The reminder I needed about belonging (and leading).
- Jen Martinelli
- Nov 30, 2025
- 14 min read
"Great leaders don’t create followers.
They create room for people to become the best version of themselves."
🖤 From Jen: Speak Last, Lead Better. Hey BEAUTISTA Fam, Hope everyone had a beautiful Thanksgiving weekend. We had a great time with family, slowed down a bit, and tried to soak in the moments before the holiday chaos fully takes over again. At some point this weekend while I was scrolling (because the algorithm has me pegged), I saw this clip of Jeff Bezos talking about how in meetings, he speaks last. Not to be dramatic or mysterious — but because he knows if he goes first, everyone else will bend their ideas toward his. Not intentionally. Just… human nature. And it got me thinking about something much deeper that every single one of us craves: psychological safety. Feeling like your voice actually matters - feeling like you are in a safe place to share your ideas and be heard. And this took me back to the place where BEAUTISTA began. If you've heard my story (I share this in our BEAUTISTA Curriculum) you know that growing up, I didn’t feel like I had a voice. My parents had me as teenagers, and my immigrant grandmother helped raise me. Somewhere along the way, I created the story that I was “less than.” I learned to shrink. Stay quiet. Avoid taking up space. And unless someone teaches you differently, those patterns follow you right into adulthood... unless something — or someone — teaches you otherwise. BEAUTISTA exists because of that. We built this company so people in our industry — students, stylists, educators, owners — could have the one thing I didn’t have growing up: A place to be heard. A place to be seen. A place to belong. And the wildest part is… the more I’ve opened up about that part of my childhood, the more messages I get from people saying, “I felt the same way.” People who are brilliant and talented and creative — who still carry pieces of that old version of themselves. That’s why I really loved this reminder from Bezos. Not because it’s clever leadership advice. But because one person choosing to listen first literally changes the room. That one teacher who lets a shy student finish their sentence. That one salon owner who gives an assistant space to share an idea. That one friend who asks, “What do you think?” That one manager who doesn’t dismiss or overpower. That one educator who spots potential before the student sees it themselves. Those moments change people. They change confidence. They change careers. They change entire cultures. BEAUTISTA isn’t just fixing hiring — we’re building cultures where voices matter, where belonging is the norm, and where the next generation doesn’t grow up feeling the way so many of us once did. So this week, I’m reminding myself to listen first. To make space. To be the person I needed when I was younger. And if you’re reading this — whether you’re a student, a new pro, a salon owner, an educator, or somewhere in between — you have the power to do the same. That’s how you change someone’s week.Sometimes… that’s how you change someone’s life. xoxo -Jen Martinelli _______________________________________________________________________________ 🚀 The Shift: Weekly Mindset + Strategy Upgrade.How to Lead and Listen — Without Losing the Room One of the biggest misconceptions about psychological safety is this idea that we’re supposed to stand back and let everyone “figure it out.” But anyone who’s ever worked with a brand-new assistant, a beauty school freshman, or a first-year stylist knows: Some people need guidance first… but they also need space to grow into their voice. Here’s the balance that works — in salons, in schools, even at home: 1. Start with a clear frame.Not control… clarity. This is where YOU lead.You set the goal, the direction, or the expectation. Example:“Today we’re focused on client experience.”“Let’s map out next week’s goals.”“Here’s what we’re walking into.” This grounds the interaction so nobody feels lost. 2. Then invite their voice inside the frame.This is where they speak first. Example:“What part of this feels easiest to you?”“What do you think would make the biggest impact?”“Where do you want to grow next?”“What’s one idea you have for this?” This is how you prevent overwhelm and build confidence. People don’t need a blank stage. They need a runway with lights. 3. Then guide, teach, build, or redirect. This is where your expertise comes in — but now it lands differently. They're open. They’re engaged. They're invested. Because they were invited in. And that’s the exact moment where confidence grows — and culture grows with it. Because when someone feels guided but not controlled, supported but not silenced, seen but not pressured …that’s when they show up as their BEST self. And let’s be real — that’s when the magic happens behind the chair, in the classroom, in the team meeting, and even in the client consultation. One sentence you can use anywhere (schools, salons, home):“Here’s where we’re going — but first, tell me what you’re thinking.”That line alone builds belonging, confidence, initiative, and creativity… without sacrificing structure or standards. ______________________________________________________________________________ 🎙️ In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)  Why They Stay — Retention Secrets Every Beauty Leader Should Know If this week’s TRIMM hit home for you — the part about listening first, creating space, and building cultures where people can become the best version of themselves — then this replay is one you’ll want to revisit. Back in June, we hosted one of the most powerful sessions of the year with Jen Groover: Why They Stay — 5 Retention Secrets Every Beauty Business Owner Needs to Know It’s all about understanding what keeps stylists loyal, engaged, and growing… and why culture will always outperform paychecks, perks, or pretty branding. This session breaks down how to create the kind of environment where people don’t just work —they thrive… and stay. What You’ll Learn:⭐ Why stylists really leave (and why some eventually come back)⭐ The culture builders that matter most⭐ How flexible scheduling, clear goals & recognition fuel motivation⭐ Why ongoing education turns your team into lifelong advocates⭐ How leadership, emotional intelligence & communication drive loyalty If you’re a salon or school leader — or even a stylist who wants to understand team dynamics better — this replay is a blueprint for building belonging, stability, and trust. 