Grow My Salon Business Podcast

Antony Whitaker
  • 4.9 (43)
  • 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. 1 DAY AGO

    346 The 5 Numbers Every Salon Owner Needs to Know

    Most salon owners don't have a money problem, they have a ‘lack of understanding’ problem. You can be fully booked, your team can be flat out, and yet you can still be running at a loss without realising it.  That's what happens when you're managing your business without awareness of a few key numbers. On today's podcast, I'm walking you through the five numbers that, in my experience, determine whether a salon owner feels in control of their finances or is controlled by them. These aren't complicated. You don't need to love spreadsheets or become an accountant. But knowing these five numbers changes the way you make decisions, and the decisions you make determine the business you build. If last week's episode resonated with you, this one is the practical follow-up you've been waiting for. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Why your salon can be fully booked and still be running at a loss and the one number that highlights the reality.What net profit margin actually means and why checking it once a year with your accountant is already too lateWhy copying a competitor's pricing could mean your services are running at a loss.How a 13-week rolling cashflow forecast removes the financial anxiety that hits every time something unexpected goes wrongWhy these five numbers are all connected and what pulling on one thread does to the rest IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Introduction: The salon that looks busy but can't explain the numbers [00:26] Why this episode follows directly from last week's [00:44] The real reason salon owners feel financial fog [01:19] Why gut feel is not a strategy for running your finances [01:42] Number one: your breakeven point and why it matters most [02:52] You can be fully booked and still be running at a loss [03:47] Number two: net profit margin and what it actually measures [04:55] The story of Clarissa: from 2.5% to 8.4% profit margin [06:16] Number three: staff costs as a percentage of total revenue [08:11] Number four: which services on your menu are actually profitable [09:56] Number five: understanding your cashflow over the next 13 weeks [11:53] Billy's story: from breaking even to £80k profit [12:08] How all five numbers connect to each other [13:39] The free 10-question salon financial reality check [13:57] Free live masterclass: Where Does All the Money Go? Want MORE to help you GROW? ➡️ 10 Question Salon Financial Reality Check – A free 60-second quiz to identify exactly where your financial knowledge gaps are – Find out more ➡️ Free Live Masterclass: Where Does All the Money Go? – Monday 11th May, one hour, completely free – deeper than this episode and the logical next step if this resonated – Register here RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE If you enjoyed this episode, you'll also like: Episode 345: Where Does All the Money Go? The 10-Part Financial Framework for Salon Owners Listen here  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. 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 ➡️ Free Live Masterclass: Where Does All the Money Go? – Monday 11th May, one hour, completely free – Register here

    16 min

  2. 28 APR

    345 Where Does All the Money Go? The 10-Part Financial Framework for Salon Owners

    Hopefully your salon is busy, clients are coming through the door, and money is being taken at the till every day, so if that's the case, then why is salon financial management still such a struggle? This is the reality for a lot of salon owners: the numbers just don't add up, and the stress that comes with that is real.  In this episode, I walk you through a 10-part framework for following the money trail in your business. This isn't a finance lesson, and it's not about spreadsheets. It's a practical way of thinking about your business that gives you clarity and control, because right now, with costs up and clients spreading out their appointments, you can't afford to keep guessing. IN THIS EPISODE: The difference between knowing your numbers and understanding your business in real timeWhy budgets aren't about restriction,  they're the single most important tool for weekly profitabilityWhat cashflow forecasting actually looks like and why a 13-week rolling forecast changes everythingHow to think about productivity-based pay so your team's performance is tied to the salon's financial healthEPISODE TIMESTAMPS [00:00] Introduction: The reality of a busy salon that still isn't profitable [00:50] Why the financial picture behind the scenes rarely matches the front [01:14] This isn't about how hard you work, it's about structure [01:38] The biggest misconception: thinking someone else is watching the numbers [02:22] Why understanding your finances is your job, not your accountant's [03:10] What following the money trail actually means in practice [03:53] Introducing the 10-part financial framework for salon owners [06:47] Why budgets matter more than most salon owners want to admit [08:07] Cashflow forecasting and why 13 weeks ahead changes everything [09:32] Pricing for profit and why "charge your worth" isn't a strategy [10:47] Recap: how many of the 10 points are you actually doing? [13:01] The free webinar: Where Does All the Money Go? RESOURCES MENTIONED Where Does All the Money Go? (Free Webinar) Antony breaks down the 10-part framework in full and shows you how to apply it practically in your salon - Register here Want MORE to help you GROW? 📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/ 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. 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 ➡️ Free Live Masterclass: Where Does All the Money Go? – Monday 11th May, one hour, completely free – Register here

