I've been thinking a lot about what really makes a great salon, and it's not always what you might think. Sure, brilliant technical skills matter, but what really sets exceptional salons apart is the energy, the culture, and the people.

A coaching client told me recently about the atmosphere in her salon, no drama, no bitchiness, just fun, laughter, and genuine support. Her clients connect with that positive energy the minute they walk through the door. 

It got me reflecting on something I talk about in my new marketing course, that we need reminding, and that is, “We're in the people business”. But with all the focus on algorithms, followers, and SEO, we sometimes forget that the best marketing is creating an incredible experience that people want to tell their friends about. 

I also make a comparison between my favourite TV series, The Bear, and why it reminds me of the salons I've worked in and owned. And how there's something special that happens when you bring diverse personalities together with a shared commitment to excellence and to each other.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:52] A coaching client’s story about a vibrant team culture
[01:43] The real source of positive salon energy
[02:36] Offline vs. online marketing, and what actually matters
[03:30] How marketing used to work before the internet
[03:47] The benefits of combining offline and online worlds
[04:19] Re-centring the industry on human connection
[04:47] My favourite TV series: The Bear and why it resonates
[06:49] Why team culture is both the best and hardest part of running a salon
[09:25] Work families and the power of belonging
[10:37] The leader’s role in directing team energy
[10:59] Final thoughts: business is people

Want MORE to help you GROW?

📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/

🆘  Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/

RATINGS + REVIEWS

🙏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! 

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Until next time!
Antony

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

The Bear TV Series

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In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Rita Marcon, whose story perfectly captures the courage it takes to follow your intuition and reinvent yourself. Rita is a former hairdresser who climbed the corporate ladder to become the Australian General Manager for one of the biggest haircare brands before taking a leap of faith to start her own business, I Am Conscious Living.

Rita’s journey is full of wisdom about courage, leadership, and self-awareness. We talk about what it takes to leave the comfort of the known, how to stay grounded when everything’s changing, and the difference between leading others and truly leading yourself. Her approach to conscious living and human leadership is something every salon owner can learn from.

Whether you’re leading a team, running a salon solo, or just looking to find more meaning and calm in the chaos, this conversation will leave you inspired to breathe, be brave, and lead with heart.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:00] Meet Rita Marcon, from salon floor to global leadership
[04:50] Finding the courage to change direction
[07:30] Lessons learned from 28 years in corporate life
[10:10] Knowing your value and self-worth as a leader
[13:00] The role of culture and communication in leadership
[17:00] Applying corporate lessons to small business and solo ownership
[23:00] Practical ways to bring conscious living into daily salon life
[33:00] Preventing burnout and finding balance
[36:20] When to follow your gut vs. data in decision making
[42:50] A powerful story of resilience and self-leadership
[46:45] One conscious habit for every salon owner
[48:30] How to connect with Rita and learn more about I Am Conscious Living

Want MORE to help you GROW?

📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/

🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/

RATINGS + REVIEWS

🙏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.

👉 Here's what you do:

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- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars

- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏

Until next time!
Antony

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As the end of the year approaches, it's tempting to push for maximum productivity, rush through holiday celebrations, and then collapse in a heap on Christmas Eve and call it done.

But I want to challenge that. In this week’s episode, I’m talking about the power of celebration, why your team party isn’t just a party, but a culture-building strategy disguised as fun.

I share stories from my own salons, where what started as a Christmas party evolved into something far more meaningful, a night of reflection, recognition, and connection. You’ll hear why celebrating your people is one of the smartest leadership moves you can make, and how simple, intentional gestures can anchor your team culture for the year ahead.

So before you dive into 2026 planning, hit pause, listen in, and get inspired to make this year’s celebration something your team will never forget and set your salon up for the year ahead.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:07] Why the end of the year matters for reflection and gratitude
[02:00] The evolution of my salon’s Christmas parties
[03:13] Turning parties into powerful culture-building moments
[04:42] The importance of team culture and belonging
[06:13] Creating in-house awards and recognising achievement
[07:52] Praise, purpose, and progress, what people crave at work
[08:25] Building culture through moments, not KPIs
[10:18] A framework for planning your end-of-year celebration
[11:17] Creative salon award ideas to strengthen connection

Want MORE to help you GROW?

📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/

🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/

RATINGS + REVIEWS

🙏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.

👉 Here's what you do:

- On your phone, Click here  (Read steps below first)

- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'

- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars

- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏

Until next time!
Antony

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In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Blake Dufault, whose story is as raw as it is inspiring. From a turbulent childhood filled with chaos and heartbreak to finding purpose through hairdressing, Blake’s journey is one of relentless growth and unshakable resilience. His book I Am_____ captures that journey beautifully, reminding us that our past doesn’t define us, our choices do.

We talk about how hairdressing quite literally saved him, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and his powerful belief that no one is coming to save you; you have to choose growth for yourself. Blake also opens up about how his personal story evolved into a mission to make the industry better, leading him to create AIVA, an AI-driven salon management system built to give stylists their time back.

This conversation is a reminder that success isn’t about shortcuts or luck; it’s about doing the work you’re avoiding, learning from failure, and never giving up on what’s possible.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Welcome and introduction to guest Blake Dufault
[02:00] Why Blake wrote his book I Am Blank
[06:30] Blake’s tough start in life and the lessons it taught him
[09:45] How hairdressing became the turning point that saved him
[12:30] Doing the work you’re avoiding – the real key to growth
[14:00] The power of taking ownership: “No one’s coming to save you”
[23:00] The writing process – ten years of reflection and refinement
[26:30] From student to salon owner – building culture and systems
[28:45] What successful salons are doing right today
[31:00] How AI will reshape the future of salon business
[34:00] Introducing AVA – the AI-driven virtual assistant for salons
[41:00] Building technology that serves stylists, not the other way around
[42:30] Why Blake walked away from social media (and how it worked)
[44:30] Where to find Blake’s book and AIVA online

Want MORE to help you GROW?

📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/

🆘  Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/

RATINGS + REVIEWS

🙏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.

👉 Here's what you do:

- On your phone, Click here  (Read steps below first)

- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'

- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars

- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏

Until next time!
Antony

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

I AM - Book by Blake Dufault

AIVA - runwithaiva.com

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Facebook 

This is part three, the final episode, in my three-part salon marketing series, and today it’s all about solutions.

If you’ve listened to the first two episodes, you’ll know that the biggest problem in most salons isn’t attracting new clients, it’s keeping them. So in this episode, I’ll show you how to identify where your business is leaking clients, how to use your data to pinpoint what (and who) needs improvement, and how to start fixing it.

You’ll learn the key retention metrics to track, how to interpret them, and how to turn those numbers into action, through training, coaching, and better systems. Because the key to sustainable growth isn’t through endless promotions and constantly chasing new clients, it comes from keeping the ones you already have.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Welcome to part three of the salon marketing series
[01:00] Recap: what marketing really is and why most salons lose clients
[02:00] The Starbucks lesson, “one client at a time”
[03:00] Why data is your most powerful marketing tool
[03:39] Understanding new vs. existing client retention
[05:01] Benchmarks: what your retention rates should look like
[06:33] Why individual stylist data matters more than salon averages
[07:39] Using data to identify what (and who) needs improvement
[08:53] Recap of the three-part marketing framework
[12:00] Final message: growth happens one client at a time

Want MORE to help you GROW?

Online Salon Marketing course enrolment opening 27th October - Join the waitlist for all the info

📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/

🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/

RATINGS + REVIEWS

🙏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.