👉 Watch the replay — and start building the culture people never want to leave. _______________________________________________________________________________ 💻 Tech-Forward: Where tech meets beauty (and your next big move begins). AI That Writes the Scripts You Wish You Had. One of the biggest struggles for beauty pros — students, new stylists, even seasoned ones — isn’t the craft. They struggle with the words. The color? Easy.The foils? Muscle memory.The blowout? Automatic. But the moment a client is late…or wants more than you have time for…or pushes back on pricing…or cancels last minute…or you need to follow up without sounding desperate… That’s when everything tightens. That’s where confidence cracks. This is why salons create scripts and why teams cling to them like gold. And this is exactly where AI becomes one of the most powerful tools you can have in your back pocket. Because with one prompt, you can create a script that’s confident, kind, and perfectly aligned with your brand’s voice — without the overthinking spiral. If you’ve ever heard our friend Daniel Mason Jones speak, you know what I mean. He can take a tough situation and turn it into something calm and respectful, like: “I value you and I want to make sure you leave with the best result. Since we’re starting 20 minutes behind, here’s what we can do beautifully today — and we’ll book the rest for next time so you get the outcome you deserve.” That kind of leadership comes from language — the right words, in the right tone, said with confidence. Here are prompts you can drop into ChatGPT to build your own DMJ-level scripts: Cancellation policy reminder“Help me explain my cancellation policy in a way that is respectful, calm, and confident — without sounding apologetic.” Client arrives late“Rewrite this message so it clearly explains that I no longer have time for the full service, but without making the client feel blamed. Make it kind, reassuring, and focused on what's still possible.” Protecting your time or adjusting a service“Create a script that explains why I need to adjust or reschedule part of their service — warm, professional, and rooted in wanting the best outcome.” Following up with a potential hire“Write a short, warm follow-up message to a stylist I spoke with — confident, not salesy.” Coaching a student or assistant“Rewrite this feedback in a way that builds confidence instead of shutting them down.” Selling Retail (Without Feeling “Salesy”) “Create a script I can say out loud that sounds confident, warm, and educational — something like: ‘I want to make sure your hair looks just as good at home as it does here.’ Make the recommendation feel personalized, supportive, and rooted in care.” Why this matters:Scripts don’t just solve a moment. They build culture. They teach people how to communicate with clarity instead of fear. They teach students how to set boundaries without guilt. They teach new stylists how to advocate for themselves. They teach salon owners how to lead with heart, not pressure. And when communication gets easier… confidence rises. Anxiety drops. Teams feel supported. Clients feel cared for. And culture gets stronger — instantly. Because sometimes the thing that unlocks someone’s potential isn’t a new technique… It’s just giving them the right words. _______________________________________________________________________________  What we're learning from Hiring Funnels: Why Your Job Ad Copy Matters More Than Ever Every week inside our BEAUTISTA hiring funnels, we see hundreds of messages from stylists, students, and beauty pros responding to job opportunities — and something is becoming very, very clear: People don’t want a “job posting.” They want a human connection with the place they might work. This DM we got on behalf of a BEAUTISTA PREMIUM says it all: “When I read about the salon…the words resonated so strongly in my heart… I’m an artist by nature… I’m looking for a smaller salon… I love everything about the space.” She wasn't responding to bullet points. She wasn't responding to “requirements: 1–3 years experience.” She was responding to alignment, identity, and purpose. And our data supports it — consistently. 1. Connection-based copy converts. Traditional job posts don’tAcross all BEAUTISTA Premium campaigns, the job listings with story-driven, culture-first descriptions consistently generate: 📌 Higher messaging conversations📌 More completed BEAUTISTA applications📌 More students & stylists who give full, thoughtful responses (like the example above) Meanwhile, job ads written like old-school Indeed posts pull in: ❌ short replies❌ lower-quality candidates❌ people who bounce before applying This mirrors general workforce research:
2.What is a Phygital Native? (And why it matters here.) Before you think this is “just Gen Z,” it’s not. A Phygital Native is anyone who moves seamlessly between digital life and real life — which is ALL of us now. We make decisions through a mix of: 📲 Instagram📲 BEAUTISTA portfolios📲 Video📲 Community📲 Vibe📲 Language📲 Values And then we consider applying. By the time they message you? They’ve already decided whether they feel like they belong. That’s why your job ad copy matters. It’s literally your first impression. 3. Purpose-led language attracts purpose-led talent.This is why BEAUTISTA works. That message didn’t happen by accident. It happened because:
