Grow My Salon Business Podcast

In this episode, I’m kicking off a brand-new three-part series on one of my favourite topics - marketing. When I had salons, marketing was something I loved, and it even won us a few awards. But here’s the thing: most salon owners completely misunderstand what marketing actually is.So today, we’re starting at the beginning, with the real definition of marketing. I’ll walk you through what I call the three functions of marketing: attracting, converting, and retaining clients. You’ll see why most salons only ever master the first part and how that keeps them stuck on a hamster wheel of constantly chasing new clients instead of building a business full of loyal ones.By the end of this episode, you’ll see marketing in a whole new light, not as something you only do on Instagram, but as everything you do from the moment a client hears about you to the moment they decide to come back again and again.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:51] The question every salon owner needs to answer: What is marketing?[02:16] Three definitions t

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Kristin Firrell, who after more than 40 years in the professional beauty industry, is stepping into the next chapter of her life. Kristin’s story is all about connection, trust, and education. From the very beginning, when Kristin realised that in hairdressing she had found her people, to stepping into leadership roles at John Paul Mitchell Systems, her career has been shaped by authentic relationships and a passion for helping others grow.We talk about the importance of reinvention, why trust is the cornerstone of success, and how education, culture and the client experience will define the future of salons. This is a conversation about legacy, lifelong learning, and remembering that at its heart, hairdressing is always a people business.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Introduction and welcome[00:50] Kristin’s early beginnings and finding her people in hairdressing[09:15] From stylist to educator to corporate leader[13:40] The power of trust and transferable skills[16:20] Goin

In this episode, I’m joined once again by salon owner Luke Reynolds, who’s just taken a massive step that so many owners dream about, moving from a 50-square-metre boutique salon into a stunning, purpose-built space. Luke and I talk through the entire journey: the decision to expand, the design process, managing a ballooning budget, and the lessons learned along the way.If you’ve ever wondered how you’ll know when it’s time to grow, or what it really takes to pull off a move like this, you’ll love Luke’s honest insights. From cash-flow pressures to a 75% revenue jump and a 600% growth in colour services, it’s a conversation packed with practical advice and inspiration for any salon owner with big ambitions.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Welcome and episode intro[01:01] Luke shares the dream of a bigger salon[04:25] Knowing when it’s time to expand[08:50] Planning, design, and the power of a great architect[15:25] Budget surprises and cost-engineering tips[21:58] An eight-week build—how the team pulled it off[24:50]

This week, I’m diving into what is often an overlooked growth strategy for salons, market research. The starting point for effective market research is to remember that “you are not your client.” The decisions you make about pricing, services, and the salon experience shouldn’t always be based on what you would want.In this episode, I share simple, practical ways to gather real insight from the people who matter most, your clients. From casual conversations in the chair to formal surveys and even visiting other salons yourself, you’ll learn how to collect feedback, “feed it forward,” and create an experience that keeps people coming back.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Welcome and setting the scene for year-end focus[01:00] Why “you are not the client” is a crucial mindset shift[02:15] Experiencing another salon as a client[04:00] How assumptions about client needs can mislead[04:40] Market research methods that actually work[05:44] Using everyday conversations as powerful research[06:46] Feedback and the “feed it fo

In this week’s episode, I speak with Chris Baran. Chris has worn just about every hat in our profession: stylist, salon owner, podcaster, and global ambassador, but above all, he is a teacher. For nearly 60 years, he’s been evolving, reinventing, and staying at the forefront of education.We talk about what it really takes to be an educator, how education has changed in the wake of the pandemic, and the role of curiosity, humility, and vulnerability in teaching.Chris shares not just technical wisdom but also the mindset shifts that make the difference between simply “instructing” and truly inspiring. Whether you’re a salon owner, a stylist, or an aspiring educator, this conversation is full of nuggets about growth, leadership, and the responsibility we all have to lift others up.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Introduction and welcome[00:49] Chris Baran’s background and career journey[05:00] Reinvention vs. evolution in education and creativity[08:29] How do you know if you’re ready to be an educator?[13:45] What make

