Grow My Salon Business Podcast

Antony Whitaker
  • 4.9 (42)
  • FASHION & BEAUTY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 5 DAYS AGO

    334 Why Modern Hair Education Must Meet Hairdressers Where They Are with Gerard Scarpaci

    In today’s episode, I’m joined by Gerard Scarpaci, co-founder of Hairbrained and host of the Hairbrained Conversations podcast.  We talk about the big shifts happening in hairdressing right now, how the next generation learns differently, and why the old business models have been turned on their head. Gerard shares what excites him most about the industry today, but he’s also refreshingly honest about the risks, particularly around lack of direction, mentorship, and the pressure many hairdressers are carrying without even realising it. We also dig into job satisfaction, education, live events, the changing relationship between salons and manufacturers, and why content creation is becoming one of the biggest opportunities for young hairdressers today. This is a wide-ranging, honest conversation about what it really takes to build a sustainable, fulfilling career in today’s salon business. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Welcome and Introducing Gerard Scarpaci  [01:48] What excites Gerard about the industry today [05:00] The concerns and risks of increased independence [09:00] The Hairbrained Confidence Index explained [12:36] Why industry data is emotional, not scientific [16:26] What successful salons are doing differently [17:56] Job satisfaction, pressure, and performance [23:08] Learning, relevance, and modern education challenges [29:36] Fundamentals vs "timely and relevant" learning [32:32] The changing relationship between brands and salons [37:00] Online education, live events, and what's working now [44:28] Opportunities for the next generation of hairdressers [48:00] Where to connect with Gerard and closing 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/ RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏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  (Read steps below first) - 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   👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website 👉 FOLLOW HAIRBRAINED! Instagram | Website 👉 FOLLOW GERARD SCARPACI! Instagram

    49 min

  2. 3 FEB

    333: Home Haircare Recommendations: Why Stylists Still Avoid It and What Needs to Change

    Nearly four years ago, I recorded an episode about why hairdressers should be recommending professional retail. And yet, here we are, still having the same conversation. The fundamentals haven’t changed, but the world we’re operating in absolutely has. Inflation, online shopping, influencers, and changing client behaviour… all of it has added new layers to old objections. In this episode, I break down why so many stylists still avoid recommending retail and, more importantly, what’s really sitting underneath those objections. I walk through the most common excuses I hear, grouped into skill issues, mindset issues, fear issues, and systems issues and explain why teaching product knowledge or scripts alone will never fix the problem. This isn’t about being pushy or “selling.” It’s about professionalism, service, responsibility, and ultimately the sustainability of your business. If you’re a salon owner or a stylist who wants stronger client relationships, better results, and a more profitable salon, this is a conversation you can’t keep avoiding. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Intro: Retail version 2.0: what’s changed [01:58] Same salon, same clients, very different retail results [02:43] Why scripts and commissions don’t solve retail [03:22] The three real reasons hairdressers should recommend retail [06:49] The 4 categories behind all retail objections [07:39] Skill issues: “I don’t know how” and product knowledge [09:40] Mindset issues: “It’s not my job” [12:09] Fear issues: The fear of being pushy or transactional [20:06] Systems issues and retail culture in salons [26:30] 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/ RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏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  (Read steps below first) - 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   👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website

    28 min

  3. 27 JAN

    332 How One Salon Owner Turned Her Business Around

    In this final episode of our three-part series on the five pillars of salon success, I take a different approach by talking you through the journey of Sarah, a real salon owner who in many ways reflects the journey that salon owners everywhere go through.    Sarah’s a very good hairdresser, and she definitely doesn’t have a work ethic problem, but despite working harder than ever, doing everything “right” as a stylist, her business was barely surviving. She was exhausted, overwhelmed, and wondering if she’d made a huge mistake. Over 12 months of working together, everything changed, not because she worked harder still or took on more clients, but because she stopped trying to fix business problems with hairdressing skills.  Instead, she learned how to run her business the right way. Over the course of 2025, we focused on leadership, systems, money, marketing, team development, and culture and the results were incredible and became the blueprint for my Business School Intensive program.  This episode shows you what real change actually looks like when you commit to learning the business side of running your salon properly. And if you see yourself in this story, it might just help you decide what you’re going to do next. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Introduction & recap of the five pillars series[01:30] The moment how I saw my business changed[03:34] “You don’t own a salon, you own a business that happens to do hair”[04:27] Meet “Sarah” a talented stylist drowning as an owner[05:37] What her life really looked like behind the scenes[09:29] The night she finally faced her numbers[10:37] Making the decision to get business education[20:44] Where Sarah is today, the results after 12 months[25:08] Final thoughts and choosing a different future 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/ RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏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  (Read steps below first) - 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: Free 3-part video series ‘The 5 Things Holding Your Salon Back From Growing (and how to fix them)’ Register and get them sent straight to your inbox    👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website

