In this episode, we sit down with Marissa Carroll to talk about the real, raw reasons she left her commission salon to go independent—and why, after facing the realities of suite life, she ultimately chose to return. Marissa opens up about the freedom she was craving, the challenges that caught her off guard, and the unexpected ways her mindset shifted along the way. If you’ve ever wondered whether the grass is really greener on the other side, this episode is a must-listen.

We’re diving into how ChatGPT has seriously leveled up the way we run our salon. In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how we use AI behind the scenes — from writing policy updates and handling tricky guest messages to creating training guides, job posts, all things marketing and salon goals. If you’ve ever wondered how to save time, get out of your own head, or scale your business without burning out, this episode is your cheat code.

This week, we’re pulling no punches. We’re diving into the rise of a new generation of stylists claiming “specialist” status without the reps, the grit, or the confidence to back it up. Is it fear masked as branding? We’re calling it out.We also break down the right (and wrong) ways to roll out a price increase—because how you communicate it can make or break your guest retention. And finally, we unpack a real story of a salon owner whose attempt to inspire her team backfired—resulting in a top stylist walking out. What went wrong, and what can we learn?

In this episode, we sit down with Payton Wargo—a stylist who built a thriving business behind the chair in record time. She’s sharing the exact steps that helped her grow fast, the habits she swears by, and the hard lessons she had to learn along the way. If you're just starting out or feeling stuck, this episode is your blueprint. Follow her moves, apply the mindset—and the success is yours for the taking.

Ever wonder why a client never came back—and you never heard why? In this episode, we’re getting brutally honest. We’re breaking down real reasons clients said they didn’t return to their stylist or service provider. From disappointing results and lack of professionalism, to unclear pricing, hefty cancellation fees, and overall bad vibes—we’re diving into all of it.

Are you doing any of these things without realizing it? Let’s talk about it, reflect on it, and figure out how to fix it before it costs you your next loyal client.

Thinking about opening a salon? In this episode, we get real about how much things have changed in just the past few years. From rising construction and supply costs to navigating tenant improvement negotiations, the financial side looks different—and you need to be more strategic than ever. But it doesn’t stop there. We talk about why salon culture isn’t just a buzzword, it's a must-have if you want to keep a solid team, and how defining career paths is no longer optional. Plus, the part nobody warns you about: the emotional toll of being “always on” as an owner.

But don’t worry—we’re not here to scare you off. We’re giving you the playbook to do it successfully. If opening a salon is on your vision board, this episode is your blueprint for doing it the smart way in 2025.

In this episode, we’re diving into some spicy but necessary conversations every salon owner and stylist needs to hear. Where’s the line between being the boss and being a friend? Is it a red flag when salons refer to their team as “family”? We break down what healthy boundaries really look like. We also open up about the biggest money lessons we’ve learned in the industry, getting comfortable with talking about money, and why being afraid of the conversation can actually hurt your business. Plus getting real about a tough truth: why clients actually leave their stylists. Spoiler alert—it’s not always about the hair. Whether you’re new to the game or ready for your next level, this episode will leave you thinking!

In this episode, we sit down with one of our top stylists, Mia Gomez, whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. From the moment she joined our team, Mia committed herself to growth—rising through multiple promotions, and ultimately becoming a powerful mentor to the next generation of stylists. Mia opens up about the struggles she faced early on, the mindset shifts that helped her grow, and how those same struggles have become her greatest strengths. Now, she’s not just building her own career—she’s teaching others how to hit KPIs, elevate their skill sets, and step into their own leadership potential. If you're looking for motivation, real talk, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to grow in this industry, this episode is for you.

Getting a bad review or dealing with a client redo can feel like a punch to the gut—but it doesn’t have to wreck your confidence or your business. In this episode of Go Ham, we’re breaking down how to handle negative feedback with professionalism, turn redos into opportunities, and set boundaries to protect your time and energy. Whether you're a stylist, salon owner, or service provider, this is your game plan for keeping your reputation strong while keeping your sanity intact. Tune in and learn how to turn tough situations into wins! 

Thinking about stepping back behind the chair? In this episode, we break down the pros and cons of hands-on work in the salon VS running the show behind the scenes. Whether you’re a salon owner looking to boost revenue, reconnect with clients, or fill gaps in your team, we discuss what needs to happen before making the decision. Plus, we’ll cover who should consider it, who shouldn’t, and how to set yourself up for success if you do. Tune in for a real talk on balancing leadership and life behind the chair!