As Blake says, hair stylists these days are in such high demand, they could set up shop in the middle of a field and people would still come to have their hair done! In addition, the new generation of incoming stylists care more than ever about company culture, including fair labor practices, flexibility and social and environmental values. So salon owners need to adapt to attract and retain talent. 

Guest Jared Thompson is the co-owner of Deseo Salon and Blow Dry, a luxury salon company in Denver, Colorado. With a background in business, he brings important insights about how to recruit and interview stylists, how to cultivate a healthy and thriving salon culture, and what to do when someone is not a fit. Also, he makes a strong business case for offering higher compensation and greater flexibility with the aim of keeping stylists on board, rather than managing a high rate of churn. 

Learn more about Deseo Salon and Blow Dry at deseosalondenver.com, or follow them on IG @deseodenver.

Follow Summit Salon Business Center on Instagram @SummitSalon, and on TikTok at SummitSalon. 

SUMM IT UP  is now on YouTube! Watch extended cuts of our interviews at www.youtube.com/@summitunlocked

Find host Blake Reed Evans on Instagram @BlakeReedEvans and on TikTok at blakereedevans. His DM's are always open! You can email Blake at [email protected]. 

Visit us at SummitSalon.com  to connect with others in the industry. 

SUMM IT UP is produced and edited by Andrea Muraskin. The executive producer is Tim Fisk.