Salon Stories
Episode 267
29 October 2024
What does it take to produce half a million dollars a year behind the chair?
Turns out it’s not being a celebrity stylist, or a fashion week back stage superstar stylist or having a huge social media following.
Instead, it’s about stability, relationships, giving clients a great experience, word-of-mouth referrals, being organised, being goal-oriented, looking after yourself, consistency, flexibility, listening, hard work, making genuine connections, and genuinely being a nice person.
Today is another episode where I am talking to a hairstylist who you may not have heard of before.
But amongst other things, what makes her so special is that she produces very high revenue figures behind the chair…
And I want to find out what it takes to do that.
My guest on today's Podcast is Maxwell Snow from the Van Michael salons in Atlanta, Maxwell is one of those hairstylists who produces around half a million dollars a year behind the chair…
In today’s podcast, we will discuss:
- What’s the key is to doing extraordinary numbers behind the chair…
- The benefits of working a four-day week
- Finding balance
And lots more!
IN THIS EPISODE:
[00:49] Meet Maxwell Snow: High-earning hairstylist
[02:53] Discussing Maxwell's revenue and earnings breakdown
[04:45] Maxwell’s work ethic and clientele
[08:43] Daily routine and work schedule
[10:39] Maxwell’s specialisation and services
[15:59] Motivation, personal drive and overcoming challenges
[22:11] Embracing life after a near-death experience
[23:59] The importance of authenticity and hard work
[25:43] Balancing work and personal life
[27:39] Upselling and rebooking strategies
[36:33] Lessons learned and advice for newcomers
[42:59] Final thoughts and social media presence
RATINGS + REVIEWS
🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!
They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.
👉 Here's what you do:
– On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first)
– Scroll down to ‘Ratings & Reviews'
– Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars
– Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏
Until next time!
Antony
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
The Key to Six-Figure Salon Success with Brandon Darragh
What Does it Take to do Over Half a Million Dollars a Year Behind the Chair? with Denise Deering
From Small City to Big Sales: Jyl Craven's Path to $600,000
👉 FOLLOW US!
Instagram | Facebook | Website
👉 FOLLOW MAXWELL!
Episode 265
15 October 2024
If this era of hairdressing will be remembered for anything specific I believe it will be the rise of the self-employed.
Regardless of where in the world you’re located, the self-employed business model in its various forms has made a huge impact on the industry and is continuing to do so.
Today's guests are Ross and Jack Williams-Hirst, the co-founders of Williams & Hirst, a new co-working salon space in the heart of London’s Soho district.
In today’s podcast, we discuss:
- The co-working salon business model and what’s driving the independent hairdressing movement.
- How Williams & Hirst aims to elevate the freelance salon experience by offering a luxe environment alongside comprehensive support.
- The importance of having rental packages that work for everyone…
And lots more!
IN THIS EPISODE:
[00:53] Introducing Williams & Hirst: A new co-working salon in London’s Soho
[02:20] Jack and Ross’s journey to freelance and co-working
[04:49] Navigating the challenges of self-employment
[08:03] Understanding VAT and its impact on freelance hairstylists and salon owners
[11:29] Balancing business and personal life in a business partnership
[16:49] The importance of clear business boundaries
[24:57] Discussing legal definitions and independent contractor agreements
[31:09] Navigating the grey areas of commission split models
[33:04] Professional use inventory and supply store within Williams & Hirst
[34:41] The importance of a staff lounge
[37:01] Transparent pricing and business models
[45:36] Understanding the financial viability for hairdressers when going freelance
[53:19] Conclusion and final thoughts
Want MORE to help you GROW?
📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW
https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books
🆘Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/
🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!
They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.
👉 Here's what you do:
– On your phone, Click here
– Scroll down to ‘Ratings & Reviews'
– Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars
– Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏
Until next time!
Antony
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Williams & Hirst
Ross Williams-Hirst
Jack Williams-Hirst
👉 FOLLOW US!
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Episode 262
24 September 2024
I often say that opening a business gives you a great education. Not just into the skills needed in management, finance, and marketing.
But also the understanding and insights that come with the responsibility of employing people, training them and coaching them to become the best version possible of themselves.
