Not everything deserves your energy.
- Jen Martinelli
- Dec 14, 2025
- 11 min read
Updated: 15 hours ago
"Great leaders don’t create followers.
They create room for people to become the best version of themselves."
🖤 From Jen: Hurt People - Hurt People. |
Hey BEAUTISTA Fam, This week, I found myself stuck on something small… and I didn’t love how much space it took up. It was a negative comment. One voice. One opinion. And yet, it lingered longer than it deserved to. I pour my heart into everything I share — The Trimm, the work we do at BEAUTISTA, the conversations we open up in this industry. The intention is always the same: add value, help people be seen, give them a voice, and support them in becoming the best version of themselves. So when someone who’s been consuming the content, downloading the resources, engaging regularly suddenly shows up with criticism — it can feel personal. What makes it even more interesting is that for every one comment like that, there are hundreds — thousands — of messages that say, “This helped me.” “I needed this.” “Thank you for saying what I couldn’t put into words.” By any logical measure, that’s a pretty good ratio. And still… my mind kept circling back to the one. :/ If you’ve been reading The Trimm, you know I recently shared the Man in the Arena quote — a reminder not to take criticism from people who aren’t building, stretching, or showing up in the same way you are - basically don't take advice from anyone who hasn't been where you want to go. I believe that. And even with that belief, I noticed how easily the noise can creep in when things get quiet. Then I reminded myself of something I’ve leaned on for years — and something I say often to my kids: Hurt people - Hurt people. That perspective doesn’t excuse behavior. But it does help me meet it with compassion instead of self-doubt. Because only someone carrying their own pain would choose to lead that way. It also brings me back to a quote from Wayne Dyer that’s always stuck with me. He’d ask: If you squeeze an orange, what do you get? No matter how hard you squeeze an orange, you’ll never get apple juice — you get orange juice. Because that’s what’s inside. AND the same is true for us. When life squeezes — when we’re tired, overstimulated, or emotionally tapped — what comes out is what’s inside. And if you’re in the beauty industry, you know this feeling well. You hear opinions all day. From clients. From peers. From the internet. From people who project their own expectations, fears, and insecurities onto you — sometimes without even realizing it. So if you’re feeling weighed down by one comment, one review, one offhand remark — let this be your reminder: You don’t need to shrink, harden, or question your worth. You get to choose what you carry forward. You get to protect your energy and keep building anyway. My hope is that these tools help you the way they help me — not to shut people out, but to stay grounded, compassionate, and focused on what actually matters. Sending you love, light, and a deep breath as you move through your week. You’re doing better than you think. xoxo -Jen Martinelli ____________________________________________________________________________ 🚀 The Shift: Weekly Mindset + Strategy Upgrade.Don't Absorb it. Translate it. One of the most powerful skills you can build in this industry isn’t technical. It’s emotional translation. Because opinions will always be part of the job — behind the chair, in school, online, in team meetings, in DMs. And the real work isn’t avoiding them… it’s knowing what to do with them when they show up. Here’s the shift: Instead of absorbing feedback as truth, translate it. When someone reacts strongly, pauses awkwardly, criticizes, or projects — try this mental filter: “What might this actually be about?”
Not to excuse behavior. Not to dismiss accountability. But to decide what deserves space in your head — and what doesn’t. Here’s how this looks in real life: • A client snaps → it’s usually about stress, not your skill• A classmate critiques → it’s often comparison, not clarity• A coworker bristles → it’s pressure, not personal• A comment stings → it’s emotion, not always accuracy When you translate instead of absorb, something shifts: You stay grounded. You keep your confidence. You don’t spiral. You respond — instead of react. And that matters in beauty, because our work is personal. People sit in your chairs with their insecurities, expectations, and emotions — and sometimes they hand them to us without realizing it. This week’s shift isn’t about becoming numb. It’s about becoming selective. Ask yourself:• Is this feedback aligned with where I’m going?• Is this person someone I’d take advice from?• Is this information useful — or just loud? If it’s useful — keep it. If it’s noise — let it pass through. That’s not weakness. That’s emotional leadership. And it’s one of the most underrated skills in a long, healthy beauty career. ___________________________________________________________________________ 🎙️ In Case You Missed It (ICYMI) Hire, Inspire & Retain — Session 2 BEAUTISTA x Summit Salon Business Center If you’re thinking about hiring, leadership, or retention right now — this session is worth your time. Session 2 of Hire, Inspire & Retain digs into what actually keeps great people in your business. Not hype. Not surface-level perks. But culture, clarity, and leadership that people want to stay connected to. In this on-demand session, BEAUTISTA Co-founder Matt Martinelli sits down with Heather Bagby, VP of Summit Salon Business Center, to break down what today’s stylists are really looking for — and how businesses can