue, the replacement part is backordered, and apparently thousands of customers across North America are dealing with the same thing. They eventually shipped me a replacement, but as of writing this, it's been sitting in the same location for days.
Last week I was impressed by the customer service. This week? If I could throw my current phone through a wall, it would probably feel very good.
And that's what led me to a second lesson in customer service: speed matters. Initially, I was okay with the outcome because I could see the effort. I believed they cared. But as the days passed without progress, I started creating stories in my head. Maybe they weren't as invested as I thought. Maybe nobody was paying attention. Maybe this wasn't actually a priority.
The reality is that most frustrated customers, employees, friends, spouses, and family members do the exact same thing. When communication slows down, people fill in the blanks. And rarely with a positive story. Did they stop caring? Did they forget about me?
It's a good reminder to follow up sooner than later when something goes wrong. Yes, people sometimes need a little time to cool off. But after a while, silence becomes a story—and usually not the story you want them telling themselves.
But the longer I've been without my phone, the more I've realized how much of my life happens through it. And the more I've noticed what happens when it isn't there. This week I picked up my daughter from school and for the first time in a long time there wasn't a team meeting playing through my speakers. No emails. No notifications. No phone calls.
Just me, my daughter, a Gracie Abrams song, sunshine, and the windows down. Simple. That drive felt important. And maybe that's why this week I found myself reflecting on mentorship. This week we selected the winners of our Sam Villa Redken Symposium Mentorship. Two BEAUTISTAS are about to be flown to Redken Symposium where they'll spend the weekend shadowing Sam Villa and his team backstage, seeing what happens behind the scenes at one of the biggest events in our industry and learning one-on-one from Sam Villa.
We've done mentorships before. A lot of them. In the early days, every winner felt personal. I remember crying while watching recap videos because you could see the exact moment someone realized their life was about to change. The moment where years of hard work, doubt, sacrifice, and perseverance suddenly felt worth it.
As BEAUTISTA has grown, I've become a little further removed from those moments. Not because they matter less. Because there are simply more of them and we have grown. This week I found myself thinking about these two winners. What they're feeling right now. What this opportunity could mean for their confidence. Their career. Their future. How it might change the story they tell themselves about who they are and what's possible for them.
And through it I was reminded why we started all of this in the first place. Not for software. Not for portfolios. Not for technology. For people.
For the student who needs someone to believe in them. For the professional waiting for their breakthrough. For the person who has talent but needs an opportunity. For the people who deserve to be seen, heard, and valued. This week I'm incredibly grateful. Grateful for partners like Redken and Sam Villa who trust us with opportunities like these. Grateful for a team that continues showing up every day. And grateful for every single one of the 151,000+ BEAUTISTAS who make this community what it is.
Maybe my broken phone was just a reminder to slow down long enough to remember why we do this.
xoxo,
Jen Martinelli
🚀 The Shift: Weekly Mindset + Strategy Upgrade.
Revisit Your Why.
When was the last time you stopped and thought about why you started? Not your goals. Not your to-do list. Not your next milestone. Your why.
This week, set aside 10 minutes and answer these three questions:
✅ Why did I start this career, business, or journey in the first place?
✅ What part of it still excites me today?
✅ Have I become so focused on the work that I've forgotten the impact?
It's easy to get caught up in the daily grind. The appointments. The emails. The deadlines. The problems that need solving. But research shows that reconnecting with purpose increases motivation, resilience, and overall job satisfaction. When people regularly connect their daily work to a larger purpose, they're more engaged and less likely to burn out.
The beauty industry changes lives every day. Sometimes we just get so close to the work that we stop seeing it. This week, take 10 minutes to revisit your why.
You may find that the thing you needed wasn't a new strategy. It was a reminder.
🎙️ In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
This week's classes all pointed to the same trend:
Customization is becoming the competitive advantage.
Clients don't want generic recommendations anymore. They want solutions that feel built specifically for them. Whether it was curls, blonding, scalp health, color longevity, or even content creation, every class focused on helping beauty professionals become more personalized in their approach.
Here are a few highlights:
💛 Texture is personal. Mizani's Texture Haircare Essentials focused on assessing curls, coils, and waves to create customized regimens that increase client satisfaction and loyalty. The takeaway? One-size-fits-all is out. Personalization is in.
💛 Blonding is becoming more strategic. Between Redken's Lift & Tone and L'Oréal Professionnel's Blond Studio Essentials, the emphasis wasn't just on getting clients blonde—it was selecting the right lightener and approach for each individual client and desired result.
💛 Color care is extending beyond the appointment. Pureology's Color Care Certification focused on helping stylists create personalized home care plans that improve color longevity, client trust, and retention.
💛 Content creators are becoming beauty professionals—and beauty professionals are becoming content creators. Color WOW's Let's Get Reels class focused on helping stylists develop their own aesthetic, create scroll-stopping videos, and build a recognizable personal brand.
💛 Retail is evolving. Biolage and Malibu C both reinforced a growing shift: clients are looking for experts who can recommend the right solution, not just the most popular product.
The takeaway?