On today's episode, I’m talking with returning guest salon owner and now author Martha Lynn Kale of the Mirror Mirror salon in Austin, Texas, who has written a book about getting the most out of the early years of your career.
In today’s podcast, we discuss:
- Martha Lynn’s book “The Ambitious Stylist” Making the Most of Cosmetology School.
- Why hand in hand with freedom, flexibility and autonomy comes personal responsibility, accountability and owning the outcome.
- Advice on building a clientele and developing your own personal brand.
And lots more!
IN THIS EPISODE:
(01:17) Introducing Martha Lynn Kale
(02:30) Martha Lynn's journey and book inspiration
(02:56) Martha Lynn’s Beauty School experience
(08:40) Key messages from ‘The Ambitious Stylist'
(15:00) Talking about building a clientele and personal branding
(15:53) Discussing Interview tips and professionalism
(30:35) The role of mentorship and apprenticeships within the industry
(34:36) Best advice for Beauty School students
(38:24) Discussing the future of Beauty Schools
(42:56) Where to connect and find the book
Want MORE to help you GROW?
📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books
https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/
🆘Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/
🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!
They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.
👉 Here's what you do:
– On your phone, Click here
– Scroll down to ‘Ratings & Reviews'
– Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars
– Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏
Until next time!
Antony
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Episode 21: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/021/
Episode 232: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/232/
Instagram The Ambitious Stylist: https://www.instagram.com/theambitiousstylist/
FOLLOW US
Instagram | Facebook | Website
FOLLOW MARTHA LYNN KALE
Episode 261
17 September 2024
Getting to the top of this industry isn’t easy. Staying there is even harder.
Dublin-based, multi-award-winning hairdresser and salon owner Dylan Bradshaw has just been awarded Salon of the Year for the UK and Ireland.
Dylan and his wife and business partner Charlotte have recently completed a total refit of what was already a great salon.
They’ve taken it to the next level and are pushing the boundaries by redefining what they see as the salon of the future.
If you're a salon owner looking for inspiration and practical advice on growing and innovating your business, this episode is a must-listen.
In today’s podcast, we will discuss:
- The importance of building a brand identity
- Why brands need to continually evolve if they are to remain relevant
- What it means to diversify the traditional salon offering…
And lots more!
IN THIS EPISODE:
00:41 Meet Dylan Bradshaw: Award-winning Dublin based hairdresser
02:06 The evolution of salon awards and the impact of AI on Hairdressing awards
06:23 The journey of Dylan's salon transformation
28:16 Dylan's creative vision and business partnership
28:50 Discussing the design philosophy, sustainability and repurposing salon materials.
34:56 Bringing homewares into the mix and having an online presence
40:54 Financial management and planning for a refit
46:14 Team culture and discussing different business models
54:14 Lessons learned and final thoughts
Want MORE to help you GROW?
📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books
https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/
🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/
🙏 Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!
They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.
👉 Here's what you do:
– On your phone, Click here
– Scroll down to ‘Ratings & Reviews'
– Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars
– Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏
Until next time!
Antony
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Professor Anita Elberse’s Harvard case study, on which she and Sir Alex expanded in a packed classroom at London Business School, featured in a BBC1 documentary, titled Sir Alex Ferguson: Secrets of Success.
Harvard’s Ferguson Formula has eight lessons for leaders, including foundation-building, standard-setting, team renewal, readiness to win, control retention, media management, observation and continuous adaptation.
Sir Alex Ferguson Secrets of Success Documentary – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbtZjIEs5r0
Ferguson’s Formula – Harvard Business Review https://hbr.org/2013/10/fergusons-formula
FOLLOW US!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growmysalonbusiness/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growmysalonbusiness
Website: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/
FOLLOW DYLAN BRADSHAW!
Salon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanbradshawdublin/
Dylan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanbradshawdb/
Website: https://www.dylanbradshaw.com/
Episode 257
13 August 2024
Over the last 20 years, there has been a significant shift in the way the hairdressing industry works.
Driven by changes in technology combined with social media and generational changes with today’s hairdressers wanting more flexibility, more freedom and more control over when where and how they work has meant that new business models have emerged.
