The Hairdresser Strong Show

Hatching Imagination, LLC
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Fashion & Beauty
  • Updated Weekly

The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.⁠

  1. Mindfulness for Busy Beauty Pros | Wafaya Abdallah | Owner, Mindful Meditation Teacher, Certified Life Coach | Oasis Curl Salon

    6d ago

    Mindfulness for Busy Beauty Pros | Wafaya Abdallah | Owner, Mindful Meditation Teacher, Certified Life Coach | Oasis Curl Salon

    🌿As beauty pros, we spend our days listening, creating, problem-solving, holding space, managing energy, and helping other people feel better. But without tools to regulate our own nervous system, it is easy to carry everyone else’s stress home with us. In this episode, Wafaya Abdallah, Owner of Oasis Curl Salon, mindful meditation teacher, and certified life coach, shares how mindfulness can help busy beauty pros regulate stress, stay present with clients, and protect their own energy behind the chair. She explains why meditation is not about doing it perfectly, how small daily practices can support emotional resilience, and why learning to pause, breathe, and respond instead of react can change the way we work and live. 🚨🎤 Wafaya Abdallah will be taking the stage at the 4th annual Beauty Business Brunch on July 19th in Washington, DC, where we’ll go deeper on wellness, self-regulation, emotional resilience, and how beauty pros can live and work with more presence, clarity, and calm. 👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunch Key Takeaways: 🔅Mindfulness is not just about meditation - Wafaya explains that meditation is one tool, but the bigger goal is self-regulation, resilience, and learning how to manage your thoughts, emotions, and responses. 🔅You are not bad at meditation because your mind wanders - The wandering mind is part of the practice. The work is noticing it without judgment and coming back to your breath, your body, or the present moment. 🔅Beauty pros need tools for emotional regulation - Clients bring stress, stories, complaints, and energy into the salon. Learning to breathe and stay present helps you respond without taking everything on. 🔅Your breath can help you stay professional in hard moments - Wafaya shares that breathing through the heart area can help calm the nervous system, keep you out of fight, flight, or freeze, and support a better response. 🔅Stress does not just live in your mind - Chronic stress can affect the body, emotions, decision-making, creativity, and overall well-being. 🔅Self-awareness changes the client experience - When you can notice what is happening inside of you, you can pause, regulate, and show up with more clarity for yourself, your team, and your clients. 🔅Mindfulness can be part of salon culture - Wafaya uses meditation in salon meetings and huddles to help the team become present before beginning the day. 🔅You do not have to do it one way - Guided meditation, walking meditation, sitting in silence, candle meditation, breathwork, journaling, and time in nature can all be ways to practice being present. 🔅Question the story before you believe it - When you start overthinking, spiraling, or assuming the worst, Wafaya suggests using multiple perspectives and empowering questions. Instead of immediately believing “they hate me” or “this is all going wrong,” pause and ask: “What else could be true?” or “What if this is helping me grow?” RELATED LINKS 👉Follow Oasis Curl Salon on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/curlyoasis/ 👉 Follow Wafaya on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yinrizingofficial/ 🚨🎤 Wafaya Abdallah will be taking the stage at the 4th annual Beauty Business Brunch on July 19th in Washington, DC, where we’ll go deeper on wellness, self-regulation, emotional resilience, and how beauty pros can live and work with more presence, clarity, and calm. 👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunch The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong. CONNECT WITH US 📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter 📸 Connect on Instagram 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📺 Watch on YouTube 📝 Check out our Blog The views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

    34 min
  2. Turn Time into Growth | Mireya Villarreal | Founder, From Chair to Boss™ & Pink Pewter

    Jun 22

    Turn Time into Growth | Mireya Villarreal | Founder, From Chair to Boss™ & Pink Pewter

