I couldn't stop thinking about this
- Jen Martinelli
- Apr 19
- 11 min read
Updated: Apr 20
"Normal gets ignored. Different gets remembered."
đź–¤ From Jen: The Blue Slide Effect.
Hi BEAUTISTA fam.
I got bored of my current book this week and started scanning my shelf to see what caught my eye. I landed on Diary of a CEO—a book I’ve read before but clearly needed to come back to. I flipped it open and landed on a chapter called “Useless Absurdity.”
Steven Bartlett tells a story about when he first got investor money and spent about $16,000 on a massive blue slide in his office… with a ball pit at the bottom. Even he admits—it was immature, unnecessary, and honestly a ridiculous way to spend money.
But what followed is what matters. Every major press outlet that covered them—BBC, Buzzfeed, VICE, Forbes, Financial Times—featured the slide. Every article. Every headline. Always the same image.
It wasn’t about the slide. It was about what the slide said. We’re different. We’re bold. We’re not playing by the same rules.
We see this everywhere. Tesla doesn’t just make cars—they make them dance. BrewDog—a beer brand—built a hotel and put beer fridges inside the showers. Not because people needed a beer in the shower, but because of what it created. People filming it. Posting it. Sharing the experience. Not because they were drinking… but because of the content it gave them and how it made them feel.
No one actually needs those things, but people remember them.  Because normal gets ignored. Useless Absurdity sticks. And it made me pause and ask myself… what is BEAUTISTA’s blue slide effect??? What is our useless absurdity????Â
BEAUTISTA empowers people through portfolios, scholarships, brand educator opportunities, connection, education, recruitment, community… and so much more. But what’s the thing people instantly recognize? What’s the thing that makes someone stop, share, talk about it, and say—this is different?
...And Useless absurdity isn’t just for brands. It’s relevant for people too -  We are walking personal brands. That’s why someone like Robert Cromeans can walk into a room dressed like a pirate and everyone knows exactly who he is. Not because it’s random—but because it’s aligned. It says something about him before he even speaks.
I’m not saying go do something completely out of character. That’s the point. It has to be real.
But it made me realize… I wear a beanie almost everywhere. I don’t even think about it anymore. I remember being at an event and someone stopped me and said, “Are you Jen from BEAUTISTA?”, I realized it was you because of the beanie hat.”  It was recognizable. It was consistent and it became part of how people experience me.
So I’m going to keep thinking about this. Sitting with it. Playing with it. Because I don’t think you force your "blue slide"… I think you uncover it. And maybe that’s the real question. Not just what do you do. But what do people remember you for? What do you want to be known for? Thats how you uncover your "blue slide" effect. Its worth thinking about.
So I end this here... What’s your useless absurdity, "blue slide" effect? I will be thinking about this all week.
xoxo
-Jen MartinelliÂ
🚀 The Shift: Weekly Mindset + Strategy Upgrade.
Find your "Blue Slide"
Here’s what that could look like depending on where you are:
If you’re a beauty school:
What’s something a student would post the second they walk in? A signature welcome moment? A branded content wall? A first-day experience that feels different than every other school?
👉 If it’s not shareable… it’s forgettable.
If you’re a salon or spa owner:
What’s something clients talk about after they leave? It could be your consultation experience, a signature service, your culture, even how your team shows up online.
👉 People don’t refer “normal.” They refer what stands out.
If you’re a stylist or student:
What do people recognize you for? Your look, your tone, your content, your niche?
👉 You don’t need to be louder—you need to be clearer.
Because this isn’t about being extreme. It’s about being intentional. The businesses and professionals who grow the fastest aren’t just good at what they do.
They’re easy to remember.
🎙️ In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
There’s a lot happening—but these are the ones worth going back and watching (because they directly impact your services, confidence, and revenue).
If you want to master blonding (and stop second guessing your formulas):
REDKEN – Lift & Tone Pro Connect
đź—“ Apr 16 @ 11AM EST
Blonding is one of the highest-ticket services—but only if it’s consistent. This breaks down product selection, technique, and how to actually get predictable results every time.
👉 Translation: better blondes = higher confidence + higher tickets
If you want to grow your bookings without doing more work:
SalonInteractive – Grow Your Business with Redken-Powered Bookings
đź—“ Apr 13 @ 2:30PM EST
“Do-it-for-you” marketing is becoming the edge most stylists don’t have yet. This shows you how to drive bookings and retail automatically.
👉 Translation: more clients + more revenue without more effort
If you want to turn content into actual clients:
Living Proof – Reels & TikTok for Stylists
đź—“ Apr 15 @ 12PM EST
Posting isn’t enough. This shows you how to create content that actually converts into bookings.
👉 Translation: visibility → clients (not just views)
If you want to expand your color confidence across all clients:
MATRIX – SoColor 101
đź—“ Apr 15 @ 1PM EST
Understanding formulation is what separates guessing from expertise. This gives you the foundation to work across all hair types with confidence.
