Friends in Beauty Podcast
Friends in Beauty Podcast

Friends in Beauty Podcast

Akua Robinson

Overview
Episodes

Details

Welcome to Friends in Beauty – the #1 community & podcast for beauty pros! Hosted by Award-Winning Makeup Artist & Beauty Educator, and Your Best Friend in Beauty Akua Robinson, this is where beauty conversations feel like catching up with a friend — real stories and expert tea with the voices that shape the beauty industry without the fluff...Whether you're a makeup artist, hairstylist, esthetician, nail tech, or educator—Friends in Beauty is your go-to for insight, strategy & support. New episodes every Wednesday! Let’s Connect! Follow us on social media: @friendsinbeauty @akuarobinson

Recent Episodes

Ep. 312: I’m Burnt Out… and I Need to Take a Break
MAR 4, 2026
Ep. 312: I’m Burnt Out… and I Need to Take a Break
In this episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I’m having a very honest conversation about burnout and why I’ve made the difficult decision to step away and take a break.Over the last several months, life has truly been lifing, and I’ve been feeling something that many creatives and entrepreneurs experience but don’t always talk about openly — burnout. After attending a powerful mental health event hosted by Our Collective Trauma and Healing (OCTA), I heard a perspective that gave me so much clarity around what I’ve been experiencing.One of the questions asked during the panel was: How do you know the difference between burnout and just being lazy?That moment gave me the confirmation I needed to be honest with myself about where I am right now.For almost six years, I’ve shown up every single week with a new episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast. While consistency is something I’m incredibly proud of, I realized that in the process of consistently showing up for everyone else, I’ve been consistently neglecting myself.In this episode, I share what burnout has looked like for me, the emotional weight that comes with constantly pouring into others, and why I’ve decided to pause the podcast for a while so I can refill my cup, reconnect with my passions, and give myself the space I truly need.💡 Key TakeawaysThe difference between burnout and laziness: “I don’t want to” vs “I can’t”Why constant consistency without rest can lead to burnoutThe importance of pouring into yourself before pouring into othersHow high expectations we place on ourselves can contribute to burnoutWhy taking a break can be necessary for long-term creativity and sustainability💄 Join the Friends in Beauty Community WaitlistA supportive space for beauty professionals who want growth, visibility, and connection without burnout or competition.👉🏽 [Join the Waitlist] https://friendsinbeauty.com/fib-community-waitlistLeave us a 5 star review and share this episode with a friend or 2 or [email protected] A PEEK INSIDE OF BEAUTYPRO FUNNELS HEREhttps://www.getbeautyprofunnels.com/friendsSHOP MENTED COSMETICS: https://www.mentedcosmetics.com/akua-robinson🤎USE CODE "670FED67397" for 15% off of your first purchase.🚀 FREE GUIDE → 13 WAYS TO GROW YOUR CLIENTELE https://friendsinbeauty.com/grow-your-clientele-7590GET BOOKKEEPING & ACCOUNTING SERVICES - Tell Them Friends in Beauty Sent Youhttps://kickstartaccountinginc.comLEARN HOW TO RECORD + EDIT A PODCAST IN 7 DAYS OR LESS:  https://bit.ly/DIYPodcasterCourseFRIENDS IN BEAUTY FACEBOOK COMMUNITYhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsinbeautyMUST HAVE BEAUTY, PODCASTING, CONTENT CREATION TOOLS, AND BOOKShttps://www.amazon.com/shop/akuarobinsonSocial Media Info:Friends in Beauty (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) - @friendsinbeautyFriends in Beauty (YouTube) - Friends in Beauty Akua Robinson (Instagram,Twitter) - @akuarobinsonAkuaRobinson (Facebook) - Akua Robinson MUAAkua Robinson (Website) - www.akuarobinson.com
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28 MIN
Ep. 311: Building a Clean Haircare Brand for the Loc Community with Laverne Amara
FEB 25, 2026
Ep. 311: Building a Clean Haircare Brand for the Loc Community with Laverne Amara
