Eight - Beyond Hair

About Eight - Beyond Hair

EIGHT is probably the most unprofessional podcast you will ever listen to and that is exactly why it works. Hosted by Kelly Maxwell, this show is for hairstylists who are tired of the highlight reel and ready for the real story. Each episode is a sit down conversation with hairstylists who have lived through the hard parts. Burnout. Bad decisions. Money mistakes. Losing clients. Questioning themselves. Almost quitting. And then finding a way to build something better. This podcast is not about pretending everything was glamorous from the start.

Publisher

Kelly Maxwell

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

16 Mar 2026

Latest episode

2 Aug 2026

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   2 Aug 2026

   Nick Mirabella

   I have followed Nick Mirabella on social media for a long time, and he is one of the most generous educators in our industry. He owns The Warehouse Salon in New Jersey and Florida, he is a former Marine, and he runs Level Up Academy where he helps salon owners stop letting their business suck the life out of them and actually turn into CEOs. We got into ALL of it. Nick walks through how he took a salon from $200,000 a year to $1.2 million in 16 months, and how he is now doing $180,000 a month in retail alone. Not services. Retail. He breaks down exactly why your product should live on your own website instead of down the street at Amazon, how local SEO actually works, and how to build pages that get you served up inside the AI overview when someone searches for a salon in your town. Then we went into the trenches, because that is why I started this podcast. Nick tells the story of the day it all fell apart. He was crushing it in the salon, funneling money into an online store, running Google ads with no tracking and no idea what he was doing. Free shipping, free returns, losing $30 on every order that went out the door. He burned through $98,000 in three months, blew through his savings, ran it up again, and went from the top of the world to completely broke right before his wedding. And then he got back behind the chair and ground his way out of it. We also talk about the stuff every salon owner is quietly dealing with. Why your team drama is actually an avoidance problem. Why ignoring a behavior makes it your new standard. Booth rent versus commission and how to convert without losing everyone. Whether you really need to be in the building. How to fund your ads out of your commission structure so it never comes out of your pocket. And why paying for education is not paying for information, it is paying to time collapse somebody else's ten years. If you are a salon owner, a stylist who wants to be one, or you are just tired of feeling like you are working for your business instead of the other way around… this one is for you. FIND NICK: Instagram: @nickmirabella TikTok: @nickmirabella YouTube: @nickmirabella Website: nickmirabella.com Nick is also giving away a FREE salon assessment on his site. He will audit your salon, find your biggest constraint, and hand you an action plan to fix it. No charge, no catch. Go get it at nickmirabella.com. FIND ME: @kellymaxwellextensions for education and products @kellymaxwellhair for client work Kellymaxwellhairextensions.com

2. 

   19 Jul 2026

   Jacob Khan

   He's built one of the biggest names in hair… and he did it without a single $2,000 scissor. This week I'm sitting down with Jacob Khan… 19 years behind the chair, founder of Fancy, creative director for Hairbrained, global partner for L'Oréal, and one of the most generous educators in our industry. We get into the grit it actually takes to build a brand, why new stylists are wasting money on expensive tools, how he sold out his first launch in minutes, why followers don't matter anymore, and the one piece of advice he'd give every young stylist. This is your reminder that nobody is coming to build your brand for you… so let's talk about how to build it yourself. Find Jacob on Instagram @jacobhkhan and at fancyhairdressers.com Find me @kellymaxwellextensions and at kellymaxwellhairextensions.com

3. 

   5 Jul 2026

   Alex Yarber

   I sat down with Alex Yarber (one of Elevate's educators, straight out of Tuscaloosa, Alabama) in a hot tub of all places, and we got into EVERYTHING. We talked about: ✨ running a salon when you're never actually home ✨ what happens when the internet turns on you, and how to not let it wreck you ✨ buying back your time (hiring help is not the flex people think it is, it's survival) ✨ the WILD scrappy things Alex did to book clients before he made it... including a Tinder profile that got him banned for life 😂 ✨ why it's not enough to just be good at hair anymore ✨ doing makeup for Megan Thee Stallion's swim line and what New York Fashion Week is actually like backstage ✨ Alex's coming out story, growing up gay in a small conservative town in Alabama ✨ and yes... we taste tested possum flavored candy live on the episode. Don't ask. Just listen. 🙃 Alex is about to start teaching mesh integration classes with me at Elevate this year and honey, I cannot wait to show y'all what we're building. This one is funny, it's real, and it might make you tear up a little too. Go give it a listen and tell me your favorite part 👇 FInd Alex Yarber on Instagram: @alexyarberr

4. 

