Mastering Salon Staffing: Strategies for Success In this episode, we discuss the common staffing challenges salon owners face and offer practical solutions to overcome them.  We explore why many salon owners struggle to find and retain staff, emphasizing the importance of proactive, continuous recruiting and adapting to the changing demands of the workforce.  We also discuss the benefits of building relationships with potential employees, the significance of adjusting management strategies to match the expectations of newer generations and share our own successes in creating a fle ..read more

Tipping in the Service Industry In this podcast episode, we discuss the nuanced topic of tipping within the service industry, specifically from the perspective of salons.  The conversation covers personal experiences and revelations about tipping culture, the importance of valuing the services provided over the tips received, and how professionals in the industry should navigate tipping expectations.  We emphasize that service charges should be the primary source of income, with tips serving as a bonus and a sign of appreciation from clients.  We also touch on issues like di ..read more

Maximizing Client Retention and Building a Lasting Clientele This podcast episode focuses on the importance of building a strong clientele in the service industry, particularly targeting professionals like hairstylists.  We analyze podcast statistics to understand popular topics among our audience, finding that episodes on raising prices, marketing strategies, and building a clientele are the most popular. We emphasize the significance of focusing on and valuing existing clients rather than solely concentrating on acquiring new ones.  The discussion further covers practical advic ..read more

Enhancing Customer Experience in Salons and Beyond In this episode, Jen and Todd discuss the importance of creating an amazing and consistent customer experience, drawing parallels between the restaurant industry and salons. They share personal anecdotes to illustrate how unexpected challenges, like gridlock during a family trip, can offer insights into business and life, emphasizing the value of adaptability and positive reactions in uncertain situations. The conversation then shifts to the significance of focusing on training, culture, and systems rather than just aesthetics or amenities ..read more

Mindset & Accountability In this solo episode, Todd discusses his excitement about experiencing a total solar eclipse from northern New Hampshire.  The episode's main focus revolves around the common reasons for failure or stagnation in career growth, emphasizing the importance of mindset and accountability.  Todd argues that blaming external factors without taking personal responsibility hinders progress. To combat this, he recommends developing a clear strategy and plan to achieve career goals, using the example of expanding clientele by the end of 2024. Strategies include ..read more

Navigating Business Decisions Without Fear In this episode, a solo Todd discusses the pitfalls of operating a business from a place of fear, specifically in the context of salon ownership.  The episode centers around making decisions based on fear, such as retaining problematic employees due to their high sales numbers and the negative long-term impacts of such choices on staff morale and client retention.  Todd stresses the importance of leadership and making informed decisions that align with one's values and principles rather than reactive moves driven by fear or immediate fina ..read more

Overcoming Feeling Stuck in Your Business and Career This episode discusses strategies for hair professionals and business owners who feel stuck in their careers or business progress.  We discuss building clientele and increasing business engagement through digital marketing and consistent professional practices.  The chat emphasizes the importance of setting a vision, maintaining consistency in social media posting, engaging in professional development, and the power of blogging for an online presence.  Furthermore, it highlights the need for mentorship, accountability, and ..read more

Mastering Fundamentals: A Path to Success In episode 132, we discuss the importance of mastering the fundamentals for new and seasoned professionals.  We chat about the gaps in practical skills among recent graduates; we emphasize the role of mentors in identifying and addressing areas for improvement.  Through anecdotes and experiences, we advocate for focusing on basic skills like correct tool handling and foundational techniques to build a strong career in hairdressing.  The conversation also covers the value of professional development, the pitfalls of rushing to raise p ..read more

Navigating Salon Culture and Empowerment This episode delves into various aspects of working in the hairstyling industry, focusing on the comparison between commission-based and rental salon setups and the challenges faced by employees in navigating salon culture.  We discuss a message received from a former employee expressing gratitude for a positive working environment, contrasting it with experiences in less favorable salons.  The conversation covers the importance of recognizing bad business practices and the power employees have in choosing to stay or seek better opportuniti ..read more

The Journey of Building 'Hello Hair' Salon This week we recount the experience of starting and designing our salon, 'Hello Hair'. During the building process, we frequently reference our foundations and values to guide our choices on aesthetic elements and interior design.  Although we were challenged to launch the business during the COVID-19 pandemic, we enforced strict sanitation protocols to ensure the safety of their staff and clients. This conversation provides insights into not just creating a business from scratch but also imbuing meaning and intention into every aspect of the ..read more