Podcasts about salon owners

Last week we talked about why the systems still running most employee-based salons today are quietly failing, and how that failure is landing on owners as a people problem when it's really a structure problem. This week, we're getting into the actual framework. The four levers I'm covering in this episode are the same ones I use when I walk into a salon, pull back the curtain, and start rebuilding from the ground up!  So, if you've been wondering what it actually looks like to run your salon like a real business, this episode is a great place to start. The first four episodes of After The Last Client are now available! Head over to www.afterthelastclient.com/ to watch the episodes, binge the series, and nominate the guests you want to see featured next season. The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won't cut it in 2026, so are you ready? Grab our FREE 2026 TREND REPORT, The 2026 Must-Know Business Realities, Strategies & Trends for Stylists and Salon Owners now at https://thrivingstylist.com/mustknow/. Do you have a question for me that you'd like answered in a future episode like this one? A great way to do that is to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review with your question. I'm looking forward to answering your question on a future episode on the podcast!  If you're not already following us, @thethrivingstylist, what are you waiting for? This is where I share pro tips every single week, along with winning strategies, testimonials, and amazing breakthroughs from my audience. You're not going to want to miss out on this. Learn more at: https://thrivingstylist.com/podcast/ 

"Send us a message!"What if the biggest business advantage isn't talent, experience, or even hard work?What if it's curiosity?In this episode, we explore why the best salon owners aren't the ones who blindly copy trends or follow outdated advice; they're the ones willing to ask better questions.We talk about challenging industry assumptions, learning from other businesses, embracing new technology, building original systems, and why curiosity has been one of the biggest competitive advantages in growing Hello Hair Co.From Google Ads and AI to hiring, apprenticeships, pricing, and marketing, we share why asking why has consistently led us toward better answers than simply asking how.Your business should serve you, so that you can serve others.And the future belongs to the owners willing to think for themselves.Key TakeawaysCuriosity is one of the greatest competitive advantages in business.Copying outcomes is not the same as understanding why they worked. Better questions lead to better decisions. Innovation begins with curiosity, not certainty. Build systems that fit your business—not someone else's. Patience requires engagement, not passivity. Long-term thinking beats quick fixes. New technology rewards curious business owners. Your ideas are worth exploring, even if they don't all succeed. Learn from others without outsourcing your own thinking.Time Stamps00:00 — Opening takes: stop criticizing the next generation 03:00 — Why the past shouldn't dictate the future 05:00 — The salon industry's copycat problem 06:30 — Copying outcomes vs. understanding causes 08:00 — Asking better questions in business 09:00 — Why profitable salons think differently 10:00 — Assigned stations, apprenticeships, and challenging tradition 12:00 — Hiring with curiosity instead of fear 14:00 — Why change feels uncomfortable 16:00 — Curiosity built Hello Hair Co. 18:00 — Google, SEO, and long-term thinking 20:00 — The Five Whys and deeper questions 22:00 — Why stylists choose some salons over others 24:00 — Patience vs. complacency 26:00 — Building business frameworks that last 28:00 — Turning frustrations into better systems 30:00 — Build your future instead of inheriting it 31:00 — AI, technology, and curiosity 34:00 — Your ideas are worth exploring 36:00 — Don't outsource your thinking 38:00 — Final thoughts: think for yourselfLinks and Stuff:Our Newsletter Mentoring InquiriesFind more of our things:InstagramHello Hair Pro Website

Burnout doesn't happen overnight - but it happens to almost every salon owner at some point.In this episode, Lisa shares her personal journey from overwhelmed salon owner to building a business that worked without her.  If you've ever felt stuck, exhausted, or like everything depends on you—this episode will open your eyes to what's possible. If this resonated with you… Book a call with Lisa to talk through your situation https://bit.ly/4pxldBR #salonowner, #salonbusiness, #burnoutrecovery, #salonlife, #beautybusiness  

DM me "AUDIT" to connect to learn how together we can increase your leads, revenue, and confidence in your salon business.  ⁠⁠Instagram.com/jenniferjadealvarez⁠GRAB YOUR FREE FREEDOM CALCULATOR™ ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jenniferjadealvarez.myflodesk.com/freedom-calculator⁠⁠⁠The #1 tool to help you plan to work less BTC and into Salon CEOIn this episode of Beauty Business Game Changer, Jennifer Alvarez breaks down why salon owners and beauty entrepreneurs should stop trying to do everything themselves and start delegating strategically. She explains how hiring a virtual assistant can help you protect your time, improve your guest experience, and create a more sustainable business model.Jennifer shares the mindset shift that helped her grow since 2016: moving from being the person who answers every DM, call, and email to becoming the visionary who leads the business. She walks listeners through a simple exercise to identify every task they currently do, evaluate which ones truly require their time, and decide what can be delegated to someone else at a lower cost.She also explains the difference between high-level work and low-task work, encouraging owners to focus on the activities only they can do—like leadership, planning, training, and growth—while handing off repetitive or time-consuming tasks like cleaning, booking, inbox management, reports, and customer communication.A major takeaway from this episode is that delegation only works when there is a clear system in place. Jennifer emphasizes the importance of documenting processes, setting expectations, sharing examples, and communicating clearly so a virtual assistant can succeed without creating more work for the owner.She also discusses how AI can now support some of the simpler tasks, making virtual assistants even more valuable for communication, client care, and operational support. Whether you're a solo entrepreneur or a growing salon team, this episode will help you rethink what should stay on your plate and what should be handed off so you can stay in your zone of genius.Want to learn more about working with a virtual assistant? DM Jennifer on Instagram at @jenniferjadealvarez for more information and resources.

A few weeks ago, my team posted something on Instagram that we could not have predicted would take off the way it did. The graphic said uncapped commissions will be the salon standard within three years, and the response was unlike anything we've seen. 260 shares, 461 comments, hundreds of DMs and emails from salon owners who were equal parts excited and scared. So we made this bonus episode to answer your questions directly! This week you're not just hearing from me. You're hearing audio clips from real Thriving Leadership members who have implemented our profit priority compensation method and are sharing exactly what it's looked like for their businesses. You're also getting a clip from our bootcamp that breaks down the logic behind why we built this method in the first place. If you still have questions after the uncapped commissions episode from a few weeks back, this one is going to fill in a lot of gaps. The first four episodes of After The Last Client are now available! Head over to www.afterthelastclient.com/ to watch the episodes, binge the series, and nominate the guests you want to see featured next season. The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won't cut it in 2026, so are you ready? Grab our FREE 2026 TREND REPORT, The 2026 Must-Know Business Realities, Strategies & Trends for Stylists and Salon Owners now at https://thrivingstylist.com/mustknow/. Do you have a question for me that you'd like answered in a future episode like this one? A great way to do that is to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review with your question. I'm looking forward to answering your question on a future episode on the podcast!  If you're not already following us, @thethrivingstylist, what are you waiting for? This is where I share pro tips every single week, along with winning strategies, testimonials, and amazing breakthroughs from my audience. You're not going to want to miss out on this. Learn more at: https://thrivingstylist.com/podcast/ 

Retail isn't about knowing what to say - it's about getting out of your own way. In this episode, Lisa unpacks the most common blockages that stop salon owners and teams from recommending retail confidently. From fear of rejection to pricing discomfort and lack of systems, this episode will help you identify what's really holding you back, and how to move forward. Want the full step-by-step system to fix your retail?

Picture two stylists. One is a money machine, hitting every metric, booked solid, making multiple 6-figures. The other is producing 30% of that revenue but mentoring newer team members, showing up on time, taking great photos, and supporting the salon's culture in every way possible. Now ask yourself honestly: who is your current system set up to reward? If your salon's promotional path is built primarily around revenue-based KPIs, chances are stylist number one wins every time, no matter how much damage they're doing to your culture. And that model, which worked just fine 10 and 20 years ago, is collapsing fast right now. In this episode, I'm breaking down exactly why the traditional salon promotion structure is broken, the specific flaws in the old model that are quietly costing you your best people, and what we do differently in Thriving Leadership to fix it for good. Ready to see exactly how this works for your salon? I'm hosting a free 3-day training starting July 13th where we dig into all of it. Head to www.thrivingstylist.com/nextlevelsalon to register. Spots are not held, so make sure you sign up before the 13th to get access! The first four episodes of After The Last Client are now available! Head over to www.afterthelastclient.com/ to watch the episodes, binge the series, and nominate the guests you want to see featured next season. The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won't cut it in 2026, so are you ready? Grab our FREE 2026 TREND REPORT, The 2026 Must-Know Business Realities, Strategies & Trends for Stylists and Salon Owners now at https://thrivingstylist.com/mustknow/. Do you have a question for me that you'd like answered in a future episode like this one? A great way to do that is to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review with your question. I'm looking forward to answering your question on a future episode on the podcast!  If you're not already following us, @thethrivingstylist, what are you waiting for? This is where I share pro tips every single week, along with winning strategies, testimonials, and amazing breakthroughs from my audience. You're not going to want to miss out on this. Learn more at: https://thrivingstylist.com/ 