In this episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I’m so excited to sit down with Laverne Amara, founder of NVLX Labs, an eco-lux clean haircare brand created specifically for the loc community.Laverne is a certified loctician and trichology analyst whose work focuses on scalp health, buildup prevention, and education in the natural hair space. In our conversation, she shares how her journey evolved from providing services behind the chair to launching her own product line, and what it really takes to bring a beauty brand to life from scratch.We talk about the realities of product formulation, why her shampoo took about a year to perfect, and the science behind creating formulas specifically for locs versus loose natural hair. Laverne also opens up about entrepreneurship later in life, balancing multiple identities, and why slow, sustainable growth matters more than chasing viral moments.She also shares her experience serving in the military for over two decades, how hair regulations have evolved over the years, and why representation, inclusion, and education are so important in both beauty and professional spaces.If you’re building a brand, thinking about launching products, or simply want real insight into what it takes to grow something meaningful from the ground up, this episode is for you.💡 Key TakeawaysWhy loc haircare requires different formulations than traditional productsHow long it realistically take to develop a beauty product from scratchWhy slow growth can be more sustainable than viral successThe importance of scalp health in loc maintenanceHow volunteering, networking, and relationships open doors in businessWhy starting a business later in life can be an advantage🌐 Connect with LaverneInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nvlxlabs/Website: https://nvlxlabs.com/Leave us a 5 star review and share this episode with a friend or 2 or [email protected] A PEEK INSIDE OF BEAUTYPRO FUNNELS HEREhttps://www.getbeautyprofunnels.com/friendsSHOP MENTED COSMETICS: https://www.mentedcosmetics.com/akua-robinson🤎USE CODE "670FED67397" for 15% off of your first purchase.🚀 FREE GUIDE → 13 WAYS TO GROW YOUR CLIENTELE https://friendsinbeauty.com/grow-your-clientele-7590JOIN US INSIDE OF THE TRAILBLAZERS CLUBhttps://bit.ly/FIBTrailblazersClubbGET BOOKKEEPING & ACCOUNTING SERVICES - Tell Them Friends in Beauty Sent Youhttps://kickstartaccountinginc.comLEARN HOW TO RECORD + EDIT A PODCAST IN 7 DAYS OR LESS:  https://bit.ly/DIYPodcasterCourseFRIENDS IN BEAUTY FACEBOOK COMMUNITYhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsinbeautyMUST HAVE BEAUTY, PODCASTING, CONTENT CREATION TOOLS, AND BOOKShttps://www.amazon.com/shop/akuarobinsonSocial Media Info:Friends in Beauty (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) - @friendsinbeautyFriends in Beauty (YouTube) - Friends in Beauty Akua Robinson (Instagram,Twitter) - @akuarobinsonAkuaRobinson (Facebook) - Akua Robinson MUAAkua Robinson (Website) - www.akuarobinson.comNOTE: I am a Brand Ambassador and affiliate for certain businesses, products and services that I believe in. I may have referenced these and included links in this video, description or someplace else at this site. I hope you find the resources helpful.Copyright, Liability Waiver and Disclaimers. All rights reserved.No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, except as permitted under the United States Copyright Act, and/or without the prior express written permission of Friends in Beauty, LLC, Akua Robinson Artistry, LLC and/or Akua Robinson.
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72 MIN
Ep. 310 - Reality Check: Behind the Scenes of America's Next Top Model
FEB 18, 2026
Ep. 310 - Reality Check: Behind the Scenes of America's Next Top Model
