Grow My Salon Business Podcast

As we near the end of 2021, what are the questions that salon owners should be asking themselves? I am really lucky in that I get to interview lots of great people on the podcast and have in-depth conversations with salon owners and others who have a vested interest in the success of the hairdressing industry.  As a result, it gives me an insight into what’s happening, not just at a local level, but also from a wider perspective, and that gives me the opportunity to observe business and social trends unfolding as they happen, and then bring them directly to you. So, today I want to talk a little about some of the changes I am seeing in the industry and what that means [or could mean] as well as the opportunities it creates for all of us…  I think the best way to do that is for me to address 4 key questions.  So in this episode, I am going to talk about… What impact has the last couple of years had on salon owners? What impact has the last couple of years had on the traditional business model? What impact are

For some people, hairdressing is just a job. For others, it becomes a reflection of who they are and an avenue to channel their creativity, personality, and their passion.  In other words, “It’s not just a job, it’s a way of life”.  As a client when you meet someone who really loves their job you know that they bring something special with them. You might call it passion or pride but either way, it’s a deeper level of commitment to consistently give you their best. And as a hairdresser when you meet someone like that, it reminds you why you started in the first place. My guest on this episode is many times awarded hairdresser and salon owner Paul Stafford from ‘Stafford Hair’ in Belfast Northern Ireland. You will go a long way to find someone more open, honest and passionate, about his journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way.      In this episode we discuss:   How where you grow up influences your beauty aesthetic The meaning of style Dealing with bankruptcy The importance of salons   And lots mo

We are living in turbulent times and as we come out of covid the issue that is staring us all in the face is how we all need to change the way we live and work in order to stop climate change.  My belief is that that is the biggest thing we will be dealing with during our lifetime. But I also believe that we can and will do it.  I think that Covid has shown us that when the world has to react and change and find different ways of working and inventing new technology in the form of vaccines etc that we can. But it’s down to all of us to do our part. My guest on today's Podcast is Karine Jackson from ‘Karine Jackson Sustainable Hair’ in Covent Garden London and she is a great example of a salon owner at the forefront of change. In this episode we discuss: What is a sustainable salon? Is there a compromise using organic colour? How being ‘sustainable’ is a marketing message that can help grow your business   And lots more! For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.co

I talk to salon owners in multiple countries every week, and no matter where they are in the world, they all have lots in common.    But if there’s one thing that unites them more than ever, it is the recruitment and retention of team members.    And I’ll bet that didn’t surprise you at all.    So that's what we are going to talk about today.    My guest on today's episode is Stefanie Fox from Talent Match which is a recruitment and team building agency that specialises in the hair and beauty business.    Stefanie brings a wealth of knowledge and insights into how salons can solve the recruitment issue and she does so in a really well informed and upbeat positive way.     You are going to really enjoy listening to her.   In today’s podcast we discuss: What the key things are that employees want from a job today. Why people change jobs. The importance of salon culture. Leadership. And lots more!     For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/113/   Thank

With the array of guests that we feature on the podcast, I frequently speak about the fact that there is a lot of movement happening in the ever-evolving salon business model.  I think that it’s important to remember, that it’s not a case of there being only ‘one way’ of running a business that is right, and everything else is wrong.  But instead, to recognize that there are probably some business models and ways of working that are more suitable to you than others.  And what might be right for you today may not always be right in the future. So it’s always good to have an open mind and understand how other salon owners are adapting the way they work and run their businesses. Business models don’t constantly evolve for the sake of it. They change as a result of pressures on the existing way of doing things.  And if the existing way of doing things is no longer working, then you need to adapt what you are currently doing.    My guests today on the podcast are Filipe Santos and David Brodsky co-owners of a grou