"Send us a message!""I'm just so busy."It's one of the most common things we hear from salon owners.But being busy and building a business aren't the same thing.In this episode, we revisit one of our favorite leadership frameworks: the Five Modes of Ownership, and explain why so many owners stay stuck working harder instead of building systems that create long-term growth.We discuss the difference between busy work and compounding work, why diagnosing problems matters more than reacting to them, how to know which "mode" your business needs most, and why your future should determine where you spend your time today.Your business should serve you, so that you can serve others.That starts by giving your attention to the work that actually compounds.Key TakeawaysBeing busy isn't the same as building a business.Compounding work creates long-term value. Every business owner must lead in different modes. Diagnose problems before reacting to them. Focus on one type of work at a time. Leadership requires intentional attention. Crisis mode demands calm, not panic. Invisible work often produces the biggest results. Systems reduce future chaos. Your future should determine how you spend today.Time Stamps00:00 — Opening takes + preparing for slow seasons 05:30 — Stop believing manufactured business problems 07:00 — Why owners always feel busy 08:00 — The Five Modes of Ownership refresher 10:00 — Busy work vs. compounding work 11:30 — Operations vs. systems 12:30 — Leadership, strategy, and crisis mode 14:00 — Diagnose before you react 16:00 — Choosing the right leadership hat 18:30 — Why working harder isn't the answer 20:30 — Give each mode your full attention 23:00 — Why focus creates better results 25:00 — Where the Five Modes came from 28:00 — Lessons from navigating a true crisis 31:00 — The invisible work that builds businesses 34:00 — Why business owners need long-term thinking 36:00 — Building tomorrow instead of surviving today 39:00 — Final thoughts on intentional leadershipLinks and Stuff:Our Newsletter Mentoring InquiriesFind more of our things:InstagramHello Hair Pro Website

You can care deeply about your team and still be missing the structure that helps them stay.That is the part a lot of salon/shop owners feel, but do not always know how to fix.In this episode, Eva DuPont, Director of Business Development at Infiniti HR, breaks down why building a team that stays is not just about hiring good people, it is about creating clarity around expectations, compensation, benefits, HR, payroll, compliance, and growth. She explains how small gaps in structure can turn into bigger problems over time, and how salon owners can start building a more professional, protected, and supportive business from the inside.

Choosing a salon is one of the biggest decisions you'll make in your career, yet it's also one of the least understood. Too many stylists accept a position because the salon looks beautiful, their friends work there, or the commission percentage sounds appealing without asking the questions that truly determine their long-term success. In this episode, I break down how to reverse engineer your career before you ever step into an interview. We'll discuss how to create a clear five-year vision, identify the leadership style that's right for you, understand how your environment influences your habits and success, and why surrounding yourself with high performers can dramatically change the trajectory of your career. We'll also uncover the biggest myths around commission, average ticket, pricing, product charges, and earning potential so you can evaluate opportunities based on real income not just percentages on paper. You'll learn the questions every stylist should ask before accepting a position and how to recognize the green flags and red flags that often determine whether a salon will accelerate or limit your growth. And if you're a salon owner, this episode is just as valuable for you. You'll discover what today's top talent is really looking for, the questions ambitious stylists should be asking during an interview, and whether your salon is positioned to answer them with confidence. We'll discuss how your leadership, culture, compensation structure, education, career paths, and ability to develop high performers all impact your ability to attract and retain exceptional talent. If you want to build a salon that people choose because of the opportunities you create not just the commission you offer this episode will challenge you to see your business through the eyes of the next generation of stylists. Whether you're just graduating beauty school, considering a career move, or building a salon that top talent is excited to join, this episode will give you the framework to make intentional decisions that create long-term success. Because the salon you choose or the salon you build doesn't just determine where people work. It helps determine who they become.

Are you overstocked, understocked… or just guessing? In this episode, Lisa breaks down the reality of stock control in your salon and why it plays such a critical role in your profitability, cash flow, and client experience. From ordering habits to team behaviour at the basin, this episode will help you take back control and find the balance that actually works. If you would like a FREE copy of Lisa's book JUST CLICK HERE #salonbusiness, #salonowner, #salonretail, #salonprofit, #beautybusiness

Something is happening in our industry right now that we just need to talk about. Salon closures are happening at scale, coast to coast, and I've personally saved over 60 closure announcements on Instagram just since the start of 2026. This is not normal, and pretending it isn't happening isn't going to help anyone. In this episode, I break down exactly what's driving these salon closures right now, the specific mistakes that are quietly working against so many owners, and what the salons that are winning are doing differently.  The industry is not broken. It's evolving fast, and there is still so much opportunity on the other side of a change in plan!  Ready to see exactly how this works for your salon? I'm hosting a free 3-day training starting July 13th where we dig into all of it. Head to www.thrivingstylist.com/nextlevelsalon to register. Spots are not held, so make sure you sign up before the 13th to get access! The first four episodes of After The Last Client are now available! Head over to www.afterthelastclient.com/ to watch the episodes, binge the series, and nominate the guests you want to see featured next season. The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won't cut it in 2026, so are you ready? Grab our FREE 2026 TREND REPORT, The 2026 Must-Know Business Realities, Strategies & Trends for Stylists and Salon Owners now at https://thrivingstylist.com/mustknow/. Do you have a question for me that you'd like answered in a future episode like this one? A great way to do that is to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review with your question. I'm looking forward to answering your question on a future episode on the podcast!  If you're not already following us, @thethrivingstylist, what are you waiting for? This is where I share pro tips every single week, along with winning strategies, testimonials, and amazing breakthroughs from my audience. You're not going to want to miss out on this. Learn more at: https://thrivingstylist.com/podcast/ 

We spoke with Zach Zinober, Social Media Advisor at Crystal Hook Media, about what it really means to stop posting and hoping and start building a social media system that supports your brand.This Live turned into a full social media Q&A covering posting frequency, motivating staff to post, TikTok, rebuilding a brand, algorithm changes, reusing content, planning ahead, and making social media feel less overwhelming.

The Final Four (and a Half) Lessons - Continuation of the 500th Episode Ten years. Five hundred episodes. And the same handful of sentences Larissa and Joel still say more than anything else. Last week, on the 500th episode, they got through the first five (and a half). This week, they're finishing the job with the final four and a half truths that have carried Salon Owners Collective from a handful of stuck salon owners to a decade-long movement. What you'll discover in this episode: Why “do better” might be the most useful two words in your whole business, and how to use them without burning outThe real reason a rising tide doesn't lift every boat, even in salons with genuinely good cultureThe question Joel asks so often he's lost count, and why most salon owners can't actually answer itWhy treating your to-do list like an elephant changes how you get through the weekThe moment Larissa stopped chasing a “finished” business, and what she built instead This episode is for every salon owner who's still waiting to feel like they've arrived. That feeling isn't coming. What comes instead is better. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Want help with what comes next for you and your salon, and how to reach the $1 million milestone without burning out? That's exactly what the Double Double Goal inside Salon Mastery is built for. Click here to apply now: https://bit.ly/StrategyCallYT 3 Reasons Why Every Salon Owner Should Listen to This Episode: ✅ Discover the two words that quietly change how you run your whole business ✅ Find out why your team's culture might be lifting some boats and sinking others ✅ Uncover the one question that exposes exactly why you keep feeling stuck

What if your results aren't about working harder - but about who you're working with? In this episode, Lisa shares a powerful story that highlights the importance of relationships, standards, and being intentional about the clients and partnerships you choose. From A-grade to D-grade clients, this episode challenges you to take a closer look at who you're working with - and whether they're helping you grow or holding you back. If this made you realise there are conversations you're avoiding in your salon, join my next 25-Hour Salon Owner Workshop – Cancel with Confidence https://thesalonmentors.com/events-2026 Because clear conversations change everything.  

