Wellness

Oscar Bond

Episode 136 with David Wagner

Podcasts mentioned on this episode

Episode 141 with Van Council

Episode 244 with Eric Fisher

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Episode 218

14 November 2023

Alcohol and drug addiction are a fact of life for people from all walks of life. However, in the creative industries, it is perhaps a more prevalent struggle than in others.

For some people, having a drink two or three times a week does absolutely no harm at all, but for others, it’s the beginning of spiralling out of control.

My guest on today’s episode is salon owner Clive Allwright who, alongside Amie Morris, recently started the Straight Edge podcast, a weekly show dedicated to addiction and addictive behaviours.

In today’s podcast, we will discuss:

Dealing with addiction
The path to sobriety
How to help those that are struggling with addiction…

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[02:46] An overview of Clive’s life story.

[04:35] Clive’s motivation for co-founding the Straight Edge podcast.

[08:46] The origins of Clive’s struggles with addiction and the journey he has gone through since.

[14:56] The progressive nature of addiction and recovery, as evidenced by Clive’s story.

[20:47] Clive’s biggest vice.

[25:11] The importance of understanding that sobriety needs to be the addict’s choice.

[28:48] The value of instigating an intervention if you are worried about a loved one.

[31:27] Insecurities that fuelled Clive’s struggles with addiction.

[35:27] How, as a salon owner, you can help your team members who struggle with addiction.

[43:34] Why dealing with your past is essential for building a healthy future.

[46:17] The mindset with which Clive approaches his sobriety.

[50:30] The invaluable role that spirituality has played throughout Clive’s journey.

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 Clive 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 Episode 204

Clive Allwright

Website | Instagram

Straight Edge the Podcast

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Website | Instagram

Filed Under

Episode 212

3 October 2023

Most of us, myself included, will have someone in our lives who has been directly impacted by breast cancer.

Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I have devoted this episode to talking about the disease that one in seven women develop during the course of their lives.

The salon industry is predominantly female-led, and due to the nature of the work, hairdressers are often given access to the most personal details of their clients' lives.

Today’s guest is Nicky Elkington, who is both a hairdresser and a survivor of breast cancer. Today, she is here to talk about her experience of surviving breast cancer.

In today’s podcast, we will discuss:

How Nicky dealt with the initial impact of finding out she had breast cancer
The treatments she underwent
Dealing with hair loss…

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[03:49] Nicky shares an overview of her life story.

[06:40] Some of the causes and different types of breast cancer.

[09:49] The average age that people are diagnosed with breast cancer.

[13:01] How Nicky’s diagnosis changed her life.

[15:50] The importance of doing regular check-ups.

[17:37] Challenges that Nicky had to deal with post-diagnosis.

[21:57] Why Nicky recommends staying away from Google if you are looking for information relating to breast cancer.

[25:07] Nicky’s thoughts on the stages of grief and her approach to handling her diagnosis.

[28:01] An explanation of “cancer ghosting.”

[29:56] What to say and not to say to someone with cancer.

[32:31] Some of the most helpful ways to offer your support to someone with cancer.

[37:57] Nicky’s deep attachment to her hair.

[39:35] What cold caps are and the benefits they offer to cancer patients.

[44:04] How chemotherapy can change your hair.

[45:40] Understanding secondary breast cancer.

[48:52] The positives of Nicky’s cancer journey.

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 Nicky for sharing their insights with me for this week’s episode. Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Nicky Elkington

Instagram | ‘Breast Cancer and Hair’ Episode

And Then Came Breast Cancer

Podcast

Future Dreams

Dr. Liz O’Riordan

YouTube | Instagram

You, Me, and the Big C

Podcast

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Episode 198

27 June 2023

I’ve always endeavoured to feature a wide range of guests from different countries, but more importantly, I also try to cover a range of topics that reflect not just hairdressing and business, but life, and the highs and lows that come with being human because that is what makes us who we are. And who we are at a personal level impacts who were are at a professional level…

I know that, like me, a lot of people listen to a podcast while they are walking their dogs.

In fact, one of my favourite stories is of a coaching client of mine whose dog gets excited as soon as she hears the intro music of my podcast because the dog associates the music with ‘walk time’, and every dog loves their walk.

And so that brings me to the topic of today's podcast because at the time of recording, it’s only a couple of days since we unexpectedly lost ‘Kingsley’ a much-loved member of our family, and it’s made me reflect on the importance of finding balance and time for every part of your life…

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 Kingsley for sharing his life and unwavering loyalty and love with us.

Until next time!

Antony

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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!

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

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Kristin Rankin

Dresscode Project

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Fox and Jane

Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

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Episode 166

8 November 2022

My guest today, Nina Kovner, is someone who I have wanted to speak with for the last couple of years. I think Nina has a valuable message to share with the world. So, I’m so glad we finally made it happen!

Amongst many things, Nina is a fellow podcaster and passionate advocate for mental health awareness, as well as being a salon business coach and the context creator for Passion Squared.

Nina has a vast amount of experience in the hairdressing industry and brings an honesty and thought provoking authenticity to every conversation.

