I procrastinated on something for almost a year…

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.”

🖤 From Jen: The Power of Microsteps.

Hi BEAUTISTA fam.

A few years ago I learned a concept called microstepping, and this week it came back to me in a big way… and I actually laughed at myself because I realized I’ve been doing it so long that I even caught myself doing it subconsciously at the gym.

These past few weeks we’ve started on some very big projects — the kind that feel so hard just thinking about them. The projects where there is so much to do and the end seems so far away. Where you sit down to start and your brain says, “nope… maybe I’ll start tomorrow.”

This happened to me a few years ago when I was updating the BEAUTISTA curriculum, which was a big project — hours of content for students and leadership teams. Script writing, filming, deck creation, editing, and more. And at the time, I sabotaged it for a long time. I procrastinated for (I’m embarrassed to say) almost a year. The project felt so big and complex that every time I thought about starting it, my brain would immediately look for something easier to do. And there are always easier things to do — emails, small tasks, quick wins. Things that make you feel productive in the moment but aren’t actually moving the big thing forward.

After procrastinating for all that time I reminded myself of microstepping. At that time - and even to this day -  I write a list of "to dos" for the day. Back then i would see written on my list BEAUTISTA curriculum. And every time I would think "omg where do I start..." thats when the procrastination would come in. So after reminding myself of microstepping, I rewrote my list - 

Write the Outline for Chapter 1. Thats it. That was all I was responsible for that day for the curriculum project. And at the end of the day, I crossed it off. 

The next day: Write the outline for Chapter 2 script. Then the next chapter. And the next. Every single day I was checking something off the list and getting closer to the finish line. What had felt overwhelming suddenly became manageable. And not only manageable - I felt accomplished. A world of a difference from feeling like a procrastinator.

There’s actually psychology behind why this works. Our brains are wired to seek progress. When we complete something — even a small task — the brain releases dopamine, the chemical tied to motivation and reward. That little hit of accomplishment makes us want to keep going. But when a goal feels too big or undefined, the brain reads it as stress and pushes it away. That’s when procrastination kicks in.  Microsteps solve that problem because they give your brain a series of small wins along the way.

I have been doing this so long that I forget I'm doing it. I realized this week that I even do it at the gym. Every day I walk the treadmill on 5 incline at a 5 speed for 20 minutes. But when I first step on the treadmill, my brain instantly resists the idea of doing that for 20 minutes straight. So I automatically break it down in my head. First goal: get to five minutes. Five minutes is half of ten, and ten minutes is halfway there. Once I hit ten minutes, I tell myself just get to fifteen because at that point I’m basically almost done. And those last five minutes? I split them again. Two and a half minutes, then another two and a half. Before I know it, the treadmill workout is over.

I even do this with my kids when they have a big week ahead. If they’re feeling overwhelmed, we don’t talk about the whole week. We focus on the first thing in front of them. Just get through your quiz on Monday. Then we’ll tackle the next thing.

Another thing I had to unlearn along the way was creating impossible to-do lists. I used to write down everything I needed to accomplish and by the end of the day I would feel disappointed because there were always things left unfinished. It felt like failure even when I had actually been productive.

Now I do the opposite. I write down the top five things that actually matter for that day, and I write them in their microstep version — things I can realistically complete. And when I cross those off at the end of the day, I feel great. Every single day ends with a win.

Those small wins matter more than we realize. They create momentum. And momentum is what eventually carries you through the big things. So if you’re staring at something right now that feels overwhelming, try shrinking it.

Don’t focus on the mountain. Just focus on the next step.

xoxo

-Jen Martinelli 

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🚀 The Shift: Weekly Mindset + Strategy Upgrade.

The 5–Thing Rule

If your to-do list feels overwhelming, try this simple shift. Instead of writing down everything you need to do, write down only five things. The five things that will actually move the needle. 