Over the years I get asked a lot of questions from both salon owners and stylists who either jump into my DM’s, email me or hit me up at a live event.  So I thought I’d address some of them in this week’s episode… The salon owners often ask questions that are essentially about “How do you get team members to be more productive?” …The question is worded in many different ways, but essentially that is usually the essence of it. Whereas the stylists often ask questions like, “What do I need to do to become more in demand?”  Or “What's the fastest way to build your column and become a fully booked stylist?”  Or “What do I need to do to get busy? As you can see, they are very similar questions, but they just come at it from a different perspective. So, let's delve into that a bit… In this Episode: [00:54] A common theme that runs through the questions I am regularly asked by salon owners.  [01:58] How I got my very first client, and what I learned from this experience.  [04:10] The four books I have written and th

There is a business trend that I'm seeing more of lately. It was happening anyway, but it has been accelerated by Covid, and social distancing, and people looking for new ways of living and working to avoid burnout.  The trend that I am talking about is that more salons are looking at 'charging by time' instead of charging for the specific service.  My guests today on the podcast are two sisters who are also business partners, Vicki and Jane, from the award-winning salon 'Reed hair' in the UK.  I'm really pleased to have them on the podcast today to get the opportunity to dig in deep about everything to do with charging by the amount of time and not for the specific service.  Reed hair made that transition a few years back and haven't looked back since, and on this podcast episode, they are totally open about what was involved in making the change.    In today's podcast, we discuss: The reasons behind why they changed What the challenges are (if any) for owners, staff and clients How to work out your hourly

We are all at different stages of our professional journey, some of us are nearer the beginning than the end, and some of us are nearer the end than the beginning.  But regardless of where you are, there is always value in your story and there are always people that will have inspired you along the way.  My guest on today's Podcast is Paul Huege de Serville owner of the Serville salons and school in Auckland New Zealand, and he is definitely someone who has had an influence on my career right from the beginning.  Paul’s hairdressing career has spanned over 50 years but his passion for the industry, combined with his ability to constantly reinvent is what lays behind his longevity and continued success.  He has always been a trailblazer and his business has never stopped evolving, he isn’t just keeping up with the times, but he and his team continue to set a path for others to follow…  In today’s podcast we discuss: The importance of embracing change and evolving as a business Partnerships in business Leaders

A question that I am often asked is, "Should I start a salon from scratch or buy an existing business?" This was the topic of a recent clubhouse event that I hosted, and I've recorded it for you as it's always a relevant topic that arouses a lot of interest. I know that you're going to enjoy it.Like most things, there is not a one-size-fits-all answer to cover all cases, and there are multiple things to factor in and some 'for and againsts' to consider before making a decision that is right for you. Sharing the mic with me today is Tina Black and Cindi Quinn-Ventura, both salon owners who, like myself, have either bought existing salons or started a business from scratch. We openly share our experiences of what worked and what didn't.For those who want more information, you should check out episode 63 on the Grow My Salon Business podcast that I did in 2020, where I discussed the same topic. In this Episode: [0:02:14] An introduction to my two guests, and the topic we are going to be co covering today. [0:03:

Believe it or not, there are some good things that have come from Covid. One of them is the increase in the amount of sharing and support that different individuals and groups offer. I imagine that other industries have found ways to connect and share information with each other too, but I think it’s something that the hairdressing industry excels at and should be proud of. My guest on this episode is James Alba who along with his wife Angela own ‘The B Hive’ salon in New Jersey. James isn’t a hairdresser but like others, he brings an entrepreneurial business brain to the salon industry as well as being the co-founder and host of the Beauty Business Reset. In this episode we discuss: Sustainable salons The good things that have come from Covid The changes that the industry is experiencing And lots more! In this Episode: [0:01:17] A good thing that has come from the COVID-19 pandemic, and an introduction to today’s guest, James Alba, and what our discussion today is going to consist of.  [0:02:51] Where Jame

