Beauty Business Matters

Susan Routledge
Beauty Business Matters

"Beauty Business Matters" is an essential podcast for ambitious beauty salon and skin clinic professionals. Host Susan Routledge delves into the heart of industry success, interviewing global business experts, outstanding beauty professionals, and leading CEOs from skincare, beauty, and aesthetic equipment companies. Each episode uncovers invaluable insights on thriving in the dynamic and competitive beauty market. From cutting-edge trends to time-tested strategies, listeners gain practical knowledge to elevate their businesses. Whether you're a seasoned owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, this podcast delivers the expertise needed to stay ahead in the ever-evolving beauty industry.

  1. HÁ 12 H

    From Factory to Fabulous: Lesley Castor's Inspiring Journey in the Beauty Industry

    Susan Routledge interviews Lesley Castor, the founder of the multi-award-winning City Retreat salon chain. Lesley shares her fascinating journey into the beauty industry, starting from her unconventional beginnings in a factory to becoming a successful salon owner. She discusses the challenges she faced in the early years of her business, the importance of creating a positive team culture, and her commitment to delivering exceptional client experiences. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the beauty industry, including tips on location selection, team building, and maintaining high standards. Lesley also reflects on her passion for the industry and the significance of awards in showcasing her salon's achievements. KEY TAKEAWAYS Importance of Location: Choosing a salon location with high foot traffic is crucial for attracting clients. A Building a Strong Team Culture: Establishing a positive and supportive team culture is essential.  Passion and Determination: A genuine passion for the beauty industry and a strong work ethic are vital for overcoming challenges. Continuous Learning and Adaptation: The beauty industry is ever-evolving, and staying updated with trends and techniques is important.    BEST MOMENTS "I think it was being together all day and all night I thought I need to do something for myself here."- Lesley  "You can see how now you've developed that as a big thing in your business. Your team are absolutely fabulous and I know that is so important to you." - Susan "I just wanted to make sure that the client doesn't come out feeling like that and what can we add to the treatment that makes it that little bit more special."- Lesley  "If you've got a dream, then follow it, but stick to your vision. Don't get sidetracked. Don't compromise."- Lesley  https://www.city-retreat.com/  HOST BIO Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.  Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive. Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Bea And the Best" 1 and 2.  She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars. Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide. USEFUL LINKS https://susanroutledge.com https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

    39min
  2. 17 DE FEV.

    Achieving Excellence: How PHAB Service Stars is Transforming the Hair and Beauty Landscape

    Susan sits down with Nergish Wadia-Austin, the founder of PHAB Service Stars, to discuss her remarkable journey in the hair and beauty industry. Nergish shares her unique background, starting from her education in India and Hong Kong to managing the largest salon in the world at Harrods. The conversation delves into the importance of maintaining high standards in the industry and how the PHAB Service Stars program serves as a benchmark for excellence, helping professionals excel and gain recognition. Nergish emphasizes the significance of ongoing education, customer care, and the impact of high standards on business success. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to elevate their practice and understand the value of striving for excellence in the beauty sector. KEY TAKEAWAYS Importance of Standards: High standards in the beauty and hair industry are crucial for success.  FAB Service Stars: The PHAB Service Stars program, which stands for Performance in Hair and Beauty, serves as a benchmark for salons and professionals to measure their performance against industry norms.  Continuous Education: Ongoing education and training are essential in the beauty industry.  Recognition and Motivation: Achieving a PHAB Service Star is akin to winning a prestigious award, providing recognition that motivates professionals to maintain high standards and encourages others in the salon to aspire to similar excellence.   BEST MOMENTS "PHAB is spelled P-H-A-B, and that stands for Performance in Hair and Beauty. It's a service star to compare to for people who are striving to be the best." - Nergish "I always liken it to a Michelin star. It's going to that level above, like you say, above what the average is." - Susan "The beauty about standards is they don't cost anything. It's pure dedication that does that. Pure dedication and wanting to excel."- Nergish "The PHAB service star can't be bought; it has to be earned."- Nergish HOST BIO Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.  Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive. Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Bea And the Best" 1 and 2.  She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars. Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide. USEFUL LINKS https://susanroutledge.com https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

    54min
  3. 10 DE FEV.

