Salon Stories

Episode 210

19 September 2023

Online education has grown exponentially over the last few years, and online education in the hairdressing space is no exception.

This is one episode in a series of podcasts that will focus on the various forms of online education in the world of hairdressing.

My guest on today's podcast is Dublin-based Paul Davey, a hairdresser, salon owner, and the founder of Hairdressing Live, one of the first online education platforms to make a real impact in the space.

In today’s podcast, we will discuss:

What exactly Hairdressing Live is
What makes it different from other online platforms
What Paul sees as the future of education…

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[02:42] An overview of Paul’s 27-year career in the hairdressing industry.

[09:03] The value of hard work.

[19:03] The origin story of Hairdressing Live.

[23:35] How Hairdressing Live works and the ways it has evolved since its founding.

[26:19] Hairdressing Live’s model of access.

[28:21] The motivation behind the creation of Elements Education.

[31:46] Why understanding the fundamentals of hairdressing will boost your confidence behind the chair.

[36:48] Where the core Hairdressing Live audience is situated.

[38:18] The invaluable role that Paul’s wife plays in Hairdressing Live.

[40:33] Paul’s opinion on the future of the online education space.

[42:48] The numerous advantages of online education.

[46:07] Why Paul sees his high degree of ambition as his biggest strength.

[48:03] How Paul ensures he stays relevant in the hairdressing industry.

[49:43] The most important lessons that Paul has learned during his life and his approach to overcoming adversity.

[51:33] Why listening is such an essential skill.

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 Paul 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

Paul Davey

LinkedIn | Instagram

Hairdressing Live

Website | Facebook | YouTube | Elements Education

Davey Davey

Website | Instagram | Facebook

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Episode 209

12 September 2023

Hairdressing is often seen as a young person’s industry; my guess would be that the average person working in the industry is probably in their late 20s.

Although on the one hand, that’s a negative thing because it’s reflective of the high turnover rates of staff who choose to move into other industries, it also means that those who stay in the industry are constantly being exposed to new ideas, new ways of thinking, and new ways of looking at the world.

The secret to a successful long-term career in the hairdressing industry is having the ambition, foresight, and courage to continually evolve and reinvent oneself and one’s business.

My guest on today’s podcast is a person who epitomises these characteristics: Sam Brocato from the New York-based salon bearing his name.

In today’s podcast, we will discuss:

The pros and cons of being in the salon industry today
How technology has impacted Sam’s ever-evolving business
The changes in salon business models and product distribution…

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[02:40] Sam shares an overview of his 54-year journey in the salon industry.

[05:24] What Sam sees as the biggest challenge of being a hairdresser.

[06:44] Why Sam is optimistic about the future of the salon industry.

[09:18] How Sam ensures that his business stays relevant in today’s ever-evolving world.

[14:21] Advice for creating a thriving salon culture.

[21:06] Goals of the US chapter of Intercoiffure and the factors that have resulted in the organisation’s success.

[30:44] Sam’s approach to continuously improving as a hairdresser and business owner.

[35:06] How Sam believes technological advancements will change the salon industry.

[38:44] The greatest barrier to entry in the hair product market.

[41:11] Examples of how to leverage the power of AI in the salon industry.

[48:28] Why Sam favours the commission-based salon business model above the rest.

[54:43] Sam’s top pieces of advice for building and sustaining a successful salon business.

[59:04] Why every salon owner should read Leadership Is an Art.

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 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 Brocato

Website | Instagram (Business) | Instagram (Personal) | Facebook | LinkedIn

Together Beauty

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Pinterest | YouTube

Intercoiffure

Website

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Episode 207

29 August 2023

I’ve often talked about the endless opportunities available within the hairdressing industry for those who are ambitious and prepared to do the work.

For some people, it’s all about building up an excellent clientele behind the chair. For others, it might lead to opening a salon of their own. Then there are those who pursue the education route, and occasionally, you come across someone who does it all!

My guest on today's podcast is San Diego-based hairdresser Travis Parker, who has experience working in multiple areas of the industry, from being a behind-the-chair stylist to a salon owner to an educator and online course creator. Throughout his journey, he has always embraced technology and the progression that it facilitates.

In today’s podcast, we will discuss:

Technical and creative online education
Haircutting now and in the future
The importance of using technology to teach and learn…

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[02:29] When Travis discovered his passion for hairdressing and how his journey has evolved since.

[05:07] Why Travis chose to open his own salon and the invaluable lessons that Travis learned from running it.

[10:15] Travis’ advice for anyone interested in opening a salon: Go for it!

[14:01] How Travis ended up in the world of education despite how much he once feared it.

[17:50] The hugely influential role James Morrison played in Travis’ life.

[19:50] Characteristics that define a great leader in Travis’ eyes.

