July 14, 2025 • 21 mins
Hi!! I would love to hear from you!
Hair appointments shouldn't be anxiety-inducing. Yet for many people, especially introverts, the social expectations of salon visits can feel overwhelming. Enter Natalie Menk, affectionately known as "The Introvert Stylist," who's revolutionizing the salon experience with a beautifully simple concept: silent appointments.
After nine years in the beauty industry, Natalie has transformed what she once perceived as a weakness into her greatest strength. Rather than forcing herself to be chatty, she embraced her natural quietude and created a service where clients don't feel pressured to make small talk. The response has been remarkable, with one client memorably saying after an appointment: "It was great not talking to you."
What happens during these silent sessions? Some clients bring laptops to work, others listen to podcasts or music, and some simply close their eyes for a much-needed rest. There's no script to follow—just an understanding that conversation isn't mandatory. Now working from a private salon suite, Natalie has noticed something fascinating: many clients who initially sought silent appointments now feel comfortable enough to engage in genuine conversation, highlighting how removing pressure often creates space for authentic connection.
Specializing in vibrant reds, lived-in blondes, bobs, shags, and layers, Natalie tailors each appointment to the individual with a focus on hair health and personal style. Her salon is especially affirming for women, LGBTQ+ clients, and anyone seeking a judgment-free, inclusive experience. In a world where anxiety continues to rise, she aims to provide an escape, even if just for an hour or two.
Natalie's approach reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful innovation isn't about adding more—it's about giving ourselves permission to want less. If you're curious about experiencing a truly pressure-free salon visit, you can find The Introvert Stylist on Instagram @the_introvert_stylist, with booking information available in her bio.
https://theintrovertstylist.glossgenius.com/
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:02):
Welcome back to Empowered Ease, the podcast,
where we shine a light on womenmaking a difference in the lives
of others.
So this week I'm thrilled tointroduce our guest, Natalie
Mink, affectionately known asthe introvert stylist.
With nearly nine years in thebeauty industry, natalie has
carved out a unique niche byoffering silent appointments,
(00:24):
creating a calm and focusedenvironment where clients can
truly unwind and be themselves.
Natalie's passion for fosteringa welcoming space extends
beyond just her salon.
Her salon is especiallyaffirming for women, lgbtq plus
clients and anyone who values alow pressure, inclusive
(00:47):
experience.
Natalie specializes in vibrantreds, lived in blondes, bobs,
shags and layers, tailoring eachappointment to the individual,
with a focus on health andbeautiful hair.
As my cousin, natalie bringspersonal warmth and professional
expertise to this podcast, andtoday she'll share her journey
(01:09):
and insights.
Whether you're interested inher transformative cuts or how
she combines creativity withcompassion, you're in for an
engaging conversation.
So settle in as we explore howNatalie is changing the salon
experience for introverts andbeyond.
Welcome, natalie, I'm so happyyou're here, so happy to be here
(01:40):
, yay.
So tell us a little bit abouthow, like, the introvert stylist
idea came about and kind ofwhat inspired you the introvert
stylist idea came about and kindof what inspired you?
Speaker 2 (01:50):
Yeah, so, um, I've been in the industry for nine
years as a hairstylist and um,you know, for a long time I've
always struggled with the factthat I am more quiet and more
introverted and like dealingwith clients and um never felt
like I could just um, you know,just like naturally talk and
(02:12):
whatever.
And um, it wasn't until like,uh, I actually my previous
bosses at my previous salon,they were like, hey, why don't
you use that as like yourmarketing tool, instead of it
being something that you know?
I thought I had to like changefor um make it your strength
instead of your thing toovercome.
Speaker 1 (02:33):
Yes, exactly.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
And so from there I just kind of started marketing
myself as introverted stylistand um, really offering like
silent appointments and thingslike that, and I have gotten a
lot of clients from that.
I think one of the firstclients I had like after our
appointments she was like yeah,it was great not talking to you,
but yeah, that's kind of youknow where it kind of came to be
(03:03):
.
Speaker 1 (03:04):
I love that.
I love that because, being yourcousin and being older by like
a lot, like since you werelittle, you've had like the
quiet, introvert nature and Iwas actually surprised that you
were willing to do the podcastbecause I was like man, this
could be hard for her.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
Don't worry, I've been nervous, it's okay, but I'm
like I trust you.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
So we've rescheduled a few times do so, and we've
rescheduled a few times, I know,but I just think it's such a
great idea and such a way tolike think outside the box and
really just already read yeah,you're a little flush, that's
okay, I get a little flush too,but like it's such a great way
to like think outside the boxand do things and like meet
people where they're at and I,even though it like sounds like
(03:42):
a little thing, I just thinkit's such a powerful thing and I
wonder how common it is thatpeople really do avoid going to
get their hair done because itis like a very like what the
spotlight is on you when you'rein that chair.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
You feel pressure to talk so what kind of things?