The future belongs to professionals who can make every client feel like the service, recommendation, formula, and experience was created specifically for them.
Because in a world where everyone has access to information, personalization is what makes people come back.
(And if you’re a salon owner or educator—send your team. One class can shift performance fast.)
💻 Tech-Forward:
Where tech meets beauty (and your next big move begins).
Tech Forward: Attention Is the New Currency
A few weeks ago I heard someone say, "The most valuable currency in the world isn't money. It's attention." The more I thought about it, the more I realized they might be right.
Every app on your phone is competing for it. Every social media platform is competing for it. Every brand is competing for it. Every notification, email, podcast, text message, and video wants a piece of your attention.
We live in a world where information is unlimited. AI can generate endless content. Technology can create almost anything. But there is one thing that never expands: your attention. That's why some of the biggest voices in technology and marketing are talking less about creating more content and more about earning attention.
Think about your own habits. How many posts do you scroll past every day? How many videos do you skip? How many emails go unopened? More importantly, what actually makes you stop?
For beauty professionals, schools, salons, and brands, that's becoming the question that matters most.
The good news? Technology can help. Instead of guessing what people care about, ask AI. Paste in your last Instagram post and ask: "Why would someone stop scrolling for this?"
Paste in your career page and ask: "What is missing that would make a beauty professional want to work here?"
Paste in your email and ask: "Would a busy salon owner open this? Why or why not?"
You can even ask AI to compare your content against top-performing accounts in your industry and identify patterns you're missing. The people winning today aren't necessarily creating more content. They're paying closer attention to what earns attention.
Because attention comes before trust. Trust comes before opportunity. And opportunity is what we're all chasing.
This week, before you post, email, advertise, or launch something new, ask yourself one question:
Why would someone stop scrolling for this? If you don't know the answer, AI might.
What we're learning from Hiring Funnels:
The Answer That Live on Your Career Page
One of our team members — someone who's been in the beauty industry for over a decade — was on a call with a salon owner recently. He asked her a simple question: "Tell me about why you opened your salon."
She lit up. The story came out naturally — the vision, the culture she wanted to build, the kind of environment she never had and always wanted. It was specific, it was real, and it was genuinely compelling.
Then he said: "That's what's missing from your career page." It was like a light bulb went off for her.
Beauty business owners know their story. They can tell you exactly why they built what they built and what makes their place different from every other shop on the street. But when it comes to how they present an opportunity to candidates, that story almost never shows up. What shows up instead is a list of requirements, a pay structure, and "must be licensed."
The problem is that the candidate you actually want — the one who would thrive in your environment, stay long-term, and care about the culture you've built — is looking for more than a job description. They're looking for somewhere that feels like the right fit. And they can't find that if you haven't told them who you are.
The "why you opened your salon or spa" isn't a soft detail. It's the most important recruiting tool you have — and most owners are leaving it off the page entirely.
🔥 What’s Happening:
Virtual Live Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Next Live Virtual Classes
If you look at this week's classes, a pattern starts to emerge. The beauty industry continues to move away from "I do hair." And toward: "I am known for this." Scalp health. Silk presses. Blonding. Glossing. Protective styling. Creative color. Bridal styling.
🌱 Scalp Health & Growth
Monday, June 8 | 10:00 AM EDT
Design Essentials – The Growth Blueprint: Scalp Health & Protective Styling
Clients are increasingly asking about hair growth, scalp wellness, and protective styling. This advanced class explores how to assess scalp conditions and create services that support long-term hair health.
✨ Texture Services
Tuesday, June 9 | 11:00 AM EDT
Mizani – Silk Press Mastery
Thursday, June 11 | 11:00 AM EDT
Mizani – Twist-Out Hairstyling Essentials
Textured services continue to be one of the biggest opportunities in beauty. Learn techniques, product pairings, pricing strategies, and client care that help build loyalty and retail revenue.
🎨 Color Specialists Continue to Win
This week is packed with color education:
Monday, June 8 | 11:00 AM EDT
Redken – Shades ALK Pro Connect
Monday, June 8 | 1:00 PM EDT
Redken – Shades EQ Pro Connect
Tuesday, June 9 | 12:00 PM EDT
Matrix – The Art of Super Sync Toning
Tuesday, June 9 | 2:00 PM EDT
L'Oréal Professionnel – iNOA Essentials
Wednesday, June 10 | 1:00 PM EDT
Matrix – Blonding for All
Whether you're focused on blonding, toning, glossing, grey coverage, or vivid color, there's something for every colorist this week.
💍 Bridal & Special Occasion Styling
Tuesday, June 9 | 12:00 PM EDT
Living Proof – Bridal & Special Occasion Styling
Wedding season is here. Learn time-saving techniques, refresh strategies, and styling shortcuts that help create polished looks without starting over.
🤝 Beyond Technical Skills
Wednesday, June 10 | 1:00 PM EDT
Matrix – Safe Space Learning Series
One of the most unique classes this week. Because clients don't just remember the haircut or color— they remember how they felt sitting in your chair. Learn how to create an inclusive environment, navigate difficult conversations, and build stronger client relationships.