If you've been in the salon industry for any length of time, you already know the traditional commission model is broken. Stylists feel cheated, salon owners feel cheated, and somehow, we've all just accepted that this is "the way it's done." But what if there was a model where everybody wins, profit is protected, and your top performers actually want to stay? That's exactly what uncapped commissions deliver, and I genuinely believe that by 2030, this will be the standard of pay across our industry. In this episode, I share exactly how uncapped commissions work, why the traditional model keeps everyone stuck, and how we build a compensation structure that puts profit first without sacrificing your team.  This is the future of salon compensation, and understanding it now is what separates the salons that thrive from the ones that struggle to compete!  Ready to see exactly how this works for your salon? I'm hosting a free 3-day training starting July 13th where we dig into all of it. Head to www.thrivingstylist.com/nextlevelsalon to register. Spots are not held, so make sure you sign up before the 13th to get access! The first four episodes of After The Last Client are now available! Head over to www.afterthelastclient.com/ to watch the episodes, binge the series, and nominate the guests you want to see featured next season. The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won't cut it in 2026, so are you ready? Grab our FREE 2026 TREND REPORT, The 2026 Must-Know Business Realities, Strategies & Trends for Stylists and Salon Owners now at https://thrivingstylist.com/mustknow/. Do you have a question for me that you'd like answered in a future episode like this one? A great way to do that is to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review with your question. I'm looking forward to answering your question on a future episode on the podcast!  If you're not already following us, @thethrivingstylist, what are you waiting for? This is where I share pro tips every single week, along with winning strategies, testimonials, and amazing breakthroughs from my audience. You're not going to want to miss out on this. Learn more at: https://thrivingstylist.com/podcast/ 

"Send us a message!"What if someone asked you the questions you usually avoid asking yourself?In this episode, we tried something completely different. We asked AI to interview us, not to generate answers, but to challenge the way we think about leadership, business, culture, growth, relationships, and running a salon.The result wasn't a conversation about artificial intelligence.It became a conversation about reflection.From hiring and education to leadership, core values, profit, partnerships, parenting, and personal growth, these questions forced us to slow down and think about what we've learned over the past several years of building Hello Hair Co.Whether you're an established owner or just getting started, these are the kinds of questions that don't always have easy answers, but they often lead to better ones.Your business should serve you, so that you can serve others.Sometimes the best way to grow is simply to ask yourself better questions.Here's the prompt we used to create the questions.Key TakeawaysBetter questions lead to better leadership. AI is a tool—not a replacement for critical thinking.  Strong businesses evolve because their leaders stay curious.  Experience often creates humility, not certainty.  Great partnerships require different perspectives.  Leadership is built through intentional conversations.  Core values simplify difficult decisions.  Culture is created through consistency, not slogans.  Growth comes from reflection as much as action.  The quality of your answers depends on the quality of your questions.Time Stamps00:00 — Episode 251 + introducing the AI interview experiment 01:00 — Opening takes: developing staff intentionally 03:00 — AI isn't a replacement for thinking 05:00 — Question 1: Beliefs we've changed over time 07:00 — Question 2: Business mentors and influence 08:00 — Question 3: What people misunderstand about us 10:00 — Question 4: What we've learned from each other 14:00 — Question 5: What we hope our children learn 16:00 — Question 6: Advice we no longer believe is universal 18:00 — Question 7: One skill every owner should master 20:00 — Question 8: Risks worth taking 22:00 — Question 9: Why we've ignored conventional wisdom 25:00 — Question 10: What people don't see behind the scenes 27:00 — Question 11: Beliefs we're unlikely to change 29:00 — Question 12: What could have caused Hello Hair to fail 33:00 — Question 13: Becoming less certain with experience 36:00 — Question 14: Compliments that meant the most 39:00 — Question 15: The hardest core value to lose 41:00 — Final reflections on asking better questionsLinks and Stuff:Our Newsletter Mentoring InquiriesFind more of our things:InstagramHello Hair Pro Website

Salon Goals Academy - get on the waitlist: https://www.laurenlappin.com.au/sg-academy-waitlistIn this week's episode Lauren deconstructs the concepts of discounting and tiered-pricing in the beauty industry, why Salon Owners do it, and what you can do instead in your salon to maximise both growth and the quality of the work.What Actually Works? The concept of tiered pricing [01:17].Why tiered pricing may not work [03:42].The impact of being the highest-priced artist [04:31].Not using tiered pricing [10:42].Reducing client load [26:03].The Salon Goals Academy [28:51].....Rate and Review the Show in Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-lash-business-lounge/id1609510128Rate the Show in Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xvJ8MNZM9cbjYBGcMDtb8?si=b23764e4d0ed4b59Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenlappin_The Salon Goals Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/salongoals_podcast....This Episode was Edited and Produced by Josh Liston at JCAL Media Group - https://www.jcaldigital.org/podcast-editing

If you're a salon or spa owner, or a hairstylist, barber or esthetician, starting to feel the pressures of business and entrepreneurship, this episode is for you. The weight of customer service, professionalism, leadership and creativity can result in irreversible damage if not taken care of immediately. In this episode, Krystine shares the REAL, RAW & TRUE reason hairstylists, estheticians, barbers, salon & spa owners feel burnt out behind the chair and the core solution on how to fix it for good. **Earn more and get your time back with  @glossgenius . Use code BEAUTYPRO at glossgenius.com/beautypropodcast for 50% off your first two months of a premium plan.**#hairstylist #hairdresser #salonowner #spaowner #burnout #overwhelm #businesspressure LOVE THIS EPISODE?Leave Your Ratings, Reviews & Comments on the Podcast! Your feedback allows for more nourishing content and for more on-point education for beauty & barber pros. SHOP PODCAST MERCH: https://the-beautypro-coach-shop.fourthwall.com/SHOP MY STOREFRONT: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeautyprocoachWANT MORE KRYSTINE? GET 1:1 COACHING: https://www.thebeautyprocoach.com/discovery-callsGET ON THE EMAIL LIST: ⁠https://bit.ly/3S5R2loSubscribe to The BeautyPro Podcast on Apple, Spotify & YouTube! APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-beautypro-podcast/id1700728724SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/2km4Md6jjJMb7EyLvf0Huv?si=3f58fcf183e746e0Follow @thebeautyprocoach on Facebook & Instagramhttps://www.fb.com/thebeautyprocoachhttps://www.instagram.com/thebeautyprocoach

When I opened my first salon I was passionate about hairdressing but like most salon owners I knew very little about business, and negotiating with product suppliers was where my naivety was fully exposed. This week I take you behind the scenes of what's really happening when you deal with a manufacturer or distributor.You'll come away understanding how the commercial side works: list price, rebates, the size of the pie, and the difference between a real partnership and a shiny distraction. My aim is simple. I want you walking into that conversation informed, prepared, and able to build a deal where both businesses genuinely win.IN THIS EPISODE:Why the list price is never the real price, and what sits behind itThe size of the pie: how much value a supplier can actually offer youHow rebates really work, including the catch that traps a lot of ownersHow to prepare before you negotiate so you hold the stronger positionWhy the real goal is a partnership where both businesses winEPISODE TIMESTAMPS[00:00] Introduction[00:20] The dark arts of negotiating with your product suppliers and manufacturers[02:07] Why nobody actually pays the full list price on the page[03:07] Manufacturer versus distributor, and why that structure changes everything behind the scenes[05:08] The list price is just the start of a commercial conversation[08:23] The experience gap between you and the person across the negotiating table[09:50] The size of the pie: the concept that underpins every deal[11:04] How you get to choose where that value lands in your business[13:10] Rebates explained, and the two important realities that owners often overlook[15:54] Shiny object syndrome, and the seduction of events and luxury experiences[17:41] Why putting your business out to tender is simply smart, professional practice[19:13] How to prepare properly before you ever sit at the tableWant MORE to help you GROW?

It's no secret that the digital landscape is shifting FAST, and a lot of stylists and salon owners are feeling completely exhausted by the constant updates, the algorithms, and the tech overload. I know it's tempting to want to unplug and just focus on the creative side of what we do, but the reality is that our industry is becoming more connected to the digital world, not less. The good news? Our service-based, local businesses are incredibly safe from AI disruption, but if we don't get smart about optimizing our own digital footprints first, we're handing a competitive edge to anyone else who does. We are officially stepping into a brand-new era of local search, driven by massive new integrations between your social media platforms and Google's autonomous AI agents. Today, I'm breaking down exactly what these game-changing updates mean for your business, how to set up your digital presence defensively, and the specific, tactical steps you can take right now to prep your profiles before the scale tips. If you're serious about finding out exactly how to stay ahead of the curve and play the modern business game better, then press "Play" now!  The first four episodes of After The Last Client are now available! Head over to www.afterthelastclient.com/ to watch the episodes, binge the series, and nominate the guests you want to see featured next season. The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won't cut it in 2026, so are you ready? Grab our FREE 2026 TREND REPORT, The 2026 Must-Know Business Realities, Strategies & Trends for Stylists and Salon Owners now at https://thrivingstylist.com/mustknow/. Do you have a question for me that you'd like answered in a future episode like this one? A great way to do that is to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review with your question. I'm looking forward to answering your question on a future episode on the podcast!  If you're not already following us, @thethrivingstylist, what are you waiting for? This is where I share pro tips every single week, along with winning strategies, testimonials, and amazing breakthroughs from my audience. You're not going to want to miss out on this. Learn more at: https://thrivingstylist.com/podcast/ 

You can be busy all day and still feel like nothing is really growing. That is the part a lot of beauty pros feel, but do not always know how to name.In this episode, Mireya Villarreal, Founder of From Chair to Boss™ and Pink Pewter, breaks down why time management is not just about being organized, it is about understanding what your time is worth and using it to grow. She shares how restructuring her own business after a major setback changed the way she viewed every minute, and how beauty pros can stop wasting time, shift their habits, and turn more of their energy into income, clarity, and opportunity.

