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. 2d ago

    Episode 97: What type of stylist should you be? Independent? Commission? Owner?

    Contact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.com Interested in a Class at your salon OR Coaching: CLICK HERE Grab the Know Your Numbers Worksheet: CLICK HERE The BEST Independent Stylist Workbook you have ever had for $37: HERE Summary In this episode, Heather Podlesney discusses the realities of transitioning between commission and independent styling, debunking industry myths and offering practical advice for stylists considering their career options. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 00:31 Heather's perspective on salon career paths 01:28 The divide between commission and independent stylists 02:27 Industry myths about salon structures 03:41 The realities of leaving a commission salon 04:50 Financial considerations and earning potential 07:10 Preparing for a career transition 09:23 Building your book and client retention 12:13 Knowing your numbers and business skills 14:22 Season of life and personal circumstances 17:34 Myth-busting and industry misconceptions 19:36 Resources and coaching options 20:26 Closing thoughts and encouragement Keywords hair stylist, commission vs independent, salon business, career advice, hair industry, salon ownership, stylist tips, business mindset, hair industry myths Mentioned in this episode: www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact www.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumbers

  2. Aug 11

    Episode 96: Hours BTC or on the Business?

    Contact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.com Interested in a Class at your salon OR Coaching: CLICK HERE Grab the Know Your Numbers Worksheet: CLICK HERE The BEST Independent Stylist Workbook you have ever had for $37: HERE Summary In this episode, Heather Podlesney shares practical strategies for independent stylists and salon owners to better manage their time and grow their business by focusing on working on it, not just in it. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 00:30 Why mini episodes are valuable for quick actionable tips 01:26 Understanding the difference between working behind the chair and on the business 02:51 The importance of working on your business for profitability 04:17 The 1 hour per 8-10 hours rule for business tasks 06:39 Starting small: 15-20 minutes for organizing your business 07:30 Batching content and managing social media efficiently 09:02 The impact of fixing pricing and rebooking on your business 10:13 Auditing your weekly schedule to find time for business growth 11:24 Encouragement to start now and organize for a successful 2026 11:53 Closing remarks and next episode teaser Keywords hair salon, independent stylist, business management, time management, salon owner, productivity, social media, organizing, profitability Mentioned in this episode: www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact www.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumbers www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact

  3. Aug 4

    Episode 95: Bundling and Boundaries - Stop calling bundling 'packages'! They are not the same!

    Contact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.com Interested in a Class at your salon OR Coaching: CLICK HERE Grab the Know Your Numbers Worksheet: CLICK HERE The BEST Independent Stylist Workbook you have ever had for $37: HERE Summary In this episode, Heather Podlesney discusses the importance of setting boundaries, conducting a boundary audit, and understanding the financial impact of time, price, and access leaks in your salon business. She shares practical tips to reset and improve your business practices for better success and work-life balance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the episode and upcoming season plans 02:21 Reflecting on the first half of 2026 and the importance of a reset 04:07 Personal insights on living in the Midwest and summer moments 05:02 The significance of boundary audits in business and personal life 06:23 Who should listen to this episode: stylists and salon owners 07:18 The concept of bundling services and setting prices 08:38 How to stop grandfathering in prices and set boundaries 09:17 Understanding boundaries as related to feelings and numbers 09:38 Calculating dollar costs of boundary violations 10:03 Time leaks: managing client scheduling and punctuality 11:24 Price leaks: bundling and pricing strategies 14:09 Avoiding nickel and diming clients and product overcharging 15:38 Managing access leaks with tools like bricks and apps 18:26 Using apps to control digital boundaries and time management 19:44 Focusing on one leak at a time for improvement 20:45 Enforcing policies and boundaries for lasting change Keywords salon business, boundaries, pricing, time management, access leaks, salon tips, business reset, work-life balance Mentioned in this episode: www.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumbers www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact

  4. Jul 28

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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5
out of 5
8 Ratings

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
    98
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Heather Podlesney
  • Show Website
    The Hair Hustle Podcast

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