SUMM IT UP

Color services are fundimental to any salon business, but color is also ridldled with opportunites for loss. Are your stylists mixing too much color and ending up with waste and the end of a foil? Are you struggling to recall the formula your client loved the last time they were in your chair? Are you ever unsure what to quote a guest for a service, or make sure the front desk bills them appropriately? Are you overwhelmed by inventory? Vish's color management software takes the guesswork out of color and integrates with your salon's point-of-sale system, so you can focus on creating an incredible guest experience every time.  This episode, Vish co-founder Tim Howard steps into the host chair with Vish VP of product Les McFadden; and Luke Huffstutter, owner of three salons and a Summit Salon Academy in Portland, Oregon.You'll learn about new innovations Vish has developed in partnership with salon companies and color manufacturers and distributors, like their new inventory module. Plus upcoming features like a service engagement tool that provides insight into how stylists are interacting with Vish's signature scale and measuring software, plus a service that improves record keeping and quotes during consultations. Learn more and book a discovery call at getvish.com. And please let Vish know you heard about them on SUMM IT UP!  Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. SUMM IT UP is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlockedFind host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry.

All hail the Queen of Spa!  Victoria Perry is the owner of Soto Signature Spa in Perrysburg, Ohio, a Summit Spa Consultant, and Spa Division Team Leader at Summit Salon Business Center. Victoria and host Blake Reed Evans discuss both tried-and-true and trending spa services, investing in machines, social media marketing, associate training, and more. Connect with Victoria Perry on Instagram: @Victoria.beauty.expert, or email her at vperry@summitsalon.com. Visit Summit's Spa Division to explore the coaching services we offer. Has the spa side of your business been dragging? Check out our episode “Spa Reboot” with Emily Richardson for advice on how to rev up your spa. This episode was originally published in September 2022.  Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. SUMM IT UP is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlockedFind host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry.

If you're a newbie or baby stylist or a salon owner looking to grow and retain new stylists, this episode is for you. Guest Lisa Giles is a  digital creator and educator who specialiizes in working with stylists brand new to the industry, or as she likes to call them "guppies." She runs the education and mentoring platform Straight Out of Cosmo, where she teaches classes including "Make Box Color Your Bitch" and "The Bull Sh*t Behind the Business." She's a hair stylist and a Paul Mitchell Pro partner, based in Orange County, California. In this episode, Lisa and Blake cover:Understanding market rates and charging a rate that's fair to yourself, even when you're newCreating customized incentives for new stylists, especially for retail salesBuilding a clientelle through guest educationGoal and budget-setting Skills not always taught in cosmetology school, like client experience and working with box-dyed hair And more.Follow Lisa Giles on Instagram @LifeofLisaG. Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. SUMM IT UP is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlockedFind host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry.

Fashion, commercials, wig-making, on set: there's a whole world of work out there beyond the salon. But in show business, success rarely comes overnight. Kauilani Goodwyn is a Mizani artist and educator, and co-founder of the Texpert Collective and the Global Artistry council. After working with hair for over sixteen years, she's recently become a stylist for TV and film and a member of the Makeup Artists and Hair Stylists Guild. In this episode, Kauilani dishes out advice for hairstylists looking to break into entertainment, including how to network, and the importance of assisting and education along the way. Follow Kauilani Goodwyn on IG: @kauigoodwyn.This episode was originally published in October 2022.  Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. SUMM IT UP is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlockedFind host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry.

Do you have clients who are sensitive to the chemicals used in salon products? Do you want to make your salon more sustainable and reduce waste? It can be daunting to know where to start when it comes to vetting products that claim to be "cleaner," or moving on from tried and true favorites. That's where Sophia James can help. Sophia James is an independent stylist specializing in vivids and razor cuts, and a green beauty educator (Green Artist) with the Green Beauty Community Foundation, based in Dallas Texas and Denver, Colorado. In this episode, you'll learn how to get started with brands, packaging, recycling, working with sensitive clients, and more. Your salon can go green without sacrificing beauty. Follow Sophia James on Instagram @indiehavenstudioLearn more about salon recycling with Terracycle.  Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. SUMM IT UP is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlockedFind host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry.

Guest Siobhan McCaffrey is Strategic Partnership Development Manager at salon tech powerhouse Phorest. A former salon owner, Siobhan understands all the classic salon pain points AND the latest tech innovations to help keep your salon running on schedule and in the black. Even if you know Phorest, you might be surprised at all their software can do, including integrations with Facebook and Instagram, and a suite of customizable booking features, and more. Listen for insights on:Customizing social media marketing to perspective clients, current clients, and "lost" clients who haven't booked in a whileCustomizing booking to client's unique needsHow to make your cancellation policies crystal clearWhen and how much to charge for a depositBanning unwanted repeat customers Phorest's integration with Vish for a seamless color experience from visit to visit Digitizing salon retail Book a demo with PhorestFollow Phorest on Instagram @phorestsalonsoftware Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. SUMM IT UP is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlockedFind host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry.

