The Blowout - By Salon Owners for Salon Owners

The Blowout is the no-filter podcast by salon owners, for salon owners. Hosted by Haylee Benton and Hellen Ward, this show dives into the real conversations behind running a successful salon — from building a strong team and managing money, to navigating burnout, boundaries, and bold business decisions. Expect honest advice, relatable stories, and practical takeaways you can actually use behind the chair and behind the scenes. If you’re ready to grow your salon without the fluff, The Blowout is your weekly seat in the chair.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6AGUDraVqTouQmKq2Ujgb9?si=Am8vbwJ7Te6tkWkfkPWa0QApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-blowout-by-salon-owners-for-salon-owners/id1866607946Thank you for watching this episode, and stay tuned for the next one, where we will continue to explore industry transformations and innovation strategies!Episode timestamps00:00 Episode preview01:17 Welcome to the episode01:51 Why staff appraisals matter04:02 Creating the right environment for reviews06:08 Monthly check-ins vs annual appraisals07:50 Should appraisals be mandatory?09:43 Sickness reviews and return-to-work interviews12:43 Structuring appraisals around performance and KPIs13:41 The red flags of a difficult team member15:44 Spotting a long-term decline in performance17:18 Dealing with toxic situations quickly20:36 Supporting employees while remaining performance-driven23:21 The hardest conversations bosses must have25:22 Delivering uncomfortable feedback with kindness28:01 What happens when an entire team lacks self-awareness?30:42 Managing conflict within your team32:29 Your salon is a sports team, not a family34:06 When should a boss intervene?36:58 Becoming a secret shopper in your own salon38:15 Is managing a large salon actually easier?40:51 Why team social events matter44:43 Profit is not a dirty word45:31 Nothing is bigger than the badge47:00 Should product wastage affect commission?48:11 Knowing when a toxic employee needs to go50:19 Does every team need a bad apple?

💇🏼‍♀️ Wella Professional: https://www.wella.com/professional/en-GB

💊 Glowwa: https://www.glowwa.com/

This episode follows Suzanne Cooper, founder of Glowwa, as she shares how her own hair loss journey led her to create a nutrition-led brand for the professional salon channel. It matters because the conversation goes beyond product development and digs into why education, trust, and salon-first distribution can shape long-term brand loyalty. We discuss how Glowwa started with no marketing budget, how Suzanne built credibility through salon education, and why she has resisted the push to move mass or undercut salons online. She also explains what’s driving more hair loss today, from stress and ultra-processed diets to GLP-1 weight loss injections.

The Blowout is the no-filter podcast by salon owners, for salon owners. Hosted by Haylee Benton and Hellen Ward, this show dives into the real conversations behind running a successful salon — from building a strong team and managing money to navigating burnout, boundaries, and bold business decisions. Expect honest advice, relatable stories, and practical takeaways you can actually use behind the chair and behind the scenes. If you’re ready to grow your salon without the fluff, The Blowout is your weekly seat in the chair.Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6AGUDraVqTouQmKq2Ujgb9?si=Am8vbwJ7Te6tkWkfkPWa0Q⁠Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-blowout-by-salon-owners-for-salon-owners/id1866607946⁠Thank you for watching this episode, and stay tuned for the next one, where we will continue to explore industry transformations and innovation strategies!

