Grow My Salon Business Podcast

Latest Episodes:

177 The Changing Role of Trade Media in the Beauty Industry with Jayne Lewis-Orr Jan 31, 2023

Show notes

Many media representatives have multipurpose roles as both publishers of magazines and facilitators of awards and various industry events. This gives them interesting insights into what’s going on in the world of hair and beauty.

This is the third and final episode in a series of podcasts in which I talk to people who represent the trade media. In the previous two episodes, my guests provided us with a north American and an Australian perspective. Today I am speaking with Jayne Lewis-Orr to get a UK perspective.

Jayne is the Executive Director of the Professional Beauty Group in the UK, which, amongst other things, publishes The Hairdressers Journal, facilitates Salon International, and hosts the British Hairdressing Awards.

In today’s podcast, we discuss:

How the role of the hair and beauty media has evolved over the last few years
The impact that the internet and social media have had on traditional print media
How Jayne sees the future of industry events and awards…

And lots more!

For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/177/

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/

176 Creating a Modern Salon Culture with Pedro Inchenko from Ena Salon Jan 24, 2023

Show notes

I think it’s fair to say that in today’s workplace, there is a lot of talk about what exactly modern salon culture is. As a salon owner, how do you find the balance between offering more flexibility to your team, meeting clients’ expectations, and running a profitable business?

I often talk about the theory of that, but there’s nothing better than talking to someone who is actually doing it. My guest on today’s podcast is Pedro Inchenko, who, along with his best friend and business partner Jonny Orthona, started the Ena Salon in London’s Covent Garden as well as the off-shoot education brand, Allilon Education.

In today’s podcast, we will discuss:

What it takes to create a modern salon culture
The importance of remaining curious
The need for flexibility in a modern salon environment

And lots more!

For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/176/

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!

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/

175 The Changing Role of Trade Media in the Beauty Industry with Linda Woodhead Jan 17, 2023

Show notes

Many media representatives have multipurpose roles as publishers of magazines as well as facilitators of awards and various industry events. Therefore, they usually have interesting insights into what's going on in the world of hair and beauty.

This episode is the second in a series of podcasts in which I am talking to people representing the trade media. In the first episode of the series, I spoke with Stacey Soble from Salon Today to get a North American perspective. On today's episode, my guest is Linda Woodhead.

Linda is the founder and owner of the Mocha Group, a multi-layered media company and publisher of magazines in the Australian hair, beauty, and barbering space.

In today's podcast, we discuss:

How the role of the hair and beauty media has evolved over the last few years
The impact that the internet and social media have had on traditional print media
The trends around recruitment
The changes in industry events…

And lots more!

For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/175/

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!

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

174 Growing a business shouldn't be a mystery with Antony Whitaker Jan 10, 2023

Show notes

Most salon owners want more!

They want more team members.

They want more productivity from the team.

They want more consistency in standards.

They want more time for themselves away from the business.

And they want more profit in their business.

There is nothing wrong with salon owners wanting all of these things and more!

And all of this is possible.

But it involves work, commitment, and an investment of your time and money.

Now isn't the time to cross your fingers and rely on 'hope' as a reliable business-building strategy.

Now is the time to get proactive and transform your business by finally getting on top of the 'Management' side of creating a successful salon.

In today's podcast, I talk you through:

How to develop a vision for your business.
Why you need to define a culture that reflects your values.
How to build a business that is not a part of you but apart from you.
How to develop yourself as a leader and manager.

And lots more!

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!

Links and Resources:

Grow My Salon Business

Website | Facebook | Instagram

To find out more about the Salon Management Course, visit https://growmysalonbusiness.com/course/management/

Download a FREE Management Checklist here: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist

173 The changing role of trade media in the beauty industry with Stacey Soble Dec 27, 2022

Show notes

There are many people with a vested interest in the hairdressing industry, the obvious ones being the clients, and the stylists and colourists that are behind the chair; then there are also the salon and school owners, the educators and all the people that are behind the product brands…

And then there are the ‘trade media’, and they are involved in many parts of the industry, with the obvious one traditionally being publishing magazines, but these days they are also heavily involved across all the digital platforms, as well as events, awards, trade shows and education as well as many other areas of the industry…

My guest on today's Podcast is Stacey Soble; she is the Director of Brand Content Strategy for Salon Today Magazine, where she has held numerous roles over the last 26 years.

In today’s podcast, we discuss:

How the role of the hair and beauty media has evolved over the last few years
The impact that the internet and social media have had on traditional media
The trends around recruitment, marketing and…the changes in industry events

And lots more!

