Grow My Salon Business Podcast

Most businesses don’t last more than a few years, so if you reach your 10th birthday, congratulations because you’re already one of the lucky ones! However, as the years go by, it’s essential that you don’t become too stuck in your ways because continuous evolution is a foundational principle for any successful business.    Inspired by an email from a listener, in today’s episode, I discuss what a business rebrand might entail, how to determine whether you need one, and how to approach team members who are resistant to change.    Change isn’t a choice, it’s inevitable. So, for the sake of your business, make sure you’re changing with the times!    For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/236/    Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!  They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. I also love to hea

As a salon owner, one of the biggest challenges affecting a salon's growth is that first-time clients are simply not returning, with numerous studies showing that after their first visit, 65% of clients are not going back to that same salon a second time.   My guest on today’s episode is Kati Whitledge, who has developed a piece of “matchmaking” marketing software, Mya, that not only assists salon owners in attracting new clients but matches them with the stylist who is most likely to connect with them and, as a result, increase client retention.    In today’s episode, we discuss:    Salon marketing Client recruitment and retention Mya the matchmaking software   And lots more!    For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/235/    Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!  They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other p

“He or she who makes no mistakes usually doesn’t make anything.”    Business, just like life, is never going to go entirely to plan. So, be prepared to make mistakes! One of the biggest (if not the biggest) mistakes that salon owners make is underestimating what it takes to manage a business. If this sounds like you, don’t worry; we’re here to help.    In this episode, I take you through an overview of the 7 core areas of salon management that underpin what it takes to build a stand-out salon business so you don’t have to make the same mistakes as so many others who have come before you.    For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/234/    Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!  They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. I also love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast!

My guest on today’s episode is Mario Verrilli, owner of the Onaré Salon in Mississauga, Ontario, and author of a book titled, ‘The Fall of the Hair Salon and What to Do About It: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Future of the Beauty Salon Industry.’   The salon industry is under constant reinvention, and Mario has many years of first-hand experience with the changes that are taking place. This has led him to learn the invaluable skill of “getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.”    In today’s podcast, we will discuss:    Some of the challenges that the hair and beauty industry is facing The importance of creating clarity for your team’s career path The value of ongoing personal development…   And lots more!      For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/233/    Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!  They do matter in the ran

Owning a salon business will always come with a multitude of challenges, and when you’re in the midst of a struggle, it’s easy to focus on the negatives, which can very quickly lead you to overwhelm and burn out.    However, if you can change your mindset and start to see the positive side of things, you’re far more likely to overcome whatever hurdles you face.    My guest on today’s episode is Martha Lynn Kale, a salon owner who has grown her business from a 1000 square foot space with 5 chairs and 7 staff to a 4000 square foot space with 19 chairs and 42 staff (and counting!) despite a challenging economic climate.    In today’s podcast, we will discuss:    Knowing when it’s time to expand How to create a team of productive hairstylists  Hiring and creating a culture that no one wants to leave Developing a personal brand Tips for creating a level system    And lots more!   For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/232/    Thanks so much for

“Find your why because it will get you through anything.” The majority of our listeners are salon owners, and many of you are also parents, both of which come with a whole host of challenges and rewards.  My guest today is salon owner and father CJ Morello, and for him and his wife, the work-life balance struggles have been exacerbated by the fact that their two young children are profoundly autistic.  As you will hear today, the journey hasn’t been an easy one, but his inner strength, combined with the depth of his love and commitment to his family, has resulted in something truly remarkable.   In today’s podcast, we will discuss: CJ’s personal and professional lives The importance of knowing your “why” Dealing with the challenges life throws at you… And lots more!  For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/231/    Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpf

“There is always a lesson if you look for it!”   Today’s episode was inspired by an email from a salon owner who is currently in the middle of dealing with the loss of 50% of his business after his ex-manager and a stylist left to open their own salon.   In this episode, I drive home the fact that in the world of business, people are bound to come and go, and there will be no shortage of obstacles. However, with every challenge comes an opportunity to learn and grow.    Tune in today to hear about the five steps that I recommend taking when your business hits a bump in the road.   For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/230/   Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!  They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. I also love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast!  Just c