    From Coco Chanel to Modern Awareness: The Evolution of Tanning and Skin Health

    Susan Routledge welcomes Marie Tudor, CEO of the Karen Clifford Skin Cancer Charity and Masced Training. They discuss the vital importance of early detection of skin cancer and the accessible training offered to beauty professionals and the general public for just £20. Marie shares her journey with the charity, highlighting the impact of education on skin cancer prevention and the role beauty industry professionals play in saving lives. The conversation also delves into the history of tanning, the significance of skin health awareness, and the charity's initiatives in schools and communities. KEY TAKEAWAYS Importance of Early Detection: The training provided by the charity focuses on the early detection of skin cancer, which can significantly save lives.  Affordable Training: The training is offered at a low cost of £20, making it accessible for individuals in the beauty industry and beyond.  Impact of Education: The charity emphasizes that 90% of skin cancers are preventable, highlighting the importance of education in reducing skin cancer rates.  Community Engagement: The charity has developed programs for schools and nurseries to educate children about sun safety, aiming to instil healthy habits from a young age.  BEST MOMENTS "We discovered that 90% of skin cancers are preventable, so we decided to focus on education and working with at-risk and influential audiences." - Marie "I know that we have saved clients' lives through your training, so I cannot thank you enough." - Susan "The beauty industry has such a powerful role to play because they're actually saving the NHS money." -Marie "If a child gets sunburned under adolescence, it doubles your chances of getting melanoma later in life." - Marie HOST BIO Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.  Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive. Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Bea And the Best" 1 and 2.  She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars. USEFUL LINKS https://susanroutledge.com https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/ https://www.skcin.org/

    50min
  4. 3 DE FEV.

    Creating Killer Content: Leveraging AI for Authentic Social Media Engagement

    Susan Routledge welcomes her friend and business mentor, Tony Bache, known for her expertise in scaling seven-figure businesses. The conversation delves into the transformative role of AI in the beauty industry, exploring how it can streamline operations and enhance marketing strategies for salons. Tony shares her extensive experience with AI tools, including ChatGPT, and discusses the importance of maintaining a human touch in client interactions. They also touch on effective social media strategies, emphasizing the need for authentic content that resonates with audiences. KEY TAKEAWAYS Human Connection is Irreplaceable: In the beauty industry, the personal touch and connection with clients are crucial.  Content Quality Over Quantity: Instead of posting frequently with generic content, focus on creating fewer, high-quality posts that resonate with your audience.  Utilize AI for Ideation: AI can be a valuable resource for brainstorming content ideas and drafting posts.  Engagement and Community Building: Actively engage with local businesses and your audience on social media.    BEST MOMENTS "I think it's like, for me, it's like the fact it's an accelerator, it's an amplifier... what else could have you spent that time on?" - Toni "If you're in the beauty industry, probably your least favourite thing to do is all of the admin... that's the stuff that's going to be automated." - Toni "I think we are in such a fortunate industry where... human contact and the connection that we have with clients, you're never going to be replaced with that." - Susan "You need to be the flamingo in the sea of seagulls. If you want people to actually see your stuff, it's got to be a bit different." - Toni   HOST BIO Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.  Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive. Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Bea And the Best" 1 and 2.  She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars. Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide. USEFUL LINKS https://susanroutledge.com https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

    53min
  5. 27 DE JAN.

    Six Skills a Business Owner Requires

    Susan Routledge engages in an insightful conversation with leadership expert Sue Ingram, who shares her extensive experience in helping beauty business owners enhance their leadership skills. The discussion revolves around the six essential leadership skills necessary for success in the beauty industry, including the importance of having a clear vision, understanding different personality types, and the value of coaching individuals. Sue emphasizes the need for curiosity in managing clients and teams, as well as the significance of involving staff in decision-making processes to foster a collaborative environment.   KEY TAKEAWAYS  Importance of Vision: Business owners need to have a clear vision of who they are, what they deliver, and what differentiates them from competitors. Understanding Personality Types: Recognizing and adapting to different personality types is crucial for effective communication and teamwork. This skill allows business owners to connect with clients and manage diverse teams effectively. Coaching Skills: Developing coaching skills is essential for getting the best out of individuals, whether they are team members or clients. Helping others feel good about themselves enhances their performance and satisfaction. Inclusion in Decision-Making: Involving team members in decision-making fosters a sense of ownership and accountability. This approach prevents a parent-child dynamic and encourages a collaborative work environment.   BEST MOMENTS "If you put out wishy-washy, you get wishy-washy. You'll get clients who don't turn up on time. You'll get clients who don't know what treatment they want." - Susan "Curiosity has to be number one. When someone buys, why are they buying? When someone doesn't buy, why are they not buying?" - Sue "You need to have a vision. You need to know who you are, what you're delivering, and what makes you different from the business down the road." - Sue "I always think you can teach someone skills, but how they present themselves and their attitude is really, really important." - Susan   HOST BIO Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.  Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive. Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Bea And the Best" 1 and 2.  She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars. Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide. USEFUL LINKS https://susanroutledge.com https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

    1h
  6. 20 DE JAN.

