Grow My Salon Business Podcast

Salon profitability is under more pressure than it has been in years, and the hard reality is that being busy isn't the same as being profitable. In this episode, I get into the financial fundamentals that too many salon owners avoid, because understanding your numbers is the only way to get in front of the problem before it becomes a crisis. By the end of this episode, you'll know exactly where to look in your business to find the leaks, whether you have a pricing problem or a productivity problem, and what your real options are for increasing profit margins. This isn't about cutting everything to the bone. It's about making smarter decisions with the facts in front of you. IN THIS EPISODE: being fully booked doesn't mean your salon is profitable,profit and loss reportpricing problem and a productivity problem,three ways to increase salon income, EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: [00:00] Introduction: Why salon profit margins are under pressure right now [00:27] The things you can control when times are tough [02:07] Why competitive pricing creates a crunch point for salon owners [03:04] How to use your profit and loss report correctly [04:29] What the numbers in a typical salon P&L actually look like [05:42] Pricing problems vs productivity problems: knowing which one you have [06:21] How to approach cutting costs without losing what matters [08:05] Why the miscellaneous line in your P&L deserves more attention [09:22] The three ways to increase your salon income [11:44] Why a price rise is the fastest lever available to you [12:38] Which services are actually profitable when you look at the real margins [13:25] Using technology and AI to create efficiencies in your business [14:16] Recap and your next action step RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏 Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. I love to hear what's been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time! Antony 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website

Running a successful salon for nearly 40 years in one of the most competitive cities on the planet takes more than talent. It takes the willingness to keep evolving your model, your mindset, and even the words you use with your team. My guest today, Scott Buchanan of the Manhattan-based Scott J Salons, has done exactly that. With around 90 employees across two locations, Scott's story is one of grit, reinvention, and a business built around culture and community. In this conversation, we get into the real numbers behind a thriving employee-based salon, why he treats his team as partners rather than employees, and what it actually takes to keep an employee-based salon competitive in today's market. If you want to build a business that still works 40 years from now, this is the episode to listen to. ✅ Why calling your team "partners" changes the way they show up every day ✅ The KPIs Scott tracks obsessively and why guest count matters more than top-line revenue ✅ How Scott uses "wellness check-ins" instead of performance reviews to drive better results ✅ How Scott thinks about AI, retail, and the future of the salon experience in the next five to ten years ✅ The one piece of advice from a 40-year career that every salon owner needs to hear IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Introduction: 40 years in Manhattan and what longevity really takes [00:50] Scott's current business: two locations, 93 staff, and a long road to get here [03:29] Is the age of the big salon over? Scott's honest take on boutique vs. large [05:37] Why Scott considers his team partners, not employees [07:18] Wellness check-ins: reframing performance reviews to drive real change [10:25] How to keep an employee-based team in the age of salon suites [13:55] The blowout story: why you have to be there when the client wants to be there [20:11] How Scott is using AI now and where he sees the salon industry heading [27:33] The key numbers Scott watches most closely, and what they reveal [37:07] Intercoiffure America/Canada: building a community for employee-based salon owners [43:57] Scott's one piece of advice for lasting 40 years in this industry Want MORE to help you GROW? 📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/ 🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/ RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏 Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. I love to hear what's been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time! Antony RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 🎓 Intercoiffure America/Canada – A community for employee-based, salary-based salon owners in North America – Find out more 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website 👉 FOLLOW SCOTT BUCHANAN! Instagram 👉 FOLLOW SCOTT J SALONS Instagram | website