Speaker 1 (03:58):
do people do instead of talking to you?
Speaker 2 (04:01):
yeah, like, and it's like I it really is just like a
vibe really I really try andpick up like I can usually tell,
like, if someone wants to talkor not, um, and I just kind of
let it flow, like I don't try toforce small talk or anything
like that.
Like, if I can tell thatthey're just kind of wanting to
like chill, I'll just kind ofback off, um, and naturally I do
(04:22):
that anyway, especially if I'mdoing a more like in-depth color
or like cut haircut, like Ineed to be quiet because
otherwise, if I do start talkingand get sidetracked, then I'm
like wait where, what, where wasI at in this process that I'm
doing?
So it really it really benefitsmore me.
And then also like being ableto provide that for people, um,
(04:46):
and I think I'm losing my trainof thought.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
No, you're good.
I was wondering what.
I think that's perfect, though,like, and so right on, like I
know I've like went and got myhair done, like after I put one
of my dogs to sleep one time,which sounded so weird, but like
I was like not going to give up, give up my appointment, and
like it felt like a good thingto do after that, like because
it was such an emotionalexperience and I felt so bad for
(05:10):
my because my hairstylist andNatalie are friends actually,
but I felt so bad because Ioverwhelmed her with it.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
I was like shout out to Maddie for reintroducing us.
Speaker 1 (05:18):
I know if any of you I've had compliments on my hair
all the time.
By the way, it's Maddie justout.
She's good too, but I think Ioverwhelmed her with it.
But I remember like how good itfelt, like you know to have
that space and silence.
Speaker 2 (05:33):
Yeah, I was going to say to get pampered and be
silent.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
But one of the things I asked you was what are some
of the things people do in yourchair?
Speaker 2 (05:40):
Oh yes.
Speaker 1 (05:41):
Alternatives, Because I think it's kind of like for
someone who's overwhelmed.
They probably want a littlesense of security.
Also, can they mark that theappointment is silent beforehand
so there's no pressure to that?
You pick and that will tell me.
Speaker 2 (05:51):
And then, yeah, usually I've had people bring in
their laptops and work.
I've had people like listen tolike some music or a podcast or
(06:21):
whatever, or just like, justsimply just close their eyes and
just like just take a nap.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
Yeah, I was, I could imagine myself reading or doing
a podcast, for sure.
Speaker 2 (06:28):
Right, exactly, and, and honestly, sometimes even
like I've um like now going intowhich I know we'll probably
touch on this a little bit umgoing into a salon suite having
more of a private, um uh,experience for clients.
Now I find that a lot of mysilent appointment clients are
(06:50):
now like talking and likeconversing with me, which has
been like a really cool feelingto have, because it's like okay,
now they're in a space wherethey're comfortable and we can
like chat more and like get toknow each other a little bit
more.
So I thought that was that'sbeen a really cool.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
Yeah, that's way cool .
And so now I know before youwere in kind of like an open
space, so I haven't been to yournew space.
Is it also kind of more closedoff and private feeling?
Speaker 2 (07:16):
yeah, so so it's, um, it's image studios in Webster
and it's basically just like abunch of little like rooms for
each, either hairstylist,estheticians, um, they have um,
yeah, all kinds of things and um, and yeah, so I just I rent it.
Uh, rent a little space with, Ishare it with, um, this girl,
(07:39):
tirza, who I just met along thisjourney and that's been
freaking awesome to share itwith somebody.
But, yeah, um, so, yeah, wejust there's a everything's very
bright and big windows andstuff like that.
Well, I don't have any likeactual windows to see the
outside, but like the doorsitself have big windows, so you
don't feel like you're just inthis dark little room or
anything.
(08:00):
There's a lot of light still inthere, yeah, and a lot of times
when um like if it is gettingkind of noisy in the hallways,
all I gotta do is like shut thedoor and it's just like you can
just, it's just peaceful andpeaceful, exactly, and I can
play my own music and um,sometimes I'll even ask if they
want to listen to anything inparticular.
(08:21):
Um, but yeah, I don't know, Ilove that, yeah I think this is
such a cool idea.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
I think I hope more people adopt this as like an
option because I know, like youknow, as the world's getting
like more adaptive and there's,this is just one of those things
I hadn't heard of before but itseems like such a simple thing
that would probably.
You know, I've had some of myclients have been.
I think I've had like threehairstylists, funny enough, that
(08:49):
were all introverts and one ofthe bigger things we talked
about was like how difficult itcan be sometimes to deal with
like confrontation or unhappyclients in the chair.
But it always surprised me somuch that like um, that the
three hairstylists I had I wouldhave guessed that like it would
be like an extrovert thing thatpeople would be attracted to
(09:10):
but it's that and it's like it'san artistic thing.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
So I think a lot of introverts are creative and
artistic and so that makes senseyeah, I've been seeing more and
more like um, just scrolling ontiktok and like more
hairstylists like labelingthemselves as like more
introverted and stuff like that.