    Navigating ADHD: Sarah Abel's Strategies for Success in Business and Life

    Susan sits down with Sarah Abel, author of "The Power of Funding in the Hair and Beauty Business." Sarah shares her incredible journey from being a Saturday girl in a hair salon to securing over six million pounds in government funding for hair and beauty businesses. The conversation delves into her personal experiences, including her challenges with ADHD and how she has developed techniques to manage it while growing her business. Listeners will be inspired by Sarah's resilience, her insights on the importance of education and strategic partnerships, and her passion for helping others succeed in the industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS Importance of Education and Training: The guest emphasizes the significance of education in the hair and beauty sector. She established a training academy to provide apprenticeships and upskill individuals, highlighting the need for robust training programs to enhance industry standards. Securing Funding: Over six million pounds in government funding was secured through a proactive approach to identifying various funding opportunities. The guest's curiosity and networking skills played a crucial role in discovering and accessing these financial resources. Building Strategic Partnerships: Collaborations and strategic partnerships are essential for business growth. The guest advocates for win-win relationships, where both parties benefit, which can lead to increased opportunities and resources. BEST MOMENTS "I was very good at seeing the picture of what they wanted... I was good at finding funding." - Sarah "I think people don't stick at things long enough for them to work. I was definitely stuck at things long enough to make it happen." - Sarah "You must have been thinking, oh my God, this woman's coming over to me again." - Susan USEFUL LINKS https://susanroutledge.com https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/ HOST BIO Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.  Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive. Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Bea And the Best" 1 and 2.  She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars. Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

    49min
  7. 13 DE JAN.

    Building a Beauty Empire: Katie Lowndes Discusses Her Role in Elemis' Australian Expansion

    Susan Routledge sits down with Katie Lowndes, a former therapist from the northeast of England who has carved out an impressive career in the beauty industry. Now based in Melbourne, Australia, Katie shares her remarkable journey from working as a therapist to becoming a key figure in Elemis, where she has played a pivotal role in building distribution in Australia and New Zealand. The conversation delves into Katie's experiences on cruise ships, her transition into training and management, and her passion for continuous learning and personal development. With valuable insights on sales, team dynamics, and the importance of asking the right questions, this episode is packed with golden nuggets for anyone looking to thrive in the beauty business. KEY TAKEAWAYS Embrace Continuous Learning: Always seek opportunities to learn and grow, whether through formal education, training, or personal development. This mindset can lead to new career paths and enhance your skills. Value Feedback: Be open to receiving feedback from others, whether it's from colleagues, mentors, or clients. Listening and reflecting on this feedback can help you identify areas for improvement and personal growth. Utilize Questions in Sales: Effective consultation and sales hinge on asking the right questions. Engaging clients with thoughtful inquiries allows you to understand their needs better and tailor your recommendations accordingly. BEST MOMENTS "Questions are your biggest ally... If you just took the time and actually genuinely asked what's going on and what do you use, they feel amazing because someone's listened to them." - Katie "Sales has left till the very last end thing... But it has to be where not only asking questions, but listening to the answers as well." - Susan "Don't be scared to invest money... Sometimes people are scared to address things that could really make a big difference." - Katie USEFUL LINKS https://susanroutledge.com https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/ HOST BIO Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.  Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive. Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Bea And the Best" 1 and 2.  She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars. Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

    42min
  8. 6 DE JAN.

    From Dreams to Reality: The Inspiring Journey of Environ Skincare with David Alpert

    Susan Routledge interviews David Alpert from IIAA and Environ, celebrating the remarkable 30-year journey of their family-owned business. David shares insights into the company's humble beginnings, the challenges faced while establishing Environ Skincare, and the innovative strategies that propelled their success, particularly during the 2008 recession. The conversation delves into the importance of training, the evolving landscape of the skincare industry, and the vital role of skincare professionals in delivering results-driven care. KEY TAKEAWAYS Entrepreneurial Journey: The company started over 30 years ago with founders Tracy and David arriving in the UK with no connections or money.  Community and Family Business: Despite being perceived as a large corporate entity, the company remains privately owned and operates as a family business.  Value of Training and Expertise: Continuous training and education are crucial for skincare professionals.  Impact of Economic Conditions: The 2008 recession was a turning point for the company, as they chose to invest in growth while competitors were cutting back.    BEST MOMENTS "We often joke that we've been a 30-year overnight success. It took a lot of hard work, sweat, and tears, but we could see that we were making progress." - David "It's just so lovely to know the story behind it. All those like, you know, jumping in a car and just like having some products in a car." - Susan "During a downturn, what you need to do is show value for money. And value for money has absolutely nothing to do with price." - David "What we're starting to understand is that actually the importance of the work that you guys are doing is vastly underestimated in terms of the impact." - David   HOST BIO Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.  Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive. Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Bea And the Best" 1 and 2.  She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars. Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide. USEFUL LINKS https://susanroutledge.com https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

    1h

Sobre

"Beauty Business Matters" is an essential podcast for ambitious beauty salon and skin clinic professionals. Host Susan Routledge delves into the heart of industry success, interviewing global business experts, outstanding beauty professionals, and leading CEOs from skincare, beauty, and aesthetic equipment companies. Each episode uncovers invaluable insights on thriving in the dynamic and competitive beauty market. From cutting-edge trends to time-tested strategies, listeners gain practical knowledge to elevate their businesses. Whether you're a seasoned owner or an aspiring entrepreneur, this podcast delivers the expertise needed to stay ahead in the ever-evolving beauty industry.

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