Is your front desk a costly relic from another era? In this eye-opening episode, I'm sharing why the traditional salon reception desk is holding you back—and how ditching it can boost your business. Discover why going deskless isn't just trendy but essential for creating a seamless, modern client experience. Learn practical strategies, from empowering your team to leveraging tech, and start building a salon where every expense works harder. Key takeaways: Why the front desk is an outdated drain ...
Jul 15, 2025•14 min
Are you still clinging to cash in your salon business? This week, I’m joined by @thecardmachineguy_ (Owen Toller) for a no-nonsense chat about the real cost of cash. From VAT headaches and banking fees to missed impulse purchases and risk management, we break down exactly why “cash only” might be holding your salon back. We’re talking: The psychology of spending and why card users spend more What HMRC really thinks about cash-only businesses Time-saving, peace-of-mind benefits for salon owners H...
Jul 08, 2025•38 min
What if the real secret to salon success isn’t a business plan—but putting your lifestyle first? In this powerful episode, I challenge the hustle culture that glorifies overwork and shame around “small” businesses. Instead, I show you how to build a salon business that funds your dream life, not drains it. We’ll talk strategy, pricing, time boundaries, marketing sanity—and why your calendar should never be your enemy. If you’ve ever felt pressure to scale just for the sake of it or been told you...
Jul 01, 2025•15 min
Are you secretly worried that AI might replace you? You're not alone. In this empowering episode, I walk you through exactly why salon owners like you are actually in one of the safest—and most exciting—positions in business today. You'll learn how to future-proof your role, where AI can actually help rather than hinder, and how to start leading (not reacting) in this new tech-driven world. Plus, some sass, some science, and a serious pep talk from your queen of salons. Let’s fix that AI panic, ...
Jun 24, 2025•13 min
Are you still “waiting for the right moment” to try AI in your salon? While you're dithering, your competition is levelling up. In this practical and punchy episode, I’m walking you through five super-simple steps to get your first AI assistant up and running – no fluff, no tech panic. We’ll cover choosing your platform, training it to match your salon’s voice, testing real tasks, creating a prompt bank, and building an AI habit you can stick with. Let’s turn that overwhelm into action, darling....
Jun 17, 2025•13 min
In this episode of Build Your Salon, I chat with Braden Weinstock—co-owner of EFoxx Hair and founder of Pretty Data (https://prettydata.co) —about how top salons are using smarter systems and AI to protect profits, keep staff, and plan for growth. We unpack why most salons fail to implement the day-to-day strategies that actually move the needle, how COVID changed the salon landscape forever, and why AI isn’t just a shiny new toy—it's your next team member. Whether you're still working behind th...
Jun 10, 2025•49 min
Hello, hello, hello, my salon friend! This week, we’re going full robot mode – but don’t worry, your job’s safe. In fact, AI might just save your sanity. I’m giving you five time-wasting tasks that you can hand off to AI tools right now – from writing those pesky social posts to soothing tricky client complaints, even managing stock like a pro. This episode is packed with practical tips, no fluff, and some juicy Phil pro-tips that’ll have you wondering why you didn’t start sooner. If AI still fe...
Jun 03, 2025•14 min
Hello, my salon friend 👋 Feeling overwhelmed? Like your business is held together by toupee tape and caffeine? This one’s your deep breath. I’m unpacking the quiet chaos of doing too much—and showing you how to simplify for success, sanity, and sustainability. 🧘 In this episode: Why hustle isn’t the vibe (and never was) How doing less can grow your salon faster What to delegate, ditch, automate, or delay Why clean systems = actual freedom, not boredom You’re not lazy—you’re overloaded. Let’s f...
May 27, 2025•14 min
Hello, my salon friend 👋 If you’re delivering five-star service but charging three-star prices, this one’s your wake-up call. In this episode, I’m serving up a mindset makeover around pricing—and helping you step into the high-ticket confidence your salon deserves. 💰 Inside this episode: Why the middle of the market is the most dangerous place to be The sneaky mindset traps that are keeping your pricing stuck How to attract value-driven clients (and say goodbye to bargain hunters) What “premiu...
May 20, 2025•10 min
Hello, my salon friend 👋 Still treating retail like it’s optional? In this episode, I’m tearing up every tired excuse I’ve heard about why salon owners don’t sell—and replacing them with confidence, clarity, and proper professional care. 🔥 We’re covering: Why recommending retail is part of your job—not a dirty word How to ditch the “I’m not a salesperson” identity What retail avoidance is really costing your business Scripts, mindsets, and pro moves to make retail feel effortless This isn’t ab...