Jennifer Boutwell, is the owner of Salon Sanity in Gretna, Louisiana, and a Summit consultant, trainer, and shareholder. A few years ago, the end of her third marriage and the sudden death of her sister forced Jennifer to shift her focus from her successful career to confronting trauma and abuse that began in childhood. Throughout the last three years, author Jennifer J. Boutwell has focused on the study of healing after abuse and trauma, drawing from her own experiences and professional journey to offer practical and emotional guidance. In her new book, I See You, A Guide to Finding Your Inner Strength, Confidence, and Voice after Trauma and Abuse, Jennifer shares her transformative journey of healing after molestation, grief, trauma, and abuse, focusing on self-love and acceptance. In this refreshingly honest and moving discussion, Jennifer Boutwell and host Blake Reed Evans discuss sensitive topics including child molestation and partner abuse. They cover:Self-compassion and self-alignmentHow to support friends and coworkers experiencing grief or traumaBreaking generational cycles of abuse and traumaTools for healing and self-regulation (Not one size fits all!)Friendship and community in difficult times And much more. Follow Jennifer Boutwell on Instagram @jenniferjboutwell.Purchase the book on Amazon.   Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. SUMM IT UP is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlockedFind host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry.

If you are a listener to this podcast, it's very likely that you went to cosmetology school. It's also likely that those classes never added up to a degree. Right now, that is changing. L'Oreal has teamed up with Arizona's Mesa Community College and Arizona State University to create The Lead Institute, a program where cosmetology school graduates can apply credits from beauty school towards an associates or bachelors degree.  In this episode, host Blake Reed Evans and Sherilynn Smart talk about going back to school, not an easy endeavor for any busy professional. But, even with a full schedule, doing hair and working in education, Sherilynn is finding time to get a degree in less than one year.  From planning your schedule to getting a full scholarship, Sherilynn tells us how she did it, and how anyone who has been to cosmetology school can make this move for themselves.This episode was originally published in January 2022. Reach out to Sherilynn Smart SSmartt@Redken.comFollow her on Instagram @Sherilynn_RedkenThe Lead website is: www.leadinstitute.degree.  On Facebook it's: Lead Rolfs Global Institute.  And on Instagram it's @leadrolfsglobalinstitute.SUMM IT UP is produced by Andrea Muraskin, with editorial support from Tim Fisk. This episode was edited by Amy Walters. Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. SUMM IT UP is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlockedFind host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry.

As stylists, we want to be there for our clients, while also setting professional boundaries around our time. Online booking saves time and takes some of the emotion out of setting up hair appointments. But today's guest says combining tech with a human touch makes for the best customer experience, and makes business sense too. Guest Missy Megginson is Director of Sales and Business Development at Schedulicity, a booking, payment and marketing software for salons and spas. She's a former salon owner and has been behind the chair for 20 years, most recently out of her own suite north of West Palm Beach, Florida. IG: @schedulicityLearn more: schedulicity.com/essentialsThis episode was originally published in March 2024. Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. SUMM IT UP is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlockedFind host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry.

For Bil Neal, being a salon sales consultant isn't about pushing product. It's about building relationships and growing small businesses. Bil Neal is a salon business partner (SBC) with SalonCentric, a division of L'Oréal USA, working with Summit salons and other salon companies in southern Ohio.  Want to try out a new product without commiting? Call Bil. Want education for your stylists? Bil can set you up with an expert. Planning out your promotions for the year? Bil's your guy. And he's one of 400 SBCs working for SalonCentric across the United States who offer these services -- which often go underutilized in the industry.Listen for a lively discussion with Bil and host Blake about all that, plus how to earn commissions on products beyond in-salon sales! Follow Bil on Instagram @bil.neal.This episode was originally published in January 2024 Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. SUMM IT UP is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlockedFind host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry.

Trish Vereze is a powerhouse. A specialist in color correction, she regularly travels between Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Honolulu to do hair. And just five years into her career in the industry, Trish recently bought her first condo. In this episode, Trish and Blake discuss:How she got started as a travel stylistHer work ethicWhy she's only had one re-doHer tricks of the trade when it comes to color correctionWhether you're interested in traveling for work or not, you're sure to learn something from Trish. Find Trish Vereze on Instagram and TikTok @hairbytrishv.Curious about in traveling internationally for stylist education? Check our our episode with the Hair Nerds! Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. SUMM IT UP is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlockedFind host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry.

The front desk team is essential to the success of any salon company. And yet customer service and retention are pain points for many salon companies. "No one should feel like they're 'just' a front desk person," says Summit salon coach and front desk trainer Rose Coitrone. And if trained, respected and incentivized appropriately, the front desk can be a sales powerhouse.  In this conversation, Rose and Blake get into:Why a front desk staff person should be able to "play a stylist" Creating a bond between the front desk and stylists, and the front desk and guestsSales scripts that come across as authentic offerings Research-based incentives that boost retention including yearly pay raises and time off Expanding jobs of front desk staff with roles like social media and hospitalityLearn more about Rose and book a 30 minute discovery call. Follow her on IG @rosecoitrone.Email her at rcoitrone@summitsalon.com.   Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. SUMM IT UP is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlockedFind host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry.

Have you ever felt like that next level jump is never going to happen, or you'll lose your clientele if you start charging everyone full price -- even though the stylist in the chair next to you has achieved these goals? You might be stuck in what business pros call a fixed mindset. Summit VP Heather Bagby is back to help you recognize a fixed mindset, and transition to a mindset of growth. Heather wrote a masters thesis on mindsets -- and her advice is valuable whether you're looking to grow your own income, or coach someone else. Heather Bagby is Vice President of Business Development at Summit Salon Business Center. She's a co-owner of Shear Art Salon in Tampa -- the same salon company where host Blake Reed Evans is a co-owner and stylist. Follow Heather Bagby on Instagram @heatherbagby.Check out our previous episodes with Heather Bagby on customer service and Summit's Happiness Project.  Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. SUMM IT UP is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlockedFind host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry.

