I’m changing how I approach goals this year.

“Joy isn’t the reward. It’s the strategy.”

🖤 From Jen: HAVE MORE FUN. 

Happy New Year, BEAUTISTA fam.

My feed has been full of the usual January energy—New Year’s resolutions, vision boards, manifestation talk… even the cinnamon ritual where you blow cinnamon out the front door for a prosperous year (anyone else see that one?).

So I sat down to think about my 2026 goals — and I thought of the familiar goals, just dressed up in a new year: More financial freedom, Invest more in my health and well-being, spend more time with my family, Grow BEAUTISTA to 200K members... All good things. All things I care deeply about. And all things I’ve written down all the years before. Then I picked up my pen and wrote down - 

HAVE MORE FUN.

That’s it. That’s the goal. If you know me, you know I’m wired for follow-through. If I say I’m doing something, I’m doing it — tired, busy, inconvenient, doesn’t matter. If I committed to meditating every morning, I showed up. If I said Thursday night was for cleaning, I’d clean until 3am if work ran late. I don’t break promises to myself. And while that discipline has served me well, I’m also honest enough to see the other side of it now: That level of rigidity didn’t leave much room for fun. 

I’d turn down dinners. Push through exhaustion. Miss calls from friends because I “just needed to get through one more thing.” I told myself I’d enjoy life after I hit my life goals. 

Then, early last year, I got close with a friend in town — a successful entrepreneur — and I noticed something about her - She was always making time for fun. Dinner plans. Trips. Shows. Pool days. Spontaneous yes's. And I kept wondering… How does she have time for this and still run a successful business? At first, I said no a lot. Then I started saying yes sometimes. And that’s when I realized. 

She wasn’t successful despite making time for fun. She was successful because she did.

Because joy fuels energy. Because rest creates clarity. Because when your life feels full, your work stops feeling heavy. What’s the point of building something meaningful if you’re too exhausted to enjoy it? I’m not saying deadlines don’t matter. They do. I’m just saying fun can’t live only at the finish line — because the finish line keeps moving. So this year, I’m practicing something new I’m not waiting for XYZ to happen before I start having more fun. I’m making space for fun now — even in the everyday things. 

I’ve been thinking a lot about this idea from manifestation and energy work — that you don’t wait to become the person who’s achieved the goal. You act like her now. Wanna be a million dollar stylist? start acting like her NOW - not when you get there. So that’s what I’m doing. In 2026 I’m not waiting to “arrive” before I start having more fun. I’m building and living. Growing and laughing. Working hard and having fun.

If you’re reading this and you’ve been pushing nonstop… If you keep telling yourself you’ll rest later... If you’ve been postponing joy until the next milestone… You don’t have to earn fun. You’re allowed to build a life you actually enjoy living — starting now.

Here’s to having more fun in 2026.And everything that grows from it.

xoxo

-Jen Martinelli 

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🚀 The Shift: Weekly Mindset + Strategy Upgrade.

Schedule Fun Like You Schedule Success

Here’s what I realized after writing “Have More Fun” on my goals list:

If I don’t schedule fun, it doesn’t happen. Not because I don’t want it — but because discipline always wins. So I stopped treating fun like a reward and started treating it like a non-negotiable.

For me, that meant two simple shifts:

1. I defined what “fun” actually means to me

Not vague. Not aspirational.

For me, fun = time with friends.

Dinners. Long conversations. Laughing until I forget what time it is.

2. I put it on the calendar — before work filled the space

I didn’t say “yeah we should…” I booked the dinners. I booked a long weekend trip with friends — something old-me would’ve never done.And here’s the wild part - Just having it scheduled instantly changed my energy. I felt lighter. More focused. More creative.

3. I stopped negotiating with myself once it was scheduled

No “I’ll cancel if things get busy.” No “maybe after this deadline.” If it’s on the calendar, it’s happening. This is the same muscle we use to hit goals — we just rarely apply it to joy.

How to Try This (No Overhaul Required)

If you want to test this without blowing up your life, try this micro-plan:

• Decide what fun looks like for you

• Pick one thing for the next 30 days

• Put it on your calendar this week

• Protect it the way you protect a client, meeting, or deadline

That’s it.

Why This Works

Fun creates energy. Energy creates clarity. Clarity makes goals easier — not harder. This isn’t about doing less. It’s about building a life you don’t need a break from. And the irony? When you stop postponing joy, the goals tend to show up faster anyway.

