The Connector

What really happens to all the hair, foils and unused color salons throw away? Sarah Babington of Green Circle Salons joins Gordon for an eye-opening look at where salon waste goes and what it can become. They explore how smarter waste practices can strengthen culture, attract talent, build client loyalty and even reduce costs. Sustainability is good for the planet, but it can also be very good business.

John Harms, founder and chairman of Meevo by Millennium, has helped shape how salons use technology. He joins host Gordon Miller to discuss innovation, the growing role of artificial intelligence, and the business practices that drive salon success. It’s a forward-looking conversation grounded in John's nearly four decades of industry experience.

Curly Oasis Salon owner Wafaya Abdallah joins Gordon Miller to discuss compensation plans, productivity, workplace culture and specialization—and how salon owners can build stronger, more successful businesses in today’s changing industry.

For nearly six decades, Penzone Salons + Spas has been recognized for its commitment to education, innovation, and culture. President & CEO Debbie Penzone shares how those values continue to shape the organization and introduces Base One, the company's new education and event space designed to foster learning, collaboration, and connection across the professional beauty community.

Antony Whitaker, founder of Grow My Salon Business and host of the Grow My Salon Business podcast, joins Gordon to explore 10 powerful trends shaping the future of salons. From shifting workforce dynamics and changing consumer expectations to the impact of demographics, the economy, and the environment, Antony shares sharp insights on the forces reshaping our industry.

By any measure, Sam Villa is one of the most renowned educators in the world. Sam joins us to discuss the power of connections and collaboration as well as his hopes for the future. We dig into the state of education for professionals as those with "influence" take to platforms and the front of classrooms throughout the industry.

At just 30 years old, Ameet Kallarackal is quickly becoming one of beauty's rising leaders. Gordon talks with the Glammatic co-founder about building a company straight out of college, learning leadership without a traditional mentor or boss, and his perspective on innovation, AI, and the future of salon technology.

As the founder and CEO of Phorest, Ronan Perceval has spent nearly two decades helping salons better understand their clients, their businesses, and the opportunities hidden within their data. In this episode, Gordon and Ronan discuss the evolving beauty tech landscape and its impact on salons - including how AI is NOT “changing everything”. 

Award-winning salon owner Michaella Blisset Williams is the founder and CEO of Salon 718, with eight locations across Brooklyn. A passionate industry leader and ICA Board member, Michaella brings a powerful perspective on leadership, culture, and team building that is highly relevant to the future salons.

Award-winning editorial stylist and texture artist Naeemah LaFond is known for blending fashion, culture, and creativity into bold, unforgettable looks. She has appeared on runways around the world as well as in Vogue, Glamour, Allure, ELLE, and WWD. The Global Brand Ambassador for Olaplex and Shark Beauty is Founder & Creative Director of Texture on Set, an annual conference focused on artistry and building community. Naeemah joins Gordon for an inspired conversation.