Hayley Jepson (@the.resilient.hairdresser on Instagram)  has an  amazing story. A top-earning colorist, she left the hair industry over a decade ago due to burnout, thinking she'd never come back. Hayley became a  school counselor and a psychotherapist. Eventually, the knowledge she gained in that process brought her back to her first love -- hairdressing -- but this time with the tools to lead a healthy, happy life behind the chair. With her company The Resilient Hairdresser, Hayley provides online education and workshops for salons and stylists. She also developed a mental health training currently being rolled out by L'Oreal around the world. Hayley shares key insights in this interview on self-care and communication for stylists working both inside salons and independently, and salon owners managing employees. Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com  to connect with others in the industry.SUMM IT UP is produced by Andrea Muraskin. This episode was originally released in July 2023. Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. SUMM IT UP is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlockedFind host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry.

Stephanie Russell-Jacobs is a former hairstylist turned psychological safety facilitator and coach. This is Stephanie's  third time on SUMM IT UP, and this episode we're focusing on leadership. Stephanie says just about anyone can be a leader, whether they know it or not, and that leadership is more about intention than power. In this insightful conversation, Stephanie and Blake discuss:The many forms leadership can take in a salon companyApplying Mel Robbins' "Let Them" theory to the salon workplaceWhy leaders should aim for consistency, not perfectionStrategies for managing conflict between salon company shareholdersAnd more. Learn more about Stephanie and her coaching services at wavesociety.ca.Follow her on Instagram @psychologicallysafesteph.Check out her previous SUMM IT UP interviews on psychological safety  and preventing burnout.  Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. SUMM IT UP is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlockedFind host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry.

LaShawnda Hall's salon journey began in an unconventional way. As a retail manager in a chain clothing store, she befriended a customer -- a hair stylist from across the mall. She became a regular guest of that stylist, Summit's own Jen Culverhouse. Years later, when Jen opened her own salon company, Jen invited LaShawnda to manage a boutique. Fast forward to today, and LaShawnda has become the owner of that salon - Urban Eve in Pearland, Texas. A go-getter and multi-tasker extraordinaire,  LaShawnda is an inspiration to anyone dreaming about owning a salon.  Looking to level up your boutique, or add one to your salon company? Listen to our previous episode, Boutique experience with LaShawnda Hall. We also have a very fun episode with LaShawnda's former employer and founder of Urban Eve Salon, Jen Culverhouse, where you can get to know your enneagram type .Find LaShawnda on Instagram @lashawndahall_ssbcLearn more about LaShawnda and schedule a 30 minute discovery call for front desk or boutique coaching services.  Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. SUMM IT UP is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlockedFind host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry.

Jamie DiGrazia (she/they) is the owner of Logan Parlor Hair Salon and Barber Shop in Chicago, and a Level 6 cosmetologist and barber.  DiGrazia is the founder of Hair Has No Gender, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization  dedicated to promoting inclusive, gender-free, and gender-affirming practices within the hair world. In this heartfelt episode, DiGrazia and host Blake Reed Evans discuss:Gender-neutral pricing -- It's the right thing to do and makes business sense too.Gender-inclusive consultationsHow to transition your salon to a gender-neutral pricing structure (it's easier than you might think)How to be an ally to young trans, non-binary or gender-nonconforming guests in your salonTake Hair Has No Gender's inclusivity pledge and get your salon company listed on their Affirming Service Finder directory. Learn about their professional team trainings. Instagram:  @jamiedigrazia / @hair_has_no_gender  Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. SUMM IT UP is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlockedFind host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry.

Hair stylists are in the business of people. You know how to take care of a guest when they're in your chair -- but how do you get people into your chair to begin with, and get them to keep coming back? In a post-2020 world where just about everyone does great hair, people skills are more important than ever. Our guest is Kim Light Pearson, Marketing + Branding Team Leader for Summit Salon Business Center, and she's hear to show you how to put the "social" back in social media. In this episode, Kim and host/hair influencer Blake Reed Evans cover:The power of tutorial videos/ What to do when your guest says "I wish you could come home with me!" The tricky business of before and after photosHow to optimize your use of photos and video on InstagramHow to interact with clients and potential clients on socialHow Summit can  level up your salon company's website and social, and empower you to make updates whenever you wantAnd more! Learn more about Kim Light Pearson and book a 30 minute discovery callFollow Kim on Instagram @theklp Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry.

On average, only about 30% of new salon clients book a second appointment. A few write negative reviews online, but many simply don't come back. Why is that?Our guest this episode, Kati Witledge, says clients often don't return because they weren't matched with the best stylist to meet their unique needs at that first appointment. Her company, mya, provides a software that allows potential clients to find a stylist match before they even set foot in your salon. mya empowers the salon to market to those clients, and makes booking a breeze. In this meaty conversation, Kati and host Blake Reed Evans also get into common pain points of client acquisition and retention, tools to grow your salon company's marketing reach, and how to prep your team to make a great first impression. LEARN MOREjoinmya.comIG: @join_myaTikTok: join_mya Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry.