Training a salon manager is one of the things salon owners often get wrong, and most don't realise it until they've already hired the wrong person, put them on payroll, but still end up doing everything themselves. In this episode, I share a five-step framework for getting it right, from figuring out whether your business can actually support a manager right now, to the mindset shift that changes everything about how you lead. By the end of this episode, you'll know exactly what to define before you hand anything over, why hiring another version of yourself backfires, and how to release control in a way that builds real capability over time. Done right, a great manager doesn't take things away from you. They give you your life back. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: two pillars that underpin good management, Why you need to consider the size of your businesshiring a mini youtrain for outcomes, not just tasks,"let the leash out slowly" approachgetting it out of your head and onto paper EPISODE TIMESTAMPS [00:00] Introduction: The challenge of training a salon manager [00:30] Why hiring a manager isn’t as simple as it sounds [01:19] The real question: how do you let go without losing control? [01:45] The two pillars of management: people skills vs systems [03:18] Why most salon owners lean heavily to one side [04:11] The moment you realise you need help [05:04] The fear of hiring and trusting a manager [06:00] The two biggest obstacles: no systems and financial pressure [06:40] Why most salons can’t afford a non-producing manager [07:18] Delegating vs dumping chaos [14:49] Recap of the 5-step framework [15:41] Why a great manager gives you back your life [16:04] How to get help RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 🎓 Salon Management Course - A complete blueprint for building a salon that runs with or without you - Find out more Want MORE to help you GROW? 📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/ 🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/ RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏 Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. I love to hear what's been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time! Antony 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website

The economics of running a salon have changed, and if your approach to training assistants hasn't changed with it, your margins are going to keep shrinking. In this episode, I answer the questions salon owners are actually grappling with right now: Is it still worth taking on apprentices, how quickly should they be contributing, and what does it look like when a salon actually gets training right? If you've been winging it or leaving it to chance, this episode gives you a clear framework and five practical takeaways you can act on straight away. IN THIS EPISODE: condensing the apprenticeship timelineincome-producing and non-income-producing staffshould be contributingtraining problems are self-inflictedFive clear takeawaysEPISODE TIMESTAMPS [00:00] Introduction [00:28] Can you condense a two-year apprenticeship without lowering standards? [01:21] How assistants contribute to revenue [02:41] Income-producing vs. non-income-producing staff [04:37] The shift required to make apprenticeships viable [05:40] A brief history of apprenticeships [09:00] Are employment-based salons restructuring the assistant pathway? [11:27] What the best salons are doing differently [12:33] Five takeaways for salon owners Want MORE to help you GROW? 📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books 🆘 Management overwhelm? Download our free checklist 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website RATINGS & REVIEWS 🙏 Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. I love to hear what's been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time! Antony

Most salon owners believe their biggest problem is not getting enough new clients, but what if that’s not true? In this episode, I break down why focusing on client attraction alone is keeping you stuck, and what’s really stopping your salon from growing consistently. I share the simple (but often overlooked) three-part marketing formula that every high-performing salon is built on. The reality is, most salons are already getting enough new clients, but they’re losing them just as quickly. And that’s where the real problem lies. If you’re tired of constantly chasing new clients and want to build a salon business that grows predictably, with loyal clients who keep coming back, then this episode will shift how you think about marketing forever. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:25] What do you picture when you think of a million-dollar salon? [01:02] Why high-performing salons are simpler than you think [02:00] Why understanding the real problem matters before you hear the formula [03:06] The retention numbers that should stop you in your tracks [04:53] The three-part marketing formula [05:44] Where most salons drop the ball [07:59] Why the three pieces must work together, not in isolation [11:03] What million-dollar salons do differently [11:28] The importance of tracking your numbers [12:25] Industry benchmarks and what to aim for [12:53] Why you need to run retention reports by individual stylist [14:01] The marketing course, what's inside and how to join [17:06] Wrapping up, the formula, the course, and see you next week RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 🎓 Salon Marketing Course - now open for enrolment - Find out more Want MORE to help you GROW? 📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/ 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time! Antony

