Salon Stories

Headmasters

Headmasters Cobham

Headmasters Windsor

Headmasters Farnham

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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

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

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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

Endz Salon Studios

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Jen LeBlanc

LinkedIn | Instagram

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Episode 189

25 April 2023

As many of you may know, my hairdressing background started with a 10-year stint at the Vidal Sassoon salons and schools in London before I went off to do my own thing.

Whether you worked at Sassoon or not, most hairdressers are interested in how the brand has evolved during its 65-year journey (which is a major feat in itself!).

Vidal Sassoon changed the way the world looks at and works with hair. But every bit as important as that fact is that he showed that being open to adapting to change is essential if you want to survive, not just in hairdressing but in any business.

Over the last few years, the Sassoon brand has continued to evolve, and they recently announced that some big and exciting developments are going to be taking place in the company.

My guest on today’s podcast is my good friend and former colleague Mark Hayes, who is the International Creative Director at Sassoon, and he is going to tell us all about the next stage in the evolution of the Sassoon brand.

In this Episode:

[03:35] Mark explains what the House of Sassoon is and the motivation behind its creation.
[07:02] Key factors that have enabled Sassoon’s 65 years of success.
[13:36] The private memberships that will be offered by the House of Sassoon.
[15:17] Energy that will emanate from the House of Sassoon.
[19:03] The amount of money that has been invested into the House of Sassoon by the current owner of the company.
[20:45] Why the House of Sassoon is so much more than just a new location.
[22:03] The planned phased opening of the House of Sassoon.
[23:22] Power that lies in a name like Vidal Sassoon.
[27:37] How Vidal Sassoon’s approach to hairdressing evolved over time.
[29:18] A tribute to Mary Quant.
[39:04] How the work/life balance in the hairdressing industry has changed since the early days of Mark’s career.
[44:28] What each of the five floors in the House of Sassoon will be dedicated to.
[46:56] How the House of Sassoon’s private membership offerings will cater to peoples’ desire for flexibility.
[48:07] Different generational perspectives on work.
[52:10] How the House of Sassoon intends to celebrate the company’s heritage.

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 Mark for sharing his insights with me for this week’s episode. Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Mark Hayes

LinkedIn | Instagram

Sassoon

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Sassoon Academy

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Episode 187

11 April 2023

Any career path has a beginning, a middle and an end. For some people, that entire journey is a brief couple of years, and for almost everyone, there is a peak and then a gradual decline in passion, creativity and relevance.

But every so often, someone comes along whose career continues to evolve on an upward trajectory that spans a lifetime and influences many generations of hairdressers. Today's guest is long hair expert Sharon Blain, and she is one such person.

For almost 60 years, Sharon's career has thrived, but 2023 is the year of her ‘final world tour.' This year, for the last time, she will visit various cities across five continents to do what she does better than anyone: educate and inspire another generation of hairdressers in the art of dressing long hair!

So, if you haven't had the opportunity to attend one of Sharon's boot camps, now is probably your last chance. But whether you attend one or not, I hope you enjoy this very special episode I recorded eight years ago with a very special member of the hairdressing industry.

In this episode, we discuss:

The importance of continuous education.
The success that Sharon has achieved through her digital-focused marketing approach.
The value in setting goals for yourself and embracing change.

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[02:36] The origin story and evolution of Sharon’s (nearly) 60-year career in the hairdressing industry.
[13:35] One of Sharon’s greatest skills.
[16:31] The reason for the ‘lazy’ era of hairdressing.
[19:24] Why continuous education is the key to a long and fruitful hairdressing career.
[21:48] Sharon’s biggest learning experience as a hairdresser.
[24:42] Examples of the types of people who have attended Sharon’s boot camps.
[27:25] Sharon’s incredibly successful approach to marketing.
[30:53] Goals that Sharon sets for herself (and almost always achieves) each year.
[34:33] Sharon’s thoughts on the keys to successfully leading a team.
[37:44] Financial challenges that Sharon has dealt with during her career and the lessons she has learned as a result.
[40:34] The importance of embracing change.
[42:16] What success means to Sharon.
[47:05] Practice, practice, practice!
[48:36] Sharon’s biggest inspirations and frustrations in the hairdressing industry.
[51:57] Some of the most memorable changes that Sharon has witnessed throughout her career.
[54:28] Defining moments in Sharon’s career and what she 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!

Thank you for your support!