In today’s podcast, we will discuss:

The importance of taking care of your mental health
Social media and mental health
How Gen Z prioritize mental health
What leadership really is…

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[03:34] An overview of Nina’s life story and their greatest passion.

[06:06] Nina opens up about their own mental health struggles.

[07:34] The power of “being where your feet are” and practicing gratitude.

[14:53] Factors that led Nina to a catastrophic meltdown, how they recovered, and what they learned from this experience.

[22:23] Nina’s advice for protecting your mental health.

[27:03] Why Nina believes that balance is a myth (and what we should strive for instead).

[29:37] An example of what it looks like to put in healthy boundaries.

[31:51] Generational differences in the approach to mental health.

[36:33] Nina’s thoughts on the pros and cons of social media.

[43:57] Passion, purpose, promise, and people; the importance of developing a brand story.

[50:42] Nina’s thoughts on how to be a good leader.

[55:18] How Nina thinks Gen Z is changing the salon industry for the better.

[59:15] One of the most valuable lessons that Nina has learned throughout their life.

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 Nina for sharing their insights with me for this week’s episode. Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok

Nina Kovner

Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn | Facebook

Passion Squared

Website | YouTube | Facebook | Podcast

The Meadows of Wickenburg, Arizona

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Episode 148

5 July 2022

This week is ‘Part 2’ of the ‘Comeback Stories’ series, where I again talk to a salon owner couple about how they’ve bounced back after a tough couple of years.

With the challenges that the world is going through at the moment, it’s important to be focusing on the success stories and the opportunities that difficult times can sometimes present.

The last two years have been a testing time for most of us, and my guests today are no exception. Their business and their personal lives have had numerous changes thrust upon them that were beyond their control.

But despite that, they have come out the other end in good shape we can all learn from their resilience, their willpower, their strength, and their courage in the face of adversity.

Today I am talking to Todd and Audra Wise from the Color Pop salon in Texas.

In today’s episode we will discuss:

Their business journey pre and post covid
Dealing with significant personal health challenges
Finding balance in both personal and business commitments

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[02:32] A brief overview of what Todd and Audra’s career paths have consisted of to date.

[05:08] Audra explains what motivated her to open her own salon and the shock that she and Todd received 8 months later.

[07:18] Why Todd and Audra didn’t receive financial assistance for their salon, Color Pop, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

[09:46] The “lean” approach that Audra and Todd adopted to make it through the pandemic.

[12:48] The mindset and support system that helped Audra deal with her breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.

[19:44] Some of the most important lessons that Audra has learned through the challenges that life has presented her with over the past few years.

[24:25] The effort that was required on the business side to help Color Pop bounce back.

[26:22] Changes that Todd and Audra made to their pricing strategy post-COVID.

[27:34] Why Audra and Todd decided not to increase their prices when they reopened after the shutdown.

[28:38] Color Pop’s number one marketing tool.

[29:38] Some of the innovative marketing initiatives that Todd and Audra have implemented, and how they have helped Color Pop grow.

[34:04] The philosophy that is foundational to the way Todd lives his life.

[35:59] What Audra sees as her biggest strengths, and the daily practices that help her feel at peace.

[37:16] Todd and Audra’s plans for 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 Todd and Audra for sharing their story with me for this week’s episode. Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Color Pop Salons

Todd Wise

Audra Wise

Filed Under

Episode 147

28 June 2022

What Does it Take to Bounce Back from COVID (and Everything Else Life Can Throw at You)?

No matter where you live in the world, if there is one phrase that I’m sure you’re as tired of hearing as I am, it’s: ‘Unprecedented times.’

But, without a doubt, the last couple of years have been tough for most people. We have been tested physically, financially and emotionally in our businesses and in our personal lives as a result of the drastic changes that have been thrust upon us.

Today is ‘Part 1’ of a two-part series focusing on what I am calling ‘comeback stories.’ I will be talking to two couples who have battled adversities and come out the other end in good shape! We can all learn from their resilience, willpower, strength, and courage.

Henry Monreal and Liz Salcedo from Salon Ink in San Diego are my guests today. I spoke to them at the beginning of COVID and now, two years on, they have had a great turnaround in their business.

In today’s podcast we will discuss:

Their business journey and how they have bounced back post-COVID
Dealing with major health challenges
Finding balance in both personal and business commitments…

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[04:17] The traumatic moment that took place in Liz and Henry lives in May 2019.

[10:11] What the initial COVID period looked like for Henry and Liz’s business, Salon Ink.

[12:16] The philosophy that has kept Liz and Henry going through the tough times.

[13:46] How Henry and Liz have rebuilt Salon Ink.

[18:36] Passion that Liz and Henry feel towards their work.

[20:30] Motivation behind Salon Ink’s large retail section, and the benefits it has brought to the business.

[24:14] Why Henry and Liz have incorporated a large degree of flexibility into their business model.

[25:09] An important lesson that Liz and Henry learned during the pandemic.

[21:21] 30: the number of weekly hours worked by 60% of US hairdressers.

[28:16] The mindset that Henry and Liz’s employees have towards their work.

[29:43] Potential that lies in the salon industry, using Liz and Henry’s life as an example.

