The Beauty Ritual Podcast

In this episode, host Eva Stasce reconnects with her former beauty school teacher Nicoletta Gauci, now the owner of Kismet Salon. Together, they reflect on the full-circle journey from the classroom to the salon floor, the lessons that never leave you, and how mentorship shapes a stylist’s artistry. Nicoletta shares what inspired her to open Kismet, the values she’s built into its culture, and the evolving meaning of success in the...

We sat down with Fabe — a heartfelt esthetician, educator, and beauty mentor whose career has touched both clients and future professionals alike. With a background working for industry giants like Sephora and Paul Mitchell, Fabe blends technical expertise with a genuine passion for nurturing confidence in others. Beyond skincare, he brings a unique perspective on teaching, mentoring, and guiding the next generation of beauty profe...

We’re kicking off Season 2 of the Beauty Ritual Podcast with Chelsea Sule—makeup artist, creative visionary, and retired beauty agent. Chelsea has worked with iconic names like Playboy, Pat McGrath, Anna Sui,and many more. She brings a rare perspective from both sides of the beauty industry: behind the brush and behind the contracts (yes, beauty professionals have agents!).
In this conversation, Eva and Chelsea unpack what it t...

What does it really take to become a licensed cosmetologist today? Spoiler alert: its not the same as it used to be. In this episode, we're joined by Danny Jouglet, a seasoned stylist with 14 years behind the chair and a passion for teaching the next generation of beauty pros. Danny gives us the inside scoop on how cosmetology licensing has evolved-from fewer school hours to major changes in testing. 
We talk about whats b...

In this episode, we are joined by the magnetic Rachel Lita - a rising star in the world of freelance hairdressing whose passport is as full as her portfolio. From photoshoots to red carpets, Rachel travels internationally with celebrity clients, all while crafting her own avant-garde looks that push the boundaries of beauty and artistry. We talk about what it really takes to make it behind the scenes: the unspoken rules of on-set e...

In this episode we sit down with the incredible Daniel K Palmer - Australian born hairstylist, former 100% Hotter makeover expert, and now the proud owner of his first salon in West Hollywood. Known for his authenticity, innovation and warmhearted approach to hair, Daniel shares his journey from Perth, to reality TV, to creating a space where everyone can experience their best hair.
But this conversation goes beyond styling - D...

In this episode Eva sits down with Brooke Hackett a powerhouse who just competed in the prestigious Ben Weider bodybuilding competition. Brooke opens up about her journey in the world of bodybuilding-how sculpting her body has reshaped her sense of identity, beauty and confidence at every stage of her life.
Together, we dive into the complexities of pushing physical limits, confronting current beauty standards and redefining wh...

Having grey hair in your 20's in 1990 vs. 2024 reflects significant changes in social attitudes and beauty standards. For so long going grey as a young person was seen as undesirable and even unusual. The rise in the "silver hair" trend, where people intentionally dye their hair grey or silver, not to mention public figures proudly sporting grey hair has created a culture where it is less stigmatized. Who better to e...

So tell me, would you consider a zodiac inspired haircut? From birth charts to rising sign basics its easy to get sucked into the wormhole that is astrology on social media. Astrology has found its way into many aspects of our culture, including hair salons where it can influence not only casual conversation but also the services offered. To answer our burning questions and give us a firm foundation of the basics we have Amanda Sol...

Photography has played a crucial role in the globalization of beauty standards. Images shared in magazines, advertisements and now social media have created a more uniform idea of what is considered beautiful. This weeks guest, photographer Gracie Newman shares her incites and experience to broaden our view of how we see creativity and ourselves.
To see more of Gracie's work follow her @gracienewmannn

Beauty evolves. So do ...

Meet makeup artist David Deleon, an award winning makeup artist for Jane Fonda, Barbara Streisand, Sarah Michelle Gellar and many more. David advocates for natural beauty: promotes the idea that beauty is not confined to youth and that people of all ages can be beautiful in their own unique ways. Find out what it means to be anti anti-aging and more on this episode of the Beauty Ritual Podcast.
Keep up with David on Instagram @...

What do breakups and botox have to do with each other? Breakups can sometimes leave people feeling self conscious about their looks, especially if they are re-entering the dating scene. Opting for botox or skin treatments (and yes sometimes bangs) can be seen as a commitment to self care and self improvement. We are not always reminded that botox (or bangs) something from the outside, can't fix unhappiness with our inner self ...

Meet Robyn, best known as @itsgingerfitness our favorite Rumble boxing trainer and now Nike Studios founding trainer. Robyn leads by example that through fitness you learn to appreciate your body for what it can do rather than how it looks. Let’s explore what inner beauty looks like in having a strong, resilient and empowered sense of self, the importance of community, and the spaces we choose to place ourselves.

Beauty evolves. So ...

It's important to note that the relationship between purpose and appearance is highly subjective.  Kelly Gilbert knows best that this can vary significantly from person to person. Growing up in Los Angeles and a successful career working alongside companies such as Disney and BeachBody have informed so much of how Kelly relates to these subjects. Speaking from personal experience we explore how we use our appearance as a way o...

Up for debate in todays episode with Yulia Chaladze is massage versus botox, exploring the camp that says no to injectables and yes to good old fashion french massage. Can these modalities work synergistically with each other?  The science will have you thinking twice, maybe even making a different choice when its time to book your next facial appointment.
Find out more about Yulia's work @esthetics.la

Beauty evolves. So do...

 What about yourself do you value? Is it your ability to learn, your empathy, resilience, kindness or compassion? Did you put physical appearance on this list? In our society today we constantly affirm the belief that our core value has to do with size and appearance. On todays episode with Marriage & Family therapist Brooke Spahn specializing in eating disorders, we explore our values around beauty standards in an evolving wor...

Life after a career in hairdressing? It can take various paths depending on your skills, interests and goals. The fundamental soft skills hairdressers develop are transferable and can lead to so many potentials. Kelsey Furlong has a fearless capacity to dive into the unknown and shares her experiences from her time doing hair to her current work in brand and businesses development and as a writer.  

Beauty evolves. So do we. Join th...

With the rise of social media has come the rise of talented film editor Susanna Ericsson. Editing is now a household tool and entertainment with access through our phones and Susanna has the skill and philosophy to navigate the craft with heart. How do we relate to our image with realism and a bit of soul with the digital power to change everything at our fingertips? You will find out from a professional on this episode of the Beau...

Being a model, a mother, and an artist may seem like three distinct roles, but they can be connected in various ways, and Gabrielle Cagan has successfully balanced these aspects of her life. We explore the ways these roles intersect and the effect it has on our identity in this episode of The Beauty Ritual podcast.

Beauty evolves. So do we. Join the conversation on Spotify-subscribe to 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒆𝒂𝒖𝒕𝒚 𝑹𝒊𝒕𝒖𝒂𝒍 𝑷𝒐𝒅𝒄𝒂𝒔𝒕...