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What Is an HR Generalist? (And Why Do I Need One?)

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HR generalist

HR is a crucial element of keeping your business running. When a company is growing, it can be easy to lose sight of the importance of human resources. But a company that lasts is one where employees are safe and satisfied, and that’s where HR comes in handy.

Many growing businesses seek out an HR generalist to handle the full scope of their needs. Unsure if you need an HR generalist? Here’s a handy guide to what the job entails and how to go about finding one.

What is an HR generalist?

Three people in an office having an HR generalist meeting

As you might have guessed, an HR generalist is someone who can handle any and all aspects of the HR process. They can oversee business processes including (but not limited to):

  • Recruitment
  • Interviews
  • Payroll
  • Onboarding
  • Benefits
  • Employee relations
  • Enforcing policy

Unlike an HR manager, who supervises all elements of human resources, an HR generalist typically undertakes the tasks themselves.

What are the responsibilities of an HR generalist?

Document breaking down responsiblities

The expectations for an HR generalist role can vary depending on the employer. Typically, they perform the basic tasks that every company needs, such as payroll and recruitment.

An HR generalist is often responsible for making sure that employees are receiving their pay and benefits. When you think about HR involvement in the workplace, the first thing you might think of is resolving a conflict between coworkers. While a larger team may include an employee relations specialist, a generalist can assume this role as well.

On top of ensuring employee satisfaction, an HR generalist is often involved in the hiring (and firing) process. They may scout candidates, post job listings, conduct and/or manage interviews. They also often play an active role in onboarding.

In order to oversee human resources, an HR generalist may conduct regular performance reviews. Ensuring job satisfaction and addressing concerns is key. This may include team-building activities, workplace perks, and general support.

In order to be an effective HR generalist, one should be knowledgeable about both company policies and labor laws. Don’t panic and start googling “online law school;” you just need to keep local, state, and federal regulations in mind.

How much does an HR generalist make?

Person holding up a wad of cash

An HR generalist’s salary may depend on a variety of factors. A job listed for people with bachelor’s degrees and 2 years of experience will pay less than one requiring 10 years and an MBA.

However, keep in mind that an HR generalist is a demanding role. It requires knowledge and ability in all the areas listed above and more. As such, you should be prepared to offer a strong salary relative to lower-level HR specialist positions.

According to Salary.com, the median salary for a level-I HR generalist in Philadelphia is $65,175. Level II generalists can expect to make $77k, while level IV applicants can earn over $115k each year.

Who needs an HR generalist?

An open concept office space with several people working

Every business should have an HR department. If you don’t have resources dedicated to looking out for your team, it’s only a matter of time before something slips through the cracks.

That being said, it’s not always effective to delegate the work to an HR generalist. A generalist has to be all things to all people. It’s a jack-of-all-trades role, which makes it untenable for larger companies. You might be able to keep track of 15 employees, but 1500?

That’s why it’s best for larger companies to invest in a full HR team, with a supervisor and specialists for each human resources responsibility.

Still, an HR generalist is a great option for startups and other companies on the rise. If you’re building an HR department from scratch, a generalist can plant the seeds for success as your company grows.

Conclusion

A person working at a cluttered desk

An HR generalist can be a challenging position. On top of often working alone, you have to frequently switch between different responsibilities and keep them all in mind at once.

On the other hand, it’s a rewarding, engaging, and often well-paying role. If you have a long history of HR experience, a generalist role might be just the fresh, challenging position you need. If you’re new to the workforce, hitting the ground running with a generalist position at a startup can set you on track to a fulfilling career.

There’s no getting around hiring an HR department; it’s a must-have for any business with more than a few employees. But if you’re on the rise and need a professional to help you scale, an HR generalist may be right for you.

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What’s the Best Design as a Service? Find Your Match

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Did you know that 94% of first impressions are based on design? In other words, if people like how your brand looks, they’re more likely to give your business their trust and vice versa. That’s why seeking out the unlimited graphic design services is crucial now more than ever. The service that works best for you will save time, energy, and money while allowing for quality images that blend seamlessly into the identity you’ve already established.

The following article will discuss four of the top services you should consider using. Each has something slightly different to offer, so take a look and see what matches your needs.

1. Penji – Best for Unlimited Graphic Design

Penji is perfect for the business that’s always in need of new graphics. Penji works off a flat monthly cost option, so businesses can appreciate unlimited requests and fast turnaround time.

Unlimited graphic design

Pros:

  • Unlimited requests for a flat cost.
  • Turnaround time is within 24-48 hours.
  • Dedicated team assigned to the project ensures continuing delivery and an understanding of branding.
  • Many types of designs are included.

Cons:

  • One or two active tasks at a time (depending on plan).
  • Not appropriate for niche/super-specialized designs.

2. ManyPixels – Best for Fast Turnaround

Unlimited graphic design

Consider ManyPixels if you want something quick and simple, as this service is known for speed. It works best for startups or small businesses that a simple project can get out into the world quickly.