👉 Here's what you do:

- On your phone, Click here  (Read steps below first)

- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'

- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars

- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏

Until next time!
Antony

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Online Salon Marketing course enrolment opening 27th October - Join the waitlist for all the info

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This is part two of my three-part series on salon marketing, and today we're diving into why most salons are reasonably good at attracting new clients but not nearly so good at keeping them. If you listened to last week's episode, you'll know that 60% of new clients never return for a second visit, and only one in ten make it to six visits. Today, I'm explaining exactly why that happens and what marketing really has to do with it.

Here's the thing most salon owners get wrong: they think marketing stops once the client walks through the door. But that's actually when the second function of marketing begins. I'm talking about the client experience, the quality of your work, and the relationships your team builds. 

If you've been pouring money into advertising but still struggling with retention, this episode will change how you think about marketing forever. Next week, in part three, we'll get into the actual solutions, but today is about understanding where it all goes wrong.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:00] Quick recap of part one: the three functions of marketing
[02:32] Why getting clients through the door isn’t the problem
[03:20] What the second function of marketing really is
[04:12] Two main reasons clients don’t come back
[05:19] How to give clients a reason to return
[06:31] When expectations don’t match experience
[08:51] Why every detail in your salon is marketing
[10:04] The role of your team in delivering on your marketing promise
[11:12] Wrapping up and preview of part three: the solutions

Want MORE to help you GROW?

📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/

🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/

RATINGS + REVIEWS

🙏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.

👉 Here's what you do:

- On your phone, Click here  (Read steps below first)

- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'

- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars

- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏

Until next time!
Antony

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Online Salon Marketing Course - Jump on the waitlist

Want to share a photo of where you're listening to this podcast, tag us @growmysalonbusiness or email [email protected]

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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 that redefine how you see marketing

[03:01] Why most salons are good at attracting clients — but not keeping them

[04:16] The maths behind one new client a day

[06:13] The “leaky bucket” metaphor for salon marketing

[08:51] The real work of marketing happens inside your salon

Want MORE to help you GROW?

📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/

🆘  Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/

RATINGS + REVIEWS

🙏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.

👉 Here's what you do:

- On your phone, Click here  (Read steps below first)

- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'

- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars

- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏

Until next time!
Antony

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Online Salon Marketing Course - Jump on the waitlist

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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] Going back to school at 43 and the importance of lifelong learning

[25:30] What salon owners really need to understand about their business

[29:00] Culture, gratitude, and creating great client experiences

[31:00] Why education is at the heart of growth and connection

[38:00] Advice, wisdom, and lessons from mentors

[41:00] Reflections on legacy, authenticity, and relationships

[42:30] Closing thoughts and gratitude

Want MORE to help you GROW?

📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/

🆘  Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/

RATINGS + REVIEWS

🙏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.

👉 Here's what you do:

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- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars

- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏

Until next time!
Antony

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Paul Mitchell Pro - Instagram

Paul Mitchell - Website

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👉 FOLLOW KRISTIN FIRRELL!

LinkedIn

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] New space, new systems: what broke and how they fixed it

[31:24] Competing with the independent model through culture and pay

[41:46] Luke’s advice for owners considering expansion

[47:46] Growth results and lessons learned after one year

[50:16] Wrapping up and where to connect with Luke

Want MORE to help you GROW?

📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/

🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/

RATINGS + REVIEWS

🙏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.

👉 Here's what you do:

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- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars

- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏

Until next time!
Antony

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Check out the stunning transformation of Luke Reynolds Hairdressing over on our new blog!

Podcast Episode 301 - Why Salon Culture Starts with Personal Development with Luke Reynolds 

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👉 FOLLOW LUKE REYNOLDS HAIRDRESSING!

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👉 FOLLOW LUKE REYNOLDS!

Instagram

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 forward” principle
[10:32] Turning feedback into action for continuous improvement
[12:36] Episode wrap-up and next week’s teaser

Want MORE to help you GROW?

📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/

🆘  Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/

RATINGS + REVIEWS

🙏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.

👉 Here's what you do:

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- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars

- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏

Until next time!
Antony

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Online Marketing Course - Coming October 2025! Jump on the waitlist here

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