The difference between a good salon and a world-class one isn’t talent. It’s standards, and the leadership to hold them. In this episode, I take inspiration from the Netflix series Being Gordon Ramsay and unpack what it really takes to build a world-class business, whether that’s a restaurant or a salon. Because when you strip it back, the fundamentals are the same. It’s not about talent alone. It’s about standards, leadership, and the culture you create. I talk about the obsession with detail that separates good from exceptional, why leadership isn’t always comfortable (but it is necessary), and how the best teams operate as a unit, not a group of individuals. These are practical insights you can apply immediately in your salon. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Introduction and why this matters for salon owners [00:48] Lessons from The Bear and restaurant culture [02:21] Why Being Gordon Ramsay is worth watching [04:00] The 3 pillars: standards, leadership, and pride [04:31] Why standards, not talent, drive excellence [06:30] The power of attention to detail [07:40] Leadership, clarity, and responsibility [08:44] Finding the breaking points in your business [10:12] Respect for craft and raising standards [12:12] From employees to custodians of the brand [13:35] The big question: what are you building? WANT MORE TO HELP YOU GROW? 🎓 Salon Marketing Course - now open for enrolment - Find out more RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Being Gordon Ramsay (Netflix) Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara The Bear (TV series) RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE If you enjoyed this episode, you'll also like: Episode 322: The Beautiful Chaos of Building a Team → Listen here 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏 Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time! Antony

Instagram marketing for salons is constantly evolving, and if you're relying on strategies from even a year ago, there are changes you need to know about. In this episode, I’m joined once again by Instagram specialist Hayley Mears to unpack what’s working on Instagram right now and what salon owners need to be doing differently in 2026. We dive into the simple three-step structure that every successful Instagram carousel needs, why hooks are more important than ever, and how to create content that people actually save and share. Because, as you’ll hear, the algorithm has shifted and likes are no longer the metric that matters the most. We also talk about AI, why hashtags are becoming increasingly irrelevant, and how salon owners can use Instagram to amplify the one thing technology can’t replace, the human experience. This episode is packed with practical ideas you can start using straight away. IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN: ✅ The 3-step structure every successful Instagram carousel needs ✅ Why hooks are critical to getting people to swipe ✅ Why the algorithm now values saves and shares over likes ✅ Whether hashtags are becoming irrelevant ✅ How to use AI without losing your authentic voice ✅ Three practical Instagram strategies for salon owners in 2026 EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: [00:05] Introduction to the episode and what listeners can expect [00:47] Introducing Instagram specialist Hayley Mears [02:00] The 3-step structure every successful Instagram carousel needs [04:49] Why writing a strong hook is the hardest part of a carousel [07:46] Calls to action that actually work on Instagram [11:33] Using AI for captions without losing your authentic voice [14:47] Why Instagram now rewards saves and shares over likes [21:42] Why Instagram is showing more content to non-followers [23:07] Are hashtags becoming irrelevant? [27:00] Three actionable Instagram strategies for salon owners in 2026 RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Join us on our upcoming free Salon Marketing Masterclass on 16th & 17th March. From Random Tactics to Fully Booked: How to Create a Salon Marketing System That Gets Clients In and Keeps Them Coming Back. SAVE YOUR SEAT 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website 👉 FOLLOW SIX UNDERGROUND MEDIA! Instagram | Website RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. 👉 Here's what you do: - On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first) - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars - Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time! Antony