So it feels cool to see thathappening more and more and
being more like more of aconversation because, like I do
see, sometimes I will scrollthrough comments and, uh, people
(09:36):
will be like you know I?
That's the one reason why Iwon't go to this long, because I
don't want to have these likesmall talk conversations.
I just want to go in and get myhair done and leave.
I'm like I got you, like it'sall good we do not have to talk
if we want to.
I'm not saying like we don'thave to talk, like I don't want
to talk at all, but like I don'tever want to force it.
I just want to let you know,let it be, let the you know
there's no pressure to talk it'sabout you, it's about your
(09:58):
experience.
Speaker 1 (09:59):
It's like you're like .
The salon day has been myfavorite day for a long, long
years, years and years.
You know I save up my money andbudget that my hair gets done
because it's more than just like.
It's more than just likegetting my hair done.
You know, it's like it's morethan just like getting my hair
done.
You know?
Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 2 (10:14):
You're catching up with your hairstylist and like
seeing you know everyone else isdoing, and yeah, that's why
it's kind of like why I got intothe industry too is just like
going to the hair salon as a kid.
Like going to my hairstylist,like just sitting in the chair
watching what she's doing, whyshe's doing it, and then just
like like, the atmosphere isalways fun.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
but yeah, yeah, I love that.
I think it's so cool.
Um so, um, what other?
Is there anything else youwanted to kind of share about
your salon and your services?
Speaker 2 (10:46):
yeah.
So, like I said, um, yeah, I'mat a salon suite, I rent out a
little room and, um, yeah, Ipretty much I'm pretty open to
whatever services people want toget.
Like I I think, if anything Ispecialize more in like reds,
lived in color and all that, butI'll do pretty much anything
(11:07):
you know.
Um, and yeah, just offeringjust like a low key environment,
no pressure type of environment, just want to make people feel
comfortable.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
I love that, especially in this world.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
Even you know, it's nice to be able to like converse
in a more private room, so thatway they feel more comfortable
being like hey, I like this or Idon't like that, and we can
like collab together and get, soI can give them the best result
yeah, because sometimes it'shard to speak up about what you
want, especially likecommunicating is hard yeah
exactly, and this world is justlike I feel like anxiety is just
(11:48):
increased, increased oh,absolutely 100, and I just want
to be like that escape, yeah,for a little bit, even just an
hour, two hours, so I love that.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
I love that.
I would love to highlight morebusinesses and people doing
stuff like this, because I thinkpeople like I think if you
weren't my cousin, it would behard to get you on here.
Cousin, it would be hard to getyou on here because it's like
you know, it's a small thingthat may be like yeah, it's not
going to take up us as much timeto talk about, but it's such a
powerful little shift for peopleto be able to get a little bit
(12:22):
of like self-care and a littlebit of control and a little bit
of like a good experience back.
So I love that you're doingthis.
Um, one thing I ask everybodythat comes on the show that I
definitely want to ask you iswhat is your go to self care
when, like, the world getsoverwhelming?
Speaker 2 (12:38):
or diving into some TV show, whether it's like a
drama or stupid trash reality TV, or I like playing just like
little cozy video games on theswitch.
Nothing crazy, but somethinglike that, something to just
(13:07):
kind of like escape.
Speaker 1 (13:08):
I love that.
I was wondering if you're goingto say reading.
That's the first thing, thatpops in my head for you.
But I also wondered if you weregoing to say like the I don't
know what you call it, but likethe comfort gaming, because um,
yeah, what do they call that?
Speaker 2 (13:19):
isn't there a name for?
Speaker 1 (13:20):
that is it.
Comfort gaming.
It's like soothing, right likesensory, soothing gaming.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
Yeah, it's just more like farming, kind of yeah,
games and just like you'reeither farming or, um, like I've
like stardew valley is like abig one that I played.
It's just a bunch of differentthings, but I don't know, it's
just kind of fun.
I gonna go through momentssometimes where I like I'll be
super into it and then right nowI'm like back into my, like my
(13:45):
reading game, like it's been awhile.
Speaker 1 (13:47):
Oh yeah, I do that too, I go on and off of reading
so much like I'll read likethree books and then I won't
pick a book up for like ninemonths.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
I'll listen, sometimes on audible sometimes I
will listen if I'm like, if I'mgetting ready and I'll listen
to an audiobook that I'vealready read, because I find it
it's hard for me to listen to abook I haven't read.
Speaker 1 (14:05):
I don't know why, but yeah, oh, really, sometimes I'm
very particular of the personreading it to the narrator like
if it's not the author, I'm likewell, and it doesn't have to be
the author all the time, buttheir voice really like gets to
me if it's sometimes thenarrator is just like oh, I
can't listen to this.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
Yeah totally or like as a narrator.
I love um uh elizabeth evans,who does all like the sarah j
mass books.
She's amazing.
Speaker 1 (14:34):
I have not heard her, but that would be.
