Salon Stories

Episode 176

I think it’s fair to say that in today’s workplace, there is a lot of talk about what exactly modern salon culture is. As a salon owner, how do you find the balance between offering more flexibility to your team, meeting clients’ expectations, and running a profitable business?

I often talk about the theory of that, but there’s nothing better than talking to someone who is actually doing it. My guest on today’s podcast is Pedro Inchenko who, along with his best friend and business partner Jonny Orthona, started the Ena Salon in London’s Covent Garden as well as the off-shoot education brand, Allilon Education.

In today’s podcast, we will discuss:

• What it takes to create a modern salon culture 
• The importance of remaining curious 
• The need for flexibility in a modern salon environment

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[02:31] An overview of the two businesses that Pedro co-founded, Ena Salon and Allilon Education. 

[05:20] The core philosophy of Pedro’s businesses. 

[07:28] Reasons behind the big change that Pedro has made to his employment structure in recent years. 

[12:11] Examples of the opportunities that become available to people due to flexible working hours. 

[16:44] Pedro explains the approach he has taken to create the thriving culture that exists at Ena. 

[19:13] The professional services that Pedro outsources to support his team. 

[27:11] Ena’s mission statement, employees' promise, and vision, and the benefits of incorporating these ideals into your salon. 

[36:00] Pedro’s approach to keeping up with a continuously evolving industry (and world!): “Replace judgment with curiosity.”

[45:53] Pedro shares Ena’s profit margins over the past few years and his forecasts for the next few. 

[49:24] Why Pedro doesn’t use retail targets as a motivating factor for his team.

[52:25] The relationship that Ena has developed with its retail partner, Davines. 

[55:40] What it takes to be a great leader.  

[57:15] Pedro’s advice for anyone interested in opening their own salon.   

[58:57] Pedro’s advice for how to stay relevant as an established salon owner.

[1:02:34] The meaning of the words Ena and Allilon.

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 Pedro 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

 

Ena Salon

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Allilon Education

Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Davines

Website

Episode 163

This week on the podcast, I am talking with Jennifer Akers from Hollywood Hair, a salon group that is located in three small towns across the United States. I love talking to Jennifer and her team at Hollywood hair because I always learn from them, and today is no exception!

Often times it’s the really big, high-profile hairdressers with celebrity clientele who come up with innovative new ways of working and get acknowledged for being successful business-wise. But as the Hollywood Hair story illustrates, success can come in all shapes and sizes!

Today we are going to talk about a whole range of topics that cover what makes a salon business successful, and whether you have a small salon with just 1 or 2 team members or a chain of salons, I will guarantee that you will learn something from this conversation.

So, without further ado, welcome to Jennifer Akers from Hollywood Hair…

 

In this Episode:

[02:34] How Hollywood Hair has grown since its opening in 1994. 

[03:32] An overview of the employment model that is utilized at Hollywood Hair.

[04:36] The sizes of the towns where the three Hollywood Hair salons are situated, and the target market of each salon. 

[07:45] Jennifer shares some numbers highlighting the high productivity levels being achieved by Hollywood Hair.

[10:55] The percentage of Hollywood Hair’s total sales that comes from retail.

[12:05] Factors that are contributing to the growth of Hollywood Hair’s retail sector.

[14:26] What the Trello app is and how it adds value to Hollywood Hair. 

[19:25] Benefits of the online consultation forms that Hollywood Hair uses.

[21:15] Where the idea for the Hollywood Hair treatment cart originated. 

[24:03] The role of the Hollywood Hair concierge. 

[25:49] Examples of the unusually wide range of beverages that are available at Hollywood Hair. 

[27:32] What Hollywood Hair’s virtual assistant is responsible for. 

[31:09] Benefits of the Hollywood Hair app.  

[34:04] The different levels that make up the career path of a Hollywood Hair stylist. 

[41:46] Jennifer explains how the Hollywood Hair partnership model works

[43:59] The intentions behind the morning huddles and evening celebrations that  take place at each of the Hollywood Hair salons.