But here’s the key: those five things should be written in their microstep version, not the giant project version. Our brains handle small, defined actions much better than large, vague goals.

There’s real psychology behind this. When we complete something — even a small task — our brain releases dopamine, the chemical tied to motivation and reward. Those small wins create momentum. Momentum keeps you moving forward. When a list is too long or the tasks are too big, the opposite happens. The brain reads it as stress and starts looking for escape routes… which is when procrastination kicks in.

Here’s what the shift can look like in real life.

For a stylist

Instead of writing:

• Build my clientele• Post more on social media• Improve my skills

Try:

• Post one transformation photo• Message two clients to rebook• Watch 10 minutes of an education class• Add one new photo to your portfolio• Write one caption about your service

For a salon or spa owner

Instead of writing:

• Grow the business• Improve marketing• Train the team

Try:

• Review tomorrow’s schedule for open spots• Post one client transformation• Text one client to confirm their appointment• Spend 10 minutes reviewing last week’s numbers• Send a quick appreciation message to one team member

Five clear actions. Five achievable wins. And when you cross those off at the end of the day, you build momentum that carries into tomorrow. Small steps don’t just move the work forward. They move you forward.

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🎙️ In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

Here are a few standouts worth checking out this week.

Haircolor Mastery

•  Lift & Tone Pro Connect – REDKENLearn how to select the right lightener for every blonding scenario using Redken’s Blonde IQ system

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• Super Sync & Tonal Control 101 – MATRIXA deep dive into demi-permanent color and how to formulate successfully across hair types.

• Color De Pelo Para Todos – MATRIX (Spanish)Formulation strategies for SoColor, Super Sync, and Tonal Control to create consistent color results.

Technique & Craft

• Twist-Out Hairstyling Essentials – MIZANIMaster the twist-out technique for textured hair while learning retail-driven product pairings.

• Get Technical: Clipper Cutting – Johnny BBarbering fundamentals including clipper-over-comb, blending, and line-up techniques.

Client Experience & Revenue

• Business Builder: Fast Services, Big Impact – Living ProofLearn express services that increase repeat bookings without adding hours to your day.

• Awaken Scalp Retreat – SurfaceDiscover how to introduce head spa services and scalp consultations that elevate the client experience.

Advanced Knowledge

• Trichologist Secrets: What Every Stylist Should Know About Hair Loss – Malibu CScience-backed strategies for scalp health and early hair-loss detection.

👉 Watch on demand and catch what you missed

(Pro tip: Pick one replay that directly supports what you want to earn or improve this month — and start there.)

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💻 Tech-Forward:

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

“Social Media is dead.”

At least that’s what marketing voices like Gary Vaynerchuk have been saying lately. But what they really mean is something more interesting. Social media hasn’t disappeared — it’s evolved into something new.

Today’s platforms are really interest media. In the early days of Instagram and Facebook, your posts mostly reached people who already followed you. Now platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube push content to people interested in the topic, even if they’ve never heard of you before.

That means a stylist with 500 followers can reach 50,000 people if the content resonates. 

The algorithm isn’t asking: “Who follows this person?”

It’s asking: “Who would be interested in this content?”

For young artists — especially those already comfortable with technology — this is game changing.

It means you don’t need years in the industry or a massive audience to get noticed.

A single transformation.A technique video.A consultation tip.

One piece of content can introduce your work to thousands of people who have never heard of you before. 

And this is where technology — especially AI — becomes incredibly powerful. Beauty professionals no longer need a marketing team to create strong content. There are tools that can help you generate ideas, write captions, and even turn a single photo into multiple pieces of content. 

Here are a few simple ways to leverage tech this week:

Use AI for caption ideasUpload a photo of a transformation and ask AI to generate three caption ideas explaining the service and results.

Turn one service into multiple postsOne balayage appointment can become a before-and-after photo, a quick technique tip, and a consultation insight.

Let tools help you edit fasterApps like CapCut or Canva can turn simple clips into polished content in minutes.

