Licensed & Unsupervised with Beckee and Naomi

About Licensed & Unsupervised with Beckee and Naomi

Welcome to a podcast for hairstylists who’ve lived a little, learned a lot, and are still standing behind the chair with intention. Hosted by Beckee and Naomi—two seasoned hairstylists with decades of experience—this podcast is an honest, unfiltered look at life behind the chair, being over 40 in the beauty industry, and navigating creativity, burnout, confidence, boundaries, leadership, and personal evolution in an industry that rarely slows down. We talk about the things hairstylists actually think about but don’t always say out loud: What it’s like to grow older in a youth-obsessed industry. How to evolve your career without starting over. The emotional labor of being a stylist. Client relationships, energy exchange, and burnout. Owning your voice, your boundaries, and your worth. Life, business, creativity, and identity—on and off the salon floor. This isn’t a “how-to” podcast or a highlight reel. It’s real conversations from two women who have done the work, made the mistakes, built careers, rebuilt themselves, and are still showing up—with honesty, humor, and heart. Whether you’re a hairstylist, salon owner, beauty professional, or creative navigating midlife, this podcast is for you. If you’re questioning what’s next, craving deeper conversations, or simply want to feel less alone in this industry—pull up a chair. Because being behind the chair isn’t just a job. It’s a life.

Publisher

Beckee Harris & Naomi Trotto

Category

arts · business

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

2 Feb 2026

Latest episode

21 May 2026

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   21 May 2026

   ADHD, Masking & Performing Normal

   In the final episode of our series with Rian DeVeer, we talk about ADHD, masking, and the exhausting experience of trying to perform “normal.” We discuss the ways people learn to adapt socially — especially in creative industries, school, professional environments, and relationships — and how masking can sometimes become so automatic that you lose track of what actually feels authentic. Together we explore: ADHD and overstimulation People pleasing and performative behavior Masking in professional spaces The pressure to fit in socially Learning to unmask safely Creativity and neurodivergence The emotional fatigue of constantly adapting The difference between confidence and performance What authenticity actually feels like This conversation is reflective, honest, and something many people experience without realizing there’s a name for it. Licensed? Yes. Masking? Less than we used to.

2. 

   8 May 2026

   Feral Kids, Masking & Growing Up in Michigan ⭐ (With Rian DevVeer)

   In this episode of License & Unsupervised, we talk about growing up in Michigan in the 90s — when Shelby Township still felt like the sticks, bonfires at Eisenhower were normal, and kids were basically feral. We discuss: Car culture and growing up near the Motor City Graduation memories from the 90s Old-school pranks and the chaos of growing up before social media Customer service and why it still matters Car accidents, consequences, and how life teaches lessons The rise of car wrapping culture Crimes from the past finally coming to light The conversation also gets deeper as we talk about: ADHD and growing up as people pleasers Masking in straight-laced environments Trying to fit into spaces that didn’t fully feel like us How our moms “mommed” us differently What it means to be performative vs authentic And somewhere in the middle of all of it, Naomi tells a story very badly. Licensed? Yes. Supervised? Definitely not in the 90s.

3. 

   1 May 2026

   Names, Identity & High School Stories (with Rian DeVeer) ⭐

   In this episode of License & Unsupervised, we welcome back our “supervisor,” Rian DeVeer, for a conversation about identity, high school experiences, and how we all became who we are today. We talk about growing up in different decades — the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s — and how those environments shaped us. Rian shares his experience as a trans man, including how he chose his name and what that journey has looked like over time. We also talk about something surprisingly universal — how often people get our names wrong, and how names can carry identity, meaning, and history. We also discuss: High school experiences across generations Bullying and fitting in Fashion and self-expression as teenagers Private school vs public school experiences Teen pregnancy and life paths How different high school feels today compared to when we grew up Why identity evolves — and how we learn to own it This episode is reflective, honest, and about understanding people beyond first impressions. Licensed? Yes. Still becoming? Always.

4. 

   28 Apr 2026

   Meet Our (Temporary) Supervisor: Rian DeVeer on Learning, Confidence & the Industry ⭐

   In this episode of License & Unsupervised, we’re joined by our first official “supervisor” — Rian DeVeer. We start with origin stories — how we all got to where we are today, how we first met Rian, and the impressions that stuck. From there, we talk about his experience in beauty school as both a student and a teacher, and how education in the hair industry has evolved across generations. We get into: Men in the hair industry and how that has changed over time Confidence — especially for men in a creative space Learning hair through print vs learning through YouTube The influence of artists like Guy Tang Behind the Chair magazine and how we used to learn from print How Rian learned through digital platforms Working together on set for the Empower shoot and magazine Teaching at beauty school and favorite educators Trends like the “money piece” World records in the hair industry And the wild creativity of artists like Dean Banowetz This episode is about growth, learning, confidence, and how different generations of stylists find their way in the industry. Licensed? Yes. Supervised? Finally.