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🎙️ In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

HEAD UP: Inspiration = Longevity

Avoid Burnout with Daniel Mason-Jones

The replay of Inspiration = Longevity: Avoiding Burnout in the Beauty Industry is officially live — and this one is a must-watch for every beauty student and professional navigating the busiest season of the year.

This was our final HEAD UP session of 2025 with Daniel Mason-Jones, and it landed deeply. After the session, both Daniel and the BEAUTISTA team received messages from attendees sharing how much it shifted their perspective — especially around burnout, boundaries, and sustainability in this industry.

And before anything else, we want to say thank you.

Your support — showing up with your teams, your students, and your leaders — is the reason we can continue advocating for mental wellness in the beauty industry. Because of you, these conversations keep growing, evolving, and reaching the people who need them most.

👉 Watch the Replay

The biggest reminder from this session?

Burnout doesn’t happen because you’re weak.It happens because you care deeply and give deeply.

Thank you for standing with us, for valuing these conversations, and for helping make each HEAD UP session stronger than the last.

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💻 Tech-Forward:

Where tech meets beauty (and your next big move begins).

This Is the Prompt We’re Loving This Week 👇

Instead of asking AI to write captions or content, try using it to design your year:

“You are a time-leveraged strategist for the beauty industry. I want to achieve in one year what most people take 10 years to do — without burnout. Based on the goal below, create a high-leverage plan using smarter systems, scheduling, delegation, automation, and AI. Show me what to stop doing, what to simplify, and what actually moves the needle.”

My goal: [insert your goal]

This prompt shifts AI from task helper to strategy partner.

Try It With Goals Like These:

For Beauty Professionals

• “Build a fully booked chair while working fewer days”

• “Increase income without adding more hours”

• “Attract opportunities instead of chasing them”

For Students

• “Use my BEAUTISTA portfolio to feel hire-ready before licensing”

• “Position myself for assistant, mentorship, or shadow roles early”

• “Show up confidently online while I’m still in school”

For Salon Owners

• “Hire aligned talent without constant turnover”

• “Create flexible schedules without sacrificing revenue”

• “Step out of daily chaos without losing control”

Why This Matters

Most burnout doesn’t come from working too hard.It comes from working without a clear plan.

When you can see:

• what actually matters

• what can wait

• what no longer belongs

Everything gets lighter.

Because sometimes the thing that unlocks your next level isn’t a new tool…It’s finally having a plan that supports you — not just your goals.

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What we're learning from Hiring  Funnels: 

Funnel Year end Wrap

After a full year of running hiring funnels across salons, studios, franchises, and suites — here’s the clearest truth we’ve learned:

Hiring didn’t get harder.Talent got more honest.

That honesty has given us something incredibly valuable: clarity around what actually works.

1. Candidates are clearer about what they want — and faster to say no.

We’re seeing responses like this: “I know that salon — but the commission is too low for my talent.” This isn’t entitlement. It’s discernment. Today’s beauty professionals are doing the math before they apply:

• Commission percentage

• Schedule flexibility

• Education access

• Growth path

• Energy cost of the environment

  
  

If something doesn’t align, they don’t ghost — they opt out early. That’s not a bad thing. That’s a cleaner funnel.

2. Flexibility has officially replaced “full-time or nothing”

Across campaigns, one response keeps showing up: “I’m interested — but I’m looking for part-time." 

We are seeing this from:

• Licensed stylists

• Assistants

• Experienced professionals

• Even high performers

The salons converting best aren’t fighting this — they’re designing around it:

• Split shifts (9–4 / 4–9)

• Choice-based schedules

• Clear boundaries around time

Ironically, these models often increase chair revenue while reducing burnout. Flexibility isn’t a compromise anymore. It’s a competitive advantage.

3. Commission alone doesn’t tell the full story — but it matters

We’ve learned something nuanced this year: Low commission can work — if the story is complete.

Candidates are willing to consider:

• Lower commission with education, leads, mentorship

• Hybrid or tiered structures

• Clear progression plans

But when commission is low and the value story is unclear? They walk. This is where many job ads fall apart — not because the offer is bad, but because it’s incompletely explained.

4. Volume isn’t the problem — clarity is

Many campaigns produced:

• Strong impressions

• Healthy CTRs

• Hundreds of conversations

• Dozens of applicants

The best-performing funnels didn’t sell harder.They explained better.

5. Candidates want alignment before interviews

Today’s applicants behave like modern consumers:

• They want to feel the culture

• See themselves in the role

• Understand the leadership style

• Know how the job fits their life

This is why connection-first hiring outperformed traditional job posts all year. Portfolios. Videos. Tone. Transparency. These weren’t “extras” — they were decision-makers.