👉 Translation: better results = stronger retention
If you want to tap into textured hair services (and increase retail):
MIZANI – Twist-Out Hairstyling Essentials
đź—“ Apr 15 @ 11AM EST
Technique + product pairing + service flow—all in one.
👉 Translation: better results + built-in retail opportunities
(And if you’re a salon owner or educator—send your team. One class can shift performance fast.)
đź’» Tech-Forward:
Where tech meets beauty (and your next big move begins).
There’s a shift happening in marketing right now—and it’s not about better funnels or more content.
It’s about what you’re actually selling. Russell Brunson has been saying this for a while… People don’t buy services. They don’t buy information. They buy who they become after.
And this is where most beauty professionals are getting it wrong. They’re posting services. Listing features. Talking about what they do. Instead of showing what it creates.
Here’s what that looks like:
Stop describing the service—describe the outcome
Instead of: “Balayage appointment available”
Say: “Low-maintenance blonde that still looks good 8 weeks later”
Now you’re selling the result—not the service.
Turn every post into a before → after identity shift
“From brassy + frustrated → to confident + effortless”
This is what people actually connect with.
Use AI to reframe your messaging
Take your service and ask:
“Rewrite this to focus on the transformation for the client”
Now your content speaks to desire—not just detail.
Build trust before you sell
Russell talks about this a lot—your content should feel like guidance, not a pitch. Show them what’s possible first… then show them how to get there. Because here’s the shift: Your funnel isn’t what converts people. Your message is.
The Real Shift
Stop selling what you do.
Start showing who your client becomes.
AI Prompt to Steal:
“Rewrite this so it focuses on the transformation, not the service. Show me the before → after in terms of how the client feels, what problem is solved, and what their life looks like after.”
What we're learning from Hiring  Funnels:Â
We tested the "easy apply." Here's what it cost us.
A while back, we ran a test. We wanted to know what would happen if we made applying as frictionless as possible — the way platforms like Indeed do it. One click. No context. No connection. Just "I'm interested" and a name in a database.
The volume looked great. Candidates came in fast. And then most of them disappeared.
The data told a clear story: passive applications generated high numbers at the top of the funnel and almost no momentum below it. Candidates who applied without watching a video, reading about the salon, or understanding the opportunity had no real stake in the outcome. When follow-up came, they were already gone — on to the next click, the next listing, the next one-tap application somewhere else.
Compare that to what we see when a candidate comes through a branded career page. They've watched the owner on video. They've read about the culture. They've made a small investment of time and attention before they ever submit anything. By the time they start a portfolio, they've already decided this place is worth showing up for.
Yes, conversion slows down. Fewer people complete the process. That's not a bug — it's the filter working. The candidates who make it through a career page funnel are the ones who showed intent before anyone asked them to. And intent, more than any other variable in our data, is what separates a hire from a ghost.
Easy apply fills a pipeline. Connection builds one.
🔥 What’s Happening:
Virtual Live Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Next Live Virtual Classes
There’s one theme showing up across everything this week… Higher-level services = higher-value clients. And it starts here:
L’Oréal Professionnel – Tech Talk Masterclass featuring Jack Martin
đź—“ Apr 19 @ 12PM EST
Grey coverage is being completely redefined—and clients are starting to ask for it by name. Jack Martin’s “French Blending” isn’t about covering grey… it’s about creating a low-maintenance, luxury experience that feels intentional.
If you’ve been looking for ways to increase revenue without adding more clients:
Redken – Shades EQ Pro Connect
đź—“ Apr 20 @ 11AM EST
Glossing isn’t just a step—it’s an opportunity. When done right, it becomes an add-on service that elevates every appointment.
👉 Translation: same client, higher ticket
And if you’re ready to niche down and stand out:
Ashtae – Curly Cut & Definition
đź—“ Apr 20 @ 12PM EST
The demand for curl specialists is rising fast. The stylists who lean in here are becoming the go-to in their market.
👉 Translation: specialization = authority = premium pricing
One more to keep on your radar if you want to expand your business model:
Pureology – Bridal Hairstyling & The Business
đź—“ Apr 22 @ 1PM EST
Bridal isn’t just styling—it’s a business. Pricing, flow, and client experience all matter here.
👉 Translation: one niche can change your entire income
This is where the industry is going: less maintenance, more artistry, higher ticket services
(And if you’re reading this as a salon owner or educator — send your team. One class can shift an entire culture.)
đź‘€ Watch This Space
(Jobs Worth Seeing)
đź‘€ Watch This SpaceÂ
Charleston Beauty Collective | đź“ŤMt. Pleasant, SC
OPEN ROLES
Some salons sell luxury. Others actually build it.
That’s what stood out to me about Charleston Beauty Collective. Since opening in 2013 in Mount Pleasant, they’ve positioned themselves as an upscale, full-service beauty destination with hair, extensions, brows, lashes, spray tanning, and more—all under one roof. They’ve also gotten outside attention for that “one-stop beauty” positioning in local coverage, which helps tell the story that this isn’t just a cute salon—it’s a business with momentum.
