I know that being in business isn’t always easy. Along with the many highs and ‘a ha’ moments it can sometimes be soul destroying, frustrating and a very lonely place to be. Being a business owner is one of life’s greatest educations and it gives you two clear choices, either you continually learn, adapt and grow, or you resist change, stagnate and perish. We live in ever changing and sometimes challenging times, so being informed and constantly inspired is more important than ever.
Join Antony Whitaker talking to thought leaders on the business side of the hairdressing industry discussing insightful, provocative and inspiring ideas that matter. Get ready to learn, get ready to be challenged, get ready to be inspired and most importantly get ready to grow your salon business!
Site
RSS
Apple
Data updated on 04/11/2026
Recent rankings
Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.
Shared links between episodes and podcasts
Links found in episode descriptions and other podcasts that share them.
372 Why All Business Development Starts With Personal Development with Debra Neill Baker
Episode 372
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 • Duration 45:08
All business development starts with personal development, which is why salon leadership development has to start with you.
Debra Neill Baker, CEO of Neill Corporation and co-founder of Serious Business, has lived by that idea for 50 years in the industry.
As salon owners, we pour our energy into the team, numbers and clients, and our own growth gets pushed to the bottom of the list. So what would change in your salon if you moved your personal and professional development as the leader back to the top?
Debra shares how her family business has lasted 75 years, how her salons have adapted to changing times, and why developing your next leaders is the most important part of your job.
If your own growth has slipped down the list, this conversation gives you clear places to start.
IN THIS EPISODE:
Why all business development starts with personal development, and what that means for you as a salon owner
Why thinking about your own thinking matters, and how fixed beliefs can keep you stuck
Why developing your next generation of leaders is the most important part of your job
What taking responsibility for your own life looks like, and how doing the inner work helps you handle anxiety and noise
EPISODE TIMESTAMPS
[00:00] Introduction: Debra Neill Baker and her influence on the American salon industry
[02:26] How a third-generation family business has lasted 75 years in the salon industry
[08:05] The secret behind a business that keeps evolving and still stays successful
[11:23] Why Debra says the heart of the salon business is to evoke self-love
[15:34] How Serious Business started and why business education became the focus
[17:57] Why human skills matter more as artificial intelligence reshapes the world
[18:50] Thinking about your own thinking, and how beliefs can keep you stuck
[33:23] How Neill’s salons have adapted to flexibility, autonomy and a younger workforce
[35:10] Why developing the next generation of leaders is the salon owner’s primary role
[38:20] The wisdom Debra hopes the next generation of hairdressers will take on board
[42:30] Where to find out more about Serious Business in New Orleans
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
🎓 Serious Business – the annual personal growth, leadership and business event held in New Orleans every January – Find out more
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!
They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.
👉 Here's what you do: - On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first) - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars - Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast!
Thank you for your support! 🙏 Until next time! Antony
371 Seven Steps to Improve New Client Retention in Your Salon
Episode 371
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 • Duration 20:06
Salon client retention is one of the most overlooked numbers in your business, and most salon owners have no idea how many first-time clients they’re losing. You spend money on promotions and social media to get new people through the door, then never see them again.
In this episode, I talk about how to measure retention properly, why the numbers can vary so much between stylists, and what’s really behind a client deciding not to come back. And I ask the question every salon owner should be asking: how many of the new clients I’m paying to attract am I actually keeping?
I finish with a simple seven-step process for finding out who on your team is struggling, working out why, and getting more first-time clients back for a second visit.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
How to measure new client retention properly, and the right time period for your type of salon
Why each stylist’s individual numbers tell you far more than your salon’s overall figure
A seven-step process to lift retention across your whole team
Why stylists improve faster when they can see their own data, and how to use it constructively
EPISODE TIMESTAMPS
[00:00] Introduction: Is your real problem new clients or keeping them? [01:56] What happens when only four in ten new clients come back [02:35] Why chasing new clients is an expensive way to grow [03:00] Defining client retention and choosing the right measurement period [03:57] New client retention vs existing client retention, and what to aim for [05:35] Why individual stylist numbers matter more than the salon average [06:56] Why some first-time clients never come back [11:21] The rebooking conversation many stylists never have [12:23] The seven-step process for improving new client retention [17:42] What lifting retention from 40% to 60% could mean for your salon [18:58] How to get help improving your team’s client retention
370 Five Ways to Make the Most of the Festive Season in Your Salon
Episode 370
Tuesday, October 20, 2026 • Duration 24:03
The festive season is one of the biggest spending periods of the year, yet most salon owners go into it without a real marketing plan. Meanwhile, every retailer, restaurant and online business is chasing the same share of your clients’ festive spending, and they planned their campaigns months ago.
So the question every salon owner should be asking is: what’s my plan for the rest of this year, and will it make my salon more profitable?
I share five practical things you can put in place in the buildup to the Christmas money-making season. You’ll come away knowing how to generate extra revenue through gifting, retail and events without giving your profit away, and how to use December’s busy appointment book to fill the quieter months of January and February.