Timestamps

00:00 - Overnight hair loss and the decision to bet on herself

02:09 - What triggered Suzanne’s hair loss journey

03:45 - When the shedding became impossible to ignore

04:28 - Why ingredient quality and label reading mattered

06:17 - Targeting inflammation, hormones, and stress

07:43 - Turning an idea into a manufactured product

08:30 - Giving the first stock away to salons for free

09:05 - Leaving a full-time job to build Glowwa

10:54 - Why salon education matters so much

13:26 - Choosing salons over mass retail

15:01 - The two questions behind every business decision

16:50 - How Glowwa drives consumers back to salons

18:51 - Making salon purchase more attractive than buying online

20:37 - Why the brand is called Glowwa

22:23 - Why hair loss is rising now

23:19 - Supporting clients using GLP-1 weight loss injections

24:12 - Why Glowwa expanded into collagen

25:12 - Collagen as a low-pressure retail conversation starter

26:00 - Why the brand will not launch shampoos or oils

26:54 - International growth and expanding carefully

29:03 - Choosing the right distributors

31:43 - Moving into skin clinics and aesthetics

32:44 - Why education is the missing gap for many stylists

33:18 - Free training and charity seat-holder fees

35:12 - Staying independent while scaling

39:51 - Working with her partner and keeping work boundaries

42:26 - The warehouse damage setback that nearly broke the business

44:40 - How Glowwa trusts its UK manufacturers and ingredient sourcing

46:58 - Why betting on herself mattered

49:06 - How Suzanne switches off and maintains her routine

50:09 - Whether supplements should be used continuously

👑 Little Princess Trust:

https://www.littleprincesses.org.uk/

https://www.instagram.com/officiallittleprincesstrust

https://www.facebook.com/officiallittleprincesstrust

https://x.com/LPTrustUK

💇🏼‍♀️ Wella Professional: https://www.wella.com/professional/en-GB

In this episode, Wendy Tarplee-Morris shares the inspiring story behind the Little Princess Trust, how hair donations support children with cancer, and how salons can get involved to make a difference. Discover the impact of community efforts and the future of childhood cancer research.

The Blowout is the no-filter podcast by salon owners, for salon owners. Hosted by Haylee Benton and Hellen Ward, this show dives into the real conversations behind running a successful salon — from building a strong team and managing money to navigating burnout, boundaries, and bold business decisions. Expect honest advice, relatable stories, and practical takeaways you can actually use behind the chair and behind the scenes. If you’re ready to grow your salon without the fluff, The Blowout is your weekly seat in the chair.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6AGUDraVqTouQmKq2Ujgb9?si=Am8vbwJ7Te6tkWkfkPWa0QApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-blowout-by-salon-owners-for-salon-owners/id1866607946Thank you for watching this episode, and stay tuned for the next one, where we will continue to explore industry transformations and innovation strategies!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Little Princess Trust and Wendy's story

02:24 How the charity started after Wendy's daughter's passing

07:26 The journey from initial donations to a nationwide charity

12:43 The process of donating hair and making wigs

17:10 Minimum hair length requirements and donation guidelines

22:42 The global reach of hair donations from 129 countries

30:48 Supporting children with wigs and the importance of training

32:25 Current challenges and future needs of the charity

33:40 Expanding support to childhood cancer research

36:28 The impact of high-profile donations and awareness campaigns

39:09 The role of AI and technology in cancer research

42:30 How listeners and salons can get involved

45:34 The tangible impact of fundraising and community support

46:49 Wendy's message of hope and legacy

Wella Professional: https://www.wella.com/professional/en-GB

This episode tackles the generation gap inside salons, especially the clash between Gen X leadership and Gen Z employees. Haylee Benton and Hellen Ward unpack accountability, work ethic, mental fitness, and the challenge of keeping teams aligned while still supporting younger staff.In this episode, Haley and Helen discuss why salons need both experience and new talent, but often struggle to bridge very different expectations around criticism, flexibility, and progression.

🌐 able-futures.co.uk

📞 Freephone: 0800 321 2137

The Blowout is the no-filter podcast by salon owners, for salon owners. Hosted by Haylee Benton and Hellen Ward, this show dives into the real conversations behind running a successful salon — from building a strong team and managing money, to navigating burnout, boundaries, and bold business decisions. Expect honest advice, relatable stories, and practical takeaways you can actually use behind the chair and behind the scenes. If you’re ready to grow your salon without the fluff, The Blowout is your weekly seat in the chair.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6AGUDraVqTouQmKq2Ujgb9?si=Am8vbwJ7Te6tkWkfkPWa0Q

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-blowout-by-salon-owners-for-salon-owners/id1866607946

Thank you for watching this episode, and stay tuned for the next one, where we will continue to explore industry transformations and innovation strategies!