Most salon owners think they have a marketing problem. In reality, what they usually have is a clarity problem, a positioning problem, and a consistency problem. And until those things are fixed, no amount of posting, boosting, or discounting is going to change the outcome. In this episode, I break down what marketing actually is, not the social media version, not the trend-driven version, but the strategic version that builds predictable growth. I talk about the difference between image building and business building, the four layers of effective marketing, and why so many salons are stuck in a cycle of reactive tactics. If you’re tired of unpredictable bookings, blaming the algorithm, or hoping things will “pick up soon,” then this episode will give you a framework to think differently and more strategically about marketing your salon. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Introduction and why most salon owners misunderstand marketing [00:00:49] The real problem: clarity, strategy and consistency [00:03:10] Activity vs strategy: why busy doesn’t mean effective [00:03:10] Image building vs business building marketing [00:04:44] What marketing actually is [00:05:00] The four layers of marketing explained [00:05:25] Layer 1: Clarity - knowing your ideal client [00:05:50] Layer 2: Positioning - why clients should choose you [00:06:41] Layer 3: Visibility - and why most skip the foundations [00:07:30] Layer 4: Client conversion - where money is often lost [00:07:55] The real cost of weak marketing [00:08:39] Why unstable revenue damages culture and productivity [00:09:00] What good marketing actually feels like [00:10:14] The industry-wide marketing framework problem [00:10:37] Invitation to the free marketing training [00:11:19] Why predictable growth requires predictable marketing Want MORE to help you GROW? 📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/ 👉 Register your interest for my FREE webinar From Random Tactics to Fully Booked: How to Create a Salon Marketing System That Gets Clients In and Keeps Them Coming Back. RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. 👉 Here's what you do: - On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first) - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars - Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time! Antony RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Register your interest for my FREE webinar From Random Tactics to Fully Booked: How to Create a Salon Marketing System That Gets Clients In and Keeps Them Coming Back. 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website

AI is changing Google search faster than most salon owners realise, and whether you like it or not, it’s going to impact your business. In this episode, I'm joined by returning guest Phil Evans from Salon Guru, and we're diving into what AI is doing to Google search and what that means for your salon business. We break down how Google's AI is already showing up in your potential clients' search results, what's actually driving which salons appear at the top, and why content and reviews still remain the foundation of everything. We also get into the practical stuff, how to use AI tools like ChatGPT without sounding like a robot, why you need to know your traffic and rank numbers before anything else, and the simple phone test you can do today that will tell you exactly where your salon stands. Phil's homework at the end of this episode is worth the listen alone. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Introduction and marketing course waitlist announcement [01:13] Welcoming Phil Evans from Salon Guru back to the show [02:00] What AI has actually changed about Google search [03:15] How AI search works in practice, with real examples [07:57] The numbers behind salon website traffic (and what "good" looks like) [09:13] What determines which salon ranks first for "best balayage near me" [10:00] Why content and reviews are 90% of the job [11:31] The three most important things a small salon owner should focus on [16:00] How to use AI writing tools without sounding like a robot [19:25] What happens if a salon ignores AI and search over the next few years [21:00] How to make your existing content AI-ready [22:39] Three practical takeaways you can action today [23:08] The free rank report from Salon Guru (and how to find your numbers) [25:10] How local search radius works, and the wake-up call most salons need Want MORE to help you GROW? 📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/ 🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/ RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. 👉 Here's what you do: - On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first) - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars - Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time! Antony RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Join the waitlist for our Online Salon Marketing Course Salon Guru - Rank Report 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website 👉 FOLLOW SALON GURU! Instagram | Website