The takeaway? The question isn't "What services do I offer? "It's "What do I want to be known for?"
(And if you’re reading this as a salon owner or educator — send your team. One class can shift an entire culture.)
👀 Watch This Space
(Jobs Worth Seeing)
👀 Watch This Space
Sit Still Kids Salon | 📍Brooklyn, NY
OPEN ROLES
Most stylists spend their careers helping people feel more confident. At Sit Still Kids Salon, that starts a lot earlier.
They're not just cutting hair. They're helping kids navigate first haircuts, school picture day, big milestones, confidence boosts, and moments families remember long after they leave the salon.
What stood out to us wasn't the custom cars, glitter tattoos, sparkle strands, or sweet treats (although those sound pretty fun). It was the philosophy behind the business:
"Some salons are built around trends. Ours is built around trust."
Think about that for a second. Many of their clients walk through the door for their very first haircut. Their goal is to still be that child's salon when they leave for college. That's a relationship most businesses can only dream about.
Why this opportunity stands out:
✂️ Do meaningful work every day — You're not just providing a service. You're helping shape how children feel about themselves.
⏰ No late nights — The salon closes at 7 PM on weekdays and 6 PM on weekends.
🎓 Specialized training provided — Learn techniques and approaches for working with children of all personalities, abilities, and exceptionalities.
💰 Consistent compensation — Hourly pay ($20-$23/hour), tips from a loyal clientele, and retail commission.
🤝 Community-driven culture — Built around teamwork, relationships, and creating memorable experiences for families.
💙 Inclusivity at the center — The salon was intentionally designed to create a welcoming experience for kids of all abilities and exceptionalities.
As parents, many of us remember the people who made our children feel safe, confident, and special. That's what makes this opportunity different. It's not just about building a clientele. It's about becoming part of a family's story.
📍 Brooklyn, NY
✨ Full-Time or Part-Time
✂️ Experienced Hairstylist / Barber
👉 Apply with your portfolio + watch the video to experience the space for yourself
🎤 Educators Wanted: Your Dream Role Just Went Live
Ready to teach, inspire, and represent iconic brands?
💥 Educator roles at Pureology, Matrix and Kérastase are now LIVE on BEAUTISTA.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a rising educator, this is your moment.
🔦 BEAUTISTA Spotlight
Aritza Caneiro
📍 Houston, TX
🎓 Ogle School Graduate
🏆 Sam Villa Mentorship Winner
✨ Open to Opportunity
A few weeks ago, we featured Aritza Caneiro's portfolio in The TRIMM. This week, we're talking about her again. Why? Because she was selected as one of only two winners of our Sam Villa Redken Symposium Mentorship.
And if you've spent any time on her portfolio, it isn't hard to understand why. What immediately stands out about Aritza is her energy. As a full-time cosmetology student, mom, and aspiring beauty professional, she talks openly about building a career that helps women feel like the highest version of themselves. Her portfolio is filled with positivity, purpose, and a clear vision for where she's headed.
But what really caught our attention was her video. You can feel her belief in herself. The kind of belief that comes from someone who has worked hard, stayed committed, and knows exactly why they're pursuing this industry.
Now Aritza will be heading to Redken Symposium where she'll spend the weekend learning directly from Sam Villa and his team, gaining behind-the-scenes access to one of the most respected educators in our industry.
We're incredibly excited to see what's next for her. Congratulations, Aritza. We're proud to have you representing the BEAUTISTA community.
A PORTFOLIO MAKES IT POSSIBLE!
Want this for your students?
Reach out to hello@beautista.com and we’ll show you how to make it happen.
💫 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
🎓 School Leaders: Need Help Getting More Out of BEAUTISTA?
One of the biggest mistakes we see is schools launching BEAUTISTA once and assuming students will figure everything out from there. The schools seeing the strongest results are the ones that continue reinforcing it throughout the student journey.
That's why we've launched a recurring National Leadership Onboarding every second Tuesday.
In this live session, we'll show your leadership team how to leverage BEAUTISTA beyond just portfolios.
You'll learn how schools are using BEAUTISTA to support:
📈 Enrollment – Showcase student success stories, portfolios, and outcomes to prospective students.
📣 Marketing – Create shareable student work, school visibility, and stronger digital presence.
💼 Placement – Help students stand out to employers through portfolios, resumes, QR codes, and opportunities.
🤝 Student Engagement – Integrate BEAUTISTA into the classroom experience and keep students actively building their professional brand before graduation.
We'll also cover portfolio best practices, classroom launch strategies, curriculum integration, and answer your questions live.
Next Session:
📅 Tuesday, June 9, 2026
🕒 3:45 PM ET
💻 Live on Zoom
Whether you're brand new to BEAUTISTA or looking to increase adoption across your school, this session will help your team feel confident, aligned, and ready to maximize the platform for both students and school outcomes.
👉 Bring your questions. We'll answer them live.
Want to be featured on The TRIMM? Email us and we’ll take it from there: hello@beautista.com
💌 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.
Catch up with last week's article here!
Comments