Let's be honest: one of the biggest challenges salon owners are hitting right now is figuring out how to actually attract, motivate, and retain the modern generation of talent. You've heard me say it many times, but if you want a team of self-motivated, hungry stylists, your brand positioning, your backend education system, and your own digital footprint have to be completely aligned. I'm sorry, but you can't fix your team until you look at how you're presenting your business to the world, and I'm diving deep into the data here to help you do it.  It doesn't matter if you're an established owner struggling to fill empty chairs, a leader trying to transition from a cozy "shadowing" model to a highly profitable, structured education system, or an entrepreneur who needs to optimize your digital footprint to fuel consistent growth behind the chair. This episode is exactly what you need to start shifting your business into its next phase of growth!  The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won't cut it in 2026, so are you ready? Grab our FREE 2026 TREND REPORT, The 2026 Must-Know Business Realities, Strategies & Trends for Stylists and Salon Owners now at https://thrivingstylist.com/mustknow/. Do you have a question for me that you'd like answered in a future episode like this one? A great way to do that is to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review with your question. I'm looking forward to answering your question on a future episode on the podcast!  If you're not already following us, @thethrivingstylist, what are you waiting for? This is where I share pro tips every single week, along with winning strategies, testimonials, and amazing breakthroughs from my audience. You're not going to want to miss out on this. Learn more at: https://thrivingstylist.com/podcast/ 

You do not need to be rich to start investing. But you do need a plan.In this episode, Nicole Carson, CFP®, MBA and founder of 2nd Story Wealth Planners, breaks down how beauty professionals can start building an investment plan around real-life factors like debt, uneven income, taxes, retirement goals, and fear of the market. She explains why investing is not only for wealthy people and how consistency, time, and a clear plan can help beauty pros build long-term financial security.

How would you like to hear the real talk about the massive amount of misinformation, manipulative jargon, and false narratives that float around our industry? We've all seen it and we've all experienced it: the secrecy around how someone actually built their business, or the people who look amazing on social media while we both know the back end tells a very different story.  I've wondered for a long time: what do we do to quit the secrecy in this industry? We talk a good game about community over competition, but then we gatekeep the business part…  Well, that's changing, and it all starts today!  I'm in my transparency era. I'm done with playing small and being secretive, so I'm starting something completely new. Born out of seven months of design and production is After The Last Client, the newest media platform in the beauty industry. These aren't just "feel-good" interviews; they are long-form, deep dives into the real strategies and step-by-step financial breakdowns of the industry's biggest voices. If you weren't in the room for these conversations, consider this your seat at the table! The first four episodes drop today, June 8, 2026. Head over to www.afterthelastclient.com/ to watch the episodes, binge the series, and nominate the guests you want to see featured next season. The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won't cut it in 2026, so are you ready? Grab our FREE 2026 TREND REPORT, The 2026 Must-Know Business Realities, Strategies & Trends for Stylists and Salon Owners now at https://thrivingstylist.com/mustknow/. Do you have a question for me that you'd like answered in a future episode like this one? A great way to do that is to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review with your question. I'm looking forward to answering your question on a future episode on the podcast!  If you're not already following us, @thethrivingstylist, what are you waiting for? This is where I share pro tips every single week, along with winning strategies, testimonials, and amazing breakthroughs from my audience. You're not going to want to miss out on this. Learn more at: https://thrivingstylist.com/podcast/ 

I'm going to say something that might sting a little, the salon owners who are going to have their best year ever in 2026 are not the ones taking the summer off. They're the ones doing the work in June and July when everyone else decided it was too hot and too fun to think about business.I've watched this pattern play out for 19 years. And I am not about to let you sit in September wondering why Q4 feels so hard when the answers are right here.Whether your summer is busy and you're coasting, or it's a little slow and you're questioning yourself, both of those scenarios are making the same mistake. Summer is not a pause for your business. It's when your Q4 gets built strong or gets broken. And I need you to hear that.In this episode:The two salon owner patterns I see every single summer, and why both are leaving serious money on the tableWhy everything you do (or don't do) right now in June is directly setting up what September, October, November, and December look likeHow the visibility work you do today compounds into a packed holiday season, and why waiting until October is too lateWhy summer is the exact moment to get your junior stylists booked up, and what that means for your revenue by Q4The systems you keep saying you'll get to, and how to actually put them in place now, while you have the breathing room to do it rightThe honest question I want you to sit with: do you actually want to grow your business this year?I'm being a little bossy in this one, but only because I want you to look back at the end of this year and say that summer was the moment everything changed.The Monday Club:Business education, community, and tools to build a salon that runs like a real business, with leadership development, a full marketing ecosystem, and Fully Booked all under one roof. A new VIP level just launched.Learn more: https://www.lexilomax.com/monday-club

What started as a simple gathering has now evolved into a major hair symposium in downtown Spokane, Washington! Danielle Nishiyama is creating a community where young (& ALL) beauty & barber pros can learn, grow, and thrive together in the spirit of real industry education. The energy is contagious, and it's heartwarming to see a fellow Beauty Babez transform into the ultimate girl squad for this initiative. This is more than just a hair show; it's about building a supportive network for our industry in the Pacific Northwest! Drop your takeaways, comments and support in the comments below! #HairSymposium #SalonCommunity #StylistLife #EducationMatters #SpokaneEvents #salonowner #hairstylist #BeautyProPodcastWANT MORE DANIELLE & THE HAIR SYMPOSIUM?GET YOUR TICKETS: https://www.thehairsymposium.comWORK WITH DANIELLE: https://instagram.com/craftstudiospokaneFOLLOW DANIELLE: https://www.instagram.com/danielle.nishiyama LOVE THIS EPISODE?Leave Your Ratings, Reviews & Comments on the Podcast! Your feedback allows for more nourishing content and for more on-point education for beauty & barber pros. SHOP PODCAST MERCH: https://the-beautypro-coach-shop.fourthwall.com/SHOP MY STOREFRONT: https://www.amazon.com/shop/thebeautyprocoachWANT MORE KRYSTINE? GET 1:1 COACHING: https://www.thebeautyprocoach.com/discovery-callsGET ON THE EMAIL LIST: ⁠https://bit.ly/3S5R2loSubscribe to The BeautyPro Podcast on Apple, Spotify & YouTube! APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-beautypro-podcast/id1700728724SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/2km4Md6jjJMb7EyLvf0Huv?si=3f58fcf183e746e0Follow @thebeautyprocoach on Facebook & Instagramhttps://www.fb.com/thebeautyprocoachhttps://www.instagram.com/thebeautyprocoach

Send us Fan MailWhy do some salon owners continue growing year after year while others seem to hit a ceiling?It's rarely talent.It's rarely luck.And it's almost never because one owner knows some secret that everyone else doesn't.In this episode, we break down the mindset shifts, habits, leadership decisions, and business fundamentals that separate growing salon owners from those who get stuck.We talk about better questions, long-term thinking, fear-based decision making, apprenticeships, leadership, client retention, culture, systems, and why so many owners spend their time chasing tactics instead of strengthening their foundations.If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step as a salon owner, this episode will help you identify what's really holding your business back and what to focus on instead.Your business should serve you, so that you can serve others.And that starts by focusing on the things that actually create long-term growth.Key TakeawaysGrowing owners focus on fundamentals instead of tactics. Better questions lead to better business decisions. More clients are not always the solution. Fear-based decisions keep businesses stuck. Accountability and difficult conversations matter. Long-term thinking creates compounding results. Apprenticeships can be a powerful growth strategy. Copying competitors rarely creates lasting success. Clients buy certainty, not just services. Growth often comes from refinement rather than expansion. Time Stamps00:00 — Intro + a listener raises her prices 03:30 — Madison's raise and apprenticeship success 05:00 — Why conformity hurts salon growth 08:30 — Growing apprentices vs holding people back 09:30 — Why some salons plateau 10:00 — Fundamentals vs tactics 12:00 — Better questions create better answers 13:00 — "More clients" isn't always the answer 15:00 — Solving problems for the clients you already have 16:00 — Why growth-focused owners think differently 17:00 — Fear-based decision making 19:00 — Raising standards and accountability 21:00 — Difficult conversations matter 24:00 — Long-term thinking and business vision 25:00 — Why owners abandon ideas too early 27:00 — Mission, vision, and consistency 28:00 — Apprenticeships as a long-term investment 30:00 — Meetings, systems, and follow-through 32:00 — The marathon mindset 33:00 — Industry trends and copying competitors 35:00 — Borrow principles, build your own business 38:00 — Recipes vs techniques in business 39:00 — The core experience clients actually buy 41:00 — Refining before expanding 42:00 — Education, advancement, and opportunity 44:00 — Why people stay (or leave) 45:00 — The fundamentals behind long-term growthLinks and Stuff:Our Newsletter Mentoring InquiriesFind more of our things:InstagramHello Hair Pro Website

In this episode, Jozlyn Miller, Manager of Education and Industry Expert at Boulevard, breaks down why retention may be one of the most profitable growth strategies beauty professionals are underusing.She shares how improving the client experience, rebooking conversations, service add-ons, memberships, and client education can help salons and spas increase revenue from existing clients.

