The VIP Suite at IMAGE Studios with Matthew Landis

Soula Christopulos on Business Mindset and Living Fully

• IMAGE Studios • Season 4 • Episode 35

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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 her passion for helping others led her to coaching and consulting. Together, they discuss the challenges beauty and wellness professionals face, from overcoming the comparison game to embracing the business side of their careers. Soula offers practical advice on goal setting, logging business details, and finding clarity when feeling stuck. The conversation also explores the power of mentorship, the importance of being present, and the joy of balancing family, travel, and personal growth. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and actionable tips to help you thrive—both behind the chair and beyond.

The VIP Suite is the official podcast of IMAGE Studios, created for independent beauty, health, and wellness professionals who want to grow their businesses and thrive in salon suite life. Hosted by Director of Education, Matthew Landis, each episode shares real success stories, marketing tips, and business strategies from top beauty entrepreneurs and wellness leaders.

This episode is sponsored by GlossGenius, the all-in-one salon software designed to help independent professionals book appointments, accept payments, manage schedules, and build strong beauty brands. Learn more at glossgenius.com.

Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Connect with us on Instagram @imagestudios360 and visit imagestudios360.com for more information about IMAGE Studios luxury salon suites. New episodes drop every two week. Subscribe to hear how beauty and wellness professionals like you are building powerful, independent careers.

Matthew Landis:

Welcome to The VIP suite, Soula Christopulos from IMAGE Studios in Holladay, Utah. Soula is a talented hairdresser, certified growth coach and business consultant who helps beauty pros unlock their potential, both behind the chair and in life. She's passionate about combining artistry with strategy and guiding others towards success and fulfillment. In this conversation today, we're going to talk about her journey, her coaching philosophy and the tools that can help independent beauty and wellness professionals thrive. Soula, welcome to the podcast.

Soula:

Thank you, Matthew. I'm so excited to be here.

Matthew Landis:

Yeah, it's so great now. Jodie Smith there in Holladay nominated you because she just thinks you're a badass. So I've been talking to you now for a couple of minutes before this, and I can just feel it. I know that you're a badass too. So Soula, can you share us with Soula? Can you share with us your journey in this industry, and what made you go independent, and how did that evolve into the coaching and consulting side of things?

Soula:

So I have now been in this industry going on 20 years, so I feel like I have seen it.

Matthew Landis:

I've got 30 years. I've got you, so I'm with you, yeah, there's been a lot of change, right?

Soula:

So much it's, it's wild, amazing, but it's been a lot.

Matthew Landis:

I always say, you know, a lot has changed, but much of it really hasn't changed at all. Yeah, it does. So true, yeah, all right, so 20 years in the industry, what made you go independent and start on this coaching and consulting journey?

Soula:

Yeah? So I just, I mean, I felt that one of the reasons I got into the industry too was to be my own boss, essentially, right? So, but getting out of hair school and just doing that is really hard. So you know, when I was ready to take that leap, about five to six years into my career, I felt like it was the right time. And I have now been independent, so going on 15 years, and I don't think I could ever go back, right?

Matthew Landis:

Once you have worked for yourself, it's very difficult to work for somebody else. So I'm curious. You said that you had a little bit of a challenge coming out of school and making the transition. I would like to explore that for just a minute.

Soula:

Yeah. So, you know, for me, it was almost a shock, I guess once I was done with school, and actually behind the chair, and just the reality of what this industry, what the what's expected of you, you know, where it's it was kind of the the party lifestyle, right? And then when you're going, like, I actually have to wake up and function. And, you know, you have people counting on you to show up and do. And then even just the business side of things, where you're just kind of thrown into it, right? So it's like, Wait, what did, should I have done this? Was this? Was this the right thing? And, you know, seeing that, it's, I can see, I think at that point, I remember the statistics being that in the first year of doing hair, only 30% would still be in the industry.

Matthew Landis:

Oh yeah. And by year five, I think it's it was down to like 5% so low. It's really, really bad. I definitely think we need more mentors. We need more training programs. We need more help for people in the beauty and wellness industry to make the transition from school into professional life, and then, you know, later, hopefully, you know, they go independent, or they become their own boss. But, yeah, yeah, we all need that little bit of a bridge and Atlanta salon in Salt Lake City, I had my new artist program, but I don't think there are enough programs out there to really help people that are making that transition,

Soula:

Yeah, I don't think so. It's just, it's kind of, you're let out into the wild, right?

Matthew Landis:

Yeah, you gotta figure it out. You gotta sink or swim.

Soula:

And then even, I feel maybe some of the programs that are available, um, they're still so skill based and technical where they don't really incorporate the business aspect of it. So it's, I mean, it hits a point where, how much continuing ed Are you going to do? Because the end of the day, that it doesn't mean that you're going to be a successful business business owner, because you're doing. Uh, you know this cutting class, color class, whatever.

