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1. From Stigma to Success | The Evolution of the Hair Industry Ft. Brian Ahrens
36:51||Ep. 1Welcome to the very first episode of the Maneframe Podcast!✨In this episode, we sit down with Brian Ahrens, a beauty industry veteran with over 40 years of experience working alongside some of the biggest professional hair care brands across North America. From starting his journey as an entrepreneur to leading renowned brands like Goldwell, KMS, Aveda, Revlon, American Crew, CND, Joico, STMNT, Authentic Beauty Concept, and Zotos, Brian shares the lessons, challenges, and opportunities that shaped his remarkable career.We dive into the evolution of the North American hair industry, what separates thriving salons from struggling ones, and why great people, great products, and strong profitability remain the foundation of every successful beauty business.Brian also shares his perspective on the future of the salon industry, the growing role of technology, and how Maneframe is helping hairstylists, salon owners, and beauty professionals build stronger, more connected businesses.Whether you're a hairstylist, salon owner, beauty entrepreneur, educator, distributor, or industry leader, this conversation is packed with valuable insights from someone who has seen the industry evolve firsthand.
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12. Running a Modern Barbershop | Brittney Bodis on Building Frontier Barbers & Company
24:33||Ep. 12On this episode of Hairstory, host Jeff Alford sits down with Brittney Bodis, owner of Frontier Barbers & Company in downtown St. Catharines, Ontario.Brittney shares her journey from hair school in Newmarket to salon work, a brief detour into law clerking, and ultimately finding her passion behind the barber chair. She opens up about renovating a historic downtown space, opening just before COVID, surviving months of shutdowns through creativity and grit, and what it truly takes to run a modern barbershop.This honest conversation explores leadership, hiring, work-life balance, changing industry expectations, and why barbering remains one of the most human and community-driven professions.HairStory is sponsored by Preempt & Prevention – Great Hair Begins with a Great Chair.11. Protective Styling & Purpose | The Powerful Story of Shenzy Beauty
26:34||Ep. 11In this episode of Hairstory, host Jeff Alford sits down with Shenzy, founder of Shenzy Beauty in Welland, Ontario, to explore her remarkable journey from the Caribbean island of St. Vincent to becoming an influential protective-styling specialist in Canada.Shenzy shares how she built her business from the corner of her living room, the growing demand for Black hair services in Niagara, and the powerful impact hairstylists have on the emotional well-being of their clients.From launching her own product line to supporting clients through deeply personal challenges, this conversation highlights the heart, resilience, and purpose that define the real professionals in the hair industry.HairStory is sponsored by Preempt & Prevention – Great Hair Begins with a Great Chair.10. 30 Years Behind the Chair | The Carlo Lombardo Story
28:04||Ep. 10Step into the world of hair, heart, and community with this inspiring conversation between Jeff and veteran hairstylist and entrepreneur Carlo Lombardo. From growing up in a family of hairdressers to opening his first salon at just 19, Carlo shares his incredible 30-year journey in the beauty industry. He opens up about the evolution of salon culture, the struggles of staffing, rising costs, the emotional bonds with clients, and the profound impact hairstylists have on mental health and community life.Today, Carlo is expanding from salon owner to North American distributor—proving that passion, resilience, and relationships can build a lifelong legacy.HairStory is sponsored by Preempt & Prevention – Great Hair Begins with a Great Chair.9. Crafting Confidence | Cheryl Gushue’s Journey Through Beauty
32:26||Ep. 9Fashion-trained and Toronto-raised, Cheryl Gushue has spent a lifetime at the intersection of beauty and creativity—makeup artist, stylist, educator, and now publisher of Beauty Hub Magazine. In this Hairstory episode, Cheryl walks us through her path from early days at Fiorio and Capucci to award-winning shoots (NAHA & Contessa), televised makeovers (Cityline, Steven & Chris), and global tours styling for Goldwell Color Zoom in Vegas, Berlin, Paris, and beyond.HairStory is sponsored by Preempt & Prevention – Great Hair Begins with a Great Chair.8. Empowering Entrepreneurs | Kalleigh Sharp and the Beauty Bar One Model
18:24||Ep. 8In this episode of Hairstory, we sit down with Kalleigh Sharp, founder and owner of Beauty Bar One in St. Catharines, Ontario — a thriving community hub redefining what a modern salon space can be.Kalleigh shares how she turned student debt and curiosity into a multi-layered beauty business, building both a training academy with over 25 certified courses and a co-working salon model that gives independent stylists, estheticians, and creatives their own space to succeed.This episode explores how she’s helping beauty professionals across Niagara find freedom, confidence, and community — and why she believes the future of the beauty industry lies in collaboration, not competition.HairStory is sponsored by Preempt & Prevention – Great Hair Begins with a Great Chair.7. The Art of Protective Styles | Alexis Stephenson on Braids, Culture & Care
16:44||Ep. 7St. Catharines entrepreneur Alexis Stephenson—owner of Lexi’s Hair Boutique—shares how a teenage hobby became a purpose-driven business. Starting in high school in Brampton, Lexi taught herself through tutorials, built an Instagram portfolio, and began serving family and friends before moving to the Niagara region and opening a professional suite at Beauty Bar One.Lexi breaks down the world of protective styles—from braids and cornrows to twists, locs, faux locs, and extension work—why they matter for hair health, and how specializing in a niche can be a powerful business model. We talk confidence, community, and mental health (why great hair can lift a day), the real fears of launching without college, finding resources, and the mindset it takes to keep going. She also looks ahead to educating others and building a broader support network for her clients and creators in Niagara.HairStory is sponsored by Preempt & Prevention – Great Hair Begins with a Great Chair.