Not every hairdresser wants to be self-employed, and in this episode, I explain why that’s not only okay, but why it creates a real opportunity for salon owners to rethink what an employee-employer-based business can and should look like today. 

Too often, self-employment is sold as the only path to freedom, flexibility, and financial success, without anyone stopping to talk honestly about the real costs involved.

In today's episode, I talk about what many stylists don’t calculate before they make the leap: rent, tax, product, tech, training, marketing, lost holiday pay, and the time spent working on the business instead of in it. 

For plenty of people, the reality is that they end up earning about the same or less than they did as an employee, but with a lot more responsibility and pressure.

I also talk about what salon owners must do if they want to attract and keep great people in 2026 and beyond. The old rules don’t apply anymore. Being good at hair isn’t enough. If you want to build a business that thrives, you need leadership skills, business skills, and the willingness to adapt.

On a final note. Whether you are a returning listener or perhaps this is your first time, either way, thank you for trusting that we bring you the people and the insights that are needed to grow your salon business. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Welcome to the podcast

[01:00] Not everyone wants to be self-employed, and that’s okay
[01:31] Why hairdressers want teams, security, and belonging
[02:16] When self-employment is the wrong move
[02:44] The myth of “keeping all the money”
[03:32] The real expenses of working for yourself
[05:33] Freedom vs. the reality shown on social media
[05:53] Why many stylists return to employment
[07:00] Technology, the pandemic, and changing work attitudes
[07:33] Why traditional salon models started pushing people away
[08:00] Flexibility, resistance to change, and the perfect storm
[08:43] Why salon owners must adapt to survive
[09:00] Leadership, respect, and treating your team as clients
[10:00] What having a team makes possible
[11:28] Looking ahead to 2026

Want MORE to help you GROW?

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🆘  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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- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars

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Until next time!
Antony

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

FREE TRAINING: The Five Things Holding Your Salon Back From Growing and How to Fix Them in 2026 - For Priority Notification - Jump on the waitlist here

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This short episode is a reflection on the real relationships we form with the people who sit in our chairs. I’ve often said that clients aren’t your friends, they’re your clients. And professionally, that boundary matters. But every now and then, those lines blur in ways that are deeply human.

I share a couple of stories from my time behind the chair that have stayed with me for decades. One client who reminded me never to underestimate the importance of kindness, and another who became part of my family in the most unexpected way. These are reminders of the quiet role hairdressers play in people’s lives, sometimes without even realising it.

As the year wraps up, this episode is simply a thank you. To the clients we serve, the relationships we build, and to you for listening. Because when you stop and think about it, this industry can create some very special connections, and it’s easy to take them for granted.

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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At the end of every year, I like to take a step back and look at what’s really happening in our industry. Not just at a surface level, but underneath it all. In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend Gordon Miller for one of our now-regular “state of the nation” conversations, where we dig into the biggest shifts shaping the hairdressing industry right now.

We talk about the growing importance of data, what AI is actually being used for inside real salons, and why understanding the numbers is no longer optional if you want a sustainable, profitable business. Gordon shares practical examples of how salons are using AI to improve communication, training, productivity, and decision-making, not as a replacement for people, but as a tool to make people better at what they do.

We also explore the changing relationship between salons and product companies, the rise of independent and freelance models, and why great commission-based salons are still creating incredible careers for hairdressers who want stability, structure, and serious earning potential. If you care about the future of this industry and your place in it, this is a conversation worth listening to.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Welcome and introduction

[00:24] Why end-of-year reflection matters for salon owners

[02:14] The two biggest changes Gordon's seeing in 2025

[03:02] Data is becoming the decoder ring for everything

[04:23] What's driving the focus on numbers and KPIs

[08:37] The AI revolution in hairdressing salons

[10:17] Real use cases: How top salons are using AI daily

[14:42] Using AI to improve manager-team member communication

[17:05] The connection between data and AI in salons

[18:13] How salon tech companies are integrating AI

[21:24] The evolution of the salon business model

[25:04] Why the commission model isn't going anywhere

[31:02] The truth about working hours in the industry

[36:40] The changing relationship between salons and manufacturers

[42:24] Why salon associations matter more than ever

[45:25] Where to connect with Gordon Miller

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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- 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:

Episode 267 with Maxwell Snow from Van Michael salon in Atlanta

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In this episode, I’m joined by Hayley Mears, former hairdresser, branding expert, and the driving force behind Six Underground Media. Hayley is also one of the guest educators inside our marketing course, and she brings a level of insight into social media, branding, and digital trends that most salon owners simply don’t have access to.