Timestamps

00:00 - “That’s not it, you don’t like what I said” - blame, criticism, and accountability

01:14 - Introducing the generation gap inside the salon

03:34 - Why Haley sees Gen Z as a blame culture

05:03 - Defining Gen X, millennials, and Gen Z

07:00 - The part-time job that turned into a freelance decision

09:18 - From old-school training to modern HR

09:49 - Why Haley prefers “mental fitness” to “mental health”

11:12 - Why the salon created an internal mental fitness coach

13:29 - Work-related support, menopause, divorce, and family stress

15:44 - Why Gen Z wants flexibility and fast progression

16:47 - “You have to own your journey”

17:25 - The WhatsApp example and boundaries outside work

18:21 - How to bridge the gap between age groups

19:17 - The loneliness of leadership and constant problem-solving

20:21 - Gen X, hard work, and the case for responsibility

21:52 - Ted Lasso and the problem with participation trophies

22:26 - Why motivating Gen Z is now a business issue

23:27 - Apprentices, retention, and the future of the salon industry

24:53 - Millennials as a bridge between generations

27:25 - Wanting pastoral care without accepting correction

28:13 - Setting clearer expectations at the start of the year

29:20 - Final reflections on aligning mixed-age teams

The Blowout is the no-filter podcast by salon owners, for salon owners. Hosted by Haylee Benton and Hellen Ward, this show dives into the real conversations behind running a successful salon — from building a strong team and managing money, to navigating burnout, boundaries, and bold business decisions. Expect honest advice, relatable stories, and practical takeaways you can actually use behind the chair and behind the scenes. If you’re ready to grow your salon without the fluff, The Blowout is your weekly seat in the chair.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6AGUDraVqTouQmKq2Ujgb9?si=Am8vbwJ7Te6tkWkfkPWa0Q

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-blowout-by-salon-owners-for-salon-owners/id1866607946

Thank you for watching this episode, and stay tuned for the next one, where we will continue to explore industry transformations and innovation strategies!

Times Timestamps: 

00:00 - Why many salons are not saleable and the myth that they are

00:22 - Valuing a salon: assets vs goodwill

00:47 - Why selling intangible assets like staff is impossible

01:05 - The importance of early exit planning

01:31 - Common issues with lease transfers and legal hurdles

02:16 - Red flags when buying or selling a salon

03:15 - How business energy and investment affect sale value

04:01 - The importance of transparency with staff about sale and exit plans

05:12 - Handling staff redundancies and guarantees in sale agreements

06:07 - The process of business transfer and redundancy costs

07:00 - Celebrating success stories and navigating challenging sales

08:36 - The complexity of replicating salons and the importance of people

09:24 - Transitioning staff and creating new opportunities post-sale

10:14 - Family businesses and succession challenges

11:22 - The long-term impact of mergers and staff integration

12:00 - Keeping energy high during tough times and managing staff perceptions

13:16 - The emotional and practical considerations when nearing retirement

14:36 - The potential of Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs) for exit planning

17:16 - How EOTs work and benefits for business owners and staff

19:08 - Setting up an EOT and legal/financial considerations

20:19 - The positive impact of EOTs on staff loyalty and retention

21:44 - Exploring alternative options beyond sale and the importance of timing

22:42 - The significance of proper business structuring and documentation

23:54 - The growing interest in exit planning and how to prepare early

25:10 - Realistic valuation and the limits of profitability in sale prices

26:29 - The importance of understanding the value in people, not just numbers

27:13 - Ways to reduce the burden of ownership, including family succession and partnerships

28:43 - The vital role of ongoing investment and morale in business profitability

30:49 - The challenges of valuation and sale in service industries

31:23 - The necessity of transparent communication with staff during transactions

32:35 - Lease importance and legal considerations when selling a salon

33:24 - How lease and business structure influence saleability

35:32 - Creative solutions, including passing on to staff or family

36:17 - Planning for exit early and keeping options open

37:18 - What to do if your salon is unprofitable or underperforming

38:20 - Franchising and growth models that support future exit options

39:13 - The risk of holding on when the business no longer has passion or energy

40:15 - Focusing on team development and long-term vision

41:44 - The importance of comprehensive preparation—legal, financial, structural—before sale

42:22 - Emphasizing early exit planning and keeping your options open

In this episode, we chat with Samantha Sweet, founder of Sweet Squared, about supporting salons, the future of the beauty industry, and maintaining authenticity in branding. If you're a professional or aspire to understand the core values driving a successful distributor, this is a must-listen.

