Technology

Episode 199

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 

Book

Episode 196

This year will be remembered for many things, including as being the time when Artificial Intelligence (A.I.) exploded into the mainstream of society.

A.I. has been with us for a number of years in a supporting role through things like social media algorithms, dating apps, Siri, Alexa, Google Maps, and Netflix.

But it’s ChatGPT that has really got everyone talking, and people are experiencing excitement and terror in equal measures about what this really means for humanity…

My guest on today's podcast is my good friend Gordon Miller, and today we are going to have a conversation about the impact that ChatGPT is having (and is likely going to have in the future) on the hairdressing industry and beyond.

In today’s podcast, we will discuss:

• How AI can be used in the hairdressing industry
• Who or what might it make redundant
• How to dip a toe in the water if you haven’t already…

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[02:32] The ChatGPT revolution we are currently in the midst of.

[05:56] Gordon explains how he uses ChatGPT to assist him at work.

[10:19] Additional benefits of ChatGPT4.

[12:50] How Canva has incorporated A.I. into their product.

[14:49] An exploration of how A.I. tools are likely going to transform the working world.

[23:25] What A.I. can’t yet offer to the extent that humans can.

[25:32] Pain points in the hairdressing industry that A.I. technology is helping to solve.

[30:00] The opportunities for A.I. in the colour realm of hairdressing.

[32:58] Gordon’s thoughts on the potential for A.I. to enhance point-of-sales in salons.

[35:28] Advice for hairdressers interested in using ChatGPT.

[39:50] Pros and cons of social media and the role that A.I. technology plays in this space.

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

Gordon Miller

LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | Social Beauty Makers [Podcast]

ChatGPT

Website

ChatGPT4

Website

Canva

Website

Jasper

Website

Pi

Website

Episode 163

This week on the podcast, I am talking with Jennifer Akers from Hollywood Hair, a salon group that is located in three small towns across the United States. I love talking to Jennifer and her team at Hollywood hair because I always learn from them, and today is no exception!

Often times it’s the really big, high-profile hairdressers with celebrity clientele who come up with innovative new ways of working and get acknowledged for being successful business-wise. But as the Hollywood Hair story illustrates, success can come in all shapes and sizes!

Today we are going to talk about a whole range of topics that cover what makes a salon business successful, and whether you have a small salon with just 1 or 2 team members or a chain of salons, I will guarantee that you will learn something from this conversation.

So, without further ado, welcome to Jennifer Akers from Hollywood Hair…

In this Episode:

[02:34] How Hollywood Hair has grown since its opening in 1994. 

[03:32] An overview of the employment model that is utilized at Hollywood Hair.

[04:36] The sizes of the towns where the three Hollywood Hair salons are situated, and the target market of each salon. 

[07:45] Jennifer shares some numbers highlighting the high productivity levels being achieved by Hollywood Hair.

[10:55] The percentage of Hollywood Hair’s total sales that comes from retail.

[12:05] Factors that are contributing to the growth of Hollywood Hair’s retail sector.

[14:26] What the Trello app is and how it adds value to Hollywood Hair. 

[19:25] Benefits of the online consultation forms that Hollywood Hair uses.

[21:15] Where the idea for the Hollywood Hair treatment cart originated. 

[24:03] The role of the Hollywood Hair concierge. 

[25:49] Examples of the unusually wide range of beverages that are available at Hollywood Hair. 

[27:32] What Hollywood Hair’s virtual assistant is responsible for. 

[31:09] Benefits of the Hollywood Hair app.  

[34:04] The different levels that make up the career path of a Hollywood Hair stylist. 

[41:46] Jennifer explains how the Hollywood Hair partnership model works

[43:59] The intentions behind the morning huddles and evening celebrations that  take place at each of the Hollywood Hair salons.

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 Jennifer 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

Hollywood Hair Salon

Website | Instagram | Facebook | App

Trello

Website

WePhone

Website

Episode 149

As I often say, we are in the ‘people business.’ This means that our primary product is the people who sit in our chairs and the services we offer to make our clients happy. 

But from the salon owners' perspective, we are also in the ‘people business’ in that because our teams are also our product and our most important asset.

The Human Resource (HR) regulation around employees varies from country to country but no matter where you are listening to this podcast there are almost definitely more complexities around managing your team today than there were 5 years ago. 

And managing those complexities takes time, and time is money. 

My guest on today's podcast is Ian Egerton, hairdresser, salon owner, and the founder of Loop HR Salon Software. Ian’s software solution makes the HR component not just much easier to manage, but also extremely professional. 

In today’s podcast we will discuss:

• The role of ‘HR’ in a successful salon
• The benefits of getting more organised, systemised, and automated when it comes to HR… 

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[02:39] An overview of Ian’s journey from “Saturday boy” in his local salon to the founder of Loop HR.

[08:55] Ian’s approach to business development.

[11:48] Origins of the name Loop HR. 

[14:25] Experiences that motivated Ian to found Loop HR.

