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The VIP Suite at IMAGE Studios with Matthew Landis
The VIP Suite at IMAGE Studios is where beauty, business, and inspiration meet. Hosted by Matthew Landis, IMAGE Studios Director of Education and certified business & marketing coach, this empowering podcast spotlights the stories, strategies, and successes of today’s most driven salon and spa professionals.
From hairstylists and estheticians to barbers, makeup artists, massage therapists, nail techs, lash specialists, nurses, and tattoo artists —if you’re in the business of making people look and feel amazing, this show is for you.
Each episode brings real conversations, practical insights, and expert advice on growing your business, building your brand, mastering your mindset, and creating a life and career you love.
Join our community of salon suite pros who are redefining what success looks like on their own terms.
Visit us at imagestudios360.com or follow us on Instagram: @imagestudios360
The VIP Suite is your front-row seat to the conversations that move the beauty and wellness industries forward.
Episodes
37 episodes
Building Her Empire: Dr. Trayce Madre On Success Through Systems And Niching Down
In this episode of The VIP Suite, host Matthew Landis interviews Dr. Trayce Madre, psychologist, entrepreneur, and luxury hair brand founder. Trayce candidly shares her journey from struggle to seven-figure success, revealing how mindset,...
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Season 4
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Episode 37
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43:32
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Lexi Barnett, Owner of Unwind Microspa, on Memberships, Mindset, and the Unwind Cookie
Host Matthew Landis welcomes Lexi Barnett, founder of Unwind MicroSpa in Warson Woods, Missouri, to talk about turning her passion for skincare into a thriving micro-business, prioritizing results-driven relaxation and personalized client care....
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Season 4
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Episode 36
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28:12
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Soula Christopulos on Business Mindset and Living Fully
Matthew Landis welcomes Soula Christopulos—talented hairdresser, certified growth coach, and business consultant from IMAGE Studios in Holladay, Utah. Soula shares her 20-year journey in the beauty industry, her leap to independence, and how he...
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Season 4
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Episode 35
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44:11
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It’s Not About You: Minerva O'Toole Believes It's About Empowering Them
Host Matthew Landis sits down with Minerva O'Toole, a seasoned stylist, educator, and creative force at IMAGE Studios Warson Woods in St. Louis. Minerva shares her journey from theater and fashion to bridal and backstage at New York Fashion Wee...
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Season 4
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Episode 34
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45:30
Carving Your Niche: Kate Lofton on Client Experience, Mindset, and Modern Salon Success
Join host Matthew Landis in this inspiring episode of The VIP Suite as he sits down with Kate Lofton, owner of Gold Rush Salon at IMAGE Studios in Boulder, Colorado. Kate shares her journey from defining her ideal client to building a business ...
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Season 4
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Episode 33
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37:49
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No Tax on Tips: A Conversation With Jason Olsen, CEO & Founder of IMAGE Studios
In this special episode of The VIP Suite, host Matthew Landis sits down with IMAGE Studios Founder and CEO, Jason Olsen, to break down the recently passed "No Tax on Tips" provision, a major win for independent beauty and wellness professionals...
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Season 4
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Episode 32
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19:54
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Aisha Carter Cathey Fe: Faith And Purpose In The Beauty & Wellness Business
Aisha Carter Cathey Fe of Spalon Suiradal has created a beauty business centered on faith, purpose, and healing at IMAGE Studios in Birmingham, Alabama. She shares how her grandmother's cancer experience inspired her to provide free services to...
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Season 4
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Episode 31
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29:55
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Genius Barber And Content Creator, Emmanuel Garcia, Offers Advice And Inspiration For Reaching Your Ideal Clients
In this episode of The VIP Suite, host Matthew Landis sits down with Emmanuel Garcia, The Temecula Barber and owner of The Storm Room (@emmvnvel2) to explore his remarkable journey from cutting hair in his parents' backyard during COVID to beco...
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Season 4
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Episode 30
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34:07
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Sawyer Gray's Journey to Tattoo Artistry and Independent Success
From surviving several toxic apprenticeships to building a dream tattoo business at IMAGE Studios in Jacksonville, Florida, Sawyer Gray's raw and inspiring story will light a fire in every salon suite professional who's ever felt stuck.
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Season 4
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Episode 29
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17:17
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Creating Your Happy: Mika Toussaint's Holistic Journey to Skin Care Boss and Self-Care Expert
Mika Toussaint, a renowned aesthetician from IMAGE Studios Dallas Galleria, has turned personal struggles into professional mastery. After battling hormonal acne and navigating profound personal loss, Mika developed Dallas Pro Aesthetics, a uni...
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Season 4
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Episode 28
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34:24
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Grace Schafer, The Hair Lab, Decodes the Science of Success
Grace Schafer is not your average hairstylist. A red hair enthusiast, cutting specialist, wedding artist, and certified extension artist, from IMAGE Studios in Grand Rapids, Michigan, she has carved out a unique niche in the beauty industry by ...