Pros:

  • Unlimited requests with turnaround multiple times per day.
  • User-friendly form for tasks.
  • Affordable for small teams/businesses.
  • Projects all share a similar look/style.

Cons:

  • Very simple designs only—no complicated creative works.
  • Doesn’t have as much advanced design potential as some of its competitors.

3. Flocksy – Best for All-in-One Creative Services

Unlimited graphic design

Flocksy doesn’t just do design work, it does copywriting, video and editing and voiceover work IN ADDITION to regular graphic needs as part of one subscription service. Thus, if you want all creative work under one roof, this is your best opportunity.

Pros:

  • Multiple services offered beyond design.
  • Flat monthly fee offers unlimited requests.
  • A dedicated team of creative individuals understands your brand/business.
  • Good for businesses that need creative work in various forms.

Cons:

  • Less focus on design could inherently diminish specialized designs.
  • Turnaround may vary depending on requested types of work.

4. Superside – Best for Enterprise Teams

Superside is designed for the enterprise level team, offering scalability to design needs for companies requiring graphics on a large scale. Dedicated account managers and a worldwide designer team make this fit for those needing specific design on the largest scale.

Pros:

  • Ideal for enterprise level needs/design requests.
  • Rooms for scalability for larger teams.
  • Includes project management on a professional level.
  • All types of specialties of design are covered.

Cons:

  • More expensive than other offerings.
  • Larger budget necessary—enterprise only.

Featured Image credit: Antoni Shkraba Studio from pexels

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Inside America’s Beauty Show 2025: Three Days That Shaped the Industry

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Rosemont, IL – April 5–7, 2025 — I walked through the doors of the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center late Saturday morning, and the place was electric. Over 20,000 beauty professionals—from stylists and barbers to estheticians and nail techs—had converged under one roof. With more than 400 brands ready to demo, teach, and connect, this year’s America’s Beauty Show lived up to its theme: “GROW.”

Image source: americasbeautyshow.com

Education That Hits Home

It didn’t take long to spot the crowd huddled around Sam Villa’s class on Modern Layering Techniques early Saturday. The seats were packed, some people sitting on the floor, phones out, taking notes. Sam paused mid-demo, brushed hair aside, and said, “Remember—each cut tells a story.” That line stuck with me all weekend.

Next, I headed to the Spa Pavilion and found a room filled with estheticians at BioFrance Lab’s advanced chemical peel session. They were talking nuances—how peel acid varies with client age, state of skin, aftercare protocols. No fluff—just deep, actionable knowledge that’s rare to get outside a real clinic.

Demo Stages Packed With Purpose

Image source: barberevo.com

Redken’s demo chairs were occupied all day, colorists showcasing balayage, precision cuts, and live color corrections. These weren’t scripted; attendees were free to ask questions mid-process—a rare chance to watch real salon work unfiltered.

Meanwhile, Dyson’s booth was buzzing. Stylists were lining up to test the Airstrait straightener and Corrale iron. What got them really chatting was the weight—the cordless appeal—and the heat control over different textures.

A booth that drew me in unexpectedly was Dermaki Skincare. Their team explained a soothing line designed for post-microneedling recovery. The formulas, they assured, are rooted in botanical science. The estheticians I spoke with were honestly thrilled—“Finally, something that works with my treatments, not against them.”

Image source: americasbeautyshow.com

Barbers, Buzz Cuts & Brotherhood

The barbering stage near Tomb45 was a highlight. Kenny Duncan, in his shirt rolled at the sleeves, did a precision fade live—his energy infectious. He wasn’t just cutting; he was sharing wisdom: “You’ve gotta build trust before you build a cut.” He was demoing their cordless PowerClip Mat and talking about client experience—how a charged-up table can signal professionalism before a single snip.

Barbers cheered. I might’ve cheered, too.

Awards Night: A Feast of Talent

That evening, the ABS Global Image Awards gave the show its heartbeat. Stylists, makeup artists, and nail pros paraded through runway-ready looks—Avant Garde, Bridal Beauty, Textured Hair. The energy was palpable: designers hugging after being announced, cameras flashing, laughter (and tears) everywhere.

I watched one graduate student accept her award for Best Student Nail Artist with a tsunami of emotion—“I came in not knowing if I’d make it,” she said, “and now I’m on this stage.” That moment wasn’t just showbiz; it was proof that this industry deeply cares.

Feel-Good Moments Everywhere

Between workshops and demos, I overheard so many small but meaningful conversations: a salon owner from Milwaukee comparing retail display setups with a Clearwater stylist; a new barber telling his mentor how this is the first time he’s felt accepted in the industry. One participant told me, “At the Beauty Changes Lives event, I found someone who believes in my business plan—and she’s literally across the country.”

These interactions are what make this event more than a show. It’s a network.

Finding Fresh Faces & Tools

I made a point to explore emerging brands. Sultra’s Thermalite Dryer? Lightweight and budget-friendly; it’s no wonder stylists were taking it home. Over in skincare, Dermaki wasn’t the only impressive find—there was a Korean clienteling line with travel kits perfect for on-the-go professionals.

