🎧 Is Your Past Holding You Hostage? Are the same old struggles keeping you from running the salon or spa of your dreams? In this episode, we’re uncovering how to let go of the baggage holding you back—whether it’s outdated systems, fear of change, or past mistakes. 🖤✨ It’s time to reclaim your role as the visionary leader your business needs. Step into a future filled with growth, freedom, and a team that thrives because you lead with confidence. Ready to rise above? Let’s get started! 👉 Find...
Dec 31, 2024•25 min•Ep. 44
In this lighthearted and relatable episode of We Listen and We Don’t Judge: Podcast Edition , we dive into the hilarious, slightly questionable, and oh-so-real things salon and spa owners do to survive the chaos of running a business. From spotting color tubes with a drop left and sneaking them back on the shelf to pretending to be “in a meeting” while scrolling TikTok behind a closed office door, we’re sharing all the quirks that make salon life unique. This episode is a fun, no-shame look at t...
Dec 24, 2024•25 min•Ep. 43
2024 was no walk in the park for salon and spa owners, and we’re not sugarcoating it. In this powerful episode of Salon Swagger, Brie Holt and Chandra See dig into the real challenges that left many business owners feeling stuck and overwhelmed. But here’s the twist: those challenges can be the foundation for something incredible in 2025. From breaking free of survival mode to crafting a vision that actually excites you, Brie and Chandra serve up actionable insights to help you transform your bu...
Dec 17, 2024•34 min•Ep. 42
"Reset, Rebuild… or Stay Stuck? How to Conquer Fear and Transform Your Salon" Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or out of sync with the salon or spa business you’ve built? It might be time to reset or rebuild—and this episode of Salon Swagger is your roadmap to making that choice. Brie Holt and Chandra C. dive deep into the fears holding salon owners back, from losing employees to facing financial hits, and reveal how embracing change can align your business with your vision and values. 💡 Takeaways Y...
Dec 10, 2024•36 min•Ep. 41
Wake-Up Call: Why Your Business Might Be Making You Miserable (Even If It’s Profitable) In this Salon Swagger episode, Brie and Chandra tackle the raw truth about salon and spa ownership: what happens when the business you built starts draining your happiness? They break down the signs it’s time to hit reset or rebuild, and how to make the tough calls that lead to real joy and alignment. 💡 What You’ll Learn: Why feeling resentful might be your red flag. Being profitable doesn’t mean you’re fulf...
Dec 03, 2024•42 min•Ep. 40
Still feeling stuck in your salon or spa? In this episode, Brie and Chandra dive deep into how salon owners can stop waiting for change and start making it happen today. Here’s what you’ll uncover: Why being unclear about your goals is the biggest roadblock to your success. How small, consistent actions lead to massive growth—without feeling overwhelmed. The power of seeking mentorship to avoid years of frustration and stagnation. Why feeling stuck is a signal for change, not a sign of failure. ...
Nov 26, 2024•45 min•Ep. 37
In this episode of Salon Swagger , Brie and Chandra shine a spotlight on one of the most overlooked—but most critical—parts of the client journey: the service close. If you’re skipping this step or not nailing it, you’re leaving money, client loyalty, and future bookings on the table. Here’s what we cover: 💡 What the service close really is and why it’s a game-changer for retention and revenue. 💡 The common mistakes salon and spa owners make that sabotage the close. 💡 How to confidently recom...
Nov 23, 2024•35 min•Ep. 39
In this episode of Salon Swagger, Brie and Chandra break down the steps to creating a seamless client journey in your salon or spa. They revisit key topics like social media, website optimization, pricing, and consultations before diving into the heart of today’s discussion: setting the stage for a flawless service experience and nailing the service close. Here’s what’s inside: 💡 How preparation and a clean, organized space set the tone for a positive client experience. 💡 The power of consiste...
Nov 23, 2024•31 min•Ep. 38
Is your team shying away from selling retail products? In this episode, Brie and Chandra dive into the common challenges salon owners face when getting their teams to recommend retail—and why it’s more than just about making a sale. You’ll learn: Why retail recommendations are a critical part of client care and should be seen as a service. How to reframe fear of rejection and transform it into a learning opportunity. The importance of consistent training and creating a retail-friendly culture in...
Nov 19, 2024•36 min•Ep. 36
In this episode of Salon Swagger, hosts Brie Holt and Chandra C. welcome Chris Knudsen, co-owner of Mane Attraction Salon, to discuss his journey in the hair industry, the importance of education and training, and the challenges faced during the pandemic. Chris shares insights on the future of commission salons, building a strong training program, and the impact of community engagement through charity work. He emphasizes the need for salon owners to treat their business like a business, understa...