    26 min

  4. 20 JAN

    331 Why Your Salon Is Busy But Not Profitable

    In this episode, I’m diving deep into the Money Pillar of salon success, because after more than 20+ years of coaching salon owners all over the world, I know this to be true: you can have a full appointment book, a talented team, and great marketing, and still be broke. Being busy does not automatically mean you’re profitable, and for a lot of salon owners, that realisation is both confusing and exhausting. I talk through the three biggest money problems that keep salon owners stuck: not knowing if they’re actually profitable, underpricing services based on fear instead of maths, and tracking the wrong numbers, or no numbers at all. If you’ve ever looked at a busy month and wondered where all the money went, this episode will explain exactly why that keeps happening. Most importantly, I show you what to focus on instead. The key numbers that actually matter, how to stop guessing, and how financial literacy changes everything once you learn it. Because when you understand your numbers, you stop hoping and start running your salon with confidence, clarity, and profit. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Introduction and the five pillars recap [02:30] Busy does not equal profitable [04:16] Problem #1: Not knowing if you’re actually profitable [05:22] Why your bank balance lies [05:46] Understanding your profit and loss statement [07:05] Problem #2: Pricing based on fear instead of maths [08:42] The real cost of underpricing services [09:35] Problem #3: Tracking the wrong numbers [10:18] Profit margins and industry benchmarks [11:00] Average ticket and why it matters [11:35] Client retention and the biggest leak in your business [12:03] Cost per service explained [12:27] Revenue per hour and stylist productivity [15:07] Free training and Business School Intensive overview [17:13] Final thoughts and what’s coming next week 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/ RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏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  (Read steps below first) - 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: Free Business Bootcamp: The Five Things Holding Your Salon Back from Growing (and how to fix them.) Register below and get instant access to the first video, then receive one new training each day for three days. Register Here 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website

    19 min

  5. 13 JAN

    330 The #1 Mistake That Keeps Salon Owners Stuck (It's Not What You Think)

    After 20+ years of coaching salon owners, I can spot the pattern in under 5 minutes. Talented stylist opens dream salon, becomes overwhelmed operator, wonders what went wrong. If you're working harder than ever but not getting ahead, if you're the busiest person in your salon but still stressed about money, you're not alone. In today’s episode, I'm revealing the #1 mistake that keeps talented salon owners stuck. The problem is that you're trying to solve business problems with technical skills instead of business skills. You cannot solve business problems by doing more hair. I'm breaking down the 5 Pillars of Salon Success, the framework that separates struggling salons from thriving ones. Most salon owners are working on 1 or 2 of these pillars. The successful ones master all 5. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Why this episode might change how you see your business [01:19] The pattern I see constantly with salon owners [03:00] What most salon owners do when struggling [04:03] The #1 mistake: You can't solve business problems by doing more hair [06:00] The shift successful salon owners make [07:02] The 5 Pillars of Salon Success framework [07:19] Pillar #1: Management & Systems [08:09] Pillar #2: Money & Financial Clarity [09:03] Pillar #3: Marketing That Actually Works [10:14] Pillar #4: Super Stylist (Team Performance) [11:12] Pillar #5: Team & HR (Hiring, Culture, Retention) [12:34] Why all 5 pillars must work together [13:00] Why overwhelm comes from incomplete business education [13:22] Announcing the free 3-part video training [15:00] Introducing GROW Business School (12-month program) [15:25] How to access the free training Want MORE to help you GROW? FREE 3-PART VIDEO TRAINING: "The Five Things Holding Your Salon Back From Growing (And How to Fix Them)" 👉Register and get the free video series sent straight to your inbox RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏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  (Read steps below first) - 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   👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website NEXT WEEK: Episode 331 - Part 2 of the series: Deep dive into the Money Pillar. Why your salon is busy but not profitable, and exactly how to fix it.

