Salon Stories

Episode 160

27 September 2022

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

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Episode 159

20 September 2022

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.

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

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Episode 155

24 August 2022

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.

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

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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 152

2 August 2022

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.

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

Filed Under

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 148

5 July 2022

What Does it Take to Bounce Back from COVID (and Everything Else Life Can Throw at You)?

This week is ‘Part 2’ of the ‘Comeback Stories’ series, where I again talk to a salon owner couple about how they’ve bounced back after a tough couple of years.

With the challenges that the world is going through at the moment, it’s important to be focusing on the success stories and the opportunities that difficult times can sometimes present.

The last two years have been a testing time for most of us, and my guests today are no exception. Their business and their personal lives have had numerous changes thrust upon them that were beyond their control.

But despite that, they have come out the other end in good shape we can all learn from their resilience, their willpower, their strength, and their courage in the face of adversity.

Today I am talking to Todd and Audra Wise from the Color Pop salon in Texas.

In today’s episode we will discuss:

Their business journey pre and post covid
Dealing with significant personal health challenges
Finding balance in both personal and business commitments

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[02:32] A brief overview of what Todd and Audra’s career paths have consisted of to date.

[05:08] Audra explains what motivated her to open her own salon and the shock that she and Todd received 8 months later.

[07:18] Why Todd and Audra didn’t receive financial assistance for their salon, Color Pop, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

[09:46] The “lean” approach that Audra and Todd adopted to make it through the pandemic.

[12:48] The mindset and support system that helped Audra deal with her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

[19:44] Some of the most important lessons that Audra has learned through the challenges that life has presented her with over the past few years.

[24:25] The effort that was required on the business side to help Color Pop bounce back.

[26:22] Changes that Todd and Audra made to their pricing strategy post-COVID.

[27:34] Why Audra and Todd decided not to increase their prices when they reopened after the shutdown.

[28:38] Color Pop’s number one marketing tool.

[29:38] Some of the innovative marketing initiatives that Todd and Audra have implemented, and how they have helped Color Pop grow.

[34:04] The philosophy that is foundational to the way Todd lives his life.

[35:59] What Audra sees as her biggest strengths, and the daily practices that help her feel at peace.

[37:16] Todd and Audra’s plans for the future.

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 Todd and Audra 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

Color Pop Salons

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Todd Wise

Instagram

Audra Wise

Instagram

Filed Under

Episode 147

28 June 2022

What Does it Take to Bounce Back from COVID (and Everything Else Life Can Throw at You)?

No matter where you live in the world, if there is one phrase that I’m sure you’re as tired of hearing as I am, it’s: ‘Unprecedented times.’

But, without a doubt, the last couple of years have been tough for most people. We have been tested physically, financially and emotionally in our businesses and in our personal lives as a result of the drastic changes that have been thrust upon us.

Today is ‘Part 1’ of a two-part series focusing on what I am calling ‘comeback stories.’ I will be talking to two couples who have battled adversities and come out the other end in good shape! We can all learn from their resilience, willpower, strength, and courage.

Henry Monreal and Liz Salcedo from Salon Ink in San Diego are my guests today. I spoke to them at the beginning of COVID and now, two years on, they have had a great turnaround in their business.

In today’s podcast we will discuss:

Their business journey and how they have bounced back post-COVID
Dealing with major health challenges
Finding balance in both personal and business commitments…

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[04:17] The traumatic moment that took place in Liz and Henry lives in May 2019.

[10:11] What the initial COVID period looked like for Henry and Liz’s business, Salon Ink.

[12:16] The philosophy that has kept Liz and Henry going through the tough times.

[13:46] How Henry and Liz have rebuilt Salon Ink.

[18:36] Passion that Liz and Henry feel towards their work.

[20:30] Motivation behind Salon Ink’s large retail section, and the benefits it has brought to the business.

[24:14] Why Henry and Liz have incorporated a large degree of flexibility into their business model.

[25:09] An important lesson that Liz and Henry learned during the pandemic.

[21:21] 30: the number of weekly hours worked by 60% of US hairdressers.

[28:16] The mindset that Henry and Liz’s employees have towards their work.

[29:43] Potential that lies in the salon industry, using Liz and Henry’s life as an example.

[31:31] Henry shares what his experiences over the past few years have taught him.

[33:08] Some of Liz’s key learnings, and what she believes to be her purpose in life.

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 Liz and Henry 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 Ink

Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | TikTok

Filed Under

Episode 146

21 June 2022

Don’t be afraid to reinvent your business with Lisa Carr at BHD

Good ideas can, and do, come from anywhere.

An easy trap to fall into is thinking that it’s only big salons with big budgets and celebrity owners that set the trends when it comes to new business-building ideas. But that’s simply not the case.

My guest today is a salon owner who is living proof that no matter how small your town is, you can do big things!