Guest Ronan Perceval began his journey in the beaty industry as a receptionist at a busy salon in Dublin, Ireland. While he loved the salon culture and people, he found that constant "admin-y conversations" -- like explaining the parking situation or cancellation policy -- were sapping taking time away from more meaningful client interactions. Now founder & CEO of Phorest Salon Software, Ronan designs AI tools that handle the admin, so service providers can focus on what we do best -- making our guests look and feel great.  Phorest AI handles admin like booking, consultation forms and self check-in, but now there's so much more. Stylists can use mobile apps to track their tickets, tips and progress toward earling goals, with gamification features. Phorest even integrates with Instagram to help you micro-target ads to the perfect clients in your area. And once you have a returning client, Phorest will track their services and retail purchasing patterns so you can be ready with the next recommendation.  Listen for the human side of the story.    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. SUMM IT UP is produced and edited by Andrea Muraskin. The executive producer is Tim Fisk.

We just got back from San Antonio hosting our second annual X Club Retreat, and honestly, I'm still riding the high. Four days with 86 of the highest-performing stylists and salon owners in the industry who are doubling and tripling their revenue, running multi-seven-figure salons, and doing $300,000 a year solo behind the chair, and I walked away with pages of notes I knew I had to bring back to everybody. Here's the thing about a room like that: there is no gatekeeping. It's almost like a competition of who can share the best strategy. And when you're surrounded by people operating at that level, the conversations get really real, really fast. In this episode, I'm sharing the biggest takeaways from our speakers, what it really costs to produce an event like this, the mistakes I made, and what I'm doing differently when we head to Park City, Utah in 2027. If you weren't in the room, consider this your seat at the table!   If you want to learn more about the event, our X Club and what that looks like, go to www.thrivingstylist.com/xclub/.  For those of you who are X Club members, I hope to see you in Park City, Utah next year, and if you're just looking to level up your business and want to learn more strategy, Thriver Society is always available to you at www.thrivingstylist.com/thriverssociety/.  If you need a tool to keep your numbers (and business!) organized, you'll want to check out our Wealthiest Year Yet Planner. Join the waitlist now at www.thrivingstylist.com/wealthiestyearyet/. The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won't cut it in 2026, so are you ready? Grab our FREE 2026 TREND REPORT, The 2026 Must-Know Business Realities, Strategies & Trends for Stylists and Salon Owners now at https://thrivingstylist.com/mustknow/. Thriving Leadership Method hands salon owners a step-by-step strategy to implement an irresistible culture and create a powerful growth path…all while setting themselves up for structure and profit, and you can join the waitlist NOW at www.thrivingstylist.com/thrivingleadershipmethod/!  With Grow My Clientele Calculator, you'll get instant clarity on how many new clients you'll need to hit your 2025 financial goals! Enter just four numbers, and this tool will show you exactly how many new guests you need monthly and yearly to reach your target income. No guesswork or complicated math required, and you can get it now at www.thrivingstylist.com/growmyclientele/.   Do you have a question for me that you'd like answered in a future episode like this one? A great way to do that is to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review with your question. I'm looking forward to answering your question on a future episode on the podcast!  If you're not already following us, @thethrivingstylist, what are you waiting for? This is where I share pro tips every single week, along with winning strategies, testimonials, and amazing breakthroughs from my audience. You're not going to want to miss out on this. Learn more at: https://thrivingstylist.com/podcast/ 

In this episode, Kati sits down with top salon owner Sherri Belanger to explore "The Heart of Hospitality" and what it truly takes to create an elevated client experience that stands out. Sherri shares her journey from stylist to owner of a thriving 22-chair team-based salon, along with real insights on expansion costs, building with intention, and hiring for character over skill. Salon and spa owners will walk away with actionable ideas on designing unforgettable guest experiences, scaling sustainably, and reconnecting with their deeper "why" to lead and grow with purpose.   WATCH ON YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/3BRDAZiw-Vc   GET MY BOOK! From First Date to Forever; How to Market Like A Matchmaker: https://joinmya.com/from-first-date-to-forever-book    POWERED BY:  JOIN mya! joinmya.com   FOLLOW BELLE SIRENE SALON Website: https://www.bellesirenesalon.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bellesirenesalon/    LET'S CONNECT! BTT Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondthetechnique MYA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/join_mya/    FOLLOW KATI WHITLEDGE Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katiwhitledge/ Get my favorite bio-hacking products: CLICK HERE   SPONSORS Join the PBA: https://www.probeauty.org/

If you've been pouring time into Instagram, throwing up promos, and still wondering why things feel so hard, this episode is going to reframe everything.The salon owner glow up is real, and it's happening. But most owners are skipping the most important first steps and going straight to tactics that can't actually fix what's broken.In this episode, Lexi gets into the two things every salon owner needs to do before anything else, no fluff, no 10-step lists, just the foundational moves that will actually tell you where your business is and what to do next.In this episode:Why "my salon doesn't make money" is often not the full picture, and how to actually see what's happening inside your businessThe numbers that matter beyond revenue: average ticket, rebooking rate, and retail per guestWhy most salon owners jump straight to "I need more clients" when that's not actually the problemWhat a real marketing ecosystem looks like versus just posting on social and hoping something landsThe five marketing channels every salon already has, and why most owners are only using one of themWhy your email list and SMS are sitting on untapped revenue right now, and how to turn them into an ATMThe Monday Club: Business education, community, and tools to build a salon that runs like a real business, with leadership development, a full marketing ecosystem, and Fully Booked all under one roof. A new VIP level just launched.Learn more: https://www.lexilomax.com/monday-clubOr DM Lexi: https://www.instagram.com/lomax.lexi/

In this episode, Shawna Murphy, Founder of Style Smart VA, breaks down one of the easiest ways beauty professionals lose money without realizing it: missed or unmanaged client communication.She explains how auditing your DMs, texts, emails, forms, and follow-ups can help you capture more inquiries, book more clients, increase repeat visits, and stop letting revenue slip through the cracks.

Google just changed the rules on reviews, and based on the conversations I've been having, a lot of stylists and salon owners are feeling nervous about what this means for their business. I totally get it, because when a platform that's driving real clientele for you announces major policy updates, it's natural to wonder if everything you've been doing is suddenly wrong!  Here's what I want you to know: if you've been building your Google presence the right way, these updates shouldn't shake you. In fact, most of what Google announced in April 2026 is stuff I stopped coaching years ago. The real shift isn't the rules themselves, it's that Google is finally cracking down and holding people accountable. In this episode, I'm walking you through every single change, from why you can't incentivize reviews anymore to what's really going on with the "staff name" drama that has salon owners spiraling. I'm also sharing why Google has quietly become the most powerful tool for my highest-earning students (the ones bringing in 6-figures solo or are generating over 100 new client requests every single month). This is your moment to get it right. No more contests, no more checkout prompts, no more hoping your reviews stick. Just a clear, sustainable strategy that actually works in 2026 and beyond. If you need a tool to keep your numbers (and business!) organized, you'll want to check out our Wealthiest Year Yet Planner. Join the waitlist now at www.thrivingstylist.com/wealthiestyearyet/. The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won't cut it in 2026, so are you ready? Grab our FREE 2026 TREND REPORT, The 2026 Must-Know Business Realities, Strategies & Trends for Stylists and Salon Owners now at https://thrivingstylist.com/mustknow/. Thriving Leadership Method hands salon owners a step-by-step strategy to implement an irresistible culture and create a powerful growth path…all while setting themselves up for structure and profit, and you can join the waitlist NOW at www.thrivingstylist.com/thrivingleadershipmethod/!  With Grow My Clientele Calculator, you'll get instant clarity on how many new clients you'll need to hit your 2025 financial goals! Enter just four numbers, and this tool will show you exactly how many new guests you need monthly and yearly to reach your target income. No guesswork or complicated math required, and you can get it now at www.thrivingstylist.com/growmyclientele/.   Do you have a question for me that you'd like answered in a future episode like this one? A great way to do that is to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review with your question. I'm looking forward to answering your question on a future episode on the podcast!  If you're not already following us, @thethrivingstylist, what are you waiting for? This is where I share pro tips every single week, along with winning strategies, testimonials, and amazing breakthroughs from my audience. You're not going to want to miss out on this. Learn more at: https://thrivingstylist.com/podcast/ 

In this episode, Jannay McIver, Owner of Asili Hair Care Center, breaks down what salon owners need to have in place before scaling to multiple locations. From documenting every part of the client experience to knowing your numbers, trusting your team, and building systems that work without everything living in your head, this conversation is a practical look at what it really takes to grow a salon business.

