Technology

Episode 264

8 October 2024

In today’s episode, I focus on ‘Salon Management Software’, and I’m talking with Lori Obiedzinski, originally a hairdresser she now works in the salon management software side of the industry.

In this episode, we discuss how AI can streamline business operations and enhance client engagement, the importance of online booking, and the emerging trends impacting the future of salon management systems.

As well as:

  • What to look for in a salon management system
  • The role of Artificial Intelligence in salon management software
  • How and why salon owners can and should get more out of their salon management software systems

And lots more!

 

IN THIS EPISODE:

(02:29) Defining key terms and the competitive landscape of salon management software.

(05:49) Choosing the right salon management software based on your needs.

(08:00) Maximizing software utilisation and how most salons underutilise the available system functions.

(12:19) The role of AI and automation in streamlining operations and enhancing client engagement.

(17:39) Why it’s important to think of your salon software as an investment, not an expense

(24:56) The rise of independent stylists and the impact of independent stylists on software development.

(26:35) The importance of leveraging software for client communication

(31:06) Debate: Removing the front desk and enhancing the client experience with mobile solutions.

(38:08) Adapting to COVID and the innovations that stuck afterwards

(47:17) Thoughts on the future trajectory of salon management systems

 

Want MORE to help you GROW?

📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW 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:

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– 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:

 

ROSY SALON SOFTWARE

Instagram |  Website

 

AURA SALON SOFTWARE

Instagram | Website

 

👉 FOLLOW US!

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Episode 246

28 May 2024

Every salon owner I’ve ever met wants to know how to better manage their business expenses so that they can be more profitable. And so they should. 

Ultimately what that all comes down to is looking for ways to increase the income and reduce the outgoings which results in improved profit margins. Both of those topics are covered in depth in our online ‘Money course’. 

But amongst the many potential solutions to help manage costs and increase profit is to use a ‘Colour Management System’ which will help reduce waste and improve consistency. 

My guest on today’s episode is Janine Simons, another entrepreneurial salon owner who is also the founder of Colour Bar Manager.

In today’s podcast we will discuss:

  • The day Janine woke up and decided the world needed a new colour management app.
  • How the colour bar manager works.
  • What it does differently to its competition.

And lots more!

 

In this Episode:

 

[03:12] How the idea of colour bar manager came to Janine.

[05:43] What is colour bar manager, and how does it work?

[19:04] Discussing how the salon's colour records are recorded and the security around that.

[22:45] How the ordering and inventory management side of things works.

[31:36] The resistance points that salon owners, stylists, and colourists have around using colour management systems.

[37:20] Where you can connect with Janine.

 

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

Janine Simons 

Instagram personal | Instagram Business |

Color Bar Manager

website

Episode 243

7 May 2024

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 237

26 March 2024

One of the biggest changes to take place in the hair and beauty industry during the course of my career has been the uptake of tech, especially in relation to the business side of running a salon.

Today’s guest is Jo Burgess, a former hairdresser and the co-founder of Shortcuts Salon Management Software. Since the early ‘90s, Jo and her team have been at the forefront of developing tech-based solutions for the salon industry.

In today’s episode, we will discuss:

  • The impact that the last 3-4 years have had on salon software innovations
  • The future role that salon management software has in developing client relationships and improving the client experience
  • The uses for Artificial Intelligence (AI) in salons today…

And lots more!

 

In this Episode:

[02:47] Why Jo decided to co-found a software company in the early ’90s.

[12:18] The environment in which Shortcuts came into existence.

[14:33] Noteworthy technological advancements that have taken place in the past 30 years.

[21:46] How the COVID-19 pandemic impacted salon-related tech.

[26:09] What the data shows about the trends in client rebookings.

[28:55] Jo shares her thoughts about the future of cash payments.

[30:22] The importance of maintaining the human element in a tech-dominated world.

[35:32] How salon software is evolving in response to the increase in flexibility and autonomy in the industry.

[40:20] Examples of how to use technology to incorporate successful dynamic pricing strategies into salons.

[48:02] The slow rate of uptake of tech in salons.

[50:52] Shortcuts’ target market.

[55:16] Technological advancements that Jo thinks we can expect in the future.

 

Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!

They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.

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 Jo 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 | Episode 209

 

Jo Burgess

LinkedIn

 

Shortcuts North America

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn | YouTube

 

Shortcuts UK

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

 

Shortcuts Australia

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Episode 235

12 March 2024

As a salon owner, one of the biggest challenges affecting a salon's growth is that first-time clients are simply not returning, with numerous studies showing that after their first visit, 65% of clients are not going back to that same salon a second time.

My guest on today’s episode is Kati Whitledge, who has developed a piece of “matchmaking” marketing software, Mya, that not only assists salon owners in attracting new clients but matches them with the stylist who is most likely to connect with them and, as a result, increase client retention. 

