Do you think doing your taxes is more like a blowout, a brow wax, or a full Brazilian? For beauty professionals, financial management can sometimes feel simple and sometimes daunting and painful. Today, I sit down with Ryan Kittrell, CPA, to unravel the mysteries of bookkeeping, tax deductions, and financial habits that can make or break your business. Whether you’re a creative who dreads spreadsheets or a salon owner ready to level up, you’ll find practical advice, relatable stories, and a few laughs along the way. Let’s make taxes a little less scary—and maybe even a little fun.HighlightsWhy beauty professionals struggle with bookkeeping and how to overcome itThe truth about financial advice on social mediaSimple systems to keep your business finances organizedWhat expenses are really deductible (and which ones aren’t)The importance of regular financial check-insHow to avoid the “it’s a write-off” spending trapSuccess stories from beauty pros who got their finances on trackWhen to hire a CPA or bookkeeperFun comparison: Is doing your taxes a blowout, brow wax, or full Brazilian?Chapters00:00 – Welcome & The Tax Service Analogy00:47 – Meet Ryan Kittrell, CPA01:34 – The Importance of Bookkeeping for Beauty Professionals02:07 – Common Financial Challenges in the Beauty Industry03:27 – Navigating Social Media Financial Advice04:24 – Understanding Tax Deductions for Beauty Professionals05:54 – Simple Financial Systems for Small Businesses08:08 – When to Hire a CPA or Bookkeeper09:22 – What Expenses Are Deductible?13:20 – Avoiding Common Financial Pitfalls17:51 – The Importance of Regular Financial Reviews21:20 – Success Stories and Client Experiences24:38 – The Value of Professional Financial Advice25:18 – Scheduling Financial Check-Ins26:27 – Fun Comparison: Taxes vs. Beauty Services27:55 – How to Reach Ryan & ClosingResources MentionedKittrell and Klaskin CPAs: www.kittrellklaskincpa.comSpecial thanks to Mikayla Wise, hairstylist at Tyler PointTo learn more about Utopia Modern Salon Suites, visit our website at https://utopiamodernsalon.com/ or follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn!If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to subscribe and share with a friend!

What makes a place feel like home, and how do our stories shape the communities we build? This episode explores the journey of Danielle J. Martin, a dynamic entrepreneur and founder of Authentic Media, as she shares her path from Houston to Topeka, her leap into business ownership, and the power of authenticity in branding and community. Through candid conversation, we uncover the challenges and triumphs of starting over, the importance of believing in your vision, and the unique spirit that defines Kansans—whether you’re born here or find your way here by chance.HighlightsThe quirky debate: Why are you “on” a bus but “in” a car?Danielle’s move from Houston to Topeka and how Kansas became homeBuilding Authentic Media: from journalism to boutique brandingThe role of faith and personal growth in entrepreneurshipOvercoming self-doubt and the “belief problem” in businessThe impact of community and networking for women leadersThe story behind Danielle’s women’s empowerment event, Rise and ThriveAuthenticity in marketing: why your story matters more than trendsThe evolving landscape of branding—cell phone videos vs. polished productionsWhat makes someone a Kansan? Reflections on belonging and identityFun segment: “Who’s That Kansan?”—trivia about notable KansansChapters00:00 – The “on a bus, in a car” debate01:28 – Introducing Danielle J. Martin03:23 – Danielle’s journey: Houston to Topeka06:16 – Founding Authentic Media and the power of story10:04 – Challenges of being a woman entrepreneur13:25 – Building community and the importance of networking16:30 – Rise and Thrive: Women’s empowerment in Topeka18:30 – The Authentic Media podcast: goals and vision22:03 – Authenticity in branding and marketing27:00 – The “7 Whys” and getting to the heart of your story32:03 – Adapting to Kansas culture and communication36:00 – What makes a Kansan? Reflections on home and identity41:00 – “Who’s That Kansan?” trivia segment49:00 – Closing thoughts and resourcesResources MentionedAuthentic Media – Danielle J. Martin’s branding and consulting companyAsk a Kansan Podcast – Official websiteSimon Sinek: Start with Why – Book referenced in the discussionSmoky Hill River Festival – Community event and upcoming documentaryIf you enjoyed this episode, please share it with a friend and help us continue amplifying Kansas voices!

