The question that changes every tough conversation.

“To begin with the end in mind means to start

with a clear understanding of your destination.”

🖤 From Jen: Begin with the End in Mind.

Hi BEAUTISTA fam.

This week felt like a masterclass in conflict. Friends, family, work situations — the kind of conversations that leave you replaying things later thinking, “Did that really just happen?” And as I’m writing this, it’s Friday. TGIF.

Somewhere in the middle of the week I had to remind myself of something I say to my kids all the time when they’re dealing with drama with friends. Before they go into the conversation, I always ask them one simple question: What do you actually want the outcome to be?

When you don’t know the outcome you’re aiming for, it’s easy to get pulled into the weeds with conflict. Suddenly the conversation becomes about every little detail — who said what, when it happened, who started it. It turns into the classic “he said, she said” spiral that usually just makes things worse.

But when you walk into a conversation already clear on the end goal, everything changes. Instead of reacting to every comment, you start guiding the conversation toward where it needs to land. I see it with my kids all the time. Maybe they’re upset with a friend and the instinct is to defend every detail or list everything the other person did wrong. But once they stop and think about the outcome they actually want — whether that’s staying friends, clearing the air, or simply moving forward — the tone of the conversation shifts immediately.

The same thing happens in business. Maybe there’s tension with a team member, a partner, or a client. If you walk into that conversation focused on proving who was right, it almost always escalates. But if the real goal is maintaining trust, solving the problem, and strengthening the relationship, the conversation naturally moves toward solutions instead of blame.

Think about something that happens all the time in our industry: someone deciding to leave a salon. Without thinking about the end goal, the conversation can go sideways fast. The stylist might come in defensive, explaining every frustration and every moment they felt unsupported. The owner might respond emotionally, pointing out everything they invested in that stylist. Suddenly the conversation becomes a scorecard of the past instead of a plan for the future.

But if the stylist walks in knowing the end goal is to leave on good terms and preserve the relationship, the conversation sounds very different. Instead of arguing details, they can say, “I’ve learned so much here and I’m really grateful for that. I’m at a point where I feel like I need to try something new, and I want to make sure I transition the right way and keep our relationship strong.” Same situation. Completely different outcome.

Most people don’t think about conversations this way. They just get pulled into the argument and react in real time without any roadmap. And then hours — sometimes years — get wasted reliving the same disagreements that never really needed to happen in the first place.

This approach actually comes straight from Habit #2 in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey — “Begin with the End in Mind.” The idea is simple but powerful: when you’re clear on the destination, you can reverse engineer the path to get there. Instead of getting caught in emotion or details that don’t matter, you steer the conversation toward the outcome that actually matters.

There’s psychology behind this too. When people feel attacked, the brain shifts into a defensive response and logical thinking drops. That’s when conversations spiral and people stop listening to each other. But when people feel heard and the conversation is anchored around a shared outcome, it lowers that defensiveness and makes resolution possible.

As leaders — we are all leaders in our own circles — conflict resolution becomes one of the most important life skills we develop. The ability to navigate tension without escalating it shapes our relationships, our teams, and our businesses.

So if you’ve been feeling a little extra conflict energy lately like I have, I encourage you to try this strategy the next time you walk into a tough conversation. Before you say a word, pause and ask yourself one simple question: What outcome do I actually want here? Do you want to preserve the relationship? Clear the air? Solve the problem? Move forward?

Once you’re clear on the destination, you can reverse engineer the conversation to get there instead of getting pulled into details that don’t actually matter.

Sometimes the smallest mindset shift completely changes how a conversation unfolds.

xoxo

-Jen Martinelli 

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🚀 The Shift: Weekly Mindset + Strategy Upgrade.

The Shift: Don’t Walk Into Conflict Without a Roadmap

Most people walk into tough conversations without any roadmap.

Something happens, emotions rise, and suddenly the conversation becomes a debate about every tiny detail of the past. Who said what. When it happened. Who started it. Before long, the conversation isn’t solving anything — it’s just escalating.

The shift is simple: decide the destination before the conversation runs away from you.

Sometimes you have time to think about this ahead of time. But most of the time conflict happens right in the moment. That’s when the skill becomes pausing long enough to ask yourself where the conversation actually needs to go.

