Grow My Salon Business Podcast

Antony Whitaker
Grow My Salon Business Podcast

I know that being in business isn’t always easy. Along with the many highs and ‘a ha’ moments it can sometimes be soul destroying, frustrating and a very lonely place to be. Being a business owner is one of life’s greatest educations and it gives you two clear choices, either you continually learn, adapt and grow, or you resist change, stagnate and perish. We live in ever changing and sometimes challenging times, so being informed and constantly inspired is more important than ever. Join Antony Whitaker talking to thought leaders on the business side of the hairdressing industry discussing insightful, provocative and inspiring ideas that matter. Get ready to learn, get ready to be challenged, get ready to be inspired and most importantly get ready to grow your salon business!

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    266 You Can Still Have The Best Quarter Ever. Finish Strong!

    “How has your year been?” I can’t believe that it’s already the second half of October, but it is, and that means that we are well and truly into the final quarter of the year 2024! Now, if you cast your mind back to January of this year, in all probability, you had goals and ambitions for 2024… And regardless of whether you’ve had your best year ever [and some people have] or perhaps it’s been a year ‘business wise’ where you’ve been completely derailed.   Either way, as the saying goes, “It’s not over until the fat lady sings”, and so in this episode, we focus on the the importance of ‘finishing strong!’ IN THIS EPISODE: [01:21] Reflecting on the year [02:14] Finishing the year strong [03:32] Learning from challenges [05:15] Owning your business outcomes [05:33] Learning from mistakes [05:55] Honest appraisal of your business [07:41] Creating a stop-start-continue list [09:08] Opportunities in the last quarter [09:40] Promotions and strategies for year-end 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/ 🙏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: The Salon Management Course   👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website

    11 min
  2. 15 OCT

    256 Is this a Co-Working Salon Model that Could Work for Everyone?

    If this era of hairdressing will be remembered for anything specific I believe it will be the rise of the self-employed. Regardless of where in the world you’re located, the self-employed business model in its various forms has made a huge impact on the industry and is continuing to do so.   Today's guests are Ross and Jack Williams-Hirst, the co-founders of Williams & Hirst, a new co-working salon space in the heart of London’s Soho district.   In today’s podcast, we discuss:✨The co-working salon business model and what’s driving the independent hairdressing movement.✨ How Williams & Hirst aims to elevate the freelance salon experience by offering a luxe environment alongside comprehensive support.✨ The importance of having rental packages that work for everyone… And lots more!   IN THIS EPISODE:   [00:53] Introducing Williams & Hirst: A new co-working salon in London’s Soho [02:20] Jack and Ross’s journey to freelance and co-working [04:49] Navigating the challenges of self-employment [08:03] Understanding VAT and its impact on freelance hairstylists and salon owners [11:29] Balancing business and personal life in a business partnership [16:49] The importance of clear business boundaries [24:57] Discussing legal definitions and independent contractor agreements [31:09] Navigating the grey areas of commission split models [33:04] Professional use inventory and supply store within Williams & Hirst [34:41] The importance of a staff lounge [37:01] Transparent pricing and business models [45:36] Understanding the financial viability for hairdressers when going freelance [53:19] Conclusion and final thoughts   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/   🙏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:   Williams & Hirst Instagram | Website   Ross Williams-Hurst Instagram   Jack Williams-Hurst Instagram       👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website

    55 min
  3. 8 OCT

    264 Maximizing Salon Success with Salon Management Software and AI with Lori Obiedzinski

    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.     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 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/   🙏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

    51 min
  4. 1 OCT

    263 Stepping Away from Behind the Chair: Are You Ready?

    Whether it’s on social media or podcasts or articles that I read, It seems to me that the goal of salon owners everywhere is to leave the floor. I don’t think it’s inevitable, but there seems to be a point in the lives of many salon owners where they say that they want to step away from being behind the chair.  But there’s a problem, and the problem is that often, the reason that they can’t step away from behind the chair is because they’re the salon's number one earner. So what’s the solution? Let’s begin by looking at how they ended up in this position in the first place.  Tune in to learn how to redefine your role as a salon owner so that you set your business up for long-term success.   IN THIS EPISODE:   (00:00) Welcome to the Grow My Salon Business Podcast (01:49) The dilemma of stepping away from the chair (03:24) Understanding the root cause of the problem (05:47) Building a sustainable salon business (08:56) The role of a salon owner (09:56) Free management resources and upcoming masterclass (10:50) Conclusion and farewell     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/  🙏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:   The Salon Management Checklist - Download here 4 Essential Lessons In Salon Management - Join the FREE Masterclass here     FOLLOW US!   Instagram | Facebook | Website