The Blowout is the no-filter podcast by salon owners, for salon owners. Hosted by Haylee Benton and Hellen Ward, this show dives into the real conversations behind running a successful salon — from building a strong team and managing money to navigating burnout, boundaries, and bold business decisions. Expect honest advice, relatable stories, and practical takeaways you can actually use behind the chair and behind the scenes. If you’re ready to grow your salon without the fluff, The Blowout is your weekly seat in the chair.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6AGUDraVqTouQmKq2Ujgb9?si=Am8vbwJ7Te6tkWkfkPWa0Q

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-blowout-by-salon-owners-for-salon-owners/id1866607946

Thank you for watching this episode, and stay tuned for the next one, where we will continue to explore industry transformations and innovation strategies!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Samantha's Industry Journey

02:36 Supporting the Professional Sector and Brand Loyalty

04:49 The Origins of CND and Nail Industry Evolution

09:09 Challenges During the 2007 Industry Crisis

14:44 Building Relationships and Brand Love

20:12 The Importance of Brand Storytelling

22:34 The Role of Education and Skill in Nails

28:18 Impact of COVID-19 on Supply Chains

36:27 Temptation to Sell Out and Brand Integrity

43:00 Going Direct and Understanding Market Differences

50:04 The Future of AI and Hands-On Skills

01:00:28 Supporting the Industry and Personal Passion

01:02:37 The Resilience of the Beauty Industry

Are you struggling with recruitment dilemmas, poaching, and industry ethics? In this episode, Haylee and Hellen share candid insights and practical advice on maintaining integrity, attracting talent, and navigating industry challengesThe Blowout is the no-filter podcast by salon owners, for salon owners. Hosted by Haylee Benton and Hellen Ward, this show dives into the real conversations behind running a successful salon — from building a strong team and managing money, to navigating burnout, boundaries, and bold business decisions. Expect honest advice, relatable stories, and practical takeaways you can actually use behind the chair and behind the scenes. If you’re ready to grow your salon without the fluff, The Blowout is your weekly seat in the chair.Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6AGUDraVqTouQmKq2Ujgb9?si=Am8vbwJ7Te6tkWkfkPWa0QApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-blowout-by-salon-owners-for-salon-owners/id1866607946Thank you for watching this episode, and stay tuned for the next one, where we will continue to explore industry transformations and innovation strategies!Timestamps: 00:00 - The real story behind poaching in the salon industry00:17 - How salons control social media content and client confidentiality00:50 - Best practices for recruiting responsibly and ethically01:33 - The dangers of poaching and why it's bad juju02:41 - Examples of aggressive recruitment tactics in London salons03:07 - The financial impact of losing trained apprentices and staff04:06 - Industry challenges with post-COVID staff shortages05:02 - The risks of underhanded recruitment methods and legal considerations06:03 - The social "girl code" and industry ethics around poaching07:02 - The impact of aggressive recruiting on salon culture and client service08:00 - Managing social media handles for stylists and salon branding09:22 - Protecting salon content ownership and social media strategies10:06 - Marketing benefit of stylist branding vs risks of content misuse12:06 - Industry recruitment struggles and the post-pandemic labor crisis12:36 - Combining training, apprenticeships, and attracting new talent13:26 - The importance of industry regulation and ethical enforcement15:21 - The high cost of apprenticeships and safeguarding investment16:02 - Innovative solutions including automation and AI in salons17:25 - Practical advice for responsible recruitment and preventing poaching18:18 - Industry outlook and adapting to new generations' expectations20:23 - The importance of clear employment options and benefits21:41 - Future of salon industry regulation and industry standards22:28 - How to safeguard your salon's investments in staff training24:31 - The unethical practices of some salons and how to respond25:17 - The debate around self-employment vs employment models27:44 - The importance of fair employment benefits and legal compliance28:21 - The potential of automation replacing traditional roles29:45 - Ethical reflections on poaching and industry sustainability30:09 - Practical recruitment tips and creative marketing strategies31:01 - The need for industry regulation and enforcement to protect businesses33:01 - Final thoughts on industry fairness, professionalism, and future innovation

**Disclaimer**

The views and opinions shared in this episode are for general discussion and entertainment purposes only. They are not intended as professional, legal, financial, or business advice. Please seek your own independent advice before making any decisions based on anything discussed in this podcast.