Here’s a simple way to practice it.

1. Pause long enough to identify the real outcome you want.Even if the conversation is already happening, take a second to think about what success actually looks like. Is the goal to preserve the relationship? Clear up a misunderstanding? Solve the problem? Leave a situation professionally? Most arguments spiral because no one ever defines the outcome they’re trying to reach.

2. Separate the goal from the emotion.Your feelings are valid, but they shouldn’t drive the structure of the conversation. When emotion leads, the discussion becomes about proving who is right. When the goal leads, the conversation becomes about solving the problem.

3. Reverse engineer how you communicate.Once you know the outcome you want, the way you communicate changes. If the goal is to preserve the relationship, the tone needs to reflect that. If the goal is resolution, the questions should focus on solutions instead of blame.

4. Bring the conversation back to the outcome when it drifts.Most conflicts naturally drift back into details and accusations. When that happens, gently bring the conversation back to the outcome. Sometimes it’s as simple as saying, “What I really want here is for us to figure this out and move forward.”

When you approach conversations this way, something powerful happens. Instead of getting pulled into endless arguments, you start guiding the conversation toward resolution.

And the truth is, most arguments aren’t really about the issue at all. They happen because nobody stopped to define the destination first.

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🎙️ In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)

👀 In Case You Missed It

Some of the most watched education sessions this week focused on skills that immediately grow revenue behind the chair — blonding, retail strategy, consultations, and service upgrades. If you missed them live, they’re worth catching on demand.

💻 Beyond Online Retail: Grow Bookings, Retail & Loyalty — SalonInteractiveThis session explored how automated marketing and integrated retail systems can drive more color bookings, product sales, and long-term client loyalty without adding manual work to a stylist’s day.

✨ Lift & Tone Pro Connect — RedkenA deep dive into the Blonde IQ system and Redken’s full lightener portfolio, helping stylists confidently choose the right product and application strategy for consistent, high-quality blonding results.

🌿 Volume & Versatility — BiolageFocused on styling techniques that help stylists create volume, texture, and retail opportunities while recommending the right products for each client.

🎨 Blond Studio Essentials — L'Oréal ProfessionnelA technical session exploring how to select the right lightener for different hair types and desired results, helping stylists elevate their lightening artistry.

💨 Reset Without the Redo — Living ProofQuick styling strategies and blow-dry hacks designed for busy salon days, showing how stylists can refresh styles without a full wash service.

💡 Shades ALK & Shades EQ Education — RedkenMultiple sessions this week focused on glossing and demi color strategies, showing how stylists can expand service menus and increase revenue through glossing services.

📚 Trend we’re noticing:The most popular classes right now aren’t just technical — they’re focused on services that drive revenue per client visit: blonding systems, retail consultations, treatment upgrades, and faster styling services.

Because behind the chair, the real win isn’t just learning a technique — it’s learning how that technique grows your business.

👉 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).

Why People Need to See You More Than Once

One of the biggest misconceptions in marketing is that someone will take action the first time they see your message. In reality, that almost never happens.

Marketing research across platforms like HubSpot and insights shared by digital strategist Neil Patel consistently show the same pattern: people typically need to encounter a brand multiple times before making a decision.

You may have heard the old “Rule of 7,” which suggests someone needs to see a message several times before taking action. Today the number is often even higher because people are exposed to thousands of messages every day.

This is why consistency matters more than intensity. One post rarely converts. One email rarely books an appointment. One video rarely lands a client. But when someone repeatedly sees your work, your education, your client transformations, and your voice over time, familiarity turns into trust — and trust drives decisions.

Modern marketers call this the customer journey. Someone might first discover you through social media, later see an email, then watch a class or portfolio video, and finally click when the timing is right. None of those touchpoints work alone — but together they build momentum.

So the real marketing question isn’t “Did this post convert?” It’s “Did this move someone one step closer?”

Here are a few things you can try this week.

1. Reinforce your message across multiple channels.If you’re announcing something — a class, promotion, or opportunity — don’t post it once and move on. Share it multiple ways. A post showing the work. A short video explaining the service. An email reminder. A client transformation. The repetition helps people remember.

