The quote I reach for when doubt gets loud.
- Jen Martinelli
- Nov 11, 2025
- 11 min read
“If you’re not in the arena getting your a** kicked, I’m not interested in your feedback."
🖤 From Jen: The Man in the Arena.
Hey BEAUTISTA Fam,
I was walking around my home office the other day thinking about artwork for the walls, and one quote came to mind immediately — one I’ve carried with me for years. It’s something I return to when I’m stretching outside my comfort zone… or when people on the sidelines start getting loud.
It’s Theodore Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena.” Every time I read it, I feel it in my bones.
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
Every time I read this, I picture the risk-takers… the underdogs… the builders… the ones who keep showing up even when it’s hard. The people who care enough to try — who put their work into the world knowing it won’t always be perfect.
Because the critics? They’re not in the arena with us. They’re safe in the seats, commenting from a clean distance. The only voices that matter are the ones in the arena with you — the people who are also trying, failing, learning, creating, getting back up. Everyone else… is just noise.
"Marred by dust and sweat and blood.” Because that’s what real effort looks like — messy, emotional, unglamorous. Growth doesn’t happen in the cheap seats. It happens with your hands in the work… heart beating fast… not knowing if it will work but showing up anyway.
I remind my kids of this all the time: Don’t take criticism or advice from someone who’s never been where you want to go. If you fail — fail daring greatly. If you succeed — know you earned it through dedication and courage. Because courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is feeling the fear...and doing it anyway. I don’t know about you, but when I look back someday, I want to be proud that I spent my time being courageous — daring greatly.
But either way, you’re in the arena, which already puts you worlds ahead of the timid souls who never try. So if you’re building something… if you’re learning new skills… if you’re putting yourself out there… and you’re feeling the dust and sweat — maybe even a little blood — just know: You are exactly where growth lives. The arena is where you become.
xoxo
-Jen Martinelli
__________________________________________________________________________________
🚀 The Shift: Weekly Mindset + Strategy Upgrade.
Choose the Arena + Filter the Noise.
This week, try this two-part practice:
1. Filter the voices
Before you take in someone’s feedback or opinion, pause and ask: “Is this person actually in the arena?”, Are they putting themselves out there?, Taking risks?, Learning + trying + failing + getting back up?
If yes → listen.If no → let it go.
Critics sitting in the stands don’t get a vote. Your energy is too valuable to spend on commentary from people who’ve never done what you’re trying to do. Keep only the voices that build courage, not fear.
2. Take one tiny brave step
When self-doubt creeps in, or you hear the imaginary critics, try this reframe: “I’m choosing the arena.”
Then take one micro-action:– Post your work– Ask for the opportunity– Apply– Reach out to someone you admire– Practice a skill– Say yes
Don’t wait to feel ready. The arena rewards action — not polish. Because every time you choose a tiny step forward, you’re strengthening the muscle that matters most: the courage to keep going.
__________________________________________________________________________________
💻 Tech-Forward:
Where tech meets beauty (and your next big move begins).
Your Portfolio = Your Proof
If “the arena” is where growth happens…your portfolio is the proof you were there. And here’s the real talk: We meet so many pros who say…
“I’m not ready yet.”“I need to get better first.”“I’ll post once it’s perfect.”
But perfection is a stall tactic. You don’t get ready before you step into the arena — you get ready by stepping into it. Even if you miss. Even if you fail. You’ll get there faster than the people waiting on the sidelines. Because your portfolio isn’t just for jobs — it’s your living record of:
Reps
Growth
Evolving taste
Courage
It’s proof of work, not proof of perfection. No white gloves. No pretending.
This Week — Add One Thing
Pick ONE:
A look you did
A class you took
A model you worked on
A transformation you’re proud of
A reel / photo you almost posted
Upload it. Title it. Done. - That’s an arena rep.
If You’re a Beauty Pro - Your portfolio is your:
Website
Gallery
Résumé
Calling card
It helps clients discover you, book you, and trust you. Even if you’re early in your career — showing up consistently is what accelerates your growth.
If You’re a Business Owner: Your team’s portfolios tell the story of your brand.
Link them on your:
Meet the Team page
Hiring page
Socials
Clients choose people, not buildings. Portfolios help them find the right fit — and walk into your salon already trusting your team.
If You Want To Become an Educator - Brands and schools don’t want perfection —
they want proof:
Can you:
Do great work?
Teach what you know?
Share your passion consistently?
