The Go Ham Podcast

Today we sat down with Derek Hull to talk straight about what’s actually working in salon marketing right now. If you’ve ever wondered how we’ve been able to grow brand awareness, drive new guests, and stay top of mind in a crowded market, Derek and Salon Ninja have been a huge part of that. Derek drops the bomb on his newest project: an AI powered salon software that literally lets you ask anything you need and get instant answers, handle tasks in seconds, and even has an AI phone system that answers calls and books appointments for you so your front desk can focus on humans instead of hold music. We unpack why salons that embrace technology pull ahead. If you want to stay competitive, build a modern salon ecosystem, and stop fighting against tools that exist to make your life easier, this one is a must listen.

This week, we’re talking about communication… the part of leadership that’s a breeze when you’ve got a tiny team, but can suddenly feel like herding cats once you grow. We’re diving into what’s worked for us, what absolutely didn’t, and the systems we’re using right now to keep everyone aligned without losing our sanity. We get into matching communication styles, setting clear expectations and boundaries, and why “just talk to each other” isn’t a strategy. And yeah… we still struggle, because real leadership isn’t about pretending you’ve got it mastered. It’s about constantly refining, learning, and communicating smarter.

We sat down with straight-shooter Nina Tulio for a real talk on what leadership in the salon industry actually looks like today—no buzzwords, no sugar-coating. Nina breaks down how leadership has evolved, why servant leadership still wins, and how to lead from purpose instead of ego. She also dives deep into one of the hardest things for stylists to face: raising prices without guilt. If you’ve ever struggled with confidence, emotions, or feeling “not ready,” this episode is your wake-up call to start charging your worth, lead with intention, and treat your chair like the business it truly is.

We see it all the time in this industry, people lose their drive. When the pressure, and the constant giving start to outweigh the love for the craft, it can feel easier to walk away. But sometimes, stepping back is the only way to remember why you fell in love with it in the first place. In this episode, we sit down with Cesalee Smith, a stylist who’s walked that exact path—leaving the industry completely, only to realize she missed it more than ever. We talk about burnout, rediscovering purpose, and what it’s really like to come back to the chair with a whole new perspective If you’ve ever thought about quitting or wondered what it would take to fall back in love with doing hair—this one’s for you.

On this episode, we sit down with Gina Bianca, a true jack of all trades in the industry. From hairstylist to commission/booth rental owner, yoga studio owner, and one of the most sought-after educators in the business, Gina has been through it all. She doesn’t sugarcoat her story, and she doesn’t shy away from the hard parts. We dive deep into the challenges she’s faced, the pivots she’s made, and the lessons she’s carried through every chapter of her career. If you’ve been waiting for a sign to make a change, Gina’s raw honesty will remind you that it all starts with yourself. This episode is proof that success isn’t about avoiding struggle, it’s about how you rise through it.

Salon breakups aren’t fun, but they’re inevitable. In this episode, we’re diving into the tough stuff—how to know when it’s time for someone to exit your company, whether that’s a resignation or a firing. We’ll walk through the warning signs, the right and wrong ways to handle it, and the big mistakes to avoid during and after a departure. Most importantly, we’ll talk about how to move forward—protecting your culture, supporting your team, and setting yourself up for growth on the other side.

In this episode, we get real about one of the hardest parts of being a hairstylist—GUILT. From upholding salon policies, client’s personal situations tugging at your heart, to saying no when someone begs you to squeeze them in on your day off, we’re covering it all. We talk about the pressure to always be empathetic, the blurred line between personal and professional, and how to protect your time without feeling like the bad guy. If you’ve ever felt torn between being a people-pleaser and running a business with boundaries, this one’s for you.

From refund demands to clients walking out without paying, and even the occasional case of public indecency, salon ownership comes with some wild stories. In this episode of Go Ham, we’re diving into the common headaches and the rare “did that really just happen?” moments that test your patience, professionalism, and problem-solving skills. Buckle up, because we’re spilling the tea on the challenges most people never see behind the chair.

Thinking about raising your prices but not sure if it’s the right move—or the right time? In this episode, we’re breaking down the when, why, and how of price increases. From recognizing the signs it's time to charge more, to understanding when not to raise prices, we’re giving you the full roadmap. We’ll cover the right (and wrong) ways to communicate price changes, how to keep your clients' trust, and how to avoid common missteps that hurt your brand. Whether you’re a new business owner or a seasoned pro, this episode will give you the confidence and clarity to make strategic pricing decisions that support your business growth—not sabotage i

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on all things marketing in the salon industry, from Google and Yelp to paid ads, community outreach, and everything in between. We’re breaking down what’s worked for us, what flopped, and what we’re testing this year to keep our books full and our brand top-of-mind. Whether you're a salon owner looking to attract more dream clients or just want to stop wasting money on marketing that doesn't convert, this one’s packed with real talk, lessons learned, and marketing goals we’re chasing in 2025.