    You can be busy all day and still feel like nothing is really growing. That is the part a lot of beauty pros feel, but do not always know how to name. In this episode, Mireya Villarreal, Founder of From Chair to Boss™ and Pink Pewter, breaks down why time management is not just about being organized, it is about understanding what your time is worth and using it to grow. She shares how restructuring her own business after a major setback changed the way she viewed every minute, and how beauty pros can stop wasting time, shift their habits, and turn more of their energy into income, clarity, and opportunity. 🚨🎤 Mireya Villarreal will be taking the stage at the 4th annual Beauty Business Brunch on July 19th in Washington, DC, where we’ll go deeper on how beauty pros can stop letting time slip away, understand what their minutes are actually worth, identify the habits costing them growth, and create a clearer way to turn time into income, clarity, and opportunity. 👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunch Key Takeaways: 🔅Your time has a dollar value - Mireya challenges beauty pros to stop thinking only in hours and start understanding what their time is worth by the minute. 🔅Being busy is not the same as growing - A full day does not automatically mean you are moving your business forward. Growth requires knowing where your time is going and whether it is creating income, clarity, or opportunity. 🔅Social media can be a tool or a distraction - Mireya calls out social media as one of the biggest places beauty pros lose time when they are consuming, scrolling, or watching other people instead of using it with purpose. 🔅Downtime should be redirected toward growth - When you are not booked, that time can be used to rebook clients, look for opportunities, follow up, collaborate locally, improve your booking systems, or bring new people into your chair. 🔅Habits determine growth - If you want more clients, more income, or a bigger opportunity, the daily habits have to match the goal. 🔅You have to know where you are wasting time before you can fix it - Mireya’s workshop is designed to help attendees see their time in front of them so they can identify what is costing them money. 🔅Growth starts with mindset and business skills - Mireya explains that beauty pros are taught to be talented with their hands, but they also need business education, time awareness, and entrepreneurial thinking to expand. 🔅Experience matters - Mireya built Pink Pewter from her kitchen table into an international brand, rebuilt after a major business setback, and now uses those lessons to help other beauty pros avoid costly mistakes. RELATED LINKS 👉Follow Mireya on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mireya_villarreal_/ 👉Follow From Chair to Boss™ on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fromchairtoboss/ 👉Follow Pink Pewter on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pinkpewter/ 🚨🎤 Mireya Villarreal will be taking the stage at the 4th annual Beauty Business Brunch on July 19th in Washington, DC, where we’ll go deeper on how beauty pros can stop letting time slip away, understand what their minutes are actually worth, identify the habits costing them growth, and create a clearer way to turn time into income, clarity, and opportunity. 👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunch The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong. CONNECT WITH US 📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter 📸 Connect on Instagram 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📺 Watch on YouTube 📝 Check out our Blog The views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

    27 min
  3. Building Your Investment Plan as a Beauty Pro | Nicole C. Carson, CFP®, MBA | Founder & Financial Planner | 2nd Story Wealth Planners

    Jun 15

    Building Your Investment Plan as a Beauty Pro | Nicole C. Carson, CFP®, MBA | Founder & Financial Planner | 2nd Story Wealth Planners

    You do not need to be rich to start investing. But you do need a plan. In this episode, Nicole Carson, CFP®, MBA and founder of 2nd Story Wealth Planners, breaks down how beauty professionals can start building an investment plan around real-life factors like debt, uneven income, taxes, retirement goals, and fear of the market. She explains why investing is not only for wealthy people and how consistency, time, and a clear plan can help beauty pros build long-term financial security. 🚨🎤 Nicole Carson will be taking the stage at the 4th annual Beauty Business Brunch on July 19th in Washington, DC, where we’ll go deeper on how beauty pros can stop putting wealth-building off, understand their investment options, plan for retirement, and create a simple framework to start building long-term financial security from where they are now. 👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunch Key Takeaways: 🔅You do not need to be wealthy to start investing - Nicole explains that investing is not only for millionaires, and many people can begin with a small monthly amount. 🔅Debt does not always mean you have to wait - Nicole says paying down debt and investing can happen together, depending on the type of debt, your goals, and your timeline. 🔅Your investment plan starts with your goal - Retirement, buying a home, building wealth, or creating more freedom all require different strategies. 🔅Uneven income needs a system - Beauty pros often have income that changes week to week, so looking at your average income over time can help you choose a realistic amount to save or invest. 🔅Emergency money should stay accessible - Money you may need quickly, like emergency savings or tax money, should usually be kept somewhere easier to access. 🔅Time in the market matters more than timing the market - Nicole explains that trying to wait for the perfect time can keep people stuck, while consistent investing helps build over time. 🔅Investing feels emotional because money is emotional - Fear of losing money, choosing the wrong investment, or not knowing enough can stop people from starting. 🔅Taxes have to be part of the plan - For 1099 workers, suite owners, and business owners, saving for taxes regularly is part of building financial stability. 🔅Wealth is usually built through consistency - This conversation is not about getting rich quick. It is about steady habits, clear goals, and staying committed over time. RELATED LINKS 👉Follow Nicole on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nicolecarson.fp/ 👉Follow 2nd Story Wealth Planners on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/2nd_storywealth/ The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong. CONNECT WITH US 📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter 📸 Connect on Instagram 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📺 Watch on YouTube 📝 Check out our Blog The views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

