Brazen and Bold: Real, Raw, and Radically Honest Conversations for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Leaders

Chet Pope is the self-professed "numbers guy" in one of the beauty industry's most unique power couples — co-owner and CEO of NAHA-winning Salon 27 in Mesa, Arizona, PBA board member, ex-punk-rock roadie, and yes, a perfume entrepreneur on the side.

In this episode, Heather sits down with one of her very first "beauty besties" for a refreshingly honest conversation about the side of the salon business most owners avoid: the math.

Chet shares the one number every salon owner should check weekly, why the menu you copied off Instagram is probably bleeding money, and how he rolled out parts-and-labor pricing without losing his team. He also gets into building a retail culture that never feels salesy, the treatment add-on that lifts tickets 40% in five minutes, and how "true AI" (not just automation) now handles 65% of his salon's call volume.

Equal parts practical and candid, this one's for every owner who does great hair but freezes when it's time to look at the spreadsheet. Because as Chet puts it: if you're not progressing, you're dying.

In this episode:

• The #1 number every salon owner should track weekly • Why your service menu is probably built wrong • Parts & labor pricing — and how to get your team on board • Building retail culture through education, not pressure • The 5-minute treatment that adds $80 to a ticket • Real AI vs. automation in the salon • Adapting to a new generation of stylists

🌐 Salon 27: http://www.salon27az.com/

🌐 Fragrance Gang: https://fragrancegang.com/

📸 Fragrance Gang Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fragrancegang/

📸 Salon 27 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/27thesalon/

🎵 Fragrance Gang TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fragrancegangdecants

Follow Chet:

📸 Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/chetpope/

Branding and consistency are everything.

Let Spark do the work for you—from setup to weekly execution.

👉 Talk to Spark » Spark Pro Global – sparkprosalon.com

Spark Links:

📸 Instagram: @sparkproglobal — https://www.instagram.com/sparkproglobal

🔗 LinkedIn: Spark Pro Global — https://www.linkedin.com/company/spark-pro-global

Heather's Instagram:

📸 @heather.tantrumsalon — https://www.instagram.com/heather.tantrumsalon

Tammie Axworthy has spent 30+ years behind the chair — but it's what she did outside the salon that's turning heads. A Goldwell National Team artist who recently took the stage in front of 1,500 people at the Color Sphere show in Milan, Tammie sat down with Heather to unpack how a decade of frustration with subpar foils turned into Beautifoils, her own product line.

She opens up about the "left foot down" moment that kicked off her entrepreneurial journey, the emotional rollercoaster of building a business from scratch, and her mantra for handling failure: pivot quick.

If you've got an idea you haven't given yourself permission to chase yet, this episode is your push.

🌐 The Hair Boutique: https://thehairboutique.salon/

🌐 Beautifoils: https://beautifoils.ca/

📸 Beautifoils Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautifoils/

Follow Tammie:

📸 Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/tammieaxworthyhair

Branding and consistency are everything.

Let Spark do the work for you—from setup to weekly execution.

👉 Talk to Spark » Spark Pro Global – sparkprosalon.com

Spark Links:

📸 Instagram: @sparkproglobal — https://www.instagram.com/sparkproglobal

🔗 LinkedIn: Spark Pro Global — https://www.linkedin.com/company/spark-pro-global

Heather's Instagram:

📸 @heather.tantrumsalon — https://www.instagram.com/heather.tantrumsalon

Most salon owners spend years building successful businesses—but very few are building long-term wealth.

In this episode of Brazen & Bold, Heather Harris sits down with Certified Financial Planner and former salon owner Kristin Stutz to discuss the financial habits every salon owner should know. Kristin shares her powerful journey from owning a salon to surviving leukemia, selling her business, and helping beauty professionals create financial freedom.

Together they discuss:

•⁠ ⁠Why revenue doesn't always equal wealth •⁠ ⁠The biggest financial mistakes salon owners make •⁠ ⁠Exit planning from day one •⁠ ⁠How to stop feeling overwhelmed by money •⁠ ⁠Building a business that supports the life you actually want

Whether you're behind the chair, own a suite, or lead a multi-location salon, this conversation will change the way you think about money.

🌐 Illume Financial Strategies: https://www.illumefs.com/

Follow Kristin: 🔗 LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-stutz-cfp%C2%AE-cepa%C2%AE-052a226b/

📸 Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/illumefinancial/

📘 Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/KristinStutzNYL/

Branding and consistency are everything.

Let Spark do the work for you—from setup to weekly execution.

👉 Talk to Spark » Spark Pro Global – sparkprosalon.com

Spark Links:

📸 Instagram: @sparkproglobal — https://www.instagram.com/sparkproglobal

🔗 LinkedIn: Spark Pro Global — https://www.linkedin.com/company/spark-pro-global

Heather's Instagram:

📸 @heather.tantrumsalon — https://www.instagram.com/heather.tantrumsalon

What if selling wasn't about convincing someone to buy?

What if it was simply about helping people feel seen, understood, and confident?

In our newest episode of Brazen & Bold, Heather and Lucy sit down with bestselling author and emotional sales expert Arif to unpack why the most successful businesses don't focus on selling—they focus on connection.