For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/173/

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!

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/

172 Hair has no race with self-titled ‘Hair Historian and Activist' Mahogany Plautz Dec 20, 2022

Show notes

I get an enormous amount of enjoyment from all of my guests on the podcast… And, I also learn a lot from them too…

The best way to learn is to ask questions. …And to be prepared to question your own beliefs and attitudes.

To be vulnerable, to listen, to be open, honest, tolerant, and to be prepared to broaden your own perspective… And above all, to be receptive to change.

This year, in particular, an area that I (and many others) have learnt more about, is the issues around race. And as hairdressers, the direct impact that has in terms of the training we get, the products we use, …and the services we offer, particularly around textured hair.

On today’s podcast, my guest is the wonderful Mahogany Plautz, and amongst the many hats she wears is that of hairdresser, former suite owner, and a self-titled ‘Hair Historian and Activist’ and an educator for John Paul Mitchell Systems…

This episode was originally done as part of a series of live video recordings for Paul Mitchell, but I decided to repurpose it for the podcast as it is a great conversation.

Originally it went out on Facebook and Youtube and so if you’d rather watch the video, just head on over to my YouTube channel @ Grow My salon Business and watch it there.

For full show notes, links and resources mentioned visit: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/172/

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!

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/

171 Using Your Skill with Scissors and Comb to Give Back in Another Way with Stewart Roberts Dec 13, 2022

Show notes

A hairdressing career can take you to many places and enable you to meet many people from all walks of life.

Many of us are drawn into the industry because of the fashion and creative aspects that a hairdressing career presents.

But, there are some who use their skill with scissors and comb to give back to society in another way. My guest today is one such person.

Stewart Roberts is the founder of Haircuts 4 Homeless, a registered charity in the UK and Ireland that has grown into an army of over 600 volunteers working through 80 outlets. To date, they have given over 50,000 haircuts to the homeless.

As Stewart says, “It’s not a job; it’s a calling.”

Stewart was awarded an MBE [Member of the British Empire] from Princess Anne in recognition of his work with the homeless, and personally, I can't think of anyone more deserving.

If you want to learn more about what Stewart does and how you can support him, visit haircuts4Homeless.com.

In this Episode:

[03:01] Stewart shares why losing his salon was a blessing in disguise.

[06:40] The personal journey that inspired Stewart to found Haircuts 4 Homeless and how the concept has evolved over time.

[11:39] Stewart shares the final straw that drove him to get help for his alcohol and drug addiction.

[16:49] How hairdressing has the power to break down barriers.

[20:19] The mindset shift that is required when cutting the hair of homeless people.

[23:21] Stories of people who have had their lives transformed through Haircuts 4 Homeless.

[28:50] How the National Lottery changed the trajectory of Stewart’s life.

[32:18] A look behind the scenes of the running of Haircuts 4 Homeless.

[35:42] The process of creating the coffee table book, Hear Me, See Me.

[38:09] Examples of the stories you will hear on Stewart’s podcast, “Hear Me, See Me”.

[41:10] Stewart explains how his podcast came into being (and the episode that has had the biggest impact on him).

[49:28] Stewart's biggest strength, what motivates him, and the biggest lesson he has learned in his 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.

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 Stewart 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

Haircuts 4 Homeless

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Hear Me, See Me

Podcast | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Stewart Roberts

Instagram | LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Episode with Brother Kevin

Capuchin Day Centre for Homeless People

Website

170 What is the Future of Salon Retail? Salon Interactive and the Changing Salon Retail Model. Dec 06, 2022

Show notes

As I often say, “this industry is all about change.”

In reality, every industry is about change, and the salon business is certainly not immune to the changing forces of technology, consumer trends, and generational changes.

Today's podcast is specifically focused on changes in the professional salon retail model. My guest on today's Podcast is Randy Cotten, the President and GM of SalonInteractive.

At the moment, SalonInteractive is only US based, but no matter where you live in the world, you will want to listen to this episode as I firmly believe that Salon Interactive will play a big role in the salon retail model of the future…

In this Episode:

[03:38] Randy shares an overview of his educational and professional journey to date.

[05:51] What Randy’s company, SalonInteractive, does and how it benefits hairdressers.

[09:02] How SalonInteractive differs from other affiliate-linking sites (like Amazon, for example).

[12:29] The founding story of SalonInteractive.

[14:50] A more in-depth explanation of what SalonInteractive does.

[17:25] The impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on SalonInteractive.