Speaker 2 (14:35):
I'm sure you've heard like A Court of Thorns and
Roses.
Oh yeah, I've heard of thebooks, but I just never.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
I wouldn't know her voice.
Did she write those books, orshe just?
Speaker 2 (14:42):
narrates, sarah J Maas is the author, and then
Elizabeth Evans is the narratorfor the books oh, I love that.
Speaker 1 (14:48):
I love that there's so many people with strong
reading games of dolls Istruggle with, um, uh, what is
it nonfiction?
Speaker 2 (14:57):
oh no, I struggle with fiction yeah, I get those
mixed up too.
Speaker 1 (15:01):
It's so stupid, right , but I do I struggle with
fiction unless it's like verywell done and I hate feeling
judgy, but like if I can guessthe end or something like that.
Like I just don't enjoy thelike.
Some people like a real gentlefiction.
I do not.
I like I would rather read likeum, like a philosophy book,
which is stupid, and but it'slike how my brain like gets
(15:22):
soothed.
But I love that you brought upgaming, because no one has said
it yet and I know how manypeople gave me.
Well, you know actually littleferns, the girls, I know you
know that they might've said it,but most people don't say
gaming.
But I think gaming is huge fora lot of people and actually I
don't play it all the time.
I need to play it more.
But one of my clientsrecommended this game Coral
(15:45):
Island.
Speaker 2 (15:47):
I think I've seen that before.
Speaker 1 (15:49):
You clean up the beach and you can plant flowers
and give your neighbor.
You can do whatever you want,but I planted flowers and gave
my neighbors bouquets andcleaned up the ocean.
Speaker 2 (15:59):
I love that stuff.
I'll play the Animal Crossingand that stuff and that like
same thing.
You like gift people things.
Yeah, it felt so good.
It was like my perfect littlehappy world.
Speaker 1 (16:12):
Yeah, yeah, I love that.
That's so cute.
Well, is there anything elsethat you want to leave us with
today, or any?
Speaker 2 (16:19):
I don't know.
I I mean, if anyone wants toget their hair done, come hang
out in our studio, we can chat.
We don't have to chat.
You can come in and read, ornot, or you know.
Yeah, just let me up, just I'lljust do your hair, you know I
love that.
Speaker 1 (16:33):
Yeah well, thank you so much for being bold and
coming on here, even though Iknow it makes you uncomfortable
to put yourself out there likethis I think you're doing okay.
Speaker 2 (16:41):
You gotta, as my dad would say, feel the fear and do
it anyway.
Speaker 1 (16:44):
So oh, I love that your dad most of the books I've
read that I really loved camefrom her dad, by the way, who
recommends the really greatreads.
I love his taste in books, yeahshout out to uncle Mike, um, but
yeah, so I hope this inspirespeople to really like look at
(17:04):
some of the things you may seeyourself as a weakness and see
how you can turn that into astrength, because I think that's
what, natalie.
Some people may look atthemselves as being an introvert
or social.
I should say like so,struggling with social issues.
They see that as a challengeand what you've done is find a
way to reframe.
That is not so much of achallenge, but, like that,
you're not the only one outthere, so you know you attract
(17:26):
people that are like you.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
So, yeah, and it's more, I feel like that's right.
Speaker 1 (17:33):
There's enough of us that if we find our cups of teas
, we'll all be just fine,because there's enough of us out
there.
We're not alone, and I hopethis encourages other people who
maybe are doing something likethis, who you might think it's
not enough to share a smallthing, but it is a huge thing.
So share.
Please come on and share howyou're doing something different
(17:53):
, how you find found a way tomake it work, because that is
like a subtle way of challengingthe patriarchy.
The patriarchy is this linearhave to forcefully get things
done in the structured way and asimple way to challenge it is
this right here to find a way tomake it work with, with
yourself and what works for you.
So I love that.
It's like embracing thefeminine.
(18:13):
So thank you so much, natalie.
Yeah, thank you for having me.
I loved it.
So hopefully we'll and alsoanother little spoiler if you'd
like to know how we're allrelated.
Speaker 2 (18:23):
So, natalie, can I give all the?
Can I send you a family tree,Okay?
Speaker 1 (18:27):
So Amy, who's on here , who's the herbalist of my
herbalist journey?
She is Natalie's stepmother, myuncle's wife, amazing person.
I wish I knew the episodenumbers so I could say I'm on
here.
I should have looked those up.
(18:50):
And then um.
Ladle of ferns is um.
Katie is one of the founders.
Katie is Natalie'ssister-in-law, so we're all one
big, happy family of women overhere trying to do some good in
the world so, yeah, littlebusinesses, and we're trying to
make people feel good right,that's right and support each
other and all of that.
So come join us.
We love me, the other womendoing the same and sharing and
building each other up, becausethat's what we're all about over
(19:11):
here.
So, yeah, oh, can you want tosay your website for people who
may just be listening and don'twant to look it up, which I will
put links to all of her stuffin the show notes yeah, um, I
think.
