Technology

Episode 286

11 March 2025

Is the future of professional hair colour undergoing a massive reinvention?

Today's guests are Leilani Macedo, a seasoned salon owner, and Charles Brown, a tech entrepreneur who is passionate about applying Artificial Intelligence to real-world problems. And together they cofounded CLICS to create a solution for the problems around the current model of professional hair colour.

So if you’re interested in tech, entrepreneurship, the salon business and what could be the future of professional hair colour, then this episode is for you…

In today’s podcast, we discuss:

✅ The problems with the existing model around professional hair colour and how CLICS uses AI to solve those problems

✅ Pricing and Automated hair colour Inventory management

✅ How CLICS is totally changing the professional hair colour game

And lots more!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:17] Introducing Leilani Macedo, a seasoned salon owner with industry wisdom, and Charles Brown, a tech entrepreneur passionate about using AI to transform traditional models.

[02:42] How Leilani and Charles crossed paths—a serendipitous meeting that sparked their collaboration and set the stage for a revolutionary approach to hair colour.

[04:19] The Birth of Clics: how a simple idea evolved into Clics—laying the groundwork for what would become a groundbreaking solution in the industry.

[10:32] Hear how an unexpected source of inspiration at Home Depot ignited innovative thinking, reshaping ideas about service and product delivery.

[13:37] Examine the technological obstacles faced by the industry and explore the creative solutions that are pushing the envelope in hair colour tech.

[19:54] Discuss why effective inventory management is essential in the salon business and how automation can streamline operations.

[32:21] Understand the intricate challenges involved in developing and launching an innovative hair colour line.

[33:33] Learn why maintaining consistency is crucial for building customer trust and a strong salon reputation.

[34:15] Explore the integration of AI in the mixing process and its potential to deliver precise, customized colour results.

[43:34] Discover how the smart bowl concept is not only enhancing precision but also playing a key role in waste reduction.

[45:26] Look at how innovative inventory solutions are revolutionizing salon operations and boosting efficiency.

[51:57] Learn about customized strategies designed to give independent stylists and boutique salons a competitive edge in a changing market.

[01:01:30] Conclude the episode with key takeaways, final reflections from our guests, and all the contact details for staying in touch.

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/

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

👉 FOLLOW US!

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👉 FOLLOW CLICS!

Instagram | Instagram – Leilani Macedo | Website | LinkedIn Leilani | LinkedIn Charles

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Episode 274

17 December 2024

The end of the year is always a time to recap and reflect on the year that’s been.

You might choose to do that at a personal or salon level, but you can also look at what’s happening on an industry-wide basis and ask yourself what’s worked during the last year. What are the business trends, and where are the opportunities for the year ahead?

On today's episode, I am talking with returning guest Gordon Miller, fellow podcast creator, AI enthusiast and someone who not only cares deeply about the industry but he is also someone who has worked across many areas of the industry and has developed a well-informed and somewhat unique overview particularly when it comes to the American salon industry.

In today’s podcast, amongst other things, we will discuss:

The fake news in the salon industry.
The integration of AI into everything we do.
The evolving relationship between salons and manufacturers.

And lots more!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[02:31] The rise of self-employment in hairdressing

[08:21] Work-life balance and mental health post-COVID

[09:28] The impact of misinformation in the industry

[17:55] Inflation and tipping in the hairdressing industry

[26:16] Potential changes with the new government

[29:18] Impact of overseas manufacturing and inflation

[30:18] Embracing AI in the industry

[34:23] AI concierge and salon management

[37:51] The evolution of industry events

[43:22] Social media trends and strategies

[47:21] Retail relationships and profitability

[52:14] Predictions for 2025

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/

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

👉 FOLLOW US!

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👉 FOLLOW GORDON MILLER!

Instagram | Website

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Episode 268

5 November 2024

There are many changes impacting the hair and beauty business, and one area that is impacting every industry is the continual advancement and use of tech, particularly the advancement of AI.

Today's guest is Sudheer Koneru, co-founder of Zenoti Salon Software.

After a background working at Microsoft, Sudheer embraced semi-retirement, and after exploring yoga, meditation and the wellness industry, he became the owner of a small group of spas that incorporated salons, beauty, fitness and yoga.

Frustrated by the software solutions available at the time, Sudheer decided to develop his own, and Zenoti was the result.

Today Zenoti operates in over fifty countries in a total of approximately 30,000 businesses in the beauty and wellness industry.

In today’s podcast, we will discuss:

The role of AI in the salon industry today

Predictions of the impact that AI will have in the immediate future

The advantages of having only one piece of software that handles everything from being a point of sale and booking platform to all your marketing, management and business analytics…

And lots more!

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:08] Introducing Sudheer Koneru and Zenoti

[02:36] Sudheers transition from tech to beauty and wellness

[12:25] The birth of Zenoti from Sudheers personal wellness journey

[23:33] Discussing Zenoti's apps for both stylists and clients

[35:12] AI's impact on the salon industry

[43:32] Future predictions for AI in the salon industry

[50:15] Conclusion and where to find Zenoti

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/

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:

Zenoti

Website | Linkedin | Instagram

👉 FOLLOW US!

Instagram | Facebook | Website

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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:

– 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:

ROSY SALON SOFTWARE

Instagram | Website

AURA SALON SOFTWARE

Instagram | Website

👉 FOLLOW US!

Instagram | Facebook | Website

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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

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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

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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.

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

Jo Burgess

Shortcuts North America

Shortcuts UK

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Shortcuts Australia

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

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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.

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

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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.

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

Gianni Scumaci

MeMo

Demo | Instagram | App Store | Google Play | Website

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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.

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