Nov 12, 2024•56 min•Ep. 35
Are you stuck in the cycle of overwhelm, financial instability, and endless struggle? In this episode, Brie and Chandra break down the key challenges salon and spa owners face—and how to transform your business with a solid strategy. Here’s what you’ll discover: How a lack of strategy is keeping your salon from growing and thriving. The four building blocks of a successful salon strategy: Authority, Organization, Financial Momentum, and Purpose. Why aligning your mission, vision, and core values...
Nov 05, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 34
In this episode, Brie and Sami discuss the benefits of working in a commission-based salon versus renting a booth or suite. They debunk common myths about commission salons and highlight the financial stability and support provided by these establishments. They also emphasize the professional growth potential and career advancement opportunities available in commission-based salons. In this conversation, Brie and Sami discuss the growth opportunities and long-term career advantages available in ...
Oct 29, 2024•44 min•Ep. 33
Ever feel like you have to be everything to everyone—at home and in your business? In this episode, Brie and Chandra open up about the unspoken challenges faced by salon and spa owners, especially women, as they juggle personal struggles with business responsibilities. Tune in for: Personal stories of loss and adversity that shaped their leadership. How to navigate the pressures of being a caregiver and a leader without burning out. Practical strategies for setting boundaries, delegating tasks, ...
Oct 22, 2024•33 min•Ep. 32
Ever feel like your salon is on the edge of a breakdown? In this episode, Brie and Chandra share powerful stories of salon owners who faced the toughest challenges—from team walkouts and financial fears to leadership struggles—and turned their businesses around. You’ll hear: How Tanya, Rose, Kathlyn, and Lori overcame their toughest obstacles and transformed their businesses. Why taking bold action and seeking help is the secret to overcoming adversity. How building a strong, supportive team can...
Oct 15, 2024•32 min•Ep. 31
Is your social media feeling like a time-suck with little reward? In this episode, Brie sits down with Tiffany Welty, a freelance social media manager, to reveal the strategies that actually work for salon and spa owners. In this episode, you'll learn: Why many salon owners are missing the mark on social media. How to simplify your social media without sacrificing quality. The power of building a community and creating engaging content that actually works. Advanced strategies to grow your brand ...
Oct 08, 2024•28 min•Ep. 30
Ever wonder what it takes to go from a solo stylist to running a multi-million dollar salon? In this episode, Brie shares her personal journey of overcoming challenges, hitting a glass ceiling, and making the bold shift from stylist to CEO. Discover: The mindset shifts that took Brie from working in the business to working on the business. The challenges and breakthroughs that led to the creation of The Beauty Biz Agency. Why resilience, mentorship, and investing in yourself are non-negotiable f...
Oct 01, 2024•32 min•Ep. 29
Are you getting the most out of your support staff—or just paying them to show up? In this episode, Brie and Chandra tackle the hard truths about compensating support staff, especially at the front desk, and why it's crucial for business success. Highlights include: Why recognizing the value of your support staff is a game-changer for client experience and profitability. How to balance fair compensation with business profitability without burning out. The importance of clear roles, responsibilit...
Sep 24, 2024•31 min•Ep. 28
Ever feel like you're just not into your salon or spa anymore? In this episode, Brie and Chandra dive into the tough but real moments when salon owners fall out of love with their business. It happens to the best of us—but the key is how to get back on track and reignite your passion. You’ll learn: Why it’s normal to go through phases of love and hate with your business. How to reconnect with your original why and rediscover what excites you. The power of self-reflection in tackling burnout and ...
Sep 17, 2024•32 min•Ep. 27
Is your salon prepared for the holiday rush—or just hoping to survive it? In this episode, Brie and Chandra dive deep into how strategic planning for Q4 can set you up for more than just a successful holiday season—it’s about laying the foundation for long-term growth. Discover: The cash flow secrets that will keep your profit margins healthy during the busiest time of year. How to create a promotions calendar that maximizes every opportunity in Q4. The power of retail sales, holiday bundles, an...
Sep 10, 2024•39 min•Ep. 26
In this episode Brie talks with a successful Med-Spa owner about her journey and how coaching has changed her life and business! Amanda Mathis, the visionary behind Mathis Salon and Spa, shares her journey and success in the salon and spa industry. She emphasizes the challenges and doubts she faced along the way, but her passion and love for the industry kept her going. Amanda believes in putting guests first and creating a community where everyone feels valued and respected. She also highlights...
