Ellen Crupi of HabitAware joins us to share how stylists can recognize and compassionately support clients dealing with trichotillomania and other body-focused repetitive behaviors—offering tools, hope, and healing behind the chair.

Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

🔅Trichotillomania and other Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)—like hair pulling, skin picking, and nail biting—are common yet often misunderstood conditions rooted in stress, not vanity or lack of discipline.

🔅Stylists are on the front lines and can play a powerful role in supporting clients with these disorders through empathy and awareness.

🔅HabitAware’s Keen bracelet helps individuals gain awareness of their repetitive behaviors by vibrating during triggering movements, allowing them to make conscious choices.

🔅The condition often begins in childhood, particularly around puberty, and impacts people regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background.

🔅There is no quick fix, but tools like Keen, therapy, and peer support can help people gain control and build healthier habits.

🔅Salon owners can position their business as safe, informed spaces by providing resources and training—potentially gaining new loyal clients in the process.

💡Email Ellen (ellen@habitaware.com) if you are interested in receiving brochures on Trichotillomania and other Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)

👉Follow HabitAware on Instagram

👉Check out HabitAware's website - www.habitaware.com

💡Read Ellen's Modern Salon Article - How to Help Clients With a Hair-Pulling Disorder

👉Check out Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors Changemakers - www.bfrbchangemakers.org

The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.

CONNECT WITH US

📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter

📸 Connect on Instagram

🎵 Connect on TikTok

📺 Watch on YouTube

📝 Check out our Blog

The views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.

What does it take to go full-time in a suite?

Tiffany Anyanwu breaks it down—from balancing side gigs and budgeting wisely to setting boundaries and nurturing client relationships that go deeper than hair. Her journey is a real look at the hard work behind building something of your own in today’s beauty industry.

Follow/subscribe to be the first to know when new episodes are released. Like what you hear? Leave us a review!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

🔅Tiffany’s Transition to Independence: After four years of building her experience in both commission and hourly-based salons, Tiffany took the leap into full-time suite ownership—marking a personal and professional milestone.

🔅Gradual Growth Strategy: She maintained financial stability by continuing to work at a dry bar while gradually building her own clientele, illustrating a smart and sustainable approach to going independent.

🔅Client Relationships Matter: Tiffany built deep, loyal connections with her clients, often seeing them grow with her over time—from proms and weddings to baby showers—highlighting the personal nature of her business.

🔅Boundaries & Systems: She stresses the importance of creating clear cancellation policies and establishing boundaries around time management and self-care as a solo stylist.

🔅Advice for Aspiring Stylists: Tiffany encourages new stylists to learn from different salon environments before going independent, emphasizing the importance of humility, budgeting, and learning from mistakes.

🔅Vision & Expansion: As she nears her one-year anniversary in her suite, Tiffany is already thinking about future growth—possibly expanding her brand to New Jersey while staying rooted in her values.

👉Follow Tiffany on IG here.

The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.

CONNECT WITH US

📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter

📸 Connect on Instagram

🎵 Connect on TikTok

📺 Watch on YouTube

📝 Check out our Blog

The views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com.

Trump Tariffs = Uncertainty around Inflation + Slowing Interest Rate Cuts!

What do we do during uncertain times? How are our customers feeling? + A special fun story to change the subject from Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt!

Check out this week's news updates, build Strong Business, and serve your customers better!

Takeaways:

📉 Stock Market & Economy

U.S. markets saw major drops in Q1 2025 due to tariff concerns.

S&P 500 down 4.6%, Nasdaq down 10.5%—worst quarter since 2022.

Tech stocks were hit hard (e.g., Tesla down 36%).

🧾 New Tariff Announcements

President Trump plans to implement new tariffs on “Liberation Day.”

Aimed at reducing reliance on foreign goods, but details unclear.

Analysts warn of higher prices and lower household income.

💸 Consumer Spending & Inflation

Consumer spending up 0.4% in February—but inflation still sticky.

Core PCE inflation rose 2.8% year-over-year, raising stagflation fears.

Spending is up, but prices are still outpacing wage growth for many.

😟 Consumer Sentiment

Confidence dropped nearly 18% in March.

Economic outlook among consumers is becoming increasingly negative.

Could impact how much people spend in the months ahead.

🚀 Astronaut Curveball Story

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore & Suni Williams spent 9+ months in space due to Boeing Starliner issues.

The mission was meant to be short-term—extended for safety.

Despite delays, astronauts voiced full confidence in Starliner’s future.

We are all impacted by the economy and tech advancements. Your clients are, too!

+

Being informed is an integral part of the success of any community or business.

+

You now have extra things to talk to your customers about!

Sources:

https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/futures-tumble-tariffs-fuel-recession-worries-2025-03-31/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

+

https://www.msnbc.com/morning-joe/watch/-couldn-t-care-less-trump-embraces-price-hikes-ahead-of-tariff-rollout-235838021947

+

https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/us-consumer-spending-rises-february-core-inflation-firmer-2025-03-28/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

+

https://www.thetimes.com/us/news-today/article/nasa-astronauts-press-conference-stuck-space-iss-wzv7fzw2s?utm_source=chatgpt.com®ion=global

Coming up in the hair industry I never understood why hairdressing is not as respectable as getting a college degree required job... Now, I think the college degree idea is changing, but still not quite there with hairdressing. Join us in changing that!

One of our missions is to raise the esteem and perceived importance & value of hairdressers across the USA. HdS NEWS is part of that effort. We believe to achieve this goal, we must raise the bar of professionalism, service, and sophistication of hairdressers. We hope you enjoy the news and look forward to your comments!

Is this useful?

Is this interesting?

Are there any other topics you pay attention to that you believe help you run your business or serve your customers?

DISCLAIMER: Robert holds a B.A. in Business Administration with a Minor in Finance. Robert curates the news, explaining his understanding. We suggest you use this information to talk with your financial advisor, business advisor, and/or CPA. Legal counsel may be required for some of your decisions as well. If you want business advice from Hairdresser Strong, you can hire us as a consultant/advisor, but we are not financial advisors, lawyers, or accountants.

THIS IS NOT...