The Go Ham Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with Bob Philipp—a seasoned industry distributor—to unpack the current state of the beauty industry. From brand partnerships to price hikes, Bob pulls back the curtain on what’s really going on behind the scenes. We dive into the tough decisions salon owners face when choosing which beauty brands to align with, how global tariffs could impact pricing and product availability, and why so many major brands are raising prices while quietly cutting quality. Bob shares how these shifts inspired him to start his own distribution company built for salon owners—not for corporate profit. If you’ve ever questioned where your money is going or why your once-trusted product suddenly isn’t performing the same, this one’s for you.

In this episode, we sit down with Samantha Mattucci Curran, an industry vet with 10 years of commission salon experience—who made the bold decision to step into the world of independence. When we opened our salon suites right next door, she took the leap… and hasn’t looked back. We dive into what pushed her to make the switch, the wins (and curveballs) along the way, and how she's building her dream business one client at a time. Whether you're debating going solo or just curious about what it really takes, this conversation covers it all.

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.