5. 

   22 Apr 2026

   Can Stylists Ever Be Anonymous? ⭐

   This is a shorter episode of License & Unsupervised while we catch up from a couple missed weeks. Today we’re talking about something simple but real — what it’s like trying to walk into a hair salon anonymously… and why that’s basically impossible where we live. We share stories from our time as educators, what it was like teaching and learning at the same time, and how we’ve used ourselves as models for growth behind the chair. We also talk about: Apprentices and how we support them Practicing on real people (including ourselves) Why neither of us wants to do perms Showing up for clients and students Being generalists in an industry that pushes specialization This one is quick, honest, and very “behind the scenes.” Licensed? Yes. Anonymous? Not a chance.

6. 

   19 Apr 2026

   Special Guest Coming Soon - Rian DeVeer

   This is our first guest and he will be on the pod we couldn't be better!

7. 

   17 Apr 2026

   Being “Different” in an Industry That Lost Its Way

   In this episode of License & Unsupervised, we continue the conversation about being older in the room — and what that really means in today’s culture. We talk about pop culture gaps between generations, how apprentices seem to know everything, and how quickly things change when you’re not paying attention. But this episode goes deeper. We revisit the foundations of the industry — Vidal Sassoon, Paul Mitchell, the tradition of wearing black — and contrast that with today’s world of dopamine dressing and self-expression. We also talk honestly about: Perimenopause and how it affects not just us, but the people around us The emotional weight we carry as hairstylists How clients often cry in our chairs simply because they feel safe Why our salon has become a place where people can be themselves Whether we’re “alternative” — or just different How the industry shifted after COVID Why some stylists left, and why others stayed The importance of consent when sharing client images How we help people reconnect with their confidence and power We also reflect on the past — London Calling salon, the Real Big HairBall — and how those experiences shaped who we are today. This episode is about identity, impact, and remembering what really matters in this industry. Licensed? Yes. Different? Definitely. Still here? Always.

8. 

   3 Apr 2026

   Getting Older in a Young Industry

   In this episode of License & Unsupervised, we talk about what it really feels like to get older in an industry that constantly celebrates youth. We start with something simple — dress codes — and how Beckee had to enforce one in beauty school, even though we don’t personally believe in strict dress rules in the salon. From there, the conversation turns into something deeper: what it means to be professional, how people present themselves on social media, and the difference between being a real person and becoming a “character” online. We also talk about: Being some of the older hairstylists in the room Realizing your place on a younger team Feeling self-conscious about aging Why icons like Vidal Sassoon aren’t as recognized anymore Mentors like Robert Cromeans and what they represent How communication has changed between generations The difference between growing up in the 90s and today Sleepovers, piercings, and teenage independence then vs now Physical wear and tear from years behind the chair Hiding pain and pushing through The way women support each other (and sometimes roast each other too) This episode is honest, reflective, and a little funny — about identity, aging, and staying relevant while still being fully yourself. Licensed? Yes. Young? Debatable. Still showing up? Always.

9. 

   28 Mar 2026

   Creative Chaos: Dopamine Dressing, Decision Paralysis & Finding Your Style ⭐

   In this episode of License & Unsupervised, we’re recording from Rian’s room (because… why not), dealing with technology issues, and diving into the reality of being highly creative professionals. We talk about the Chromadaddy tour, the lessons that come with meeting your heroes, and how the beauty industry continues to evolve through education and community. We also get into: Hair Aid and the impact of global beauty outreach Dopamine dressing and using style to shift your energy Decision paralysis and how creatives get stuck Being the oldest in the room and stepping into leadership Why hair crews are some of the best (and weirdest) communities The competitive nature of the beauty industry Simplifying your wardrobe like high performers and entrepreneurs This episode is about creativity, identity, and learning how to move forward even when your brain wants to overcomplicate everything. Licensed? Yes. Supervised? Not in Rian’s room. www.instagram.com/naomitrotto_hairartist (http://www.instagram.com/naomitrotto_hairartist) www.instagram.com/beckeeharris (http://www.instagram.com/beckeeharris) https://hairaid.org.au/ (https://hairaid.org.au/)

10. 