[23:40] How consumer behavior patterns have changed over the past 10 years.

[25:25] How the SalonInteractive business model works.

[27:48] SalonInteractive from the perspective of the consumer.

[33:00] Some of the key features of SalonInteractive.

[37:19] Different approaches that SalonInteractive clients use for their online stores.

[40:18] Factors that drive success on the SalonInteractive platform.

[43:25] The overall goal of SalonInteractive, and the number of products they currently have on their site.

[46:39] How SalonInteractive enriches the relationship between brands and manufacturers.

[53:00] Delving into the numbers.

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 Randy 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

SalonInteractive

Randy Cotten

169 The Key to Creating a Productive and Profitable Salon Culture Nov 29, 2022

Show notes

Over the last few days, I’ve released three short videos (each less than 20 minutes) about creating a productive and profitable salon culture, and I’ve repurposed that video content for this podcast episode.

Working in the salon industry is an exciting journey that can be broken down into three broad stages, each of which comes with its own problems and its own solutions. Getting the doors of your business open is just the first step, and it’s so important to be prepared for what comes next!

Whether you are just starting out with your first salon or you’ve been in business for a while, this episode is full of insights from my experience in the salon industry that will be useful for any stage of your journey!

In this Episode:

[03:17] Stage one: opening a business.

[04:11] My first experience of opening a salon.

[05:39] The day that signalled a turning point in my business.

[09:13] One of the most important roles of a business leader.

[10:38] Why the commonly held “build it and they will come” belief is false.

[12:57] Stage two: building a sustainable business

[15:13] The key factor that separates successful people from unsuccessful ones.

[15:37] A story that highlights the importance of paying attention to the finer details.

[18:25] The four categories of hairstylists that can be found in most salons.

[20:32] What it takes to be a Super Stylist.

[22:55] Stage three: building a scalable business.

[25:11] The 6 Key Performance Indicators that you should be focusing on to maximize productivity in your salon.

[27:57] An example of how you can transform your business by changing your mindset.

[29:40] The biggest challenge that salons across the world are facing today and advice for how to overcome it.

[36:26] How to make your next year better than the last!

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

Free 3-part video series - www.growmysalonbusiness.com/threevideos

An Invitation to Super Stylist - www.growmysalonbusiness.com/ssinvite

Website | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok |

168 “Set High Standards, Firm Boundaries, and Come from the Heart” with Andrew Finklestein Nov 22, 2022

Show notes

We often hear about how much the hairdressing industry is changing as if it’s the only one. But the truth is that every industry is changing!

For example, just think of the impact that Spotify and other streaming services have had on the music industry.

Or the impact that social media has had on advertising and magazines.

Or the impact that Airbnb has had on the hotel sector.

Or the impact that Netflix has had on the TV and entertainment business.

Or the impact that Uber has had on the taxi industry.

Maybe the rate of change has sped up a little, but don’t go thinking that eventually things will get back to “normal.” Instead, we all need to embrace change and look for the opportunities in front of us.

My guest on today's podcast is Andrew Finkelstein, who has witnessed a lot of change in his lifetime. Andrew isn’t a hairdresser himself but comes from the famous Finkelstein hairdressing dynasty. He currently resides in New York and works as an author, speaker, and coach.

In today’s podcast, we will discuss:

Glemby International: the family businesses
High-performance coaching
The changes that the industry is undergoing, from new technology to new routes to market for retail and evolving business models…

And more!

In this Episode:

[03:07] Andrew shares an overview of his professional life.

[06:21] The size and scope of Glemby International at its peak.

[07:18] Glemby International’s rise and fall.

[13:47] Why the majority of Glemby International’s many salons were situated in department stores.

[16:56] Andrew’s thoughts on what it takes to run a successful, sustainable family business.

[19:57] The influential role that Michael Gerber (author of The E Myth) has played in Andrew’s life.

[23:26] Why Andrew focuses his coaching efforts on hairdressers and salon owners.

[24:31] Andrew shares what he believes to be the main factor that prevents people from achieving their goals.

[28:31] What the high-performance approach to coaching looks like in practice.

[32:16] Three keys to thriving in the salon industry.

[37:55] Why, as a salon owner, you should be paying attention to the retail side of the industry.

[43:34] How Andrew feels about the evolution of salon business models.

[46:13] What it takes to be a good leader.

[49:27] Why the salon industry has and will continue to stand the test of time and all the changes that come with it.

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 Andrew 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

Andrew Finkelstein A-Game Mastery Coaching

Website | Email

The EMyth

Website | Book