In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, uncertainty reigned in the salon industry. Questions like “When will I be allowed to open back up?” “Is it worth the risk to go to work?” and “Will my company survive this?” were on the minds of owners and staff. Leaders had a choice: put on a brave face for their workers, or be honest about their fears. Our guest Derek Reynolds says learning to be vulnerable helped him connect with employees on a deeper level. Also during the pandemic, the motivations of salon pros shifted more towards flexibility and time with family. In this episode, Derek and host Blake Reed Evans discuss how to navigate this new landscape with compassion, and why it's okay not to be okay. Derek is the team leader for the Leadership Division and a salon consultant with Summit Salon Business Center,  general manager of Cutler Salons in New York City, and a certified Enneagram practitioner.To learn more about Summit's leadership coaching and retreats, visit summitsalon.com/wellness-culture/summit-leadership-systemSUMM IT UP is produced by Erica Furgiuele. Tim Fisk is the executive editor. Find all of our past episodes at summitsalon.com/summ-it-up-podcast-new, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. This episode was originally published in July of 2022. Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Follow host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email him at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com  to connect with others in the industry.  Get in touch with Summit and let us know what you think of the podcast or what topics you'd like us to cover next. Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

Andrew Carruthers is a stylist educator and trainer and a Sam Villa culture ambassador. He also coaches private clients inside and outside the beauty industry through his company The Journeyist. Our conversation in this episode is about managing stress and controlling reactivity – skills essential to communication and leadership. You'll learn simple breathing techniques from the Oxygen Advantage method and get an introduction to Multiple Brain Integration (mBIT), a holistic practice for processing thoughts and feelings. Andrew Carruthers joins us from his home in Olympia, Washington. Connect with Andrew on Instagram @andrew.carruthers  or visit his website thejourneyist.life.SUMM IT UP is produced by Erica Furgiuele. Get in touch with Summit and let us know what you think of the podcast or what topics you'd like us to cover next.  This episode originally aired on December 20, 2023.  Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

The relationship between a stylist and their repeat guest is special. But if you build that special relationship with enough people over time, you might feel maxed out because your days are so busy. You have a waiting list. So you raise your prices, but that waiting list doesn't get any shorter. Though you may feel like you can't handle one more thing, this could be the perfect time to bring on an associate - a recent hair school grad to work with you behind the chair. And if you're worried that bringing on an associate might upset that relationship you've built with your guests, Paige Lowe is here to allay your fears. Paige Lowe is a Summit Certified Associate Trainer and a stylist at Glam Street Salon in Grayslake, Illinois, where she currently works with three associates behind the chair! In this episode, Paige and host Blake Reed Evans dispel some misconceptions about working with associates and discuss how to develop a partnership where both stylist and associate can grow. This episode was originally released in August 2022. LEARN MOREFind Paige on Instagram @paige_glamstreetsalon, or reach out to her at plowe@summitsalon.com.SUMM IT UP is produced by Erica Furgiuele. Get in touch with Summit and let us know what you think of the podcast or what topics you'd like us to cover next.  Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

The way most salons manage their color results in a loss of profits - that's why Tim Howard co-founded Vish, software that is revolutionizing how salons manage their color so they can reduce waste and increase their profits. Tim has over 25 years of experience in the salon industry and is the former owner of two award-winning salons. He chats with Blake about how salons can charge clients correctly for their color, what needs to change in the industry, and how salons can best reinvest extra revenue back into their business. LEARN MOREVisit getvish.com. SUMM IT UP is produced by Erica Furgiuele. Get in touch with Summit and let us know what you think of the podcast or what topics you'd like us to cover next.    Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

What is a day in the life of a content creator like? How do you balance your responsibilities as a creator with your work as a stylist behind the chair? And what does it take to amass a significant following on social media in the hair salon industry? Our guest this episode is Alejandro Lopez, an incredibly talented stylist based in Orlando, Florida, with nearly 700k followers on social media. Alejandro chats with Blake about his background in braiding, how he transitioned to vivid color work, and what his daily life is like as both a stylist behind the chair and content creator.LEARN MOREFollow Alejandro on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube @artistic.aestheticssSUMM IT UP is produced by Erica Furgiuele. Get in touch with Summit and let us know what you think of the podcast or what topics you'd like us to cover next.    Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

What is going through students' minds when they go on salon tours? What gives them the sense that the vibes are right, and what is on their dreaded "ick list" when it comes to salon culture? This episode is all about supporting and welcoming the next generation of stylists who are ready to begin their careers. Our guest this episode is Beonca Torres, Associate Trainer with the Summit Salon team and Director of Distance Learning and Placement Coordinator at Summit Salon Academy Tampa.  Beonca chats with Blake about what student stylists are looking for when they go on a salon tour and then choose the salon where they will begin their career. LEARN MORELearn more about Beonca on her Summit Salon profile page.Follow Beonca on Instagram @beoncatorresSUMM IT UP is produced by Erica Furgiuele. Get in touch with Summit and let us know what you think of the podcast or what topics you'd like us to cover next.   Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

The enneagram is a powerful personality assessment tool that looks at the core motivations and fears behind our actions. Knowing your enneagram type can help you play to your strengths, and be more mindful of your weaknesses. In a salon company, an enneagram assessment can help build better leaders, and help close communication gaps within a team. Our guest this episode is Jen Culverhouse, owner of Urban Eve Salon in Texas and Minnesota, Summit leadership trainer, and Certified Enneagram Coach. Jen chats with Blake about how to put the enneagram to use in salon companies, and offers a topline overview of the nine personality types. (We'll have to have her back to go more in-depth!) Want to learn your type or book an enneagram assessment for your salon company? Get in touch with Jen below. This episode was originally released in February 2023. LEARN MOREDownload Summit's Enneagram OverviewEmail Jen: jculverhouse@summitsalon.comFollow Jen on IG jennifer_enneagram_guideSUMM IT UP is produced by Andrea Muraskin. Get in touch with Summit and let us know what you think of the podcast or what topics you'd like us to cover next.  Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings. SUMM IT UP is produced by Andrea Muraskin.

