This week I felt behind
- Jen Martinelli
- Oct 18, 2025
- 10 min read
“Comparison is the thief of joy.”
🖤 From Jen: You're Not Late. You're Learning in Public.
Hey BEAUTISTA Fam,
I hear the same thing everywhere—from students, pros, owners: “I don’t feel good enough yet.” Same. Some days the inner critic is LOUD. That’s exactly why we built BEAUTISTA’s mindset curriculum and why we opened up BEAUTISTA Connect, our community app—the space where you can say the quiet stuff out loud and not be judged for it.
This week, I’ve watched posts inside BEAUTISTA Connect that were so honest they stopped me- “For a long time I didn’t believe in myself.” I’m seeing the same brave pattern: for a long time, many didn’t believe in themselves, felt “behind,” or measured their lives against someone else’s. Then they got curious, named a limiting belief, set one or two simple goals, and took a tiny step—post a portfolio, enroll in school, share a win. The comparison fog lifts when action starts. That’s why we built a curriculum that rewires mindset and a COMMUNITY where it’s safe to practice out loud.
Success is 80% mindset, 20% strategy. Easy to say when you’re winning. Hard to live when you’re in the middle—because 90% of the time, we’re all in the middle. And today we’re learning in public. Before social, you could test quietly, fail small, adjust, try again. every experiment is content, every flop sits next to the win. It messes with your head.
Lately I’ve felt it, too—life pressure, the “am I doing enough?”, "am I good enough?" loop, that monkey mind. When I feel myself slide, I go back to tools: a walk with no phone, ten quiet breaths, meditation, writing one honest paragraph, protecting my energy from anything (or anyone) that drains it. None of that makes the hard disappear. It just puts me back in the driver’s seat.
I’ve rewritten my story from victim to victory more than once. No one is coming to save me— YOU save YOURSELF. I know this..but still at times struggle. I have to choose the next step. If you’re in a dip right now, I see you. That’s why the curriculum exists. That’s why Connect exists. You have a place to land, learn, and try again.
When I feel the slide, I go back to tools: a walk with no phone, ten quiet breaths, one honest paragraph, protecting my energy from anything (or anyone) that drains it. None of that erases the hard. It just puts me back in the driver’s seat.
Here’s where I land: who we are is defined in the hard parts, not the highlight reel. Keep showing up. Keep testing. Keep your heart open and your reps consistent. You’re not behind—you’re becoming.
xoxo
-Jen Martinelli
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🚀 The Shift: Weekly Mindset + Strategy Upgrade.
How to Break the “I’m Not Enough” Loop
That unworthy spiral? You can’t think your way out — you have to pattern break. Here’s the exact practice high-performers use when their self-belief tanks:
1️⃣ Change Your State First
Move. Sprint. Cold shower. Blast a hype song.Emotion doesn't come from thought — it comes from state.
2️⃣ Prove Yourself Wrong in 5 Minutes
Set a 5-minute timer and do one bold action:
Send the DM
Post the idea
Apply for the opportunityAction kills self-doubt.
3️⃣ Rewrite the Question
Stop asking: “Am I good enough?”Ask: “What would I do right now if I already was?”Then do that.
This week, don’t wait to feel worthy.Act your way into belief.
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🎙️ In Case You Missed It (ICYMI)
Confidence = Clients: How to Silence Self-Doubt & Step Into Your Powerwith Daniel Mason-Jones (DMJ) & Head Up
If you don’t believe in you, why should your clients? This session tackled the real blockers—imposter syndrome, comparison, under-charging—and showed how confidence (not “perfect skill”) is the separator.
You’ll learn:
How to spot and rewrite the beliefs that keep you stuck
Simple swaps to go from “I’m not ready” → “I’m built for this”
Language for charging what you’re worth (without the wobble)
Daily confidence rituals you can actually keep
Or browse all upcoming + on-demand classes → https://beautista.com/classes
After you watch, add the certificate to your BEAUTISTA portfolio
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💻 Tech-Forward:
Where tech meets beauty (and your next big move begins).
Get Found in TikTok/IG Search (5-minute setup + AI prompts)
Why this matters (quick facts):
Younger clients increasingly search TikTok/IG like Google for local services. Google even said ~40% of young people start discovery on TikTok/IG for things like lunch spots—behavior that spills into beauty.
IG and TikTok have boosted keyword search (not just hashtags), so plain-language captions that answer questions now rank better.
Step 1: Write captions like answers (copy/paste)
Use this format so you rank for what clients actually search.
