Networth and Chill with Your Rich BFF: Episode Summary

Title: Cash & Coif: Styling Your Hair and Your Wealth with Chris Appleton
Host: Vivian Tu
Guest: Chris Appleton, Celebrity Hairstylist and Global Creative Director for Color
Release Date: November 27, 2024

Introduction

In this compelling episode of Networth and Chill with Your Rich BFF, host Vivian Tu delves deep into the intricate relationship between personal finance and the hair care industry with none other than Chris Appleton. Renowned for styling the likes of Kim Kardashian, Ariana Grande, and Jennifer Lopez, Chris shares his inspiring journey from a struggling young stylist in Leicester, England, to a global ambassador for major hair care brands.

Early Beginnings and Discovering Passion (00:00 - 06:48)

Chris Appleton opens up about his challenging childhood, growing up as the middle child among five siblings in a modest household. "I was the underdog," he confesses (05:15), detailing how dyslexia hindered his academic performance, leading to feelings of inadequacy reinforced by unsupportive teachers. However, his passion for hairstyling emerged early as he found solace in making his mother's hair and witnessing the transformative power it had on her self-esteem.

Notable Quote:
"Hair really was a way of me proving that I was good at something." — Chris Appleton (06:48)

Breaking into the Industry (06:48 - 13:46)

Determined to excel, Chris began working in salons at the tender age of 13, earning a mere dollar an hour (07:18). The initial tasks were menial—scrubbing and cleaning—but each day reinforced his commitment to mastering his craft. Chris recounts the pivotal moment when he noticed the transformation of clients post-haircut, igniting his ambition to be the best hairstylist.

Despite discouragement from industry insiders who doubted his potential to work with top-tier publications like Vogue, Chris remained undeterred. He leveraged every opportunity, whether assisting at fashion shows or collaborating with makeup artists, to expand his skills and network.

Overcoming Adversity and Achieving Breakthroughs (13:46 - 23:28)

Chris's perseverance began to pay off as he secured roles with prominent figures such as Rita Ora and eventually landed a coveted spot working with Christina Aguilera on "The Voice." This period was marked by significant challenges, including financial instability and the emotional toll of moving to the U.S. without immediate success. "I moved to America with two suitcases and a dream," Chris recalls (16:24).

A turning point came when he was tasked with styling Christina Aguilera's hair under immense pressure. Facing a potential career-ending mistake, Chris instinctively used a wig to salvage the look, leading to Aguilera praising his work during the live show. This moment not only validated his skills but also propelled his career forward, leading to collaborations with Katy Perry, Adele, and eventually Kim Kardashian.

Notable Quote:
"It really was scary stuff." — Chris Appleton (04:08)
"People don't really know the grind behind the glamour." — Chris Appleton (23:28)

Building a Celebrity Clientele (23:28 - 34:03)

As Chris's reputation grew, so did his clientele. Being labeled as "Kim Kardashian's hair guy" became both a badge of honor and a testament to his expertise. Chris emphasizes the importance of professionalism and delivering consistent quality, regardless of the client's fame or demands. His approach is rooted in making clients feel their best, not just looking good on the surface.

He also touches upon his ventures into television, joining Drew Barrymore's team, which has allowed him to share his knowledge and passion with a broader audience. This move into media has further solidified his status as a celebrity hairstylist and entrepreneur.

Notable Quote:
"Your social media is your portfolio of your life and the story you want to tell." — Chris Appleton (14:22)

Financial Management in a Gig-Based Career (34:03 - 43:05)

Managing finances in a career marked by fluctuating income streams posed significant challenges for Chris. With months of high earnings followed by periods of scarcity, he had to develop disciplined saving habits early on. "My business manager says I've never known anyone saved like me," Chris admits (29:34). His sense of responsibility, fueled by being a father and maintaining a mortgage from a young age, instilled a strong work ethic and financial prudence.

Chris underscores the importance of saving and financial literacy, especially for those with inconsistent incomes. His pragmatic approach ensures stability, allowing him to seize opportunities without compromising his financial well-being.

Notable Quote:
"I'm always so grateful for any opportunity and any experience." — Chris Appleton (30:32)

Entrepreneurship and Brand Ambassadorship (43:05 - 48:32)

Transitioning from hairstyling to entrepreneurship, Chris has become a global ambassador for brands like Schwarzkopf and ColorWow. His collaboration with ColorWow, inspired by their vision to solve women's hair care problems, exemplifies his commitment to innovation and quality. Chris highlights the significance of authenticity and being part of the product creation process, ensuring that the brands he represents align with his values and expertise.

Through his entrepreneurial ventures, Chris aims to educate and inspire others, sharing his journey and knowledge to empower aspiring stylists and entrepreneurs.

Notable Quote:
"It's about making people genuinely feel good about themselves." — Chris Appleton (40:42)

Personal Insights and Future Aspirations (48:32 - End)

Beyond his professional achievements, Chris places immense value on family and personal happiness. Reflecting on his mother's battle with cancer and the fleeting nature of life, he prioritizes maintaining a healthy, happy family over financial success. His vision for the future revolves around continued personal and professional growth, enriching the lives of those around him, and giving back to the community.

Chris's dedication to his craft, combined with his financial wisdom and deep-seated values, paints the picture of a man who not only rose to prominence through talent and hard work but also remains grounded and generous.

Notable Quote:
"The most important part is just having my family that I love." — Chris Appleton (48:52)

Conclusion

This episode of Networth and Chill offers a profound look into the life of Chris Appleton, illustrating how passion, resilience, and financial acumen can intertwine to create a successful and fulfilling career. From humble beginnings to styling some of the most influential celebrities, Chris's story is a testament to overcoming adversity and the importance of staying true to oneself. Listeners are left inspired by his journey and equipped with valuable insights on managing finances in a gig-based industry.

Where to Follow Chris Appleton:
For more inspiration and updates on Chris's work, follow him on Instagram and TikTok at @ChrisAppleton1 and @ChrisAppleton1.

Join the Conversation:
Stay connected with Networth and Chill by following @NetWorthandChillpod on Instagram. For more financial tips and podcast updates, visit yourrichbff.com.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "I was told often, you'll never do the COVID at Vogue." — Chris Appleton (00:00)
• "Hair really was a way of me proving that I was good at something." — Chris Appleton (06:48)
• "Your social media is your portfolio of your life and the story you want to tell." — Chris Appleton (14:22)
• "I'm always so grateful for any opportunity and any experience." — Chris Appleton (30:32)
• "It's about making people genuinely feel good about themselves." — Chris Appleton (40:42)
• "The most important part is just having my family that I love." — Chris Appleton (48:52)

This episode encapsulates the essence of balancing personal passion with financial responsibility, offering listeners both inspiration and practical advice through the lens of a successful entrepreneur in the beauty industry.