[16:24] An explanation of how Loop HR works. 

[24:01] The 4 pillars of business, and where Loop HR fits in amongst them.

[24:52] Elements that make Loop HR unique.

[25:30] Examples of Loop HR in action.

[30:56] How to use Loop HR. 

[32:33] The benefits that Loop HR provides to salon employees.

[37:52] Ian explains how salon owners can integrate Loop HR into their systems (and the assistance that he offers).

[41:15] The 3 subscription-based packages offered by Loop HR.

[43:10] Ian’s greatest joy.  

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 Ian 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

Loop HR

Website – Free Trial

Episode 124

The fact that you are listening to this means that you are probably a salon owner and therefore could probably be loosely described as an entrepreneur. 

And if you are a regular listener, you’ve probably gathered that I love nothing more than a good entrepreneurial story where we get an insight and an understanding into the highs and lows of what it takes each of us on our unique journey to turn the dream into reality. 

Because when we share our dream and the journey we take, it gives others the inspiration and courage to pursue their dream too.

My guest on this episode is Victoria Tarrant a hairdresser who has a dream to solve a problem that exists in every salon, and that is addressing the issue of colour wastage and everything surrounding that from the impact that has on salon profits to correct pricing of colour services, the environmental impact waste has and efficient inventory management.  

In this episode we discuss:

• What exactly is ‘SmartMix’?
• How it differs from competing brands
• The journey Victoria has taken to get it to the point it's at …

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[02:40] Victoria shares the origins of her hairdressing career and an overview of what her journey has looked like since.

[05:07] The issue that inspired Victoria’s app, SmartMix, and how her idea evolved over time. 

[09:00] Jerry Rihll; the influential role that he has played in the success of SmartMix.  

[14:40] Competition in the colour mixing space, and what makes SmartMix stand out.

[18:23] How Victoria funded SmartMix, and the process she went through to develop the app. 

[23:36] Pushback that Victoria received from stylists when SmartMix was launched, and how the app won them over. 

[27:34] A rundown of how to use the SmartMix app. 

[34:15] The charitable element that Victoria hopes to link to SmartMix.

[36:04] An experiment: the amount of colour waste that Victoria accumulated in the space of 38 weeks.

[37:50] The reporting system that encourages stylists to use the SmartMix app, and what Victoria found to be the most powerful incentive. 

[41:23] How stylists access the SmartMix app, and the other systems that it is linked to. 

[45:41] Plans that Victoria has for the future of SmartMix. 

[48:51] Characteristics that Victoria has which have helped her succeed. 

[50:38] Two valuable pieces of advice from Victoria for any aspiring entrepreneurs. 

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 Victoria for sharing her story with me for this week’s episode. Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business 

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Precision Colour [SmartMix]

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Victoria’s Hair Design

Website

Victoria Tarrant 

LinkedIn

Episode 118

I was recently listening to a discussion about climate change and one of the presenters said something along the lines of “It is not possible to achieve the targets we have set in the time frame available.” 

And the other presenter said, “In 10 to 20 years’ time we will have technology and solutions that haven’t even been imagined today. And that is why these targets are realistic”. 

Now if you are wondering what that has to do with today’s podcast, the answer is absolutely nothing. Except that in 10-20 years’ time there will be jobs and career paths in our industry that haven’t even been imagined today. 

If you don’t believe me, just think of the jobs such as social media managers or influencers or App designers or SEO specialists. They are all jobs that have been invented in the last 20 years and are now in high demand. 

And that is the connection with my guests today. 

They are Annie and Erin from ‘The Hair Nerds’ and they describe their business as ‘an alternative media agency’ that specialises in the hair and beauty space. 

I have thoroughly enjoyed talking with them and I know you will enjoy the conversation too.

In this episode we discuss:

• Creating career paths that didn’t exist before
• How to work with social media agencies
• The relevance of Facebook
• The importance of education… 

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[04:40] Inspiration behind Annie and Erin’s company, The Hair Nerds. 

[09:24] How The Hair Nerds has evolved over the years. 

[10:57] An explanation of the realm of alternative media, and how it can benefit creatives. 

[16:36] The different levels of social media management offered by The Hair Nerds. 

[19:35] Challenges that I have had with outsourcing my social media.   

[20:56] The importance of keeping the client fully involved in the social media content creation process.

[22:10] What you should be looking for in a social media manager. 

[24:08] How social media platforms are evolving.

[27:42] Why Annie decided to go back to school to get a graphic design degree. 

[30:58] Erin and Annie’s commitment to continuous education. 

[33:18] Value that the Facebook platform holds for professional beauty businesses. 

[40:32] A brief rundown of the online courses offered by The Hair Nerds. 

[42:46] Work being done by the charitable organizations that The Hair Nerds collaborate with. 

[49:40] Why Annie and Erin feel disappointed about the direction their industry is heading. 

[54:22] What it takes to master a craft.

[57:02] Misperceptions about social media, and where the true power of these platforms lies. 