In this episode, we switch things up and put host Blake Reed Evans in the hot seat. In conversation with Summit Director of Brand Development Tim Fisk, Blake spills the beans on how he became an influencer and super in-demand educator, while still working behind the chair and managing employees at Shear Art Salon in Tampa, Fl. Plus, how he balances family life and "time to do absolutely nothing" with the life of a entrepreneur. Thinking of expanding your work in the industry beyond the salon? Blake's got tips on how to get noticed and how to financially prepare for a career transition. You won't want to miss this one.  Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

Stacey Soble is Director of Brand Content Strategy at SALON TODAY, the only salon industry media solely focused on business. She's also the organizer and a judge of the SALON TODAY 200, one of the industry's most coveted awards.  She's been involved in the conversation of salon business for more than two decades—as a reporter, a consultant and as the editor in chief of SALON TODAY.In this episode, host Blake Reed Evans chats with Stacey about the relationship between industry media and salon pros and some of the business innovations she's most excited about. Is your salon company newsworthy? Stacey explains how to get the judges' attention in your application for SALON TODAY 200, and more. Submissions for the 2025  SALON TODAY 200 start in August 2024. Learn more about the awards, Sign up for the Salon Today newsletter on their homepage to be notified as soon as applications are available. Follow Salon Today on IG @salontodayofficial, and follow Stacey @staceysoble.  Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

Whether you have never worked with an associate before, or you've been a trainer for years and are looking to update your methods, this episode is for you! Not only do associates provide an extra pair of hands, but they provide the opportunity to book more guests, maximize productivity, and help your salon run like a well-oiled machine. Our guest Molly Limes Getz is a Senior Educator and Partner at Soto Signature Salon and Spa in Perrysburg, Ohio. She's also a Redken Artist, a Sam Villa Ambassador, and co-host of Detangled Podcast. Molly and host Blake Reed Evans both started as associates, and work with associates daily behind the chair. In this high-energy interview, they cover recruitment, onboarding, how to introduce new associates to guests, and so much more. This episode was originally published in April 2023. Learn about Summit's associate training programs. Follow Molly Limes Getz on IG @mollygetz Follow Molly on TikTok at mollylimesgetzFind Detangled Podcast where-ever you listen. Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

Sam Villa is the founding partner of Sam Villa Professional Brand, the Redken Global Artistic Ambassador, and 2017 NAHA Lifetime Achievement Award winner. Famous across the salon industry for his line of tools and his educational videos, Sam is a master of change and adaptation, whether that be hair trends or the way education is delivered. Sam never stops learning, and you shouldn't either. In this high-energy interview, Sam Villa and host Blake Reed Evans talk about online vs. IRL education, career shifts, brand development, and collaboration. Also, all about trends: where they came from, where they're going, and how to stay on top of them while making sure your guests love the way they look. You can find Sam Villa all over the internet! Youtube: youtube.com/c/samvillahairInstagram: @samvillahairFacebook: @samvillaprosTiktok: @samvillahairWebsite: samvilla.comThis episode originally dropped in August 2022. Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

As salon professionals, we have a unique ability to create a safe space for our clients, and lend a friendly ear. For someone in a domestic violence situation, the salon may be the one of the few or even the only place they can go without their abuser. So how do we identify the signs of domestic violence, and offer the right kind of support for clients and team members who may be in danger? Our guest Liz McKeon is a salon business expert, author of the best-selling book, '30 Days to Beauty Business Success', and and UK & Irish Ambassador for Shear Haven Anti Domestic Violence Industry Training. If you feel unsafe at home, find a hotline for your country or location here. This episode does not contain descriptions of violent acts.  Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

You might know Elizabeth Faye from her Instagram, or maybe you've watched her Tedx Talk about how hairstylists can change the world or attended one of her retreats with Hair Love University. Elizabeth just announced her latest venture, The Vitality Project, the first wellness program designed for salon companies, barbershops and beauty schools! In this high-energy episode, Elizabeth and Blake discuss the proven benefits of wellness programs, such as better retention, reduced burnout, and higher profits; and how emotional regulation tools and mindfulness can help owners show up for their teams and stylists show up for their clients in the salon environment.  Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

Faith Rivers contains multitudes. In the salon industry, she's worn many hats, including stylist, colorist, salon manager and manager of education and marketing for a major haircare brand. Faith also brings her experiences  in theater, journalism, and gender studies, as well as her Buddhist practice to bear in her work and in this wisdom-packed interview. Topics include: Setting and maintain boundaries with guestsStay grounded in a job where you're exchanging energy with guests and coworkers all day longTapping into empathy as a stylistCreating a safe and welcoming salon company for guests with curls and coilsRecruiting and retaining staff with expertise in curls and coilsFollow Faith Rivers on Instagram @thefaithriversConnect with Faith on LinkedIn Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