Special thanks to Sharon for sharing her story with me for this week’s episode.

Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Sharon Blain

Website | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

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Episode 186

4 April 2023

I am often asked how salons should go about removing the front desk and what the potential challenges are that might come with it.

Without a doubt, the idea of a desk-less salon appeals to a lot of people and to varying degrees, they implement it.

Salons that remove the front desk are creating a different client experience. Removing the front desk automates and streamlines the salon operations, and any problems that it might create are easily solved with technology.

My guest on today's Podcast is the Operations Manager and Director of Marketing at Salon Rootz salon in Medina, Ohio, and she is a ‘desk-free evangelist!’

In this episode, we discuss:

Reassessing salon operations in a post covid world
Removing the front desk and the challenges and opportunities that come with it
Virtual check-in for salons
Creating a contactless salon experience
Chairside checkout
Closing on Fridays

And lots more…

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

Filed Under

Episode 183

14 March 2023

It turns out that producing over half a million dollars behind the chair annually is not about being a celebrity stylist, a fashion week backstage superstar, or having a huge social media following.

Instead, it’s about relationships, giving clients a great experience, word-of-mouth referrals, being organised, being goal-oriented, looking after yourself, consistency, flexibility, listening, making genuine connections, and genuinely being a nice person.

Today's episode is the first in a series of three episodes over the coming weeks where I will be talking to hairstylists who make extraordinarily high revenue figures behind the chair about what it does take!

My guest on today's podcast is Denise Deering from JUUT SalonSpa in Palo Alto. In her 28 years behind the chair, Denise has never needed to take a sick day, and she is still wholeheartedly passionate about what she does.

In this episode, we discuss:

The key to making extraordinary figures working behind the chair
How long it takes to build up a column
Avoiding burnout
Finding balance

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[03:07] An overview of Denise’s educational and career trajectory.

[06:21] The payment structure that results in Denise’s total sales of half a million dollars a year.

[10:32] Denise’s most lucrative services.

[12:12] Time management skills that Denise has perfected over her many years behind the chair.

[18:43] The dollar amount that Denise generates in tips every year.

[19:32] Where Denise draws her inspiration from.

[23:10] Denise’s daily routine.

[26:01] How Denise works on constantly improving herself as a hairdresser.

[29:20] Denise’s thoughts on conducting a successful consultation and building trust with your guests.

[32:51] Denise’s approach to upselling (including the dollar amount she aims for in each session with a client).

[34:44] The factors that Denise has focused on that have enabled her to create lasting relationships with clients.

[41:25] How Denise generates new clients (and an example of how she goes the extra mile for them).

[44:57] Denise’s biggest strengths.

[48:53] Advice for avoiding burnout while building a thriving career.

[52:58] The importance of setting goals.

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 Denise for sharing her insights with me for this week’s episode. Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Denise Deering

Instagram |

Juut Salons

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

Episode 136 with David Wagner

Episode 136

Serious Business

Conference

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Episode 181

28 February 2023

My guest on today’s Podcast is Toronto-based hairdresser Kristin Rankin, a salon owner at Fox & Jane and the founder of the Dresscode Project.

The salon industry is traditionally very gendered, and the Dresscode Project aims to create gender-affirming spaces through training and educating people working in the industry to give people haircuts that make them look the way they feel!

In today’s episode, we will discuss:

What exactly the Dresscode Project does, and the impact it is having
The concept of suitability
Salon pricing…

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[05:50] Kristin explains how the Dresscode Project is helping to transform the hairdressing industry.
[06:45] The story behind the name Dresscode Project.
[09:23] Kristin’s experience of gender dysphoria and how it inspired them to found the Dresscode Project.
[12:22] How the Dresscode Project has grown since its founding in 2017.
[14:02] Why the creation of safer spaces is the goal of the Dresscode Project.
[16:16] Kristin shares the founding story of the Dresscode Project.
[23:33] Benefits of the partnership that the Dresscode Project has entered into with Pantene.
[26:45] How to join the other 550 salons that are part of the Dresscode Project.
[28:05] The Dresscode Project’s inclusive approach to categorizing and pricing haircuts and styles.
[38:54] How Kristin helps salons transition from gendered pricing to gender-neutral pricing.
[43:09] Why not making your salon gender-affirming is bad for business.
[45:11] The salon industry’s capacity to be gender-affirming.

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!

Special thanks to Kristin for sharing their insights with me for this week’s episode. Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Kristin Rankin