    20 Mar 2026

    Motivation Is a Lie: Discipline, ADHD & Rewiring Your Brain

    In this episode of License & Unsupervised, we talk about parenting, discipline, and the mental rewiring that happens when you decide to change your life. We start with childhood stories — Naomi being a biter, Mia going through a biting phase, and the reality that every child develops differently. From potty training to parenting NICU babies, we talk about how much of parenting comes down to understanding a child’s personality and willpower. Naomi shares what it was like raising babies with colic and living on a NICU schedule, while Beckee talks about working two jobs, managing pregnancy, and navigating the old salon booking systems before everything went digital. Then the conversation shifts into something bigger: the difference between motivation and discipline. We discuss: Parenting strong-willed kids The emotional experience of NICU babies Why every child develops differently Old salon booking systems and the early beauty industry grind The team’s 75 Hard social media challenge The movie Inside Out and how accurately it reflects emotions ADHD and self-destructive thought patterns Rewiring your brain and creating new neural pathways Why anything worthwhile is rarely easy This episode is about growth — as parents, leaders, and humans. Licensed? Yes. Supervised? Mostly by discipline.

11. 

    13 Mar 2026

    Feral in the 90s, Becoming in Our 40s ⭐

    In this episode of License & Unsupervised, we talk about everything from Diet Coke addiction to what it really means to grow up. We start with Beckee’s legendary Diet Coke habit and Naomi bringing Mountain Dew to Guatemala before diving into what it was like growing up feral in the 90s — no cell phones, no internet, and very little supervision. From there, the conversation moves into parenting teenagers, the reality of raising boys, and how watching our kids become adults forces us to grow alongside them. We talk about: Growing up without the internet Parenting teenagers and letting go of control Naomi’s son is pursuing a future as a firefighter Beckee’s son is playing football safely Why men seem to form friendships so easily Boys bonding through video games The strange moment when you finally feel like an adult Mentoring others in business and leadership Being over 40 and becoming more confident in who you are Naomi facing the business partner who left Beckee growing up as the oldest of four and leading by example Faith, belonging, and moments when church didn’t feel like home This episode is honest, funny, reflective, and a little chaotic — just like life. Licensed? Yes. Supervised? Not since the 90s.

12. 

    6 Mar 2026

    Stylists as Rock Stars: Dress Codes, Retail & Reality + Smoking Cigarettes

    In this episode of License & Unsupervised, we finally get our sound together — and then immediately start talking about why stylists are rock stars. We dive into the legacy of Vidal Sassoon and how he revolutionized modern hairdressing, branding, and the idea that the stylist is an artist. Why did stylists traditionally wear black? Because the guest is the rock star — not us. We talk about: What stylists should actually wear today Dress codes then vs now “Work casual” culture and being okay with mediocre Dressing for success behind the chair The old BA dress codes Working in heels (and what that did to our feet) Retail inside the salon and why it matters Exclusive product access back in the day Paul Mitchell packaging nostalgia Kevin Murphy, Salon Centric & Michigan distribution culture Naomi smoking for 13 years and quitting Beckee’s cigarette experience And the Diet Coke addiction cliffhanger This episode is for hairstylists, salon owners, beauty professionals, and anyone navigating personal evolution inside a creative industry. Licensed? Yes. Supervised? Depends on the caffeine level.

13. 

    27 Feb 2026

    Seniors, Survival & The Friendship That Changed Everything - L&U Origin Story

    In this episode of License & Unsupervised, we open up about motherhood, cancer, friendship, and what happens when your children grow into adults. Both of our sons are seniors in high school, and we talk honestly about what it feels like to watch them step into their future. From tux fittings and milestone moments to the quiet emotional shifts that come with parenting teenagers, this season of life hits differently. Naomi shares what it was like being a mom of a child with cancer — the emotional drain, the fear, the strength you didn’t know you had, and how that season changed her forever. Beckee opens up about her three children and how different each of their personalities and paths has been, along with her journey walking alongside her mom’s cancer diagnosis. We talk about: Gilda’s Club and support communities The emotional weight of pediatric cancer Friendships formed through trauma How Naomi and Beckee really became friends Life after leukemia Parenting adult children The unexpected lessons podcasting has taught us And the question: “Is the back of the head your business?” This episode is for moms, parents, cancer families, hairstylists, and anyone navigating life’s big transitions. Licensed? Yes. Life-supervised? Not always.

14. 