    11 min
  5. 24 SEPT

    262 Empowering the Next Generation of Stylists with Martha Lynn Kale

    I often say that opening a business gives you a great education. Not just into the skills needed in management, finance, and marketing.  But also the understanding and insights that come with the responsibility of employing people, training them and coaching them to become the best version possible of themselves.  On today's episode, I’m talking with returning guest salon owner and now author Martha Lynn Kale of the Mirror Mirror salon in Austin, Texas, who has written a book about getting the most out of the early years of your career. In today’s podcast, we discuss: - Martha Lynn’s book “The Ambitious Stylist” Making the Most of Cosmetology School.- Why hand in hand with freedom, flexibility and autonomy comes personal responsibility, accountability and owning the outcome.- Advice on building a clientele and developing your own personal brand. And lots more! IN THIS EPISODE: (01:17) Introducing Martha Lynn Kale (02:30) Martha Lynn's journey and book inspiration (02:56) Martha Lynn’s Beauty School experience (08:40) Key messages from 'The Ambitious Stylist' (15:00) Talking about building a clientele and personal branding (15:53) Discussing Interview tips and professionalism (30:35) The role of mentorship and apprenticeships within the industry (34:36) Best advice for Beauty School students (38:24) Discussing the future of Beauty Schools (42:56) Where to connect and find the book  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/ 🙏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: Episode 21: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/021/ Episode 232: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/232/ Instagram: The Ambitious Stylist: https://www.instagram.com/theambitiousstylist/    FOLLOW US! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growmysalonbusiness/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growmysalonbusiness Website: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/ FOLLOW MARTHA LYNN KALE! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marthalynnkale/ Website: https://mirrormirroraustin.com/

    44 min
  6. 17 SEPT

    261 Why Salons Need to Continually Evolve with Dylan Bradshaw

    Getting to the top of this industry isn’t easy. Staying there is even harder.    Dublin-based, multi-award-winning hairdresser and salon owner Dylan Bradshaw has just been awarded Salon of the Year for the UK and Ireland.   Dylan and his wife and business partner Charlotte have recently completed a total refit of what was already a great salon.    They’ve taken it to the next level and are pushing the boundaries by redefining what they see as the salon of the future.   If you're a salon owner looking for inspiration and practical advice on growing and innovating your business, this episode is a must-listen.   In today’s podcast, we will discuss: The importance of building a brand identity Why brands need to continually evolve if they are to remain relevantWhat it means to diversify the traditional salon offering… And lots more!   IN THIS EPISODE:   00:41 Meet Dylan Bradshaw: Award-winning Dublin based hairdresser 02:06 The evolution of salon awards and the impact of AI on Hairdressing awards 06:23 The journey of Dylan's salon transformation  28:16 Dylan's creative vision and business partnership 28:50 Discussing the design philosophy, sustainability and repurposing salon materials. 34:56 Bringing homewares into the mix and having an online presence 40:54 Financial management and planning for a refit 46:14 Team culture and discussing different business models 54:14 Lessons learned and final thoughts   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/   🙏 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:   Professor Anita Elberse’s Harvard case study, on which she and Sir Alex expanded in a packed classroom at London Business School, featured in a BBC1 documentary, titled Sir Alex Ferguson: Secrets of Success.    Harvard’s Ferguson Formula has eight lessons for leaders, including foundation-building, standard-setting, team renewal, readiness to win, control retention, media management, observation and continuous adaptation.    Sir Alex Ferguson Secrets of Success Documentary - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbtZjIEs5r0   Ferguson’s Formula - Harvard Business Review https://hbr.org/2013/10/fergusons-formula         FOLLOW US! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growmysalonbusiness/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growmysalonbusiness Website: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/     FOLLOW DYLAN BRADSHAW! Salon Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanbradshawdublin/ Dylan Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylanbradshawdb/ Website: https://www.dylanbradshaw.com/