A strong portfolio accelerates that journey. It shows your POV, your technical range, your growth.It gives decision-makers something to say yes to.
60-Second AI Help
Ask AI to help you caption it: “Write a short caption for my BEAUTISTA portfolio describing this look in plain language. Include what I learned, who it’s good for, and a soft CTA to book.”
One upload a week = 52 receipts this year. Show your work. Fail forward. Build proof as you grow. That’s arena energy.
__________________________________________________________________________________
What we're learning from Hiring Funnels:
Top-of-Funnel Win: The Highest-Converting Career Pages Do 3 Simple Things
We’ve been studying traffic → applicant → interview rates across BEAUTISTA funnels, and one pattern keeps showing up: Career pages that convert best aren’t the fanciest — they’re the clearest.
When career pages do these 3 things well, applicant volume + quality both go up:
1. Lead With WHY — Not Logistics
Most salons open with: “We’re hiring. Flexible schedule. Commission structure.”
But the pages converting best start with: “Here’s who we are. Here’s what we believe. Here’s why this is a great place to grow.”
Because stylists aren’t just choosing a job… They’re choosing belonging + mentorship + identity.
Big shift: Tell them the story before you tell them the structure.
2. Show Real Humans — Not Stock Photos
We’ve seen it repeatedly: Career pages with real team videos → get more applicants.
Why? Because pros want to SEE who they’ll be working next to. And here’s the good news — The best-performing videos are not polished or over-produced.
They’re simple:
A stylist talking about why they love working there
A peek into the breakroom
A team laughing after a class
It signals: This is a safe space. You’ll fit here. That alone increases conversions.
3. Make the “Next Step” Stupid-Simple
When we studied the salons with the highest interview rates, they all had ONE thing: A single, clear CTA. Not:“Apply or call us or DM us or stop by.” Just: “Apply with your BEAUTISTA portfolio.”
One door → more people walk through it. Applicants don’t want to guess how to take the next step. A clear CTA increases the conversion dramatically.
Biggest Miss We Keep Seeing
Career pages that only speak to: “What we need.” The ones that win speak to:“Who you can become here.” Career growth > job tasks. Every time.
Why this matters
The top of your hiring funnel isn’t just a billboard. It’s where a stylist decides: “Is this a place I can grow?” Answer that well →and everything downstream gets easier. More applicants. Better applicants. More interviews booked.
__________________________________________________________________________________
🔥 What’s Happening:
Virtual Live Events You Don’t Want to Miss
Next Live Virtual Class
The Salon Hiring Disruption: What’s Working Now—And What’s NextMonday, Nov 10 • 12:00 PM ET • Free • Live Online
Hiring shouldn’t be this hard.Resumés are outdated. Job posts get ghosted. Interviews? Half the time, no one shows up.Meanwhile, the best beauty pros are skipping job boards entirely—and showing up with video portfolios, purpose, and data to back it up.
So why are we still hiring like it’s 2012?
This exclusive webinar brings the Data Driven 2025 stage conversation straight to your screen—what’s actually working right now, and what’s next for salons that want to stay ahead.
You’ll walk away with:✨ A new hiring playbook built for today’s beauty landscape✨ How AI, video, and performance data are reshaping recruitment✨ The 3 biggest hiring mistakes owners still make—and how to fix them✨ What to look for instead of resumés to attract talent with culture fit and staying power
Who it’s for:Salon/spa owners, hiring managers, and leaders who want faster, smarter, and more human hiring.
_________________________________________________________________________________
🌟 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)
Add “Scalp + Growth Consult” to your menu (10 mins).
Print a QR at the front desk → links to your recommended kit.
Post a 15–30s “how I use it” clip to your BEAUTISTA portfolio + IG.
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
__________________________________________________________________________________
👀 Watch This Space
(Jobs Worth Seeing)
👀 Watch This Space —Swerve Salon — 📍 Old Town, Chicago, IL
Roles Open: ✅ Experienced Hairstylist (Featured) — FT or PT ✅ Associate Stylist ✅ Guest Experience Coordinator
Apply Via: [Apply with my Portfolio]
Where Growth Meets Good Vibes
There are salons that look the part… and then there are salons that live it. Swerve Salon sits in the heart of Old Town — steps from restaurants, foot traffic, and an endless stream of new guests (300+ new guests per month!). It’s the kind of place where a stylist can build a full clientele fast, without sacrificing balance or culture.
