Artists, Icons and Entrepreneurs
Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs is a space where creative professionals, such as elite hairstylists and visual artists, share how they built their careers through consistency, craft, and heart. We dive into their process, mindset, and journey so you can get inspired to grow your own creative career too.
Episodes
79 episodes
Convenience vs Connection: Which One Matters More?
This episode features Marcy Cona, a renowned global creative director in the beauty industry, sharing insights on artistry, innovation, human connection, and the future of beauty. Discover her journey, leadership philosophy, and vision for elev...
The Offer His Brothers Made That Changed Everything
Welcome to Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs! In this episode, we hear from someone whose family history in the "barber shop" deeply influenced his career path. He shares the importance of "personal growth" and how embracing "creativity" allowe...
Collections That Challenge What's Expected
Welcome to Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs! In this episode, we explore the origins of a career, emphasizing the importance of creativity and teamwork. The discussion highlights a significant past collaboration from 1988, underscoring how per...
The Artistic Evolution: From Street Inspiration to High Fashion
Welcome to Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs!In this inspiring interview, Omar Antonio shares his journey from a punk rock kid to a globally recognized hair artist and educator. Discover his creative process, the influence of international ...
Why Houston's Frida Festival Started With One Woman's Dream
This episode features Lisbeth Ortiz, a Mexican-born visual artist whose work explores identity, resilience, and cultural heritage. She shares her journey from Mexico City to Houston and New York, her artistic inspirations, community initiatives...
I Wrote My Memoir and Found My Purpose
In this episode, we hear from an entrepreneur, author, and mentor who shares her journey of writing a memoir. She discusses how the process became one of healing and personal growth, offering her new mental clarity. Discover how she found her p...
From Swinging London to The Beatles: A Hair Icon’s Journey
Leslie Cavendish shares his extraordinary journey from East London to becoming a legendary hairdresser for The Beatles and other icons. Discover behind-the-scenes stories, lessons learned, and the culture of 60s London that shaped his career.
How America’s Beauty Show Is Shaping the Next Generation of Beauty Professionals
In this episode of Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs, we sit down with Don Wismer, Director of Education for America’s Beauty Show, to explore how beauty education is evolving and what this means for the industry's future.Don shares why...
From Struggling to Thriving | My Complete Transformation Journey
In this episode, Maria Arellano shares her transformative journey from struggling with weight and self-image to embracing a healthier lifestyle and body positivity. Through her experiences in photography and personal growth, she emphasizes the ...
What Fashion Shows Look Like Behind the Scenes | Sarai Martinez
In this episode of Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs, hosts Lulu Benavidez and Sue Krokonis Hanson welcome celebrity hairstylist Sarai Martinez. They explore Sarai's journey from studying fashion design in Canada to becoming a renowned hairstyl...
Behind the Chair: The Life of a Celebrity Stylist
In this engaging conversation, Lucia shares her journey in the hairdressing industry, starting from her early days at 15 to becoming a sought-after stylist for celebrities and major brands. She discusses the importance of passion, the differenc...
Behind the Curtain: Wig Building, Collaboration, and the Many Roads of the Beauty Industry
In this episode of Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs, we sit down with Richard Krammes—veteran hairstylist, wig designer, and educator with 35+ years in the professional beauty industry and theatre. Richard shares how he went from barber school...
You Can’t Train Gen Z Like You Were Trained
Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs, hosts LuLu Benavidez and Sue Krokonis Hanson, sit down with Coach Chris Baran, renowned salon educator and founder of Trainers Playbook, to explore what it takes to build high-performing teams and modern train...
From Bilingual Student to Educational Leader
Claudia Macias shares her inspiring journey in education, from her early experiences as a bilingual student to founding KIPP elementary schools. She discusses her collaborations with major educational institutions, the importance of story...
From salon owner to educator: David Velasco's unconventional path
David Velasco shares his remarkable journey from a young hairdresser in Tampa to becoming a prominent figure in the hairdressing industry. He discusses the impact of his early international experiences, the challenges of balancing a demanding c...
Embracing New Beginnings in 2026
In this engaging conversation, Lulu Benavidez and Sue Hanson reflect on the new year, discussing personal growth, the importance of human connection, and the value of reaching out to others. They share insights on navigating change, setting res...
Our Christmas Story | Faith, Family & Cherishing Memories
In this heartfelt episode, Lulu Benavidez and Sue Hanson reflect on the past year, sharing insights into the meaning of Christmas, the importance of family traditions, and the journey of grief through the holidays. They discuss the role of fait...
From Photographer to Storyteller: Renee Rodriguez's Journey
In this episode, photographer Renee Rodriguez shares her transformative journey in the world of photography, highlighting how personal experiences and societal tragedies have shaped her artistic vision. From her early inspirations to her impact...
The Stories Behind the Work - Paul Vega Interview
Paul Vega shares his experiences as a hairstylist, particularly focusing on a memorable encounter with former First Lady Barbara Bush. He discusses the importance of treating every client with respect and confidence, regardless of their status,...
The Secret Behind Transformative Public Art by Angel Quesada
In this episode of Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs, hosts Lulu Benavidez and Sue Krokonis Hanson engage with multidisciplinary artist Angel Quesada. They explore the transformative power of art, its role in enhancing community living conditio...
Why Thanksgiving Means More Than You Think
Thanksgiving montage of moments from past episodes. The Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs family extends a warm Thanksgiving message, reminding us to "give thanks" for the "family time" and cherished "connection" we share. This heartfe...
From Salon to Global Brand: Mireya Villarreal's Journey
In this episode of Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs, hosts Lulu Benavidez and Sue Krokonis Hanson interview Mireya Villarreal, a trailblazing entrepreneur and founder of Pink Pewter. Mireya shares her inspiring journey from a small salon to bu...
From the Barrio to The Cheech: The Journey of Jesse Rodriguez
In this episode, *Artists, Icons & Entrepreneurs* sits down with artist Jesse Rodriguez (Magnolia Grown) to explore the power of energy, gratitude, and growth. Jesse shares how the energy we carry shapes our experiences and how embrac...
Mindfulness and Self-Care in the Beauty Industry
In this conversation, Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs discuss the involuntary processes of our bodies that contribute to our success and happiness with Mya James. Mya emphasizes the importance of self-care and the need to embrace life's oppor...
From Tomboy to Music Executive: Gabrielle Peluso's Journey
In this episode of Artists, Icons, and Entrepreneurs, hosts Lulu Benavidez and Sue Krokonis Hanson interview Gabrielle Peluso, a prominent figure in the music industry. Gabrielle shares her journey from a tomboyish childhood to becoming a succe...