Speaker 2 (19:21):
It's like, if you just follow, find my Instagram,
I think is yeah, say that one.
Then uh, at the at and theintrovert underscore stylist.
There you go.
Perfect, yeah, yeah, I think.
Yeah, it's like gloss genius.
But the link to my bookingwebsite is in my bio on my
Instagram.
Speaker 1 (19:38):
So so Instagram at instagram, at the introvert
underscore stylist yeah oninstagram, perfect well, thank
you so much.
It was a blast talking to you.
I'll see you later.
All right, see you later, bye.
Welcome back to Empowered Ease, the podcast,
where we shine a light on womenmaking a difference in the lives
of others.
So this week I'm thrilled tointroduce our guest, Natalie
Mink, affectionately known asthe introvert stylist.
With nearly nine years in thebeauty industry, natalie has
carved out a unique niche byoffering silent appointments,
(00:24):
creating a calm and focusedenvironment where clients can
truly unwind and be themselves.
Natalie's passion for fosteringa welcoming space extends
beyond just her salon.
Her salon is especiallyaffirming for women, lgbtq plus
clients and anyone who values alow pressure, inclusive
(00:47):
experience.
Natalie specializes in vibrantreds, lived in blondes, bobs,
shags and layers, tailoring eachappointment to the individual,
with a focus on health andbeautiful hair.
As my cousin, natalie bringspersonal warmth and professional
expertise to this podcast, andtoday she'll share her journey
(01:09):
and insights.
Whether you're interested inher transformative cuts or how
she combines creativity withcompassion, you're in for an
engaging conversation.
So settle in as we explore howNatalie is changing the salon
experience for introverts andbeyond.
Welcome, natalie, I'm so happyyou're here, so happy to be here
(01:40):
, yay.
So tell us a little bit abouthow, like, the introvert stylist
idea came about and kind ofwhat inspired you the introvert
stylist idea came about and kindof what inspired you?
Speaker 2 (01:50):
Yeah, so, um, I've been in the industry for nine
years as a hairstylist and um,you know, for a long time I've
always struggled with the factthat I am more quiet and more
introverted and like dealingwith clients and um never felt
like I could just um, you know,just like naturally talk and
(02:12):
whatever.
And um, it wasn't until like,uh, I actually my previous
bosses at my previous salon,they were like, hey, why don't
you use that as like yourmarketing tool, instead of it
being something that you know?
I thought I had to like changefor um make it your strength
instead of your thing toovercome.
Speaker 1 (02:33):
Yes, exactly.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
And so from there I just kind of started marketing
myself as introverted stylistand um, really offering like
silent appointments and thingslike that, and I have gotten a
lot of clients from that.
I think one of the firstclients I had like after our
appointments she was like yeah,it was great not talking to you,
but yeah, that's kind of youknow where it kind of came to be
(03:03):
.
Speaker 1 (03:04):
I love that.
I love that because, being yourcousin and being older by like
a lot, like since you werelittle, you've had like the
quiet, introvert nature and Iwas actually surprised that you
were willing to do the podcastbecause I was like man, this
could be hard for her.
Speaker 2 (03:16):
Don't worry, I've been nervous, it's okay, but I'm
like I trust you.
Speaker 1 (03:22):
So we've rescheduled a few times do so, and we've
rescheduled a few times, I know,but I just think it's such a
great idea and such a way tolike think outside the box and
really just already read yeah,you're a little flush, that's
okay, I get a little flush too,but like it's such a great way
to like think outside the boxand do things and like meet
people where they're at and I,even though it like sounds like
(03:42):
a little thing, I just thinkit's such a powerful thing and I
wonder how common it is thatpeople really do avoid going to
get their hair done because itis like a very like what the
spotlight is on you when you'rein that chair.
Speaker 2 (03:55):
You feel pressure to talk so what kind of things?
Speaker 1 (03:58):
do people do instead of talking to you?
Speaker 2 (04:01):
yeah, like, and it's like I it really is just like a
vibe really I really try andpick up like I can usually tell,
like, if someone wants to talkor not, um, and I just kind of
let it flow, like I don't try toforce small talk or anything
like that.
Like, if I can tell thatthey're just kind of wanting to
like chill, I'll just kind ofback off, um, and naturally I do
(04:22):
that anyway, especially if I'mdoing a more like in-depth color
or like cut haircut, like Ineed to be quiet because
otherwise, if I do start talkingand get sidetracked, then I'm
like wait where, what, where wasI at in this process that I'm
doing?
So it really it really benefitsmore me.
And then also like being ableto provide that for people, um,
(04:46):
and I think I'm losing my trainof thought.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
No, you're good.
I was wondering what.