There are many responsibilities that come with being a salon owner, and if we're honest, most of us give very little thought to them before we open our doors. One of the biggest blind spots is the ongoing training and development of our teams. Too many salon owners assume their people will arrive fully formed and ready to perform. But it just doesn't work like that. In this episode, I'm asking the question: have we created an industry where owners and managers are afraid to be the leaders we're meant to be? Because when there's no real training culture in a salon, the cost is real: poor retention, fragmented culture, no career path. And that lack of leadership is one of the key drivers pushing good stylists towards self-employment. But this episode isn't just about the problem; it's about the solution. What does a salon with a real training culture actually look like? And what changes for your team and your business when you stop waiting for people to show up ready and start developing them yourself? IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Welcome [00:45] Why salon owners expect too much before they've given enough [02:06] The transition from stylist to salon owner, and what gets missed along the way [03:00] How teams are left to pick up bits and pieces from social media and product events [07:28] The real cost: poor retention, no culture, no career path [07:58] Why the self-employment exodus is a leadership problem, not a people problem [09:20] What a real training culture actually looks like [10:40] You don't have to do it yourself, but you do have to make it happen [12:25] The numbers that tell you whether your stylists really know their stuff [13:11] The leverage you have as a leader: productivity and pay [13:57] What real leadership looks like in practice [14:59] The takeaway: it's your responsibility to develop them [15:40] How structured training changes everything [16:00] Final thoughts and next steps Want MORE to help you GROW? 📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/ 🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/ RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. 👉 Here's what you do: - On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first) - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars - Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time! Antony RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: The Super Stylist Online program - Find out more Free Masterclass - Creating a Productive and Profitable Salon Culture - Save your seat 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Gerard Scarpaci, co-founder of Hairbrained and host of the Hairbrained Conversations podcast. We talk about the big shifts happening in hairdressing right now, how the next generation learns differently, and why the old business models have been turned on their head. Gerard shares what excites him most about the industry today, but he’s also refreshingly honest about the risks, particularly around lack of direction, mentorship, and the pressure many hairdressers are carrying without even realising it. We also dig into job satisfaction, education, live events, the changing relationship between salons and manufacturers, and why content creation is becoming one of the biggest opportunities for young hairdressers today. This is a wide-ranging, honest conversation about what it really takes to build a sustainable, fulfilling career in today’s salon business. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Welcome and Introducing Gerard Scarpaci [01:48] What excites Gerard about the industry today [05:00] The concerns and risks of increased independence [09:00] The Hairbrained Confidence Index explained [12:36] Why industry data is emotional, not scientific [16:26] What successful salons are doing differently [17:56] Job satisfaction, pressure, and performance [23:08] Learning, relevance, and modern education challenges [29:36] Fundamentals vs "timely and relevant" learning [32:32] The changing relationship between brands and salons [37:00] Online education, live events, and what's working now [44:28] Opportunities for the next generation of hairdressers [48:00] Where to connect with Gerard and closing thoughts Want MORE to help you GROW? 📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/ 🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/ RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. 👉 Here's what you do: - On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first) - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars - Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time! Antony 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website 👉 FOLLOW HAIRBRAINED! Instagram | Website 👉 FOLLOW GERARD SCARPACI! Instagram

Nearly four years ago, I recorded an episode about why hairdressers should be recommending professional retail. And yet, here we are, still having the same conversation. The fundamentals haven’t changed, but the world we’re operating in absolutely has. Inflation, online shopping, influencers, and changing client behaviour… all of it has added new layers to old objections. In this episode, I break down why so many stylists still avoid recommending retail and, more importantly, what’s really sitting underneath those objections. I walk through the most common excuses I hear, grouped into skill issues, mindset issues, fear issues, and systems issues and explain why teaching product knowledge or scripts alone will never fix the problem. This isn’t about being pushy or “selling.” It’s about professionalism, service, responsibility, and ultimately the sustainability of your business. If you’re a salon owner or a stylist who wants stronger client relationships, better results, and a more profitable salon, this is a conversation you can’t keep avoiding. IN THIS EPISODE: Want MORE to help you GROW? 📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/ 🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/ RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. 👉 Here's what you do: - On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first) - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars - Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time! Antony 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website

In this final episode of our three-part series on the five pillars of salon success, I take a different approach by talking you through the journey of Sarah, a real salon owner who in many ways reflects the journey that salon owners everywhere go through. Sarah’s a very good hairdresser, and she definitely doesn’t have a work ethic problem, but despite working harder than ever, doing everything “right” as a stylist, her business was barely surviving. She was exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering if she’d made a huge mistake. Over 12 months of working together, everything changed, not because she worked harder still or took on more clients, but because she stopped trying to fix business problems with hairdressing skills. Instead, she learned how to run her business the right way. Over the course of 2025, we focused on leadership, systems, money, marketing, team development, and culture and the results were incredible and became the blueprint for my Business School Intensive program. This episode shows you what real change actually looks like when you commit to learning the business side of running your salon properly. And if you see yourself in this story, it might just help you decide what you’re going to do next. IN THIS EPISODE: Want MORE to help you GROW? 📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/ 🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/ RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. 👉 Here's what you do: - On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first) - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars - Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time! Antony RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Free 3-part video series ‘The 5 Things Holding Your Salon Back From Growing (and how to fix them)’ Register and get them sent straight to your inbox 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website