Particularly in the United States the salon suite or salon studio has radically changed how the industry operates, and there’s no going back.
As a result the traditional commission based or ‘employee employer’ based business model has been dramatically impacted and is continuing to evolve in order to meet the demands of a changing workforce.
My guest on today's podcast is returning guest Eric Taylor, founder of the incredibly successful Salon Republic, which, in my opinion, has the best Salon Suite or Salon Studio business model in the industry.
In today’s podcast, we talk about
- How the salon suite model continues to evolve and adapt
- What you need to do to succeed as an independent business of one
- The challenges that all suites and small businesses face today
In this Episode:
01:38 Introducing Eric Taylor and Salon Republic
03:41 The Impact of COVID-19 on Salon Republic
04:00 The growth and expansion of Salon Republic
06:11 Reflecting on the salon suite industry today
19:27 Discussing the challenges and opportunities in the salon suite industry
24:29 Building a strong client base
26:03 The challenges faced by Independent Beauty Professionals
27:24 Common mistakes of new suite owners
30:04 Inflation and pricing strategies
43:00 Discussing the success rates in the Salon Industry
44:44 Conclusion and where you can connect with Eric
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!
Until next time!
Antony
Links and Resources:
Grow My Salon Business
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Eric Taylor
Salon Republic
Episode 256
6 August 2024
These days, we talk a lot about mental health and self-care and rightly so.
The most simple aim in life is to be happy. And if we can leave everyone we come into contact with a little happier for the experience, then surely that's a day well spent.
My guest on today's podcast is Oscar Bond, not only is he one of the happiest people I know, but he's also a great hairdresser, a very accomplished educator, a great entertainer, and he has a stutter, and the most refreshing thing is he couldn't care less about it.
Like most of us, Oscar admits to having all the daily challenges that we all face, and amongst the good times he has had some tough times in business.
But through it all, he's always smiling and makes those around him lighten up and laugh.
In today's podcast, we will discuss:
- Happiness
- Stuttering …and…
- Overcoming the challenges that life throws at you
And lots more!
In this Episode:
[00:51] Meet Oscar Bond: The king of happiness
[01:25] The secret to happiness
[07:11] Dealing with stuttering
[18:17] Oscar's journey: From Sassoon's UK to the USA
[20:56] Facing Adversity: The school fire and bankruptcy
[24:18] Appreciating life and work
[25:06] Facing bankruptcy and recovery
[26:18] The importance of having supportive people in your life.
[30:09] Challenges in the Salon Industry today
[32:23] The shift towards independent salons
[36:01] Leadership and excellence in salons
[37:51] The evolution of haircutting trends
[43:50] Connect with Oscar on social media
[45:29] Final thoughts and farewell
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!
Until next time!
Antony
Links and Resources:
Grow My Salon Business
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Oscar Bond
Podcasts mentioned on this episode
Episode 255
30 July 2024
Should you mix salon ownership with coaching, teaching, podcasting, session work, course creating etc?
These are all things that I have done or are currently doing… And they all provide reward, both in terms of personal fulfilment and the potential for financial gain.
And they are right for some people, and definitely not right for others.
In this week’s episode we look at the numerous opportunities that salon owners might consider pursuing and ask the question: are they a distraction or a benefit to building a salon business?
In this Episode:
01:57 Exploring the side hustle of coaching and education etc for a second stream of income
03:51 Antony’s career journey and how that led to growmysalonbusiness.com
05:14 Balancing salon ownership and side hustles
06:35 The realities of being a traveling educator
13:30 The challenges of coaching and education in the hair and beauty industry
15:00 The glamour and hard work of salon ownership
20:41 Final thoughts and resources
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!
Until next time!
Antony
Links and Resources:
Grow My Salon Business
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Episode 254 – Part 2
23 July 2024
Today's episode is Part 2, which follows on from last week’s episode with Tracey Woodward.
In today’s episode, we delve into Tracey's career journey, starting from her transition into the hairdressing industry, her impactful time at Aveda and Urban Retreat, and the various roles she undertook.
Tracey opens up about overcoming personal challenges, imposter syndrome, and the transformative journey of taking control of her health.