Matthew Landis:

Yeah, you know, I was lucky enough to apprentice. I actually never went to school, so I worked for a badass business woman from the get go, from day one. And so I was able to watch her and see what she was doing. And she was the Uber professional. So I feel like I got a master class in professionalism right away. Now that's not to say that I didn't make mistakes, because I was young, and I like to party, and I like to have fun. So you know, I'm not perfect, but I feel like I got a good training, and I was lucky to be in a really nice salon with somebody who really knew what they were doing. So was there a turning point for you when you realized you wanted to help other professionals, not just with hair and things, but with their business and Sir, let me, that sounded stupid. No, you're fine. Was there a turning point when you realized you wanted to help other professionals with their business and personal growth?

Soula:

Yeah, I it was when I realized that people started coming to me and you know what? Just be asking, and I'm, I'm an open book. I have got nothing to gatekeep, right? It's, I feel like there's enough for everybody to go around. So and so that was kind of an interesting thing. I remember, I was at lunch with a stylist who was a co worker. At one point, we had gone our separate ways, and, you know, got reconnected, and she had been in the industry longer than me, and I'm going, okay, like, there is definitely this missing piece. And a lot of the times you look at these stylists and you see that they're fully booked, and you're like, Oh my gosh. They're like, got this amazing business. But then when you actually start talking to them, and you're like, they are, I mean, they're treading water, and it is, it's not good. So and then that was definitely when I started to look into that aspect of consulting and business, and I started attending different different courses, and that to to start, and mostly to help myself too.

Matthew Landis:

So yeah, a lot of the teaching that I did really was for me to be able to learn, to be the first one to know the information right to be on the inside. But you do coaching for people in the beauty and wellness industry, but you also do coaching for realtors as well, because you sort of navigate both the real estate industry and the beauty and wellness industry. How does that work? I think, because I think a lot of people in this industry are very multi passionate, and it's like, oh, I would love to do this for three days a week, and I would love to do that for three days a week, and you're kind of doing that. So how does that work?

Soula:

Yeah, so I had always been interested in real estate. And just had thought about it for years, and finally was like, Okay, I'm going to do this. And of course, it was I, this is just quintessential me. It was right after I had my first baby. And you know, it's not like I had a lot going on, just new baby, full time career, and let's put in real estate, but why not?

Matthew Landis:

Why not? And did you get a puppy at the same time?

Soula:

Oh my gosh, I should, and it would have entertained the baby. Maybe, I don't know.

Matthew Landis:

Would have been a complete package at that point, right?

Soula:

It's been, it's been really cool, because I have been fortunate enough that I've made a lot of sales from my existing clientele, and honestly, I feel I know these people so well that finding a home for them was easy, if that makes sense, because I know basically everything about them, right?

Matthew Landis:

I think there's a lot of crossover, you know, it's funny, my husband's a realtor, and I think that, you know, we deal with clients in a very similar way. Now there are differences, because he when you work with a real estate client, you're only with them for a short amount of time, but yeah, a lot of time all at once, whereas when you're behind the chair in your studio, it's like smaller chunks, sometimes spread out over years and years. So it's a little bit different, but a lot of similarities in how we deal with the public.

Soula:

Yeah, yeah. So it's, I felt like it was a perfect crossover, because even as I'm doing somebody's hair, it's like, hey, let's pull up some homes and let's start going through them. And okay, and I got a better, better idea. And, um. Yeah, just, I felt like it really helped.

Matthew Landis:

So, so tell me about your coaching, how it works, and how you can help people in this industry with the challenges that they're facing. I would love to know more about that.

Soula:

Yeah, I have everything available from if you just want a one time, sit down with me and we can just bust some things out. Right to you. Can book multiple sessions. We can go for basically as long as you want, and anything from existing businesses to you want to start one thing we we, as in I've found a very great group of women, and we have started a women's in business event here locally. And it was great last the last one we did, we had a bunch of esthetic students come through and, right, yeah, so just letting them know resources that are out there, because I think even at that point, you're, you're almost not, you're not thinking about the other stuff, right? But if I can help navigate that and make it a little easier once you're out and running your business. That's been one of my focuses this last little bit.

Matthew Landis:

So, so what are some of the biggest challenges that you see people facing in this industry, and how can you help them overcome those obstacles,

Soula:

I feel one of the biggest ones is, gosh, is people the comparison game, right? So they almost see somebody doing what they want to do, and they're almost automatically defeated instead of having that be an inspiration, of, hey, this person did it, I'm going to do it too, but it's almost Well, you know, as everything can be so curated with social media. And, you know, a lot of people aren't seeing the behind the scenes of it. Well, are they really doing what they're saying. Is it as great as it seems, but it's been getting people out of that, that mind space, like just because it's that doesn't mean that you can't.

Matthew Landis:

when I think we all know the answers to our questions and we the answers to our challenges and obstacles lies within us. And I think having a coach or a mentor like you can really help remind ourselves of you know that we do have the answers. We do know what the answer is. We just need somebody to ask the right questions, you know, and I think that's what having a coach, a business coach, or a marketing coach, or a life coach, or whatever it is, they can help you answer your own questions essentially,

Soula:

Exactly, and just see where that stems from, right because it is, I 1,000% agree with. It's all internal.