In this episode, I’m diving deep into the Money Pillar of salon success, because after more than 20+ years of coaching salon owners all over the world, I know this to be true: you can have a full appointment book, a talented team, and great marketing, and still be broke. Being busy does not automatically mean you’re profitable, and for a lot of salon owners, that realisation is both confusing and exhausting. I talk through the three biggest money problems that keep salon owners stuck: not knowing if they’re actually profitable, underpricing services based on fear instead of maths, and tracking the wrong numbers, or no numbers at all. If you’ve ever looked at a busy month and wondered where all the money went, this episode will explain exactly why that keeps happening. Most importantly, I show you what to focus on instead. The key numbers that actually matter, how to stop guessing, and how financial literacy changes everything once you learn it. Because when you understand your numbers, you stop hoping and start running your salon with confidence, clarity, and profit. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Introduction and the five pillars recap [02:30] Busy does not equal profitable [04:16] Problem #1: Not knowing if you’re actually profitable [05:22] Why your bank balance lies [05:46] Understanding your profit and loss statement [07:05] Problem #2: Pricing based on fear instead of maths [08:42] The real cost of underpricing services [09:35] Problem #3: Tracking the wrong numbers [10:18] Profit margins and industry benchmarks [11:00] Average ticket and why it matters [11:35] Client retention and the biggest leak in your business [12:03] Cost per service explained [12:27] Revenue per hour and stylist productivity [15:07] Free training and Business School Intensive overview [17:13] Final thoughts and what’s coming next week Want MORE to help you GROW? 📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/ 🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/ RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. 👉 Here's what you do: - On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first) - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars - Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time! Antony RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Free Business Bootcamp: The Five Things Holding Your Salon Back from Growing (and how to fix them.) Register below and get instant access to the first video, then receive one new training each day for three days. Register Here 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website

After 20+ years of coaching salon owners, I can spot the pattern in under 5 minutes. Talented stylist opens dream salon, becomes overwhelmed operator, wonders what went wrong. If you're working harder than ever but not getting ahead, if you're the busiest person in your salon but still stressed about money, you're not alone. In today’s episode, I'm revealing the #1 mistake that keeps talented salon owners stuck. The problem is that you're trying to solve business problems with technical skills instead of business skills. You cannot solve business problems by doing more hair. I'm breaking down the 5 Pillars of Salon Success, the framework that separates struggling salons from thriving ones. Most salon owners are working on 1 or 2 of these pillars. The successful ones master all 5. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Why this episode might change how you see your business [01:19] The pattern I see constantly with salon owners [03:00] What most salon owners do when struggling [04:03] The #1 mistake: You can't solve business problems by doing more hair [06:00] The shift successful salon owners make [07:02] The 5 Pillars of Salon Success framework [07:19] Pillar #1: Management & Systems [08:09] Pillar #2: Money & Financial Clarity [09:03] Pillar #3: Marketing That Actually Works [10:14] Pillar #4: Super Stylist (Team Performance) [11:12] Pillar #5: Team & HR (Hiring, Culture, Retention) [12:34] Why all 5 pillars must work together [13:00] Why overwhelm comes from incomplete business education [13:22] Announcing the free 3-part video training [15:00] Introducing GROW Business School (12-month program) [15:25] How to access the free training Want MORE to help you GROW? FREE 3-PART VIDEO TRAINING: "The Five Things Holding Your Salon Back From Growing (And How to Fix Them)" 👉Register and get the free video series sent straight to your inbox RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. 👉 Here's what you do: - On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first) - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars - Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time! Antony 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website NEXT WEEK: Episode 331 - Part 2 of the series: Deep dive into the Money Pillar. Why your salon is busy but not profitable, and exactly how to fix it.