2. Turn one idea into five pieces of content.One client transformation could become: a before-and-after post, a quick styling tip video, a caption explaining the process, a story highlight, and an email feature. The idea isn’t creating more work — it’s extending the visibility of the same message.

3. Use AI to generate new angles on your message.Instead of writing one caption or email, use AI to generate variations you can rotate over time.

Try a prompt like this:

"Write five different social media captions promoting a blonding service. Each should have a different angle: education, transformation story, client confidence, maintenance tips, and stylist expertise."

Now you have five touchpoints instead of one.

4. Map your client journey.Ask yourself: where might someone first discover you? Instagram? A class? A referral? A portfolio? Then think about the next two places they might encounter your work. When you intentionally create those touchpoints, marketing starts to feel less random and more strategic.

The takeaway: the goal of marketing isn’t to convince someone in a single moment.

It’s to show up consistently enough that when someone finally needs what you offer, you’re the person they already trust.

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What we're learning from Hiring  Funnels: 

Before many salon owners discover a different way to hire, the experience usually starts the same way.On the surface, it looks like salons and beauty businesses have more applicants than ever. Platforms like Indeed make it incredibly easy for someone to click “Apply” in seconds.

At first, that feels like progress. Notifications start coming in. Applications pile up. The funnel looks full.

But after talking with hundreds of salon owners, we hear the same pattern again and again.

Many applicants don’t remember applying. There was no conversation. No connection. Someone simply clicked a button while scrolling through jobs.What initially feels like momentum often turns into frustration — interviews don’t happen, messages go unanswered, and candidates disappear. 

The funnel looks active, but the relationships were never built. That’s the moment many businesses realize the system itself is broken.

📊 The Broken Funnel

In our Data Driven sessions, we analyzed hiring patterns across salons and beauty businesses. The pattern is consistent.

High application volume does not equal high hiring success.

Businesses using one-click application platforms often report:

• Large numbers of applicants• Low interview show rates• High candidate ghosting• Very little cultural alignment

This is the Burned Out Brenda funnel. Endless resumes. Endless sorting. Endless frustration. Lots of activity — very little progress.

🤖 AI Is Quietly Breaking the Resume

Another shift is happening at the same time. AI tools now allow people to generate full resumes in seconds. That means hiring managers are increasingly evaluating documents that look impressive but reveal very little about the person behind them.

The resume used to be a signal. Today it’s often just a template. This is why many businesses are starting to feel like hiring has become harder — even though there are technically more applicants.

🌎 The Rise of the Phygital Professional

Today’s workforce lives in both the physical and digital world at the same time. We call this the phygital native.

Before applying, people want to:

• See the environment• Understand the culture• Watch videos of the team• Explore real work and portfolios

They want to know who they’re working with before they step into the conversation.

🔥 The Funnel That’s Actually Working

The businesses seeing the strongest hiring results today are doing something different.

Instead of collecting resumes, they focus on intentional traffic and human connection first.

Candidates see the team.They watch a video.They explore real work.They understand the environment.

Then they choose to apply. That’s the Blazing Beautista funnel. Not more applicants — better alignment. Because hiring today isn’t really a document process anymore.

It’s a trust process.

💡 What To Try This Week

If you’re hiring, try this simple shift: Instead of posting a job description alone, create one piece of human content that shows the opportunity.

Film a quick video.Introduce the team.Show the space.Explain the culture.

When people can see the environment before they apply, the funnel changes completely. Less noise. More alignment.

👉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

Here are a few standout education sessions happening this week if you’re looking to sharpen your skills behind the chair or grow your business.

K18 University: Intro to Innovative Haircare

📅 March 9 | 11:00 AM EDT

A deep dive into the science of hair damage and how K18PEPTIDE™ technology repairs hair at the molecular level. Great for stylists who want to understand both the science and the service strategy behind K18.

The Science of Styling with ghd

📅 March 9 | 12:00 PM EDT

Ever wonder why 365°F is the magic number for styling tools? This class breaks down the technology behind heat styling and how to choose the right tools for different hair types.

Trichologist Secrets: What Every Stylist Should Know About Hair Loss

📅 March 9 | 2:00 PM EDT

Hair loss conversations are happening more often in the chair. This session explores scalp health, early warning signs of hair loss, and science-backed strategies to support long-term hair growth.