Matthew Landis:

So I love that you said that about the comparison game, because I do think we spend so much time on social media, and I have to limit my social media because, you know, there's things that make me smile, there's things that make me laugh, but I'll tell you, to be honest, it usually puts me in a bad mood for whatever reason. And I think when it comes to the comparison game, it is hard because you don't know what is real too. So on social media, I feel like it's either like the perfect life and the perfect business and the perfect clients and the perfect skin and the perfect hair, the perfect nails, or there's the flip side where there's no self reflection whatsoever, and it's blame the client for all of your problems, or you see clients, you see the flip side of that, where you have clients on Tiktok blaming their hairdressers for all these terrible things. And there's just so much, I think there's so much positive and good that could can happen through social media, but it can also be really soul crushing to hear, hear those things, and then I can't imagine worrying, having to worry about one of your clients putting something terrible on Tiktok.

Unknown:

It is wild now.

Matthew Landis:

You're not allowed to make mistakes anymore, and it's really unfortunate, yeah, because mistakes and failures and challenges and obstacles, those are the things that we learn from. And I, you know, when I look back at my career, when I look back at my life, those are the moments that had the most growth, yeah, and that I came out the other side. Better for those challenges in the end. Yeah, so I love, yeah. I think for people to have someone like you, I'm also a coach, by the way, having someone to talk through those things and to work out those things. Because the other thing about, you know, here at image studios, and when you own your own business and when you're in business for yourself, sometimes you feel like you're in it by yourself.

Soula:

It can be very isolating, yeah.

Matthew Landis:

And so I think it's really great to have somebody to talk to, who you trust and who you respect, yeah, and I can tell already that you are one of those people I would love to just sit down and have an hour of your time. I mean, you know that's what I'm doing right now, but that's fabulous. So okay, so how do you see your work as a hairdresser influencing your coaching practice?

Soula:

I because I have lived it, I'm still in it, so maybe I haven't experienced all the challenges, right that a client comes to me, but I feel like I have a very good grasp on a lot of the facets of it, and even I mean the with the Business building, it's when you and I were building our businesses, we had, there was nothing. I mean, the most comparable thing I can think of is maybe MySpace.

Matthew Landis:

There weren't resources we had to help. You know, once a year you got a class in professionalism, if you go to a beauty school, or if you were lucky enough to work in the salon that brought somebody in to teach those things,

Soula:

Yeah, yeah. So I think it's I can, I can relate a lot. I can connect a little easier and understand where they're coming from.

Matthew Landis:

So I see a lot of parallels in what we do with coaching. You know, I think my years behind the chair really trained me to, first and foremost, be a better listener, yeah, be a better listener and hold space for people. And I think that is so powerful. And I don't I only have like, three clients now. I don't do hair as much as I used to, because I'm doing coaching and education, but I am so humbled realizing how powerful it is to hold space for another person. And you know, we've all been there over the years, our clients share some really deep personal stuff with them. We go through the trenches with them. We we go through the good times. We go through the bad times their kids grow up right before our eyes. You know, I was doing her hair when she was four. Now she's getting married. What's happening? Wild. But all that is really good training for I think being a coach and being a mentor and growth?

Soula:

Yeah, absolutely.

Matthew Landis:

I have a question, so you're a certified growth coach. So what does growth mean to you, and why is this so critical for beauty and wellness entrepreneurs?

Soula:

Yeah, so I feel that that word is, it's a powerful word, word right in the sense of, we should always be growing in our lives. So whether professionally, you know, with any relationship, our home, our families, everything, it's just always being open to that growth, because once we stop, that's when stuff starts to fall apart, right? So my thing is, well, let me, let me see if we can just push you to that next get you out of that comfort zone, because that is where you are going to you are going to grow.

Matthew Landis:

So I think for people in this industry, we tend to be curious by nature, and I think we value growth, and we value evolution. And I think sometimes we get burned out, or we think when things get sort of tedious and boring or they don't feel fun anymore. And let's be honest, we all go into this industry because we think it's going to be fun, yes, and it is, but when it stops being fun, and when we stop learning and when we stop growing, I feel like that's when a lot of the burnout happens. Because, you know, for me, for there were times when I felt like I was on a treadmill just doing the same thing over and over again. So I had to challenge myself, yeah, and I had to constantly feel like I was growing and evolving, or it didn't feel worth it to me. But I can tell you, having a coach like you. So really changed was a game changer for me, and made all the difference in my, in my business, yeah, and my, and my, my sense of well being,

Soula:

yes, yeah. And because I think, like you were saying, is holding space for people and that right there. I think we undervalue that a lot so absolutely.

Matthew Landis:

So I have this pet peeve,

Soula:

okay, tell me.