“Silk press in [Your City]: lasts 2–3 weeks with heat protectant + wrap at night. Book: [your BEAUTISTA link]”
“Toner in [Your City]: keeps brass away for 4–6 weeks. Great between blonding sessions. Book: [link]”
“Best first visit for fall color ([Your City]): Cut + Gloss = shine + shape in one visit. Book: [link]”
Hashtags (3–5 each post):#SilkPress[City] #Blonding[City] #ScalpCare[City] #CurlyStylist[City] #HairColor[City]
Pin one Q&A to your profile (TikTok “Q&A” / IG “Highlights”):“How long does a silk press last? 2–3 weeks with wrap + low heat. Book: [link]”
Step 2: Build a tiny keyword bank (30–60 seconds)
List 6–10 phrases clients might type:
“silk press [city]”
“blonding on curls [city]”
“toner price [city]”
“best first visit hair [city]”
“scalp facial [city]”
“wedding hair trial [city]”
Use them in your first 1–2 lines of the caption (not just hashtags).
Step 3: Quick profile tune-up (2 minutes)
Name field: “Hairstylist • [City] Silk Press & Color” (IG + TikTok index this)
Bio: “Cut + Gloss • Silk Press • Scalp Care — Book in 1 tap → [BEAUTISTA link]”
Pin 2–3 posts that answer top questions (silk press care, toner timeline, first-visit bundle).
AI Prompts to Hand You a Whole Plan
1) Keyword & Caption Generator“Act as a local SEO strategist for a beauty pro. I’m a [stylist/barber/esthetician] in [City] specializing in [services]. Generate 20 search-style content ideas clients would type into TikTok/IG, and write 20 captions (first 2 lines keyword-rich, then a 1-line CTA to book via [my link]). Include 3–5 relevant hashtags per post using my city.”
2) Q&A Library for Pinned Highlights“I need a plain-language FAQ for clients in [City] about [services]. Give me 10 Q&As (2–4 sentences each, readable at a 5th-grade level). End each answer with a simple next step: ‘Book in 1 tap → [link]’.”
3) 7-Day Posting Calendar (Search-first)“Create a 7-day TikTok/IG plan for a [role] in [City]. Each day: a searchable hook (client question), a 20–30s script outline (answer), and a caption that starts with the keyword phrase. Include a CTA to book via [link] and 4 local hashtags.”
4) Hashtag + Keyword Bank (Local)“Make a list of 40 hashtags and 40 long-tail keyword phrases for [services] in [City]. Mix service + city, problems (‘frizz in humidity [city]’), and outcomes (‘shine treatment [city]’).”
5) Offer → Search Capsule“Turn this offer into a search-friendly post suite for [City]: ‘September Reset: Cut + Gloss + 10-min Scalp Check’. Give me: 1 keyword caption, 1 story script with a poll, 1 carousel outline (before/after + steps), and a reel hook. Keep it simple and end with Book: [link].”
What “good” looks like (example post)
Caption (first 2 lines):“Silk press in Montclair: lasts 2–3 weeks with wrap + low heat.New here? Start with our September Reset (Cut + Gloss + 10-min Scalp Check). Book: [link]”Hashtags: #SilkPressMontclair #CurlyStylistMontclair #ScalpCareMontclair #NJHairVideo: 20–30s: before → 3 steps → after → “Book in 1 tap.”
That’s it: write like you’re answering their search, put your city in the first line, add a one-tap book link, and reuse your best Q&As everywhere (posts, Stories, Highlights, BEAUTISTA portfolio).
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What we're learning from Hiring Funnels:
With BEAUTISTA Premium, we drive the traffic, warm the DMs, pre-qualify, and deliver licensed, high-intent candidates to your door. From there, the interview is your moment to spot judgment, process, and culture fit fast. Drop these 5 questions into your script so great applicants don’t slip.
The 5 Interview Questions to Add Now (EQ-heavy, hard to fake)
1) “Tell me about a time a client wasn’t happy. What did you do next?”
Why: Tests humility, recovery, and judgment.
Listen for: Ownership, a concrete fix, follow-up.
Red flag: Blaming the client / “that never happens.”
2) “Walk me through your first-visit consult—minute by minute.”
Why: Reveals process, safety, and communication.
Listen for: Open-ended questions, expectation-setting, photos/patch tests, home care.
Red flag: “I just wing it” / jumps straight to mixing color.
3) “What skill are you actively building this month—and how are you practicing it?”
Why: Screens for growth mindset and self-direction.
Listen for: Clear focus (“foils speed,” “silk-press finish”), practice plan (models, classes), how they measure progress.
Red flag: Vague “I’m always learning” with no plan.
4) “Describe the best team you’ve been on. What made it work? What was your role?”
Why: Culture fit + collaboration style.
Listen for: Specific norms (prep, cleanup, sharing clients), how they help others, how they like to be coached.
Red flag: Solo-only mentality / knocks former teams.
5) “A guest texts for a last-minute squeeze-in that breaks your flow. How do you handle it?”
Why: Boundaries, client comms, time management.
Listen for: Protecting booked guests, offering choices (waitlist/quick add-on/consult), confident language.
