Grow My Salon Business Podcast

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

In this week’s episode, I’m tackling the flip side of a happy, high-performing team, what to do when things are not going smoothly. Because after the recent episode titled “The Beautiful Chaos of Building a Team,” I received a flood of emails from salon owners struggling with people issues. So today, I’m breaking down the key elements that set your team up to succeed, and what to do when they don’t. From defining the vision for your business, to recruiting for cultural fit, to onboarding properly, communicating clearly, and embracing change… this episode is all about the fundamentals of strong leadership in the salon industry. If you want a team that performs consistently, this one’s for you. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Welcome and listener shout-out [00:42] Why this topic matters — and the emails that prompted it [01:56] The big question: “How do I get people to do what I want?” [02:35] First question to ask: How did you set them up? [03:39] Point 1: Define your vision, culture, and systems [05:21] Point 2: Recruit for values and alignment [06:32] Point 3: Onboarding isn’t handing over a manual [07:50] Point 4: Communication solves more than it causes [09:26] Point 5: Don’t be afraid to manage performance [10:14] People who resist change — and what to do about them [12:57] Taking over an existing team = friction guaranteed [14:13] Addressing toxic behaviour head-on [17:17] Kaizen — why continuous improvement matters [18:13] Wrap-up — see you 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 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website

In this week’s episode, I sit down with someone who’s grown up alongside one of the most respected salon organisations in the United States. Today's guest is Coco Wagner, daughter of David and Charlie Wagner owners of the Juut Salon Spa’s. Coco brings a fascinating blend of global experience, fresh perspective, and deep respect for the culture her family has built over 40 years. What I love about this conversation is how open and thoughtful she is about stepping into a leadership role in a family business, especially one with 450 team members and multiple locations across the country. We dive into everything from evolving an established brand to navigating the changing needs of today’s workforce, to earning the trust of long-standing team members when you’re “the owner’s daughter.” Coco also shares why structure matters more than ever for Gen Z stylists, and how Juut has managed to keep more than half their team earning six-figure incomes while working fewer hours post-COVID. It’s a generous, insightful conversation about leadership, culture, and the future of salons, and I think you’ll take a lot from it whether you’re a salon owner, a leader in your business, or simply someone wondering how the next generation is shaping our industry. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:24] The Juut story and global context [01:30] David Wagner, Horst, and the early Aveda connection [07:01] Growing up in the salons and earning trust [11:18] Digital transformation: SEO, website, and social [15:18] Maintaining culture across locations [17:26] Leading without being a hairdresser [20:28] Team buy-in when changing culture [21:32] What Gen Z wants from salons today [23:01] Hours, flexibility, and six-figure incomes [24:52] Suite life vs. salon life — and the boomerang stylists [34:28] Family dynamics in a family business [36:52] Where to connect with Coco and Juut 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 COCO WAGNER! Instagram | Website

I've been thinking a lot about what really makes a great salon, and it's not always what you might think. Sure, brilliant technical skills matter, but what really sets exceptional salons apart is the energy, the culture, and the people. A coaching client told me recently about the atmosphere in her salon, no drama, no bitchiness, just fun, laughter, and genuine support. Her clients connect with that positive energy the minute they walk through the door. It got me reflecting on something I talk about in my new marketing course, that we need reminding, and that is, “We're in the people business”. But with all the focus on algorithms, followers, and SEO, we sometimes forget that the best marketing is creating an incredible experience that people want to tell their friends about. I also make a comparison between my favourite TV series, The Bear, and why it reminds me of the salons I've worked in and owned. And how there's something special that happens when you bring diverse personalities together with a shared commitment to excellence and to each other. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:52] A coaching client’s story about a vibrant team culture [01:43] The real source of positive salon energy [02:36] Offline vs. online marketing, and what actually matters [03:30] How marketing used to work before the internet [03:47] The benefits of combining offline and online worlds [04:19] Re-centring the industry on human connection [04:47] My favourite TV series: The Bear and why it resonates [06:49] Why team culture is both the best and hardest part of running a salon [09:25] Work families and the power of belonging [10:37] The leader’s role in directing team energy [10:59] Final thoughts: business is people 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 Bear TV Series 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Rita Marcon, whose story perfectly captures the courage it takes to follow your intuition and reinvent yourself. Rita is a former hairdresser who climbed the corporate ladder to become the Australian General Manager for one of the biggest haircare brands before taking a leap of faith to start her own business, I Am Conscious Living. Rita’s journey is full of wisdom about courage, leadership, and self-awareness. We talk about what it takes to leave the comfort of the known, how to stay grounded when everything’s changing, and the difference between leading others and truly leading yourself. Her approach to conscious living and human leadership is something every salon owner can learn from. Whether you’re leading a team, running a salon solo, or just looking to find more meaning and calm in the chaos, this conversation will leave you inspired to breathe, be brave, and lead with heart. IN THIS EPISODE: [01:00] Meet Rita Marcon, from salon floor to global leadership [04:50] Finding the courage to change direction [07:30] Lessons learned from 28 years in corporate life [10:10] Knowing your value and self-worth as a leader [13:00] The role of culture and communication in leadership [17:00] Applying corporate lessons to small business and solo ownership [23:00] Practical ways to bring conscious living into daily salon life [33:00] Preventing burnout and finding balance [36:20] When to follow your gut vs. data in decision making [42:50] A powerful story of resilience and self-leadership [46:45] One conscious habit for every salon owner [48:30] How to connect with Rita and learn more about I Am Conscious Living 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 RITA MACRON! Instagram | Website

As the end of the year approaches, it's tempting to push for maximum productivity, rush through holiday celebrations, and then collapse in a heap on Christmas Eve and call it done. But I want to challenge that. In this week’s episode, I’m talking about the power of celebration, why your team party isn’t just a party, but a culture-building strategy disguised as fun. I share stories from my own salons, where what started as a Christmas party evolved into something far more meaningful, a night of reflection, recognition, and connection. You’ll hear why celebrating your people is one of the smartest leadership moves you can make, and how simple, intentional gestures can anchor your team culture for the year ahead. So before you dive into 2026 planning, hit pause, listen in, and get inspired to make this year’s celebration something your team will never forget and set your salon up for the year ahead. IN THIS EPISODE: [01:07] Why the end of the year matters for reflection and gratitude [02:00] The evolution of my salon’s Christmas parties [03:13] Turning parties into powerful culture-building moments [04:42] The importance of team culture and belonging [06:13] Creating in-house awards and recognising achievement [07:52] Praise, purpose, and progress, what people crave at work [08:25] Building culture through moments, not KPIs [10:18] A framework for planning your end-of-year celebration [11:17] Creative salon award ideas to strengthen connection 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 week’s episode, I’m joined by someone whose story is as raw as it is inspiring, Blake Dufault. From a turbulent childhood filled with chaos and heartbreak to finding purpose through hairdressing, Blake’s journey is one of relentless growth and unshakable resilience. His book I Am_____ captures that journey beautifully, reminding us that our past doesn’t define us, our choices do. We talk about how hairdressing quite literally saved him, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and his powerful belief that no one is coming to save you; you have to choose growth for yourself. Blake also opens up about how his personal story evolved into a mission to make the industry better, leading him to create AIVA, an AI-driven salon management system built to give stylists their time back. This conversation is a reminder that success isn’t about shortcuts or luck; it’s about doing the work you’re avoiding, learning from failure, and never giving up on what’s possible. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Welcome and introduction to guest Blake Dufault [02:00] Why Blake wrote his book I Am Blank [06:30] Blake’s tough start in life and the lessons it taught him [09:45] How hairdressing became the turning point that saved him [12:30] Doing the work you’re avoiding – the real key to growth [14:00] The power of taking ownership: “No one’s coming to save you” [23:00] The writing process – ten years of reflection and refinement [26:30] From student to salon owner – building culture and systems [28:45] What successful salons are doing right today [31:00] How AI will reshape the future of salon business [34:00] Introducing AVA – the AI-driven virtual assistant for salons [41:00] Building technology that serves stylists, not the other way around [42:30] Why Blake walked away from social media (and how it worked) [44:30] Where to find Blake’s book and AIVA online 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: I AM - Book by Blake Dufault AIVA - runwithaiva.com 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website 👉 FOLLOW BLAKE DUFAULT! Facebook

This is part three, the final episode, in my three-part salon marketing series, and today it’s all about solutions. If you’ve listened to the first two episodes, you’ll know that the biggest problem in most salons isn’t attracting new clients, it’s keeping them. So in this episode, I’ll show you how to identify where your business is leaking clients, how to use your data to pinpoint what (and who) needs improvement, and how to start fixing it. You’ll learn the key retention metrics to track, how to interpret them, and how to turn those numbers into action, through training, coaching, and better systems. Because the key to sustainable growth isn’t through endless promotions and constantly chasing new clients, it comes from keeping the ones you already have. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Welcome to part three of the salon marketing series [01:00] Recap: what marketing really is and why most salons lose clients [02:00] The Starbucks lesson, “one client at a time” [03:00] Why data is your most powerful marketing tool [03:39] Understanding new vs. existing client retention [05:01] Benchmarks: what your retention rates should look like [06:33] Why individual stylist data matters more than salon averages [07:39] Using data to identify what (and who) needs improvement [08:53] Recap of the three-part marketing framework [12:00] Final message: growth happens one client at a time Want MORE to help you GROW? Online Salon Marketing course enrolment opening 27th October - Join the waitlist for all the info 📚 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 Salon Marketing course enrolment opening 27th October - Join the waitlist for all the info 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website

This is part two of my three-part series on salon marketing, and today we're diving into why most salons are reasonably good at attracting new clients but not nearly so good at keeping them. If you listened to last week's episode, you'll know that 60% of new clients never return for a second visit, and only one in ten make it to six visits. Today, I'm explaining exactly why that happens and what marketing really has to do with it. Here's the thing most salon owners get wrong: they think marketing stops once the client walks through the door. But that's actually when the second function of marketing begins. I'm talking about the client experience, the quality of your work, and the relationships your team builds. If you've been pouring money into advertising but still struggling with retention, this episode will change how you think about marketing forever. Next week, in part three, we'll get into the actual solutions, but today is about understanding where it all goes wrong. IN THIS EPISODE: [01:00] Quick recap of part one: the three functions of marketing [02:32] Why getting clients through the door isn’t the problem [03:20] What the second function of marketing really is [04:12] Two main reasons clients don’t come back [05:19] How to give clients a reason to return [06:31] When expectations don’t match experience [08:51] Why every detail in your salon is marketing [10:04] The role of your team in delivering on your marketing promise [11:12] Wrapping up and preview of part three: the solutions 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 Salon Marketing Course - Jump on the waitlist Want to share a photo of where you're listening to this podcast, tag us @growmysalonbusiness or email antony@growmysalonbusiness.com 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website