    20 Feb 2026

    💇🏼‍♀️ Licensed to Color: DIY Guests, Pantene Debates & Color Theory 101

    In this episode of License & Unsupervised, we’re talking about DIY hair, color theory, and the very different types of salon guests we meet behind the chair. We kick things off with Chromadaddy and how creative color education and product innovation are changing the way stylists approach vivid and corrective color. From there, we dive into the wild world of at-home hair experiments — the DIY box-color moments, the “I saw it on TikTok” trims, and the guests who treat their bathrooms like chemistry labs. We break down: Why some guests love experimenting on themselves Why others won’t touch their own bangs The truth about using Pantene and drugstore shampoo Whether you should wash your hair before your salon appointment The importance of color theory and always doing a test strand A throwback to the best class party at Paul Mitchell What education really taught us (and what it didn’t) This episode is for hairstylists, salon professionals, beauty students, and anyone who has ever tried to color their own hair and hoped for the best.

15. 

    14 Feb 2026

    Hydration, Hawaii, and Almost Dying: Stories About Fear and Having NO Fear

    This episode starts with hydration — or more accurately, Naomi’s complicated relationship with water. What begins as a casual conversation about drinking enough water quickly spirals into college memories, short-lived academic ambitions, and how neither of us exactly followed a traditional path before ending up behind the chair. Then we take a turn to Hawaii. Beckee shares the story of the moment she fully believed she was Moana in the ocean — connected, powerful, main character energy — until reality reminded her otherwise. Naomi follows with her own story about having zero fear on land… but perhaps a little too much confidence near water. The episode ends with a moment that is both hilarious and humbling — and yes, Alayna saving Naomi’s life. This one is lighter, story-driven, and wildly honest. It’s about overconfidence, self-awareness, ADHD brain tangents, and the kind of storytelling that only happens when two hairstylists over 40 sit down without supervision. Behind the chair, we carry people’s stories all day. In this episode, we share a few of ours. If you’ve ever felt unseen, emotionally exhausted, or quietly questioning what’s next while still loving this industry, this conversation is for you. Our Instagrams: https://www.instagram.com/beckeeharris/ (https://www.instagram.com/beckeeharris/) & https://www.instagram.com/naomitrotto_hairartist/, (https://www.instagram.com/naomitrotto_hairartist/) and Naomi's Avante Garde page can be found here: https://www.instagram.com/nays_muchness/ (https://www.instagram.com/nays_muchness/) Learn more about us, our work, and our philosophy at https://basalonmi.com (https://basalonmi.com) Explore our services and book an appointment: https://basalonmi.com (https://basalonmi.com) For bridal inquiries and alternative bridal hair experiences: https://basalonmi.com (https://basalonmi.com)

16. 

    2 Feb 2026

    ⭐️ Unsupervised & Over 40: The Emotional Weight of Being a Hairstylist

    In this first episode, we pull the curtain back on why this podcast needed to exist. We talk about what it really means to start something new after 40—especially in an industry where you’re expected to always be “on,” always giving, and rarely supervised. Being a hairstylist means working independently while holding space for everyone else’s emotions, stories, milestones, and trauma. Over time, that emotional labor adds up. In this conversation, we explore how deeply emotional this career can be, how making a real impact on clients’ lives can take a toll on your nervous system, and why burnout in the beauty industry isn’t about weakness—it’s about caring deeply for a long time. We also talk about the freedom that comes with being over 40: caring less about outside noise, people-pleasing, and expectations that no longer serve us, and caring more about honesty, boundaries, and sustainability. This episode is for hairstylists, salon professionals, and creatives who have been behind the chair long enough to feel the weight of the work—but still love it. It’s about evolution, perspective, and choosing to show up differently as we age, grow, and redefine success on our own terms. If you’ve ever felt unseen, emotionally exhausted, or quietly questioning what’s next while still loving this industry, this conversation is for you. Our Instagrams: https://www.instagram.com/beckeeharris/ (https://www.instagram.com/beckeeharris/) & https://www.instagram.com/naomitrotto_hairartist/, (https://www.instagram.com/naomitrotto_hairartist/) and Naomi's Avante Garde page can be found here : https://www.instagram.com/nays_muchness/ (https://www.instagram.com/nays_muchness/) Learn more about us, our work, and our philosophy at https://basalonmi.com (https://basalonmi.com) Explore our services and book an appointment: https://basalonmi.com (https://basalonmi.com) For bridal inquiries and alternative bridal hair experiences: https://basalonmi.com (https://basalonmi.com)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

4 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.