On this week’s episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I’m diving into the new Reality Check documentary and unpacking everything it brought up for me about America’s Next Top Model. As someone who grew up watching the show, I’m reflecting on how it shaped our understanding of beauty, success, and even humiliation in the name of entertainment.I talk about the outrageous photo shoots, the behind-the-scenes dynamics, Tyra’s leadership at just 30 years old, and how much of it reflects the era we were in. More importantly, I explore what accountability looks like now and how far the beauty industry has evolved since the early 2000s. Share this episode with another Friend in Beauty and join the conversation. Enjoy this episode!ALLURE ARTICLE: https://www.allure.com/story/peter-thomas-roth-jeffrey-epstein-emails-boycott💄 Join the Friends in Beauty Community WaitlistA supportive space for beauty professionals who want growth, visibility, and connection without burnout or competition.👉🏽 [Join the Waitlist] https://friendsinbeauty.com/fib-community-waitlistGET A PEEK INSIDE OF BEAUTYPRO FUNNELS HEREhttps://www.getbeautyprofunnels.com/friendsSHOP MENTED COSMETICS: https://www.mentedcosmetics.com/akua-robinson🤎USE CODE "670FED67397" for 15% off of your first purchase.🚀 FREE GUIDE → 13 WAYS TO GROW YOUR CLIENTELE https://friendsinbeauty.com/grow-your-clientele-7590GET BOOKKEEPING & ACCOUNTING SERVICES - Tell Them Friends in Beauty Sent Youhttps://kickstartaccountinginc.comLEARN HOW TO RECORD + EDIT A PODCAST IN 7 DAYS OR LESS:  https://bit.ly/DIYPodcasterCourseFRIENDS IN BEAUTY FACEBOOK COMMUNITYhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsinbeautyMUST HAVE BEAUTY, PODCASTING, CONTENT CREATION TOOLS, AND BOOKShttps://www.amazon.com/shop/akuarobinsonSocial Media Info:Friends in Beauty (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) - @friendsinbeautyFriends in Beauty (YouTube) - Friends in Beauty Akua Robinson (Instagram,Twitter) - @akuarobinsonAkuaRobinson (Facebook) - Akua Robinson MUAAkua Robinson (Website) - www.akuarobinson.com
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57 MIN
Ep.309: GRANTS YOU CAN APPLY FOR ANYTIME
FEB 11, 2026
Ep.309: GRANTS YOU CAN APPLY FOR ANYTIME
If you’re a beauty professional, creative, or small business owner looking for grants you can apply for right now, this episode is for you.In this video, I’m breaking down rolling grants—funding opportunities that are open year-round or monthly, so you don’t have to wait for a once-a-year deadline to access money for your business.These grants are especially great if you’re:-A beauty pro or service-based entrepreneur-A creative or solopreneur-Running a side hustle or growing a small business-Tired of feeling like grants are “out of reach”👇🏽 GRANTS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE 👇🏽✨ Amber Grant (WomensNet) – 3 monthly $10,000 grants + end-of-year awardshttps://ambergrantsforwomen.com/get-an-amber-grant/✨ Skip Instant Grants – $1,000 grants announced regularlyhttps://tryskip.co/r/AKUA131✨ Hustler’s Microgrant – Monthly $1,000 grantshttps://www.hersuitespot.com/hustlersgrant/✨ The Awesome Foundation – $1,000 micro-grants awarded monthlyhttps://www.awesomefoundation.org/en✨ Galaxy of Stars Grant – $2,500 ongoing grants for underrepresented foundershttps://galaxyofstars.org/galaxy-grants/✨ Friends & Family Fund – $2,500 small business grantshttps://www.skysthelimit.org/friends-family-fund✨ Her Rise Micro Grant – $1,000 grants for women entrepreneurshttps://www.hersuitespot.com/herrise/✨ Greatness Grant – $2,500 grantshttps://greatnessgrant.comCHECK OUT EP. 265 - Your Grant Writer Isn’t AI - $19M+ in Grants Secured | Insider Tips You Need to Know - https://youtu.be/d_kPkI_AO08?si=Xs1e9H093wSwk0g0🎧 This episode is meant to remove the intimidation around grants and remind you that you don’t have to be perfect or “ready” to apply—you just have to start.👉🏽 If this helped you, share it with a Friend in Beauty and leave a comment letting me know which grant you’re applying for!✨Join the Waitlist for the Friends in Beauty bus trip to the Makeup Show NYC on Sunday, May 3, 2026 - https://friendsinbeauty.com/fib-bus-trip-waitlist-6442💄 Join the Friends in Beauty Community WaitlistA supportive space for beauty professionals who want growth, visibility, and connection without burnout or competition.