meet them there. You’ll learn how to:✨ Understand what modern beauty professionals value in a salon culture✨ Build an environment where people feel supported, motivated, and excited to stay✨ Audit your brand presence and refine purpose-driven messaging that attracts aligned talent Whether you’re hiring now or preparing for what’s next, this session gives you practical insight you can actually apply. ____________________________________________________________________________ 💻 Tech-Forward:Where tech meets beauty (and your next big move begins).Prep for Opportunities (Without Stress) Opportunities don’t just show up as interviews. Sometimes they show up as: • A team meeting that needs clarity • A coaching conversation you’ve been avoiding • A performance check-in • A hard conversation that deserves care • A moment where your words will shape culture And for a lot of BEAUTISTAS — especially leaders — the stress isn’t the conversation.It’s how to say it well. This is where tech can quietly change the game. Instead of walking into meetings reactive, rushed, or over-explaining… use AI as your thought partner — not to replace leadership, but to sharpen it. Try this prompt before your next conversation: “I have an upcoming meeting/coaching conversation with my team. Help me organize my thoughts, communicate clearly, and balance leadership with empathy. I want to be direct, supportive, and aligned with our culture.” What this does: • Helps you lead instead of react • Clarifies your message before emotions enter the room • Creates confidence — for you and for them This works across roles: • Students preparing for school check-ins • Professionals stepping into growth conversations • Owners & leaders coaching, correcting, or inspiring teams You’re not scripting people. You’re preparing yourself. And when leaders walk into conversations grounded and intentional, teams feel it. Culture strengthens. Trust grows. Conversations land the way you intended them to. Tech doesn’t replace human leadership. It supports it — so you can show up as your best self when it matters most. ___________________________________________________________________________  What we're learning from Hiring Funnels: Why Part-Time Is Becoming a First-Choice Schedule One of the clearest shifts we’re seeing inside BEAUTISTA hiring funnels right now has nothing to do with talent shortages — and everything to do with time. A growing number of applicants are intentionally asking for part-time work. Not as a fallback. Not as a phase. As a conscious choice. And this isn’t isolated. We’re seeing it consistently across campaigns, conversations, and applications. Here’s what’s really happening: Many beauty professionals don’t want a 9–8 grind anymore. They want careers that fit into their lives — not lives that have to bend around work. Parents. Caregivers. Creatives building brands on the side. Professionals protecting their energy. Students easing into the industry. This isn’t about doing less. It’s about doing what works. Smart salons are paying attention — and adapting. Instead of forcing one rigid schedule, we’re seeing salons offer defined shifts: • Morning blocks • Evening blocks What happens next is powerful: – One chair can now serve two professionals – Revenue per chair increases – Burnout decreases – Applicant volume goes up – Retention improves Flexibility becomes a competitive advantage. For professionals, part-time offers balance, sustainability, and choice. For business owners, it creates coverage, consistency, and scalability. This is where alignment happens — and alignment is what modern hiring runs on. The takeaway Part-time isn’t a downgrade. It’s not a risk. It’s not a compromise. It’s one of the clearest signals of how the beauty industry is evolving — toward flexibility, longevity, and work that actually fits real life. 👉 See what every empty chair is costing you → Employee Loss Calculator 👉 See how flexible scheduling changes applicant quality → 20-min audit with Matt ____________________________________________________________________________ 🔥 What’s Happening:Virtual Live Events You Don’t Want to Miss Next Live Virtual ClassThis is our build season. We’re intentionally ramping down live classes to close out 2025 and gearing up for a massive education expansion in 2026. With the busiest time of year in full swing, this shift allows us to build smarter systems, stronger educator support, and better class experiences — without adding noise when everyone’s calendars are already full. Quiet now. Big things coming. ___________________________________________________________________________ 🌟 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
How to roll it out (5 minutes)
👉 Claim your FREE Starter Kit (next 30): https://beautista.com/register/growth-giveaway-2025 _______________________________________________________________________________ 👀 Watch This Space(Jobs Worth Seeing) 👀 Watch This Space — In Vision Hair Design — St. Johns, FLOpportunity: ✅ Hairstylist ✅ Assistant Hairstylist/Front Desk ✅ Social Media Manager Some salons are built around chairs. Others are built around people. In Vision Hair Design is very clearly the second. From the moment you read their opportunity, you can feel it — this isn’t a place trying to squeeze talent into a rigid box. It’s a salon designed for artists who want to grow, evolve, and actually enjoy where they work. The language is warm. The expectations are clear. And the culture is rooted in something we talk about constantly at BEAUTISTA: belonging + flexibility + growth with intention. What makes In Vision stand out is their hybrid approach. They understand that not