Inside this episode, you'll learn:

•⁠ ⁠Why storytelling creates stronger client relationships •⁠ ⁠How to recommend products without feeling pushy •⁠ ⁠The consultation mistakes that cost salons thousands each year •⁠ ⁠Why emotional connection is becoming the most valuable skill in business •⁠ ⁠Practical ways to increase retail sales while delivering a better client experience

If you're a salon owner, stylist, or leader who wants to grow your business while serving clients at a higher level, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Listen now and discover why the future of sales is human connection.

🌐 AI Beauty: https://aibeauty.co.uk/about/

Follow Arif:

🔗 LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/arifisikgun/

Branding and consistency are everything.

Let Spark do the work for you—from setup to weekly execution.

👉 Talk to Spark » Spark Pro Global – sparkprosalon.com

Spark Links:

📸 Instagram: @sparkproglobal — https://www.instagram.com/sparkproglobal

🔗 LinkedIn: Spark Pro Global — https://www.linkedin.com/company/spark-pro-global

Heather's Instagram:

📸 @heather.tantrumsalon — https://www.instagram.com/heather.tantrumsalon

What does success really mean?

After attending the Salon Today Top 200 awards, Heather found herself reflecting on a word that gets thrown around constantly but is rarely defined: success.

In this solo episode, she explores why awards, income, status, and even longevity don't necessarily equal a successful life. Drawing from her experiences as a business owner, conversations with high-achieving professionals, and lessons learned from her parents, Heather challenges listeners to consider whether the things they're chasing actually align with what matters most.

This episode is an invitation to pause, reflect, and redefine success on your own terms. From health and relationships to purpose, peace, and personal values, Heather shares why the most meaningful measures of success often have nothing to do with what's visible from the outside.

If you've ever felt like you're running hard without knowing exactly what you're running toward, this conversation is for you.

Questions to consider:

•⁠ ⁠What does success mean to you? •⁠ ⁠What has your pursuit of success cost you? •⁠ ⁠Are your daily actions aligned with your deepest priorities? •⁠ ⁠What might change if you slowed down long enough to redefine what matters?

Connect with Heather and share your definition of success—we'd love to hear from you.

Branding and consistency are everything.

Let Spark do the work for you—from setup to weekly execution.

👉 Talk to Spark » Spark Pro Global – sparkprosalon.com

Spark Links:

📸 Instagram: @sparkproglobal — https://www.instagram.com/sparkproglobal

🔗 LinkedIn: Spark Pro Global — https://www.linkedin.com/company/spark-pro-global

Heather's Instagram:

📸 @heather.tantrumsalon — https://www.instagram.com/heather.tantrumsalon

What does it take to build a salon that thrives for nearly four decades?

In this episode of Brazen & Bold, Heather sits down with industry icon Gayle Fulbright, owner of Headlines The Salon in Encinitas, California. Gayle shares the lessons she's learned from growing a salon she purchased for just $11,000 into a thriving multi-million-dollar business.

Together they discuss:

The power of relationships in leadership Building a culture people never want to leave How to recruit and develop the next generation of stylists Why salon owners need "salon sisters" and trusted peers The mindset shifts that helped Gayle survive walkouts, industry changes, and economic challenges How technology, AI, and modern systems are shaping the future of salons

If you're a salon owner looking to strengthen your culture, improve recruiting, build stronger connections, and create a business that stands the test of time, this episode is packed with wisdom you can apply immediately.

Listen now and discover why connection may be the most valuable business strategy of all.

Headlines The Salon: https://www.headlinesthesalon.com/

Follow Gayle: Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/gaylefulbright/

Branding and consistency are everything.

Let Spark do the work for you—from setup to weekly execution.

👉 Talk to Spark » Spark Pro Global – sparkprosalon.com

Spark Links: Instagram: @sparkproglobal — https://www.instagram.com/sparkproglobal LinkedIn: Spark Pro Global — https://www.linkedin.com/company/spark-pro-global

Heather's Instagram: @heather.tantrumsalon — https://www.instagram.com/heather.tantrumsalon

Google's latest update is changing how businesses are ranked online, and many salon owners don't even realize they're at risk.

In this episode, Heather Harris and Lucy sit down with industry innovator Kip Dodson to discuss the major Google update impacting reviews, rankings, and online visibility. They unpack why traditional review strategies may now hurt your business, how AI is reshaping local search, and why your online presence extends far beyond your website.

You'll learn:

•⁠ ⁠The Google review practices that could trigger penalties •⁠ ⁠Why your business may be invisible on Apple Maps, Yelp, or Bing •⁠ ⁠How AI is changing the way clients discover salons •⁠ ⁠The four areas every business owner should monitor monthly •⁠ ⁠How the Digital Basic Score helps identify hidden opportunities and weaknesses

If you own a salon, spa, or service-based business, this conversation could save you from costly mistakes and help you attract more clients online.