[26:34] Travis’ approach to determining suitability.

[32:19] Why Travis uses mannequins rather than models for his educational demonstrations.

[35:02] An overview of how hairstyles have evolved over time and the predictability of the current aesthetic.

[37:45] The shifts that have occurred in the hair education space over the past 20 years.

[44:01] How the Travis Parker Academy is structured.

[45:43] Factors that make Travis’ approach to hair education stand out in a highly competitive market.

[46:08] How technological advancements have improved hair education.

[49:06] Ways that Travis uses AI tools to enhance his business and his thoughts on the impact that AI technology is going to have on the hairdressing industry in the future.

[55:44] Travis’ biggest strength, his life philosophy, and sound advice for anyone starting out in the hairdressing 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 Travis 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 | Money Course

Travis Parker

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Episode 203

1 August 2023

At one end of the salon spectrum, you have budget or value salons. At the other end, you have premium or luxury brands. They all serve a purpose, and they all attract a clientele and a team that represents what the business offers.

In a city like London, the luxury end of the market is very competitive, and brands regularly come and go. But occasionally, you come across a business that stands the test of time. The Michael Van Clarke salon in Marylebone is an example of a luxury salon that, after 35 years in business, is going stronger than ever!

My guest on today's podcast is the founder of this iconic luxury brand, Michael Van Clarke.

In today’s podcast, we will discuss:

What it takes to create a luxury brand
The Michael Van Clarke limited liability partnership model
The importance of training your team…

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[02:25] Michael shares some of the highlights of his 45-year hairdressing career.

[08:30] How Michael curates a luxurious experience in his salons.

[14:46] Prices you can expect to pay for hairdressing services at the Michael Van Clarke Salon.

[16:26] The deli component of the Michael Van Clarke Salon and the value it adds to the business.

[20:20] Lessons learned from Michael’s coffee shop experiment.

[23:31] The importance of carefully considering the titles given to salon staff.

[25:43] How Michael educates his staff about the cultural elements of his business.

[27:44] Apprenticeship to partnership: Michael’s explains how his business model works and the high staff retention rates it has resulted in.

[33:09] Skills that are essential for sustainable success in the salon industry.

[36:09] Michael’s thoughts on work/life balance.

[39:36] The record-breaking number of awards won by the Michael Van Clarke Salon.

[41:23] Michael’s experience of creating a product line and how it has benefited the salon.

[48:04] How the pandemic altered Michael’s approach to marketing.

[50:23] The difference between an industry hairdresser and a client-focused hairdresser.

[53:54] 3“ More Inches; the inspiration behind the name of Michael’s products.

[58:59] The most important lesson Michael has learned during his 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.

Special thanks to Michael 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

Michael Van Clarke Salon

Website | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok |

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Episode 200

11 July 2023

The words' icon' and ‘legend' are totally overused in the hairdressing industry, and the problem that it creates is that when you really do meet someone regarded as a genuine icon or legend in the hairdressing industry, there are no superlatives left to aptly describe their status.

Having said that, today's guest would never call himself an ‘icon' or a ‘legend,' and it's that humility combined with decades at the top creatively that has earned him the respect of hairdressers everywhere.

My guest on today's podcast is Mr Trevor Sorbie MBE. Trevor started his career working in his father's barbershop in Paisley, Scotland. He went on to become one of the biggest names in the world of hairdressing, and along the way, won 4 British Hairdresser Of the Year Awards, was awarded a Doctorate from a Scottish University and was made a Member of the British Empire from her Majesty the Queen…

In today's podcast, we will discuss:

– The importance of nurturing creativity

– The art of being a great on-stage presenter

– The wisdom that comes with age…

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[03:57] The leadership style which has been a defining characteristic of Trevor’s career.

[10:59] Challenges that Trevor dealt with growing up in Paisley, Scotland.

[13:21] The origins of Trevor’s hairdressing career.

[18:51] Why Trevor chose to keep his skill set broad and diverse.

[21:08] What the early days of building the Trevor Sorbie brand were like.

[27:05] How Trevor’s product line came into being (and his feelings towards it).

[33:32] The factors that motivated Trevor to sell his salons four years ago.

[36:22] Trevor’s ultimate dream.

[38:37] How Trevor nurtured talent within his salons.

[45:36] The trait Trevor believes is essential for success in the salon industry.

[46:52] Trevor’s approach to teaching.

[49:11] A watershed moment in Trevor’s career.

[54:10] The routine that Trevor follows prior to every show.

[56:42] Trevor shares what inspired him to found My New Hair (and the mission of the organisation).

[58:02] Some of Trevor’s most memorable life experiences.

[1:10:49] The philosophies that Trevor lives by.