Wahl had their cordless fade clippers on demo, and the buzz around them was non-stop: “No cord, no limits.”

Barber brands were coming up fast, too—Tomb45’s wall-mounted Mat had multiple stylists fighting over it. One blew me away: “It gives clients confidence they’re in a clean, professional space before I even start the cut.”

Wellness with Real Intent

Image source: americasbeautyshow.com

In the back corner sat the newly introduced Health & Wellness Pavilion—a welcome retreat. Here, pro yogis led quick stretches between demos, mindfulness sessions talked stress management for stylists, and there was refreshing, lightly infused water available all day. It felt like they genuinely understood the toll on beauty professionals.

Leaving with Purpose

By the time Monday afternoon rolled in, I was physically exhausted—my feet were sore, my voice even worse from non-stop conversations. But inside, I was energized. My notes are overflowing with ideas: new treatment protocols, tips for better client consultations, a few promising leads on sustainable products.

If you weren’t there, you missed more than a show. You missed deep education, mentorship on the floor, community, and a whole lot of real-world connection.

What Next?

Mark your calendars now: April 18–20, 2026. Because if this year was about finding your people and leveling up your skills—next year will be about pushing boundaries.

Want to come? Bring your business mindset, your questions, and your note-taking game. Because America’s Beauty Show 2025 didn’t just show us where the industry is—it showed us where it’s going.

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Superside vs Penji vs Upwork: Who’s Best for Your Brand?

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Choosing the right design service can be a game-changer for your business. But the process of vetting designers, comparing prices, and finding someone who understands your brand can quickly become a fulltime job.

Fortunately, design platforms are streamlining their services more and more so you can eliminate the tedious work and just get what you need. Today, we’re comparing three popular design platforms: Superside, Penji, and Upwork. Each offers unique benefits, so let’s dive into their reputation, key features, and pricing.

Superside

Reputation

Superside markets itself as a creative subscription service for brands looking to get many designs on a rolling basis. They’re known for high-quality services with a focus on scalability and speed. They cater mainly to businesses looking for ongoing design support. Generally, Superside has received positive reviews online for their professional quality and reliable turnaround times. Some clients appreciate the dedicated team model and find it better than working with a traditional agency. Overall, Superside’s reputation is solid.

Key Features

  • Dedicated Team: Clients get a dedicated team of designers, no random freelancers
  • Scalability: Ideal for businesses that need design at scale
  • Speed: Promises quick turnaround times, typically 12 to 48 hours
  • Collaboration Tools: Integrated project management tools for seamless communication and workflow

Pricing

Like most design subscriptions, Superside offers a monthly pricing model with several tiers. But what is unique is that it runs on a credit system. For each tier, you get an allotted number of credits for design work. Once you run out, you simply purchase more.

– Level 1: $5,000, 50 credits
– Level 2: $9,000, 100 credits
– Level 3: $13,000, 150 credits
– Enterprise: Custom

Penji

Penji is comparable to Superside because they’re also a subscription graphic design service. They’ve been recognized for their reliability, affordability, and quality in online reviews. Penji caters to small businesses and agencies that are looking for an extension to their creative team. Without having to hire an in-house team, brands get the chance to save money without sacrificing quality or speed.

Key Features

  • Unlimited Requests: Clients can submit as many design or revision requests as needed
  • Fast Turnaround: Typically delivers initial drafts within 24 hours
  • Simplicity: Straightforward platform with easy request submission and project management
  • Variety of Designs: Covers a wide range of design needs, from social media ads to websites

Pricing

Penji is a flat-rate monthly subscription that you can pause anytime. The specifics of the service will depend on which tier you choose, but all tiers include real-time chat and ad creatives.

– Starter: $499
– Marketer: $995
– Agency: $1497

Upwork

If a design subscription isn’t what you need, Upwork may be a better choice. Upwork is similar to Fiverr, a freelance marketplace where brands can find designers and other freelance professionals. While it does have mixed reviews in terms of quality, you could have a successful experience with careful freelancer selection and management. The service is generally reliable because if you have a problem with pricing or design delivery, Upwork will hold freelancers accountable.

Key Features

  • Freelancer Variety: Access a vast pool of freelancers with different skill levels and specialties
  • Flexibility: Pay per project or on an hourly basis, with no long-term commitment
  • Global Talent: Ability to hire freelancers from around the world
  • Custom Solutions: Highly customizable design services depending on the freelancer’s expertise

Pricing

The structure of Upwork’s pricing is pay-as-you-go or hourly rates. The price is hard to say because it varies so widely, anywhere from $10 to $150+ depending on scope of work.

So who do you choose?

At the end of the day, different companies have different budgets and needs. If you know you’ll need various designs on a regular basis, the graphic design subscription model is probably best. But if you’re looking for a freelancer to handle a one-off project, a freelance marketplace like Upwork is the place to look.

The value of Penji is that they offer a 30-day money back guarantee so you have nothing to lose trying it out. Similarly, Upwork offers refunds within 180 days, so there’s no risk if your freelancer just doesn’t get the job done.

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