everyone is in the same season — and success doesn’t look the same for every artist. Some people want structure. Some want autonomy. Some want both. And instead of forcing a one-size-fits-all model, they’ve built options. Why artists are paying attention: ✨ Redken education and ongoing advanced training ✨ One-on-one business coaching and mentorship ✨ A collaborative, drama-free team culture ✨ Flexibility through commission and rental options ✨ Leadership that respects individuality, creativity, and time ✨ A modern, inspiring space that attracts quality guests This is exactly the kind of opportunity that phygital talent responds to — because it doesn’t feel like a job post. It feels like an invitation into a culture. They’re currently hiring for multiple roles: • Hairstylist (Full-time or Part-time) • Assistant Hairstylist / Front Desk Each role is positioned with the same core message: you’re not here to burn out — you’re here to build something that lasts. If you’re a beauty professional ready for your next chapter or a student ready to step into the industry through an assistant role — this is where it starts. Apply now. _______________________________________________________________________________  🎤 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. _____________________________________________________________________________ 🔦 BEAUTISTA Spotlight Hailey Herrman Redken Artist • North Central Kansas 12 Years Behind the Chair This week, we’re spotlighting Hailey Herrman, a Redken Artist based in North Central Kansas whose career reflects what it looks like to commit—fully and intentionally—to excellence. With nearly 13 years behind the chair, Hailey has built her career on principle-based education, consistency, and mastery of craft. Redken education has been a throughline in her journey from the very beginning, shaping not only her technical skills, but the way she shows up as an educator and leader in the industry today. What stands out most about Hailey isn’t just her résumé (though it’s impressive). It’s her clarity. She knows who she is, what level she holds herself to, and why continued growth matters. That mindset is exactly what drew her to pursue the Redken Artist Mentorship Program (AMP)—not for the title, but for the challenge, coaching, and opportunity to level up even further. Her specialties span:✨ Hair Color & Blonding✨ Hair Design✨ Finishing & Dresswork✨ Lifestyle Hair Her accolades include Redken Color Authority, Blonde Authority, Certified Haircolorist, and being named a Redken Artist—with multiple design and facilitation badges earned in 2025 alone. Hailey represents what’s possible when education isn’t something you “check off,” but something you build a career around. She’s grounded, intentional, and committed to doing the work at a high level—every time. If you’re an educator, brand partner, or salon looking to collaborate with an artist who truly walks the talk, Hailey is one to know. 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. ___________________________________________________________________________ 💫 WE WANT TO FEATURE YOUHave 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 & TricksUse BEAUTISTA Before You’re “Ready” One of the biggest misconceptions we see is this idea that you need to have everything figured out before you really use BEAUTISTA. More experience. More photos. More confidence. More clarity. But the truth is — BEAUTISTA works best when you use it early, not when you feel “done.” Here’s what that actually looks like: If you’re a student: You don’t need to wait until graduation.Your portfolio can show:
Salons aren’t just hiring skill — they’re hiring potential, attitude, and coachability. Updating your portfolio as you go helps opportunities find you, not the other way around. If you’re a beauty professional: You don’t need to be actively job hunting to keep your portfolio fresh.Use it to:
Many of the best opportunities come when you’re open, not desperate. If you’re a salon owner or educator: Encourage your team or students to update their portfolios regularly — not just when they “need” something.It builds:
That alone changes how people show up. The real takeawayYour BEAUTISTA portfolio isn’t a finish line. It’s a living reflection of who you are becoming. Don’t wait to feel ready. Use it to become ready. _____________________________________________________________________________  Behind the Scenes at BEAUTISTAWhile most people see BEAUTISTA through portfolios, opportunities, and community — a lot of the work happens quietly, behind the scenes. This week, Jeneanne was in Columbus attending the OCCTA (Ohio Cosmetology Career Teachers Association) meeting, connecting with educators from across Ohio who are deeply invested in student success. OCCTA brings instructors together to share best practices, elevate cosmetology education, and improve real-world outcomes for students — and the conversations couldn’t have been more aligned with what we’re building. There was strong excitement around BEAUTISTA’s new Placement Tracking Dashboard, especially how it helps schools better support students beyond graduation and clearly show placement outcomes. Moments like these matter. Because when educators are supported, students are better prepared.And when students are better prepared, the entire industry levels up. We’re looking forward to continuing these conversations and reconnecting with schools again at the Spring meeting. _______________________________________________________________________________ 💌 Pass It OnKnow 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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