Matthew Landis:

Well, I don't have a lot of pet peeves, but I have a few. One of them is when people say that creatives, hairdressers, nail artists, estheticians, when people tell us we aren't good at business, and we internalize that and we start to believe it. I don't believe it, no, but do you find that some beauty and wellness professionals are hesitant to embrace the business side of their careers,

Soula:

Yes, but I will die on this hill. I it is because of fear and not knowing so I feel like that again. Goes back to the growth aspect, right right where we are, like, Well, yeah, I'm getting into this because, oh, well, college wasn't my thing. So, you know, I'm just gonna go spend 2000 hours of my time doing this other thing, which is, like, that's a college degree, essentially, right? All the hours that we're putting into it, um, and again, I think this ties back to where the schooling that is available is not introducing that business like they should, and giving the students that power to know, like, oh yeah, I can do this, if I can formulate and remember these formulations for all these clients, I can I can run a business and do it well, absolutely.

Matthew Landis:

And I think sometimes when we're given that education, it's never delivered in a way that has any context for our lives. We don't see how it's going to benefit us when we're in school or we're in that space, and it's not I feel like one of the problems, and I'll say problems, is that it's just not delivered in a way that speaks to students and young people.

Soula:

Well, yeah, I was just gonna say, I think because in this industry, we are such visual tactile learners as well. So if you have somebody just spewing things to you up front, you're like, checked out.

Matthew Landis:

Yeah, you know, I feel like it's more of a lecture. And this goes back to coaching. It's like you have to make people want to do something, so you've got to ask me the right questions. You've got to approach it in a way that I see, that it has benefit for me and my life, and make it something that I want to do because it has value. Yeah, I don't want to lecture.

Soula:

No, no. You don't want to feel like your parents are standing up there, like you need to make sure you're doing your taxes, but really you should be like focusing on that. But right? How can we have that connect with these, especially these young professionals so because there's so so many things and and honestly, like I will say I am guilty of this because at one of our last women's events, because I hadn't had so many young professionals in audience, and I get excited about the financial side of things and retirement and all of this. And these girls were looking at me like I was speaking Greek to them, right? Like they're like, What are you talk lady? We are just here to make people look pretty. And, you know. So I've had to, I've had to be more aware of that too, so that you don't feel like it's just your parents up there. Yeah.

Matthew Landis:

And it could be that, you know, when you're in school, you're just, you're so overwhelmed with the information being thrown at you, it's like, at some point this information will have context. But at the moment, I'm just trying to make it through the day. I've got boyfriend problems on the side. I'm trying to pay my rent. My mom keeps calling like, you know, I got stuff.

Soula:

I can't remember. What were you talking about? This isn't even relevant.

Matthew Landis:

That's why, when you need it, come. Coach, they are there. And at whatever point in your career that you feel like you need someone to talk to, there are people out there like you who are available to help them grow and to help them with their businesses and their marketing. It's interesting because with the marketing side of it, what I have seen is that with a lot of younger people, they're way better at marketing than I am, or a lot of people our age. Because if you think about it, with social media, they have been building their brand since they were in middle school. So by the time they get to school and they get out and they open a business at image studios, they've already got the social media thing. Like, that's just like breathing to them.

Soula:

I know it's like, yeah, you just put this out there. I'm like, What do you mean? You just put this out there?

Matthew Landis:

Can you imagine going through puberty on social media? Oh, that just sounds awful.

Soula:

I mean, I, for sure, did not look like that at 13. I mean, it was, you know, very different. I don't think I would have been putting myself out there.

Matthew Landis:

I don't think I had a real grasp or concept on my sense of self. No, at that age. But all right, so what are some of them? I think we already did this one. Of course, I'm going to edit that. Oh, you mentioned speaking Greek. You are Greek. I am christopolis is a Greek last name, if I ever heard one. And Salt Lake City has a big Greek population. In fact, I've lived in a lot of different places, and nobody has the amount of amazing Greek food that Salt Lake does. I've never been anywhere, and I saw on your Instagram that you recently went to Greece. Yes, yep, yeah. And you went with your family. Uh huh. Okay, tell me about your family.

Soula:

Oh my gosh. So I've got two little boys that are seven and nine, and my husband and our goal has been to try to take them as often as possible. And it was really fun this last this last time we went just seeing their comfort in a different country, right? I was like, that's a this is really awesome. I'm like, I hope they realize how cool this is for for them, you know, and starting to speak the language a bit more and feeling comfortable.

Matthew Landis:

So that's amazing, because I saw your photos, and I have to say that everybody looks like they were at home there. Yeah, look like you were all part of the natural environment. It looks amazing. It looks incredible.

Soula:

Yeah, it's it's amazing. And the boys asked to go so, and my parents have said they're like, if they're asking to go, take them, because those days might be fleeting as they get older and friends and sports and all of that.