Discover practical insights on strategic pricing, discounts, tiered systems, and commission structures shared by industry experts Hellen Ward and Haylee Benton. Whether you're facing price increases, struggling with client perceptions, or thinking about innovative marketing tactics, this episode provides actionable advice to elevate your business.The Blowout is the no-filter podcast by salon owners, for salon owners. Hosted by Haylee Benton and Hellen Ward, this show dives into the real conversations behind running a successful salon — from building a strong team and managing money, to navigating burnout, boundaries, and bold business decisions. Expect honest advice, relatable stories, and practical takeaways you can actually use behind the chair and behind the scenes. If you’re ready to grow your salon without the fluff, The Blowout is your weekly seat in the chair.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6AGUDraVqTouQmKq2Ujgb9?si=Am8vbwJ7Te6tkWkfkPWa0Q

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-blowout-by-salon-owners-for-salon-owners/id1866607946

Thank you for watching this episode, and stay tuned for the next one, where we will continue to explore industry transformations and innovation strategies!

Timestamps:

00:00 - Industry challenges with pricing and discounting\

00:53 - Case study: Rebranding and price adjustments for a longstanding salon

01:45 - Staff perspectives on price increases and customer perceptions

03:25 - Client age demographics and long-term pricing strategies

04:06 - Industry self-worth and staff confidence around price hikes

05:42 - Tiered pricing models and CPD (Continuous Professional Development)

06:38 - Beauty pricing tiers and qualification criteria

07:53 - Training staff on communicating price changes effectively

09:25 - Social media's role in educating clients about pricing tiers

10:39 - Launching innovative booking platforms like BeautyBid

11:54 - Managing client expectations during last-minute booking sales

13:13 - The role of discounts and value addition versus price reduction

14:09 - Dynamic pricing and off-peak discounts for business sustainability

15:14 - Staff working hours, late-night incentives, and commission implications

16:05 - Communicating price increases to clients and team

17:07 - Tackling surcharge complexities and tax implications

18:24 - Handling NHS and student discounts responsibly

19:56 - The importance of clear scripts and staff training on price communication

21:54 - Profitability analysis using detailed treatment costing

23:29 - The pitfalls of product-intensive treatments and cost management

24:26 - Differentiating high-value services from overcut price competition

26:39 - Building straightforward, motivating commission structures

27:08 - Maintaining fair pay and performance incentives

28:51 - The impact of minimum wage increases on salon pay structures

30:26 - Using tools like calculators to explain hourly earnings to staff

31:40 - The importance of benchmarking and brand positioning

34:25 - Protecting your brand through pricing consistency and client perception

35:56 - Focusing on profit goals and honest industry benchmarking

Disclaimer

The views and opinions shared in this episode are for general discussion and entertainment purposes only. They are not intended as professional, legal, financial, or business advice. Please seek your own independent advice before making any decisions based on anything discussed in this podcast.

In this episode of the Blowout Podcast, Haylee and Hellen dive deep into the complexities and hurdles faced by salon owners in retail. They discuss online competition, brand relationships, and innovative solutions to boost retail sales and maintain professionalism.

The Blowout is the no-filter podcast by salon owners, for salon owners. Hosted by Haylee Benton and Hellen Ward, this show dives into the real conversations behind running a successful salon — from building a strong team and managing money, to navigating burnout, boundaries, and bold business decisions. Expect honest advice, relatable stories, and practical takeaways you can actually use behind the chair and behind the scenes. If you’re ready to grow your salon without the fluff, The Blowout is your weekly seat in the chair.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6AGUDraVqTouQmKq2Ujgb9?si=Am8vbwJ7Te6tkWkfkPWa0QApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-blowout-by-salon-owners-for-salon-owners/id1866607946

Thank you for watching this episode, and stay tuned for the next one, where we will continue to explore industry transformations and innovation strategies!