In this week’s episode, I share the true story of a local salon that went from being fully booked and thriving to empty and struggling, all in less than two years. It’s a perfect example of how quickly things can unravel when leadership, standards, and systems disappear.We’ll break down what happened, what went wrong, and the ten key lessons that every salon owner can take away from this story. Whether you run a hair salon, a spa, or a beauty clinic, these insights will help you avoid the same mistakes and build a business that lasts.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:42] Introduction – why it’s easier to see problems as a client[01:41] A true story of a thriving salon and its decline[02:00] What made the salon successful at first[03:01] The impact of Mary leaving and the loss of standards[04:46] The financial cost of losing loyal clients[06:07] The importance of leadership and management[07:20] Word-of-mouth growth—and decline[08:37] The 10 lessons every salon owner should know[11:27] Grow book series & where to find t

Register here for my free masterclass: Unlocking Your Stylists’ Potential: The key to boosting Productivity and Profits in Your Salon, or head to www.GrowMySalonBusiness.com/masterclassIn this week’s episode, I’m joined by Australian salon owner and stylist, Mikki Auld. Earlier this year, Mikki left her Brisbane salon in the hands of her team and took a huge leap, moving to Los Angeles to start over from scratch.Within no time at all, she was fully booked, not because of luck, but because of hustle, grit, and sheer determination.We talk about why she made the move, how she built a client base in a new country with no connections, and the strategies she uses to keep her Brisbane salon thriving without her being there day-to-day. I love a bit of hustle and seeing people get out there, build their book from scratch and doing that in another country, when you don’t have a social network, takes courage and a lot of self-belief.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:29] Mikki’s move from Brisbane to Los Angeles [02:36] The O-1 visa p

Register here for my free masterclass: Unlocking Your Stylists’ Potential: The key to boosting Productivity and Profits in Your Salon, or head to www.GrowMySalonBusiness.com/masterclassI'm calling BS on the idea that hairdressing doesn't pay well. The truth? There are plenty of hairdressers earning great money - some are even in the top 5-10% of all income earners. The difference isn't about age, experience, or even how good they are doing hair. It's about productivity.In this episode, I'm addressing one of the biggest frustrations I hear from salon owners: why aren't my team members busier, earning more, and caring about the numbers like I do? The answer is simple - your team can't earn more money until they learn to produce more, and most of them have never been taught how.I'll share the difference between a regular stylist and what I call a "Super Stylist," and give you a clear next step to transform your team's performance.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:46] The biggest frustration salon owners face[01:18] Why your t

I’ve never done an episode solely about coaching before, but as more salon owners than ever are either having a coach or wanting to become a coach, I think it’s about time. Coaching has been one of the biggest game-changers in my own career and in the lives of hundreds of salon owners I’ve worked with across more than 14 countries. Yet for many, it’s still a bit of a mystery.In this episode, I unpack what coaching is (and what it isn’t), how it’s different from mentoring, consulting, and teaching, and why it can accelerate your results in ways that books and courses alone can’t. I share stories from my own journey, both as a coach and as someone who’s been coached, and the qualities I believe you should look for (and avoid) when hiring one.If you’ve been quietly wondering whether coaching might be the right next step for you, this conversation will give you the clarity, confidence, and practical insight you need to decide. And yes, I’ll tell you exactly how you can work with me before my prices go up later th

Have you noticed that every second hairdresser you talk to these days seems to have been diagnosed with ADHD? That’s why this week I’ve invited Skye Waterson, a former academic turned ADHD coach and founder of ‘Unconventional Organisation’ onto the podcast to give us a proper crash course in understanding ADHD. Skye shares actionable tips that salon owners and stylists can implement immediately, whether you're trying to support a team member with ADHD or manage your own symptoms while running a successful business.Whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD yourself, suspect you might have it, or you've got team members who do, this conversation is essential.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Welcome and introduction to ADHD in the salon industry [03:30] What causes ADHD and the genetic component [10:22] What it feels like to have ADHD - Skye's description [12:29] How dopamine works differently in ADHD brains [19:07] Main ADHD struggles in the workplace [21:24] Tips for employers and employees with ADHD [24:37] Structure vs