Success story time! Host Blake Reed Evans sits down with Heather Meredith and Maegan Moore of Ahead of Hair Salon in Midlothian, Virginia  to unpack how a legacy Summit salon achieved 16.76% growth in 2025 — 23 years into ownership.  It wasn't easy: In their time working together, owner Heather and director of operations Maegan navigated a major walk-out, which led them to evaluate and build more flexibility into staff schedules. They also rennovated their space down the the studs, and revamped their associate program, all with a little help from Summit coach Deb McMahan.  Ahead of Hair is able to offer a matching 401(k) program and offer health insurance.  With a 43-person team including ten mentors, the salon company has worked with Summit to expand their stylist level structure up to Level 10. Listen to learn how they pulled off all that, and more.  Follow Ahead of Hair on Instagram @aohsalon and on Facebook at Ahead of Hair.  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. SUMM IT UP is produced and edited by Andrea Muraskin. The executive producer is Tim Fisk.

My DMs have been blowing up lately with one specific question: "Britt, what do you think of this advice?" It seems like every time I open Instagram, there is a new business coach telling stylists that the way they've been working for years is suddenly obsolete. This week, I'm taking those viral posts to task and ranking them on a brand-new scale to see which ones are actual breakthroughs and which ones are just noise! I'm digging into the "Saturday hustle" myth, the reality of a la carte versus tiered pricing, and some incredible innovation in the bridal space that I can't wait for you to hear. If you've been feeling overwhelmed by conflicting advice or wondering if you're falling behind the "latest trends," this episode is for you. We're cutting through the hype, looking at the actual numbers, and making sure you have a clear, actionable plan that prioritizes your success and your sanity. I would love to hear what you think of this type of episode, and if you found it helpful and informative, let me know so I can bring more of this type of content to you here on the podcast! If you need a tool to keep your numbers (and business!) organized, you'll want to check out our Wealthiest Year Yet Planner. Join the waitlist now at www.thrivingstylist.com/wealthiestyearyet/. The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won't cut it in 2026, so are you ready? Grab our FREE 2026 TREND REPORT, The 2026 Must-Know Business Realities, Strategies & Trends for Stylists and Salon Owners now at https://thrivingstylist.com/mustknow/. Thriving Leadership Method hands salon owners a step-by-step strategy to implement an irresistible culture and create a powerful growth path…all while setting themselves up for structure and profit, and you can join the waitlist NOW at www.thrivingstylist.com/thrivingleadershipmethod/!  With Grow My Clientele Calculator, you'll get instant clarity on how many new clients you'll need to hit your 2025 financial goals! Enter just four numbers, and this tool will show you exactly how many new guests you need monthly and yearly to reach your target income. No guesswork or complicated math required, and you can get it now at www.thrivingstylist.com/growmyclientele/.   Do you have a question for me that you'd like answered in a future episode like this one? A great way to do that is to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review with your question. I'm looking forward to answering your question on a future episode on the podcast!  If you're not already following us, @thethrivingstylist, what are you waiting for? This is where I share pro tips every single week, along with winning strategies, testimonials, and amazing breakthroughs from my audience. You're not going to want to miss out on this. Learn more at: https://thrivingstylist.com/podcast/ 

Send us Fan MailMost salon owners don't fail because they aren't working hard enough.They fail because they focus on the wrong things.In this episode, we break down some of the biggest misconceptions salon owners have about business growth, from believing more clients will solve everything, to confusing being busy with being profitable, to thinking culture happens automatically.We also talk about leadership, systems, retention, communication, pricing, long-term thinking, and why clarity matters far more than “freedom” in a salon environment.This episode is packed with lessons that most owners only learn after years of stress, burnout, mistakes, and experience.Your business should serve you, so that you can serve others.And that starts with focusing on what actually moves the business forward.Key TakeawaysGreat technical skill does not automatically create a successful business. More clients often amplify existing business problems. Retention matters more than random traffic. Being busy is not the same as being profitable. Owners who stay overwhelmed cannot lead effectively. Culture must be reinforced intentionally over time. Strong leadership requires difficult conversations. Clarity and expectations reduce confusion and stress. Freedom without systems creates instability. Long-term thinking shapes stronger businesses. Time Stamps00:00 — Intro + opening takes 01:00 — Leading by example as an owner 03:00 — Why owners spread themselves too thin 05:00 — Growth without systems creates chaos 06:00 — Great hair alone doesn't create success 08:00 — Why more clients won't solve your problems 10:00 — Groupon clients and weak retention 11:00 — More clients amplify weak systems 14:00 — Busy doesn't mean profitable 16:00 — The danger of overwhelmed owners 18:00 — The “messy middle” of business ownership 19:00 — Activity vs real progress 20:00 — Why culture doesn't happen automatically 24:00 — Nice leadership vs strong leadership 27:00 — Why clarity matters more than comfort 30:00 — Freedom without structure creates problems 32:00 — What stylists actually want from leaders 35:00 — Small touch points build strong culture 36:00 — Why unhappy people rarely tell you directly 40:00 — Working harder won't fix everything 42:00 — Long-term thinking changes everythingLinks and Stuff:Our Newsletter Mentoring InquiriesFind more of our things:InstagramHello Hair Pro Website

Have you ever avoided a difficult conversation with your team, hoping it would resolve on its own? In this episode of the Successful Stylist Academy, Ambrosia Carey breaks down the real reason salon culture falls apart, and why it's not pricing, marketing, or retention… it's leadership. This conversation is for salon owners who are struggling with team dynamics, gossip, staff turnover, and the uncomfortable truth that the culture of your salon is a direct reflection of the conversations you are (or aren't) having. Backed by real industry data and personal experience, Ambrosia shares the true cost of avoidance, the most common leadership mistakes salon owners make, and a clear 4-step framework for having hard conversations with confidence. This isn't about being a better stylist, it's about becoming a better leader. Join The SSA LAB: https:Join The SSA LAB by @ambrosiacarey | Stan Get our FREE Client Retention Guide Get the Replay: Profit Maker Webinar Key Take-Aways: 1. Avoiding hard conversations doesn't protect your team, it protects the behavior that is driving your best people away. 2. Salon culture is not built through policies or meetings, it is shaped by the conversations you choose to have and the ones you avoid. 3. High staff turnover in salons is often not a compensation issue, it is a leadership and culture problem rooted in poor communication. 4. Indirect communication (group texts, vague meetings, passive reminders) weakens leadership credibility and rarely solves the issue. 5. Gossip is inevitable in close team environments, but failing to address it directly allows it to become part of the culture. 6. The fear of "losing a stylist" often leads to protecting the wrong person, while your strongest team members quietly disengage or leave. 7. The cost of avoiding conversations compounds over time, what could be solved in minutes can turn into full team breakdowns. 8. Effective leadership conversations require privacy, clear observation (not accusation), curiosity, and defined expectations. 9. Clarity is kindness; when expectations and consequences are not communicated, it creates confusion and erodes trust. 10. The culture of your salon is a direct reflection of your behavior as a leader, your team will mirror what you tolerate and model. Take 15% off our favorite skincare line, Pharmagel with code SSA15: https://pharmagel.net/?ref=SSA15 Find us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@successfulstylist Might as well follow us on Instagram ;) @successfulstylistacademy

Have you ever looked at a viral post and felt like something was missing? This week, a social media campaign from a collection of private beauty schools has been making the rounds, warning that the industry is at risk of collapse due to federal loan defunding. On its face, it sounds terrifying, but once you peel back the layers, you realize the situation is much more complex than just "saving" the industry. I was asked about my opinion on the post and situation, so I wanted to do an investigative-style episode that digs into the financial mechanics of for-profit beauty schools and the reality of the July 2025 Big, Beautiful Bill. I'm breaking down why the shift in oversight to the Treasury Department is happening, the staggering default rates that are putting NACCAS accreditation at risk, why cosmetology has landed in the crosshairs of a new federal earnings test, and much more. If you've been confused by the buzz or worried about the future of beauty education, this episode is your clarity and context. Let's look at the data, address the fragility of the current model, and talk about how we can come together to build something better! If you need a tool to keep your numbers (and business!) organized, you'll want to check out our Wealthiest Year Yet Planner. Join the waitlist now at www.thrivingstylist.com/wealthiestyearyet/. The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won't cut it in 2026, so are you ready? Grab our FREE 2026 TREND REPORT, The 2026 Must-Know Business Realities, Strategies & Trends for Stylists and Salon Owners now at https://thrivingstylist.com/mustknow/. Thriving Leadership Method hands salon owners a step-by-step strategy to implement an irresistible culture and create a powerful growth path…all while setting themselves up for structure and profit, and you can join the waitlist NOW at www.thrivingstylist.com/thrivingleadershipmethod/!  With Grow My Clientele Calculator, you'll get instant clarity on how many new clients you'll need to hit your 2025 financial goals! Enter just four numbers, and this tool will show you exactly how many new guests you need monthly and yearly to reach your target income. No guesswork or complicated math required, and you can get it now at www.thrivingstylist.com/growmyclientele/.   Do you have a question for me that you'd like answered in a future episode like this one? A great way to do that is to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review with your question. I'm looking forward to answering your question on a future episode on the podcast! If you're not already following us, @thethrivingstylist, what are you waiting for? This is where I share pro tips every single week, along with winning strategies, testimonials, and amazing breakthroughs from my audience. You're not going to want to miss out on this. Learn more at: https://thrivingstylist.com/podcast/ 