[31:31] Henry shares what his experiences over the past few years have taught him.

[33:08] Some of Liz’s key learnings, and what she believes to be her purpose in life.

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 Liz and Henry for sharing their story with me for this week’s episode. Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Salon Ink

Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | TikTok

Filed Under

Episode 145

14 June 2022

“Whatever the question, the answer is always education.”

Don’t be put off by the title of this episode: regardless of who you are, what age you are, or at what stage of your career, you are about to learn something valuable. Do not make the mistake of thinking that this is just for women, or just for women of a certain age, because it’s for everyone!

Over 80% of the salon industry is made up of women. So, if you’re a man, it’s highly likely that you will have female team members and/or female clientele.

My guest on today's Podcast is Catherine O’Keeffe. She has a business called ‘Wellness Warrior’ and she is Ireland's first menopause coach.

In today’s podcast we discuss:

The difference between perimenopause and menopause
Dealing with the symptoms of menopause
The impact that menopause can have on morale, productivity and retention
How menopause affects hair…

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[03:17] The personal experience that inspired Catherine to leave her job as an investment banker to become Ireland’s first menopause coach.

[06:53] What Catherine’s role as a menopause coach consists of.

[09:57] Upsides of the psychological transformation that takes place during menopause.

[13:16] How women’s health has historically been approached in our society.

[16:52] Examples of the wide range of symptoms associated with menopause.

[18:45] The origin of the word menopause.

[20:51] Perimenopause, menopause, postmenopause; Catherine shares some details about each stage.

[24:28] Exploring the individual nature of menopause.

[25:32] 9; the age of the youngest person Catherine has met who has gone through menopause.

[26:14] Environmental factors that affect menopause onset.

[27:25] Links between endometriosis and menopause symptoms.

[28:53] Catherine’s advice for preparing for menopause, which helps to take the fear out of it.

[33:08] The transitory nature of perimenopause and menopause symptoms, using Catherine’s own experiences as examples.

[34:33] How Hormone Therapy works, and the risks and benefits associated with it,

[43:30] Catherine explains how salon owners can make work-life easier for staff members who are going through menopause.

[48:06] How menopause affects hair (in some women), and how you can mitigate these effects.

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 Catherine for sharing her insights with me for this week’s episode.

Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources in this episode:

Grow My Salon Business

Wellness Warrior

Website | Instagram

Filed Under

Episode 143

31 May 2022

My guest on today’s Podcast is London based hairdresser and owner of a 5 strong salon group and academy Gina Conway.

Originally from California, she has been based in London for the last 20 plus years and has built up a great reputation as one of London's leading salons.

Gina is passionate about delivering a five-star level of service and is widely known not just for doing great hair but also for her total commitment to sustainably and the ethical side of hairdressing.

In the process, she has built up a considerable business and a reputation to match… and she’s just getting started.

In today’s episode we discuss:

Balancing the demands of life as the owner of 5 salons, a wife, a mother and finding time for everything else.
Sustainability in salons today.
Creating a team and culture where people want to come to work.
The customer service journey.
Growing a team and successful expansion.

And lot's more!

In this Episode:

[03:30] Gina also has a fashion degree and became interested in entrepreneurship.

[03:39] She moved to London 21 years ago and worked at John Frieda.

[04:04] Gina wanted to bring California sunshine to London and create a team and culture where people would want to come to work.

[05:08] Yes, it was love that brought Gina to London. One husband and three children later, and she's still here!

[08:21] We talk about what the industry can learn from different areas.

[10:02] Gina accomplishes so much. She is constantly innovating. She is so passionate about what she does, it doesn't feel like work.

[12:57] Being in your zone is like meditation. The mindful hairdresser allows hairdressers to be in the flow and create mindful haircuts. It's communication in a deep creative space for clients.

[15:27] Gina has three salons in London. She collaborated with a friend to consolidate marketing and now all of the salons are called Gina Conway.

[16:47] They also have an apprenticeship program where they train about 20 hairdressing students.

[17:19] She has a staff of around 100 people.

[19:17] Gina shares how John Frieda let her go when she talked about opening her own salon. Her new salon was empty, so she filled it with art.

[20:56] Gina built her customer service reputation in the industry by giving every customer the platinum treatment.

[24:51] Gina and her partner want to franchise sustainable salons and help other entrepreneurs.

[26:28] Look at your products. Are they using sustainable materials? Look at plastics and bottles. Look at energy and recycling. Consider everything that you purchase. Reuse and refuse, if you can. Think holistically about everything including water use.

[30:12] The green fee is included in the price of the haircuts. This is who we are and what we do. We also plant a tree for each client.

[34:28] Gina talks about the importance of having a strong culture and teaching the team the why and the values from the start.

[41:19] Generational changes include focusing on mental health and supporting students in making up for lost time. Stability, security, and finding a career path is also so important.

[49:34] A good salon should be generating between 12% and 15% with a goal of 20% in retail.

[56:42] Gina is constantly innovating and improving. She's all about momentum.

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

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Gina Conway

Aveda

John Paul Mitchell Systems

Green Salon Collective