This week, I’m picking up where Episode 304 left off, diving deeper into the practical strategies that successful salon owners use to build strong teams, great cultures, and profitable businesses.If you've ever asked yourself, "Why can't I find good people?" or "Why won't my team step up?"  this episode is for you. I'm walking you through the exact traits, systems, and standards that top-performing salons share from how they hire, to how they train, to how they reward results. These aren’t theories. These are lessons from real salons, doing real numbers, with real six-figure stylists. And the good news? You can implement them too.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Welcome and recap of the Leadership Crisis and its impact[01:28] Why true leadership is in short supply[04:06] Point 1: Strong foundations and non-negotiables[06:29] Point 2: Hire for attitude and ambition[08:54] Point 3: Build systems that support your culture[11:53] Point 4: Treat your team as your second client[13:14] Point 5: Create financial security thro

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Sam Kendall, CEO of SalonIQ, one of the UK’s leading salon software companies. I always enjoy conversations with tech providers because they see real data, and that means real insights into what’s happening inside salons across the industry. Sam and I talk about AI, automation, online booking, the shift towards self-employment, and the surprising number of salons still not using salon management systems.We also dive into the trends SalonIQ is seeing in average bill size, rebooking, client retention, and retail sales. Plus, we explore how software is helping drive efficiency, improve the guest experience, and even replace some front desk functions.Whether you’re tech-savvy or still relying on your appointment book and pen, this episode is a must-listen for understanding how technology is shaping the future of the salon business.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Intro and welcome - Meet Sam Kendall, CEO of SalonIQ[03:12] What makes SalonIQ different[10:57] Nearly 50% of salons still

In this episode, I’m diving into a conversation that might annoy some people, but it’s a conversation that needs to be had. We’ve got a leadership crisis in our industry. Not because people don’t care, but because too many salon owners don’t realise what they signed up for when they opened their doors. Leadership isn’t optional. It’s the job.This episode is for every salon owner who wants their team to succeed but feels stuck, frustrated, or just plain exhausted. I’ll break down why so many stylists aren't earning what they could be and why that’s partially due to the leadership (or lack of it) they’re working under. If you want a business that thrives and a team that sticks around, this one’s for you.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Intro and recap of episode 291[02:15] The leadership gap that’s hurting our industry[03:01] Why poor leadership creates poor productivity and pay[04:22] The difference between wanting to be paid more and earning more[06:45] The uncomfortable truth: it is about money[07:17] When the tail i

In this episode, I sit down with long-time industry leader Keri Davis-Duffy, whose career as a salon owner and educator spans more than three decades. Keri shares the wisdom earned through real-life experience, leading employee-based salons in a state that turned compensation models on their head, navigating leadership challenges, building culture, and bouncing back from the inevitable setbacks every salon owner faces.We talk candidly about staff walkouts, transitioning to hourly pay, creating flexible schedules for today’s workforce, and the crucial difference between being a great hairdresser and being a great business owner. Keri doesn’t sugarcoat it; salon ownership today is a different game entirely, but she offers grounded, inspiring advice for those brave enough to take it on. If you’re serious about building a business that lasts, you’ll want to soak up every minute of this conversation.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Welcome and guest introduction[00:56] Keri’s salon history and business model[04:17] Why she

In today’s episode, I want to get real about something that many salon owners don’t like to hear… your team problems might not be about your team. They might actually be about you and your style of leadership.We talk about the difference between being “the boss” and being a true leader. Because if you want loyalty, innovation, trust, and long-term commitment from your people, barking orders or crossing your fingers and hoping for the best won’t cut it. This episode is about finding the balance, between control and chaos, between command and collaboration. It's about stepping into leadership so you can build a salon culture that attracts and retains the right people and brings your vision to life.IN THIS EPISODE:[01:33] Boss, manager, leader or just owner? What’s the difference?[03:01] Why leadership matters more than ever in salons[03:46] Is your team the problem… or is it you?[04:52] The struggle of finding balance as a salon owner[05:51] What real leadership looks like in practice[06:41] The cultural cost o

