The Hair Hustle Podcast

Heather Podlesney
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Marketing
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to The Hair Hustle Podcast, where business meets beauty! Hosted by Heather Podlesney, a salon coach with over 20 years of industry experience, over a decade of coaching market leading salons, and passion for helping stylists succeed, this podcast is your go-to resource for mastering the business side of the salon industry. Each week, we cover practical tips on budgeting, time management, retail strategies, and promotions to help you grow your profits and run a thriving salon business. Whether you’re behind the chair or behind the scenes, tune in to learn how to hustle smarter, not harder!

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 94: REPLAY (use this as your check in!) YOU NEED THIS for 2026

    Interested in a Class at your salon OR Coaching: CLICK HERE Grab the Know Your Numbers Worksheet: CLICK HERE Summary In this episode of the Hair Hustle Podcast, host Heather Podlesney shares essential insights for stylists as they enter 2026. She emphasizes the importance of understanding profitability versus mere busyness, the necessity of charging appropriately for services, and the significance of setting healthy boundaries. Heather also encourages stylists to embrace their roles as CEOs of their businesses and to practice kindness in their interactions, recognizing that everyone faces challenges. This episode serves as a motivational guide for stylists to start the new year with clarity and purpose. Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Hair Hustle Podcast 02:32 Setting the Stage for 2026 02:56 Understanding Profitability vs. Busyness 05:48 The Importance of Charging What You Deserve 07:51 Establishing Healthy Boundaries 10:43 Embracing Your Role as CEO 12:56 The Power of Kindness in the Industry Keywords hair, salon, stylists, business coaching, profitability, boundaries, self-care, kindness, 2026 goals, beauty industry Mentioned in this episode: www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact www.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumbers

  2. Jul 21

    Episode 93: REPLAY - How to Utilized One of the Biggest Salon Resources

    Interested in a Class at your salon OR Coaching: CLICK HERE Grab the Know Your Numbers Worksheet: CLICK HERE Contact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.com Questions or work with Melissa Gross: 616-299-4869 and mgross@manocoblue.com Summary In this episode, Heather Podlesny interviews Melissa Gross, a seasoned salon sales consultant with over 25 years of industry experience. They discuss how stylists and salon owners can leverage sales consultants for business growth, retail success, and industry insights, emphasizing community, confidence, and strategic systems. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:20 Melissa Gross's Industry Journey and Experience 03:38 Successful Salon Systems and Retail Strategies 06:17 Misunderstandings About Sales Consultants' Role 09:12 Industry Trends: Cleaner Ingredients and Sustainability 11:33 Helping Struggling Stylists and Small Salons 14:47 Maximizing Value from Your Sales Consultant 19:23 Add-on Services and Business Growth Ideas 21:42 Melissa's Unexpected Industry Insights 24:11 Community, Support, and Overcoming Industry Challenges 27:02 Salon Owner and Stylist Complaints and Misconceptions 30:02 Addressing Common Salon Industry Complaints 31:49 Melissa's Advice for Engaging with Sales Consultants 35:33 Supporting Your Salon Community and Collaboration 37:15 Closing Remarks and Resources for Listeners Keywords Salon sales, retail strategies, industry insights, salon community, business growth, salon owner tips, sales consultant role, salon success, hair industry trends Mentioned in this episode: www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact www.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumbers www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact

  3. Jul 14

    Episode 92: REPLAY - Brand Shopping with Surface Hair

    Contact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.com Interested in a Class at your salon OR Coaching: CLICK HERE Grab the Know Your Numbers Worksheet: CLICK HERE Summary In this episode of the Hair Hustle podcast, Heather Podlesney hosts representatives from Surface, Sean Carlson and Cassie Laub, to discuss industry insights, brand support, retail strategies, and upcoming events. They share valuable tips for salon owners and stylists to thrive in a competitive market, emphasizing the importance of education, brand partnerships, and strategic planning. CONTACTS: Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.com Cassy: claub@surfacehair.com Sean: scarlson@surfacehair.com LINKS: Retreat: Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hair Hustle Podcast 01:24 Meet the Surface Team 06:10 State of the Industry: Challenges and Opportunities 14:06 The Importance of Brand Support 21:26 Questions to Ask Your Brand 27:58 Finding the Right Brand and Distributor 34:50 The Emotional Connection to Products 39:56 Navigating Brand Loyalty in Salons 45:43 The Importance of Awareness and Responsibility 51:06 Thriving vs Surviving Salons 57:16 Identifying Survival Mode in Salon Owners 01:00:39 Connecting with Support for Salons 01:04:10 The Importance of Partnership in the Beauty Industry 01:05:40 Wellness Sanctuary Retreat: A New Experience 01:08:03 Spilling the Tea: Insights from the Brand Side 01:16:01 Surface's New All-In Product Launch 01:22:38 Introducing Surface Unscripted: A New Podcast 01:25:45 How to Connect with Surface Team Keywords hair industry, salon retail, brand support, Surface, salon success, retail strategies, industry insights, salon coaching, Surface Unscripted, salon events Mentioned in this episode: www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact www.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumbers www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact

  4. Jul 7

    Episode 91: Guest Experience Series - De Escalating Keyboard Courage Clients

    Contact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.com Interested in a Class at your salon OR Coaching: CLICK HERE Grab the Know Your Numbers Worksheet: CLICK HERE Summary This episode offers practical strategies for hairstylists and salon owners to handle unhappy clients effectively, especially through social media and in-person interactions. It provides a framework for de-escalation, communication tips, and ways to turn negative experiences into learning opportunities. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Guest Experience Series 01:50 Handling Unhappy Clients 05:29 Reframing Complaints as Opportunities 07:57 De-escalation Framework for Client Complaints 12:29 Offering Solutions: Redo, Adjustment, or Refund 17:46 Professional Communication with Clients Keywords hairstylist, salon owner, unhappy clients, client communication, de-escalation, social media, customer service, hair color, conflict resolution, salon business Mentioned in this episode: www.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumbers www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact

  5. Jun 30

    Episode 90: Guest Experience Series - Let Your Feed Be Your First Impression

    Contact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.com Interested in a Class at your salon OR Coaching: CLICK HERE Grab the Know Your Numbers Worksheet: CLICK HERE Summary In this episode of the Hair Hustle Podcast, Heather Podlesney discusses how your social media feed is your first impression and shares practical strategies for stylists and salon owners to attract and retain clients through effective social media use. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, consistency, and leveraging both old and new school tactics to build a strong online presence. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Guest Experience Series 03:08 The Importance of Social Media for Stylists 05:54 Building Your Brand Through Social Media 09:00 Creating Engaging Content for Your Audience 11:45 The Four Pillars of Social Media Posting 18:16 Encouraging Client Engagement and Retention 21:59 Actionable Steps for Social Media Improvement Keywords social media marketing, client attraction, salon branding, social media tips, hairstylist marketing, guest experience, online presence, social media strategy, client retention, personal branding Mentioned in this episode: www.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumbers www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact

  6. Jun 23

    Episode 89: Guest Experience - THE Controversial REBOOK

    Contact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.com Interested in a Class at your salon OR Coaching: CLICK HERE Grab the Know Your Numbers Worksheet: CLICK HERE Summary In this episode, Heather Podlesney discusses the importance of pre-booking for hairstylists, debunking myths and sharing practical strategies to build a sustainable business. She emphasizes how pre-booking enhances client retention, income stability, and professional confidence. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the episode and topic overview 00:32 Debunking social media myths about not pre-booking 01:23 The shift in industry perspectives on pre-booking 02:22 Why pre-booking is vital for a sustainable business 04:45 Understanding the 65% pre-book rate benchmark 05:44 Common reasons stylists avoid asking for rebooking 06:15 Reframing the conversation: Helping clients maintain their look 07:52 How to plant the seed for rebooking during the service 09:20 Using confident language to secure future appointments 10:43 Handling client hesitation and follow-up gracefully 11:41 The importance of professional communication and client experience 12:10 Action steps: Improving pre-book rates and business sustainability Keywords hairstylist, pre-booking, client retention, salon business, sustainable income, hair industry, booking strategies Mentioned in this episode: www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact www.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumbers www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact

  7. Jun 16

    Episode 88: Guest Experience Series - Salon Sensory Audit

    Summary In this episode, Heather Podlesney explores how salon environment impacts guest experience, emphasizing sensory elements and intentional space management to create a welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for stylists, salon owners, and independents looking to elevate client satisfaction without high costs. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Guest Experience Series 00:56 Why Environment Matters for All Salon Types 01:49 Creating a Positive First Impression 02:48 What Clients See in the First 10 Seconds 03:56 Incorporating the Four Senses in Your Salon 05:06 Conducting a Self-Assessment of Your Space 07:19 The Power of Scent and Seasonal Ambiance 09:09 Music and Sound Environment Tips 10:58 Greeting Clients Effectively Without a Front Desk 13:21 Control and Enhance Your Salon in a Suite Setting 15:08 Actionable Steps for All Salon Types 16:09 Conducting a 10-Second Salon Audit 16:34 Wrapping Up and Next Steps Keywords salon environment, guest experience, sensory marketing, salon tips, client retention, salon decor, ambiance, customer service, salon management Mentioned in this episode: www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact www.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumbers www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact

  8. Jun 9

    Episode 87: Guest Experience Series - Say THIS or Say THAT?

    Contact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.com Coaching Interest: HERE Free Know Your Numbers Worksheet: HERE InSalon Class: HERE Summary In this episode, Heather Podlesney launches a new guest experience series focused on improving client interactions in salons. She shares practical scripts, tips on effective communication, and strategies to build trust, upsell, and enhance guest satisfaction. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Guest Experience Series 00:27 Why Guest Experience Matters in Salons 01:20 The Power of Words and Trust 02:15 The Consultation: Setting the Stage 03:39 Swapping 'What Are You Looking For?' for Open-Ended Questions 05:52 Guiding Clients with Descriptive Questions 07:07 Handling Client Pictures and Self-Consciousness 08:25 Discussing Budget Without Making Clients Uncomfortable 11:08 Confirming Client Goals and Desires 11:53 Using Feedback to Identify Client Problems 13:18 Encouraging Client Feedback and Problem Solving Keywords guest experience, salon tips, client trust, communication, consultation, upselling, hair styling, salon success

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About

Welcome to The Hair Hustle Podcast, where business meets beauty! Hosted by Heather Podlesney, a salon coach with over 20 years of industry experience, over a decade of coaching market leading salons, and passion for helping stylists succeed, this podcast is your go-to resource for mastering the business side of the salon industry. Each week, we cover practical tips on budgeting, time management, retail strategies, and promotions to help you grow your profits and run a thriving salon business. Whether you’re behind the chair or behind the scenes, tune in to learn how to hustle smarter, not harder!

Information

  • Creator
    Heather Podlesney
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    95
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Heather Podlesney
  • Show Website
    The Hair Hustle Podcast