May 13, 2025•10 min
Hello, my salon friend 👋 Feeling the mid-year money wobble? I’ve got you covered with a cheeky, cash-boosting strategy that doesn’t involve prostituting your salon on Facebook 😘 🎁 In this episode: The difference between service-based and amount-based gift cards (and why one is sexier) How to structure promos that bring money in without burning you out My top dos and don’ts for making sure redemptions work in your favour Why gift cards are your financial espresso —fast, strong, effective 💡 Yo...
May 06, 2025•15 min
🎧 Episode: From Chaos to Calm – Systemise Your Salon for Profit and Peace If your salon feels like a beautiful mess behind the scenes, it's time to take a closer look at your systems. In this episode, I’ll walk you through five key areas where simple, smart systems can bring clarity, calm, and more money to your business. Here’s what we cover: Why “boring” businesses are often the most profitable The hidden cost of winging it and emotional decision-making Five areas of your salon to systemise f...
Apr 29, 2025•14 min
Title: Why Boring Income is the Smartest Salon Strategy You’ve Never Tried Description: What if your clients wanted to pay you monthly—and loved you for it? In this episode, Phil Jackson, your Queen of Salons, breaks down exactly why “boring” predictable income might just be the secret to long-term success in your salon business. We unpack the power of salon memberships, the difference between subscriptions and loyalty schemes, and the biggest mistakes salon owners make when trying to build recu...
Apr 22, 2025•15 min
🎧 Episode: Niche and Thrive – How Specialisation Can Skyrocket Your Salon Business Trying to please everyone? That’s a fast track to burnout—and bland branding. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly why narrowing your salon’s focus could be the smartest decision you make this year. Here’s what we’ll cover: Why generalists get overlooked in today’s salon market The 4 powerful ways to define your niche (it’s not just about services!) How niching leads to better clients, higher prices, and simpler ...
Apr 15, 2025•13 min
What does it take to build a beauty business that truly reflects who you are? In this inspiring episode, I’m joined by Sophie Brooks—founder of Joy by Sophie , a values-led aesthetic clinic based in Manchester. From her beginnings as a nurse to creating a standout brand rooted in inclusivity, neurodiversity, and holistic care, Sophie shares the powerful (and personal) journey behind her clinic. We talk about the challenges of stepping away from secure employment, the importance of strong brand v...
Apr 08, 2025•31 min
Salon retail can be a game-changer for your profits… if you get it right. But handled badly? You’ll spend more time dusting products than selling them! In this episode, I’m cutting through the noise and sharing my top three strategies to make retail a thriving, profitable part of your salon. No pushy sales tactics, no awkward scripts—just practical, proven methods that work (even if your team hates selling). We’re talking: ✅ The one simple tweak that makes clients want to buy from you ✅ Why bund...
Apr 01, 2025•16 min
Turnover looks sexy, but it doesn’t tell the full story! If you’re only tracking your takings, you’re missing crucial insights about your salon’s success. In this episode, I’m sharing my Metrics Monday routine and the key numbers every salon owner should be tracking—beyond turnover. From profitability and cash reserves to sales, marketing, and progress towards your goals, I’ll help you build a simple scorecard that actually moves your business forward. Stop guessing, start measuring, and take co...
Mar 25, 2025•12 min
There’s a dangerous trend creeping into our industry—the art of playing small, setting lower goals, and hiding behind “work-life balance” as an excuse for stagnation. I’m calling it out. In this episode, I challenge the growing mindset that ambition is toxic and that pushing for more somehow makes you greedy. The truth? Growth is meant to be uncomfortable. Discipline, hard work, and leadership are what separate thriving salon owners from those who are barely scraping by. And if you’re charging b...
Mar 18, 2025•10 min
AI isn’t just for tech geeks—it’s a game-changer for salon owners too! But most of us are only scratching the surface of what’s possible. In this episode, I’m sharing five surprising ways you could (and should) be using AI in your salon business to save time, boost efficiency, and make smarter decisions. From generating client emails in seconds to analysing big data without the headache, I’ll walk you through how AI can cut your workload without cutting corners. I’m even throwing in a few lesser...