In this episode, my guest is Annie Humphreys, a true icon in the world of hairdressing and an important part of the success of the Vidal Sassoon salons and schools.   Annie is quite simply the colourist who paved the way for those who followed into the world of modern hair colour.    Join us as Annie takes a trip down memory lane and shares her experiences in the ever-evolving salon industry from the 1950s to the 21st century.    Although this interview was recorded in 2015, the lessons that Annie shares are timeless.   In this episode, we discuss:    The Sassoon revolution What it takes to succeed in the salon industry Colour, colour, colour…   And lots more!    For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/229/    Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!  They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my pod

2024 started off on a very sad note for the hairdressing world with the passing of Angus Mitchell.   Angus was the son of the late Paul Mitchell, who was the co-founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems.   As someone who had the privilege of having a close working relationship with the company, I was fortunate enough to ‘on occasion’ have spent a little time with Angus, and he was always full of life, love, and genuine kindness.     This week's podcast is a re-release of episode 46, which I originally recorded in 2020. I’m re-releasing it as a tribute and thank you to Mr Angus Mitchell.   He will long be missed and loved by many.   In this episode, we discuss   ●  Why Hawaii is the spiritual home for John Paul Mitchell Systems. ●  The early days of the Paul Mitchell company ●  The importance of philanthropy and environmental issues.     For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/228/    Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, ple

In today’s episode, we’re going to focus on one of the most misunderstood concepts among salon industry professionals: the ‘P’ word (i.e. PROFIT).   Reliable data in the salon industry is often hard to come by. But, what is usually agreed on is that when it comes to profit margins, the average salon has a net profit margin of somewhere between 0-8%. The good news is that with a little bit of education and thoughtful strategising, that is something we can change!    So, if you’re unsure what exactly gross, net, and operating profit are, why you need to make a profit, or how to make your business more profitable, you’ve come to the right place!   For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/227/    Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!  They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. I also love to hear w

What would your “best year ever” look like?   As a salon owner, perhaps it would involve attracting more new clients, an increase in revenue, increasing the profit margin, or even opening another salon. Setting these kinds of resolutions is important, but it’s the easy part. Turning them into reality is where the real challenge lies.   Tune into today’s episode to hear what it’s going to take to achieve your biggest goals, and let’s make 2024 the year of results!   For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/226/   Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!  They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. I also love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast!  Just click here to review, scroll to the bottom, tap “Ratings and Reviews” tap to rate with 5 stars and “Write a Review” and

“Information given without emotion is very rarely remembered.”   So much has changed in the two years since Gianni Scumaci was last on the podcast, including the incredible growth his digital education platform has experienced, his new academy space outside of Rome, and the development of an exciting new app that is sure to enhance the salon experience for owners, hairdressers, and clients everywhere!   In today’s podcast, we will discuss:   -       Gianni’s “heart to hand” philosophy -       How digital education is evolving -       The soon-to-be-launched MeMo app…   And lots more!   For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/225/   Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!  They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. I also love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! 

For our last episode of 2023, we’re joined by a guest who always brings a unique, highly informed perspective on the hair and beauty industry. There is nobody more fitting to share an overview of the business trends that have come to the forefront over the past year and what the future may hold.   Gordon Miller is the CEO and President of Beauty Cast Network, a platform that connects young people with potential employers, and the host of two podcasts, Mastering Beauty and Social Beauty Makers.   In today’s podcast, we will discuss:   -       The impact AI has had on the salon industry over the past year -       An overview of the various social media apps -       The problem of fake news…   And lots more!   For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/224/   Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!  They do matter in the rankings of th