We dive deep into what salon owners should expect from Instagram in 2026, why the platform is about to shift in a major way, and how AI is going to become a natural part of your marketing workflow, whether you like it or not. Hayley also opens up about outsourcing, building teams globally, why email addresses are more valuable than followers, and how Canva has democratised design for salon owners everywhere.

If you want to stay ahead of the curve, understand what’s changing, and get practical, real-world advice from someone who lives and breathes digital marketing for salons, you’re going to love this conversation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:23] Instagram trends coming in 2026
[04:26] Auto-responses, ManyChat, and in-app automations
[06:00] The overwhelm salon owners feel around tech and social media
[07:26] Should salons outsource or DIY their social?
[08:59] Why capability and confidence aren’t the same thing
[09:39] The shift in what salons need from social agencies
[17:41] Three things to focus on for Instagram in 2026
[18:21] Why storytelling matters more than ever
[21:04] How to use AI for content and campaign ideas
[27:27] Canva: why every salon should be using it

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 Marketing Course - Join the waitlist - Enrolment opening January

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In this week’s episode, I’m tackling the flip side of a happy, high-performing team, what to do when things are not going smoothly. Because after the recent episode titled “The Beautiful Chaos of Building a Team,” I received a flood of emails from salon owners struggling with people issues.

So today, I’m breaking down the key elements that set your team up to succeed, and what to do when they don’t. From defining the vision for your business, to recruiting for cultural fit, to onboarding properly, communicating clearly, and embracing change… this episode is all about the fundamentals of strong leadership in the salon industry. If you want a team that performs consistently, this one’s for you.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Welcome and listener shout-out

[00:42] Why this topic matters — and the emails that prompted it

[01:56] The big question: “How do I get people to do what I want?”

[02:35] First question to ask: How did you set them up?

[03:39] Point 1: Define your vision, culture, and systems

[05:21] Point 2: Recruit for values and alignment
[06:32] Point 3: Onboarding isn’t handing over a manual

[07:50] Point 4: Communication solves more than it causes

[09:26] Point 5: Don’t be afraid to manage performance

[10:14] People who resist change — and what to do about them
[12:57] Taking over an existing team = friction guaranteed
[14:13] Addressing toxic behaviour head-on
[17:17] Kaizen — why continuous improvement matters

[18:13] Wrap-up — see you next week!

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 sit down with someone who’s grown up alongside one of the most respected salon organisations in the United States.

Today's guest is Coco Wagner, daughter of David and Charlie Wagner owners of the Juut Salon Spa’s. 

Coco brings a fascinating blend of global experience, fresh perspective, and deep respect for the culture her family has built over 40 years. What I love about this conversation is how open and thoughtful she is about stepping into a leadership role in a family business, especially one with 450 team members and multiple locations across the country.

We dive into everything from evolving an established brand to navigating the changing needs of today’s workforce, to earning the trust of long-standing team members when you’re “the owner’s daughter.” Coco also shares why structure matters more than ever for Gen Z stylists, and how Juut has managed to keep more than half their team earning six-figure incomes while working fewer hours post-COVID.

It’s a generous, insightful conversation about leadership, culture, and the future of salons, and I think you’ll take a lot from it whether you’re a salon owner, a leader in your business, or simply someone wondering how the next generation is shaping our industry.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:24] The Juut story and global context

[01:30] David Wagner, Horst, and the early Aveda connection

[07:01] Growing up in the salons and earning trust

[11:18] Digital transformation: SEO, website, and social

[15:18] Maintaining culture across locations

[17:26] Leading without being a hairdresser

[20:28] Team buy-in when changing culture

[21:32] What Gen Z wants from salons today

[23:01] Hours, flexibility, and six-figure incomes

[24:52] Suite life vs. salon life — and the boomerang stylists

[34:28] Family dynamics in a family business

[36:52] Where to connect with Coco and Juut

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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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! 

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 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:

- 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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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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👉 FOLLOW BLAKE DUFAULT!

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