Guest Bianca Rose is a stylist behind the chair, owner of Bianca Rose Salon in Fairfield, Ohio, and hair influencer known for vivid colors, including her own gorgeous pink hair. Bianca recently began working with a Summit coach and converting her salon company to Summit systems. She speaks with Blake Reed Evans about why she made the decision, and how to set expectations for your team and gracefully transition to a new - and more profitable - way of doing business. Follow Bianca on TikTok @hairbybiancaroseFollow Bianca in IG  @hairbybiancaroseLearn more about Summit's Custom Coaching program and schedule a free 30-minute discovery call.  Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

You're an associate, and the stylist you're assigned to isn't letting you get hands-on with clients. You work the front desk, and one of the stylists is consistently rude to you. You're a stylist, and the front desk has been under-booking you for weeks. You're a co-owner, and your business partner is over-spending on spa equipment. Situations like these require communication - and in a business where emotions often run high, a tough conversation can be a powder keg. It can be tempting to grumble to yourself and avoid confronting the problem; but in the long run, your work relationships and your salon company will suffer. Fortunately, even the most conflict-adverse of us can learn to have tough conversations respectfully and effectively. Guest Johnny Stellato coaches on personal development, leadership, team-building, and more for Redken and the L'Oreal Professional Products Division, and runs his own consultancy, Just Be Empowered Coaching. He's also a stylist, and he's held various leadership positions at Redken NYC, including Senior Director of Training. A master communicator who has taught around the world, Johnny brings his wisdom on how to confront tough subjects with others - and with ourselves - to this enlightening conversation with host Blake Reed Evans. Connect with Johnny Stellato on Instagram @johnnyjustbe, or on Facebook. Email Johnny at jstellato@redken.com or Johnstellato@gmail.com.  Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

 Stylists are increasingly seeing renting their own suite or booth as an appealing alternative to working in a commission salon.  Guest Anne Chesbro is co-owner of a commission salon company, Platinum Salon, as well as a suite rental business in Rochester, NY. She and her husband Joe Chesbro founded Platinum Salon Suites to meet the needs of stylists who wanted to strike out on their own. Unlike most suite rental setups, Anne provides renters with  benefits like laundry, business coaching, free access to stylist education, and more. She says the new business has been a great way to provide stylists the opportunity to be their own bosses, while retaining them within the greater salon family and culture. Tune in for a smart and savvy conversation about navigating changes in our industry.Follow Anne on Instagram @anne_chesbro.Follow Anne on TikTok at anne_chesbro. Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

Korie Lance is the owner of The Mae Salon and Spa in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Mae took home two 2024 Summit Unplugged Awards: for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and Sound Financial Practices. Out of all Summit salon companies, The Mae was recognized for highest year over year growth: 192%!   In this episode, Blake and Korie discuss how The Mae has built a salon culture that's inclusive of all sexual orientations, gender identities, races and hair textures.  Also: how they've grown so rapidly since opening in 2016, and how embracing retail has allowed the Mae to offer benefits including paid time off, a retirement plan and an education fund.            IG: @themaesalon @korielance                               Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

As stylists, we want to be there for our clients, while also setting professional boundaries around our time. Online booking saves time and takes some of the emotion out of setting up hair appointments. But today's guest says combining tech with a human touch makes for the best customer experience, and makes business sense too. Guest Missy Megginson is Director of Sales and Business Development at Schedulicity, a booking, payment and marketing software for salons and spas. She's a former salon owner and has been behind the chair for 20 years, most recently out of her own suite north of West Palm Beach, Florida. IG: @schedulicityLearn more: schedulicity.com/essentials Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

Erin Gray and Annie MacArthur are The Hair Nerds, an independent pro beauty media and education company. Their signature events, called Hairventures, allow salon professionals to learn from top stylists around the world, as well as experience foreign cultures and build lasting friendships, at an affordable price. In this episode, Erin and Annie tell Blake about their recent trips to London and Tokyo (their favorite), and discuss the upcoming trip to Milan in June 2023. You'll also hear about the Hair Nerd's podcast, Dear Cosmo Babies, which is geared towards helping cosmetology students find their footing in the beauty industry. Follow the Hair Nerds on Instagram @thehairnerds, and book your next hairventure at thehairnerds.com.  Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

We're still riding the high of Summit Unplugged, our first ever salon leadership conference and a time to really focus on ourselves and our wellbeing in the industry. (Did we mention it was on the beach in Cancun?!) If you missed this year don't worry: we've got a recap on this episode and info on how to get in on the next one. Blake also hosted our first ever live SUMM IT UP episode at the conference, which we're presenting to you here. Our guest is Chris Mahoney, a beauty industry business analyst and Summit's new AI Solutions Architect. Chris and Blake take the fear factor out of AI and explain how you can make tools like Chat GPT work for you, whether you want to improve your sales pitch, enhance your social posts, or make sense of your sales data. (And maybe even show your client how they'd look with a copper bob!)Learn more about Chris Mahoney and book a discovery call. Watch Blake's highlight reel from Summit Unplugged. Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

As Blake says, hair stylists these days are in such high demand, they could set up shop in the middle of a field and people would still come to have their hair done! In addition, the new generation of incoming stylists care more than ever about company culture, including fair labor practices, flexibility and social and environmental values. So salon owners need to adapt to attract and retain talent. Guest Jared Thompson is the co-owner of Deseo Salon and Blow Dry, a luxury salon company in Denver, Colorado. With a background in business, he brings important insights about how to recruit and interview stylists, how to cultivate a healthy and thriving salon culture, and what to do when someone is not a fit. Also, he makes a strong business case for offering higher compensation and greater flexibility with the aim of keeping stylists on board, rather than managing a high rate of churn. Learn more about Deseo Salon and Blow Dry at deseosalondenver.com, or follow them on IG @deseodenver. Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

