In this week’s episode, I share a recent conversation I had with a Chicago-based stylist who is one of those rare people who is continually looking for those 1% improvements that separate good stylists from exceptional ones.

I talk about why it’s essential that salon owners invest in training their team beyond just technical skills.

Despite all the time, energy, and financial commitment you make as the salon owner, the real success of your business comes together when the stylist is standing behind the chair. 

That's where the magic either happens or not…

As a salon owner, stop leaving the success of that interaction between client and stylist to chance. Instead, either invest in or develop your own comprehensive training programs that cover communication skills, client service, and the mindset needed for sustained success.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Welcome and introduction

[00:45] Introducing Rita and the Super Stylist course

[01:49] Questions for salon owners about team training

[03:33] Where the rubber meets the road: The critical client interaction

[04:14] Introduction to Rita's story and my initial assumptions

[05:14] The surprising reality of Rita's experience and mindset

[05:58] Communication distinctions that matter with clients

[06:49] Rita's approach to continuous improvement

[07:47] What inspires me about stylists like Rita

[08:51] Information about the Super Stylist course

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:

The Online Super Stylist course

👉 FOLLOW US!

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In this episode, I sit down with Sydney-based salon owner and colourist Kirby Lago. I’ve had the pleasure of watching her grow her business from a small salon to a thriving luxury business five times the size.

Kirby is a great example of combining the life of being a very active behind the chair hairdresser with being a true business visionary and being prepared to put in the hard work and personal sacrifices that go with it.  

In today’s podcast, we discuss:

● How the modern salon of today is evolving

● Salon design, branding, and creating an unforgettable client experience

● How Kirby uses Instagram to grow her business and attract her ideal clients 

● As well as finding the balance between family life and running a business 

And so much more!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] – Intro: Welcome and podcast growth updates
 [01:15] – Meet Kirby Lago: From small salon to luxury empire
 [02:35] – Salon design for a high-end experience
 [05:00] – The importance of branding and client perception
 [07:09] – The transition to a color-focused salon for profitability
 [10:28] – Why cutting skills are declining and how trends shape business
 [14:19] – Hair restoration and holistic hair health services
 [18:23] – Building the right team and outsourcing wisely
 [23:09] – Salon culture: Setting expectations and maintaining a positive team
 [25:50] – Why client experience is everything (and how to elevate yours)
 [27:57] – Marketing and personal branding: How Kirby became the face of her business
 [31:45] – Instagram strategy: The three content pillars that drive engagement
 [35:49] – Balancing personal life with business and social media presence
 [38:41] – Closing thoughts: Key takeaways for salon owners

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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👉 FOLLOW KIRBY!

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One of the most common questions I get asked is: How do I get more clients? But is that really the right question? In this episode, I break down why simply chasing new clients isn’t always the answer and what you should be focusing on instead.

We’ll dive into the importance of retention, how to track where your new clients are coming from, and what both stylists and salon owners can do to build a steady, sustainable client base. 

Whether you’re an owner or a stylist, this episode is packed with practical strategies to help you attract the right clients—and keep them coming back.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] – Intro & a quick favour: leave a review!
[02:00] – Is getting more clients really the right question?
[04:00] – Why every business needs a steady flow of new clients
[05:30] – How to track where your new clients are coming from
[07:00] – Getting clear on your ideal client
[08:00] – Who’s responsible for getting new clients—stylists or salon owners?
[09:30] – The easiest way to grow your clientele (hint: referrals!)
[11:00] – The client experience: Are you giving them a reason to return?
[13:00] – The salon owner’s role in marketing and client growth
[15:00] – The real challenge: keeping clients, not just getting them
[17:00] – Understanding retention rates and what they tell you
[20:00] – How tracking retention can improve your business decisions
[22:00] – The bigger picture: building a salon where new clients come naturally
[23:00] – Wrap-up & resources: Super Stylist course, Grow 4 Marketing book, coaching options

For more free resources, visit growmysalonbusiness.com. And don’t forget to tune in next Tuesday for another episode!

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:

The online Super Stylist course

Grow 4 Marketing Book

1to1 Coaching

👉 FOLLOW US!

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Is the future of professional hair colour undergoing a massive reinvention?

Today's guests are Leilani Macedo, a seasoned salon owner, and Charles Brown, a tech entrepreneur who is passionate about applying Artificial Intelligence to real-world problems. And together they cofounded CLICS to create a solution for the problems around the current model of professional hair colour.

