The Hair Hustle Podcast

Heather Podlesney
  • 5.0 (8)
  • Marketing
  • 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. 6d ago

    Episode 107: 20 YEARS of Booth Rent to Commission Stylist?!?!

    2026 Holiday Guide: https://heatherpod.kit.com/133031041f FREE Holiday Success Guide HERE Contact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.com The BEST Independent Stylist Workbook you have ever had for $37: HERE Contact Sherry: yrrehsa@aol.com Summary In this episode, Heather Podlesney interviews Sherry about her journey from independent stylist to commissioned salon team member. They discuss the differences, benefits, challenges, and key questions to consider when making the switch, providing valuable insights for stylists contemplating their career path. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest background 01:55 Sherry's transition from independent to commission 05:08 Benefits of working in a team environment 07:06 Deciding factors for switching to a commission salon 08:58 What Sherry misses and doesn't miss about independence 11:58 Questions to ask when considering a salon change 16:02 Financial aspects: pay structure and growth 19:58 Pricing strategies and emotional pricing 23:58 Flexibility and work schedule considerations 28:52 Overcoming judgment and industry perceptions 35:07 The value of community and education in salons 38:07 Who is best suited for a commission environment 42:05 Advice to stylists contemplating a switch 44:54 Final thoughts and encouragement Keywords hair industry, stylist, independent, commission, salon, career transition, flexibility, pricing, team, education Mentioned in this episode: www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact

  2. Oct 20

    Episode 106: Can you be picky about your clients when you are a new stylist?

    FREE Holiday Success Guide HERE Contact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.com The BEST Independent Stylist Workbook you have ever had for $37: HERE Summary In this episode, Heather Podlesney discusses whether beginner stylists should take every client, emphasizing the importance of experience, relationship building, and strategic client selection to grow in the industry. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 3249:59:53 The value of diverse client interactions 6166:39:53 Why beginner stylists should be open to all clients 9138:53:13 The importance of relationship building 12361:06:33 The potential magic in every client opportunity 13722:13:20 Closing thoughts and encouragement Keywords hair styling, beginner stylists, client management, salon business, customer service, professional growth

  3. Oct 13

    Episode 105: The dreaded SATURDAY topic...

    FREE Holiday Success Guide HERE 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 explores whether hairstylists should be required to work on Saturdays, considering different perspectives and life stages. She discusses the evolving client preferences, salon expectations, and personal boundaries around weekend work. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 02:18 Personal experience with working weekends and boundaries 03:19 The importance of salon culture and expectations 04:16 The role of specialty services like bridal work 05:39 Considering life stage and personal boundaries 07:01 The impact of salon size and independence on Saturday work 08:27 Advice for young stylists and career growth 09:54 Client preferences and modern scheduling trends 11:13 Evolving industry norms and personal boundaries 13:32 Final thoughts and audience engagement Keywords hairstylist, Saturdays, salon work, client preferences, work-life balance, career growth, salon ownership, flexible schedules, industry trends Mentioned in this episode: www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact

  4. Oct 6

    Episode 104: HOT TAKE - Is Retail Dead?

    FREE Holiday Success Guide HERE 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 shares her honest opinion on whether every salon should sell retail, emphasizing the importance of having a curated product portfolio and exploring various ways to carry retail without heavy investment. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Heather's stance on retail in salons 02:28 Different ways to carry retail products 04:51 Retail as part of the salon service and education 05:47 The necessity of products for hair health and problem-solving 07:13 Choosing the right products for clients 08:28 Final thoughts and audience engagement Keywords salon retail, hair products, retail strategy, salon business, product portfolio, retail on shelf, affiliate programs, Amazon influence, hair solutions, salon tips Mentioned in this episode: www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact

  5. Sep 29

    Episode 103: HOT TAKE - Should you give out YOUR personal number?

    FREE Holiday Success Guide HERE 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 shares her candid thoughts on whether stylists should give out their personal phone numbers to clients, exploring different salon environments and practical boundaries. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and episode overview 02:16 Boundaries and managing client contact 04:44 Salon environment and receptionist benefits 07:00 The importance of being accessible to clients 08:02 Balancing boundaries with customer service 09:02 Closing thoughts and listener engagement Keywords hair stylist, client communication, boundaries, salon tips, independent stylist, commission salon, customer service, professional boundaries Mentioned in this episode: www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact

  6. Sep 22

    Episode 102: Industry Legend Michael Cole on Current Salon Ecosystems and the Future of the Professional Beauty Industry