   21 Jun 2026

   Eight - Derek Cash

   Okay, this one is WILD… we filmed it on an airboat in the middle of the Everglades, alligators and all, and I sat down with the one and only Derek Cash. Derek's been doing hair for almost 20 years, and he just spent THREE years building his own extension line, Pretty Gang Official. We're talkin flying all over the world chasing quality hair, getting it wrong, starting over, and finally creating something that actually blends the way extensions are supposed to. We got into all of it…✨ Why "natural" beats thick + blunt every single time✨ Mesh integration + toppers for women with hair loss (so slept on, it still amazes me)✨ How to stay inspired so you never burn out✨ Money is a frequency… and why your energy sells before you ever do And then Derek dropped THE story. The client who didn't pay for her extensions… and how it ended in felony charges, handcuffs, and a text asking for another appointment 💀 You have to hear it to believe it. Whether you're a stylist building your thing or you just love a good story, honey this one's a ride. Go follow Derek + check out his line 👇📲 Instagram: @derekcashstyles💕 Pretty Gang Official: @prettygangofficial🌐 https://prettygang.shop/

5. 

   3 Jun 2026

   Cassandra DeRossa

   Success in the hair industry isn't always pretty. In this episode of The Eight Podcast, I sit down with Cassandra De Rossa for a real, unfiltered conversation about business, salon drama, navigating challenges, and what it actually takes to keep moving forward when things get hard. We talk about the lessons that come from setbacks, the realities of building a career behind the chair, and why resilience is often the difference between those who make it and those who don't. If you've ever felt discouraged, questioned your path, or wondered if the hard work is worth it, this conversation is for you. Go find Cassandra on Instagram: @cassderossa @whiteopalhairco @whiteopalwedding Find me: @kellymaxwellhair @kellymaxwellhairextensions

6. 

   17 May 2026

   Melanie Hasson

   Okay…this conversation with Melanie Hasson was SO good. 🤍 We sat down and talked all about social media, business growth, building a salon, and what really happens behind the scenes when your platform starts growing fast. And when I say fast…I mean FAST. Melanie went from only a few thousand followers to over 200K followers in just months. 👏🏼 But honestly? What I love most is that she didn’t just build followers…she built a real business behind it. A successful salon. A strong brand. A loyal community. And she shares so much wisdom in this episode. We talked about what actually works on social media right now, how to stand out online, the pressure that can come with growth, and what it really takes to keep showing up consistently. This episode is packed with so much value, especially if you’re a stylist or business owner trying to grow online right now. Go give her a follow at @melaniemhasson and check out her website here: https://www.melaniemhasson.com/

7. 

   3 May 2026

   Junee B Radford

   Okay… can we talk about this episode for a second? I sat down with Juney Radford, and I’m telling you right now, this conversation is different. Like yes… we talk about hair, but not in the way you think. Because what she does? It’s not just installs. It’s not just “before and after.” It’s women sitting in her chair who don’t feel like themselves anymore…and her helping them get that back. And if you’re in this industry, you know how big that is. We got into the emotional side of hair loss…the stuff clients don’t always say out loud…and what it actually takes to show up for them at that level. And I loved this part because Juney doesn’t just “do hair.” She sees the person first. That’s the difference. So if you’re a stylist and you want to go deeper with your clients…or you’ve ever had someone sit in your chair and you just knew there was more going on… You need to listen to this. It’ll shift how you think about what we do. Go listen and tell me what hit you 🤍 And go follow her → @iamjuneybee

8. 

   19 Apr 2026

   Sarayah Hernandez

   This episode is one you’re going to feel. I sat down with Sarayah Hernandez, salon owner of East Coast Salon in New Jersey. She is an entrepreneur, visionary, and one of the most resilient women I know in this industry. And when I tell you she didn’t just build a business… she fought for it. We’re talking about what it really looks like behind the scenes, the pivots, the pressure, the moments where most people would’ve quit… and how she kept going anyway. Sarayah has created something so much bigger than a salon. She’s built a brand, a community, and a standard. If you’re a stylist who knows you’re meant for more… If you’ve ever felt the weight of building something on your own… If you’re in that season where you’re being stretched and you’re not sure what’s on the other side yet… This conversation is going to hit you. We talk about growth, identity, leadership, and what it actually takes to step into the next level of your life and business, even when it’s uncomfortable. And I promise you… you’re going to walk away from this episode thinking differently. Connect with Sarayah: Instagram: @eastcoast_salon (https://www.instagram.com/eastcoast_salon/) @sarayahhernandez (https://www.instagram.com/sarayahhernandez/) @eastcoast_organiccoffeebar (https://www.instagram.com/eastcoast_organiccoffeebar/) Website: www.eastcoastsalonnj.com (http://www.eastcoastsalonnj.com/) beyondyourbusiness.co (https://www.beyondyourbusiness.co/)

9. 