In today’s episode, we discuss: 

  • Salon marketing
  • Client recruitment and retention
  • Mya the matchmaking software

And lots more! 

In this Episode:

[02:27] An overview of Kati’s successful business journey. 

[04:32] How the hair and beauty industry changed Kati’s life. 

[08:08] The evolution of Kati’s marketing software, Mya.

[10:26] A hard truth about client retention and how Mya can change this for your business.

[16:07] Kati explains how Mya works and why it is so beneficial for salon owners. 

[00:53] Why Mya is integrated with point-of-sales platforms. 

[22:27] How Mya impacts salon staff and client retention. 

[24:11] Where Mya is currently available.

[25:03] How Mya clients are marketing the software through their media channels. 

[27:25] Examples of the questions in the Mya Matchmaker Quiz.  

[30:24] Mya for solopreneurs: coming soon! 

[31:57] An overview of the Mya subscription model. 

[32:38] The average return on investment for Mya. 

[33:05] A real-world Mya success story. 

[35:09] A rapid-fire round with Kati. 

 

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 Kati 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

 

Mya

Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Podcast

Episode 225

3 January 2024

“Information given without emotion is very rarely remembered.”

So much has changed in the two years since Gianni Scumaci was last on the podcast, including the incredible growth his digital education platform has experienced, his new academy space outside of Rome, and the development of an exciting new app that is sure to enhance the salon experience for owners, hairdressers, and clients everywhere!

In today’s podcast, we will discuss:

  • Gianni’s “heart to hand” philosophy
  • How digital education is evolving
  • The soon-to-be-launched MeMo app…

 

And lots more!

 

In this Episode:

[00:49] Where you can find out more about our online Money Course.

[02:28] How Gianni’s business has evolved and expanded over the past two years.

[07:49] The many benefits that Gianni’s new academy space affords his clients and himself.

[15:33] The “heart to hand” philosophy that Gianni and his wife and business partner live by.

[18:16] Why listening is an essential skill for hairdressing success.

[22:54] Gianni’s definition of suitability.

[23:50] An overview of the soon-to-be-launched app, MeMo, of which Gianni is a co-founder.

[26:44] MeMo’s target audience.

[27:00] How MeMo differs from other salon-focused apps.

[30:41] The value of MeMo for hairdressers and their clients.

[35:54] How the app protects salon owners.

[39:52] How the app enhances hairdressers’ motivation levels.

[42:53] Characteristics that make MeMo’s offerings unique.

[51:47] The cost of a MeMo subscription.

 

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 Gianni 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 | Money Course | Episode 121

 

Gianni Scumaci

Courses | Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | LinkedIn

 

MeMo

Demo |  Instagram | App Store | Google PlayWebsite

 

Episode 224

26 December 2023

For our last episode of 2023, we’re joined by a guest who always brings a unique, highly informed perspective on the hair and beauty industry. There is nobody more fitting to share an overview of the business trends that have come to the forefront over the past year and what the future may hold.

Gordon Miller is the CEO and President of Beauty Cast Network, a platform that connects young people with potential employers, and the host of two podcasts, Mastering Beauty and Social Beauty Makers.

In today’s podcast, we will discuss:

  • The impact AI has had on the salon industry over the past year
  • An overview of the various social media apps
  • The problem of fake news…

And lots more!

 

In this Episode:

[02:45] The goal of Beauty Cast Network, the platform of which Gordon is the CEO and president.

[05:08] Why many businesses have downsized since the pandemic.

[09:01] An overview of the employee-benefit environment in the United States.

[14:19] The huge problem of fake beauty news.

[19:12] Pros and cons of some of the most prevalent social media platforms.

[23:33] The social media platform that Gordon is most interested in (and why).

[25:30] LinkedIn’s target audience.

[26:54] The benefits of YouTube for salon industry professionals.

[29:53] Tension between entertainment and education on TikTok.

[33:48] How AI has changed (and will continue to change) the salon industry (and the world).

[41:16] Use cases for generative AI.

[48:30] What the event space looks like post-pandemic and Gordon’s predictions for what it will look like in the future.

[54:00] How the current global chaos is affecting 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.

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 Gordon 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

 

Gordon Miller

Social Beauty Makers Podcast | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

 

Beauty Cast Network

Website | Instagram | Mastering Beauty Podcast

 

The New York Times

The Restaurant Revolution Has Begun

Episode 222

12 December 2023

The last few years have seen a change in how hairdressers and salon owners access and present education.

Online learning platforms have become a well-established option to complement live education and have the dual benefit of providing quality learning opportunities for people across the globe and expanding the skill sets of hairdressers themselves.

Over the past few months, I’ve interviewed several industry educators who have embraced the online space and today I’m going to be speaking with another; Johnny Othona, the co-founder of Ena, Allilon, and Allilon Plus.

In today’s podcast, we will discuss:

  • The philosophies that underpin everything Johnny does as an educator
  • The concept of suitability and whether you can “teach feeling”
  • How online education is evolving…

And lots more!