What makes Swerve special is the mix of high-end artistry + real-human warmth.It’s modern and stylish — but still feels like a neighborhood salon where people know your name and cheer for your growth. “At Swerve, we’re all about creativity, growth, and good vibes.”
This isn’t black-on-black-uniform energy. It’s come as you are, grow together, and make great hair happen.
Why Stylists Love It Here:
✅ 300+ new guests monthly — build FAST
✅ Trips to top academies (hello, NYC)
✅ One-on-one mentorship + national training
✅ Four-day workweeks possible — some skip Saturdays
✅ Six-figure earning potential
✅ Health insurance, PTO, 401(k) w/ match, AFLAC
✅ Advanced education culture — they invest in YOU
Swerve is ideal for stylists who want:• High-quality clients• Real education + coaching• A flexible schedule• A drama-free, collaborative team
A Team Worth Joining
This is the culture most stylists dream of:
• Down-to-earth• Education-first• Zero attitude• Big future
Whether you’re building your book or ready to accelerate into six-figure territory, Swerve creates a runway — and gives you the support to take off. If you’re ready for your next chapter… this might be your sign.
__________________________________________________________________________________
🎤 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
Emily Wagner — Iowa City, IA
Lived-in color | Men’s cuts | Bridal styling
Some people stumble into beauty. Emily ran toward it. She spent two years studying in the medical field at the University of Iowa because she knew she wanted to help people… but something felt off. The science was there — but the creativity, the connection, the joy-in-the-everyday? Missing.
So she followed the spark. What started as doing hair and nails for friends out of her apartment became a pull she couldn’t ignore. She enrolled at PCI Academy, and everything clicked. Confidence. Community. Craft. And she’s been all-in ever since.
At school, Emily has earned: (see these on her portfolio :) )• Dean’s List (twice!)• PCI Top Performer• Top Retail + Top Referrals• Highest Average Ticket• Level 4 Student Provider
Translation? She’s not just talented. She shows up. She learns fast. She cares. Her favorite services — lived-in color, men’s cuts, and special occasion styling — reflect her personality: intentional, polished, and deeply people-centered. Emily believes every guest should leave her chair feeling seen, understood, and valued… the inside-out version of beautiful.
Before beauty school, she ran a local bakery, managing staff, serving customers, and handling catering orders — which explains her calm confidence with people and her service-first mindset. Whether mixing batter or balayage, she’s always been hands-on, precise, and dedicated.
Today, she’s graduating with a 4.0 GPA and a full heart — ready to step into the professional arena and keep growing.
You can feel her joy in every sentence, every image, every story she tells. Emily isn’t just learning beauty… she’s building a life around it.
📍 Iowa City, IA✨
Open to opportunity
📸 IG: @beauty_by_emilyw
👉 View her portfolio on BEAUTISTA
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 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
For Business Owners + Hiring Managers who are saying this:
“I listed my opportunity on BEAUTISTA, but I didn’t get applicants.”
Totally fair question — and here’s the simple truth: There are two different BEAUTISTA Offerings:
BEAUTISTA Organic (DIY)
You have an opportunity page + QR code.
You drive your own traffic — just like you do with your website.
You post, you share, you show up in schools + community channels.
BEAUTISTA Premium (We Drive Traffic For You)
We run the ads, manage the funnel, AND personally follow upwith every applicant.
On average, Premium delivers 4–10 qualified applicants in the first 8 weeks.
So when a business says: “I didn’t get applicants on my Organic page…” It’s the same as saying: “I didn’t get new clients from my website.” The website didn’t fail. It just wasn’t being driven to.
Organic is your digital storefront — but visibility only happens when you send traffic there.
Premium is when you hand us the keys and we become your recruitment marketing team. For busy leaders wearing 15 hats, Premium is usually the smarter ROI. But either way, BEAUTISTA gives you the modern tools.
The difference is simply: DIY traffic — or done-for-you traffic. So if you’re using Organic and not seeing applicants yet —you’re not doing it wrong. You just haven’t turned on the gas. And if you don’t have the time or energyto drive attention yourself? We built Premium for exactly that reason. Because great talent doesn’t come from “posting and hoping.” It comes from treating hiring like marketing — and having a strategy around it.
If you want to see which option makes the most sense for your business,→ 👉 Book a 20-min audit with Matt → Get your traffic plan
_________________________________________________________________________________
🗣 Your Take
Vote here 👇– We'll share the results in the next TRIMM.
📊 Last weeks results
💌 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.
Comments