Here we are, at the time of recording it’s September 2021, the last 18 months have been a rollercoaster ride and whether I talk to salon owners in the US the UK or Australia the uncertainty of what the future holds for business is challenging and can be stressful.  But one thing that is really important to hang onto is ‘hope’. Because at the best of times, it’s easy to be overwhelmed with the pressures that being in business brings.  But with the added challenges that come with COVID, and lockdowns, and debts and loan repayments, and staff shortages, it’s only natural that there are times when you might feel overwhelmed.  One of the good things though, that has come out of COVID is the realisation that as an owner that you are not alone. There are numerous professional Facebook groups, Clubhouse events and podcasts where there is an avalanche of encouragement and support.  So, I encourage you to tap into all the resources available to keep you motivated and in a strong positive mindset, because your mindset i

Some hairdressers have a specific niche that they focus on, whether it’s education or colour or barbering, product development or photographic work, or entering competitions. And others are involved in everything the industry has to offer.  My guest on today's podcast is involved in everything he is Bruno Marc Giamattei of the multi-award-winning Marc Antoni Salons in the south of England and Bruno along with his family and a great team have created a fabulous business that excels in multiple areas of the industry.  Like, everyone, he’s been hit hard by COVID, but on today's podcast he openly shares everything that has made the business successful, and he also talks openly about the challenges that they continue to deal with along the way.  In today’s podcast we will discuss: Family businesses  Building team culture Hairdressing awards Dealing with no shows… Starting your own product line   In this Episode:   [0:02:57] Bruno shares how the hairdressing industry is inextricably linked to his family.  [0:05:1

In this episode, I talk about salons in a post covid world and the emotional, financial and business roller-coaster of the last 18 months and what that means to you. Depending on where you live in the world will determine whereabouts on the roller-coaster ride you currently are and why you need to stop and think about your options as you navigate your way through the next 6 -12 months. In this Episode: [0:00:44] The importance of continually assessing where we are in our lives and our businesses. [0:01:44] A Mike Tyson quote which reflects the experience of people across the world as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  [0:03:51] Navigating work in a post-lockdown United Kingdom.  [0:04:10] Vulnerabilities in the salon industry that were highlighted by the pandemic.   [0:05:17] Adaptive strategies which allowed some salons to thrive during lockdowns.  [0:07:12] The time of recovery that we are currently in, and the reality that salon owners are now facing.  [0:08:10] Business elements that salon owners should

The 3 P’s ‘Pricing, Productivity and Pay’ are always interlinked and hot topics of interest no matter what size salon or where you live. Last month I hosted a room on Clubhouse with my guest Michael Cole, and the topic of conversation centred around the ‘pricing of salon services’. I think that it’s an interesting episode that salon owners everywhere will enjoy. In this Episode: [0:00:43] An introduction to today’s topic, pricing, and guest, Michael Cole. [0:02:18] A quote from Michael which sums up the business side of hairdressing.  [0:03:04] Extremes on both ends of the salon pricing scale.  [0:05:05] Debunking the misconception that hairdressers who charge the most generate the most revenue.  [0:07:29] The model that Michael has developed to help hairdressers deal with the awkward issue of pricing. [0:09:08] Where you can access the chart that Michael created which will help you with your pricing issues.  [0:11:28] How hairdressing pricing systems have changed over the years. [0:12:30] Michael explains ho

There has never been a brand in the hairdressing industry that has as much global recognition and heritage attached to it as the name Vidal Sassoon.    Brands have to change or they cease to exist. They have to continually evolve and that will always present challenges and opportunities - both creatively and business-wise.   So, what’s it like having the responsibility of being the Chief Executive Officer of this most iconic brand and guiding the Sassoon organisation as it continues to evolve.    My guest on today's podcast is going to tell us, she is Debbie Webster the CEO or Chief Executive Officer of Sassoon Global   In today’s podcast we discuss: What that responsibility is like! How COVID has impacted the Sassoon salons and schools business. How the brand is evolving.   And lots more   In This Episode: [00:01:12] Joining me today is the CEO of Sassoon Global, Debbie Webster. [00:02:57] Who is Debbie Webster and how did she find herself at the helm of one of the largest and most recognizable brands in t

