Salon Stories

Episode 253 – Part 1

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

Instagram

Episode 252

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

Website | Instagram

 

Hellen Ward

Instagram

Episode 250

There are only a very small number of hairdressers who at any one time influence hairdressing all over the world.

I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to interview some of them on the podcast, and I always relish the chance to find out what it is that separates their ability from others.

My guest on this week's Podcast is returning guest Eugene Souleiman, who is without doubt one of the very top session hairdressers in the world.

Eugene is that rare breed of hairstylist who really is an artist. His work inspires other editorial stylists and salon hairdressers alike the world over, and along with 2 or 3 other people, he is at the top of the pile.

In today’s episode, we discuss:

• The creative process
• The importance of mentors
• The Wig Academy

And lots more!

 

In this Episode:

[01:42] How Eugene defines beauty.

[07:32] The challenge of creating the impossible!

[10:05] The important lessons from Eugene's training with Trevor Sorbie, that have underpinned his career.

[11:02] What makes someone a creative?

[12:03] Growing up with dyslexia and dyspraxia and how that has had a part in how Eugene thinks.

[15:39] Discussing the importance of rules and boundaries when starting a career in hair.

[22:04] The importance of humility and vulnerability in the creative process.

[27:10] Describing the attitude & energy of young people today and how to create a sense of curiosity and creativity.

[31:39] What it looks like to lead, a team of people.

[33:04] The importance of mentors in your career.

[35:17] Working with designers and being pushed creatively.

[41:04] Discussing the purpose and goal of the Wig Academy.

[50:16] Will we see a return of the wig as a fashion accessory?

[52:09] The wrap-up and where you can get in touch with Eugene.

 

 

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

 

Eugene Souleiman

Instagram

 

The Wig Academy

Click here to check out Eugene's classes on The Wig Academy

Instagram

Episode 247

When one door closes another door opens. Success and setback are two sides of the same coin but it takes a strong personality, self belief and determination to bounce back. 

A couple of years ago I was at ‘salon international’ in London and there was a young barber on stage who was not only doing great work but she also had an infectious personality, combined with an amazing level of energy and confidence that made her stand out from the crowd. 

So today I am really happy to have Hayden Cassidy as a guest on the show. 

In today’s podcast we discuss:

• The attitude and belief that you need to have in life in order to overcome setbacks and succeed.
• The opportunities that a career in barbering can bring about Including being the first Dior Grooming Expert in the UK
• The evolving business model of today’s barbershop

And lots more!

 

In this Episode:

 

[1:56] Discussing Haydens background and previous career before seguing into barbering.

[8:46] The journey into barbering and where the passion for the craft came from.

[12:40] How Hayden got to the level she’s at so quickly. 

[18:28] What it’s like working in a male dominated space.

[23:30] Hayden’s incredible achievement of becoming a Dior Grooming Ambassador

[33:14] The studio that Hayden created and works out of called Croi pronounced Cree (it means heart in Gaelic.)

[38:09] Where Hayden sees the trends for barbering, her inspiration and influence.

[42:15] Where you can connect with Hayden online.

 

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

Hayden Cassidy 

Instagram | Tiktok | Website | Instagram – Croi

Episode 244

Building a successful business isn’t easy, and sometimes at the beginning of our journey we look at established businesses and wonder how we could possibly ever achieve that.

The important thing to realise is that nobody starts with a big successful business. Every new salon owner has doubts and experiences setbacks and challenges along the way.

But through grit and determination and a never ending thirst for knowledge, the skills and knowledge of the owner grow, and the business grows with it.

Today I am talking with Eric Fisher from Wichita Kansas where he has 4 world class salons, a school, and a business education company.

In today’s podcast we discuss:

• What it takes to build a successful salon business.
• What makes building a big salon business both harder and easier today than it was 30 years ago?
• Why where you are located shouldn’t be something that holds you back

And lots more!

 

In this Episode:

 

[02:31] The three or four principles that Eric would give the 25-year-old version of himself to follow as he starts out in business.

[05:40] Talking about the learning environment, the importance of culture,  making mistakes and learning from them.

[06:48] Eric discusses his business in Wichita Kansas and why he decided to open up a school.

[11:46] The business model that Eric has in his salons and why.

[20:47] With all of the new technology available to salons now, what would make building a business like Erics harder/easier today than what it was 30 years ago?

[26:57] Why you don’t have to live in a big city to have international reach.

[31:52] What a successful stylist looks like today in Eric’s business.