A new year always brings with it a sense of possibility. It’s that “that was then, this is now” moment where you get to draw a line in the sand and decide what happens next. But let’s be honest, for many salon owners right now, business feels tougher than ever. Clients are cautious, bookings feel unpredictable, and the world around us feels uncertain. In this episode, I talk about the reality of running a salon in times like these and why focusing on everything outside your control is a guaranteed way to feel overwhelmed. Global uncertainty, economic pressure, and changing consumer behaviour are real, but they’re not where your power lies. Instead, I break down exactly what is within your control, both as a salon owner and as a stylist. Because when you focus on the controllables, the systems, the standards, the leadership, and the client experience, you put yourself back in the driver’s seat. And when you do that, growth isn’t just possible. It’s predictable. IN THIS EPISODE: [01:43] The reality that many salon owners are facing right now [02:23] Not everyone is struggling, why that matters [03:06] Why being in business has always been hard [03:32] Global uncertainty and its impact on client spending [04:17] What you can control vs what you can’t [04:50] Control the controllable, leadership starts here [05:09] What stylists are in control of every single day [07:42] What salon owners are in control of [09:32] Why focusing on the controllables guarantees growth Want MORE to help you GROW? 📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/ 🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/ RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. 👉 Here's what you do: - On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first) - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars - Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time! Antony RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Free Online Training: ‘The five things holding your salon back from growing and how to fix them’. Join the waitlist to be sent the first training on 12th January. 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website

Not every hairdresser wants to be self-employed, and in this episode, I explain why that’s not only okay, but why it creates a real opportunity for salon owners to rethink what an employee-employer-based business can and should look like today. Too often, self-employment is sold as the only path to freedom, flexibility, and financial success, without anyone stopping to talk honestly about the real costs involved. In today's episode, I talk about what many stylists don’t calculate before they make the leap: rent, tax, product, tech, training, marketing, lost holiday pay, and the time spent working on the business instead of in it. For plenty of people, the reality is that they end up earning about the same or less than they did as an employee, but with a lot more responsibility and pressure. I also talk about what salon owners must do if they want to attract and keep great people in 2026 and beyond. The old rules don’t apply anymore. Being good at hair isn’t enough. If you want to build a business that thrives, you need leadership skills, business skills, and the willingness to adapt. On a final note. Whether you are a returning listener or perhaps this is your first time, either way, thank you for trusting that we bring you the people and the insights that are needed to grow your salon business. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Welcome to the podcast [01:00] Not everyone wants to be self-employed, and that’s okay [01:31] Why hairdressers want teams, security, and belonging [02:16] When self-employment is the wrong move [02:44] The myth of “keeping all the money” [03:32] The real expenses of working for yourself [05:33] Freedom vs. the reality shown on social media [05:53] Why many stylists return to employment [07:00] Technology, the pandemic, and changing work attitudes [07:33] Why traditional salon models started pushing people away [08:00] Flexibility, resistance to change, and the perfect storm [08:43] Why salon owners must adapt to survive [09:00] Leadership, respect, and treating your team as clients [10:00] What having a team makes possible [11:28] Looking ahead to 2026 Want MORE to help you GROW? 📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/ 🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/ RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. 👉 Here's what you do: - On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first) - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars - Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time! Antony RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: FREE TRAINING: The Five Things Holding Your Salon Back From Growing and How to Fix Them in 2026 - For Priority Notification - Jump on the waitlist here 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website