The last four years have been a big reset for the salon industry. When we shut down in 2020 we learned that many of our clients see us as essential workers. We saw a surge in demand coming out of lockdown. But now, we once again need to raise our standards to keep our clients. The pandemic years also accelerated a trend towards employees asking for more flexibility in shaping their schedules.  Here at Summit we embrace these changes and want to grow salon companies that can support and retain stylists over the course of the life cycle. We've created new exclusive spaces online for the Summit community, and even redesigned our signature event -- the Summit -- to make it more accessible and closer to home.  Cofounder Dave Kirby -- our  Senior Director of Development, a shareholder and a board member at Summit Salon Business Center joins Blake this episode to discuss what's new for 2024. Find Dave Kirby on Instagram @davekirbympls.Learn more about Dave and schedule a 30 minute discovery call. Explore Summit's program calendar for 2024. Learn about Summit's online community for certified salons, barber shops and schools Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

For Bil Neal, being a salon sales consultant isn't about pushing product. It's about building relationships and growing small businesses. Bil Neal is a salon business partner (SBC) with SalonCentric, a division of L'Oréal USA, working with Summit salons and other salon companies in southern Ohio.  Want to try out a new product without commiting? Call Bil. Want education for your stylists? Bil can set you up with an expert. Planning out your promotions for the year? Bil's your guy. And he's one of 400 SBCs working for SalonCentric across the United States who offer these services -- which often go underutilized in the industry.Listen for a lively discussion with Bil and host Blake about all that, plus how to earn commissions on products beyond in-salon sales! Follow Bil on Instagram @bil.neal. Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

Andrew Carruthers is a stylist educator and trainer and a Sam Villa culture ambassador, and coaches private clients inside and outside the beauty industry through his company The Journeyist. Our conversation this episode is about managing stress and controlling reactivity – skills essential to communication and leadership. You'll learn simple breathing techniques from the Oxygen Advantage method, and get an introduction to Multiple Brain Integration (mBIT), a holistic practice for processing thoughts and feelings. Andrew Carruthers joins us from his home in Olympia Washington. Connect with Andrew on Instagram @andrew.carruthers  or visit his website thejourneyist.life. Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.

A member of the beauty industry since 2011, Colissa Nole recently left the salon company where she worked as a stylist and struck out on her own -- first in a booth rental space, and most recently her own space with a co-owner. While it's an adjustment becoming your own boss, Colissa says the change has allowed her to offer the best service of her career, and "fall in love with hair all over again." In this episode, Colissa Nole and host Blake Reed Evans discuss why she made the move, and the new challenges -- like having to schedule and reschedule all your own clients --   and joys -- like having old clients open up to you like never before. Also: Colissa is here to coach you through your own self-employment journey. Contact Colissa to learn more about Summit's new self-employed stylist subscription service: Colissa's InstagramColissa's page on Summitsalon.com

We're living in a time of cultural transition. Individuals are openly expressing gender and sexuality with more freedom than before. At the same time, some still believe that expression outside of the traditional cisgender heterosexual frame is a bad thing. Others want to be supportive, but are unsure about the correct pronouns and terminology to use, or how to respectfully acknowledge queer identities.As beauty professionals, we want all guests and staff to feel safe and welcome in the salon. So how do we normalize queer inclusivity in our lives and professional spaces? Emily Holiday is an activist and humanitarian, owner of Emily Holiday Salon, and a stylist at Sola Salons in Charlotte, North Carolina. She's a facilitator for queer inclusivity and identity workshops for salon companies and other organizations. Emily considers herself a “brave space”-- that means she's here to answer questions that might be uncomfortable or inappropriate to bring up in everyday life. Even if you're new to talking about gender and sexuality, this episode is for you. Emily and Blake break down all of the letters in LGBTQIA+, talk about what it means to be non-binary, and get at the differences between gender, sexuality, and romantic attraction. Emily shares some simple yet brilliant practices that you can implement at your salon company. And so much more. Get in touch with Emily Holiday on Instagram: @emilyholidaybeauty.QUEER EDUCATION AND CULTURE RESOURCES RECOMMENDED BY EMILY AND BLAKEJanet Mock, a trans author and activistThe Human Rights Campaign, a leading organization in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights in the USThe Audre Lorde Project, a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Two Spirit, Trans and Gender Non-Conforming People of Color community organizing center, focusing on the NYC areaTime Out Youth, a queer youth center in Charlotte, NCEquality Florida, a statewide LGBTQ civil rights organizationJonathan Van Ness, a non-binary hair stylist, influencer, writer, podcaster, comedian, and entertainerFollow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com  to connect with others in the industry.  Get in touch with Summit and let us know what you think of the podcast or what topics you'd like us to cover next. Thanks for listening! 