 

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 Jennifer 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

 

Hollywood Hair Salon

Website | Instagram | Facebook | App

 

Trello

Website

 

WePhone

Website

Episode 162

There are many salon owners who decide to make the journey from one salon to two or more salons, only to then go back to one. 

Obviously, there are many reasons why that might happen, but they do often have certain things in common. 

My guest on today's podcast is a salon owner who has made that journey, and his story could be the story of many others. His name is Simon Matthews from The Simon John Salon in the UK, and in today's episode, Simon shares his journey and the lessons learned along the way.

In today’s podcast, we discuss:

• Why bigger doesn’t mean better.
• How his salon has adopted a 4-day work week… and 
• The benefits of building one successful salon business rather than spreading yourself across multiple locations.  

And lots more!

 

In this Episode:

[00:40] Today’s guest is Simon Matthews.

[01:57] Simon tells us about himself.

[03:18] Simon’s vision when opening his first salon.

[04:27] Why Simon opened a second salon.

[05:51] Simon talks about his third salon.

[08:42] Some of the challenges Simon faced.

[13:33] Simon discusses atmosphere.

[15:35] Atmosphere vs. culture.

[17:09] The key to successful expansion.

[19:59] How Simon got turned out on a fourth salon.

[22:26] Why Simon scaled back down to one salon.

[25:20] How COVID affected Simon’s business.

[27:47] Simon is profiting more now with only one salon!

[29:44] What changes has Simon made to how he runs things?

[32:27] How Simon assigns shifts.

[35:38] Simon’s payment process.

[39:08] What does Simon’s work schedule look like?

[40:41] Where Simon can be reached.

 

Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are beneficial 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! Until next time!

Antony

 

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business 

Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

 

Simon John Hair Limited

Instagram | Facebook | TikTok

Episode 160

As many of you know, I've been in the salon industry a long time, and I’d like to think that I know a lot about hair and hairdressing. But one of the areas that I haven’t had a lot of exposure to is hair extensions.

Extensions first came onto the hairdressing scene in the ’80s, and since then, they have become a significant part of the industry.

My guest on today's Podcast is Emilly Hadrill. She is the leading provider of premium extensions in Australia and has 4 hair salons across Brisbane, Melbourne, Gold Coast & Sydney, generating 6 million dollars a year in sales!

In today’s podcast, we discuss:

• How to work with extensions 
• How Emilly has grown and successfully expanded her business 
• Why and how you should start integrating extensions into your salon business…

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[02:54] Emilly’s early exposure to hairdressing and the personal experience that influenced her to pursue a career in the hair extension industry. 

[07:17] What the hair extension field looked like when Emilly started her business. 

[11:06] How Emilly’s career progressed after she completed the hair extension course. 

[17:18] Exploring the variety of hair extension techniques that exist (and why Emilly uses a combination of tape and weft extension techniques in her own hair).

[20:59] How long hair extensions last (if you look after them!). 

[23:36] A breakdown of the price range of Emilly’s services. 

[29:41] Reasons for the high level of repeat customers in the hair extension business.

[33:13] The power of delegation: one of the biggest lessons that Emilly has learned as a business owner. 

[33:42] What Emilly’s first few years in business looked like. 

[38:34] Emilly explains the motivation behind the countrywide expansion of her business, and the pros and cons that have accompanied it.

[42:10] The keys to successful salon business expansion, according to Emilly.  

[43:33] How Emilly’s business is structured. 

[47:22] Factors that have driven the growth of the hair extension industry worldwide. 

[49:23] Advice for integrating hair extensions into the service offerings at your salon (and why you should!). 

[54:03] What Emilly believes to be her biggest strengths and weaknesses.

[54:58] The importance of maintaining balance; a lesson that Emilly learned the hard way. 

 

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 Emilly for sharing her story with me for this week’s episode. Until next time!

 

Antony

 

Links and Resources:

 

Grow My Salon Business 

Website | Facebook | Instagram

 

Emilly Hadrill Hair Extensions

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube

Episode 159

I'm currently doing a monthly series of Facebook live interviews on behalf of John Paul Mitchell Systems. And both the guests and the content have been great, so I am also repurposing them as my weekly podcasts.