I think that's perfect, though,like, and so right on, like I
know I've like went and got myhair done, like after I put one
of my dogs to sleep one time,which sounded so weird, but like
I was like not going to give up, give up my appointment, and
like it felt like a good thingto do after that, like because
it was such an emotionalexperience and I felt so bad for
(05:10):
my because my hairstylist andNatalie are friends actually,
but I felt so bad because Ioverwhelmed her with it.
Speaker 2 (05:16):
I was like shout out to Maddie for reintroducing us.
Speaker 1 (05:18):
I know if any of you I've had compliments on my hair
all the time.
By the way, it's Maddie justout.
She's good too, but I think Ioverwhelmed her with it.
But I remember like how good itfelt, like you know to have
that space and silence.
Speaker 2 (05:33):
Yeah, I was going to say to get pampered and be
silent.
Speaker 1 (05:36):
But one of the things I asked you was what are some
of the things people do in yourchair?
Speaker 2 (05:40):
Oh yes.
Speaker 1 (05:41):
Alternatives, Because I think it's kind of like for
someone who's overwhelmed.
They probably want a littlesense of security.
Also, can they mark that theappointment is silent beforehand
so there's no pressure to that?
You pick and that will tell me.
Speaker 2 (05:51):
And then, yeah, usually I've had people bring in
their laptops and work.
I've had people like listen tolike some music or a podcast or
(06:21):
whatever, or just like, justsimply just close their eyes and
just like just take a nap.
Speaker 1 (06:25):
Yeah, I was, I could imagine myself reading or doing
a podcast, for sure.
Speaker 2 (06:28):
Right, exactly, and, and honestly, sometimes even
like I've um like now going intowhich I know we'll probably
touch on this a little bit umgoing into a salon suite having
more of a private, um uh,experience for clients.
Now I find that a lot of mysilent appointment clients are
(06:50):
now like talking and likeconversing with me, which has
been like a really cool feelingto have, because it's like okay,
now they're in a space wherethey're comfortable and we can
like chat more and like get toknow each other a little bit
more.
So I thought that was that'sbeen a really cool.
Speaker 1 (07:05):
Yeah, that's way cool .
And so now I know before youwere in kind of like an open
space, so I haven't been to yournew space.
Is it also kind of more closedoff and private feeling?
Speaker 2 (07:16):
yeah, so so it's, um, it's image studios in Webster
and it's basically just like abunch of little like rooms for
each, either hairstylist,estheticians, um, they have um,
yeah, all kinds of things and um, and yeah, so I just I rent it.
Uh, rent a little space with, Ishare it with, um, this girl,
(07:39):
tirza, who I just met along thisjourney and that's been
freaking awesome to share itwith somebody.
But, yeah, um, so, yeah, wejust there's a everything's very
bright and big windows andstuff like that.
Well, I don't have any likeactual windows to see the
outside, but like the doorsitself have big windows, so you
don't feel like you're just inthis dark little room or
anything.
(08:00):
There's a lot of light still inthere, yeah, and a lot of times
when um like if it is gettingkind of noisy in the hallways,
all I gotta do is like shut thedoor and it's just like you can
just, it's just peaceful andpeaceful, exactly, and I can
play my own music and um,sometimes I'll even ask if they
want to listen to anything inparticular.
(08:21):
Um, but yeah, I don't know, Ilove that, yeah I think this is
such a cool idea.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
I think I hope more people adopt this as like an
option because I know, like youknow, as the world's getting
like more adaptive and there's,this is just one of those things
I hadn't heard of before but itseems like such a simple thing
that would probably.
You know, I've had some of myclients have been.
I think I've had like threehairstylists, funny enough, that
(08:49):
were all introverts and one ofthe bigger things we talked
about was like how difficult itcan be sometimes to deal with
like confrontation or unhappyclients in the chair.
But it always surprised me somuch that like um, that the
three hairstylists I had I wouldhave guessed that like it would
be like an extrovert thing thatpeople would be attracted to
(09:10):
but it's that and it's like it'san artistic thing.
Speaker 2 (09:12):
So I think a lot of introverts are creative and
artistic and so that makes senseyeah, I've been seeing more and
more like um, just scrolling ontiktok and like more
hairstylists like labelingthemselves as like more
introverted and stuff like that.
So it feels cool to see thathappening more and more and
being more like more of aconversation because, like I do
see, sometimes I will scrollthrough comments and, uh, people
(09:36):
will be like you know I?
That's the one reason why Iwon't go to this long, because I
don't want to have these likesmall talk conversations.
I just want to go in and get myhair done and leave.
I'm like I got you, like it'sall good we do not have to talk
if we want to.
I'm not saying like we don'thave to talk, like I don't want
to talk at all, but like I don'tever want to force it.
I just want to let you know,let it be, let the you know
there's no pressure to talk it'sabout you, it's about your
(09:58):
experience.
Speaker 1 (09:59):
It's like you're like .
The salon day has been myfavorite day for a long, long
years, years and years.
You know I save up my money andbudget that my hair gets done
because it's more than just like.
It's more than just likegetting my hair done.
