I know better than to comment on posts I don't agree with, but sometimes journalism is more important than avoiding the trolls in the comment section. So here I am in my inevitable demise. My eye twitching from some of the dumbest arguments from people just looking for a fight, and avoiding my IG notifications like the plague. Maybe I should have recorded something better this week, but I'm a little distracted by the Karen Read trial verdict watch, the heaviness of the world, and blinded by my frustrations of the misinformation being spread by platforms that should know how to fact check their articles– becuase it's not that difficult! But my topic for next week is a good one, so don't worry we won't be playing this ranty game again.

Have you ever been curious about what it's like to style hair for a funeral or if you could use your cosmetology license to become a full time hair and makeup artist for the deceased? In this episode I am sharing about my own experience styling hair after someone has passed, as well as what you need to know if mortuary cosmetics is something you would like to pursue in a more official capacity.

My favorite resources and media mentioned in the episode ⬇️

Bernie - a comedy/thriller starring Jack Black that's based on a true story. Currently available to watch on Amazon Prime

Books by Caitlin Doughty: https://caitlindoughty.com/books/ all of these are available on Amazon, and if you prefer audio books they are perfectly narrated by Caitlin herself and available on Audible— with Smoke Gets In Your Eyes being included in the Audible plus library for free with a subscription. I have read all 3 and enjoyed every single one, although From Here To Eternity is by far my favorite!

Videos by Caitlin Doughty about hair and makeup for funerals:

Part 1 https://youtu.be/tMyzwMCGl-k?si=Ubsmmn1ji8L5if4r

Part 2 https://youtu.be/4NYQ2aM13Hc?si=KV-MRx9xWbPUcH2V

Caitlin also has many more videos as part of her Ask A Mortician series that very educational and entertaining.

A Good Cry podcast by Michael Cruz Kayne and his audible comedy special Sorry For Your Loss (included for free with and Audible Plus subscription) —if you cope with humor you will greatly appreciate this host!*

Death in the Afternoon podcast hosted by The Order of the Good Death*

*Neither of these podcasts have been updated since 2023, but I still highly enjoy listening to the past episodes

On today’s agenda, we are talking about Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma vetoing house bill 1030 which would have extended the life of the State Board of Cosmetology and Barbering until July 1, 2028. By vetoing the bill, the current expiration date is set for July 1, 2025 which has sparked a lot of controversy amongst the beauty industry about deregulation and the potential domino effect of this action.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/cosmetologists-try-convince-lawmakers-override-215350000.html

https://oklahoma.gov/governor/newsroom/newsroom/2025/gov--stitt-s-2025-veto-list.html

https://www.bls.gov/ooh/personal-care-and-service/barbers-hairstylists-and-cosmetologists.htm

Everything you need to know about the "No Tax On Tips Act" as a hairstylist or beauty pro so that you don't accidentally commit tax fraud... becuase you actually do still have to claim tips on your taxes.

Sources:

S. 129 - No Tax On Tips Act https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/129

IRS definition of tips https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/tip-recordkeeping-and-reporting#:~:text=Cash%20tips%20include%20tips%20received,directly%20and%20indirectly%20tipped%20employees.

PBA Economic Snapshot of the Salon Industry https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eoDownloadDocument?pubId=&eodoc=true&documentID=212246#:~:text=One%20in%20Three%20Salon%2DIndustry,of%20Labor%20Statistics;%202021%20data

Have you ever felt frustrated by people not respecting your decision to be a hairstylist or all of the work you have done to build your salon into what it is today? Well hopefully this episode can give you some insight into my theory on how to actually gain the respect for your career that you're craving, and it might not be what you think.

Lawsuits are full of allegations and shade, but they also reveal a lot of the nuance that surrounds the truth. If you would like to read more about this case you can visit the links below 👇

https://www.cosmetologyschoolsettlement.com/home/documents/

https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/USCOURTS-mied-5_14-cv-10887/USCOURTS-mied-5_14-cv-10887-3/context

I hope you enjoy this special episode of The Small Town Stylist Podcast with a very special guest and possibly the biggest fan of the podcast, my Father-in-law.

The magical worlds of fae romances and dragons might have nothing to do with hair... and yet these stories have made me a better hairstylist. The theme of this episode is all about having some fun and growing your business in the process.