    Follow Michael on IG @michaelcoleinspires FREE Holiday Success Guide HERE 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, industry veteran Michael Cole shares over 50 years of insights on the future of the beauty industry, coaching, and creating thriving salon ecosystems. Heather Podlesney hosts a deep conversation on adapting to industry changes, the power of community, and emotional intelligence in salons. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Michael Cole and his industry journey 02:08 Michael shares his background and career in beauty 04:30 Highlights of Michael’s contributions and programs 06:14 Industry noise and future trends in salons 09:30 Redundancy, burnout, and the importance of community 12:31 The ecosystem versus culture in salons 15:00 The role of community in professional growth 17:11 The importance of coaching and prevention 20:55 Addressing loud narratives and industry myths 22:07 The impact of generational differences and coaching styles 25:22 Adapting coaching for Gen Z and younger stylists 28:37 Retail, extensions, and evolving industry practices 33:01 Coaching strategies for different generations 36:29 The power of pausing and emotional intelligence 43:14 Creating a positive salon ecosystem and emotional episodes 52:38 Helping older stylists and bridging generational gaps 56:52 Unlearning patterns and developing new habits 01:01:13 The practice of awareness and the pause journal 01:09:24 Understanding emotional episodes and experiences 01:14:22 Practical steps for salon owners to foster ecosystem 01:17:15 Final thoughts and legacy in the industry Keywords beauty industry, salon coaching, salon ecosystems, industry trends, emotional intelligence, leadership, community, burnout, Gen Z, professional growth Mentioned in this episode: www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact

  7. Sep 15

    Episode 101: Holiday Success with Joe Sileo

    FREE Holiday Success Guide HERE Contact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.com Contact Joe Sileo: joesileo1@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 interviews Joe Sileo from Do Good Consulting about how salon owners and stylists can effectively plan and maximize their holiday sales. They discuss timing, planning strategies, product selection, and how to engage guests to boost holiday retail success. In this episode, Joe Sileo and Heather discuss effective holiday sales strategies for salons, team incentives, and maintaining a joyful work environment during busy seasons. They share practical tips on planning, motivating staff, and creating memorable guest experiences to boost holiday retail success. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest introduction 03:55 When to start planning and preparing for holiday sales 08:10 Maximizing sales in November and December 12:12 Planning conversations with guests about holiday needs 15:46 Data and reports for holiday planning 19:59 Testing new lines and product offerings during holiday 24:02 Creating a sense of urgency and display visibility 26:51 Gift ideas for clients, friends, and family 28:11 Questions to ask guests about holiday gifting needs 29:06 Planning for increased guest visits and new clients 30:04 Analyzing last year's sales and inventory 31:02 Strategies for increasing purchase volume and display 32:01 The importance of early product placement and signage 33:04 Encouraging gift re-gifting and multiple purchases 34:06 Fun holiday games and activities to boost sales 35:09 Setting sales goals and overcoming limiting beliefs 36:00 Case studies of successful holiday sales strategies 37:02 Final tips for holiday planning and execution 38:05 Closing remarks and key takeaways Keywords salon, holiday sales, retail, planning, marketing, products, customer engagement, sales strategy, holiday season, salon business salon sales, holiday retail, team incentives, customer experience, holiday planning, salon management, retail strategies, staff motivation, customer service, holiday season Mentioned in this episode: www.heatherpodlesney.com/contact

  8. Sep 8

    EPISODE 100: Heather's Candid Interview - why she is so passionate about the industry!

    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 her journey from corporate sales to the beauty industry, emphasizing the importance of business skills for stylists. She discusses strategies for growing a salon, effective consultation techniques, marketing tips, and how to navigate leaving a salon professionally. In this episode, Heather and her guest discuss the realities of transitioning from salon ownership to independence, the importance of respect in professional relationships, and practical advice for stylists aiming to grow their careers while maintaining integrity and balance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Heather's Background 01:00 Heather's Journey from Corporate to Beauty 03:30 Lessons Learned from Corporate Sales 06:36 Key Business Skills for Stylists 08:00 Pricing and Mindset Shifts 12:09 Client Scheduling and Client Preferences 14:00 Consultation Mistakes and Opportunities 21:01 Effective Promotions for Growth 26:12 Marketing on Social Media for Stylists 32:03 Content Creation and Personal Branding 38:27 Mindset Challenges and Salon Transitions 41:21 Balancing Behind-the-Chair Work and Coaching 46:17 Leaving a Salon Professionally Keywords beauty industry, salon growth, stylist tips, social media marketing, salon management, client consultation, pricing strategies, independent stylist, salon owner, marketing tips hair industry, salon independence, professional respect, career growth, salon management, stylist tips, business mindset, industry insights Mentioned in this episode: www.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumbers 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
    108
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Heather Podlesney
  • Show Website
    The Hair Hustle Podcast

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