Matthew Landis:

So to travel like that when you're young, it really does change your whole perspective on self, on the world, on everything. I lived in Australia when I was 10, and people told me that, oh, this is going to be life changing for you. And I was like, whatever. But, you know, looking back, it really did, I had a completely different worldview than a lot of my classmates, because I had had that experience. Yeah, and I feel like it helped me make the transition to adulthood a little bit easier.

Soula:

Yeah, because you've been put out of your comfort zone, too, at a younger, younger age you can kind of, I, honestly, I feel that kids, too are, they are more adaptable than some of us adults, right? So, because I feel like, in my head, I was like, Oh my gosh, wish I had this from my house. Oh, I wish I had that, you know? And because we're just like, we're going to the beach, this is amazing.

Matthew Landis:

Well, it looks beautiful. And we have to talk about Angie Katsanevas, a fellow Greek hairdresser, so you have to know her.

Soula:

Oh, yes, yes.

Matthew Landis:

I've also worked with a lot of Greek hairdressers in Salt Lake. I know how small the Greek community is, yes, and I know how small the hairdressing community is, uh huh. So are you a Real Housewives fan?

Soula:

Oh, yes. I mean we, and we have to support Angie, right?

Matthew Landis:

I love it, and I her. She and I tell all my friends here in Palm Springs, because you know that I know her, and she is one of the nicest people I've ever met, the best. So it's so fun to watch her on that show. And, you know, celebrate her Greek heritage. They're going to Santorini, I think this season, yes, yeah. And is that where you were?

Soula:

No, I was on this little island called Poros. Is that is where I got a handful of families. So there's no stoplights on it. It's just. You can walk everywhere, and I love it.

Matthew Landis:

It looks like heaven. It is all right, back to the professional stuff. Can you share a breakthrough moment you've had with a client that still inspires you?

Soula:

Oh, let's see one of the more recent ones was I started noticing a trend where, you know, they have a goal, right, and there's an opportunity there, but their their mindset is well, but next year, because it's probably too late. Now, if I approach this and it's like, but why is it too late? Like, you're, you're planning for next year, but you're, you already have this idea. And, I mean, you reach out, you, you know, ask for the opportunity. Worst thing they say is next year, right?

Matthew Landis:

Yeah. I mean, if you don't ask, the answer is no, right?

Soula:

Yeah. And I feel like that has been kind of a trend, is that, again, I feel it stems from fear and just being like, it's okay, and it's it's okay to have people tell you no, and even for myself, right? So I feel like lately that's been one of the bigger, bigger things as a reminder to like, it's, it's all right, and it's, it's gonna be okay.

Matthew Landis:

I love that. I think that fear of No, that fear of hearing no and rejection, limits us in so many ways. I think on the professional level, I think with business owners, it keeps us from raising our prices. It keeps us from selling retail. Yeah, on a sell retail, because I've broken this down, it's I don't want to be a salesman. Means I don't want to hear no, which then means they're going to think less of me for trying, for trying to sell them this product. It still always comes back to a reflection on me somehow, even though, if I say, you really need this shampoo and conditioner, and if they say, No, thank you, that has no reflection on me whatsoever.

Soula:

Yeah, wait, you have to offer it, I mean, but it's, it's an opportunity for you almost to to, and this is another thing I've talked about with some clients, is, you know, maybe learn a few different ways to approach it that you feel comfortable relaying that to your client, hey, you know whether it's, I mean, perfecting right now is, you know, a few of my clients that were in yesterday when I was in the studios, you know, I'd just gone to salon centric, and I saw that they're bringing out their holiday packages. And a couple of the ones that I had, I'm like, hey, you know, the stuff you bought from me last time. Well, now it's in this package, and you get this and this, oh my gosh, you know, I was like, I know it's not the holidays yet, but we have a holiday set.

Matthew Landis:

I never had trouble selling retail, I never had trouble rebooking. I never had trouble with these things. Because I just always believe that they need this, yeah, they need the a better day and time to come in. They need this for their hair to look good. Like, I'm not giving them something that they don't, that I don't think they need.

Soula:

Not some random product that you're like, should take this.

Matthew Landis:

Yeah, and they trust me. They're coming. Here's the thing they're coming to you because you're a, the professional and B, they want to spend money on themselves. Yeah? Like they've set aside money in their budget for this, yes, let them spend it with you.

Soula:

Yeah, we can't feel bad about the money that they're spending. And was another thing that had stuck with me from years ago was you can't think with your client's wallet.

Matthew Landis:

100%. And how would you feel if you thought somebody was somebody's brain and thoughts were in your wallet? Yeah, thinking you can't afford it. You might not want it. I know, get out. Get out. I love that. That's really fantastic. So what's one simple but powerful business habit every beauty or wellness pro should adopt?

Soula:

Log everything, whether it is your formulations, your product use, how much you've spent, how much you're charging and break it down. Break it down. Have it and I just mean, I'll just keep mine in the most simple notebook. Doesn't have to be anything fancy, but get in that habit so that you have something to look back on and build off of.