Sep 03, 2024•41 min•Ep. 25
Is the commission salon model the real game-changer for stylists? In this episode, Brie sits down with Caroline, a successful commission stylist, to challenge the myths surrounding booth and suite rentals and highlight why commission salons could be the key to financial stability and career growth. Discover: Why commission salons offer more freedom and opportunities than you think. The hidden benefits of a supportive team environment and access to resources. How commission-based models can fuel ...
Aug 27, 2024•28 min•Ep. 24
In this episode, host Brie interviews Jenelle, a successful barbershop owner, about her journey from being a solo barber to franchising her business. They discuss the challenges Janelle faced in scaling her business and the value of coaching in overcoming those challenges. Jenelle shares the lessons she learned during her coaching program and the impact it had on her personal and professional life. She also talks about her plans for the future, including coaching other barbers and expanding her ...
Aug 20, 2024•39 min•Ep. 22
Is selling in the beauty industry pushy—or just good service? In this episode, Brie and Chandra challenge the misconceptions about sales and explain why a positive sales mindset is the secret to growing your salon or spa. Discover how to: Reframe selling as an extension of your service, not something uncomfortable. Use consultations as a powerful tool for client connection and revenue growth. Master upselling and cross-selling strategies that enhance the client experience. Build loyalty with str...
Aug 13, 2024•36 min•Ep. 23
In this episode of Salon Swagger, Sydney Berry, a successful salon owner and distributor, shares her journey in the beauty industry and the importance of strategic vendor relationships. She emphasizes the need for salon and spa owners to understand their purpose and foster a collaborative culture. Sydney also discusses her involvement with Hair to Stay Salon 1000 Club, an organization that provides subsidies for scalp cooling to cancer patients. The episode highlights the power of passion, perse...
Aug 06, 2024•45 min•Ep. 21
Can you build a thriving salon or spa while being the mom you want to be? In this episode, Brie and Chandra dive into the struggle so many salon and spa owners face: managing mom guilt while running a business. Learn how upbringing and societal norms shape our expectations and why giving yourself grace is key to finding balance. You’ll also discover: The power of setting boundaries to protect your time and energy. How practicing gratitude can shift your mindset. Strategies for prioritizing self-...
Jul 30, 2024•30 min•Ep. 19
Are you stuck prioritizing comfort over growth in your salon or spa? In this episode, Brie and Chandra tackle the hard truth: playing it safe with your time and money might be sabotaging your success. Learn why focusing solely on technical skills won’t grow your bottom line and how strategic investments in sales, retail, and personal development can make all the difference. Hear personal stories of wasted investments and gain actionable strategies to: Balance working in your business with workin...
Jul 23, 2024•34 min•Ep. 18
Is your salon or spa missing out on an easy 20% revenue boost? In this episode, Brie and Chandra reveal why online booking isn’t just a convenience—it’s a game changer for your bottom line. You’ll learn: How online booking enhances client experience and streamlines operations. The secret to using automation and tailored messaging to reduce errors and save time. Pro tips for addressing common fears and setting up clear policies to ensure success. Why embracing this tool can transform your revenue...
Jul 16, 2024•35 min•Ep. 17
How do you go from working the salon floor to becoming a global educator and industry icon? In this episode, Franco Hernandez shares his inspiring journey through the beauty industry—from humble beginnings to NAHA nominations and owning multiple salons. Highlights include: The career-defining challenges and pivotal moments that shaped his success. How entering awards and competitions can launch your career. Using social media to build a standout brand and attract loyal clients. Balancing artistr...
Jul 09, 2024•52 min•Ep. 16
Are you more afraid of failing—or never reaching your true potential? In this episode, Brie and Chandra tackle the salon owner’s ultimate dilemma: fear of failure vs. fear of mediocrity. They’ll break down how these fears hold you back and how to flip the script for success. Key takeaways: Why failure isn’t the enemy—it’s the ultimate teacher. How to set realistic goals without settling for “good enough.” Strategies to balance striving for greatness with avoiding burnout. The power of a supporti...
Jul 02, 2024•37 min•Ep. 15
Are you sleeping on your salon’s biggest moneymakers? In this episode, Brie and Chandra spill the tea on why knowing your top sellers is the ultimate game-changer for boosting profits, staying on trend, and streamlining your business operations. You’ll learn: How to identify your top-performing products and services using sales data, client feedback, and staff insights. Insider tips for turning underperforming items into revenue generators through training, offers, and better client experiences....
Jun 25, 2024•34 min•Ep. 14
