In this episode of The VIP Suite, host Matthew Landis sits down with Jen Lydick, owner of Lydick Label Permanent Cosmetics at IMAGE Studios in Reno, Nevada. Jen pulls back the curtain on one of the most high-trust corners of the beauty industry—permanent cosmetics—where clients literally put their faces in your hands. She shares how the industry has evolved from heavy-handed, “Sharpie brow” techniques to today’s delicate, natural, and highly technical approach, and why lack of regulation means client education and research are more important than ever. Jen also breaks down how skin type, age, and technique impact long-term results, and what to look for when choosing an artist or an educator.

Beyond the brows, Jen talks about building a sustainable, in-demand business rooted in integrity, boundaries, and trust. She walks us through her transition from hairstylist and makeup artist to fully booked permanent cosmetics specialist, how she priced and raised her rates with confidence, and why she’s unapologetic about saying no to red-flag clients. Jen also shares how she restructured her schedule to work just three days a week, homeschool her kids, and still keep a thriving business. Whether you’re an artist considering permanent cosmetics, an independent beauty pro building your brand, or a client thinking about your first brow appointment, this episode is packed with honest, practical insights on business, boundaries, and doing work you truly love.

Follow Jen on Instagram at @lydicklabel.permanentcosmetics or ok TikTok: @jenlydick. You can also check out her website: lydicklabel.com.

The VIP Suite is the official podcast of IMAGE Studios, created for independent beauty, health, and wellness professionals who want to grow their businesses and thrive in salon suite life. Hosted by Director of Education, Matthew Landis, each episode shares real success stories, marketing tips, and business strategies from top beauty entrepreneurs and wellness leaders.

Episodes are sponsored by GlossGenius, the all-in-one salon software. Learn more at glossgenius.com. Episodes are also sponsored by Elite Beauty Society, providing business and long-term career support to beauty & wellness professionals. Learn more at elitebeautyins.com/IMAGE.

Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Connect with us on Instagram @imagestudios360 and visit imagestudios360.com for more information about IMAGE Studios luxury salon suites. New episodes drop every two week. Subscribe to hear how beauty and wellness professionals like you are building powerful, independent careers.

Matthew sits down with Todd Peckham, hairstylist at IMAGE Studios Denver and Denver drag legend, to unpack what it takes to run multiple creative careers at a high level. From course corrections and happy accident, to the non‑negotiable power of being on time, Todd shares the habits that built a loyal clientele over decades. He explains why solid fundamentals, honest communication, and never faking it are the real secrets behind great hair and a fully booked schedule.

Todd also takes us behind the lashes into the world of Daniella DeCoteau, his drag persona and the star of Denver’s beloved Drag Stravaganza cabaret. He talks about growing up as the “gay kid” in a tiny Colorado town, inheriting a relentless work ethic from his father, and learning to turn desire and perseverance into sold‑out shows, four times a year, at ever-bigger venues. From navigating family dynamics (including a late‑in‑life revelation about his dad) to building community through drag, Todd shows how creativity, resilience and a bit of small‑town gumption can turn a studio and a stage into a life you can’t believe is yours.

Whether you’re an independent beauty and wellness pro, an aspiring drag artist, or just someone trying to juggle multiple passions, this conversation is a masterclass in owning your mistakes, honoring your time and letting your most amplified self lead the way behind the chair and under the spotlight.

The VIP Suite is the official podcast of IMAGE Studios, created for independent beauty, health, and wellness professionals who want to grow their businesses and thrive in salon suite life. Hosted by Director of Education, Matthew Landis, each episode shares real success stories, marketing tips, and business strategies from top beauty entrepreneurs and wellness leaders.

Episodes are sponsored by GlossGenius, the all-in-one salon software. Learn more at glossgenius.com. Episodes are also sponsored by Elite Beauty Society, providing business and long-term career support to beauty & wellness professionals. Learn more at elitebeautyins.com/IMAGE.

Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Connect with us on Instagram @imagestudios360 and visit imagestudios360.com for more information about IMAGE Studios luxury salon suites. New episodes drop every two week. Subscribe to hear how beauty and wellness professionals like you are building powerful, independent careers.

In this episode of The VIP Suite, Matthew Landis sits down with Leila Macias, licensed aesthetician, CIDESCO diplomat, and owner of Esthetics Café at IMAGE Studios Poway, CA. Leila specializes in results-driven acne treatments. She shares how a single, unforgettable teenage pimple sparked a lifelong passion for skincare, ingredient deep-dives, and personalized treatment plans. Drawing from her love of coffee, Leila created the Esthetics Café brand to mirror the idea that, just like coffee, there is no “one-size-fits-all” facial—every client’s skin recipe is unique.

Leila also dives into her philosophy of simple, approachable education, breaking down complex science into language clients can actually use. She talks about building client confidence (including nervous teen boys), setting clear boundaries and consent around social media and photos, and being intentional about tone, communication, and first impressions, especially with intimate services like waxing. You’ll hear how she plans her Instagram content a month at a time, protects client privacy, busts common skincare myths (including high-number SPF), and channels the emotional weight of client stories into her next big goal: becoming an esthetic nurse. This is a must-listen for any beauty or wellness pro who wants to combine technical skill, heart, and strategy to build a business that truly transforms lives.

Catch Leila on Instagram is @esthetics_cafe

The VIP Suite is the official podcast of IMAGE Studios, created for independent beauty, health, and wellness professionals who want to grow their businesses and thrive in salon suite life. Hosted by Director of Education, Matthew Landis, each episode shares real success stories, marketing tips, and business strategies from top beauty entrepreneurs and wellness leaders.

Episodes are sponsored by GlossGenius, the all-in-one salon software. Learn more at glossgenius.com. Episodes are also sponsored by Elite Beauty Society, providing business and long-term career support to beauty & wellness professionals. Learn more at elitebeautyins.com/IMAGE.

Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen. Connect with us on Instagram @imagestudios360 and visit imagestudios360.com for more information about IMAGE Studios luxury salon suites. New episodes drop every two week. Subscribe to hear how beauty and wellness professionals like you are building powerful, independent careers.