You know, it's like it's morethan just like getting my hair
done.
You know?
Yeah, exactly.
Speaker 2 (10:14):
You're catching up with your hairstylist and like
seeing you know everyone else isdoing, and yeah, that's why
it's kind of like why I got intothe industry too is just like
going to the hair salon as a kid.
Like going to my hairstylist,like just sitting in the chair
watching what she's doing, whyshe's doing it, and then just
like like, the atmosphere isalways fun.
Speaker 1 (10:33):
but yeah, yeah, I love that.
I think it's so cool.
Um so, um, what other?
Is there anything else youwanted to kind of share about
your salon and your services?
Speaker 2 (10:46):
yeah.
So, like I said, um, yeah, I'mat a salon suite, I rent out a
little room and, um, yeah, Ipretty much I'm pretty open to
whatever services people want toget.
Like I I think, if anything Ispecialize more in like reds,
lived in color and all that, butI'll do pretty much anything
(11:07):
you know.
Um, and yeah, just offeringjust like a low key environment,
no pressure type of environment, just want to make people feel
comfortable.
Speaker 1 (11:23):
I love that, especially in this world.
Speaker 2 (11:26):
Even you know, it's nice to be able to like converse
in a more private room, so thatway they feel more comfortable
being like hey, I like this or Idon't like that, and we can
like collab together and get, soI can give them the best result
yeah, because sometimes it'shard to speak up about what you
want, especially likecommunicating is hard yeah
exactly, and this world is justlike I feel like anxiety is just
(11:48):
increased, increased oh,absolutely 100, and I just want
to be like that escape, yeah,for a little bit, even just an
hour, two hours, so I love that.
Speaker 1 (12:02):
I love that.
I would love to highlight morebusinesses and people doing
stuff like this, because I thinkpeople like I think if you
weren't my cousin, it would behard to get you on here.
Cousin, it would be hard to getyou on here because it's like
you know, it's a small thingthat may be like yeah, it's not
going to take up us as much timeto talk about, but it's such a
powerful little shift for peopleto be able to get a little bit
(12:22):
of like self-care and a littlebit of control and a little bit
of like a good experience back.
So I love that you're doingthis.
Um, one thing I ask everybodythat comes on the show that I
definitely want to ask you iswhat is your go to self care
when, like, the world getsoverwhelming?
Speaker 2 (12:38):
or diving into some TV show, whether it's like a
drama or stupid trash reality TV, or I like playing just like
little cozy video games on theswitch.
Nothing crazy, but somethinglike that, something to just
(13:07):
kind of like escape.
Speaker 1 (13:08):
I love that.
I was wondering if you're goingto say reading.
That's the first thing, thatpops in my head for you.
But I also wondered if you weregoing to say like the I don't
know what you call it, but likethe comfort gaming, because um,
yeah, what do they call that?
Speaker 2 (13:19):
isn't there a name for?
Speaker 1 (13:20):
that is it.
Comfort gaming.
It's like soothing, right likesensory, soothing gaming.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
Yeah, it's just more like farming, kind of yeah,
games and just like you'reeither farming or, um, like I've
like stardew valley is like abig one that I played.
It's just a bunch of differentthings, but I don't know, it's
just kind of fun.
I gonna go through momentssometimes where I like I'll be
super into it and then right nowI'm like back into my, like my
(13:45):
reading game, like it's been awhile.
Speaker 1 (13:47):
Oh yeah, I do that too, I go on and off of reading
so much like I'll read likethree books and then I won't
pick a book up for like ninemonths.
Speaker 2 (13:55):
I'll listen, sometimes on audible sometimes I
will listen if I'm like, if I'mgetting ready and I'll listen
to an audiobook that I'vealready read, because I find it
it's hard for me to listen to abook I haven't read.
Speaker 1 (14:05):
I don't know why, but yeah, oh, really, sometimes I'm
very particular of the personreading it to the narrator like
if it's not the author, I'm likewell, and it doesn't have to be
the author all the time, buttheir voice really like gets to
me if it's sometimes thenarrator is just like oh, I
can't listen to this.
Speaker 2 (14:23):
Yeah totally or like as a narrator.
I love um uh elizabeth evans,who does all like the sarah j
mass books.
She's amazing.
Speaker 1 (14:34):
I have not heard her, but that would be.
Speaker 2 (14:35):
I'm sure you've heard like A Court of Thorns and
Roses.
Oh yeah, I've heard of thebooks, but I just never.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
I wouldn't know her voice.
Did she write those books, orshe just?
Speaker 2 (14:42):
narrates, sarah J Maas is the author, and then
Elizabeth Evans is the narratorfor the books oh, I love that.
Speaker 1 (14:48):
I love that there's so many people with strong
reading games of dolls Istruggle with, um, uh, what is
it nonfiction?
Speaker 2 (14:57):
oh no, I struggle with fiction yeah, I get those
mixed up too.