    57 min
  7. 10 SEPT

    260 Your Salon Team Can Win GOLD Too!

    Every four years, the Olympics and the Paralympics come along.  And even if you’re not someone who is usually that fussed by athletics, swimming, gymnastics, etc., you just can’t help but be exposed to it, whether it’s on Social media, the news or on TV, it’s everywhere!  And if you’re like most people, you can’t help but be impressed with what those incredible athletes are capable of.  But what we see is the ‘end results’ after years of commitment and dedication. So what's that got to do with hairdressing?  On the surface, it has nothing to do with hairdressing.  But I can’t help thinking about the parallels that there are about ‘being the best’ at whatever it is that you do. In today’s episode, I talk about how being good at anything in life requires you to make finer distinctions about whatever it is that you want to master.  It requires training, it requires huge levels of commitment and determination, and it requires sacrifice in other areas of your life in order to achieve the goal whatever it is. In this Episode: 00:00 Introduction and explanation for last week's missing episode 01:35 A moment of reflection 02:46 The path to success: lessons from the Olympics 04:54 Parallels between sport and hairdressing 08:45 The importance of making distinctions 12:08 Introducing the Super Stylist Course 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. Until next time! Antony Links and Resources mentioned: Watch: “We’re the Super Humans” Rio Paralympics 2016 trailer. Grow My Salon Business  Super Stylist Online Course | Website | Facebook | Instagram 🙏 Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mikey Denton and his family.To reach out on Instagram @MikeyDenton and @Kendelle_p A GoFundMe campaign to help with funeral expenses and bereavement counselling has been set up to help support the family. You can Donate Here

    14 min
  8. 27 AUG

    259 Longevity and Evolution in the Hair Industry with Ruth Roche

    When you’ve been in this industry a long time, you not only see trends and businesses come and go, but you also see people come and go.   But, longevity as a hairdresser and remaining relevant throughout your career is not only a skill in itself, but if you can remain passionate and keep evolving with the times, the result is that you build up a range of skills that leave you with a fantastic legacy to pass on to the generations that follow.   My guest today is one such person; Ruth Roche has had many roles in the industry, and over a 40 year career, she has done all of them well and continues to inspire hairdressers at every stage of their career.   In today’s episode, we discuss: Using humour to break down barriers and create engagement as an educatorThe value in working across different areas in the industryDefining beauty and suitabilityAnd lots more!   IN THIS EPISODE :   01:11 Introducing Ruth Roche: A diverse and passionate career in Hairdressing 02:34 The role of humour in hairdressing 06:21 Mastering communication skills as a hairdresser and presenter 09:52 Discussing Ruth’s diverse career paths in hairdressing 17:31 Defining beauty and suitability 25:23 Reflecting on 40 years in hairdressing 25:49 Opening a salon: The challenges and triumphs 29:09 Transitioning to business ownership 36:50 The Importance of versatility in hairdressing 37:24 Global perspectives on the hair industry 42:02 Embracing short haircuts and overcoming fears 45:17 Where to connect with Ruth Roche   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   Ruth Roche Instagram | YouTube |  Facebook The Golden Goat Podcast

    48 min
4.9
out of 5
38 Ratings

About

I know that being in business isn’t always easy. Along with the many highs and ‘a ha’ moments it can sometimes be soul destroying, frustrating and a very lonely place to be. Being a business owner is one of life’s greatest educations and it gives you two clear choices, either you continually learn, adapt and grow, or you resist change, stagnate and perish. We live in ever changing and sometimes challenging times, so being informed and constantly inspired is more important than ever. Join Antony Whitaker talking to thought leaders on the business side of the hairdressing industry discussing insightful, provocative and inspiring ideas that matter. Get ready to learn, get ready to be challenged, get ready to be inspired and most importantly get ready to grow your salon business!

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada