Creative

Episode 167

15 November 2022

Sometimes I find myself searching for words to aptly describe the achievements and status of someone who is way ahead of the pack.

My guest on today's episode is one such person, and I’m going to describe him as a ‘hairdressing genius.’

Sam McKnight is a session stylist with a list of eye-watering achievements, including having worked with every supermodel you can name, as well as celebrities, movie stars, royalty, photographers, magazines, and fashion designers, over the last 40 years.

He has so many Vogue covers to his credit that he’s lost count (well over 250!) He’s won awards, had exhibitions, published his own book, and been a contributing editor to British Vogue.

Sam is currently a judge on the UK reality TV show, ‘The Big Blow Out’ (which is sponsored by Paul Mitchell), and on top of all that, Sam is the founder of his own product range, simply called “Hair by Sam McKnight.”

So, in today's podcast, we just talk about being Sam McKnight…

In this Episode:

[04:04] The transition point in Sam’s life that is marked by his book, Hair By Sam McKnight.

[09:47] Sam explains what motivated him to become a session stylist at a time when most hairdressers were focused on cutting hair.

[14:46] The person who influenced Sam in the early years of his career.

[16:33] Value that lies in building and maintaining good relationships with people in the industry.

[19:38] Characteristics and situations that Sam is repelled by.

[23:06] The balance between intimacy and distance that is required of a hairdresser.

[26:21] A trait that Sam believes has been key to his success.

[27:29] Some of the catalytic moments that signaled a step-up in Sam’s career.

[29:38] The combination of factors that turn a model into a worldwide phenomenon.

[32:24] Dynamism that defines the modern hairdressing industry.

[34:51] The genius of Karl Lagerfeld.

[37:27] The power that lies in being a hairstylist.

[42:13] How Sam became involved in the reality TV show, The Big Blow Out, and an overview of the concept behind the show.

[46:53] Sam’s experience of creating his haircare brand, and the elements that make his products stand out.

[52:22] What Sam thinks hairdressers should do to stay relevant in the industry as it evolves.

[59:19] Sam’s biggest strength, the most important life lesson he has learned, and what he wishes he was better at.

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 also love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Just click here to review, scroll to the bottom, tap “Ratings and Reviews” tap to rate with 5 stars and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you for your support!

Special thanks to Sam for sharing his insights with me for this week’s episode. Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Sam McKnight

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Episode 158

13 September 2022

A career in hairdressing can take you on a journey in all sorts of directions that you couldn’t possibly have imagined!

My guest on today's podcast is hairstylist Wendy Iles, the founder of her signature product line and a true ‘Celebrity Hairdresser’ in every sense of the word.

In today’s episode, we will discuss:

Finding the balance between a successful career and life as a mother and wife.
What it takes to be a successful celebrity hairdresser.
The importance of strong foundation skills.
And lots more!

In this Episode:

[05:29] How Wendy defines a Celebrity Hairdresser and how she came to hold this title.

[10:36] The difference between being a magazine session stylist and a celebrity hairdresser.

[13:33] Wendy shares the story of her journey of learning to dress hair.

[19:06] How Wendy’s time spent living in France has influenced how she approaches her work.

[20:55] Comparing vogue aesthetics across the world.

[24:04] A big reason for the limited number of female hairdressers working as editorial and session stylists.

[28:52] The instrumental role of hairdressers in editorial shoots.

[32:01] Wendy shares the story of how she became president of a haircare company.

[38:29] Big changes taking place in the Iles Formula family business this year.

[40:48] What Wendy feels is her biggest achievement.

[45:16] Wendy’s thoughts on the evolution of the salon industry.

[49:01] Inspiration to step out of your comfort zone!

[50:40] The importance of nurturing connections.

[52:49] The biggest lesson that Wendy has learned throughout her illustrious career.

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 also love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Just click here to review, scroll to the bottom, tap “Ratings and Reviews” tap to rate with 5 stars and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you for your support!

Special thanks to Wendy for sharing her insights with me for this week’s episode.

Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Wendy Iles

Website | Email | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Iles Formula

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Pinterest

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Episode 154

22 August 2022

My guest on today's podcast is London-based hairdresser, salon owner, editorial stylist, product developer, and general hairdressing visionary John Vial.

As you are about to discover, John has been involved in many areas of the hair and beauty business and continues to inspire at many levels across the industry.

In today’s podcast we will discuss:

The TV make-over show ‘10 Years Younger in 10 Days’
John’s TED Talk
The challenges with salon ownership and the industry today
Developing a product line with a difference…

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[02:37] John shares the origins of his salon industry career.

[06:23] The transformative power of hairdressing (in more than just the physical sense).

[08:51] 10 Years Younger in 10 Days; the enormous popularity of the TV makeover show that John is involved with.

[11:24] The evolution of John’s upcoming sustainable product range (the focus of his first TED talk).

[14:11] A brief overview of how blockchain works, and its benefits.

[18:22] John shares what led him to become an editorial stylist.

[20:55] The role that John played in changing perceptions around men’s hairdressing.

[24:16] John’s thoughts on trends.

[29:44] Examples of some hairdressing suitability rules that shouldn’t be broken.

[30:55] The ultimate goal of hairdressing.

[33:51] What it takes to be successful, according to John.

[38:25] Major insecurities that John struggled with, and the invaluable lesson that he has learned through (almost) 12 years of sobriety.

[41:47] Two reasons why the hairdressing industry is in freefall.

[49:01] How John keeps himself inspired.

[51:04] What John sees as his biggest strength, and what he wishes he was better at.

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.

Special thanks to John for sharing his story with me for this week’s episode. Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Website | Facebook | Instagram

John Vial

10 Years Younger

Salon Sloane

Tim Blanks

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Episode 151

25 July 2022

Over the last 20 years, salon hair fashion has predominantly been focused on colour and styling, whereas the ’60s to the ’90s were the era of the haircut.

Many young hairdressers today are terrified about the thought of ‘cutting’ unless it's taking the ends off long hair and many salon owners say that they just can’t find stylists who have the technical and creative skills to cut hair well.

My guest on today's Podcast is Ben Brown, who has built a very successful cutting education company and although based in the UK, works in many countries teaching the art and science of what makes a great haircut.

In today’s podcast, we discuss:

Why opening a salon isn’t for everyone
Starting an online education company
Teaching technique and suitability

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[02:37] Ben shares an overview of his personal, educational, and professional life.

[05:49] The character trait that has been key to Ben’s success.

[09:02] Ben shares what drew him to hairdressing.

[12:12] What drove Ben to open his own salon, and then close it after 6 years.

[21:23] Ben’s top pieces of advice for anyone interested in opening a salon.

[24:54] Where Ben’s journey as a cutting educator began.

[30:18] The misconception that Ben had about education in the salon industry before he entered the space.

[33:56] How Ben’s education business is structured.

[36:41] Factors that Ben believes make someone a good hair cutter.

[39:18] The main goal that Ben aims to achieve through his role as an educator.

[45:29] Ben’s approach to teaching suitability.

[02:34] Why current changes taking place in the salon industry aren’t negatively impacting Ben’s company.

[55:52] Advice for finding models on whom to practice cutting short hair.

[59:52] The multitude of resources offered by Ben’s online education company.

[1:03:39] Why Ben does what he does.

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.

Special thanks to Ben for sharing his insights with me for this week’s episode.

Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Bbeducation

Website | Instagram | YouTube

The episode mentioned with Paul Stafford Episode 115

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Episode 137

19 April 2022

Creating a Salon Experience that Reflects Your Sense of Style with Greg Ruggeri and Craig Longhurst

Like many of you, I will sometimes spend time scrolling through Instagram and occasionally a salon design will stop me in my tracks…

This is the case with Salon Ruggeri based in NYC. Every time I see an image they have posted, it’s always of a beautifully put together and very stylish salon space that breaks the cookie-cutter salon design mould and gives you a peek into the world and the style of the salon owners.

It always makes me want to just go and hang out there because I know it will be a great experience and a luxury treat for the senses, as well as great hair!

So my guest on today's Podcast is Greg Ruggeri and his husband Craig Longhurst from Salon Ruggeri in New York.

In this episode we discuss:

The client experience
The importance of attention to detail
The meaning of style

And so much more!

In this Episode:

[02:39] A brief overview of what Greg and Craig’s joint journey in the salon industry has looked like to date.

[04:05] Greg shares what motivated him to become a hairdresser while he was still in school.

[09:14] How Craig and Greg made their first salon, which was based in Sydney, stand out.

[11:32] Factors that drove Greg and Craig to move from Sydney to New York in 2010.

[18:41] Creative methods that Craig and Greg used to build up their client base in New York.

[24:40] The award Greg received during his first year in New York, and the growth that Salon Ruggeri experienced over the months that followed.

[30:23] Why Greg chose to bring injectables into the salon.

[33:31] Craig’s approach to designing a salon.

[39:42] Why everything in Greg and Craig’s third salon was for sale.

[42:13] The look and feel of the current Salon Ruggeri space.

[45:12] Greg explains why he decided to further his trichology education when the COVID-19 pandemic began.

[49:52] Emotional unloading that commonly occurs in a salon setting, and how Greg has gone the extra mile to provide his clients with support.

[53:22] Mixed feelings that Greg has towards social media.

[56:35] How Craig and Greg define style.

[59:08] Greg and Craig share their thoughts on the salon suite model.

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.

Special thanks to Greg and Craig for sharing their story with me for this week’s episode. Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Salon Ruggeri

Website | Facebook | Instagram

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Episode 126

1 February 2022

Education and Empowerment In An Ever-Evolving Industry with Stephen Moody

My guest today is someone who I have had the pleasure of knowing for a very long time as we worked together for a number of years in the ‘80’s.

After over 40 years of working for big brand names in the industry, he has now decided to go out on his own as a freelance educator, focused on the creative side of the industry.

His name is Stephen Moody and he is well known to hairdressers everywhere as one of the industry’s great educators.

In today’s podcast we discuss:

Making courageous decisions
Lessons from the barbershop industry
Key factors that make for successful salons
How Stephen empowers hairdressers…

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[02:20] A rundown of what Stephen’s career in the hairdressing industry has looked like up until today.

[04:56] The courageous decision Stephen made which shaped the rest of his life.

[07:58] Why Stephen didn’t choose to open his own salon.

[11:06] How Stephen felt about being a barber at first, and why he is so grateful for the experience.

[16:47] The key to running a successful salon.

[19:44] Stephen explains what drove him to transition from the management side to the creative side of the industry.

[26:10] Examples of people in the salon industry whom Stephen has the utmost respect for.

[30:15] Two key factors which, if implemented well, will create a thriving company culture.

[34:34] How Stephen hopes to make a difference to the salon industry going forward.

[44:15] Stephen’s strategy for educating hairdressers from afar.

[49:38] What Stephen sees as his biggest strength.

[50:27] How to stay relevant in the salon industry, according to Stephen.

[52:13] One of the most valuable life lessons that Stephen has learned.

[55:45] Inspirational last words of advice from Stephen!

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.

Special thanks to Stephen for sharing his insights with me for this week’s episode. Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Stephen Moody

Instagram | Facebook | Email

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Episode 121

28 December 2021

Gianni Scumaci was born into a hairdressing family, with a mother who was a hairdresser and a father who was a barber, the hairdressing ‘gene' was in his blood right from the start.

Living above the barbershop he was introduced into the world of hair as a young boy sweeping the floor and cutting hair from the age of ten.

Today, Gianni is quite simply one of the very best haircutters there is.

One of the things that make Gianni stand out is that not only is he good with his hands, he also has a great mind and is able to articulate and inspire hairdressers everywhere with his humility, enthusiasm and passion for the craft.

In this episode we discuss:

The importance of nurturing creativity
The number 1 ingredient when it comes to suitability.
Why it's important to have pride in being a hairdresser

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[01:45] An introduction to today’s guest: Gianni Scumaci.

[04:43] How Gianni defines creativity and suitability.

[07:25] Gianni explains why aesthetic suitability is of little interest to him.

[09:47] What it means to “read between the lines” and “listen to what’s not being said,” according to Gianni.

[12:30] Gianni reviews his process for teaching hairdressers how to give more effective consultations.

[14:41] Learning to read someone while working with mannequin heads.

[16:50] Teaching people with varying backgrounds and learning styles is like nurturing plants in a garden.

[18:40] Here are a couple of takeaways salon owners can use to nurture the talent on their own teams.

[20:20] Ruling by fear is not how Gianni managed his salon.

[22:15] Gianni tells a story about a soiree that had everyone in the salon put their names in a hat, draw names, and do haircuts in the style of the names that were drawn.

[24:50] How working under pressure nurtures Gianni’s own creativity.

[27:35] Bringing out the best in a woman’s looks, in Gianni’s opinion.

[30:15] The way a woman walks with a haircut is so much more different than how she looks with it.

[31:41] We learn who inspires Gianni creatively.

[34:22] Gianni discusses how the Italian aesthetic influences his work in fashion and beauty.

[37:40] This is what Gianni learned as a hairdresser working in the editorial realm of the beauty industry.

[39:54] What Gianni learned during his first ten years as a professional versus his second and third decades.

[41:10] Why Gianni believes he’s always belonged with photographers.

[43:45] Gianni reveals how he developed “his eye” as it applies to hair styling.

[45:48] The importance of collaboration.

[48:50] This is what it takes to be a good hairdresser, in Gianni’s perspective.

[50:13] What Gianni learned out of the salon versus what he learned in the salon.

[53:09] Gianni digs deep into how his technique evolved.

[55:30] Gravitating to the people whose influence Gianni wants is key.

[56:43] Antony talks about Gianni’s work as being balanced, soft, and beautiful.

[57:54] Gianni touches on the importance of awards.

[1:00:12] The importance of GS Online.

[1:01:50] The origin of GS Online.

[1:04:32] Gianni is passionate about the value of hairdressers in society. Here’s why.

[1:06:37] Hairdressers fulfil a social function on a par with everyone else.

[1:09:20] What it takes to be a successful hairdresser.

[1:10:21] Antony wraps up the conversation.

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.

Special thanks to Gianni Scamuci for sharing his insights with me for this week’s episode. Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Gianni Scumaci

Website | Facebook | Instagram

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Episode 119

14 December 2021

Combining hairdressing and photography with Desmond Murray.

There is a well-trodden path of hairdressers who want to transition into being photographers, some of them succeed better than others, and you can see the obvious connection of wanting to capture the images on film and wanting to be in control of that.

My guest on today's Podcast is Desmond Murray, who is not only an award-winning hairdresser but also a great photographer in his own right.

In this episode we discuss:

Making the transition from hair into photography
What photography has taught him about being a better hairstylist
The importance of hairdressing awards… and
The role that social media plays

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[03:13] Desmond shares an overview of what his journey in the salon industry has looked like.

[04:33] What Desmond learned from living and working in New York in the ‘80’s.

[08:43] Why Desmond gave up being a salon owner to focus on hairdressing, and how he feels about his decision.

[12:53] How Desmond’s photography career began.

[16:04] Desmond’s first photography shoot, and the feedback he received which completely changed his view on imagery.

[21:59] The key to successfully transitioning between crafts.

[24:44] How Desmond’s photography work is split between hair and other content.

[25:26] A famous artist that Desmond has photographed, and how this collaboration came about.

[29:43] Similarities between hairdressing and photography, and the skills Desmond has been able to transfer between the two fields.

[33:30] The different headspaces that Desmond embodies depending on the work that he’s doing.

[34:45] Advice from Desmond for any hairdressers interested in branching into the photography realm.

[37:31] Desmond’s opinion on the future of awards in the hairdressing industry, and how this is going to intersect with the world of social media.

[41:47] How the photography industry has changed, and what Desmond thinks this means for his future as a photographer.

[46:49] Factors to take into consideration when for putting an award-worthy collection together.

[49:31] Where you can connect with Dave.

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.

Special thanks to Desmond for sharing his insights with me for this week’s episode. Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Desmond Murray

Instagram | Instagram [Photography] | Twitter | Facebook

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