Traditionally, the salon business in the United States  has been a segregated one. And while stylists at salons in the Black community performed braids, twists, weaves, relaxers, and silk presses on a daily basis, most white stylists had little or no knowledge of textured hair. In the past few years this has been changing, with more beauty schools providing and requiring texture education. Textured hair is increasingly visible in the media, more women are choosing natural styles, and more children are being born with mixed heritage. But our industry still has a long way to go. Want to learn about texture but don't know where to start? We've got you covered. Today's guest, Jamal Edmonds, is the owner and creative director of Lamaj in the City, located in Washington D.C. He's a stylist behind the chair and an educator for Mizani and Redken, specializing in textured hair. Jamal has been nominated for NAHA awards in 2018, 2021, and 2022. In this episode Jamal and host Blake Reed Evans talk about how to learn textured hair, and dig into understanding the trauma your client may have experienced around getting their hair styled. Also: doing textured hair on set, and competing in the North American Hair Association (NAHA) Awards. This episode was originally published in December 2021.Follow Jamal Edmonds on Instagram @lamajbackwards.Get texture education online with the Mizani Texpert Academy: thetexpertcollective.com/head-of-the-class.SUMM IT UP is produced by Andrea Muraskin, with editorial support from Tim Fisk. Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon.Follow host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans. His DM's are always open! Visit us at SummitSalon.com  or join our Summit Salon Community on Facebook to connect with others in the industry.  Get in touch with Summit and let us know what you think of the podcast or who you'd like us to interview next. 

If you're a business owner in a crowded space, you have to put your “why” front and center. That's Tim Fisk's philosophy, and it has paid off. As Director of Brand Development for Summit Salon Business Center, Tim helps salon and spa companies design or rethink their brand to attract both customers and new employees. He is the owner of Herdis, the Salon in Northampton, Massachusetts. Tim also opened Parker on Main Salon and Plum Boutique in Greenfield, Massachusetts, both during the COVID -19 pandemic. Tim sees the big picture, drawing a through-line from his own motivation to his companies, to the community impact of those main street businesses. We hope this conversation will inspire you to brand from the heart! We recorded and originally published this episode in March 2022.  To learn more about adding a boutique to your salon company, check out our episode with Summit boutique consultant LaShawnda Hall. Follow Tim and get in touch on Instagram: @timfiskis. Email Tim at tfisk@summitsalon.com. SUMM IT UP is produced by Andrea Muraskin. Tim Fisk is the executive editor. (Yes, that Tim Fisk!)  Find all of our past episodes at summitsalon.com/summ-it-up-podcast, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon.Follow host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans. His DM's are always open! You can email him at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com  or join our Summit Salon Community on Facebook to connect with others in the industry.  Get in touch with Summit and let us know what you think of the podcast or what topics you'd like us to cover next.

The relationship between a stylist and their repeat guest is special. But if you build that special relationship with enough people over time, you might feel maxed out because your days are so busy. You have a waiting list. So you raise your prices, but that waiting list doesn't get any shorter. Though you may feel like you can't handle one more thing, this could be the perfect time to bring on an associate - a recent hair school grad to work with you behind the chair. And if you're worried that bringing on an associate might upset that relationship you've built with your guests, Paige Lowe is here to allay your fears. Paige Lowe is a Summit Certified Associate Trainer, and an owner and stylist at Glam Street Salon in Libertyville, Illinois, where she works with multiple associates behind the chair. In this episode, Paige and host Blake Reed Evans dispel some misconceptions about working with associates, and discuss how to develop a partnership where both stylist and associate can grow. This episode was originally published in August 2022. Find Paige on Instagram @paige_glamstreetsalon, or reach out to her at plowe@summitsalon.com.Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com. Visit us at SummitSalon.com  to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings.  Get in touch with Summit and let us know what you think of the podcast or what topics you'd like us to cover next. Thanks for listening! 

The once-disparate worlds of salon and barbershop are moving closer, with changing gender norms around hair, professionals graduating from school with both skill sets, and barbershops shifting their business models. But the expectations of barber and stylist clientele are different, and any salon owner looking to add barber services to their menu should understand that. Enter Jessica Luppold, Barbershop Division Team Leader at Summit Salon Business Center. Also owner and master artist at Elayne James Salon & HairColor Studio in Middletown, Delaware. Jessica has a foot in both worlds and has done the research to prove it. As a Summit coach, she works with barbers to maximize their business potential through adopting tried-and-tested Summit systems like online booking, working on commission, and a leveled earning system. Jessica also works with salon owners to recruit and integrate barbers and barber-stylists into their companies.  Learn more, or schedule a 30-minute discovery call with Jessica Luppold.Connect with Jessica Luppold on Instagram @Jessicaloveshairbusiness.Connect with the Summit Barbershop Division on Instagram @barbershopdiv_by_ssbcFollow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at bevans@summitsalon.com.  We'd love to hear your personal finance tips! Visit us at SummitSalon.com  to connect with others in the industry. Join our online community for certified Summit salons, spas, barber shops and beauty schools.Sign up for our newsletter, Your Weekly Game Plan to stay on top of our events and trainings. SUMM IT UP is produced by Andrea Muraskin.

Hayley Jepson (@the.resilient.hairdresser on Instagram)  has an  amazing story. A top-earning colorist, she left the hair industry over a decade ago due to burnout, thinking she'd never come back. Hayley became a  school counselor and a psychotherapist. Eventually, the knowledge she gained in that process brought her back to her first love -- hairdressing -- but this time with the tools to lead a healthy, happy life behind the chair. With her company The Resilient Hairdresser, Hayley provides online education and workshops for salons and stylists. She also developed a mental health training currently being rolled out by L'Oreal around the world. Hayley shares key insights in this interview on self-care and communication for stylists working both inside salons and independently, and salon owners managing employees.