So if you’re interested in tech, entrepreneurship, the salon business and what could be the future of professional hair colour, then this episode is for you…

In today’s podcast, we discuss:

✅ The problems with the existing model around professional hair colour and how CLICS uses AI to solve those problems

✅ Pricing and Automated hair colour Inventory management 

✅ How CLICS is totally changing the professional hair colour game

And lots more!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:17] Introducing Leilani Macedo, a seasoned salon owner with industry wisdom, and Charles Brown, a tech entrepreneur passionate about using AI to transform traditional models.
[02:42] How Leilani and Charles crossed paths a serendipitous meeting that sparked their collaboration and set the stage for a revolutionary approach to hair colour.
[04:19] The Birth of Clics: how a simple idea evolved into Clics—laying the groundwork for what would become a groundbreaking solution in the industry.
[10:32] Hear how an unexpected source of inspiration at Home Depot ignited innovative thinking, reshaping ideas about service and product delivery.
[13:37] Examine the technological obstacles faced by the industry and explore the creative solutions that are pushing the envelope in hair colour tech.
[19:54] Discuss why effective inventory management is essential in the salon business and how automation can streamline operations.
[32:21] Understand the intricate challenges involved in developing and launching an innovative hair colour line.
[33:33] Learn why maintaining consistency is crucial for building customer trust and a strong salon reputation.
[34:15] Explore the integration of AI in the mixing process and its potential to deliver precise, customized colour results.
[43:34] Discover how the smart bowl concept is not only enhancing precision but also playing a key role in waste reduction.
[45:26] Look at how innovative inventory solutions are revolutionizing salon operations and boosting efficiency.
[51:57] Learn about customized strategies designed to give independent stylists and boutique salons a competitive edge in a changing market.
[01:01:30] Conclude the episode with key takeaways, final reflections from our guests, and all the contact details for staying in touch.

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

👉 FOLLOW US!

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👉 FOLLOW CLICS!

Instagram | Instagram - Leilani Macedo | Website | LinkedIn Leilani | LinkedIn Charles

This is a reissue of one of our most popular episodes, where we revisit the keys to building an incredible salon culture with Meagan McCormack.

Meagan is, amongst other titles, ‘Chief Operating Officer' of the Visible Changes salon group based in Houston, Texas.

I promise that you are going to love this podcast. Visible Changes is an incredibly inspiring salon business that everyone can learn something from.

On this episode, we cover the following key areas:

1️⃣ The importance of recognition, celebration and reward in building a sustainable salon culture.
2️⃣ The importance of giving back.
3️⃣ The key to running a successful family business.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:45] Introducing Meagan McCormack, Chief Operating Officer of Visible Changes.

[03:10] A look at the history, values, and growth of Visible Changes

[10:56] The challenges and rewards of running a salon group as a family business

[18:30] Why recognition and appreciation are key to building a thriving salon culture.

[25:29] A behind-the-scenes look at the numbers that matter.

[29:45] Insights from Visible Changes’ company conferences

[30:12] Fostering a positive work environment through celebrations and acknowledging milestones.

[33:15] How to keep motivation high, from incentive trips to unique rewards for top performers.

[35:05] How the company sets realistic yet ambitious sales targets and supports their team in achieving them.

[40:20] The inspiring story of Christine Lee and how she achieved remarkable success within the company.

[46:45] Meagan’s approach to leadership, fostering teamwork, and ensuring a strong, united salon culture that supports long-term success.

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:

Thair for you Charity

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👉 FOLLOW MEAGAN McCORMACK!

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In today's episode, I address a common concern among salon owners: “How do you get newly graduated beauty school students or apprentices to be profitable as quickly as possible?” 

Getting young team members profitable quickly is the result of a combination of recruitment, training, and leadership. 

So begin by developing an internal comprehensive training program. Recruit for attitude. And train for skill. 

Follow that up by giving trainees hands on experience as soon as possible. Weed out the non performers quickly and maintain a culture of learning and growth. 

Tune in to learn actionable steps to fast-track apprentice productivity and profitability.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:19] Addressing the key question: Making apprentices profitable

[05:27] The importance of recruitment

[10:11] Effective training strategies

[22:07] Hands-on experience and client interaction

[23:27] Leadership and management

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 Money Course

Online Super Stylist Course 

👉 FOLLOW US!

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In this episode of the Grow My Salon Business Podcast, I address a common question from salon owners about the distinction between business profit and the owner's wage.

We’ll cover why salon owners should receive both a wage and a return on their investment. 