Send us Fan MailSalon owners everywhere are asking the same questions:“How do I hire stylists?” “How do I fill my suites?” “How do I attract better people?”But what if the real problem is that most salons are still trying to solve outdated problems?In this episode, we break down why the salon industry shifted so dramatically around 2020, how owners responded in ways that often made things worse, and what modern stylists are actually looking for today.We talk about overwhelm, burnout, isolation, leadership, growth, mentorship, financial instability, social media pressure, and why offering snacks, towel service, and “flexibility” isn't enough anymore.We also share lessons from our own failures, including what went wrong in previous businesses, how we rebuilt differently with Hello Hair Co., and what we believe the strongest salons are doing right today.Your business should serve you, so that you can serve others.And that starts with solving the right problems.Key TakeawaysMost salons are still trying to solve outdated industry problems. Stylists are looking for support, clarity, stability, and growth. “Freedom and flexibility” alone do not build strong businesses. Snacks, towel service, and perks are not meaningful differentiators. Isolation and burnout are major issues in modern salon culture. Strong leadership and accountability help people grow. Social media pressure is overwhelming many stylists. Growth plans and mentorship create long-term retention. Financial instability cannot be solved by simply increasing commission. Great salons remove burdens instead of just adding features.Time Stamps00:00 — Intro + Sweetheart Dance recap 04:00 — Starbucks and the illusion of “premium” experiences 06:00 — Why salons are still solving outdated problems 08:00 — Snacks, towel service, and meaningless perks 09:00 — Isolation, burnout, and overwhelm in the industry 10:00 — Jen on closing her first salon and learning leadership 13:00 — Copycat salon culture and bad business advice 15:00 — Starting Hello differently after failure 17:00 — The “freedom and flexibility” era explained 20:00 — Why the industry misunderstood what stylists wanted 22:00 — Escaping bad leadership vs rejecting structure 23:00 — Why accountability actually helps people grow 25:00 — Social media overwhelm and unrealistic expectations 27:00 — Isolation in suites, booths, and disconnected salons 29:00 — Why growth and mentorship matter so much 31:00 — Gatekeeping knowledge hurts salons 32:00 — Commission, percentages, and financial instability 34:00 — Pressure to perform and influencer culture 36:00 — Weak commission vs weak rental salons 38:00 — Marketing your salon to attract the right people 40:00 — Features vs outcomes in salon marketing 41:00 — Removing burdens instead of adding perks 42:00 — Final thoughts: building better salon environmentsLinks and Stuff:Our Newsletter Mentoring InquiriesFind more of our things:InstagramHello Hair Pro Website

Most salon owners don't have a money problem, they have a ‘lack of understanding' problem. You can be fully booked, your team can be flat out, and yet you can still be running at a loss without realising it. That's what happens when you're managing your business without awareness of a few key numbers. On today's podcast, I'm walking you through the five numbers that, in my experience, determine whether a salon owner feels in control of their finances or is controlled by them.These aren't complicated. You don't need to love spreadsheets or become an accountant. But knowing these five numbers changes the way you make decisions, and the decisions you make determine the business you build. If last week's episode resonated with you, this one is the practical follow-up you've been waiting for.WHAT YOU'LL LEARN:Why your salon can be fully booked and still be running at a loss and the one number that highlights the reality.What net profit margin actually means and why checking it once a year with your accountant is already too lateWhy copying a competitor's pricing could mean your services are running at a loss.How a 13-week rolling cashflow forecast removes the financial anxiety that hits every time something unexpected goes wrongWhy these five numbers are all connected and what pulling on one thread does to the restIN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Introduction: The salon that looks busy but can't explain the numbers[00:26] Why this episode follows directly from last week's[00:44] The real reason salon owners feel financial fog[01:19] Why gut feel is not a strategy for running your finances[01:42] Number one: your breakeven point and why it matters most[02:52] You can be fully booked and still be running at a loss[03:47] Number two: net profit margin and what it actually measures[04:55] The story of Clarissa: from 2.5% to 8.4% profit margin[06:16] Number three: staff costs as a percentage of total revenue[08:11] Number four: which services on your menu are actually profitable[09:56] Number five: understanding your cashflow over the next 13 weeks[11:53] Billy's story: from breaking even to £80k profit[12:08] How all five numbers connect to each other[13:39] The free 10-question salon financial reality check[13:57] Free live masterclass: Where Does All the Money Go?Want MORE to help you GROW?➡️ 10 Question Salon Financial Reality Check – A free 60-second quiz to identify exactly where your financial knowledge gaps are – Find out more➡️ Free Live Masterclass: Where Does All the Money Go? – Monday 11th May, one hour, completely free – deeper than this episode and the logical next step if this resonated – Register hereRECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODEIf you enjoyed this episode, you'll also like: Episode 345: Where Does All the Money Go? The 10-Part Financial Framework for Salon Owners Listen here RATINGS + REVIEWS

What happens when you've built a successful career as a hairstylist or salon owner, but it no longer lights you up? In this episode of the Successful Stylist Academy, Ambrosia Carey dives into one of the most uncomfortable and rarely talked about realities in the beauty industry: outgrowing your own success. From burnout caused by success (not failure), to the difference between scarcity and abundance mindsets, this episode explores how to navigate the next chapter of your career without blowing everything up...or staying stuck. If you've ever felt fully booked, financially stable, and still unsure if this is what you want long-term… this conversation is for you.  Join us over at the SSA LAB, get instant access to private videos & resources: Join The SSA LAB by @ambrosiacarey | Stan Here's our Free Marketing Guide Take 50% off 2 months of GlossGenius Gold or Platinum with code SUCCESSFUL: http://glossgenius.com/successfulstylist Key Take-aways: 1. Burnout doesn't always come from struggling, it often comes from succeeding at something that no longer aligns with who you're becoming. 2. The question "what do I do when this no longer lights me up?" isn't a crisis, it's a sign you've built something real enough to outgrow. 3. Most stylists operate in a scarcity mindset without realizing it, which shows up in comparison, fear-based decisions, and reactive behavior. 4. Abundance thinking isn't about positivity...it's about strategy, ownership, and building systems that support growth. 5. The difference between stylists who stay stuck and those who grow is often the language they use: both out loud and internally.  6. Success in the industry doesn't guarantee fulfillment, and evolving your path is a natural part of long-term growth. 7. Courage, not confidence, is what allows you to make aligned decisions, especially when something no longer feels right. 8. Many stylists never face this question because they never build enough success to outgrow...making this a higher-level problem. 9. You don't need to blow up your career or stay stuck, you need to get honest about what your current success has taught you. 10. The three most important questions to ask yourself are: what makes time disappear, what have you learned that's more valuable than the work itself, and what would you build if money wasn't the deciding factor. Our Talk on Confidence Vs Courage: https://youtu.be/XAIKC_Y71Ts?si=cBQ8Afpqwk-bCkE1 Take 15% off our favorite skincare line, Pharmagel with code SSA15: https://pharmagel.net/?ref=SSA15 If you prefer video, we are on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@successfulstylist Find us on your preferred social media platform: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/successfulstylistacademy?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@successfulstylistacademy?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

Are you ready to stop spending every waking hour on Instagram and finally just cut the check? There's a massive misunderstanding about what paid marketing actually is, and if you're not careful, you can easily fall for expensive scams and guaranteed leads that never turn into a booking. In this episode, we're exploring the luxury of trading money for time. I'm walking you through the predatory all-in-one marketing traps to avoid and why flashy SEO promises are often just golden handcuffs. I also break down the only three platforms delivering high-quality guests in 2026, including the exact spends you should be budgeting for. If you've been wondering if you've earned the privilege to stop the social media hustle, this episode is your guide to doing it right. Learn how to audit your funnel first so that when you invest, you're seeing a real return instead of just buying eyeballs for a broken system! If you need a tool to keep your numbers (and business!) organized, you'll want to check out our Wealthiest Year Yet Planner. Join the waitlist now at www.thrivingstylist.com/wealthiestyearyet/. The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won't cut it in 2026, so are you ready? Grab our FREE 2026 TREND REPORT, The 2026 Must-Know Business Realities, Strategies & Trends for Stylists and Salon Owners now at https://thrivingstylist.com/mustknow/. Thriving Leadership Method hands salon owners a step-by-step strategy to implement an irresistible culture and create a powerful growth path…all while setting themselves up for structure and profit, and you can join the waitlist NOW at www.thrivingstylist.com/thrivingleadershipmethod/!  With Grow My Clientele Calculator, you'll get instant clarity on how many new clients you'll need to hit your 2025 financial goals! Enter just four numbers, and this tool will show you exactly how many new guests you need monthly and yearly to reach your target income. No guesswork or complicated math required, and you can get it now at www.thrivingstylist.com/growmyclientele/.   Do you have a question for me that you'd like answered in a future episode like this one? A great way to do that is to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review with your question. I'm looking forward to answering your question on a future episode on the podcast!  If you're not already following us, @thethrivingstylist, what are you waiting for? This is where I share pro tips every single week, along with winning strategies, testimonials, and amazing breakthroughs from my audience. You're not going to want to miss out on this. Learn more at: https://thrivingstylist.com/podcast/ 