    35 min
  4. Retention, Loyalty, and the Client Experience | Jozlyn Miller | Manager of Education & Industry Expert | Boulevard

    Jun 8

    Retention, Loyalty, and the Client Experience | Jozlyn Miller | Manager of Education & Industry Expert | Boulevard

    In this episode, Jozlyn Miller, Manager of Education and Industry Expert at Boulevard, breaks down why retention may be one of the most profitable growth strategies beauty professionals are underusing. She shares how improving the client experience, rebooking conversations, service add-ons, memberships, and client education can help salons and spas increase revenue from existing clients. 🚨🎤 Jozlyn will be taking the stage at the 4th annual Beauty Business Brunch on July 19th in Washington, DC, where we’ll go deeper on untapped revenue, elevating the client experience, empowering your team, and the proven retention strategies that help beauty pros stop chasing new clients, drive fierce loyalty, and unlock the profit already sitting in their existing books. 👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunch Key Takeaways: 🔅Your next revenue opportunity may already be in your client list - Jozlyn explains that current clients, past clients, and loyal repeat clients all create opportunities to increase revenue without only chasing new business. 🔅Retention starts with the full client journey - Booking, consultation, service, checkout, rebooking, follow-up, and return visits all shape whether a client comes back. 🔅Rebooking needs more intention - Instead of simply asking, “Do you want to rebook?” guide the client toward the timing, reason, and value of their next appointment. 🔅Client experience creates word-of-mouth growth - When clients feel valued, cared for, and treated like VIPs, they are more likely to talk about the business and refer people. 🔅Your team needs to understand the vision - If owners want a better client experience, the team needs education, language, and tools to deliver it consistently. 🔅Add-ons, memberships, and packages can grow revenue - The opportunity is not just offering them, but training the team to communicate their value without sounding salesy. 🔅Retention is a revenue strategy - Better communication, education, consistency, trust, loyalty, and referrals all connect back to stronger revenue. 🚨🎤 Jozlyn will be taking the stage at the 4th annual Beauty Business Brunch on July 19th in Washington, DC, where we’ll go deeper on untapped revenue, elevating the client experience, empowering your team, and the proven retention strategies that help beauty pros stop chasing new clients, drive fierce loyalty, and unlock the profit already sitting in their existing books. 👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunch RELATED LINKS 👉Follow Jozlyn on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jozlyn.deshawn/ 👉Follow Boulevard on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joinblvd/ Boulevard is an all-in-one business management and client experience platform purpose-built to streamline daily operations for salons, spas, and independent beauty professionals. It empowers hairdressers by handling online booking, smart calendar scheduling, automated client reminders, marketing, and point-of-sale checkout in one seamless system, allowing you to maximize your revenue and focus on your craft. The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong. CONNECT WITH US 📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter 📸 Connect on Instagram 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📺 Watch on YouTube 📝 Check out our Blog The views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

    29 min
  5. Missed Messages, Missed Money: How Communication Gaps Cost You Clients | Shawna Murphy | Founder, Style Smart VA | Hairstylist & Educator

    Jun 1

    Missed Messages, Missed Money: How Communication Gaps Cost You Clients | Shawna Murphy | Founder, Style Smart VA | Hairstylist & Educator