    15 min

  3. 21 APR

    344 Does Your Salon Have a Pricing Problem or a Productivity Problem?

    Salon profitability is under more pressure than it has been in years, and the hard reality is that being busy isn't the same as being profitable. In this episode, I get into the financial fundamentals that too many salon owners avoid, because understanding your numbers is the only way to get in front of the problem before it becomes a crisis. By the end of this episode, you'll know exactly where to look in your business to find the leaks, whether you have a pricing problem or a productivity problem, and what your real options are for increasing profit margins. This isn't about cutting everything to the bone. It's about making smarter decisions with the facts in front of you. IN THIS EPISODE: Why being fully booked doesn't mean your salon is profitable, and what that means for your business right nowHow to use your profit and loss report to separate the facts from the feelings and make better financial decisionsThe difference between a pricing problem and a productivity problem, and which one your salon actually hasThe three ways to increase salon income, and which one delivers results the fastest EPISODE TIMESTAMPS: [00:00] Introduction: Why salon profit margins are under pressure right now  [00:27] The things you can control when times are tough  [02:07] Why competitive pricing creates a crunch point for salon owners  [03:04] How to use your profit and loss report correctly  [04:29] What the numbers in a typical salon P&L actually look like  [05:42] Pricing problems vs productivity problems: knowing which one you have  [06:21] How to approach cutting costs without losing what matters  [08:05] Why the miscellaneous line in your P&L deserves more attention  [09:22] The three ways to increase your salon income  [11:44] Why a price rise is the fastest lever available to you  [12:38] Which services are actually profitable when you look at the real margins  [13:25] Using technology and AI to create efficiencies in your business  [14:16] Recap and your next action step 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. 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 ➡️ Free Live Masterclass: Where Does All the Money Go? – Monday 11th May, one hour, completely free – Register here

    16 min

  4. 14 APR

    343 The Mindset Behind Long-Term Salon Success with Scott Buchanan

    Running a successful salon for nearly 40 years in one of the most competitive cities on the planet takes more than talent. It takes the willingness to keep evolving your model, your mindset, and even the words you use with your team.  My guest today, Scott Buchanan of the Manhattan-based Scott J Salons, has done exactly that. With around 90 employees across two locations, Scott's story is one of grit, reinvention, and a business built around culture and community. In this conversation, we get into the real numbers behind a thriving employee-based salon, why he treats his team as partners rather than employees, and what it actually takes to keep an employee-based salon competitive in today's market. If you want to build a business that still works 40 years from now, this is the episode to listen to. ✅ Why calling your team "partners" changes the way they show up every day ✅ The KPIs Scott tracks obsessively and why guest count matters more than top-line revenue ✅ How Scott uses "wellness check-ins" instead of performance reviews to drive better results ✅ How Scott thinks about AI, retail, and the future of the salon experience in the next five to ten years ✅ The one piece of advice from a 40-year career that every salon owner needs to hear IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Introduction: 40 years in Manhattan and what longevity really takes [00:50] Scott's current business: two locations, 93 staff, and a long road to get here [03:29] Is the age of the big salon over? Scott's honest take on boutique vs. large [05:37] Why Scott considers his team partners, not employees [07:18] Wellness check-ins: reframing performance reviews to drive real change [10:25] How to keep an employee-based team in the age of salon suites [13:55] The blowout story: why you have to be there when the client wants to be there [20:11] How Scott is using AI now and where he sees the salon industry heading [27:33] The key numbers Scott watches most closely, and what they reveal [37:07] Intercoiffure America/Canada: building a community for employee-based salon owners [43:57] Scott's one piece of advice for lasting 40 years in this industry 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. 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: 🎓 Intercoiffure America/Canada – A community for employee-based, salary-based salon owners in North America – Find out more 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website 👉 FOLLOW SCOTT BUCHANAN! Instagram  👉 FOLLOW SCOTT J SALONS Instagram | website ➡️ Free Live Masterclass: Where Does All the Money Go? – Monday 11th May, one hour, completely free – Register here

    48 min

  5. 7 APR

    342 The 5-Step Framework for Training a Salon Manager

    Training a salon manager is one of the things salon owners often get wrong, and most don't realise it until they've already hired the wrong person, put them on payroll, but still end up doing everything themselves.  In this episode, I share a five-step framework for getting it right, from figuring out whether your business can actually support a manager right now, to the mindset shift that changes everything about how you lead. By the end of this episode, you'll know exactly what to define before you hand anything over, why hiring another version of yourself backfires, and how to release control in a way that builds real capability over time. Done right, a great manager doesn't take things away from you. They give you your life back. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: The two pillars that underpin good management, and why most people are usually only good at oneWhy you need to consider the size of your business before you hire anyone into a management roleThe case against hiring a mini you and what to look for insteadHow to train for outcomes, not just tasks, so your manager can think, not just tick boxesThe "let the leash out slowly" approach to handing over control without chaosWhy getting it out of your head and onto paper is the non-negotiable first step EPISODE TIMESTAMPS [00:00] Introduction: The challenge of training a salon manager [00:30] Why hiring a manager isn’t as simple as it sounds [01:19] The real question: how do you let go without losing control? [01:45] The two pillars of management: people skills vs systems [03:18] Why most salon owners lean heavily to one side [04:11] The moment you realise you need help [05:04] The fear of hiring and trusting a manager [06:00] The two biggest obstacles: no systems and financial pressure [06:40] Why most salons can’t afford a non-producing manager [07:18] Delegating vs dumping chaos [14:49] Recap of the 5-step framework [15:41] Why a great manager gives you back your life [16:04] How to get help RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 🎓 Salon Management Course - A complete blueprint for building a salon that runs with or without you -  Find out more 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. 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 ➡️ Free Live Masterclass: Where Does All the Money Go? – Monday 11th May, one hour, completely free – Register here

