Inside the Chair & Beyond: Growth, Support, and Next Steps with Krisa Warren

In this candid and inspiring episode of Stylist Soul Tribe Conversations, I sat down once again with Krisa Warren—long-time Soul Tribe member, thriving stylist, and now a key part of our Board of Support. It’s been almost a year since she was last on the podcast, and so much has evolved in her business, mindset, and leadership role within the Soul Tribe community.

We covered a lot of ground in this conversation—from what the Board of Support actually is, to Krisa’s exciting journey into mentorship and her first assistant hiring experience through a local externship program. If you’re a stylist looking for mentorship, growth, and real-time solutions, this one’s for you.

What Is the Board of Support?

Launched in January 2025, the Board of Support is an initiative designed to add layers of peer mentorship and expanded perspectives inside Soul Tribe. Krisa describes it as “an extra layer of ideas, support, and viewpoints” from fellow stylists who are at different stages and specialties in the industry.

The format is simple but impactful: Board members rotate through different Soul Tribe groups over three months—first shadowing, then leading, then staying lightly involved. This structure fosters deep connection, fresh energy, and long-term peer support even after the formal rotation ends.

“It’s not about being the expert. It’s about showing up with lived experience and a fresh perspective,” Krisa said.

Using the SWOT Analysis Inside Soul Tribe

In a recent group, Krisa introduced a tool called the SWOT analysis—a strategic method used by major businesses to assess:

• Strengths

• Weaknesses

• Opportunities

• Threats

The group loved it. For stylists who often operate solo or get stuck in familiar routines, this exercise sparked new ideas and allowed them to assess their businesses with a wider lens. Interestingly, most of the group named themselves as their biggest threat—a powerful realization that opened the door for self-reflection and mindset shifts.

Real-Time Growth and Gaining Confidence

Krisa reflected on how intimidating joining the Board of Support initially felt, wondering whether she had anything valuable to offer. Now, five months in, she’s confident in her ability to contribute meaningfully and says she’s grown just as much from the experience as the stylists she supports.

“You don’t have to reinvent the wheel. You just have to show up with your truth and share your experience.”

Having also received support from another Board of Support member in her own group, Krisa appreciates how powerful it is to be on the receiving end—and it’s deepened her belief in the value of the program.

A Smart Approach to Hiring an Assistant

One of Krisa’s original goals—hiring her first assistant—is finally becoming a reality, thanks to a local externship program through her technical college. This program allows students to complete the final months of school working 16 hours per week inside a salon. It's a win for the students, the schools, and the stylists.

“It’s the exact opportunity I’d been waiting for. It removes all the barriers that had made hiring feel intimidating.”

Eight students reached out to Krisa after discovering her organically—without even being given a list of salons. She’s currently narrowing down her decision and plans to fully hire her extern as an assistant once they graduate.

This hands-on opportunity gives the student real-world experience with real clients, and gives Krisa the chance to build a smooth, profitable, and sustainable assistant program without rushing the process.

What Other Stylists Should Know

If you’re curious about externships in your area, Krisa recommends:

• Contacting your state board of cosmetology to ask if externships are allowed

• Reaching out to local technical or beauty schools to inquire about partnerships

• Remembering that externs are different from interns (externs typically do not require pay and may be allowed to perform services depending on state regulations)

This pathway can provide stylists with the help they need and give students the confidence and experience they crave—without the overwhelm of traditional hiring.

Creative Initiatives and Peer-Led Learning

Krisa, along with other Board of Support members, is also helping lead Creative Initiatives—self-led projects that live inside the Soul Tribe portal and provide ongoing education and support. From daily habits to money management and 1:1 coaching, each initiative reflects the leader’s unique strengths and offers stylists fresh ways to learn and grow.