Business Builder: Fast Services, Big Impact

📅 March 11 | 12:00 PM EDT

Learn how quick refresh services can increase client loyalty and repeat bookings without adding more hours to your schedule.

Metal Detox Certification

📅 March 10 | 2:00 PM EDT

Understand how metals in the hair fiber affect color results and learn the Metal Detox protocol to create more predictable color outcomes.

👉 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 

Headlines Salon & Spa | Sartell, Minnesota

Looking for Hairstylists

Some salons talk about culture. Others quietly live it.

In an industry where burnout is real, some salons quietly build something different.

Headlines Salon & Spa has been part of the Sartell community for more than 30 years, serving a loyal client base and creating a workplace where stylists actually stay long-term. Several members of the team have been there 15–30+ years, which is one of the strongest signals of a healthy salon culture.

The salon has evolved into a hair-focused environment built on mentorship, consistency, and client relationships, making it a strong fit for both new graduates and experienced stylists looking for stability.

Why Stylists Apply Here

• Established client base – A busy salon with loyal guests built over three decades.• Team longevity – Many stylists have stayed 15–30+ years, reflecting a supportive culture.• Mentorship for newer stylists – Guidance and training instead of being thrown onto the floor.• Consistent scheduling – Predictable hours so you can actually plan life outside the salon.• Education throughout the year – In-salon classes to keep skills sharp and trends fresh.• Paid time off – Available for both part-time and full-time stylists based on hours worked.• Access to Minnesota state paid leave programs – Real benefits that support life outside work.• Team-first culture – A collaborative environment without ego or internal competition.

For stylists looking for a place where they can build a long-term career rather than just fill their books, Headlines represents something many professionals are actively searching for today: stability, mentorship, and community.

👉 Explore the opportunityhttps://beautista.com/opportunity-detail/headlines-salon-spa-hairstylist

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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

Liza Macawili Ramos | Makeup Artist, Esthetician, Lifelong Student

Southern California

👉 Explore Liza's Portfolio

One of the things we love most about the BEAUTISTA community is that it proves something important about this industry: You never stop evolving.

Liza Macawili Ramos is someone who has already spent more than two decades in beauty as a makeup artist and licensed esthetician in Southern California. She’s seen the industry from many angles — even serving as a NAHA judge in the makeup category for a full decade, helping recognize some of the most creative work in the industry.

But what makes Liza’s story special is that she didn’t stop there.

Instead of settling into what she already knew, she decided to expand her craft again. Today she’s finishing a cosmetology and barber program, graduating in April 2026 with perfect attendance — proving that mastery in beauty isn’t about standing still, it’s about staying curious.

That curiosity paid off when Liza earned a Wella Scholarship in 2025, and the video featured on her BEAUTISTA portfolio is the very submission that helped her win.

Her goal now is to blend makeup artistry, hair, and barbering into one creative skillset — continuing to grow long after many people would have stopped learning.

And that’s something we love to see. Because the best artists in this industry aren’t just talented — they’re always evolving.

👉 Explore Liza'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

Your BEAUTISTA portfolio isn’t just for when you’re looking for a job.

A lot of professionals think about updating their portfolio only when they’re actively searching for a new opportunity. But the truth is, your portfolio is something much bigger than that.

It’s a living record of your growth in the industry.

Every certification you earn, every class you attend, every transformation you create, every video you film — those moments add up. Over time, your portfolio becomes a representation of everything you’ve accomplished and everything you’re continuing to learn.

Think of it less like a resume and more like a celebration of your craft.

When you keep your portfolio updated regularly, something interesting happens. Opportunities start to find you — whether that’s a new client, a collaboration, an educator opportunity, or the next step in your career. And it doesn’t stop with the portfolio.

Many BEAUTISTAs are also using the BEAUTISTA Connect community to stay plugged into conversations with other professionals, join live education sessions, and build relationships across the industry.

Your portfolio shows your work. The community helps you grow it.

👉 Take a moment this week to update one thing on your portfolio — a recent class, a transformation, or a short video introducing yourself.

You’ll be surprised how quickly those small updates turn into momentum.

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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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