    16 min

  6. 6 JAN

    329 New Year, New Opportunity: Taking Control of Your Salon Business

    A new year always brings with it a sense of possibility. It’s that “that was then, this is now” moment where you get to draw a line in the sand and decide what happens next. But let’s be honest, for many salon owners right now, business feels tougher than ever. Clients are cautious, bookings feel unpredictable, and the world around us feels uncertain. In this episode, I talk about the reality of running a salon in times like these and why focusing on everything outside your control is a guaranteed way to feel overwhelmed. Global uncertainty, economic pressure, and changing consumer behaviour are real, but they’re not where your power lies. Instead, I break down exactly what is within your control, both as a salon owner and as a stylist. Because when you focus on the controllables, the systems, the standards, the leadership, and the client experience, you put yourself back in the driver’s seat. And when you do that, growth isn’t just possible. It’s predictable. IN THIS EPISODE: [01:43] The reality that many salon owners are facing right now [02:23] Not everyone is struggling, why that matters [03:06] Why being in business has always been hard [03:32] Global uncertainty and its impact on client spending [04:17] What you can control vs what you can’t [04:50] Control the controllable, leadership starts here [05:09] What stylists are in control of every single day [07:42] What salon owners are in control of [09:32] Why focusing on the controllables guarantees growth 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/ RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏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  (Read steps below first) - 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: Free Online Training: ‘The five things holding your salon back from growing and how to fix them’. Join the waitlist to be sent the first training on 12th January. 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website

    11 min

  7. 30/12/2025

    328 Is Self-Employment Really the Answer for Hairdressers?

    Not every hairdresser wants to be self-employed, and in this episode, I explain why that’s not only okay, but why it creates a real opportunity for salon owners to rethink what an employee-employer-based business can and should look like today.  Too often, self-employment is sold as the only path to freedom, flexibility, and financial success, without anyone stopping to talk honestly about the real costs involved. In today's episode, I talk about what many stylists don’t calculate before they make the leap: rent, tax, product, tech, training, marketing, lost holiday pay, and the time spent working on the business instead of in it.  For plenty of people, the reality is that they end up earning about the same or less than they did as an employee, but with a lot more responsibility and pressure. I also talk about what salon owners must do if they want to attract and keep great people in 2026 and beyond. The old rules don’t apply anymore. Being good at hair isn’t enough. If you want to build a business that thrives, you need leadership skills, business skills, and the willingness to adapt. On a final note. Whether you are a returning listener or perhaps this is your first time, either way, thank you for trusting that we bring you the people and the insights that are needed to grow your salon business.  IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Welcome to the podcast [01:00] Not everyone wants to be self-employed, and that’s okay[01:31] Why hairdressers want teams, security, and belonging[02:16] When self-employment is the wrong move[02:44] The myth of “keeping all the money”[03:32] The real expenses of working for yourself[05:33] Freedom vs. the reality shown on social media[05:53] Why many stylists return to employment[07:00] Technology, the pandemic, and changing work attitudes[07:33] Why traditional salon models started pushing people away[08:00] Flexibility, resistance to change, and the perfect storm[08:43] Why salon owners must adapt to survive[09:00] Leadership, respect, and treating your team as clients[10:00] What having a team makes possible[11:28] Looking ahead to 2026 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/ RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏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  (Read steps below first) - 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: FREE TRAINING: The Five Things Holding Your Salon Back From Growing and How to Fix Them in 2026 - For Priority Notification - Jump on the waitlist here   👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website

    13 min

  8. 23/12/2025

    327 The Relationships and Life Lessons that Begin Behind the Chair

    This short episode is a reflection on the real relationships we form with the people who sit in our chairs. I’ve often said that clients aren’t your friends, they’re your clients. And professionally, that boundary matters. But every now and then, those lines blur in ways that are deeply human. I share a couple of stories from my time behind the chair that have stayed with me for decades. One client who reminded me never to underestimate the importance of kindness, and another who became part of my family in the most unexpected way. These are reminders of the quiet role hairdressers play in people’s lives, sometimes without even realising it. As the year wraps up, this episode is simply a thank you. To the clients we serve, the relationships we build, and to you for listening. Because when you stop and think about it, this industry can create some very special connections, and it’s easy to take them for granted. 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/ RATINGS + REVIEWS 🙏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  (Read steps below first) - 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   👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website

    7 min
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4.9
out of 5
42 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!

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