Speaker 1 (15:01):
It's so stupid, right , but I do I struggle with
fiction unless it's like verywell done and I hate feeling
judgy, but like if I can guessthe end or something like that.
Like I just don't enjoy thelike.
Some people like a real gentlefiction.
I do not.
I like I would rather read likeum, like a philosophy book,
which is stupid, and but it'slike how my brain like gets
(15:22):
soothed.
But I love that you brought upgaming, because no one has said
it yet and I know how manypeople gave me.
Well, you know actually littleferns, the girls, I know you
know that they might've said it,but most people don't say
gaming.
But I think gaming is huge fora lot of people and actually I
don't play it all the time.
I need to play it more.
But one of my clientsrecommended this game Coral
(15:45):
Island.
Speaker 2 (15:47):
I think I've seen that before.
Speaker 1 (15:49):
You clean up the beach and you can plant flowers
and give your neighbor.
You can do whatever you want,but I planted flowers and gave
my neighbors bouquets andcleaned up the ocean.
Speaker 2 (15:59):
I love that stuff.
I'll play the Animal Crossingand that stuff and that like
same thing.
You like gift people things.
Yeah, it felt so good.
It was like my perfect littlehappy world.
Speaker 1 (16:12):
Yeah, yeah, I love that.
That's so cute.
Well, is there anything elsethat you want to leave us with
today, or any?
Speaker 2 (16:19):
I don't know.
I I mean, if anyone wants toget their hair done, come hang
out in our studio, we can chat.
We don't have to chat.
You can come in and read, ornot, or you know.
Yeah, just let me up, just I'lljust do your hair, you know I
love that.
Speaker 1 (16:33):
Yeah well, thank you so much for being bold and
coming on here, even though Iknow it makes you uncomfortable
to put yourself out there likethis I think you're doing okay.
Speaker 2 (16:41):
You gotta, as my dad would say, feel the fear and do
it anyway.
Speaker 1 (16:44):
So oh, I love that your dad most of the books I've
read that I really loved camefrom her dad, by the way, who
recommends the really greatreads.
I love his taste in books, yeahshout out to uncle Mike, um, but
yeah, so I hope this inspirespeople to really like look at
(17:04):
some of the things you may seeyourself as a weakness and see
how you can turn that into astrength, because I think that's
what, natalie.
Some people may look atthemselves as being an introvert
or social.
I should say like so,struggling with social issues.
They see that as a challengeand what you've done is find a
way to reframe.
That is not so much of achallenge, but, like that,
you're not the only one outthere, so you know you attract
(17:26):
people that are like you.
Speaker 2 (17:28):
So, yeah, and it's more, I feel like that's right.
Speaker 1 (17:33):
There's enough of us that if we find our cups of teas
, we'll all be just fine,because there's enough of us out
there.
We're not alone, and I hopethis encourages other people who
maybe are doing something likethis, who you might think it's
not enough to share a smallthing, but it is a huge thing.
So share.
Please come on and share howyou're doing something different
(17:53):
, how you find found a way tomake it work, because that is
like a subtle way of challengingthe patriarchy.
The patriarchy is this linearhave to forcefully get things
done in the structured way and asimple way to challenge it is
this right here to find a way tomake it work with, with
yourself and what works for you.
So I love that.
It's like embracing thefeminine.
(18:13):
So thank you so much, natalie.
Yeah, thank you for having me.
I loved it.
So hopefully we'll and alsoanother little spoiler if you'd
like to know how we're allrelated.
Speaker 2 (18:23):
So, natalie, can I give all the?
Can I send you a family tree,Okay?
Speaker 1 (18:27):
So Amy, who's on here , who's the herbalist of my
herbalist journey?
She is Natalie's stepmother, myuncle's wife, amazing person.
I wish I knew the episodenumbers so I could say I'm on
here.
I should have looked those up.
(18:50):
And then um.
Ladle of ferns is um.
Katie is one of the founders.
Katie is Natalie'ssister-in-law, so we're all one
big, happy family of women overhere trying to do some good in
the world so, yeah, littlebusinesses, and we're trying to
make people feel good right,that's right and support each
other and all of that.
So come join us.
We love me, the other womendoing the same and sharing and
building each other up, becausethat's what we're all about over
(19:11):
here.
So, yeah, oh, can you want tosay your website for people who
may just be listening and don'twant to look it up, which I will
put links to all of her stuffin the show notes yeah, um, I
think.
Speaker 2 (19:21):
It's like, if you just follow, find my Instagram,
I think is yeah, say that one.
Then uh, at the at and theintrovert underscore stylist.
There you go.
Perfect, yeah, yeah, I think.
Yeah, it's like gloss genius.
But the link to my bookingwebsite is in my bio on my
Instagram.
Speaker 1 (19:38):
So so Instagram at instagram, at the introvert
underscore stylist yeah oninstagram, perfect well, thank
you so much.
It was a blast talking to you.
I'll see you later.
All right, see you later, bye.
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