Grow My Salon Business Podcast

Latest Episodes:

257 What Does it Take to Succeed in the Salon Suite industry with Eric Taylor from Salon Republic Aug 13, 2024

Show notes

Over the last 20 years, there has been a significant shift in the way the hairdressing industry works.

Driven by changes in technology combined with social media and generational changes with today’s hairdressers wanting more flexibility, more freedom and more control over when where and how they work has meant that new business models have emerged.

Particularly in the United States the salon suite or salon studio has radically changed how the industry operates, and there’s no going back.

As a result the traditional commission based or ‘employee employer’ based business model has been dramatically impacted and is continuing to evolve in order to meet the demands of a changing workforce.

My guest on today's podcast is returning guest Eric Taylor, founder of the incredibly successful Salon Republic, which, in my opinion, has the best Salon Suite or Salon Studio business model in the industry.

In today’s podcast, we talk about

How the salon suite model continues to evolve and adapt
What you need to do to succeed as an independent business of one
The challenges that all suites and small businesses face today

In this Episode:

01:38 Introducing Eric Taylor and Salon Republic

03:41 The Impact of COVID-19 on Salon Republic

04:00 The growth and expansion of Salon Republic

06:11 Reflecting on the salon suite industry today

19:27 Discussing the challenges and opportunities in the salon suite industry

24:29 Building a strong client base

26:03 The challenges faced by Independent Beauty Professionals

27:24 Common mistakes of new suite owners

30:04 Inflation and pricing strategies

43:00 Discussing the success rates in the Salon Industry

44:44 Conclusion and where you can connect with Eric

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

Eric Taylor

Instagram

Salon Republic

Website | Instagram

256 Hairdressing and Happiness go Hand in Hand with Oscar Bond Aug 06, 2024

Show notes

These days, we talk a lot about mental health and self-care and rightly so.

The most simple aim in life is to be happy. And if we can leave everyone we come into contact with a little happier for the experience, then surely that's a day well spent.

My guest on today's podcast is Oscar Bond, not only is he one of the happiest people I know, but he's also a great hairdresser, a very accomplished educator, a great entertainer, and he has a stutter, and the most refreshing thing is he couldn't care less about it.

Like most of us, Oscar admits to having all the daily challenges that we all face, and amongst the good times he has had some tough times in business.

But through it all, he's always smiling and makes those around him lighten up and laugh.

In today's podcast, we will discuss:

● Happiness

● Stuttering …and…

● Overcoming the challenges that life throws at you

And lots more!

In this Episode:

00:51 Meet Oscar Bond: The king of happiness
01:25 The secret to happiness
07:11 Dealing with stuttering
18:17 Oscar's journey: From Sassoon's UK to the USA
20:56 Facing Adversity: The school fire and bankruptcy
24:18 Appreciating life and work
25:06 Facing bankruptcy and recovery
26:18 The importance of having supportive people in your life.
30:09 Challenges in the Salon Industry today
32:23 The shift towards independent salons
36:01 Leadership and excellence in salons
37:51 The evolution of haircutting trends
43:50 Connect with Oscar on social media
45:29 Final thoughts and farewell

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.

Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Oscar Bond

Instagram

Podcasts mentioned on this episode

Episode 136 with David Wagner

Episode 141 with Van Council

Episode 244 with Eric Fisher

255 If you’re thinking of a side hustle listen to this first… Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

Should you mix salon ownership with coaching, teaching, podcasting, session work, course creating, etc?

These are all things that I have done or are currently doing… And they all provide reward, both in terms of personal fulfillment and the potential for financial gain.

And they are right for some people, and definitely not right for others.

In this week’s episode we look at the numerous opportunities that salon owners might consider pursuing and ask the question: are they a distraction or a benefit to building a salon business?

In this Episode:

01:57 Exploring the side hustle of coaching and education etc for a second stream of income

03:51 Antony’s career journey and how that led to growmysalonbusiness.com

05:14 Balancing salon ownership and side hustles

06:35 The realities of being a traveling educator

13:30 The challenges of coaching and education in the hair and beauty industry

15:00 The glamour and hard work of salon ownership

20:41 Final thoughts and resources

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.

Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Money Course

254 Overcoming Adversity: A Personal and Professional Transformation with Tracey Woodward Jul 23, 2024

Show notes

Today's episode is Part 2 which follows on from last week’s episode with Tracey Woodward.

In today’s episode we delve into Tracey's career journey, starting from her transition into the hairdressing industry, her impactful time at Aveda and Urban Retreat, and the various roles she undertook.

Tracey opens up about overcoming personal challenges, imposter syndrome, and the transformative journey of taking control of her health.

The discussion touches on the importance of community, spirituality and resilience.

In today’s show amongst other things we discuss…

● The importance of authenticity and determination in personal and professional growth.

● Taking control of your health

● Giving back

And lots more

For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/254

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.

Until next time!

Antony

253 Survival. Your past doesn’t equal your future with Tracey Woodward Jul 16, 2024

Show notes

Our lives are a journey, and like every journey, where you start out and where you end up is what makes life so interesting.

My guest on this episode is Tracey Woodward, who, like many people, didn't have the easiest start in life. However, unlike many people, she didn't let her past define her future.

Tracey shares her life story, starting with being born prematurely to a teenage mother in the 1960s to her struggle with illiteracy and surviving in an environment marked by crime and neglect.

Despite these challenges, Tracey's perseverance and determination saw her rise to senior positions in renowned beauty companies such as Aveda, Urban Retreat, and Donna Karan.

Tracey's story is a story of resilience and the power of transformation.

It's a story of grit, street smarts, personal reinvention and a living example of "Your past does not equal your future."

So, on today's podcast, we discuss:

● The importance of looking like you belong.

● Why you shouldn't be afraid of asking for help …and…

● Not being afraid of getting it wrong.

And lots more!

In this Episode:

01:24 Introducing Tracey Woodward
03:24 Tracy's early life and struggles
09:12 Stories of survival and street smarts
16:19 Learning to read and write
22:25 Choosing a different path in life
27:37 Discovering support and an introduction to the beauty world
37:52 Career milestones and mentorship
41:37 Overcoming challenges and achieving success
45:30 Reflecting on personal growth

Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Tracey Woodward

Instagram |

252 What Does it Take to Create a Luxury Salon Brand with Hellen Ward Jul 09, 2024

Show notes

My guest today is Hellen Ward who as well as being a wife, mother, author, lecturer, educator, and managing director, is also the co-founder along with her husband Richard of the Richard Ward hair and Metro Spa located in the heart of London’s Chelsea.

Hellen is highly regarded in the industry for not just having built a great business that is undoubtedly one of the country's leading salons but also for her passion, commitment and common sense insights when it comes to the UK hairdressing industry…

So, in today’s podcast we will discuss:

● The meaning of Luxury in the salon industry

● Having Royalty as part of your clientele …and

● The challenges and opportunities that the industry is facing

And lots more!

In this Episode:

01:13 Introducing Helen Ward: A multifaceted hair industry leader

01:44 Defining luxury in the salon industry

07:54 An overview of the Richard Ward Salon

15:11 The unique services of Richard Ward Hair and Metro Spa

17:53 The importance of customer experience

24:38 Serving royalty: A peek into the royal clientele

28:48 Challenges of scaling and outsourcing

30:19 Advice for growing salon owners

32:17 The importance of delegation

35:45 Guest artists and diversifying services

37:59 The rise of chair rental and its implications

42:40 Team retention and leadership lessons

48:38 Flexibility in the modern workplace

53:50 Final thoughts and connecting with Helen Ward

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

Richard Ward Hair & Metrospa

Website | Instagram

Hellen Ward

Instagram

251 What Do Your Salon and Your Country Have in Common? Jul 02, 2024

Show notes

What does your salon and your country have in common?

That’s not a trick question!

This year, there are elections in many countries, and as always, politicians are making lots of promises about how they’re going to make our lives better by spending more money on the things that matter.

But here’s the problem: Your government, my government, or any government doesn’t make any money of their own.

So, in order for them to spend more money, they need to raise more money, and just like your salon, there’s only four ways that they can do that.

For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/251/

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.

Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Website | Facebook | Instagram

250 Exploring Creativity with Eugene Souleiman Jun 25, 2024

Show notes

There are only a very small number of hairdressers who at any one time influence hairdressing all over the world.

I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to interview some of them on the podcast, and I always relish the chance to find out what it is that separates their ability from others.

My guest on today’s Podcast is returning guest Eugene Souleiman, who is without doubt one of the very top session hairdressers in the world.

Eugene is that rare breed of hairstylist who really is an artist. His work inspires other editorial stylists and salon hairdressers alike the world over, and along with 2 or 3 other people he is at the top of the pile.

In today’s episode, we discuss:

● The creative process

● The importance of mentors

● The Wig Academy

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[01:42] How Eugene defines beauty.
[07:32] The challenge of creating the impossible!
[10:05] The important lessons from Eugene's training with Trevor Sorbie, that have underpinned his career.
[11:02] What makes someone a creative?
[12:03] Growing up with dyslexia and dyspraxia and how that has had a part in how Eugene thinks.
[15:39] Discussing the importance of rules and boundaries when starting a career in hair.
[22:04] The importance of humility and vulnerability in the creative process.
[27:10] Describing the attitude & energy of young people today and how to create a sense of curiosity and creativity.
[31:39] What it looks like to lead, a team of people.
[33:04] The importance of mentors in your career.
[35:17] Working with designers and being pushed creatively.
[41:04] Discussing the purpose and goal of the Wig Academy.
[50:16] Will we see a return of the wig as a fashion accessory?
[52:09] The wrap-up and where you can get in touch with Eugene.

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.

Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Eugene Souleiman

Click here to check out Eugene's classes on The Wig Academy

Instagram

The Wig Academy

Instagram | Website

249 The key to being a great educator with DJ Muldoon Jun 18, 2024

Show notes

The role and opportunities for hairdressing education has changed dramatically over the last few years through social media and the various online learning platforms.

That has led to the rise of the independent educator. Today’s guest is DJ Muldoon, who has made a great name for himself both in the online world and face-to-face for being a fantastic educator.

In this episode we discuss:

● What does the life of the independent educator look like?

● The impact of Social Media… and…

● What is the key to becoming a great educator?

And lots more!

In this Episode:

[01:25] Introduction to DJ
[04:06] Putting DJ to the test is he English or American?
[06:38] DJ fills us in on his salon/school/workspace called ‘The factory.’
[10:11] DJ talks about his life on the road as an educator
[12:29] Discussing the backstory to Knowledge Destroys Fear DJs education company.
[13:31] The key to being a great educator
[15:24] Discussing Yojhi Yamamoto’s famous quote ‘The art of the minimum requires the maximum of discipline.”
[17:08] The importance of simplicity and DJs favourite quote
[21:16] How the lessons learnt at Paul Mitchell helped to teach the what, the why the how, and the when.
[22:26] DJ talks to his experience with a generation of hairdressers who specialize.
[26:41] The differences in education today when it comes to beauty colleges and apprenticeships.
[30:27] How hard do you have to work to have 380,000 followers?
[32:50] Where social media is heading in terms of salon education.
[37:59] Staying relevant when you’re working on your own.
[40:44] What do you see are the biggest challenges for the industry everywhere?
[45:43] The wrap up and how you can connect with DJ

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.

Until next time!

Antony

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Website | Facebook | Instagram

DJ Muldoon

Website | The Factory Instagram | DJ Muldoon Instagram

248 Nine Money Mistakes Salon Owners Make [And how to avoid them!] Jun 11, 2024

Show notes

One of the ways we learn in life is by making mistakes.

But the problem is that the mistakes you make in business have a financial impact.

Sometimes, that impact is small, but other times, mistakes have a big impact on the profitability of your business.

So, as much as possible, although making the occasional mistake is inevitable, you need to learn from them quickly so that you reduce the chance it will happen again.

In today's episode, I'll discuss 9 'financial management' mistakes that many salon owners make every single day, and how they pay the price as a result.

For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/248/

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!
And finally, don’t forget to subscribe to the show to get automatic updates.
Got a question you want answered on the podcast? DM me your question over on Instagram or just come on over to connect at: https://www.instagram.com/growmysalonbusiness/

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Money - The online course

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