The big shift happening right now is this: You don’t need a huge following to grow your career.

You just need content that shows your craft, your process, and your results.

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What we're learning from Hiring  Funnels: 

One thing we see consistently when running hiring campaigns through BEAUTISTA is that posting a job once isn’t enough anymore. Even if the opportunity is strong. Even if the culture is great. People simply don’t take action the first time they see something. 

Marketing research shows it typically takes 7–12 exposures before someone acts on a message, and when the decision involves something bigger — like changing jobs — it can take even more. This is where many hiring funnels break down.

Businesses post a job once, maybe share it once on social, and assume the right person will find it. But the reality is that the right person might need to see that opportunity several times before they stop scrolling and actually explore it.

This is why intentional traffic matters. When we run BEAUTISTA hiring campaigns, we don’t rely on one post or one ad. We drive consistent traffic to a humanized career opportunity so professionals can actually experience what makes that salon or spa different.

And just as important — we test multiple creative angles. Different professionals respond to different messages. Some respond to culture and team environment. Some respond to the quality of work happening in the salon. Some respond to education, mentorship, or growth opportunities.

That’s why strong hiring campaigns usually test several creative styles at once:

• Owner message videos explaining the opportunity directly• Salon culture clips showing the environment and team• Transformation work highlighting the artistry happening in the salon• Behind-the-scenes content showing what a real day looks like• Career growth messaging around education and mentorship

The goal isn’t just impressions. The goal is creating enough visibility and emotional connection for the right professional to recognize themselves in the opportunity. Because great hiring today isn’t about blasting a job post.

It’s about humanizing the opportunity and giving it enough visibility for the right person to find it.

👉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

Next Live Virtual Classes

One of the biggest advantages of being part of BEAUTISTA is the access to real-time education from the brands and educators shaping the industry. And this week the calendar has been packed.

The class we’re especially excited about next week:

⭐ ESTHETICIAN UNLOCKED: Consultation Mastery with Elaine Sterling📅 March 16 | 10:00 AM ET

Great estheticians know that the consultation is where everything begins. When you can confidently analyze skin, uncover what’s really going on, and clearly explain solutions, everything changes — client trust, results, and ticket size.

In this session, Elaine Sterling will walk through how to confidently assess skin, uncover underlying concerns, and translate that knowledge into treatment and product recommendations clients actually understand.

If you’re an esthetician looking to strengthen consultations, deliver better outcomes, and elevate your service value, this one is worth attending.

Other Classes Worth Tuning Into

Event Hairstyling — Prep to Perfect (PUREOLOGY)📅 Mar 16 | 11:00 AM ETEvent styling is one of the fastest ways to increase ticket size and attract new clients. This class covers modern prep techniques, efficient styling systems, and trending looks for weddings and events.

Texture Master Class (Keratin Complex)📅 Mar 16 | 11:00 AM ETUnderstanding texture services is becoming essential for modern salons. This class dives into smoothing systems and how to customize results for different hair types and curl patterns.

Shades ALK Pro Connect (Redken)📅 Mar 16 | 2:00 PM ETA deep dive into Redken’s latest color innovation. If you’re working with Shades EQ or exploring alkaline demi color options, this class breaks down the science and practical application behind the formulas.

Rapid Perfection: Gelish Soft Gel Tips📅 Mar 16 | 2:00 PM ETFor nail pros looking to speed up enhancements without sacrificing quality. This session focuses on faster application techniques and durability for modern nail services.

👉 Explore the full class lineup anytime at beautista.com/classes

(And if you’re reading this as a salon owner or educator — send your team. One class can shift an entire culture.)

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👀 Watch This Space

(Jobs Worth Seeing)

👀 Watch This Space 

Mojave Style House 📍 La Mesa, CaliforniaExperienced Hairstylist

Booth Renter

Some salons are built to fit stylists in. Others are built to help stylists grow.