👉🏽 [Join the Waitlist] https://friendsinbeauty.com/fib-community-waitlistGET A PEEK INSIDE OF BEAUTYPRO FUNNELS HEREhttps://www.getbeautyprofunnels.com/friends📌 How To Attract High-Paying Clients in the Beauty Industry:https://youtu.be/aZ5WE_SIubs✨SHOP MENTED COSMETICS: https://www.mentedcosmetics.com/akua-robinson🤎USE CODE "670FED67397" for 15% off of your first purchase.🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more beauty biz tips, vlogs, and grant resources: https://www.bit.ly/FIBTube🚀 FREE GUIDE → 13 WAYS TO GROW YOUR CLIENTELE https://friendsinbeauty.com/grow-your-clientele-7590GET BOOKKEEPING & ACCOUNTING SERVICES - Tell Them Friends in Beauty Sent You https://kickstartaccountinginc.comLEARN HOW TO RECORD + EDIT A PODCAST IN 7 DAYS OR LESS: https://bit.ly/DIYPodcasterCourseFRIENDS IN BEAUTY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY https://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsinbeautyMUST HAVE BEAUTY, PODCASTING, CONTENT CREATION TOOLS, AND BOOKS https://www.amazon.com/shop/akuarobinsonSocial Media Info:Friends in Beauty (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) - @friendsinbeautyFriends in Beauty (YouTube) - Friends in Beauty Akua Robinson (Instagram,Twitter) - @akuarobinsonAkuaRobinson (Facebook) - Akua Robinson MUAAkua Robinson (Website) - www.akuarobinson.com
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23 MIN
Ep. 308 - A Birthday Pep Talk!
FEB 4, 2026
Ep. 308 - A Birthday Pep Talk!
In this special birthday episode of the Friends in Beauty Podcast, I’m taking a moment to slow down, reflect, and share a birthday pep talk straight from the heart.I talk about how my relationship with birthdays has changed over the years and why I now find more joy in simplicity than big celebrations. I also open up about a recent emotional season—caring for my cat, Kash, during a health scare—and how that experience reminded me of the importance of community, support, and giving myself grace.I reflect on my journey into the beauty industry, why I believe beauty professionals are the original influencers, and how important it is for us to recognize our impact without feeling overshadowed by social media. This episode is about persistence, self-reflection, and honoring your path—even when it doesn’t look like what you imagined.If you’re navigating a tender season, celebrating a milestone, or simply need a reminder that you’re not alone, this episode is for you.✨BIRTHDAY DONATIONS✨:CashApp: AkuaRobinsonZelle: [email protected]✨ READY FOR PERSONALIZED SUPPORT?💄 Book a 1:1 High-Paying Client Positioning AuditGet clear on what signals you’re sending, what’s blocking higher-paying clients, and what to fix first.👉🏽 [Book Your Call] https://friendsinbeauty.com/fib-client-positioning-audit💄 Join the Friends in Beauty Community WaitlistA supportive space for beauty professionals who want growth, visibility, and connection without burnout or competition.👉🏽 [Join the Waitlist] https://friendsinbeauty.com/fib-community-waitlistGET A PEEK INSIDE OF BEAUTYPRO FUNNELS HEREhttps://www.getbeautyprofunnels.com/friendsSHOP MENTED COSMETICS: https://www.mentedcosmetics.com/akua-robinson🤎USE CODE "670FED67397" for 15% off of your first purchase.🚀 FREE GUIDE → 13 WAYS TO GROW YOUR CLIENTELE https://friendsinbeauty.com/grow-your-clientele-7590JOIN US INSIDE OF THE TRAILBLAZERS CLUBhttps://bit.ly/FIBTrailblazersClubbGET BOOKKEEPING & ACCOUNTING SERVICES - Tell Them Friends in Beauty Sent Youhttps://kickstartaccountinginc.comLEARN HOW TO RECORD + EDIT A PODCAST IN 7 DAYS OR LESS:  https://bit.ly/DIYPodcasterCourseFRIENDS IN BEAUTY FACEBOOK COMMUNITYhttps://www.facebook.com/groups/friendsinbeautyMUST HAVE BEAUTY, PODCASTING, CONTENT CREATION TOOLS, AND BOOKShttps://www.amazon.com/shop/akuarobinsonSocial Media Info:Friends in Beauty (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) - @friendsinbeautyFriends in Beauty (YouTube) - Friends in Beauty Akua Robinson (Instagram,Twitter) - @akuarobinsonAkuaRobinson (Facebook) - Akua Robinson MUAAkua Robinson (Website) - www.akuarobinson.com
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16 MIN