From Hustle to Harmony: Mindset Lessons from an Editorial & Film Set Stylist

| By Darlene Juhasz, Editorial & Film Stylist | Elite Hair Designer | Educator

Owner of FRINGE, specializing in precision cut & color transformations

Mindset Uncorked Recap, ToastiQueen Charity Partnership with Haven House at Franklin Hills Vineyards

The energy in the room at ToastiQueen’s Mindset Uncorked was magnetic.  Full of bold women, raw conversations, and shared visions of what success really looks like when we lead with intention. As a panelist, I had the honor of speaking from my experience behind the chair, behind the scenes, and behind the hustle.  I spoke of what it means to protect your peace in industries built on emotional labor and constant performance.

Here are the mindset shifts I shared with the incredible women in the room. These are the lessons I live by, whether I’m styling on a production set, leading in my salon, or mentoring the next generation of beauty professionals.

💭 Protecting Mental Energy Is a Daily Practice

Creativity and client satisfaction take emotional bandwidth, and I’ve learned that bandwidth is not infinite. Before I pour into others, I center myself with a simple grounding ritual. Some mornings it's 10 minutes of stillness. Other times it's journaling or movement. The key is starting the day from my center, not chaos.

On set or in the salon, I’m intentional with my presence … available but not depleted. I curate my space with music, scent, lighting, and conversation that support a calm, focused mindset. Energy is contagious. I protect mine so I can show up fully, without burning out.

⏳ Boundaries = Self-Respect, Not Selfishness

One of the biggest mindset shifts for me? Saying no is an act of leadership. I used to say yes to everything, every extra client, every last-minute set call, every ask. Now, I honor my calendar with built-in recovery time after intense work stretches.

I’ve also created systems that allow others to lead in both my salon and mobile business. Delegation is self-care, periodt. So is proper nutrition. So is knowing when to say, “That’s enough for today.” Bubble baths are great and true self-care is structural.

🔁 Reframing Hustle Culture: From Grind to Growth

Hustle used to be a badge of honor. Now I believe harmony is the real flex. I coach young stylists not to chase every trend or every dollar, but to build something sustainable. That means charging your worth, setting healthy hours, and allowing your career to grow at a soul-aligned pace.

It’s okay to pause. It’s okay to go slow. Fast isn’t always effective.  Focused is.

🧳 Set Life and Solo Work: Staying Grounded on the Go

Being an on-set editorial and film hair and makeup stylist means constant change … new locations, new teams, new energies. Isolation and stress are real. To combat that, I stay closely connected to my salon team, stylist network, and mentors. I also implement foundational consistencies with me wherever I go — like unpacking my kit the same way or setting up a “calming corner” in my station.

Even stepping outside between takes helps me return to myself. The secret? Carry your center with you. Make your own peace portable.

🗣️ Holding Space Without Absorbing It All

In beauty, we’re often seen as confidants, and that’s a privilege. But we’re not therapists. I’ve learned to listen without carrying. Holding space means sometimes, you offer presence, not solutions. It means knowing when to refer, when to redirect, and when to simply sit in silence with someone.

But most of all, it means modeling boundaries and care in our own lives. When clients see us showing up whole, grounded, and respectful of our limits, we give them permission to do the same.

Final Thought

Mindset isn’t a mood, it’s a muscle. At Mindset Uncorked, I was reminded that our strength as women in beauty and service doesn’t come from how hard we hustle, but how deeply we care for ourselves while we care for others.

Let’s normalize longevity. Let’s elevate rest. Let’s design careers that nourish us as much as we nourish others.

In beauty and balance,

Darlene Juhasz

@darlenejuhasz | (484) 554-3054

https://www.darlenejuhasz.com/fringesalon

With over three decades in the beauty industry, Darlene Juhasz is an award-nominated hair and makeup artist, set and film stylist, and owner of Fringe Salon & Boutique in Allentown. As an educator, she pours into her team both behind the chair and on set — helping them gain hands-on experience and earn IMDb credits on productions like The Next Play and films with local celebrity Danny Roebuck. Passionate about empowering beauty professionals, Darlene continues to elevate the industry through artistry, mentorship, and education.