Are your books feeling a little "gappier" than you'd like, or those new guest requests have started to slow down? If so, I want you to take a deep breath because I've got you covered! We aren't going to buy into the industry noise that "nobody is getting their hair done anymore", because the truth is, a huge portion of the industry is growing faster right now than I've ever seen before. In this episode, I'm walking you through a total business self-audit. I'm sharing exactly what I look for when I'm coaching one-on-one to help you find where you might be accidentally scaring guests away. From "shop talk" on your booking site that causes analysis paralysis, to the real impact of intimidating policies, we're looking at 11 specific friction points you can flip today to see a positive result in your demand within days. Stop guessing why the phone isn't ringing and start making the strategic tweaks that actually put more butts in your chair, and what I reveal today will help you do just that! If you need a tool to keep your numbers (and business!) organized, you'll want to check out our Wealthiest Year Yet Planner. Join the waitlist now at www.thrivingstylist.com/wealthiestyearyet/. The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won't cut it in 2026, so are you ready? Grab our FREE 2026 TREND REPORT, The 2026 Must-Know Business Realities, Strategies & Trends for Stylists and Salon Owners now at https://thrivingstylist.com/mustknow/. Thriving Leadership Method hands salon owners a step-by-step strategy to implement an irresistible culture and create a powerful growth path…all while setting themselves up for structure and profit, and you can join the waitlist NOW at www.thrivingstylist.com/thrivingleadershipmethod/!  With Grow My Clientele Calculator, you'll get instant clarity on how many new clients you'll need to hit your 2025 financial goals! Enter just four numbers, and this tool will show you exactly how many new guests you need monthly and yearly to reach your target income. No guesswork or complicated math required, and you can get it now at www.thrivingstylist.com/growmyclientele/.   Do you have a question for me that you'd like answered in a future episode like this one? A great way to do that is to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review with your question. I'm looking forward to answering your question on a future episode on the podcast!  If you're not already following us, @thethrivingstylist, what are you waiting for? This is where I share pro tips every single week, along with winning strategies, testimonials, and amazing breakthroughs from my audience. You're not going to want to miss out on this. Learn more at: https://thrivingstylist.com/podcast/ 

Does your online presence actually match the level of talent you bring to the chair? For most stylists, there's a massive gap between their actual skill and the "DIY" brand they're showing the world, and that disconnect is costing you thousands in high-end bookings. That's going to change, as today, I show you why playing it safe with phone photos is acting as a ceiling on your income!  I'm giving you the exact checklist to fill your marketing calendar for the next 6 months and the strategy to turn a single photoshoot into a "rising tide" for your entire team, and much more. Ready to stop blending in and start showing up as the authority you are? If so, hit play and let's get to work! If you need a tool to keep your numbers (and business!) organized, you'll want to check out our Wealthiest Year Yet Planner. Join the waitlist now at www.thrivingstylist.com/wealthiestyearyet/. The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won't cut it in 2026, so are you ready? Grab our FREE 2026 TREND REPORT, The 2026 Must-Know Business Realities, Strategies & Trends for Stylists and Salon Owners now at https://thrivingstylist.com/mustknow/. Thriving Leadership Method hands salon owners a step-by-step strategy to implement an irresistible culture and create a powerful growth path…all while setting themselves up for structure and profit, and you can join the waitlist NOW at www.thrivingstylist.com/thrivingleadershipmethod/!  With Grow My Clientele Calculator, you'll get instant clarity on how many new clients you'll need to hit your 2025 financial goals! Enter just four numbers, and this tool will show you exactly how many new guests you need monthly and yearly to reach your target income. No guesswork or complicated math required, and you can get it now at www.thrivingstylist.com/growmyclientele/.   Do you have a question for me that you'd like answered in a future episode like this one? A great way to do that is to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review with your question. I'm looking forward to answering your question on a future episode on the podcast!  If you're not already following us, @thethrivingstylist, what are you waiting for? This is where I share pro tips every single week, along with winning strategies, testimonials, and amazing breakthroughs from my audience. You're not going to want to miss out on this. Learn more at: https://thrivingstylist.com/podcast/ 

Have you ever had a client sit through a three-hour service, love their hair, and then suddenly realize they "forgot" their wallet? It's uncomfortable, it's awkward, and without a system in place, it costs you hundreds in lost revenue and hours spent playing debt collector. In this episode, I'm breaking down the "Failed Payment Trend" I'm seeing across the industry right now. I'm sharing the exact strategy I gave my daughter when she faced her first non-paying guest, including the photo ID process that protects your business legally without making you look like the bad guy. We're talking about why leaning on old-school barriers like deposits and credit cards on file is actually killing your growth in 2026, and I'm giving you the scripts and the structure to handle these payment snags with total confidence…and zero friction moving forward!  If you need a tool to keep your numbers (and business!) organized, you'll want to check out our Wealthiest Year Yet Planner. Join the waitlist now at www.thrivingstylist.com/wealthiestyearyet/. The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won't cut it in 2026, so are you ready? Grab our FREE 2026 TREND REPORT, The 2026 Must-Know Business Realities, Strategies & Trends for Stylists and Salon Owners now at https://thrivingstylist.com/mustknow/. Thriving Leadership Method hands salon owners a step-by-step strategy to implement an irresistible culture and create a powerful growth path…all while setting themselves up for structure and profit, and you can join the waitlist NOW at www.thrivingstylist.com/thrivingleadershipmethod/! With Grow My Clientele Calculator, you'll get instant clarity on how many new clients you'll need to hit your 2025 financial goals! Enter just four numbers, and this tool will show you exactly how many new guests you need monthly and yearly to reach your target income. No guesswork or complicated math required, and you can get it now at www.thrivingstylist.com/growmyclientele/.  Do you have a question for me that you'd like answered in a future episode like this one? A great way to do that is to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review with your question. I'm looking forward to answering your question on a future episode on the podcast!  If you're not already following us, @thethrivingstylist, what are you waiting for? This is where I share pro tips every single week, along with winning strategies, testimonials, and amazing breakthroughs from my audience. You're not going to want to miss out on this. Learn more at: https://thrivingstylist.com/podcast/ 

For most salon owners, the dream is simple: hire a stylist, keep them happy, and watch them stay with the team forever. But let's be real. That "forever" goal is incredibly rare, and more often than not, the systems we have in place are the very things driving new talent right out the door. Today I shed some light on why the industry's "normal" way of training is actually hurting your chances of keeping a team. I'm looking at the scary job titles we put on new stylists, the lack of representation on your website, and why "slow and steady" graduation requirements are actually a financial liability for your business. The call is coming from inside the house. If your salon isn't profitable or your stylists are choosing to leave, it's not because the talent isn't there. It's because the system isn't good. It's time to modernize the training path so stylists and salons can both grow faster and actually see those profit margins increase!  If you need a tool to keep your numbers (and business!) organized, you'll want to check out our Wealthiest Year Yet Planner. Join the waitlist now at www.thrivingstylist.com/wealthiestyearyet/. The beauty industry is changing faster than ever. What worked in 2022 or even 2024 won't cut it in 2026, so are you ready? Grab our FREE 2026 TREND REPORT, The 2026 Must-Know Business Realities, Strategies & Trends for Stylists and Salon Owners now at https://thrivingstylist.com/mustknow/. Thriving Leadership Method hands salon owners a step-by-step strategy to implement an irresistible culture and create a powerful growth path…all while setting themselves up for structure and profit, and you can join the waitlist NOW at www.thrivingstylist.com/thrivingleadershipmethod/!  With Grow My Clientele Calculator, you'll get instant clarity on how many new clients you'll need to hit your 2025 financial goals! Enter just four numbers, and this tool will show you exactly how many new guests you need monthly and yearly to reach your target income. No guesswork or complicated math required, and you can get it now at www.thrivingstylist.com/growmyclientele/.   Do you have a question for me that you'd like answered in a future episode like this one? A great way to do that is to head over to Apple Podcasts and leave a rating and review with your question. I'm looking forward to answering your question on a future episode on the podcast!  If you're not already following us, @thethrivingstylist, what are you waiting for? This is where I share pro tips every single week, along with winning strategies, testimonials, and amazing breakthroughs from my audience. You're not going to want to miss out on this. Learn more at: https://thrivingstylist.com/podcast/