The Blowout - By Salon Owners for Salon Owners

Haylee Benton and Hellen Ward
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  • BUSINESS
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Salon owners — we need to talk. The industry is under pressure, the rules keep changing, and too much is being said in whispers. That’s where we come in. Haylee Benton & Hellen Ward — salon owners with decades of real industry experience. No filters. No limits. Raw, honest conversations about what’s actually happening. From independent owners to industry leaders, we’re unpacking what’s on everyone’s mind — the rise of self-employment, shifting rules, and the changes quietly reshaping our industry.

Episodes

  1. 5D AGO

    What No One Tells You About Team Conflict and Tough Goodbyes - EP 003

    Timely - Salon and Spa Management Software Get 50% off for three months and start your free 14-day trial by using code 'BLOWOUT' In this episode, Hellen Ward and Haylee Benton discuss the complexities of managing a salon's team, handling employee departures, and maintaining a positive workplace culture. Their insights reveal strategies to prevent breakdowns, foster strong communication, and build resilient leadership. Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to managing salon team dynamics00:15 - Handling staff betrayals and client theft01:05 - The emotional toll of staff leaving and grief in business02:00 - The concept of transfer fees for talented staff03:00 - Managing generational differences in team leadership04:00 - Navigating emotional wellbeing and out-of-hours communication05:00 - Tools and policies for communication (Slack, WhatsApp)06:00 - The importance of trust and performance expectations post-COVID07:00 - Managing staff motivation: dynamos vs. plodders08:00 - Addressing staff performance and drop-in expectations09:00 - Conducting meaningful appraisals and understanding staff goals10:00 - How to handle private grief and public leadership during exits11:00 - Protecting your business from staff theft and bad karma12:00 - The importance of legal protections and employment law awareness13:00 - Dealing with client poaching and service agreements14:00 - Lessons learned from toxic employee behaviors and exit strategies15:00 - The significance of transparent communication following staff departures16:00 - Strategies for managing staff stress and mental health issues17:00 - Cultivating a team culture that supports growth and accountability18:00 - The impact of leadership harmony (or lack thereof) on team and clients19:00 - Practical tips for coaching and uplifting staff during tough times20:00 - Building trust through honest conversations and regular feedback21:00 - Final thoughts on fostering a resilient, motivated team

    37 min
  2. Why Most Salons Are Busy… But Still Broke - EP 002

    FEB 1

    Why Most Salons Are Busy… But Still Broke - EP 002

    The Blowout is the no-filter podcast by salon owners, for salon owners. Hosted by Haylee Benton and Hellen Ward, this show dives into the real conversations behind running a successful salon — from building a strong team and managing money, to navigating burnout, boundaries, and bold business decisions. Expect honest advice, relatable stories, and practical takeaways you can actually use behind the chair and behind the scenes. If you’re ready to grow your salon without the fluff, The Blowout is your weekly seat in the chair. Summary In this episode of the Blowout Podcast, Haylee & Hellen discuss the current challenges facing the salon industry, including productivity issues, client retention, and the importance of understanding financials. They explore solutions such as layoff days, optimizing staff time, and focusing on results-driven services. The conversation also touches on innovative customer service strategies and the need for effective sales and marketing to navigate the industry's future. Chapters 00:00 The State of the Salon Industry 01:15 Navigating Challenges and Solutions 04:10 Understanding Layoff Days and Productivity 07:45 Client Retention and Performance Management 12:39 Optimizing Time and Reducing Padding 15:23 The Need for Trendy Services 17:25 Focusing on Results-Driven Skincare 19:25 Innovative Customer Service Solutions 23:27 Understanding Financials and Profitability 30:58 Managing Rising Costs and Payroll 46:58 Sales, Marketing, and Future Conversations

    47 min

  3. JAN 16

    The Brutal Truth About Running a Salon in 2026 - 001

    The Blowout is the no-filter podcast by salon owners, for salon owners. Hosted by Haylee Benton and Hellen Ward, this show dives into the real conversations behind running a successful salon — from building a strong team and managing money, to navigating burnout, boundaries, and bold business decisions. Expect honest advice, relatable stories, and practical takeaways you can actually use behind the chair and behind the scenes. If you’re ready to grow your salon without the fluff, The Blowout is your weekly seat in the chair. Summary In this episode of the Blowout Podcast, Haylee & Hellen discuss the current state of the salon industry, focusing on the significant changes and challenges faced due to COVID-19, the formation of the Salon Employers Association, and the complexities surrounding VAT and disguised employment. They explore the evolving customer behavior, the impact of government policies, and the mindset shifts within the workforce. The conversation emphasizes the need for strategic planning and collaboration among salon owners to navigate the industry's future effectively. Chapters 00:00 The State of the Salon Industry 03:01 Impact of COVID-19 on the Industry 06:01 Formation of the Salon Employers Association 08:58 Challenges with VAT and Taxation 11:57 Disguised Employment and Its Implications 14:53 Changing Customer Behavior and Market Dynamics 18:01 The Future of Salon Employment 20:49 Mindset Shifts in the Workforce 24:01 Government Policies and Their Effects 26:58 Strategies for Survival in 2026

    35 min

  4. TRAILER

    Welcome to The Blowout Podcast!

    Salon owners — we need to talk. The industry is under pressure, the rules keep changing, and too much is being said in whispers. That’s where we come in. Haylee Benton & Hellen Ward — salon owners with decades of real industry experience. No filters. No limits. Raw, honest conversations about what’s actually happening. From independent owners to industry leaders, we’re unpacking what’s on everyone’s mind — the rise of self-employment, shifting rules, and the changes quietly reshaping our industry.

    2 min

Trailer

About

Salon owners — we need to talk. The industry is under pressure, the rules keep changing, and too much is being said in whispers. That’s where we come in. Haylee Benton & Hellen Ward — salon owners with decades of real industry experience. No filters. No limits. Raw, honest conversations about what’s actually happening. From independent owners to industry leaders, we’re unpacking what’s on everyone’s mind — the rise of self-employment, shifting rules, and the changes quietly reshaping our industry.

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