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 Trevor 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

Trevor Sorbie

Website | Instagram | Facebook

My New Hair

Website

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Episode 197

20 June 2023

Today is the third in a series of episodes where I am talking to hairstylists who are extraordinarily productive in the salon. The average American hairstylist probably generates between $80-$100k a year behind the chair in total sales, so when you meet someone doing three to five times that, they are obviously doing something special.

Brandon Darragh, who has worked at Van Michael Salon since the age of 19, generates in excess of $375,000 a year behind the chair and only works a 4-day week! I’m sure you’re as curious as I am about how he does it.

In today’s podcast, we’ll discuss:

The characteristics of a successful hairdresser
How to retain talent in your salon
How to make a 4-day week work for you…

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[03:22] A description of the company that Brandon has spent his entire career working for, Van Michael Salon.

[05:59] Brandon’s advice for a successful long-term career in the salon industry.

[07:47] The number of clients that Brandon sees a day and the amount he charges for a haircut (and why).

[13:18] A typical week in the life of Brandon Darragh.

[16:10] Why Brandon has never opened his own salon.

[19:54] How salon owners can create an environment that encourages staff retention.

[24:41] Brandon shares his thoughts on how to get the best out of the new generation of hairdressers.

[30:18] Flexibility that Van Michael Salon has incorporated into its business model over the last few years.

[35:44] The key characteristics that Brandon attributes his success to.

[43:22] Brandon’s thoughts on the issues that social media has caused for hairdressers.

[45:27] What keeps Brandon motivated.

[47:15] How Brandon ensures that he is giving his best version of himself to his clients every day.

[50:47] Van Michael Salon’s approach to staying relevant.

[54:40] Brandon’s secret weapon!

[56:20] Advice for new hairdressers entering the salon 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 Brandon 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 |

Episode 17 | Episode 183

Brandon Darragh

Instagram | LinkedIn |

Van Michael Salon

Website | Instagram

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Episode 195

6 June 2023

If you’re ambitious and hardworking, the salon industry is full of incredible career opportunities. For some people, opening an independent salon is the ultimate goal, while others may prefer the supportive structure that comes with being part of a bigger business and opt to go the franchise route.

Being part of a franchise business definitely offers many advantages that a smaller independent salon cannot. In today’s episode, Michael Tough, who owns three out of the 56 salons within the Headmasters salon group in the UK, joins us to discuss:

How the franchise business model works
The opportunities that a franchise business presents
Some of the keys to expansion…

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[04:09] How Michael’s journey at Headmasters began.

[05:02] Why Michael chose to open a Headmasters franchise rather than an independent salon.

[06:06] Michael explains the process he went through to become a Headmasters franchisee.

[10:20] Some of the biggest advantages and disadvantages of being part of a franchise.

[11:16] What Michael has found most challenging and most enjoyable about becoming a franchisee.

[13:34] How the Headmasters’ franchise model works.

[17:07] Michael explains how he financed his franchises.

[18:01] Factors that are vital to the success of a franchise.

[23:27] Michael’s approach to cultivating a culture of productivity within his teams.

[29:15] How Michael manages his team members’ desires for flexibility.

[31:59] Benefits of being part of a franchise during the pandemic.

[33:45] How to build a thriving salon culture.

[38:10] An overview of the payment structure at Headmasters (and how the different rankings of hairdressers at Headmasters are determined).

[43:32] The impact of social media on Michael’s businesses.

[46:23] A trend reverse that Michael has noticed recently.

[47:40] Where Michael’s greatest strengths lie, what drives him, what he wishes he was better at, and the most valuable lesson he has learned about leadership.

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 Michael 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

Headmasters

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Headmasters Cobham

Instagram

Headmasters Windsor

Instagram

Headmasters Farnham

Instagram

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Episode 194

30 May 2023

As Daniel Di Iorio has learned through the process of opening a new salon, life doesn’t always play out exactly the way we expect it to!

In my last conversation with Daniel, which took place in February 2023 (Episode 179), he shared his plans to relocate. In this episode, we do a deep dive into the aspects of the relocation that haven’t gone to plan and the valuable lessons that he has learned throughout the journey!

In the episode, we discuss:

The importance of letting go of the things you can’t control
Why we should always expect the unexpected
The value in always being open to hiring…

And more!

In this Episode:

[02:21] The biggest lessons that Daniel has learned from the (challenging) experience of opening a new salon.

[07:52] The conditions of Daniel’s lease agreement at his current location.

[09:07] Preparation that Daniel has done in anticipation of moving to his new location.

[10:17] Emotions that Daniel felt during the negotiation process with his new landlords.

[12:57] Pros and cons of the delays that prevented Daniel from moving into his new location on the expected date.

[18:51] Daniel’s advice for how to handle unexpected obstacles.

[21:42] The recruiting challenge that Daniel recently faced.