🌐 A Moment's Peace Salon & Day Spa: https://amomentspeace.com/

🌐 Digital Basic Score: https://digitalbasicsscore.com/

Follow Kip: 🔗 LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/kip-dodson-4400944/

Branding and consistency are everything. Let Spark do the work for you—from setup to weekly execution. 👉 Talk to Spark » Spark Pro Global – sparkprosalon.com

Spark Links: 📸 Instagram: @sparkproglobal — https://www.instagram.com/sparkproglobal

🔗 LinkedIn: Spark Pro Global — https://www.linkedin.com/company/spark-pro-global

Heather's Instagram: 📸 @heather.tantrumsalon — https://www.instagram.com/heather.tantrumsalon

What separates successful salon owners from those who stay stuck?

In this powerful episode of Brazen & Bold, Heather Harris sits down with renowned salon business coach, bestselling author, educator, and leadership expert Steve Gomez.

Steve has coached more than 700 salons worldwide and brings decades of experience helping owners improve profitability, strengthen culture, and become better leaders.

But this conversation goes far beyond business systems and financial metrics.

Stephen opens up about losing everything, rebuilding from bankruptcy, surviving pancreatic cancer, and the mindset shifts that transformed both his business and his life.

Together they discuss:

✨ The biggest leadership mistake salon owners make ✨ How to build accountability without creating fear ✨ Why most owners stay trapped in the "busy swirl" ✨ The financial numbers every salon owner should know ✨ What it takes to build a people-first culture ✨ How to coach instead of manage ✨ The power of reflection, awareness, and discipline ✨ Why transformation always starts with mindset

This episode is packed with practical leadership advice, financial wisdom, and the kind of honest conversation that can change the trajectory of your business and your life.

🌐 Stephen Gomez Salon: https://stephengomez.net

Follow Stephen: 📸 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/saloncoachsjg/

Branding and consistency are everything.

Let Spark do the work for you—from setup to weekly execution.

👉 Talk to Spark » Spark Pro Global – sparkprosalon.com

Spark Links:

📸 Instagram: @sparkproglobal — https://www.instagram.com/sparkproglobal

🔗 LinkedIn: Spark Pro Global — https://www.linkedin.com/company/spark-pro-global

Heather's Instagram:

📸 @heather.tantrumsalon — https://www.instagram.com/heather.tantrumsalon

What does it take to stay relevant, innovative, and inspired after 54 years in the beauty industry?

In this episode of Brazen & Bold, Heather Harris sits down with NAHA Lifetime Achievement Award winner, salon owner, educator, inventor, and industry visionary Sam Brocato.

From dropping out of high school and building a multi-million-dollar salon company to pioneering AI-powered business systems, Sam shares the lessons that helped him thrive through decades of industry change.

Together, they discuss: •⁠ ⁠The mindset that fuels lifelong success •⁠ ⁠Why curiosity is more important than talent •⁠ ⁠How AI is transforming salon operations •⁠ ⁠The future of human connection in beauty •⁠ ⁠The business metrics every salon owner should know •⁠ ⁠Why the beauty industry is more secure than most people think •⁠ ⁠How technology can create more time for creativity and guest experience

Whether you're a salon owner, stylist, educator, or entrepreneur, this conversation will challenge the way you think about business, innovation, and what's possible in the years ahead.

Listen now and discover why the future belongs to those who stay curious.

🌐 Sam Brocato Salon: www.sambrocatosalon.com

🌐 Together Beauty: www.togetherbeauty.com

Follow Sam: 📸 Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/sambrocato/

Branding and consistency are everything. Let Spark do the work for you—from setup to weekly execution. 👉 Talk to Spark » Spark Pro Global – sparkprosalon.com

Spark Links: 📸 Instagram: @sparkproglobal — https://www.instagram.com/sparkproglobal

🔗 LinkedIn: Spark Pro Global — https://www.linkedin.com/company/spark-pro-global

Heather's Instagram: 📸 @heather.tantrumsalon — https://www.instagram.com/heather.tantrumsalon

What does it actually take to scale a salon from one location to four without losing your culture, your team, or your sanity?

In this episode of Brazen and Bold, Heather Harris sits down with Lisa Sanger of Wild Olive Salon — a multi-location, multi-million dollar salon brand in North Carolina — to break down the real strategies behind sustainable salon growth.

Lisa shares her biggest leadership mistakes, how she structures weekly team check-ins, why she separates commission from leadership pay, and the systems she uses to track stylist performance without micromanaging.

She also opens up about building salon culture across multiple locations, identifying future leaders, retaining long-term team members, and balancing business ownership with family life.

🌐 Wild Olive Salon: https://wildolivesalon.com/

📸 Wild Olive Salon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildolivesalon/

Follow Lisa: 📸 Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/lisa_wildolivesalon/

Branding and consistency are everything. Let Spark do the work for you—from setup to weekly execution. 👉 Talk to Spark » Spark Pro Global – sparkprosalon.com

Spark Links: 📸 Instagram: @sparkproglobal — https://www.instagram.com/sparkproglobal

🔗 LinkedIn: Spark Pro Global — https://www.linkedin.com/company/spark-pro-global

Heather's Instagram: 📸 @heather.tantrumsalon — https://www.instagram.com/heather.tantrumsalon