In this episode, I sit down with Australian salon owner Luke Reynolds to talk about one of the most powerful drivers of salon success, which he believes is investing in the personal development of your people.Luke shares how he's integrated monthly life coaching sessions, meditation practices, and even equine therapy into his team culture. It’s a fascinating conversation about building confidence, communication, and community in the workplace, and the profound effect this has on the day-to-day salon environment.What I really loved about this chat is how naturally these initiatives grew into a cornerstone of Luke’s business, creating a safe, supportive, and high-functioning team that clients notice and appreciate. We also touch on the challenges younger team members face today and how personal development tools can help them not just survive, but thrive. If you're passionate about building a culture that retains great people, this is one you won’t want to miss.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Intro and welcome[00:48] M

Welcome to episode 300! It’s a milestone I’m incredibly proud of, and I want to thank you for being part of the journey. Whether you’re listening while walking the dog, doing the school run, or lifting weights at the gym, I’m grateful to have you here.In this episode, I’m sharing the 10 timeless principles of salon money management. These aren’t fluffy ideas; they’re hard-won lessons from my own experience and from years of coaching salon owners around the world. If you want to go beyond just “doing great hair” and actually run a profitable business, this one’s for you. Let’s make sense of the numbers and start building a business that works for you, not the other way around.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Celebrating 300 episodes and listeners around the world[02:22] Why timeless business principles still matter[03:00] The hairdresser-to-business-owner journey[04:02] Why financial literacy matters more than talent alone[04:57] Principle 1: Revenue does not equal success; profit is the real goal[05:55] Principle 2: S

In this episode, I’m joined by Narad Kutowaroo, Creative Director for Unite Haircare in the UK, to talk all things Fashion Week and specifically, the Runway Ready bootcamp that gives hairdressers the opportunity to work backstage.Narad shares how Runway Ready gives salon stylists real-world experience at London Fashion Week and beyond, and more importantly, how the skills learnt translate directly back into faster, better, and more confident salon work. We also discuss why styling is more than just “hair up,” how to thrive under pressure, and the impact this kind of creative experience can have on your confidence, speed, and even client attraction. Whether you’re curious or committed, there’s something here for everyone.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Welcome and introduction to Narad Kutowaroo and Unite’s Runway Ready bootcamp[02:23] Origins of Runway Ready - from US concept to global expansion[03:25] The inspiration behind opening doors to Fashion Week[05:33] What to expect during the two-day bootcamp[07:35] Who ca

In this episode, I’m sharing a real-life story from one of the salon owners in my online money course. She found herself heading into a cash flow crisis, not because she was doing something wrong, but because life happened. Staff resignations, injuries, and pre-booked leave collided to create a perfect storm of reduced income. The good news? She saw it coming. And that’s the power of planning.We walk through the strategies I shared with her, what to do, what to avoid, and most importantly, how to stay calm and proactive. Whether you’re in a financial squeeze or just want to bulletproof your business, this episode is packed with practical advice and a big reminder: the best way to survive a crisis is to see it coming and prepare before it hits.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Introduction and today’s topic: managing a cash flow crisis[00:55] Real-life scenario from a salon owner in the Money course[04:57] Ideas to increase income before touching savings[06:22] Strategies for short-term staffing solutions[08:55] Reducin

In this episode, I’m joined by Phil Evans, the founder of Salon Guru, who specialises in websites and digital marketing for salons. It's been five years since Phil was last on the podcast, and during that time, the digital landscape has evolved significantly, especially when it comes to how Google drives traffic to your salon.We dive deep into understanding Google Search, Google Profiles (formerly Google My Business), and how your salon website plays a vital role in converting online visitors into new clients. Phil shares real-world data and insights from hundreds of salons that will help you see where your new clients are really coming from, and spoiler alert, it’s probably not from where you think. Whether you're already getting traffic or want to boost your Google game, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Intro + What’s Coming UpIntroducing the topic, and previewing the upcoming marketing course.[01:31] The 5 Ways Clients Find Your SalonBreaking down the key sources of new cli