Timestamps:00:00 - Industry overview: the state of retail in salons00:33 - Why retail sales are declining and the challenge of online shopping01:17 - The impact of brands undercutting salons' prices01:57 - The role of brand ownership and COVID's exacerbation of issues02:36 - How brands sell directly online and bypass salons03:14 - The difficulties salons face in competing with online prices04:10 - Strategies brands use to maximize their sales channels04:54 - The importance of exclusive in-salon offers and how brands manipulate availability06:23 - The ethical concerns around brand messaging and product availability07:40 - The effect of product proliferation and "straight to retail" strategies08:57 - The importance of retail targets versus actual sales performance09:47 - How to incentivize salons and create a profitable retail ecosystem10:44 - Challenges in spending on new product ranges and margins12:12 - The influence of product education and emotional engagement13:12 - Risks of product ranges being sold off or taken over by larger corporations15:05 - The "gray market" and the difficulty in controlling online sales16:23 - The importance of brand storytelling, theatre, and customer experience17:55 - Why exclusive in-store offers can boost retail sales19:18 - The significance of theatre and professional environment in product sales20:22 - Building trust through salon-only initiatives and professional support22:19 - The future of community-driven recommendations over social media influencers23:48 - The potential evolution of retail over the next five years25:20 - Diversification: supplements, accessories, niche products26:45 - Selecting product ranges that suit diverse client needs28:34 - What brands can do to support salons with education, support, and loyalty tools30:07 - The power of education and brand love in customer loyalty31:16 - The influence of professional endorsement and long-term brand relationships32:50 - The cyclical nature of trends and the importance of professionalism in branding34:32 - The role of authentic storytelling and professional credibility in brand success36:21 - The call for industry collaboration and joint solutions to retail challenges36:54 - Closing thoughts: sharing tips, struggles, and industry solutions

Disclaimer

The views and opinions shared in this episode are for general discussion and entertainment purposes only. They are not intended as professional, legal, financial, or business advice. Please seek your own independent advice before making any decisions based on anything discussed in this podcast.

The Blowout is the no-filter podcast by salon owners, for salon owners. Hosted by Haylee Benton and Hellen Ward, this show dives into the real conversations behind running a successful salon — from building a strong team and managing money, to navigating burnout, boundaries, and bold business decisions. Expect honest advice, relatable stories, and practical takeaways you can actually use behind the chair and behind the scenes. If you’re ready to grow your salon without the fluff, The Blowout is your weekly seat in the chair.

Summary

In this episode of the Blowout Podcast, hosts Hellen Ward and Haylee Benton delve into the complexities of employment status within the beauty industry, focusing on sabbaticals, unpaid leave, and the rise of self-employment. They discuss the challenges and benefits of sabbaticals, the flexibility of unpaid leave, and the allure of self-employment for stylists. The conversation also touches on the need for a hybrid model that balances employee benefits with the autonomy of self-employment, as well as the implications of dynamic pricing in salon management. Legal considerations for self-employed stylists are examined, highlighting the importance of proper guidelines and insurance. The episode concludes with a call for clarity in employment regulations to ensure fair practices in the industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Employment Status in the Beauty Industry

03:01 Exploring Sabbaticals and Unpaid Leave

05:58 The Challenges of Client Retention

09:02 Self-Employment Trends in the Beauty Sector

12:07 The Flexibility Dilemma

15:09 Dynamic Pricing and Its Impact

18:08 Navigating Self-Employment Guidelines

20:55 The Future of Employment in the Beauty Industry

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6AGUDraVqTouQmKq2Ujgb9?si=Am8vbwJ7Te6tkWkfkPWa0QApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-blowout-by-salon-owners-for-salon-owners/id1866607946Thank you for watching this episode, and stay tuned for the next one, where we will continue to explore industry transformations and innovation strategies!