The Big Picture

Here’s the reframe that matters most: The beauty industry doesn’t have a talent shortage.It has an alignment gap. The salons winning in 2025 weren’t louder — they were clearer. They didn’t try to convince everyone. They focused on attracting the right someone. And the candidates? They’re not difficult. They’re just done settling. That’s not a hiring problem. That’s progress.

👉 See what every empty chair is costing you → Employee Loss Calculator

👉Book a 20-min audit with Matt → Optimize your Job ad copy

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🔥 What’s Happening:

Virtual Live Events You Don’t Want to Miss

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Next Live Virtual Class

2026 Education Starts NOW 🔥

Okay BEAUTISTA fam… we’re not easing into 2026. We’re officially unlocking 1,000+ courses on BEAUTISTA and some of them kick off as early as today. Yep — the education floodgates are OPEN.

This is the moment we’ve been building toward: a year where learning isn’t “when you have time”… it’s baked into your career like muscle memory.

Here’s what to know:

✨ New live classes are dropping daily across haircolor, styling, treatments, texture, barbering, nails, skincare, and business growth.✨ Class levels are clearly labeled (Essential / Experienced / Advanced) so you can pick what matches your season.

✨ Spanish classes are on the calendar too — because this industry deserves access in the language you live in.✨ Many sessions come with certificates (depending on the class) so your learning turns into credibility you can actually use.

Your move this week:

Pick ONE class. Put it on the calendar. Show up.Because the pros who win this year won’t be the ones who “know the most”… they’ll be the ones who stay in motion.

A few that are live TODAY:

• MIZANI – Texture Haircare Essentials (curl protocols + retail for textured hair)

• REDKEN – Haircolor Pro Connect (decode formulas + Shades EQ + the science)

• MATRIX – Haircolor For All (portfolio deep dive + insider formula tips)

• PUREOLOGY – Color Care Certification (color longevity + trust + retail)

• BIOLAGE – Volume & Versatility (styling portfolio + client-focused results)

👉 Browse upcoming classes + register now inside BEAUTISTA (And if you’re reading this as a salon owner or educator — send your team. One class can shift an entire culture.)

Let’s make 2026 the year you don’t just work in the industry… you level up inside it.

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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)

1. Add “Scalp + Growth Consult” to your menu (10 mins).

2. Print a QR at the front desk → links to your recommended kit.

3. Post a 15–30s “how I use it” clip to your BEAUTISTA portfolio + IG.

4. 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)

👀 Watch This Space — Capilia Madison (Madison, WI)

Opportunity: 

✅ Hairstylist 

✅ Luxury Studio General Manager & Hairstylist

Capilia Madison, a luxury, non-surgical hair restoration studio, is opening the door for a new stylist to step into something most professionals never get: 👉 An established clientele being passed down as a senior team member retires.

That means trust is already built. Relationships already exist. And the next stylist isn’t starting from zero — they’re stepping into momentum.

Why This Role Is Different

This isn’t a high-volume, chaotic salon environment. Capilia Madison is a boutique, private studio where artistry meets science — and every appointment is personal, discreet, and deeply meaningful for the client.

Experienced Hairstylist (Full-time or Part-time)You’ll step into:

• A loyal, established clientele transitioning to you

• Hands-on mentorship from a leader with 30+ years of experience

• Training in hair restoration, systems, toppers, wigs, and extensions (no prior experience required)

• A luxurious, calm environment focused on one-on-one service

• Flexible scheduling that actually supports work–life balance

• Strong earning potential tied to long-term client relationships

This is high-skill, high-trust work — and incredibly rewarding for stylists who care about impact as much as craft.

🎥 Watch the video on the listing to feel the energy of the space and understand why clients stay for years.

👉 Apply with your portfolio

Also Hiring: Luxury Studio General Manager & Hairstylist

For the stylist who’s ready to lead while still creating, Capilia Madison is also hiring a Luxury Studio General Manager & Hairstylist. This role blends artistry with leadership — without sacrificing flexibility or fulfillment.

Why this role stands out:

• Lead a boutique luxury studio, not a high-stress production floor

• Maintain an active clientele while shaping studio operations

• Mentor and support other stylists

• Work in a space that values calm, discretion, and excellence

• Build a long-term career path in a specialized, in-demand niche

• Enjoy schedule flexibility with leadership-level earning potential

This is ideal for someone who’s outgrown traditional salon management — and wants to lead with intention, not burnout.