The end of the year is a time for reflection, gratitude, appreciation, and most of all, kindness. The single most important gift you can give yourself and others is the gift of kindness.   As we begin to wrap up 2023, we want to wish you all a joyful festive season; one in which you have the opportunity to celebrate your wins, forgive yourself for your mistakes (we’ve all made them, don’t worry!), and make a positive difference in the lives of those around you, whether it’s the clients in your chair, the people on your team, or even a stranger on the street.   We’ll be back next week with our final episode for the year but until then, have a safe and happy Christmas.   For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/223/   Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!  They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podca

The last few years have seen a change in how hairdressers and salon owners access and present education.   Online learning platforms have become a well established option to complement live education and have the dual benefit of providing quality learning opportunities for people across the globe and expanding the skill sets of hairdressers themselves.   Over the past few months, I’ve interviewed several industry educators who have embraced the online space and today I’m going to be speaking with another; Johnny Othona, the co-founder of Ena, Allilon, and Allilon Plus.   In today’s podcast, we will discuss:   -       The philosophies that underpin everything Johnny does as an educator -       The concept of suitability and whether you can “teach feeling” -       How online education is evolving…   And lots more!     For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/222/   Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rev

The Sassoon brand will be celebrating its 70th birthday next year, and it is as relevant as ever before.    Like many businesses, the last couple of years forced the Sassoon leadership team to reevaluate the way forward because if a business is to stay relevant, it mustn't be afraid to reinvent.     The result is House of Sassoon, a concept that combines different salon models, hair education, ambassador programs, and more under one roof in arguably the coolest part of London.   On this week’s episode, I speak with Sassoon CEO Debbie Webster about the launch of House of Sassoon and how it has breathed new life into the business.    In today’s podcast, we discuss:    The relaunch of the brand as House of Sassoon How the company has evolved over the past few years Trends taking place in the hair education space…   And lots more!    For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/221/    Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode

Talking, thinking, and weighing up the pros and cons are all important, but ultimately success comes from taking action, from implementing!   Of course, preparation is important, but the longer you spend trying to perfect something before taking action on it, the less time you have to learn invaluable lessons that can only come about when your vision has been turned into reality.    Or, in the words of Elon Musk, “Go quick, fail often, and learn fast.”   Failure is an inevitable part of life, but as I discuss in this episode, if you reframe your failures into learning opportunities, there is no limit to the success you can achieve!    For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/220/    Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!  They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. I also love to hear what’s been

“If you lead an inspired life, it’s a lot easier not to get burnt out.”   The world we live in is overflowing with information, but what we really need more of is wisdom, and wisdom comes with experience.   Geno Stampora has a lifetime of experience in the salon industry, and he joins us on the podcast this week to share some of the most valuable lessons that he has learned along the way.   Among other things, Geno is a hairdresser, former salon owner, and motivational speaker, and in today’s podcast, we will discuss:    How you can’t solve today’s challenges with yesterday’s problems The impact that technological advancements are having on salons   Avoiding burnout by living out your purpose… And lots more!   For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/219/ Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!  They do matter in the rankings of th

Alcohol and drug addiction are a fact of life for people from all walks of life. However, in the creative industries, it is perhaps a more prevalent struggle than in others.   For some people, having a drink two or three times a week does absolutely no harm at all, but for others, it’s the beginning of spiralling out of control.   My guest on today’s episode is salon owner Clive Allwright who, alongside Amie Morris, recently started the Straight Edge podcast, a weekly show dedicated to addiction and addictive behaviours.   In today’s podcast, we will discuss:   -       Dealing with addiction -       The path to sobriety -       How to help those who are struggling with addiction…   And lots more!   For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/218/   Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!  They do matter in the rankings of the show an

The role of a hairdresser isn’t just to do great hair; it’s also to serve our clients in a way that makes them feel seen, heard, and valued. And that’s not just because it’s a good thing to do; it’s also because it’s good for your business!   Across industries, there has been a steady decline in customer service over the years. As a salon owner in the current climate, you have the opportunity to make your business really stand out by prioritising impeccable service!   On today's podcast, I talk about the value of going the extra mile.   For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/217/   Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!  They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. I also love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast!  Just click here to review, scroll to the bottom, ta