The first one is today's episode where I spoke with Clinton Norris and Lucas Doney who, along with Clinton's wife Lauren, are salon and school owners in San Diego. 

They are also extremely nice people who have some interesting insights into the salon of today!

I know you will enjoy this episode where we discuss:

• Changing salon business models 
• Business in a post-Covid world
• Generational changes
• Life as an educator…

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[03:17] Origins of the name of Clinton, Lucas, and Lauren’s salon and creative space; Citizen. 

[05:22] Unique elements that make Citizen more than just a regular salon.

[07:29] Lucas, Clinton, and Lauren’s approach to curating their creative space. 

[10:45] The very effective hybrid business model that is utilized at Citizen. 

[15:23] How they have built a healthy team culture at Citizen. 

[22:34] An explanation of the tiered rental system at Citizen. 

[29:50] Desires and expectations of new generation hairdressers.

[37:23] The core values of Citizen. 

[40:58] Experimentation that has characterized Citizen’s first few years in business.

[42:51] How Paul Mitchell has influenced the way Clinton and Lucas approach their work. 

[47:09] Why the percentage of Citizen’s revenue that comes from retail is very high.  

[51:40] Exploring the educational component of Lucas and Clinton’s working lives. 

[56:22] Clinton and Lucas share their thoughts on how new generation hairdressers are changing the industry. 

 

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 Clinton and Lucas for sharing their insights with me for this week’s episode. Until next time!

 

Antony

 

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business 

Website | Facebook | Instagram

 

Citizen

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Book an Appointment

 

VARSITY Hair Education

Instagram | Facebook

 

Clinton Norris

Instagram

 

Lucas Doney

Instagram

Episode 156

As a former salon owner and business coach, I am very aware of the ever-evolving business models in the industry and the challenges that these create for some people.

I have often thought about why more salons haven’t tried to grow in the same ways that law firms, accountancy firms, and architecture firms do; by having a partnership model that not only creates a career path and profit sharing for the partners but also allows the company to keep growing.

My guest on today’s episode is Blake Evans from Shear Art Salon in Tampa, Florida. Not only do they have a very impressive partnership model, but Blake is happy for me to dig in and ask exactly how it works.

So, in today’s podcast, we will discuss:

• How do you decide who will be invited into the partnership program?
• How do they buy into the partnership?
• How is their shareholding valued?
• What happens when partners want to sell their shares?

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[03:08] An overview of Blake’s transition from marketing student to hairdresser.

[06:02] Blake’s advice for finding the right salon for you, and why he chose Shear Art.

[08:36] The evolution of Blake’s career at Shear Art, from assistant to owner.

[11:21] Benefits of a partnership model.

[13:26] Factors that drove the founder of Shear Art to implement a partnership/shareholder model in the salon.

[19:00] What Blake loves about the shareholder model at Shear Art.

[21:11] Blake explains how an employee can become a partner at Shear Art.

[25:53] The different investment options that incoming partners can choose between.

[31:43] Examples of the different roles that are held by Shear Art shareholders.

[34:30] How Blake’s marketing background has impacted the way he does business.

[37:13] Blake explains how partners are paid.

[41:53] How Shear Art shares are valued.

[46:33] Some of the clauses in the Shear Art shareholder contract.

[50:32] Blake shares some examples of how decisions are made in Shear Art’s partnership/shareholder model.

[54:34] The challenges of a partnership/shareholder model.

[1:00:21] Final words of wisdom from Blake about living in an ever-evolving world!

 

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 Blake 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

 

Shear Art Salon

Website | Facebook | Instagram

 

Blake Reed Evans

Instagram | Facebook | TikTok

Episode 155

There are a lot of people that will talk about how tough the past couple of years have been, and rightly so in many cases. 

But if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 40 years in this industry, it is that to succeed, you have to continually evolve. You can’t stand still and dine out on yesterday’s glories, and you can’t be afraid to continually reinvent and evolve your business… 

My guest today very much shares those sentiments. Her name is Mia De Vries, and amongst other things, she is a salon owner, business coach, and founder of ‘The Secret Fox’ online education company.