Drawing an analogy with other investments, I explain the importance of separating these two income streams and discuss various ways that salon profits should be allocated within the business. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:15] Listener question: Why are the Salon profit and owner's wages two separate things?

[02:00] Investment and profit explained

[03:09] Analogy of the stock market vs salon business

[05:56] Discussing investor vs employee earnings

[06:32] Explaining the salon owner's investment and profit

[08:50] The different uses of business profit

[10:46] Conclusion and course reminder

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:

The Financially Savvy Salon Owner - Free Masterclass - Save your seat!

The online Money Course - Enrolment is open!

👉 FOLLOW US!

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**PLEASE NOTE: There was an issue with the audio on the episode published earlier today. This episode has the corrected audio.**

Today's guest is Susan Wos, an American-based former hairdresser turned business broker who specialises in the salon industry and has now worked with clients in America, Canada, Dubai, UK and Australia… 

Susan brings valuable insights of the inner workings of the salon industry to the brokerage business.  

In today’s podcast, we discuss:

- How much is your salon really worth?

- When is the right time to sell your salon? 

- What are the biggest misconceptions about buying and selling salon businesses?

As well as…

The importance of keeping clean financial records, understanding the value of independent contractor income versus employee-based models, The dynamics of selling to existing staff, and why it’s important to plan an exit strategy from the start.

And so much more!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:13] Introducing today's guest: Susan Wos

[02:01] Susan's journey from hairdresser to business broker

[05:05] The challenges and insights in selling salons

[10:12] The intricacies of valuing a salon business

[14:17] The impact of self-employment on salon valuation

[17:51] Discussing market trends and buyer-seller dynamics

[21:44] Emergency sales: The strategies and considerations

[23:53] The importance of valuing your business realistically

[24:26] Planning your exit strategy early

[25:21] The importance of building a sellable business

[30:27] Selling to existing staff

[33:35] Typical buyers in the salon industry

[43:38] Connect with Susan Wos

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:

Free Business Valuation Calculator- https://salonspaconnection.com/free-salon-business-valuation/

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👉 FOLLOW SALON SPA CONNECTION!

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What do you need to know - Or what should you know in order to open your own salon? 

Whether that's a traditional employee-based salon, a rental salon, or even a salon suite, what is it that you should know so that you give yourself the best chance of success? 

Because, regardless of the type of business model that appeals to you, I think that it’s important that you set yourself up to succeed before you go into debt or spend your life's savings on going into business unprepared.

In today's episode, I review 6 points that I think every potential salon owner needs to learn or know about before they go down that path of business ownership.

IN THIS EPISODE:

00:57 Introduction to salon regulations and licensing

01:54 Essential knowledge for opening a salon

03:44 The importance of understanding business responsibilities

05:10 Developing financial skills and pricing models

06:46 Comprehending the different business models and employment laws

07:47 Commitment to continuous learning

08:30 Joining professional trade bodies

10:07 Conclusion and upcoming Money Course

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:

GROW Business School Live - 2 Day event

The Money Course 

👉 FOLLOW US!

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I've been in the industry a long time, and as a result I’d like to think that I know a lot about all things to do with hair and hairdressing.

But one area I haven’t had a lot of practical hands-on exposure to, is the ‘Hair Extensions’ side of the business.

Heavily influenced by social media and reality TV influencers, the ‘hair extensions’ business has become a huge part of the salon industry, and as a revenue producer, it is certainly not something to be ignored.

My guest on today's Podcast is Dina Demetriou, who is the head of education at ‘Beauty Works’ They are the market leaders in the hair extension business in the UK and Europe, and they have a global presence in the hair extension Industry…

In today’s podcast, we discuss:
✨ What are the biggest misconceptions around hair extensions?
✨ The different methods when working with hair extensions.
✨ Why and how you should start integrating hair extensions into your salon business 

And lots more!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:07] Meet Dina Dimitriou from Beauty Works

[03:40] Dina's Journey into hair extensions

[05:23] Common objections and misconceptions about hair extensions

[09:11] The Influence of social media and reality TV

[13:26] Discussing hair extensions and hair health

[19:45] The evolution of hair extensions

[21:59] How hair extensions can attract new and existing clients

[24:35] The rise of the extensionist

[25:33] Challenges and success in the extension industry

[28:04] Training and certification for extensionists

[36:12] Retail opportunities and aftercare

[40:04] Pricing strategies for extensions

[47:18] Connecting with Dina and final thoughts

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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👉 FOLLOW DINA DEMETRIOU!

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👉 FOLLOW BEAUTY WORKS!

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