Mojave Style House in La Mesa, California is one of those spaces. Designed with intention, this modern salon was created for experienced stylists who want room to expand their craft, build stronger client relationships, and work in an environment that actually supports their success.

Before you read any further, watch their video on the opportunity page. It gives you a real feel for the space, the energy, and the team behind it.

Here’s what makes Mojave Style House stand out:

A space designed for stylists to thrive• 28 stations, 6 shampoo bowls, and dedicated drying areas• A clean, modern layout that feels open and calm — not crowded or chaotic

A location that supports your business• Located in one of the busiest areas of La Mesa• Parking directly in front of the salon (clients love this)• Trolley access steps away, making it easy for clients to get there

Education and growth opportunities• Quarterly education and continued learning• Access to L’Oréal professional training and product knowledge

Flexibility with real structure• Full-time or part-time opportunities• Predictable scheduling that supports real work-life balance

A salon built for experienced stylists• California licensed cosmetologists• 2+ years behind the chair• Ideal for stylists who already have clients or are actively building their business

If you’re looking for a salon that feels modern, spacious, supportive, and professionally run, Mojave Style House might be your next chapter.

👉 Apply with your BEAUTISTA portfolio and explore what it looks like to build a career rooted in impact.

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🎤 Educators Wanted: Your Dream Role Just Went LiveReady 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.

🔗 Pureology 

🔗 Kerastase

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🔦 BEAUTISTA Spotlight

Kayla

Spring Valley, IL

School: Educators Of Beauty

👉 Explore Kayla’s portfolio on BEAUTISTA

Every once in a while you come across someone who reminds you why people fall in love with this industry in the first place.

This week we’re spotlighting Kayla, a cosmetology student at Educators of Beauty in Peru, Illinois, who is preparing to graduate in July 2026 and step into her career behind the chair.

Like many artists in our industry, Kayla’s story started long before cosmetology school. She remembers learning how to braid on her mom’s hair when she was younger — a simple moment that turned into a lifelong passion. What started as curiosity slowly grew into a clear direction: helping people feel confident through hair.

Now in school, that passion is turning into real skill. Her portfolio already shows a range of work — from braids and styling to curls and updos — and you can see the excitement she has for continuing to grow.

What stands out most about Kayla is the why behind her work.

She isn’t just interested in learning techniques. She’s drawn to the part of this industry that changes how people feel about themselves. That moment when a client looks in the mirror and walks out a little more confident than when they walked in.

A few things to know about Kayla:

• Cosmetology student at Educators of Beauty – Peru, IL• Graduation date: July 2026• Passion for braiding, styling, curls, and updos• Driven by helping people feel confident in their own skin• Already building her professional portfolio on BEAUTISTA

If you’re a salon owner in the Illinois area looking for emerging talent, Kayla is someone worth watching.

👉 Explore Kayla’s portfolio on BEAUTISTA

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

One of the biggest mistakes beauty professionals make with their portfolio is thinking it only matters when they’re looking for a job.

In reality, your BEAUTISTA portfolio should be a living record of your growth in the industry.

Every class you take. Every certification you earn. Every new technique you try. Every piece of work you’re proud of. It all belongs there.

Your portfolio isn’t just a hiring tool — it’s a career timeline that shows how you’re evolving as an artist. A few easy ways to keep it active:

Add your latest work regularlyEven one new photo a week keeps your profile fresh and shows consistent growth.

Upload certifications from classes you attendMany BEAUTISTA classes provide certificates — adding them to your portfolio shows your commitment to continued education.

Share your “why”Use the About section to explain what inspires your work, what you love specializing in, and what type of clients you enjoy working with.

Stay active in the communityJoin discussions, attend classes, and connect with other Beautistas. Opportunity often comes from who sees your work, not just where you apply.

Think of your portfolio like your digital reputation in the beauty industry. The more you nurture it, the more it can open doors.

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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.

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