That’s exactly the talent salons say they “can’t find.” And it’s exactly what shows up when your job listing speaks their language. When we help salons rewrite their job copy, we shift them from: “Looking for a stylist. Must have experience. Must be professional. ---> to: “If you’re an artist at heart, want to be seen for your talent, and want to grow in a supportive culture — this is your home.” 4. The data doesn’t lie: humans choose connection. Inside the BEAUTISTA funnel:
The takeaway for every beauty business?Write your job post like you’re speaking to a person — not filling an HR template.** The generation entering this industry doesn’t want to be hired. They want to belong. And that’s what BEAUTISTA does best —We help salons articulate who they really are… so the right people can feel it. 👉 See what every empty chair is costing you → Employee Loss Calculator 👉Book a 20-min audit with Matt → Optimize you Job ad copy _______________________________________________________________________________ 🔥 What’s Happening: Virtual Live Events You Don’t Want to Miss  Next Live Virtual ClassA Mental Health Hour That Keeps you Going Inspiration = Longevity: Avoid Beauty Industry Burnout This Holiday SeasonTOMORROW Dec 2 • 12PM ET 👉 Save your seat — Register now The holidays have a way of pulling us in every direction at once. Clients need you. Family needs you. Your goals need you. And suddenly you look up and think, “How am I supposed to keep doing this pace?” That’s exactly why these HEAD UP x BEAUTISTA sessions matter so much — they’re not fluff, they’re fuel. Every time we host one, my phone lights up with messages like: “I didn’t realize how burnt out I was until this.”“This helped me reset.”“I SO needed this hour.” One hour… and people walk back into their life with more calm, clarity, and capacity than they had before. This next class is about something deeper: longevity — how to last in this industry with your passion, your energy, and your creativity intact. And of course, it’s led by our friend Daniel Mason-Jones, who brings heart, wisdom, humor, and a level of honesty that always hits right where you need it. This isn’t the same session as last time — this one is the roadmap for finishing the year without burning out… and starting 2026 with actual peace. In this session, you (and your team) will learn: ✨ The 5 self-care systems high-performers swear by✨ How to set your 2026 career goals without overwhelm✨ What work-life balance actually looks like in beauty✨ How to protect your energy, passion, and creativity for the long run If you’re a business or school leader — bring your team. Taking one hour for mental wellness isn’t a “nice to have.” It’s a culture statement: We care about you as a human, not just a producer. Because when beauty pros feel supported, they stay longer, create better, and show up fuller. 🌿 Join us → Inspiration = LongevityYour future self (and your team) will truly thank you. 👉 Save your seat — Register now _______________________________________________________________________________ 🌟 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 — Tease Hair Boutique (Norwell, MA)Opportunity: ✅ Hairstylist ✅ Associate Tease Hair Boutique is one of those salons where the second you land on their BEAUTISTA page, you feel the energy. Trend-forward. Award-winning. Growth-obsessed. And rooted in the kind of culture people stay in for years because they’re supported, seen, and developed. This month, they’ve opened two roles: ⭐ Hairstylist — For the Stylist Looking for “Their Place”If you want:
…this is your role. Many of their stylists hit six figures doing work they love.If growth, flexibility, and a supportive culture matter to you — you’ll feel right at home here. 👉 See the full role: Hairstylist at Tease Hair Boutique 🌱 Associate — Learn, Grow & Jump-Start Your CareerIf you’re a newer stylist, fresh grad, or early in your career — Tease is one of the best places to launch. Why? Because Summit salons excel at:✨ Hands-on mentorship✨ Real, structured growth paths✨ Skill-building systems✨ Coaching that builds confidence — not pressure You won’t just be “helping in the back.” You’ll be learning, growing, and building the foundation for a long, successful career. Why Tease Stands Out
This is the kind of salon people dream of joining — stylish, supportive, and built for long-term success. If you’re looking for your next chapter… Watch this space. ____________________________________________________________________________  🎤 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  Sha’Tel DePrincess Washington D.C.–Maryland–Virginia (DMV) Area • Licensed Beauty Professional • 12 Years Experience This week, we’re spotlighting Sha’Tel DePrincess, a seasoned beauty professional newly relocated from Connecticut to the DMV — and already making waves inside the BEAUTISTA community. Sha’Tel brings over a decade of experience in makeup, hairstyling, lash artistry, and brow services, with a career that has taken her everywhere from weddings and fashion shows to TV/film sets, photoshoots, and even the NBA Draft. Her work blends technique, artistry, and heart — and that shows up everywhere in her portfolio. What stands out most about Sha’Tel is her deep commitment to both her craft and her clients. Even with 12 years in the industry, she still considers herself a lifelong student, always learning, refining, and expanding her skills. She leads with intention, grounded in faith and purpose, and you can feel that in every part of her story. Her specialties:✨ Lash Extensions✨ Makeup Application (Soft glam → Full glam)✨ Blowouts✨ Cutting & Styling Her background:🎓 Brio Academy of Cosmetology🎓 Artistry Makeup Academy📍 Now building her network + career in the Virginia / DMV area 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
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.
__________________________________________________________________________
📊 Last Weeks Poll 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