    In this episode, Shawna Murphy, Founder of Style Smart VA, breaks down one of the easiest ways beauty professionals lose money without realizing it: missed or unmanaged client communication. She explains how auditing your DMs, texts, emails, forms, and follow-ups can help you capture more inquiries, book more clients, increase repeat visits, and stop letting revenue slip through the cracks. 🚨🎤Shawna will be leading the VIP session at the 4th annual Beauty Business Brunch on July 19th in Washington, DC, where we’ll go deeper on missed DMs, delayed responses, follow-up gaps, and the communication systems that help beauty pros capture more inquiries, book more clients, and increase retention. 👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunch Key Takeaways: 🔅Missed messages can mean missed money - Shana calculated her own missed opportunities and found that dropped client communication was costing her around $2,500 a month. 🔅Audit every place clients reach out - DMs, texts, emails, booking software, forms, website chats, and Facebook messages all need to be checked so potential clients do not fall through the cracks. 🔅Capture contact information before they disappear - If someone reaches out but does not book, get their phone number and email so you can stay in front of them later. 🔅Treat inquiries like sales opportunities - Every person who messages, calls, or fills out a form has potential revenue attached to them, even if they are not ready to book today. 🔅Track people who do not book right away - Add them to your booking software, CRM, or email list so you can follow up instead of losing them completely. 🔅Follow up after the appointment - A personal follow-up can confirm they are happy, create space for adjustments, encourage reviews, and help bring them back. 🔅Retention starts with communication - The client experience starts before they walk in and continues after they leave, which means stronger communication can lead to more rebooking, referrals, and long-term revenue. RELATED LINKS 👉Follow Shawna on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shawnaarielhair/ 👉Follow Style Smart VA (Virtual Assistants) on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/stylesmartva/ 🚨🎤Shawna will be leading the VIP session at the 4th annual Beauty Business Brunch on July 19th in Washington, DC, where we’ll go deeper on missed DMs, delayed responses, follow-up gaps, and the communication systems that help beauty pros capture more inquiries, book more clients, and increase retention. 👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunch The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong. CONNECT WITH US 📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter 📸 Connect on Instagram 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📺 Watch on YouTube 📝 Check out our Blog The views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

    27 min
  6. Systems & Scaling Locations | Jannay McIver | Owner, Asili Hair Care Center | www.asilihaircarecenter.com

    May 25

    Systems & Scaling Locations | Jannay McIver | Owner, Asili Hair Care Center | www.asilihaircarecenter.com

    In this episode, Jannay McIver, Owner of Asili Hair Care Center, breaks down what salon owners need to have in place before scaling to multiple locations. From documenting every part of the client experience to knowing your numbers, trusting your team, and building systems that work without everything living in your head, this conversation is a practical look at what it really takes to grow a salon business. 🚨🎤Jannay will be joining the Owner’s Panel at our upcoming Conference, Beauty Business Brunch 2026 in DC, where we’ll go deeper on leadership, management, growth, and what it really takes to build a strong beauty business from the inside. 👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunch Key Takeaways: 🔅Your first location needs to work without you - Before opening another location, your current salon should be profitable without you being the main revenue source. 🔅Trust has to be built into the business model - Scaling requires trusting other people with your brand, your standards, and your client experience. 🔅Write down the small details - Budgets and handbooks matter, but so do the words used during consultation, checkout, the shampoo bowl, and rebooking. 🔅Put systems where people use them - Don’t just leave processes in a Google Drive. Put scripts, checklists, and reminders where the work actually happens. 🔅Know your numbers before you grow - Accurate bookkeeping, accounting, payroll, product costs, marketing spend, and staff costs all need to be clear before expansion. 🔅Your POS system is part of your growth strategy - Client information, booking, forms, reminders, email marketing, and access permissions should be organized before adding locations. 🔅Not every problem is a fire - A bad review, mistake, or hiccup may be a signal that something needs to be clarified, not a reason to take everything back over yourself. 🔅Leadership changes when the business grows - At a certain point, everybody cannot be your friend. Standards need to be consistent across locations. 🔅Everyone does not want what you want - One of Jannay’s lessons in scaling was realizing not everyone wants to operate like a business owner or professionalize the same way. 🔅Rooms like BBB matter because business can feel isolating - Jannay talked about the value of spaces where beauty professionals can talk about money, systems, leadership, marketing, growth, and what actually works. RELATED LINKS 👉Follow Jannay on Instagram 👉Follow Asili Hair Care Center on Instagram 🚨🎤Jannay will be joining the Owner’s Panel at our upcoming Conference, Beauty Business Brunch 2026 in DC, where we’ll go deeper on leadership, management, growth, and what it really takes to build a strong beauty business from the inside. 👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunch The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong. CONNECT WITH US 📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter 📸 Connect on Instagram 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📺 Watch on YouTube 📝 Check out our Blog The views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