    18 min

  6. 31 MAR

    341 Are Apprenticeships Still Financially Viable for Salon Owners?

    The economics of running a salon have changed, and if your approach to training assistants hasn't changed with it, your margins are going to keep shrinking.  In this episode, I answer the questions salon owners are actually grappling with right now: Is it still worth taking on apprentices, how quickly should they be contributing, and what does it look like when a salon actually gets training right? If you've been winging it or leaving it to chance, this episode gives you a clear framework and five practical takeaways you can act on straight away. IN THIS EPISODE: Why condensing the apprenticeship timeline isn't lowering standards, it's a financial necessityThe difference between income-producing and non-income-producing staff and why it mattersHow quickly a new assistant should be contributing to your salon revenue (and what to do if they're not)Why most salons' training problems are self-inflicted, and what good training ownership actually looks likeFive clear takeaways for building a structured, productive assistant pathway in your salonEPISODE TIMESTAMPS [00:00] Introduction[00:28] Can you condense a two-year apprenticeship without lowering standards?[01:21] How assistants contribute to revenue[02:41] Income-producing vs. non-income-producing staff[04:37] The shift required to make apprenticeships viable[05:40] A brief history of apprenticeships[09:00] Are employment-based salons restructuring the assistant pathway?[11:27] What the best salons are doing differently[12:33] Five takeaways for salon owners Want MORE to help you GROW? 📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books  🆘 Management overwhelm? Download our free checklist  👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website 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. I love to hear what's been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time! Antony ➡️ Free Live Masterclass: Where Does All the Money Go? – Monday 11th May, one hour, completely free – Register here

    16 min

  7. 24 MAR

    340 The Simple Three-Part Formula Every Million Dollar Salon Is Built On

    Most salon owners believe their biggest problem is not getting enough new clients, but what if that’s not true? In this episode, I break down why focusing on client attraction alone is keeping you stuck, and what’s really stopping your salon from growing consistently. I share the simple (but often overlooked) three-part marketing formula that every high-performing salon is built on. The reality is, most salons are already getting enough new clients, but they’re losing them just as quickly. And that’s where the real problem lies. If you’re tired of constantly chasing new clients and want to build a salon business that grows predictably, with loyal clients who keep coming back, then this episode will shift how you think about marketing forever. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:25] What do you picture when you think of a million-dollar salon? [01:02] Why high-performing salons are simpler than you think [02:00] Why understanding the real problem matters before you hear the formula [03:06] The retention numbers that should stop you in your tracks [04:53] The three-part marketing formula [05:44] Where most salons drop the ball  [07:59] Why the three pieces must work together, not in isolation [11:03] What million-dollar salons do differently [11:28] The importance of tracking your numbers [12:25] Industry benchmarks and what to aim for [12:53] Why you need to run retention reports by individual stylist [14:01] The marketing course, what's inside and how to join [17:06] Wrapping up, the formula, the course, and see you next week RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: 🎓 Salon Marketing Course - now open for enrolment - Find out more Want MORE to help you GROW? 📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/ 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website 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. I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time!Antony ➡️ Free Live Masterclass: Where Does All the Money Go? – Monday 11th May, one hour, completely free – Register here

    19 min

  8. 18 MAR

    339 The Difference Between Average Salons and World-Class Ones

    The difference between a good salon and a world-class one isn’t talent. It’s standards, and the leadership to hold them. In this episode, I take inspiration from the Netflix series Being Gordon Ramsay and unpack what it really takes to build a world-class business, whether that’s a restaurant or a salon. Because when you strip it back, the fundamentals are the same. It’s not about talent alone. It’s about standards, leadership, and the culture you create. I talk about the obsession with detail that separates good from exceptional, why leadership isn’t always comfortable (but it is necessary), and how the best teams operate as a unit, not a group of individuals. These are practical insights you can apply immediately in your salon. IN THIS EPISODE: [00:00] Introduction and why this matters for salon owners [00:48] Lessons from The Bear and restaurant culture [02:21] Why Being Gordon Ramsay is worth watching [04:00] The 3 pillars: standards, leadership, and pride [04:31] Why standards, not talent, drive excellence [06:30] The power of attention to detail [07:40] Leadership, clarity, and responsibility [08:44] Finding the breaking points in your business [10:12] Respect for craft and raising standards [12:12] From employees to custodians of the brand [13:35] The big question: what are you building? WANT MORE TO HELP YOU GROW? 🎓 Salon Marketing Course - now open for enrolment - Find out more RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Being Gordon Ramsay (Netflix)   Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara  The Bear (TV series)   RECOMMENDED NEXT EPISODE If you enjoyed this episode, you'll also like: Episode 322: The Beautiful Chaos of Building a Team → Listen here 👉 FOLLOW US! Instagram | Facebook | Website 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. I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time!Antony ➡️ Free Live Masterclass: Where Does All the Money Go? – Monday 11th May, one hour, completely free – Register here

    17 min
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4.9
out of 5
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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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