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Season 4
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Episode 27
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35:34
Alyssa Pablo, Brand Manager at GlossGenius on Time-Saving Technology and Business Growth Strategies
Alyssa Pablo shares her inspiring journey from salon manager to GlossGenius Brand Manager, offering invaluable insights into marketing strategies, retail sales, and work-life balance for independent beauty and wellness professionals. Discover p...
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Season 4
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Episode 26
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23:50
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Zoey Pearson's Salon Suite Story: Going Viral & Growing Fast
In this episode of The VIP Suite podcast, host Matthew Landis welcomes Zoey Pearson, a salon suite entrepreneur who turned her single penthouse space into a thriving multi-suite head spa business. Zoey lead a viral TikTok movement that...
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Season 4
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Episode 25
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29:40
Keri Mills, The Happy Hairstylist: How She Built A Thriving Salon Suite Business In Record Time
Keri Mills is a successful hairstylist who built a thriving business at IMAGE Studios in Laguna Hills, California. Keri started her career at Supercuts, which provided valuable business experience, before moving to a high-end salon. Opening her...
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Season 3
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Episode 24
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34:48
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Katie Brenner, Hair Stylist and Global Artistic Director, on Her Upward Journey to Success
Katie Brenner, owner of KTB Hair at IMAGE Studios Arapaho Crossing, Colorado, shares her remarkable journey from being an independent hairstylist to becoming a Global Artistic Director for Rusk Hair Care and Christian Michael Hair Extensions, a...
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Season 3
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Episode 23
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32:59
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Desarai Mannelly & Emily Condle: The Story Behind Sage Head Spa’s Success
Matthew Landis sits down with the powerhouse duo, Desarai Mannelly and Emily Condle, co-founders of Sage Head Spa, to discuss their journey from longtime friends to successful business partners. Desarai and Emily share how their complementary s...
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Season 3
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Episode 22
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33:36
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April Benincosa, IMAGE Studios® Owner, Is On A Mission Of Self-Love And Empowerment
April Benincosa, owner of four IMAGE Studios® locations in Salt Lake City, talks with Matthew about her evolution from hairstylist to successful entrepreneur and coach. April shares her transition from working behind the chair to man...
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Season 3
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Episode 21
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35:20
Danny Argote: Ink, Art, And Passion
In this episode, Matthew welcomes Danny Argote, tattoo artist and founder of Ink and Art Collective at IMAGE Studios in Thornton, Colorado. Danny shares his artistic journey from tracing comic books to becoming a sought-after tattoo artist, inc...
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Season 3
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Episode 20
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33:32
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Juwan Deshawn, The Spiritual Cosmo, Embraces Spirituality And Authenticity In All Things
Matthew chats with spiritual cosmetologist and healer, Juwan Deshawn, on how their spiritual gifts, once a source of isolation, have become integral to their work in the beauty industry. Juwan offers services that go beyond haircuts, including ...
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Season 3
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Episode 19
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46:07
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Molly Butland Survived A Near-Death Injury And Is Flourishing In The Art of Vivid Hair Color
Matthew sits down with vivid hair color specialist Molly Butland to discuss the artistry, creativity, and dedication required to produce vibrant hair colors, from high school experiments to becoming a sought-after colorist known for creating bo...
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Season 3
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Episode 18
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27:22
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Christopher Johns, "Updo Man," Talks Sustaining Joy And The Importance Of Networking
Christopher Johns, a 30-year veteran of the beauty industry built a career based on his passion for making a difference in his clients' lives. Based in Lexington, Kentucky, he shares the the joy he finds in his work and the satisfaction of bein...
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Season 3
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Episode 16
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29:12
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Meg Schmitz, IMAGE Studios Franchise Owner, Knows What It Takes To Be An Entrepreneurial Powerhouse
Matthew sits down with Meg Schmitz, a seasoned franchise owner and consultant, to delve into the intricacies of running a successful beauty, health, or wellness business. They explore the challenges faced by self-employed professionals, from ma...
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Season 3
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Episode 16
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33:09
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Told She Wouldn't Succeed, Carlie Jo Shingledecker of Hair By Carlie Jo & Timeless Luxury Hair Extensions. Proved The Haters Wrong
Carlie Jo is a dynamic entrepreneur who has successfully built two thriving businesses in the beauty industry. Carlie shares how her relentless drive and passion have been key to her growth. Carlie also provides insight into her client base and...
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Season 3
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Episode 15
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25:54
From Corporate to Cuts: Jason Fuentes of Fadelife Fade Shop And One Father's Journey To Thriving Salon Suite Business Owner
In this compelling podcast episode, Matthew and Jason Fuentes from IMAGE Studios in Sparks, NV, dive into the inspiring journey of a dedicated father who made a courageous career shift to prioritize his daughter. Discover how Jason transitioned...
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Season 3
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Episode 15
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30:38
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Trina Peckenham of Reno Hair Extensions on Specialization, Finding Your Why, and Embodying Integrity
Trina Peckenham, a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience, discusses her journey to specializing in hair extensions. Trina also advises aspiring specialists to find their "why" and invest in themselves through education, highlig...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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45:38
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