   14 Apr 2026

   Tiffany Loe

   In this episode, I sit down with the incredibly sharp and inspiring Tiffany Loe....a woman who built her company quickly with strategy, intention, and a clear vision. Tiffany is the founder of Christian Michael Hair Extensions, and her perspective on business, growth, and building something meaningful in the beauty industry is powerful. We talk about what it really takes to scale a company, the lessons that come with rapid growth, and the mindset required to succeed in an industry that’s constantly evolving. If you’re a hairstylist, entrepreneur, or anyone building something of your own, there’s so much to learn from Tiffany’s journey. This conversation is honest, insightful, and packed with takeaways. Follow Tiffany: Instagram: @ tiffanyloe   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbklJNzFtZXg3bzlFT2VWUENLaXBybXRLRlF0UXxBQ3Jtc0ttUHVuaHEtbnNFNzVlV2t1eTV5dndmc2hsZWpkYndYZEpDWHZlWXJVOEs3Uk1rNFNvaVFJMVU3V09nc0U5SVhCM0o2OUxZWURLcGtQMVNScTh4VndaekQ5ZlJKNEhGdHk0QndHTHdMVEQ3TlFwUHZaYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Ftiffanyloe&v=FKUP570IDpM) Explore her hair line: Christian Michael Hair Extensions: christianmichaelhairextensions   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2tMLUdSaW50LWN1cWpvc1lsaFNpN3F2QUgtUXxBQ3Jtc0ttTjR6YUI1SU1Yek1MRzF3RXVQajVSTkV2cGtlOE1naTB0VjlURkhmTnJTWngweUxNWG0yOUxONzFhUjc5U0NxNEpWZ0pqc2ZreEM4NEp3UjZQTjBMN0laU1ItMXlZbG9MbjQ0MWJ1TjdRQVpvN3g5WQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fchristianmichaelhairextensions&v=FKUP570IDpM)

10. 

    14 Apr 2026

    Jess Hallock

    This episode is honestly one of my favorites. I got to sit down with someone I’ve admired for over a decade, Jessica Hallock, and it was even better than I expected. Jess is one of the smartest businesswomen I know. She’s built something incredible, but what I loved most about this conversation is how real it was. We didn’t just talk about the wins. We talked about the hard parts, the mistakes, the pivots, and what it actually takes to build something that lasts. If you’re trying to grow a business, figure things out, or just hear from someone who truly knows what they’re doing, you’re going to get so much from this. For me, it was really special getting to hear someone I’ve looked up to for years be this open about her journey. If you’re looking for someone who understands business on a deep level, this is the girl. Connect with Jess Instagram: @jess.hallock Ensemble Hair: @ensemblehair Salon: @jesssalonaz Coaching: https://jesshallock.com/category/coaching/ If you loved this episode, make sure you subscribe and send it to someone who needs to hear it.

11. 

    31 Mar 2026

    The Extraordinary Lizzie

    In this episode, we sit down with the incredibly inspiring Lizzie Velasquez, a globally recognized motivational speaker, four time author, and one of the most powerful voices in the world when it comes to resilience, self worth, and redefining beauty. Lizzie’s story has touched millions across the globe. After facing unimaginable bullying online and being labeled “the world’s ugliest woman,” she made a life changing decision to rise above it. Instead of allowing the world to define her, she chose to define herself. Today, she travels internationally, speaking on stages and changing lives by teaching others how to embrace who they are and stand confidently in their truth. This conversation is raw, honest, and deeply moving. We talk about identity, confidence, overcoming adversity, and what it truly takes to build a life rooted in self acceptance regardless of outside opinions. If you have ever struggled with confidence, felt misunderstood, or needed a reminder of your worth, this episode will stay with you. Follow Lizzie and continue to be inspired Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlelizziev Connect with me @kellymaxwellhair

12. 

    16 Mar 2026

    Sarah Page

    When I first started this podcast, I called it Hairstylist Only. But there was a number that kept showing up in my mind… 8. I ignored it at first. I thought a number couldn’t possibly be a good podcast name. But the more I sat with it, the more it kept calling to me. After the second episode, I finally listened and changed the name to Eight. The number 8 represents completion, abundance, and infinite growth ... and that’s exactly what this podcast is about. Our first episode features Sarah Page, an extension stylist extraordinaire who has helped educate an entire industry. Through consistency, generosity, and powerful education on Instagram, Sarah built an incredible brand while giving away massive value to hairstylists around the world. In this episode, we talk about her journey, how she built her platform, and the impact she’s made on the extension industry. Enjoy Sarah’s story. Follow Sarah here: Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahpagehair Extension Education Page: https://www.instagram.com/advancedextensionedu

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Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

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