In today’s podcast, we discuss:

• No longer working Saturdays and embracing a 4 day work week.
• The importance of finding life and business balance
• Motivation and people management

And lots more!

 

In this Episode:

[02:27] Mia shares an overview of her business and personal life.

[04:54] Business “meltdowns” that Mia has experienced and the biggest lesson that she learned from them.

[09:11] Mia’s joy-seeking approach to business. 

[10:44] Factors that influenced Mia’s decision to close her salon on Saturdays and how she subsequently restructured her employee’s working hours. 

[16:06] What Mia believes to be the secret to successfully stepping away from the chair without losing clients. 

[18:43] Additional ways that Mia has cultivated a flexible culture in her salon. 

[20:29] Reasons for the big renovation that Mia’s salon recently underwent and the various other changes that have accompanied this. 

[25:20] A story that epitomizes the special relationships that hairdressers can develop with their clients.  

[30:38] The characteristics that Mia believes have been foundational to her success. 

[31:36] Offerings that are available via Mia’s online education company, The Secret Fox (and the inspiration behind the founding of the company).

[36:23] Mia’s thoughts about the influence of social media in the hairdressing and hair education space.

[47:47] Mia’s approach to improving productivity and dealing with conflict in her salon. 

[57:19] A discussion about all things financial in The Fox & The Hair Salon. 

[1:01:00] Reasons why The Fox & The Hair hasn’t been affected by the shift away from traditional salon business models. 

[1:03:27] What Mia wishes she was better at.

[1:05:59] The value in asking for help.   

 

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 Mia 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

 

The Fox & The Hair

Instagram | Facebook

 

The Secret Fox

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Episode 154

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. 

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 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

Website | Instagram

 

10 Years Younger

Instagram

 

Salon Sloane

Instagram

 

Tim Blanks

Instagram

Episode 152

The sustainability of a business is dependent on profit, yet many businesses operate on a tiny profit margin. Ultimately, that is why only a very small percentage of small businesses reach their 10th birthday. 

Most business failures can be attributed to a lack of financial awareness and understanding of how to manage finances. Too many salon owners operate on the basis of “work hard, pay my bills, and what's left over is profit.”

However, that way of thinking is fundamentally flawed because, in case you haven’t noticed, there is usually very little left over!

So instead of the traditional accounting method of ‘Sales minus expenses equals profit,’ we should be turning this on its head and running businesses on the ‘Profit First’ principle; ‘Sales minus profit equals expenses.’

If you’re confused, stick around because my guest on today's podcast is Ronit Enos, Author of the book ‘Profit First for Salons.’

In today’s podcast, we discuss:

• Profit margins in salons today
• The steps to increasing profitability
• The ‘Profit First for Salons’ book…

And lots more!

 

In this Episode:

[03:55] Ronit shares what drew her to the salon industry in Israel at the age of 16.

[08:58] Why Ronit decided to open a salon in the United States, and the rollercoaster of highs and lows that followed.

[17:32] The final triggers that motivated Ronit to transform her life.

[22:27] What Ronit believes to be the biggest mistake that salon owners make with regard to their finances.

[27:03] The book that changed Ronit’s perspective on money. 

[33:11] Sales minus profit equals expenses; exploring the profit-first approach to business.

[43:22] Ronit explains the process she went through to test out the profit-first approach. 

[48:13] The percentage of small businesses (including salons) that are profitable.

[50:06] Profit margins that salon owners should be aiming for when they adopt a profit-first mindset. 

[54:14] Advice on how to reduce your expenses. 

[57:33] Why time is the most valuable resource. 

[59:46] Ronit shares a personal story which highlights the importance of being independent, as well as some encouraging words to do what you love and surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you.  

 

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 Ronit 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

 

Ronit Enos

Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube 

 

Profit First for Salons

Book

 

Salon Cadence

Website

 

Mike Michalowicz

Website | Profit First | The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur

Episode 151

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. 

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 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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