Red flag: People-pleasing that wrecks the book / “I always squeeze.”
🔥 What’s Happening:
Virtual Live Events You Don’t Want to Miss
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NEW: BEAUTISTA Classes Hub (Live)
We just turned on a single place to see what’s next: BEAUTISTA → Classes. You can filter by time of day and brand—and we’ll be loading September drops here.
What’s coming (sneak peek themes):
Blonding for all curl patterns
Color care certification (retention win)
Salon profit & team growth playbooks
Brands you’ll see: REDKEN, MATRIX, BIOLAGE, PUREOLOGY, SUMMIT x BEAUTISTA.
Be first to grab a seat > https://beautista.com/classes
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Next Live Virtual Class
Hire, Inspire & Retain with
BEAUTISTA x Summit
Fri, Oct 24 • 10:00 AM ET • Free • Live Online
If you’re building a team in 2025, this is the room.
What you’ll learn (fast + practical):
Build your dream team: What today’s stylists actually want from culture.
Inspire & retain: Simple rhythms that make people grow and stay.
Modernize recruiting: Audit your brand presence and attract talent with purpose-driven messaging (goodbye, generic job posts).
Your hosts:
Matt Martinelli (BEAUTISTA Co-founder): digital recruitment expert behind our portfolio-first funnels.
Heather Bagby (VP, Summit Salon Business Center): decades helping salons design culture, career paths, and leadership systems.
Who it’s for: Salon/spa owners, managers, multi-location leaders, educators spearheading placement.
👉 Save your seat — Register now(Seats are limited. Replay available to registrants.)
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🌟 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
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👀 Watch This Space
(Jobs Worth Seeing)
👀 Watch This Space — Kent Newton Salon — Where Artistry Meets Opportunity (Belmont, MA)
There are great salons—and then there’s Kent Newton Salon. Their brand-new, light-filled Belmont location brings city polish to a calm, creative space built for serious craft. Recognized as part of the L’Oréal Professionnel Black Elite, they’re all-in on education, standards, and growth.
Why this stands out:
A creative sanctuary: 16 chairs, beautiful natural light, and an intentional pace that lets technique shine.
Elite education: access to advanced L’Oréal training (NY Academy + in-salon sessions).
Real benefits: health coverage, PTO, ongoing education, clear paths to six-figure earnings.
Culture of excellence: individuality respected, integrity expected, modern luxury without the ego.
Who thrives here:
Detail-driven cutters/colorists who love precision and consultation.
Pros who want a refined, low-drama environment with high standards.
Artists who see education as a forever habit (not a checkbox).
Your move:
Apply with your BEAUTISTA link so they can see your craft (not a word doc resume).
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🎤 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.
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🔦 BEAUTISTA Spotlight
Nalani Castellon — Salon Success Academy (Fresh Grad, Ready to Run)Lake Elsinore, CA • Cosmetologist • Open to Opportunity
Nalani just crossed the finish line at Salon Success Academy—a school that shows up with us for regular portfolio launches—so her portfolio is clean, current, and full of proof. She’s 20, licensed, and already speaks like a pro who’s been in real service environments (casino + fast-casual)—aka she knows pace, people, and pressure.
Why Nalani stands out
Creative range: vivid color, design work, highlights, and nail art—she’s not afraid of bold.
Composure under pressure: years of customer-facing roles; calls herself a “hard-working team player who performs well under stress.”
Growth mindset: “ask questions and learn something new” is literally her headline.
Reliability: 95% attendance at school and a steady work history.
Owner/Manager takeawayThis is portfolio-first talent with service stamina and coachability. Put her in a mentorship track, give her models + a clear education path, and she’ll ramp fast.
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.
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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
💡 BEAUTISTA Tips & Tricks
Phygital Career Fairs = Real Results (School • Business • Student)
Why this works: Blending on-site energy with digital proof (portfolios) turns “nice to meet you” into interviews you can track. It’s the fastest path from hello → hired.
Quick Playbook (copy/paste):Before the event (7–10 days):
Schools: Have every student publish their BEAUTISTA portfolio + print their auto-PDF resume (with QR). Print one table tent per student (name + QR).
Businesses: Launch/refresh your BEAUTISTA opportunity page and prepare a 30-sec owner selfie (why join, how to apply). Print out your BEAUTISTA QR code for inspired action during the career fair. Students can scan and apply with a click of a button.
At the event (the “phygital” part):
Scan → Save: Every convo ends with a scan (student portfolio or employer opportunity).
30-sec captures: Film quick intro clips on phones (student: “why me,” employer: “who we hire”).
After the event (24–48 hours):
Schools: Send one recap email to employers with a shortlist of portfolios.
Businesses: reply same day to students that you met with.
Students: DM thanks + portfolio link; book a virtual 10-min follow-up.
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📊 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.
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