Uncover healing, beauty, and personal growth through honest storytelling.

I’m Kinetra, a licensed hair expert, passionate storyteller, and host of Hair What I’m Saying. My podcast blends healing, beauty, and honest storytelling. While my background is rooted in the beauty industry, the podcast goes deeper than just hair. It’s about creating a space for real, vulnerable conversations where listeners can connect with personal growth, identity, and the emotional layers of healing.

I don’t have a co-host. However, I do love having guests who bring their unique perspectives to the table. Whether we’re discussing the science behind hair loss, emotional resilience, or navigating complex relationships, the goal is to inspire and empower others to embrace their journeys, whatever they may look like.

My listeners come from all walks of life but are united in their desire for self-discovery and healing. They’re people who want more than surface level beauty talk; they’re looking for depth, authenticity, and real stories that reflect their own lives.
 

I started Hair What I’m Saying to bridge the gap between clients and professionals in the beauty industry, but as I dove deeper into the process, I realized there were even more important gaps to fill, especially within the Black hair community. I noticed that there was a need for healthier emotional connections to our natural hair, as well as a space to challenge the beauty standards that have long been projected onto us.

With the help of my podcast manager, @sophievirtually on Instagram (who found me through a hashtag), I officially launched my podcast. I already had content recorded, but Sophie helped me turn that vision into a reality. Podcasting is such an inspiring medium, and the podcasts I personally listen to inspire me to navigate life in ways that are personal, professional, and spiritual. I wanted to do the same, create a platform where people could connect, reflect, and grow.

I started Hair What I’m Saying in September 2023. The journey took almost a year because I was waiting for the perfect material and the "right" time. But honestly, the truth is, the perfect time never comes. You just have to open up and share your story.
 

When I first started the podcast, I was working three days a week, which gave me time on my off days to create content and plan out episodes. My day job currently funds the podcast, and I spend roughly $400 a month on hosting and studio time. I use free platforms such as TikTok, IG, and YouTube for marketing. I do have one sponsor through Buzzsprout who donates $10/month, and while I’m grateful, I’d love for a major sponsor to partner with me so I can continue to grow and sustain the show.

I aim to produce episodes bi-weekly, but coordinating around guests and my schedule can make consistency a challenge. Solo episodes are always an option, but having guests helps with reach — especially when they share their episode with their own audiences.

Each episode takes about a day or two to create, depending on the depth of the topic and the amount of research needed to ask meaningful questions. I record at a podcast studio that handles all the editing, which allows me to focus more on the message and less on the technical side.
 

Podcasting has allowed me to build a community of listeners searching for solutions to real-life struggles; both emotionally and practically, especially around their hair. It’s rewarding to know I can offer insight, comfort, and guidance through honest conversations and personal experiences.

I do accept sponsorship, though it’s currently minimal. My first and only sponsor so far is a close family member who donates $10/month through Buzzsprout. When I got that first sponsorship, I was averaging around 150–250 downloads per month. Now, I’m averaging between 100–150 downloads per month, with Apple Podcasts being my leading platform.

Beyond numbers, the true value of podcasting for me is in the learning. Every episode requires meaningful research, and through that process, I gain new knowledge or deepen what I already know. That’s also why I love inviting guests onto the show; not only does it add richness to the conversation, but I get to learn directly from real life experiences, which stays with me much longer than anything I could search online.
 

Before I began recording at a podcast studio in Austin, Texas; which handles editing, sound quality, and even virtual recordings. I started out using GarageBand to record and edit my episodes. I still use GarageBand today to add intro and outro music to my audio.

When it comes to finding guests, it’s a mix. Some reach out to me directly, sharing how their stories or expertise could add value to my audience. Other times, I discover potential guests on social media who align with the conversations I lead around healing, beauty, and honest storytelling. I’ve also had meaningful conversations behind the chair as a stylist that turned into full podcast episodes because I value real-life perspectives.

If I’m interviewing a guest, I usually schedule a short pre-interview to get a feel for the flow of our potential conversation. Based on that, I create a shared Google Doc with curated interview questions, which allows both of us to stay aligned and intentional. I also send over a consent form, a promotional kit, and a "How to Prepare for Your Podcast" sheet that helps ease any nerves and answers frequently asked questions.

I prefer in-person interviews for the organic energy they bring, but I also offer virtual options. Those are recorded through the studio; I’m not exactly sure what software they use, but they handle the tech so I can focus on the content.
 

For promotion, I use Opus Clips to curate short, impactful clips from each episode, which I then share across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube Shorts. These visual snippets help capture attention and encourage listeners to check out the full episode.

Most of my audience discovery comes from Instagram, which is also where I put the majority of my marketing energy. I’ve found it to be the most effective platform for connecting with new listeners and building community around my content.

In terms of listener acquisition, my breakdown currently looks like this:

• 69% from Apple Podcasts
• 23% from web browser
• 2% from Spotify

I’m always exploring ways to expand my reach, but right now, Instagram continues to be the strongest channel for visibility and engagement.
 

Start now...it doesn’t have to be perfect. That’s one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned. I’ve grown to appreciate the raw, unedited feel of some podcasts as long as the value is there. If you're passionate, your message will resonate regardless of how polished the production is.

Choose a topic you’re truly an expert in or deeply connected to. Your authenticity will always set you apart. If your budget allows, hire a podcast manager and record at a local podcast studio; it makes a huge difference. But if you're just getting started and funds are tight, follow people like Pat Flynn. He offers incredible, stress-free advice on launching and growing a podcast.

I've learned that audio-only formats can be more affordable, easier to produce, and far less stressful than trying to keep up with video; especially in the beginning. Podcasting isn’t as easy as it looks, but it’s also not as hard as it seems. Passion is what carries you through that middle ground.

For ongoing inspiration and insight, I subscribe to Podnews and Podcast Business Journal, and I regularly listen to podcasts I aspire to model; paying close attention to how they structure, flow, and connect with their audience.

If I can do this, you absolutely can too.
 

Website: www.hairwhatimsaying.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/_hairwhatimsaying_
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hairwhatimsaying
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@hair_what_im_saying