This short episode is a reflection on the real relationships we form with the people who sit in our chairs. I’ve often said that clients aren’t your friends, they’re your clients. And professionally, that boundary matters. But every now and then, those lines blur in ways that are deeply human. I share a couple of stories from my time behind the chair that have stayed with me for decades. One client who reminded me never to underestimate the importance of kindness, and another who became part of my family in the most unexpected way. These are reminders of the quiet role hairdressers play in people’s lives, sometimes without even realising it. As the year wraps up, this episode is simply a thank you. To the clients we serve, the relationships we build, and to you for listening. Because when you stop and think about it, this industry can create some very special connections, and it’s easy to take them for granted. Want MORE to help you GROW? 📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/ 🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/ RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. 👉 Here's what you do: - On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first) - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars - Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time! Antony 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website

At the end of every year, I like to take a step back and look at what’s really happening in our industry. Not just at a surface level, but underneath it all. In this episode, I’m joined by my good friend Gordon Miller for one of our now-regular “state of the nation” conversations, where we dig into the biggest shifts shaping the hairdressing industry right now. We talk about the growing importance of data, what AI is actually being used for inside real salons, and why understanding the numbers is no longer optional if you want a sustainable, profitable business. Gordon shares practical examples of how salons are using AI to improve communication, training, productivity, and decision-making, not as a replacement for people, but as a tool to make people better at what they do. We also explore the changing relationship between salons and product companies, the rise of independent and freelance models, and why great commission-based salons are still creating incredible careers for hairdressers who want stability, structure, and serious earning potential. If you care about the future of this industry and your place in it, this is a conversation worth listening to. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Welcome and introduction [00:24] Why end-of-year reflection matters for salon owners [02:14] The two biggest changes Gordon's seeing in 2025 [03:02] Data is becoming the decoder ring for everything [04:23] What's driving the focus on numbers and KPIs [08:37] The AI revolution in hairdressing salons [10:17] Real use cases: How top salons are using AI daily [14:42] Using AI to improve manager-team member communication [17:05] The connection between data and AI in salons [18:13] How salon tech companies are integrating AI [21:24] The evolution of the salon business model [25:04] Why the commission model isn't going anywhere [31:02] The truth about working hours in the industry [36:40] The changing relationship between salons and manufacturers [42:24] Why salon associations matter more than ever [45:25] Where to connect with Gordon Miller Want MORE to help you GROW? 📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/ 🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/ RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. 👉 Here's what you do: - On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first) - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars - Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time! Antony RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Episode 267 with Maxwell Snow from Van Michael salon in Atlanta 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website 👉 FOLLOW GORDON! Instagram | Website | Email

In this episode, I’m joined by Hayley Mears, former hairdresser, branding expert, and the driving force behind Six Underground Media. Hayley is also one of the guest educators inside our marketing course, and she brings a level of insight into social media, branding, and digital trends that most salon owners simply don’t have access to. We dive deep into what salon owners should expect from Instagram in 2026, why the platform is about to shift in a major way, and how AI is going to become a natural part of your marketing workflow, whether you like it or not. Hayley also opens up about outsourcing, building teams globally, why email addresses are more valuable than followers, and how Canva has democratised design for salon owners everywhere. If you want to stay ahead of the curve, understand what’s changing, and get practical, real-world advice from someone who lives and breathes digital marketing for salons, you’re going to love this conversation. IN THIS EPISODE: [02:23] Instagram trends coming in 2026 [04:26] Auto-responses, ManyChat, and in-app automations [06:00] The overwhelm salon owners feel around tech and social media [07:26] Should salons outsource or DIY their social? [08:59] Why capability and confidence aren’t the same thing [09:39] The shift in what salons need from social agencies [17:41] Three things to focus on for Instagram in 2026 [18:21] Why storytelling matters more than ever [21:04] How to use AI for content and campaign ideas [27:27] Canva: why every salon should be using it Want MORE to help you GROW? 📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/ 🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/ RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast. 👉 Here's what you do: - On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first) - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars - Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time! Antony RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Online Marketing Course - Join the waitlist - Enrolment opening January 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website 👉 FOLLOW HAYLEY MEARS! Instagram | Website