Lisa Carr is the innovative and passionate owner of the Bad Hair Day (BHD) salon in Tecumseh, a town in Michigan in the United States with a population of 8,500!

In today’s podcast we discuss:

How the BHD salon has grown 37% since Covid
How Lisa has introduced greater flexibility for her team into her business model
Her innovative approach to marketing and not being afraid to reinvent the way business is done.

And lots more!

In This Episode:

[4:04] Why the changes that came about because of the Covid-19 pandemic were a blessing in disguise for Lisa’s salon business, Bad Hair Day (BHD).

[8:52] Factors that Lisa attributes to the fact that her business grew by 37% in 2020.

[13:16] The pivotal point that Lisa reached after her first 8 years as a salon owner.

[17:34] Lisa explains the process she went through to systematize and grow her salon after she decided she was no longer going to work behind the chair.

[22:33] Why Lisa opted for three salon directors rather than one salon manager.

[24:02] How Lisa’s decision to stop working behind the chair affected the profitability of her salon.

[26:49] The staff compliment at BHD, and the ideal number of money-producing staff members Lisa would like to have.

[29:43] Words of wisdom from Lisa: You don’t have to be in debt to have a great business (and how she has managed to achieve this).

[30:40] The valuable lesson Lisa learned when she took up position behind the chair again for a brief period.

[32:06] Lisa explains the philosophy she lives by: Earn the Right (and the other two elements which she sees as essential to running a successful business).

[34:50] Changes that Lisa incorporated into her salon after conducting an anonymous staff survey.

[38:25] Examples of the personal development training that Lisa does with her staff.

[43:25] Where Lisa’s drive to continuously reinvent her business comes from, and the advantages of having a salon business in a small town like Tecumseh.

[46:58] Lisa’s approach to advertising.

[52:07] The percentage of total revenue at BDH that comes from retail, the award that they won recently, and Lisa’s approach to motivating her team to sell retail products.

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 Lisa 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

Bad Hair Day Salon

Website | Instagram

Lisa Carr

LinkedIn | Instagram

Filed Under

Episode 143

31 May 2022

My guest on today’s Podcast is London based hairdresser and owner of a 5 strong salon group and academy Gina Conway.

Originally from California, she has been based in London for the last 20 plus years and has built up a great reputation as one of London’s leading salons.

Gina is passionate about delivering a five-star level of service and is widely known not just for doing great hair but also for her total commitment to sustainably and the ethical side of hairdressing.

In the process, she has built up a considerable business and a reputation to match… and she’s just getting started.

In today’s episode we discuss:

Balancing the demands of life as the owner of 5 salons, a wife, a mother and finding time for everything else.
Sustainability in salons today.
Creating a team and culture where people want to come to work.
The customer service journey.
Growing a team and successful expansion.

And lot’s more!

In this Episode:

[03:30] Gina also has a fashion degree and became interested in entrepreneurship.

[03:39] She moved to London 21 years ago and worked at John Frieda.

[04:04] Gina wanted to bring California sunshine to London and create a team and culture where people would want to come to work.

[05:08] Yes, it was love that brought Gina to London. One husband and three children later, and she’s still here!

[08:21] We talk about what the industry can learn from different areas.

[10:02] Gina accomplishes so much. She is constantly innovating. She is so passionate about what she does, it doesn’t feel like work.

[12:57] Being in your zone is like meditation. The mindful hairdresser allows hairdressers to be in the flow and create mindful haircuts. It’s communication in a deep creative space for clients.

[15:27] Gina has three salons in London. She collaborated with a friend to consolidate marketing and now all of the salons are called Gina Conway.

[16:47] They also have an apprenticeship program where they train about 20 hairdressing students.

[17:19] She has a staff of around 100 people.

[19:17] Gina shares how John Frieda let her go when she talked about opening her own salon. Her new salon was empty, so she filled it with art.

[20:56] Gina built her customer service reputation in the industry by giving every customer the platinum treatment.

[24:51] Gina and her partner want to franchise sustainable salons and help other entrepreneurs.

[26:28] Look at your products. Are they using sustainable materials? Look at plastics and bottles. Look at energy and recycling. Consider everything that you purchase. Reuse and refuse, if you can. Think holistically about everything including water use.

[30:12] The green fee is included in the price of the haircuts. This is who we are and what we do. We also plant a tree for each client.

[34:28] Gina talks about the importance of having a strong culture and teaching the team the why and the values from the start.

[41:19] Generational changes include focusing on mental health and supporting students in making up for lost time. Stability, security, and finding a career path is also so important.

[49:34] A good salon should be generating between 12% and 15% with a goal of 20% in retail.

[56:42] Gina is constantly innovating and improving. She’s all about momentum.

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 Gina 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

Gina Conway

Aveda

Website

John Paul Mitchell Systems

Green Salon Collective

Website

Filed Under

Salon Stories

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