Eight - Derek Cash

Eight - Derek Cash

Okay, this one is WILD… we filmed it on an airboat in the middle of the Everglades, alligators and all, and I sat down with the one and only Derek Cash. Derek's been doing hair for almost 20 years, and he just spent THREE years building his own extension line, Pretty Gang Official. We're talkin flying all over the world chasing quality hair, getting it wrong, starting over, and finally creating something that actually blends the way extensions are supposed to. We got into all of it…✨ Why "natural" beats thick + blunt every single time✨ Mesh integration + toppers for women with hair loss (so slept on, it still amazes me)✨ How to stay inspired so you never burn out✨ Money is a frequency… and why your energy sells before you ever do And then Derek dropped THE story. The client who didn't pay for her extensions… and how it ended in felony charges, handcuffs, and a text asking for another appointment 💀 You have to hear it to believe it. Whether you're a stylist building your thing or you just love a good story, honey this one's a ride. Go follow Derek + check out his line 👇📲 Instagram: @derekcashstyles💕 Pretty Gang Official: @prettygangofficial🌐 https://prettygang.shop/

Cassandra DeRossa

Success in the hair industry isn't always pretty. In this episode of The Eight Podcast, I sit down with Cassandra De Rossa for a real, unfiltered conversation about business, salon drama, navigating challenges, and what it actually takes to keep moving forward when things get hard. We talk about the lessons that come from setbacks, the realities of building a career behind the chair, and why resilience is often the difference between those who make it and those who don't. If you've ever felt discouraged, questioned your path, or wondered if the hard work is worth it, this conversation is for you. Go find Cassandra on Instagram: @cassderossa @whiteopalhairco @whiteopalwedding Find me: @kellymaxwellhair @kellymaxwellhairextensions

Melanie Hasson

Okay…this conversation with Melanie Hasson was SO good. 🤍 We sat down and talked all about social media, business growth, building a salon, and what really happens behind the scenes when your platform starts growing fast. And when I say fast…I mean FAST. Melanie went from only a few thousand followers to over 200K followers in just months. 👏🏼 But honestly? What I love most is that she didn’t just build followers…she built a real business behind it. A successful salon. A strong brand. A loyal community. And she shares so much wisdom in this episode. We talked about what actually works on social media right now, how to stand out online, the pressure that can come with growth, and what it really takes to keep showing up consistently. This episode is packed with so much value, especially if you’re a stylist or business owner trying to grow online right now. Go give her a follow at @melaniemhasson and check out her website here: https://www.melaniemhasson.com/

Junee B Radford

Okay… can we talk about this episode for a second? I sat down with Juney Radford, and I’m telling you right now, this conversation is different. Like yes… we talk about hair, but not in the way you think. Because what she does? It’s not just installs. It’s not just “before and after.” It’s women sitting in her chair who don’t feel like themselves anymore…and her helping them get that back. And if you’re in this industry, you know how big that is. We got into the emotional side of hair loss…the stuff clients don’t always say out loud…and what it actually takes to show up for them at that level. And I loved this part because Juney doesn’t just “do hair.” She sees the person first. That’s the difference. So if you’re a stylist and you want to go deeper with your clients…or you’ve ever had someone sit in your chair and you just knew there was more going on… You need to listen to this. It’ll shift how you think about what we do. Go listen and tell me what hit you 🤍 And go follow her → @iamjuneybee

Sarayah Hernandez

This episode is one you’re going to feel. I sat down with Sarayah Hernandez, salon owner of East Coast Salon in New Jersey. She is an entrepreneur, visionary, and one of the most resilient women I know in this industry. And when I tell you she didn’t just build a business… she fought for it. We’re talking about what it really looks like behind the scenes, the pivots, the pressure, the moments where most people would’ve quit… and how she kept going anyway. Sarayah has created something so much bigger than a salon. She’s built a brand, a community, and a standard. If you’re a stylist who knows you’re meant for more… If you’ve ever felt the weight of building something on your own… If you’re in that season where you’re being stretched and you’re not sure what’s on the other side yet… This conversation is going to hit you. We talk about growth, identity, leadership, and what it actually takes to step into the next level of your life and business, even when it’s uncomfortable. And I promise you… you’re going to walk away from this episode thinking differently. Connect with Sarayah: Instagram: @eastcoast_salon [https://www.instagram.com/eastcoast_salon/] @sarayahhernandez [https://www.instagram.com/sarayahhernandez/] @eastcoast_organiccoffeebar [https://www.instagram.com/eastcoast_organiccoffeebar/] Website: www.eastcoastsalonnj.com [http://www.eastcoastsalonnj.com/] beyondyourbusiness.co [https://www.beyondyourbusiness.co/]