👉 Apply with your portfolio: Capilia Madison – Experienced Hairstylist

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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.

🔗 Pureology 

🔗 Redken

🔗 Kerastase 

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🔦 BEAUTISTA Spotlight

Olena Lozenko 

New York City• Licensed Beauty Professional 

View Portfolio →

Every face tells a story — Olena helps it shine.

Based in New York City, Olena Lozenko is a professional makeup artist and beauty consultant with over five years of experience across freelance, editorial, and luxury retail environments. Her work blends refined artistry with emotional intelligence — creating beauty experiences that feel personal, confident, and elevated.

Olena specializes in editorial makeup, lash and brow treatments, and luxury client consultations, working with a wide range of clients from everyday beauty lovers to high-end clientele. Her approach goes beyond application — she understands how people want to feel when they sit in the chair.

What truly sets Olena apart is her ability to connect. Fluent in English, Ukrainian, and Russian, she creates a welcoming, trust-first experience that transcends language and culture — a powerful asset in today’s global beauty landscape.

With a background in Public Relations & Advertising, Olena brings a unique edge to beauty spaces. She understands brand alignment, client psychology, and how to represent luxury brands with intention and care — making her an ideal fit for forward-thinking companies looking for more than just technical skill.

She built her BEAUTISTA portfolio to open doors to luxury beauty opportunities where creativity, innovation, and human connection matter — and it shows.

Currently open to opportunities with brands and businesses that value artistry, elevated client experiences, and meaningful connection.

View her BEAUTISTA portfolio

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

💡 BEAUTISTA Tips & Tricks 

We know — you’ve seen this before. And we’re repeating it on purpose. New year, new goals means this is exactly the moment people actually use it — not just read it. If you bookmarked it, forgot it, or meant to come back later… this is your sign. Because the tools that change your year aren’t always new — they’re the ones you finally apply.

Let’s get into it 👇

How to Use Your BEAUTISTA Portfolio to Get Hired Anywhere.

Every week we get DMs and emails just like this one:

“Are there any other jobs hiring in my area?”

“What if the salon I want isn’t on BEAUTISTA yet?”

“How do I use my BEAUTISTA portfolio outside of the site?”

And here’s the thing most people don’t realize: Your BEAUTISTA portfolio isn’t just for opportunities listed on BEAUTISTA. It’s your digital résumé for the entire beauty industry.

Here’s how to use it like a pro:

1. Apply anywhere using your BEAUTISTA Portfolio

Your portfolio lives on its own link.

You can send it to any salon, any spa, any business — on Indeed, Instagram, Craigslist, Google, whatever — and it instantly makes you stand out.

It’s clean. It’s visual. It’s professional. And it updates in real time.

Just log in → My Portfolio → copy your link. Done.

Once you are logged in go to my portfolio and click Share --> https://beautista.com/portfolio 

2. Auto-generate your BEAUTISTA resume and attach it anywhere

Inside your portfolio, you’ll see a button that automatically turns everything into a clean, printable PDF résumé. No formatting. No Word docs. No drama. Just click → download → attach. (And yes… salons LOVE these.) 

Once you are logged in go to My portfolio and click print resume --> https://beautista.com/portfolio 

3. Use BEAUTISTA opportunities and the whole internet

Yes, we have amazing opportunities inside BEAUTISTA — especially from brands, salons, and schools using our hiring funnels --> You can see them here: BEAUTISTA Career Opportunities. But don’t limit yourself!

If you find a job on:

• Instagram

• Indeed

• Facebook groups

• A salon’s website

• A friend’s recommendation

You can apply with your BEAUTISTA link + resume and look like a total standout. Think of BEAUTISTA as: your website, your portfolio, your resume, and your brand — all in one place.

4. Keep your portfolio updated (so it works for you)

Your portfolio updates instantly, and takes seconds to edit:

• Change your Featured Photo

• Add new My Work images or videos

• Update your About Me

• Add specialties, brands, certifications

• Upload new transformations

5. Your BEAUTISTA presence builds your career — even before you're licensed.

Students, this one is HUGE! Salons are telling us they check portfolios long before someone reaches graduation.

A strong BEAUTISTA profile:

• Shows your growth

• Proves your professionalism

• Builds confidence

• Opens doors earlier

Don’t wait. Build it now.

Bottom line:

BEAUTISTA isn’t just where you find opportunities.

It’s how you show the world who you are — everywhere.

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💌 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.