    38 min
  7. Why Cosmetology Schools Are at Risk and What the Industry Needs to Know | Charles Riser JR, Co-CEO & Co-Founder, Paul Mitchell Temple Academies (Annapolis & Frederick)

    May 18

    Why Cosmetology Schools Are at Risk and What the Industry Needs to Know | Charles Riser JR, Co-CEO & Co-Founder, Paul Mitchell Temple Academies (Annapolis & Frederick)

    In this episode, Charles Riser Jr., Co-CEO and Co-Founder of Paul Mitchell Temple Academies in Annapolis and Frederick, breaks down the federal rule changes that could affect cosmetology schools, student funding, and access to beauty education. He explains why the wage metrics being used are flawed, how the data fails to reflect the real earning power of licensed professionals, and why the industry needs to get louder, more informed, and more involved. 📣🚨Submit your comment by Wed. May 20 - https://myaacs.org/submit-your-comment/ Key Takeaways: 🔅Understand what is actually being measured - The issue is not simply whether cosmetology graduates make money, but how the government is comparing graduate earnings against flawed high school graduate wage data. 🔅The data comparison is not apples to apples - Charles explains that the rule compares cosmetology graduates about three years out of school to high school graduates roughly fourteen years out, creating a distorted wage comparison. 🔅Part-time work changes the picture - Industry data shows many beauty professionals work part-time early in their careers, which can make annual income look lower even when hourly earning power is strong. 🔅Access to education is what is really at stake - If schools lose access to federal funding, students who rely on Pell Grants and federal loans may lose their pathway into cosmetology, barbering, aesthetics, and related trades. 🔅This impacts more than one school or one state - Charles explains that the issue could affect accredited cosmetology schools nationally, especially because accredited institutions train a large share of industry graduates. 🔅Do not confuse accountability with bad data - Holding schools accountable is one conversation, but using flawed wage metrics to determine program value creates a separate and serious problem. 🔅The industry needs a seat at the table - Regulations affecting licensure, education, sanitation, funding, and schools are being discussed whether beauty professionals are paying attention or not. 🔅One person can change policy - Charles gives examples of individual people influencing legislation, including mobile salons and blow-dry licensing in Maryland. 🔅Claiming tips matters beyond taxes - Underreporting income affects borrowing power, long-term financial stability, and the way the government measures the value of the profession. 🔅Take action before May 20 - Charles says the industry needs to submit comments before the May 20 deadline, contact representatives, and get loud before the regulation moves forward. If the rule goes into place in July, the first round of pass/fail data could come out shortly after, putting schools on a path toward monitoring and potential loss of federal funding. Dive Deeper & Learn More 📣🚨Submit your comment by Wed. May 20 - https://myaacs.org/submit-your-comment/ SALON SPA AND BARBERSHOP GUIDE:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iHeQnVZoCNbe2f6BSZaT6qp1fI7_adaB/view Intended for employers. This guide translates the same core issues into workforce language, focusing on hiring, time to earnings, hours worked, tips, flexibility, and the importance of access to accredited training programs for maintaining a worker pipeline. It also encourages employers to submit their own public comments. MODERN SALON ARTICLE: https://www.modernsalon.com/1097189/americas-beauty-and-wellness-industry-under-threat-from-proposed-regulations-now PBA LETTER TO Department of Education: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12atDVoND2zsluj9PVGpJJOMVrw35YMO3/view 2024 Salon Chain Compensation Study - https://www.qnityforschools.com/blog/new-chain-salon-study-reveals-critical-insights-beauty-school-educators The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong. CONNECT WITH US 📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter 📸 Connect on Instagram 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📺 Watch on YouTube 📝 Check out our Blog The views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