Are you carrying a backpack full of expectations you never signed up for? Discover how redefining success, embracing help, and letting go of perfectionism can transform your work, your family life, and your sense of self. Join me as I talk with Paige McPheely, CEO and Co-founder of Base, about the real stories behind ambition, burnout, and the power of permission.HighlightsPaige’s journey from startup founder and mom of three to redefining what leadership looks likeThe “backpack of expectations” and how to let go of what’s weighing you downLiving and working in Spain: lessons from a different pace of lifeThe myth of “doing it all” and why asking for help is a leadership superpowerHow to distinguish between healthy ambition and hustle addictionOutsourcing creatively—yes, even your handwriting!Practical strategies for deep work, blocking distractions, and creating ritualsThe “glass balls and plastic balls” analogy for balancing work and familyWhy giving yourself permission is the most radical act of self-careThe power of morning pages and stream-of-consciousness writingChapters00:00 — Welcome & Introduction00:53 — Meet Paige McPheely: CEO and Co-founder of Base01:22 — Paige's Journey to Productivity02:05 — Rethinking Success and Expectations02:58 — Living in Spain: A Different Pace of Life03:54 — Balancing Leadership and Parenting05:45 — The Lie of Doing It All06:54 — Healthy Ambition vs. Hustle Addiction10:51 — Outsourcing: Creative Solutions10:51 — Managing Time as an Entrepreneur and Mother13:17 — Deep Work and Blocking Distractions15:02 — Juggling Parenthood and Professional Life20:25 — Reprogramming Stress and Overwhelm23:14 — The Importance of Giving Yourself Permission24:50 — Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources MentionedBase HQ — Find resources for hiring and working with executive assistantsLinkedIn: Paige McPheelyWant to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.

Ever wonder how technology, social media, and family dynamics are shaping the next generation—and what you can do about it? Let’s unpack the chaos and find some anchors together.From the overwhelming impact of devices and social media to the pressures of school, family, and identity, this conversation is a candid look at the real challenges facing young people and their parents. We share personal stories, practical advice, and a healthy dose of empathy for anyone navigating the modern landscape of adolescence.HighlightsThe hidden effects of technology and social media on adolescent mental healthWhy parents and kids are both overwhelmed—and how to build compassion on both sidesThe generational divide in device usage and what it means for communicationAcademic pressures, school environment, and the myth of “just walk it off”Social media’s role in body image, sleep deprivation, and identity confusionSetting boundaries with technology: why it’s hard, why it mattersThe importance of emotional regulation and safe outlets for kidsNavigating guilt, trauma, and the realities of blended familiesHow to validate your child’s experience without always “fixing” itEncouragement for seeking therapy and building a support networkChapters00:00 – Welcome & Setting the Stage00:14 – Adolescent Health Concerns00:56 – Impact of Technology on Adolescents02:12 – Parental Challenges and Expectations03:17 – Generational Differences and Device Usage04:20 – Mental Health and Social Media08:59 – Academic Pressures and School Environment10:57 – Social Media and Unrealistic Standards35:19 – Understanding Gaslighting and Its Impact35:34 – The Pavlovian Response to Phone Calls36:51 – Parental Struggles with Screen Time37:34 – The Cost of Technology for Children38:51 – The Role of Parents in Setting Boundaries40:11 – Navigating Emotional Baggage and Trauma54:20 – Dysfunctional Family Dynamics1:03:14 – Encouragement and Therapy for Children1:09:19 – Closing Thoughts & Where to Find UsResources MentionedAnchored in Chaos WebsiteGenuine Effort LLCNational Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – for mental health resourcesCrisis Text Line – text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 crisis supportThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network

Are you ready to rethink what it means to be a leader? What if leadership isn’t about titles or authority, but about the choices we make every day: in our families, our workplaces, and our communities? Join me and my COO, Kendra Moody, as we unpack our journey through the Kansas Leadership Center’s programs, share the lessons that changed how we lead, and explore how anyone can step into leadership, no matter their role.HighlightsThe difference between leadership and management—and why anyone can leadOur experience with the Kansas Leadership Center’s Path and Coaching IntensiveHow leadership is an activity, not a position or titleThe power of adaptive vs. technical challenges in business and lifeWhy giving the work back is so much more than delegationThe importance of slowing down to lead more effectivelyHow managed self and values shape our leadership choicesBuilding community and connection through KLC’s global reachEmbracing risk, imperfection, and curiosity as essential leadership skillsChapters0:00 – Welcome & Introduction0:42 – Partnership with Kansas Leadership Center1:12 – KLC Path and Certification1:41 – Coaching Intensive Experience2:15 – Leadership as an Activity3:43 – Leadership in Everyday Life4:49 – Global Reach of KLC6:00 – Adaptive vs Technical Challenges7:41 – Applying KLC Concepts in Business9:24 – Leadership is Risky11:44 – Asking Better Questions14:15 – Giving the Work Back17:38 – Slowing Down to Lead Effectively20:12 – Managed Self and Values22:17 – Final Thoughts and TakeawaysResourcesKansas Leadership Center: kansasleadershipcenter.orgBook: When Everyone Leads by Ed O’Malley and Julia Fabris McBride: LinkCovey Leadership Model: The Leader in MePriya Parker – The Art of Gathering: priyaparker.comIf you’ve partnered with KLC, taken their courses, or want to connect, reach out—we love hearing your stories and sharing this work!Want to learn more?The ThreadBe sure to follow me @audradinell on Instagram and LinkedInThis show is part of the ICT Podcast Network.Disclaimer: we may receive a small commission on any products purchased through the links used in this episode. I only recommend tools and resources I actually use and find valuable.