Mar 11, 2025•19 min
In this episode of the Build Your Salon podcast, I’m tackling some of the sensational headlines making waves in the salon industry. Are apprenticeships really disappearing? Is the salon sector on the verge of collapse? I’m here to set the record straight and challenge the doom and gloom narrative. I’ll share why tax cuts aren’t the magic solution and explain how the rise of the gig economy and high street decline are equally big threats to salons. I’ll also shine a light on the truth behind the ...
Mar 04, 2025•19 min
Feb 25, 2025•17 min
Why You Should Be Charging High-Ticket Prices in Your Salon Are you happy to be part of an industry that’s historically underpaid? I didn’t think so! In this episode, I’m tackling the topic of high-ticket pricing —why you should be charging more and how to do it without scaring clients away. I’ll walk you through the mindset shifts you need to make, why cost-plus pricing is holding you back, and how to position yourself as the go-to expert in your area. Plus, I’ll share my top strategies for cre...
Feb 18, 2025•15 min
In this episode, I dive into the transformative power of salon memberships and how they can not only revitalise your business but also foster client loyalty. Join me as I explore the psychology behind customer habits, demonstrating why memberships should target those good customers who have the potential to become great. With insights on pricing strategies, enticing benefits, and building predictable income, I aim to arm you with the tools needed to navigate the evolving landscape of the salon i...
Feb 11, 2025•14 min
In this episode, I dive into one of my favourite subjects: money and how it can be effectively managed within your salon business. We all know that a penny saved is a penny earned, and I provide practical strategies to help you cut costs without sacrificing quality. From categorising your expenses to identifying major spending areas like wages and product costs, I offer insights on where to find savings without compromising your service. I share my experiences with budgeting, the importance of i...
Feb 04, 2025•16 min
In this episode of the Build Your Salon podcast, I sit down with Phil Evans, the Managing Director of Salon Guru, to discuss the often overlooked importance of having a strong website in the salon industry. As we delve into the evolving landscape of digital marketing, Phil shares his insights on why, despite the rise of social media, a website remains an essential tool for attracting and retaining clients. With over two decades of experience and a portfolio exceeding 240 salons globally, Phil ch...
Jan 28, 2025•29 min
In this episode, I welcome Arif Isikgun, a retail expert and beauty educator, to discuss the often complex relationship salon owners have with retail. We delve into why retailing is not just an obligation but can be a true asset to driving growth in the beauty industry. Arif shares his innovative strategies on transforming retail from a mundane task into a thrilling opportunity for building customer relationships and boosting sales. We explore the importance of storytelling in retail, the necess...
Jan 14, 2025•35 min
In this episode of the Build Your Salon podcast, I reflect on the journey of 2024 and share valuable insights to set you up for a remarkable 2025. Join me as I delve into the shifts in salon dynamics and client behaviour observed in December. We’ll discuss strategies for navigating the quieter holiday periods and how to adjust your marketing approach in a way that feels fresh and engaging. I encourage you to take the time to celebrate your successes, learn from the challenges, and prepare for th...
Jan 07, 2025•12 min
In this episode of the Build Your Salon podcast, I delve into my top five business resolutions for 2025 that promise to transform your salon experience from merely surviving to truly thriving. Join me as I explore the importance of understanding your salon’s financial health, enhancing customer experiences, and investing in your professional skills. Together, we’ll identify opportunities to diversify your income and streamline your operations to ensure greater productivity. As we approach a new ...
Dec 31, 2024•13 min
In this episode of the Build Your Salon Podcast, I delve into the exciting transformations we're poised to witness in salon marketing as we approach 2025. As the hair and beauty industry becomes more competitive, I share key strategies for attracting and retaining high-quality clients amidst evolving dynamics influenced by AI technology. You’ll hear my thoughts on the crucial role of video content—how to embrace it comfortably and authentically, even for those who may feel camera shy. I also exp...
Dec 24, 2024•12 min
In this episode, I dive into the intricate world of recruitment within the salon industry, sharing invaluable insights on how to build a successful team, whether you're hiring your first employee or your hundredth. Join me as I offer practical tips to effectively navigate the recruitment landscape and avoid common pitfalls. We'll discuss the importance of patience in finding the perfect fit, identify whether you truly need to recruit, and explore how effective recruitment marketing can attract t...
Dec 17, 2024•15 min