[1:01:01] Things that Erin, Annie and I are feeling inspired by right now. 

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 and Erin 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

The Hair Nerds

Website | Instagram | Facebook

The Thirst Project

Website

Dresscode Project 

Website

Episode 082

I am a great believer in using technology to help you succeed in business, unfortunately, though the hairdressing industry is sometimes slow in embracing technology to help them be more successful.

From a salon owners point of view, it's important to maximise efficiency in every area of the business and to use technology to help your salon run more efficiently and ultimately be more profitable.

My guest on today's Podcast is Tom Bentley-Taylor, who is VP of sales and partnerships at Vish, which is a colour management software app.

As a former salon owner, if I had a salon today, I would definitely be using colour management software as not only will it save you money, but it will also make you a better colourist.

In this podcast, we discuss:

• What colour management software does and why salons should use it.
• How the Vish App works and
• The pricing of hair colour services

And lots more!

In This Episode:

[02:49] Welcome to the show, Tom!

[03:15] Tom shares his background and his journey into the industry.

[06:07] What is Vish, and what do they do?

[08:34] Tom speaks about how he got involved with Vish.

[12:50] Tom explains how Vish adjusts the amount of colour used on any given client.

[14:57] Vish keeps colour incredibly consistent.

[17:31] How do you get around the fact that you might need multiple bowls with multiple colours?

[19:48] Tom discusses how Vish sets a threshold and then for every gram you go over gives an additional charge.

[22:52] After you weigh the colour, what is the next step?

[25:07] Vish is an iPad-based app with a Bluetooth rechargeable scale.

[28:14] In the US, Vish connects to over 200 points of sale systems.

[29:13] Where did the name Vish come from?

[30:10] Tom talks about the analytics involved with Vish.

[33:01] You've got waste in your bowl and waste on the head; extra training may be required.

[35:26] Vish is changing the dialogue. It's the solution to colour waste.

[37:28] Tom shares the financial savings he has seen Vish give back to the salons.

[38:56] Vish can bring the percentage of waste down to about 5%.

[40:39] What is the cost to salons to use Vish?

[44:08] Tom sums up Vish's point of difference.

[45:35] Tom discusses the challenges he finds when talking about the Vish program with salon owners.

[48:33] There is some fear involved because stylists don't want to be held accountable for too much waste.

[51:09] Tom speaks about pricing and how commissions should be paid.

[53:12] Does Vish have a way of adjusting the price on a tube of colour?

[55:40] This product is a game-changer when it comes to the product cost.

[57:12] Thank you for being on the show!

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons at the side or bottom of this post.

Also, I’d love it if you’d leave an honest review for The Grow My Salon Business Podcast. 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! Just click here to review, Click through to ‘Listen on apple podcasts’ scroll to the bottom, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what your favourite part of the podcast is. Thank you!

And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on Apple or Google to get automatic updates.

Special thanks to Tom for sharing his thoughts with me for this week’s episode.

Until next time!

Links and Resources

Tom Bentley-Taylor

Vish

Facebook | LinkedIn | Instagram

Episode 018

Episode 008

On today's podcast, I talk with Chris Nedza founder of ZeeZor which is a hairdressing Productivity App. Although not a hairdresser Chris is a serial Entrepreneur and creative thinker and he developed ZeeZor as a real-time mobile reporting tool so that his wife could better manage her chain of 43 salons.

ZeeZor is currently only available in the US the thinking behind the technology, however, is universally applicable.

What you will learn about in this podcast:

• The importance of using numbers and data to drive productivity and employee engagement.
• The need to give real-time feedback.
• Using technology and data to increase employee engagement.
• The need for ‘real-time’ mobile reporting.
• Using data to inspire and motivate.
• Using ’gamification’ to inspire and motivate.
• How to use competitions to drive productivity.

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons at the side or bottom of this post.

Also, I’d love it if you’d leave an honest review on iTunes for The Grow My Salon Business Podcast. 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 finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes or Google to get automatic updates 

Special thanks to Chris for sharing his thoughts with me for this week’s episode. Until next time!

Episode 003

My guest today is Gordon Miller C.E.O of Hairbrained.

Gordon brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to us today acquired over the last 40 odd years working primarily in the education and media side of the hair and beauty industry, he is a passionate advocate and embracer of all things digital and today that is where we will focus.

In today's podcast the focus is on digital disruption and the four key areas we discuss are:

1. The new channel for professional product distribution being Amazon (primarily at this point in time mainly in the United States)

2. What is the impact and future impact on the salon industry?

3. How some manufacturers are approaching the Amazon model in a positive way for both clients and salons.

4. What are 3 things a salon owner should do to capitalise on the in-salon take home opportunity?  

Thanks for listening!

Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it using the social media buttons at the side or bottom of this post.

Also, I’d love it if you’d leave an honest review for The Grow My Salon Business Podcast. 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 finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show on iTunes or Google to get automatic updates 

Special thanks to Gordon for sharing his words of wisdom with me for this week’s episode. Until next time!

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