[37:14] The compromises that Eric has had to make to attract and keep good people in today’s workforce.

[43:23] Discussing the profit margins of salons today.

[46:18] 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 Fisher

Instagram | Website | Eric Fisher Academy

Episode 243

I don’t believe that there has ever been a family in the world of hairdressing that has made the impact that the Mascolo family has. 

Whether it was the Toni & Guy salons and schools, the TIGI products, or the incredible shows, and stunning photography. Either way the Mascolo brothers, Toni, Guy, Bruno and Anthony were at the forefront of everything in hairdressing and created a hairdressing dynasty that will live on for many years to come.

My guest on today’s episode is Anthony Mascolo who’s creativity and leadership was the force behind the creative direction of the brand.   

In today’s podcast we discuss:

• The use of AI in hairdressing
• The changing salon business
• Leadership and team building

And lots more!

 

In this Episode:

[03:24] How Anthony used AI in the latest episode of Infringe Magazine

[07:09] What impact will AI have on the awards side of the industry?

[12:08] If Anthony was opening salons today, what would he do differently?

[16:36] Discussing the building and selling of the Tigi brand.

[21:33] The keys to building a successful team and being a great leader.

[24:05] Acknowledging Pat Mascolo for her talent and inspiration and the role that she has played.

[29:20] Looking back at career highlights and the incredible career that Anthony Mascolo has had.

[32:48] Anthony and Pat’s Magazine INFRINGE The anthropology of hair is online and in print and is a great way of showcasing other peoples talent.

 

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

Anthony Mascolo

INFRINGE Anthony Mascolo | INFRINGE Magazine | INFRINGE Instagram

 

Episode 233

My guest on today’s episode is Mario Verrilli, owner of the Onaré Salon in Mississauga, Ontario, and author of a book titled, ‘The Fall of the Hair Salon and What to Do About It: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Future of the Beauty Salon Industry.’

The salon industry is under constant reinvention, and Mario has many years of first-hand experience with the changes that are taking place. This has led him to learn the invaluable skill of “getting comfortable with being uncomfortable.” 

In today’s podcast, we will discuss: 

• Some of the challenges that the hair and beauty industry is facing
• The importance of creating clarity for your team’s career path
• The value of ongoing personal development…

And lots more! 

 

In this Episode:

 

[01:54] A brief overview of Mario’s career trajectory to date. 

[02:54] What motivated Mario to open his own salon. 

[05:41] Messages that Mario wants to impart to others through his book, ‘The Fall of the Hair Salon and What to Do About It.’ 

[09:04] How the suite model is faring in Canada. 

[13:33] The benefits of working for someone rather than owning your own salon. 

[15:18] The business model at Onaré. 

[16:34] Mario’s approach to people management. 

[21:26] The experience Mario has had working with Gen Z’ers. 

[25:37] “Communicating with empathy;” why Mario sees this as the key to good leadership. 

[26:55] What Mario wishes he had done differently in his early days of being a salon owner. 

[28:48] Mario’s personal development journey. 

[31:37] Advice for people starting out their careers in the salon industry. 

[34:16] Advice for people who have been salon owners for many years. 

 

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 Mario 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 | YouTube

 

Onaré Salon

Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Book

 

Mario Virrelli

Email | Instagram

Episode 232

Owning a salon business will always come with a multitude of challenges, and when you’re in the midst of a struggle, it’s easy to focus on the negatives, which can very quickly lead you to overwhelm and burn out.

However, if you can change your mindset and start to see the positive side of things, you’re far more likely to overcome whatever hurdles you face.

My guest on today’s episode is Martha Lynn Kale, a salon owner who has grown her business from a 1000 square foot space with 5 chairs and 7 staff to a 4000 square foot space with 19 chairs and 42 staff (and counting!) despite an incredibly challenging economic climate.

In today’s podcast, we will discuss:

• Knowing when it’s time to expand
• How to create a team of productive hairstylists
• Hiring and creating a culture that no one wants to leave
• Developing a personal brand…
• Tips for creating a level system

And lots more!

 

In this Episode:

 

[03:08] Martha Lynn’s professional journey to date (and the biggest lesson she has learned over the past few years).

[06:07] The revenue goal Martha Lynn has set for her new salon space.

[08:42] An overview of Martha Lynn’s business model and her approach to employee benefits.

[16:03] Why the staff turnover at Mirror Mirror is so low.