Matthew Landis:

So you have a pen and paper, like a notebook, like, literally this, because I love it, and it is a little notebook, a spiral bound notebook,

Soula:

Nothing crazy, and I put all my random stuff of the day. Whenever, you know I'm in the studios, it's just because we're not going to remember it especially, let's we're going to go, like bookkeeping. You're not going to remember. Yeah, you could reflect. You could look back on your credit card statement, or just write it here, jot it into whatever you you would have, you know, whatever system, whatever tool, makes it easier for you.

Matthew Landis:

I love writing it down. I think that works for a lot of people, and the act of writing actually helps you remember something. It's funny because I, if you look at my notebooks, I have a bunch of spiral bound notebooks in front of me right now. I'm like, Oh my God, and there's scribbles. I don't you know, it's like, even my handwriting is never the same. Sometimes in print, sometimes I do cursive, sometimes I do capitals, sometimes it's diagonals. I mean, they're just a total mess. Yeah, this is my brain exactly, and most of the time I never look at it again.

Soula:

No, but we put it there, so we need to it's there. We have it. Also the act of writing it down reinforces it in your brain so you remember it better, and you're more likely to remember it having written it down. Yep, yeah, that's amazing. I also just, I'm going to plug glass genius, really image pro app like glass genius, because they have they have income, they have revenue and expense tracking, so you can track all of your expenses in there. You can categorize them. You can take a picture of the receipt, store it into the cloud. You don't have to keep all your paper receipts. They also when it comes to client notes, and I have to say this because it's one of the coolest features of any app I've ever used. I was never, I was never great at keeping client notes, usually, because I was so busy that I would be like, Oh, I've got to remember to put Susan's note in. And then, you know, Lisa walks in and I forget about Susan. And next time Susan comes in, she's like, I love what you did, do whatever you did last time. And I'm like, No, anyway, so GlossGenius has this really amazing feature where it will text message you. Hey, Soula, did you must have finished your appointment with Susan. Do you want to leave any notes in her file? So I all I have to do is text message the notes back to glass genius, and it will automatically put it in Susan's file. It was a total game changer. I'm like, What the hell is this? Like not been doing this? Why isn't everybody doing this? Yeah, yeah, no. And that is great to know. I did not realize that it had that feature.

Matthew Landis:

So it's so cool. And it's also kind of like a little friend going, Hey Matthew, hey buddy. Yeah, right. Okay, so let me ask you this. How do you help? Sorry, I'm this one's gonna require a lot of editing, so just because. So how do you people find clarity in their goals when they're feeling stuck or overwhelmed? What's that process like?

Soula:

So usually it's breaking down that goal, right?

Matthew Landis:

So give me an example. Okay, so let's say some I want to make, I want to make$10,000 more next year. Perfect, right?

Soula:

So you're like, you come, you come to me. You're like, hey, Soula, my goal is really, like, 10,000 a month. And I want to clear that, right? So again, this is going to go back to your logging of all right. Well, what are your expenses? There's something we can do? We do? We need to tweak things, breaking it down of and I used to do this a lot of okay, what does that? What does that look like? What does my day look like, then like? How many cuts and colors am I doing? Am I booking my double booking, am I working six days a week? Like, you've gotta find all those little details or fine tune them right? Because we can all say, like, Yeah, I'm gonna make $10,000 and it's like, you can absolutely make$10,000 and it's actually not a hard goal to achieve especially in our industry. But do you want to work six days a week, or do you want to work three days a week and how many hours and that? So that's just the big thing. Because yeah, there people are always throwing out those numbers, right? It's like, Oh, well. I mean, I think. There used to even be a podcast that was like, the six figure stylist. I was like, Okay, but what are we talking like? What kind of six figures are we talking so people will come and be like, Yeah, I want to be a six figure stylist. All right, you can absolutely, but you got to be true to yourself. And is, what do we need to do? Like, do like, do you need to bring on more clients? Do you just need to raise your prices? Do you need to add more retail? What is that? So really, just having them look again, reflect on their business and the reality of it at that moment.

Matthew Landis:

So I love that, breaking it down into smaller chunks and building a roadmap for how to get there. I think that's the most important thing. That's so cool. I think it's so valuable. It's so amazing to do that for people so you have such positive energy. How do you personally recharge and stay inspired?

Soula:

Okay, I love going on walks, and I don't listen to anything, and I just go because it is I feel, to me, is the one time of my day. Even if I can't do it every single day, I would love to get out every single day, but honestly, sometimes I just don't I don't make time for it. It's not that I don't have the time. I don't make it, but majority of the week, I will try to get out every single day and walk in silence, and then I feel that's when I can offload, right? And there's nothing else like not, you know, a book, music or whatever that might be, you know, creating a different energy or bringing something, and I can just really reset at that point.

Matthew Landis:

I love walking right? You know, it's easier than meditation it

Soula:

Yeah, but it's walking meditations. That's what I call it.