And if you’re thinking about working there, that part matters.
Because stepping into a place that already has demand, clear positioning, and a polished client experience gives you a huge head start. You’re not walking into chaos and hoping it works. You’re walking into a brand that already knows who it is. Charleston Beauty Collective highlights luxury service, personalized consultations, premium extension lines, and eco-conscious product choices like KEVIN.MURPHY, Seven Haircare, and K18.
What’s also compelling is that there isn’t just one door into the company right now. They’re hiring across multiple levels:
• Hairstylist — for someone with at least a year of experience who wants strong local demand, flexible scheduling, social media support, PTO, 401(k), education, and a level system with long-term earning potential
• Co-Stylist — for someone early in their journey who wants real mentorship, hands-on learning, confidence-building, and a clear path behind the chair
• Esthetician — for someone ready to step into a treatment room with existing demand for lashes, brows, waxing, spray tanning, and more, while growing inside a collaborative luxury environment
That mix tells you a lot. This is a business thinking about growth at every stage—not just plugging one hole. They’re building a team. And the benefits are the kind people actually care about: education, coaching, flexible scheduling, social media support, PTO, 401(k), mentorship, and the chance to grow inside a brand that already feels elevated.
There’s also a modern edge here that makes the story stronger. Their site talks about sustainability, premium brands, and newer service categories like hand-tied extensions and advanced lash offerings, including UV light system eyelash extensions. That signals a salon that’s not standing still—it’s evolving with demand.
What makes this one worth watching is how they’ve built the environment:
• Luxury experience that still feels warm and welcoming (not cold or transactional)
• Strong demand + established clientele (you’re not waiting around to build)
• Ongoing education + coaching (not just “figure it out”)
• Real benefits: flexible scheduling, PTO, 401(k)
• Social media support to help you grow your personal brand
• Premium brands + services (extensions, K18, KEVIN.MURPHY, and more)
• A team culture that actually feels collaborative—not competitive
 👉 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?
đź’Ą Educator roles at Pureology, Matrix and KĂ©rastase are now LIVE on BEAUTISTA.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a rising educator, this is your moment.
🔦 BEAUTISTA Spotlight
Mandy Lee Jones | Knoxville, TN
Cosmo | Tennessee School of Beauty
There’s something powerful about catching someone early—right when they’re building, learning, and starting to find their voice.
Mandy Lee Jones is right in that moment.
A cosmetology student at Tennessee School of Beauty, she’s already showing signs of what separates someone who does beauty… from someone who builds a career in it.
Because it’s not just about the work. It’s about how she thinks about the work. Her approach is rooted in personalization—understanding individual style, enhancing natural beauty, and creating something that actually feels like the client. That mindset, this early, matters.
And then there’s the discipline behind it.
96 GPA.
90% attendance.
Already investing in continued education with a JZ Styles extension certification.
That combination—creativity + consistency—is what builds real momentum. You can see it in how she talks about her future too. Not just “doing hair”… but creating experiences. Helping people feel confident. Using beauty as a form of self-expression. That’s not surface-level thinking.
That’s someone who understands the impact of this industry.
Here’s why Mandy is one to watch:
Strong technical foundation while still in school
Already investing in certifications beyond the classroom
Clear focus on personalized, client-centered work
Balancing modern trends with timeless technique
Showing up with intention—not just going through the motions
And that’s the shift we keep seeing.
The next generation isn’t waiting until graduation to take this seriously. They’re building now.
Want this for your students?
Reach out to  hello@beautista.com and we’ll show you how to make it happen.
đź’« 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.
đź’ˇ BEAUTISTA Tips & Tricks
Pro Tip: The most underrated skill on your BEAUTISTA profile isn’t technical—it’s emotional intelligence.Â
Most people think they need to get better at hair. But what’s actually holding them back? The story they’re telling themselves.
That’s why the EQ section inside the BEAUTISTA Curriculum matters—and honestly, it’s for everyone, not just students. Because it helps you uncover things most people never look at:
Your limiting beliefs
“I’m not good enough yet”
“I need more experience before I put myself out there”
👉 These thoughts quietly hold you back from opportunities
Rewriting your story
Where did those beliefs come from? And are they even true?
👉 When you shift the story, your actions start to change
Finding your superpower
What makes you different isn’t random—it’s your edge
👉 The sooner you see it, the faster you grow into it
Showing up differently
Confidence doesn’t come from more time—it comes from clarity
👉 When you know who you are, everything changes
Because here’s the truth:
The professionals who grow the fastest aren’t always the most experienced.
They’re the ones who believe they can.
👉 If you haven’t gone through the EQ section yet, start there. It will change how you see yourself—and how others see you too.
Want to be featured on The TRIMM? Email us and we’ll take it from there: hello@beautista.com
Comments