[20:04] The reasons behind Martha Lynn’s decision to expand and the strategy she adopted to do so.

[24:44] The staff structure at Mirror Mirror.

[26:22] The values that inform the Mirror Mirror culture.

[30:51] What Martha Lynn believes young people are looking for when they enter the working world.

[34:04] Martha Lynn’s approach to handling team members who want to leave.

[36:48] What to expect from Martha Lynn’s soon-to-be-released book, ‘Ambitious Stylist.’

[37:53] The importance of building a personal brand.

[40:05] Advice for expanding your client base.

[45:51] Exploring the retail side of Mirror Mirror.

[48:42] How the level system at Mirror Mirror works.

[51:15] Where Martha Lynn looks for inspiration.

[52:09] How Martha Lynn keeps her team motivated.

[54:39] What Martha Lynn is driven by.

[56:05] The flexibility that Martha Lynn has worked into her business model.

[1:00:28] Martha Lynn’s thoughts on the value of coaching and a golden nugget from her coaching 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.

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 Martha Lynn 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 | TikTok | YouTube

 

Martha Lynn Kale

Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook

 

Mirror Mirror

Website | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook

Episode 231

“Find your why because it will get you through anything.”

The majority of our listeners are salon owners, and many of you are also parents, both of which come with a whole host of challenges and rewards. 

My guest today is salon owner and father CJ Morello, and for him and his wife, the work-life balance struggles have been exacerbated by the fact that their two young children are profoundly autistic. 

As you will hear today, the journey hasn’t been an easy one, but his inner strength combined with the depth of his love and commitment to his family has resulted in something truly remarkable. 

 In today’s podcast we will discuss:

• CJ’s personal and professional lives
• The importance of knowing your “why”
• Dealing with the challenges life throws at you…

And lots more! 

In this Episode:

 

[02:55] An overview of CJ’s professional journey over the last 6 years. 

[09:27] What it means to “know your why.” 

[09:58] Some of the challenges that CJ has overcome as a salon owner. 

[11:13] CJ’s “why.”

[12:16] How their autism diagnoses have impacted CJ’s children’s lives.  

[18:08] Why CJ has a “100 year plan.”  

[22:54] The problem with not having a “why.”

[24:02] CJ’s approach to leadership. 

[26:19] Reasons that CJ has a waiting list of hairdressers hoping to work in his salons. 

[29:17] Examples of how CJ’s children’s diagnoses have impacted his and his wife’s lives. 

[33:51] The philosophies and coping strategies that CJ and his wife use to deal with their challenges. 

[39:10] CJ’s approach to self-care. 

[42:24] The fundraiser that CJ is organising for Giant Steps, his children’s school. 

 

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 CJ for sharing his story with me for this week’s episode. Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Giant Steps

Website |  Come Together Fundraiser

AH Salon

Website | Instagram

Episode 229

The word icon is totally overused in the hairdressing industry, but some people deserve that recognition, and Annie Humphreys is definitely one of them.

Annie is a true icon in the world of hairdressing. As a former part-owner of Vidal Sassoon salons and schools, she was an important part of the brand's success.

Today, she is widely acknowledged the world over for her groundbreaking creativity and dedication to the art of hair colour.

Annie paved the way for every passionate hair colourist today and influenced a generation of expert hair colourists that span the globe.

Join us as Annie shares her experiences in the ever-evolving salon industry from the 1950s to the 21st century.

Annie has now retired, and although this interview was recorded in 2015, the lessons she shares are timeless.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Sassoon revolution
• What it takes to succeed in the salon industry
• Colour, colour, colour…

In this Episode:

[02:32] Annie’s journey to becoming the salon industry icon she is today.

[07:25] What it was like working for Vidal Sassoon in the late 1950s.

[11:14] Invaluable advice for aspiring hairdressers and new salon owners.

[13:27] Annie’s experience of the salon industry in the 1970s.

[16:13] When colour came into the mainstream and how it transformed Annie’s career.

[22:12] Some of the reasons behind the many highs and lows of Sassoon.

[30:08] How Sassoon revolutionised the salon industry.

[33:12] How to identify a good colourist.

[34:52] Annie’s philosophy for dealing with mistakes.

[35:49] What it takes to develop a strong salon team.

[37:05] How Annie approaches failures.

[38:39] How the colour industry has evolved since the early days of Annie’s career.

[42:51] What Annie hopes to be remembered for.

 

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 Annie 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 | YouTube

 

Sassoon Academy

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