    42 min
  8. Salon Team Building: Recruitment, Leadership, and Retention | Ash Fortis | Stylist & Owner, XO Hair Lab | Director of Education & Global Artistic Development, Sharkfin Shears

    May 11

    Salon Team Building: Recruitment, Leadership, and Retention | Ash Fortis | Stylist & Owner, XO Hair Lab | Director of Education & Global Artistic Development, Sharkfin Shears

    In this episode, Ash Fortis, owner of XO Hair Lab and Director of Education at Sharkfin Shears, breaks down what it actually takes to build and retain a strong salon team. From recruitment and assistant training to leadership, communication, boundaries, and retention, Ash shares how structure, support, and clear expectations create a salon culture where people can grow and stay. 🚨🎤Ash will be joining the Owner’s Panel at our upcoming Conference, Beauty Business Brunch 2026 in DC, where we’ll go deeper on leadership, management, growth, and what it really takes to build a strong beauty business from the inside. 👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunch Key Takeaways: 🔅Recruitment cannot be reactive - If you wait until you desperately need someone, you are already behind. Strong owners build applicant flow and relationships before there is an emergency. 🔅Hire for self-motivation and reliability - Ash names self-motivation and reliability as two of the top traits she looks for when building a team, no matter the role. 🔅Create the environment for people to thrive - New talent needs clear expectations, support, education, and structure if they are going to succeed inside the business. 🔅Give people systems before judging their performance - Handbooks, service lists, double-booking systems, downtime expectations, and clear salon policies help people understand how to meet the standard. 🔅Assistants should feel utilized, not used - A strong assistant program includes mentorship, education, hands-on learning, and a visible growth pathway. 🔅Growth timelines should be individualized - Some assistants may be ready in six months, others may need a year or two, depending on skill, timing, professionalism, and readiness. 🔅Leadership is service, not control - Ash frames leadership as servitude, empathy, support, and helping people succeed while still upholding what the business needs. 🔅Retention depends on communication - Regular check-ins, honest conversations, goal-setting, and listening help owners understand where team members are and what support they need. 🔅Boundaries protect the culture - Heart-led leadership still requires clear lines, especially when personal relationships, loyalty, and team dynamics start to blur. 🔅You have to make the right calls for the culture - Even talented people can damage the environment if they ignore standards or undermine the team. Culture requires protection. RELATED LINKS 📸Follow Ash on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/xostylistxo/ 📸Follow XO Hair Lab on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/xohairlab/ 🌱Check out Ash's book "Hair to Dye for" - https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Hair-to-Dye-For/Ash-Fortis/9781681885049 🚨🎤Ash will be joining the Owner’s Panel at our upcoming Conference, Beauty Business Brunch 2026 in DC, where we’ll go deeper on leadership, management, growth, and what it really takes to build a strong beauty business from the inside. 👀Learn more and join us: https://www.hairdresserstrong.com/beauty-business-brunch 🔑BBB is a full-day conference for stylists, barbers, owners, educators, and students who want more than just being busy. We're talking sustainability, money, professionalism, and what it actually takes to build something that lasts. The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong. CONNECT WITH US 📬 Subscribe to our free newsletter 📸 Connect on Instagram 🎵 Connect on TikTok 📺 Watch on YouTube 📝 Check out our Blog The views and opinions of our guests are theirs and important to hear. Each guest's views and opinions are their own and we aim to bring you diverse perspectives, career paths and thoughts about the craft and industry so you can become Hairdresser Strong! They do not necessarily reflect the positions of HairdresserStrong.com

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.⁠

Information

  • Creator
    Hatching Imagination, LLC
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    201
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Hatching Imagination, LLC
  • Show Website
    The Hairdresser Strong Show

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