Matthew Landis:

It kind of does the same thing, right? After a while, you just get lost in your brain, and suddenly that's when the good stuff comes in, starts coming in. Yes, would you make space for it? And I actually just saw a study in the New York Times. They were talking about how nature can actually help you reset and helps with anxiety and helps with attention deficit and all these kinds of things just to be outside. Yeah, without distractions. Yeah, when I walk, I don't listen to anything either. I want to hear the birds and I want to hear, even the traffic I want to hear, and you start to feel like you're a part of the Earth, right? You feel this energy, and it really does help reset things and help you, help stuff flow through you, yeah,

Soula:

and being aware, I just I, I mean, there's so much, there's so much valuable information on audio books and podcasts and all of that. But honestly, I feel it is another form of distraction,

Matthew Landis:

Save that for the car.

Soula:

Exactly, exactly. But then I mean, how many times I don't know about you, but especially after a full day in the salon, is I don't want anything on, I will drive in silence, and it is my favorite thing, too.

Matthew Landis:

I love music, but I've had those days too, where I'm like, I can't I don't want to hear another song. I don't want to hear another voice.

Soula:

All the voices have been in our head today, and I don't want anymore.

Matthew Landis:

I also just want to do this little. PSA, I suppose, yes, I take my dogs on a walk every morning, which is not exactly the same thing as walking by yourself. I will say that. But when I see people walking their dogs and they're on their phone, I want to roll down the window and be like, that is, this is your dog's favorite thing to do all day, is spend time with you and go on a walk. Get off your damn phone for 15 minutes, because I see them on their phone, yeah? And then I see the dog is like, why are we even here? Yeah, the dog always looks confused and lost. Like, well, I guess I'm on this walk by myself,

Soula:

right? And probably hearing all these different words, like, but wait, that's not, wait, what?

Matthew Landis:

So if you're a dog walker and you like to be on your phone, quit it. Yes, pay attention to that dog. Or I'm going to be that curmudgeonly old man and I'm going to roll down the window and shake my fist at you.

Soula:

Somebody's got to tell them, right?

Matthew Landis:

Well, that's why I'm telling everybody here now, put your phone away. Yes, be present, exactly. It's funny, you said something about next year and the future, and why not now? And I think that's so powerful. One of my. Big gurus is Eckhart Tolle. He wrote a new earth, and I can't remember the other one suddenly, but I listened to him to sort of calm my nerves sometimes in the car, because he's just so brilliant. But one of the things he said, and this is like an old Buddhist or Hindu saying, is that the past and the future don't exist. The only thing that is real is the present. So be present, yeah, and I think about that a lot when I get caught up because I have anxiety, I'll own it. I'll be honest about it, and I have to go on those walks, doing those kinds of things, helps put me in the present, because I am here, I am alive, I am breathing, I am part of the universe, and I am period. And that's a it's a good feeling.

Soula:

It is, it is, it's. It's a powerful thing to acknowledge and be able to do that for ourselves too. And just, you know, the gratitude is, I mean, I'll find myself just being like, this is, this is awesome that I, I get to go and walk and be in silence like a lot of people don't have. I mean, a luxury of that, right?

Matthew Landis:

Yeah. I mean, you see what's going on in the world, and I am just wake up every day so grateful and feeling blessed for you know what I have, where I am, and what I get to do are, we're we get to work in this amazing industry and be around amazing people. I love it. So what brings you the most joy outside of your studio and your coaching work? What other things bring you joy?

Soula:

I Right now we are full blown. I'm full blown like soccer mom mode, and I love it, and it is so fun. One of my oldest son his team, we just, they're so fun to watch. And so it's a great, positive environment. And that is just, if we have to miss a game. We're like, oh my gosh, no. We have to go, like, what can we do? Because they're, they're so great. And I really just, we have a whole ritual too, of like, okay, you get to pick your pump up music, and, you know, we do this whole thing. And it's just, it's awesome to that again, I get that opportunity to give this experience to my kids, and we get to have this as a family, and I feel like it really

Matthew Landis:

just brings us together. So that is wonderful. That is wonderful. I think being a soccer mom sounds like a really cool role. Yeah, yeah. You got the anticipation. You get the excitement, you get the preparation. You get to be outside. Your kids are running around. You get to hang out with the other moms, yep. So you get refreshments after there's always treats, Yes, yep, and then everybody sleeps like a baby that night. Great. Gosh, that sounds amazing. I love that. All right, we're gonna do a rapid fire round of questions. Okay, before we say goodbye, coffee, order

Soula:

Grande, cold brew, one pump mocha with a splash of half and half.

Matthew Landis:

Oh, yum. I love cold brew. All right. Favorite hair tool. You can't live without.

Soula:

Round brush.

Matthew Landis:

I love my round brush. That's true. I mean, I don't use it on myself. It's so funny when my clients would be like, how do I use this? And I'm like, I can tell you how I use it, but I I don't use it on myself. I don't my arms aren't attached to your body, so it's a lot easier for me, but I'm with you. There's nothing you can't do with the round brush. Exactly the miracle tool, all right, book, podcast or resource you recommend to every business owner.

Soula:

Ooh, okay, book, hands down - The Big Leap.

Matthew Landis:

Oh, tell me.

Soula:

Oh my gosh. So it it basically goes along the lines of creating that space so that you can, you know, Excel to your next level. So and it really is, it's just getting out of your comfort zone.

Matthew Landis:

Okay, I'm gonna get that book The Big Leap.

Soula:

And his name is, I believe Gary cannot remember his last name,

Matthew Landis:

Gary. Gary dude. Gary dude, the big leap, all right, most underrated skill in the beauty and wellness industry.

Soula:

Oh, I think our our capability of connecting. Of people on a deeper level in a short amount of time, I should say

Matthew Landis:

I agree with you on that one dream client celebrity, or otherwise,

Soula:

Oh my gosh, honestly, I would say my dream client is to is somebody in school right now, as weird as that is, but just so we can just help navigate for them and love it, assist and because everybody has that potential to be great and do great, and whether they stick with the industry or not, but just to give them some good foundation.

Matthew Landis:

I love it. I've done a million coffee dates with people starting out and wanting to pick my brain, and it's such a wonderful thing to be able to give back. Yeah, that's great. So I have to know, is there a celebrity you would dream celebrity? Oh gosh, and let's, let's be totally shallow and surface here for a minute.

Soula:

Um, gosh. Who am I loving right now that I, I mean, I love Blake, lively, I know, with all the stuff that happened, but I really like gossip. Gossip Girl was like, I love the Gossip Girl era, and I love that.

Matthew Landis:

I think that that's great. And she spends a lot of time in Utah, so that very well could happen.

Soula:

I might, you know what? I'm gonna put it out there. I'm gonna run into her. It's gonna be like a home goods or something.

Matthew Landis:

I know she's only often about 20 minutes away from where you are in Midway or Heber in that area. My brother used to live near them. What's your superpower?

Soula:

Oh, I'm resilient.

Matthew Landis:

Oh, that's a good one.

Soula:

I would say that it took time, right? It's still a work in progress, but I feel like I can pretty much come back from most things that are thrown at me.

Matthew Landis:

I love that. Let me add. I want to explore that a little bit more. Have you always been resilient? I mean, obviously you're here and you're thriving.

Soula:

You lived through it.

Matthew Landis:

Whenever it was you're here,

Soula:

There's something there. There's something, I mean, you know, looking when you reflect back on your life, where there, there were a lot of things that you know could have really derailed me. And I just, I kept going, and I will honestly say, having this the space of the studio, and I'm talking like the physical thing, it was such a lifesaver for me, in many ways, because it was, it was my escape, and It was me. And no matter what was happening, like life at home or whatever, I could come in and create the day that I wanted, because I could just leave it. It's like, you unlock that door and you walk in, and it's like, this is my this is my space, and I'm and I want people to come in and feel good. I don't want people to come in and feel heavy because of whatever I have, like there's enough going on with everybody. And just having that I feel was so essential to to my life and keep keeping my progress.

Matthew Landis:

That is the best feeling in the world, yeah, to know that you have control over your space, and you have control over your day, and you can make it whatever you want it to be.

Soula:

Yeah, because and everything will be there when you finish, or not. I don't know. It just depends, right? Or it gives us that opportunity to have that, that time to to reflect and see.

Matthew Landis:

And you get to keep all the money at the end.

Unknown:

All the money.

Matthew Landis:

One last question. If you weren't a hairdresser or a coach or a real estate agent, what would you be doing,

Soula:

I would, well, there's two things. My first one is, I'd be a financial advisor.

Matthew Landis:

Oh, very cool. I don't hear that one often.

Soula:

Yeah, I don't. It's always fascinated me. And, you know, I've dabbled to see maybe going back and, you know, doing something with it, but we'll see. And then also a jewelry designer,

Matthew Landis:

Oh, I love it. So you've got sparkly things. So that's great. That's great both right brain, left brain sort of things. Yeah. Although I don't know financial advising, it sounds left brain, right. Left Brain is your analytical one. But I think to be a financial advisor, you probably also have to use your I think we use our whole brain, right? Yeah, because you know, to help people, you have to be able to also talking

Soula:

ledges like life is going to be okay.

Matthew Landis:

Don't worry. You have to be able to envision possibility, yes, to make it work. And even with jewelry design, you have to figure it out. You have to do problem solving, and you have a vision that you need to make it come true. So it sounds like you're a full brain individual, I love it well, Sula, thank you so much. You are such a joy, and I'm excited for your your coaching. I Where can our listeners find you?

Soula:

Yeah, so right now, the easiest is on my Instagram. So@soulachristopulos and you can direct message me there. I'm on that quite a bit.

Matthew Landis:

So all right, we'll make sure we put your information in the show notes. So look for her there again. Thank you so much for this conversation.

Soula:

Thank you for having me.