[23:00] Why Daniel chose not to hire a senior for his new location (and the people who he did choose to hire).

[25:37] What Daniel sees as being his core purpose and the goal that he has for his career.

[31:44] Changes that Daniel has incorporated into his salon.

[32:43] Why Daniel charges for services in his salon the way he does.

[36:15] How much Daniel is expecting his new salon to cost.

[38:30] Daniel’s thoughts on what it takes to successfully work with family and close friends.

[42:14] Safety nets that Daniel is creating for himself.

[43:53] When Daniel expects his new salon to be open to the public and how he intends to manage the transition period.

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 Daniel 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

Episode 179 | Episode 186 | Episode 190

Diior10

Website | Facebook | Instagram

SalonScale

Website

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Episode 192

10 May 2023

There is no doubt that the salon industry (and the world as a whole) has changed since the COVID-19 pandemic. Today’s guest, Virginia Meyer, has demonstrated that as scary as change can be, it can also be the best thing for your business!

Virginia is the co-founder, along with David Adams, of the Fourteen Jay salon in downtown New York. She has more than 40 years of experience in the product and education spheres of the salon industry and is passionate about helping hairdressers and salon owners reach their full potential.

Her business is an example of one that has thrived in the wake of the pandemic because of her willingness to embrace change, continuously work on her leadership skills, and adapt to the desires of her employees and her clients.

In this episode, we discuss:

How to make good business decisions
The importance of developing a strong salon culture
Keys to recruiting and retaining talent in a post-COVID world…

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[02:27] Where Virginia’s journey in the hairdressing industry began and how it has evolved over time.

[06:18] How the COVID-19 pandemic altered Virginia’s business, Fourteen Jay, in ways she could never have imagined.

[10:27] Virginia’s commitment to helping her hairdressers curate their ideal work schedules.

[15:24] Growth that Fourteen Jay has experienced over the past few years and what she attributes this to.

[19:03] How Virginia goes above and beyond to accommodate her clients.

[23:17] Fourteen Jay’s three biggest expense categories.

[23:43] Why Fourteen Jay has such a good employee retention rate.

[26:10] How Virginia’s approach to recruitment has changed since the pandemic.

[35:14] The importance of developing a strong salon culture and advice for leaders on how to achieve this.

[36:52] How salons can add more value to their guests’ lives.

[40:57] Why your business model doesn’t matter as much as your salon culture.

[45:03] What it takes to become the best leader you can be.

[49:12] Factors involved in creating a truly memorable guest experience.

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 Virginia 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 | TikTok | Episode 32

Virginia Meyer

Fourteen Jay Salon

Website | Instagram | Facebook

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Episode 191

3 May 2023

Jen LeBlanc is the Operations Manager and Director of Marketing at Salon Rootz (a commission-based salon) and Endz Salon Studios (a salon suite space), both based in the same plaza in Medina, Ohio.

The ‘Rootz to Endz’ business model is proof that salon owners can embrace the salon suite trend while still holding onto more traditional ideas of what a salon is. Some people are going to always want to be part of a team, others will want to start in a team and then move into their own space, and some may bounce back and forth. The ‘Rootz to Endz’ business model caters to them all!

In today’s podcast, we discuss:

Combining both an employee business model and a salon suite business model
The benefits of having your own e-commerce platform
What successful marketing and operations look like…

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[03:31] Jen explains the “rootz to endz” concept that underpins her business model.

[04:55] The motivation behind the founding of Endz Salon Studios (as a spin-off from Salon Rootz).

[10:18] Jen shares the story of a Salon Rootz employee who is planning her transition to Endz Salon Studio.

[11:31] How the scheduling system at Salon Rootz works.

[13:49] The criteria that Salon Rootz employees need to meet before they move over to renting at Endz Salon Studios.

[17:06] Jen explains how the guest experience at Rootz differs from that at Endz.

[19:48] Support that Rootz offers to Endz booth renters.

[31:03] Why Jen advises all booth renters to set up LLCs and register as employees of their own businesses.

[33:48] The cost of weekly booth rentals at Endz.

[37:36] Comparing the salary that employees at Rootz earn to the income that booth renters at Endz take home.

[41:41] How Jen’s approach to marketing differs between Rootz and Endz.

[43:14] Jen explains the thinking behind Rootz’ “new client deductions” and service fees.

[45:54] The numerous different roles that Jen plays in her business.

[49:23] The keys to successful salon marketing!

[51:46] How Rootz was able to maintain a thriving business during the pandemic.

[55:58] Jen’s thoughts on how AI can add value to the salon 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 Jen 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 | TikTok | Episode 186

Salon Rootz

Website | Instagram | Facebook

Endz Salon Studios

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Jen LeBlanc

LinkedIn | Instagram

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