The discussion touches on the importance of community, spirituality and resilience.
In today’s show, amongst other things, we discuss…
- The importance of authenticity and determination in personal and professional growth.
- Taking control of your health
- Giving back
And lots more
In this Episode:
01:23 Tracey's segue into the hairdressing industry.
04:37 Discussing the difference between professional, consumer-driven retail and retail in the hairdressing industry.
14:31 Explaining the Urban Retreat concept and expanding the brand.
18:38 Looking back at personal growth and overcoming Imposter Syndrome.
24:36 Tracey’s advice for young aspiring professionals.
28:34 How to learn from everyday interactions.
29:28 The beginning of Tracey’s health and self-care journey.
32:31 Facing cancer and overcoming challenges and fighting back.
37:36 Connect with your darkest corners, discussing spirituality and daily rituals
44:09 Charity work and giving back
45:52 Tracey’s final thoughts and recommendations.
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!
Until next time!
Antony
Links and Resources Discussed in this Episode:
Grow My Salon Business
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Tracey Woodward
Instagram | Linkedin
Buchinger Wilhelmi Fasting Clinic | Palazzo Fiuggi
18 Keys Charity | Their World Charity
Book Recommendation – Who Moved My Cheese
Episode 253 – Part 1
16 July 2024
Our lives are a journey, and like every journey, where you start out and where you end up is what makes life so interesting.
My guest on this episode is Tracey Woodward, who, like many people, didn't have the easiest start in life. However, unlike many people, she didn't let her past define her future.
Tracey shares her life story, starting with being born prematurely to a teenage mother in the 1960s to her struggle with illiteracy and surviving in an environment marked by crime and neglect.
Despite these challenges, Tracey's perseverance and determination saw her rise to senior positions in renowned beauty companies such as Aveda, Urban Retreat, and Donna Karan.
Tracey's story is a story of resilience and the power of transformation.
It's a story of grit, street smarts, personal reinvention and a living example of “Your past does not equal your future.”
So, on today's podcast, we discuss:
- The importance of looking like you belong.
- Why you shouldn't be afraid of asking for help …and…
- Not being afraid of getting it wrong.
And lots more!
In this Episode:
01:24 Introducing Tracey Woodward
03:24 Tracy's early life and struggles
09:12 Stories of survival and street smarts
16:19 Learning to read and write
22:25 Choosing a different path in life
27:37 Discovering support and an introduction to the beauty world
37:52 Career milestones and mentorship
41:37 Overcoming challenges and achieving success
45:30 Reflecting on personal growth
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!
Until next time!
Antony
Links and Resources:
Grow My Salon Business
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Tracey Woodward
Episode 252
9 July 2024
My guest today is Hellen Ward who as well as being a wife, mother, author, lecturer, educator, and managing director, is also the co-founder along with her husband Richard of the Richard Ward hair and Metro Spa located in the heart of London’s Chelsea.
Hellen is highly regarded in the industry for not just having built a great business that is undoubtedly one of the country's leading salons but also for her passion, commitment and common sense insights when it comes to the UK hairdressing industry…
So, in today’s podcast we will discuss:
- The meaning of Luxury in the salon industry
- Having Royalty as part of your clientele …and
- The challenges and opportunities that the industry is facing
And lots more!
In this Episode:
01:13 Introducing Helen Ward: A multifaceted hair industry leader
01:44 Defining luxury in the salon industry
07:54 An overview of the Richard Ward Salon
15:11 The unique services of Richard Ward Hair and Metro Spa
17:53 The importance of customer experience
24:38 Serving royalty: A peek into the royal clientele
28:48 Challenges of scaling and outsourcing
30:19 Advice for growing salon owners
32:17 The importance of delegation
35:45 Guest artists and diversifying services
37:59 The rise of chair rental and its implications
42:40 Team retention and leadership lessons
48:38 Flexibility in the modern workplace
53:50 Final thoughts and connecting with Helen Ward
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!
Until next time!
Antony
Links and Resources:
Grow My Salon Business
Website | Facebook | Instagram
Richard Ward Hair & Metrospa
Hellen Ward