If you are a serious hairdresser, you will know the name ‘Eugene Souleiman’ and if you don’t, then you should! I talk to many of the biggest names in the hair industry and when it comes to the world of session work and creativity ‘Eugene’ consistently comes up as being a major creative force who always pushes the boundaries of what can be done with hair. We often marvel at the end result of the creative process, but I always think that the real magic is in what you don’t see, and that is how the hairdresser thinks about what they do. How they think about fashion, about art, about people, about creativity, about culture, about collaboration … and how they channel all of that into their work. Eugene is that rare breed of hairdresser who really is an artist [as much as he genuinely dislikes being called that]. His work inspires other editorial stylists and salon hairdressers the world over and along with a select few when it comes to creativity he is at the top of the pile. Today’s podcast is the second of a two

If you are a serious hairdresser, you will know the name ‘Eugene Souleiman’ and if you don’t, then you should! I talk to many of the biggest names in the hair industry and when it comes to the world of session work and creativity ‘Eugene’ consistently comes up as being a major creative force who always pushes the boundaries of what can be done with hair. We often marvel at the end result of the creative process, but I always think that the real magic is in what you don’t see, and that is how the hairdresser thinks about what they do. How they think about fashion, about art, about people, about creativity, about culture, about collaboration … and how they channel all of that into their work. Eugene is that rare breed of hairdresser who really is an artist [as much as he genuinely dislikes being called that]. His work inspires other editorial stylists and salon hairdressers the world over and along with a select few when it comes to creativity he is at the top of the pile. Today’s podcast is the first of a two-

I always find that in someone else’s story there is inspiration and lessons for all of us about how their career has evolved, the choices they have made and the path they have taken along the way. This is definitely one of those stories. My guest on today's Podcast is Mark Woolley founder and creative director of ‘Electric’ a brand that encompasses award-winning salons, an ethical professional product line, an education academy, a photographic and film studio, and a farm in the English countryside. In today’s podcast we discuss: Knowing when it’s time to go out on your own… Creating a professional product brand, and… The ever-evolving salon business model. And lots more!   In this Episode:   [0:01:08] Welcoming today’s guest, Mark Woolley, founder of the Electric brand. [0:03:13] Where Mark grew up, and his first memorable salon experience which carved out his life path.  [0:05:34] Mark explains what his company does, and how they differentiate themselves. [0:07:40] How Mark divides his time between the dif

The world is full of salons! And oftentimes they all start to look and feel the same. But then occasionally you see something or talk to someone, and you realize that they have taken a different path, that they have different values and they have had the courage to pursue their own vision of what a salon should not only look and feel like, but also how it should operate as a business, and how it should integrate into the community and the lives of both the clients and the people who work there.  My guest on today's Podcast are Toby Dicker and Amanda Faith who are the co-founders and partners in The Chapel salon group based in and around London. In today’s podcast we discuss: The importance of nurturing the individual  The client experience… and how you make people feel and Charging for services based on time And lots more!   In this Episode: [0:01:18] An introduction to today’s guests, Amanda Faith and Toby Dicker, and what you can expect to learn from them in today’s episode. [0:03:03] Amanda shares where

Businesses are built by those who dare to dream and have the determination to turn the dream into reality.    Like everyone, the people who are successful in business don’t always have everything go their own way, they have plenty of challenges to overcome, they make mistakes, and they often go to the edge, but it’s the belief that they have in themselves, their vision and never give up attitude that gets them to where they want to go, and today's guest is a great example of that.   He is the founder and owner of the UNITE brand of hair products. And he just goes by the name Dale.   In today’s podcast we discuss: The origins and the ethos behind the Unite brand The changing product distribution models  The personal skills needed to succeed   In this Episode:   [0:02:18] When and where Anthony and Dale, today’s guest, first met, and Anthony’s first impression of Dale.   [0:04:07] Dale gives a brief rundown of who he is, and the journey he has taken to get to the point he is now at in his career. [0:06:19] Th