 

In this Episode:

[04:22] The meaning behind the names of Johnny’s businesses; Ena and Allilon.

[07:24] How Allilon has evolved since the pandemic (and why evolution is essential for success in the salon industry).

[12:15] The “golden nugget” that will make your business stand out.

[14:17] The benefits of training hairdressers on mannequins.

[15:13] Challenges of conducting online classes and how Allilon tweaked their business model in response.

[16:16] How Allilon one-to-one sessions work and the skills Johnny and his team have acquired as a result.

[18:36] Johnny’s commitment to honesty.

[19:11] Characteristics that make Allilon unique (and an announcement about an exciting upcoming feature!).

[25:07] Allilon’s variety of offerings and an overview of how their digital platform works.

[30:14] Johnny’s definition of a great educator.

[33:28] How Johnny defines and teaches suitability.

[38:54] Why Johnny doesn’t follow fashion.

[47:20] The art form that Johnny is trying to salvage.

[53:20] A rapid-fire round of questions with Johnny.

 

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 Johnny 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

 

Johnny Othona

LinkedIn

 

Allilon

Website | Allilon Plus Website | Instagram | YouTube | Facebook | Email

Episode 201

18 July 2023

Despite the changes in the social media landscape, using Instagram effectively is still one of the most important tools to help you grow your salon business!

My guest on today's podcast is Vivienne Johns, a UK-based Instagram expert. At this point in time, being competent (at least) in using this social media channel (alongside the others) is a skill that you can’t afford to ignore.

On her own admission, Vivienne was late to embrace Instagram, but she has certainly made up for lost time and has established herself as a very relatable educator in a fast-moving space.

On this week’s podcast, we will discuss:

  • The ever-changing social media landscape
  • How people are consuming content today
  • How to manage and set guidelines around your salon's social

And lots more.

 

In this Episode:

[03:13] Vivienne shares the story of her career and her initial thoughts about social media marketing.

[05:18] The moment Vivienne realized she needed social media.

[09:04] Why Vivienne has chosen to prioritize Instagram rather than other social media channels.

[15:33] The benefits of using a variety of social channels for marketing purposes.

[19:46] Why the “post and ghost” approach doesn’t work on social media anymore.

[23:36] How to get the most out of the different social channels.

[27:00] Advice for enhancing the quality of your content and ensuring it is seen by your target clients.

[35:14] Why Vivienne believes engagement is the most important social media metric to focus on.

[39:19] How to create an Instagram aesthetic that showcases your unique brand identity.

[52:02] The importance of having your social media guidelines down in writing.

[52:32] Different ways of collaborating with your team members in the management of your salon Instagram account.

[1:04:09] Vivienne’s motivation for The Hairdresser’s Social Club and the value that it offers to salon owners everywhere.

 

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 Vivienne 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

The Hairdressers Social Club

Website | Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn

Episode 199

4 July 2023

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been with us for a while, but this year it has exploded into the general consciousness. Regardless of country or industry, it seems like everyone is talking about all the ways that AI will revolutionise the hairdressing business. 

But what impact will it have on the creative side of the industry? How will it change how we communicate, how we do consultations, and how we recommend home haircare?

My guest on today's Podcast is Richard Kavanagh, who, amongst other things, is the founder of piiq Digital. I've asked Richard onto the show because I want to talk about AI and creativity, and as he has a foot in both camps, I think he’ll bring a broad perspective to the conversation.

In today’s podcast, we will discuss:

  • How AI can enhance creativity
  • The impact of AI on salon retail
  • The piiq smart mirror…

And lots more!

 

In this Episode:

 

[04:23] Examples of the differing views about AI held in different countries. 

[05:31] Richard’s thoughts about the future impacts of AI, particularly in relation to creativity. 

[07:05] Technological advancements that have transformed the salon industry over the past decade. 

[08:21] Richard shares a highlight from his career that epitomizes the life-changing power of hairdressing. 

[17:43] How AI technology can facilitate long-term relationships with clients.

[19:14] An essential characteristic of a successful hairdresser. 

[22:30] Understanding the psychology of decision-making when it comes to client consultations. 

[26:10] How Richard fell in love with the retail side of hairdressing. 

[30:21] Richard’s motivation for founding piiq Digital. 

[35:08] The mission of piiq Digital.

[38:47] One of the most valuable lessons that Richard has learned during his career. 

[44:31] How piiq Digital’s Smart Mirror and TheHair.App work. 

[49:47] A hypothetical example of TheHair.App in action in a salon. 

[52:42] The retail side of TheHair.App. 

 

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 Richard for sharing his thoughts with me for this week’s episode. Until next time!

Antony

 

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business 

Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

 

piiq Digital

Website | Facebook | LinkedIn | YouTube

 

Richard Kavanagh 

Instagram | LinkedIn

 

Predictably Irrational 

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