IN THIS EPISODE:
How to build a simple festive marketing plan your team can deliver
The discount maths that shows how a 20% Black Friday offer can wipe out your profit
How to make gifting easy for clients who know nothing about hair products
How a $50 haircut turned into $3,600 in gift card sales, and what made it work
EPISODE TIMESTAMPS
[00:00] Introduction [00:27] Why marketing never stops, even when you think you’re not doing any [01:17] The festive spending season and who you’re really competing against [03:12] Too many ideas and no plan: why festive promotions fall over [05:32] The Black Friday discount maths every salon owner needs to see [07:24] Why the person buying the gift matters more than the receiver [08:10] The fifty dollar haircut that turned into $3,600 in gift cards [11:41] Turning a gift card into something that feels like a proper present [13:47] Giving back at Christmas and why it matters to your community [16:36] Retail bingo: a fun way to get your team recommending products[21:11] Recap of the five ways to make the most of the festive season[22:19] How to get more organised with your marketing all year round
369 The Power of Showing Up: Lessons From 230 Salons with Denis McFadden
Episode 369
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 • Duration 49:28
When one salon already feels like it's running you, scaling a salon business to 230 locations sounds impossible. I'm joined by returning guest Denis McFadden, founder of Just Cuts. Denis has just released his book, The Power of Showing Up, and we talk about the personal story behind it and the thinking that built the brand. And I ask the question every salon owner asks: how do I build a business that keeps growing without everything going through me?
You'll hear why Denis puts systems at the heart of everything, the simple numbers he uses to judge whether a salon can be profitable, and why he's still building at 80. Whatever your size, you'll walk away knowing what to write down, what to measure and where you're overcomplicating things.
IN THIS EPISODE:
✅ Why systems let a business run 10 salons or 200 the same way
✅ Why time and price always belong in the same conversation
✅ How focusing on one thing built a brand, and why Denis keeps saying no to other opportunities
✅ What showing up really means, and how that one habit shaped an entire career
EPISODE TIMESTAMPS
[00:00] Introduction: Denis McFadden returns to talk about his new book
[06:01] The Power of Showing Up: what the title of the book really means
[11:30] Dyslexia, self-belief and why Denis now calls it his superpower
[18:46] Still building at 80: what keeps Denis motivated in business
[21:27] Why systems are the foundation of growing from one salon to many
[24:55] Is the Just Cuts model still relevant to today’s clients and stylists?
368 Is the Salon Industry Really All Doom and Gloom?
Episode 368
Tuesday, October 6, 2026 • Duration 20:32
Spend any time in hairdressing groups on social media, and you could believe a successful salon business is almost impossible today. Rising costs, staffing problems and shrinking margins are real. But some of the salons I work with tell a very different story. These are profitable businesses with great teams, run by owners who have a life outside the salon. We just don't hear enough about them, and I think it's time we did.
Today's episode will give you a fresh perspective on your own business, a clearer idea of what success means to you, and the foundations that help a salon hold firm when the economy slows.
IN THIS EPISODE:
Why the doom and gloom on social media only tells half the story
The simple swap from "I have to" to "I get to" and how it changes the way you see your business
Why your definition of success can look completely different from the salon down the road
EPISODE TIMESTAMPS
[00:00] Introduction: is the salon industry really all doom and gloom?
[01:23] A coaching client who is tired of the negativity in hairdressing
[02:49] Acknowledging the challenges without letting them dominate your thinking
[06:59] The successful salons you rarely hear about in our industry
[08:35] The low-profile salon on the fourth floor of an industrial building
[09:42] What does success actually mean for you and your salon?
[11:27] Why Antony wants to share more salon success stories on the podcast
[13:00] Warren Buffett, the tide going out, and building a business that lasts
[14:32] The foundations that help a salon cope when times get tough
367 Are Business Partnerships a Good Idea for Salon Owners?
Episode 367
Tuesday, September 29, 2026 • Duration 21:49
A salon business partnership usually starts with two hairdressers, a strong friendship and a handshake. It feels like a great way to share the load. Yet most of these partnerships fall apart within a few years, often with money lost and friendships damaged.
The key to a successful partnership is all about how you set it up at the beginning. So here's a question worth asking: if you're thinking about a partner, or already have one, how protected is the business when circumstances change?
What are the conversations to have before you sign anything, and why giving away ownership is so hard to undo.
IN THIS EPISODE:
• Why needing business expertise is a poor reason on its own to give away equity in your salon
• The questions to answer before you sign anything: ownership, workload, salary, profits and decision-making
• What 50/50 really means when you and your partner disagree
• Why talking about the end at the start is one of the smartest moves you can make
EPISODE TIMESTAMPS
[00:00] Introduction: why so many salon partnerships start with just a handshake
[04:37] The first question to ask yourself: why do you actually want a partner?
[06:17] Why needing expertise doesn't mean you should give away ownership
[08:00] Why shared vision matters as much as complementary skills in a partnership
[11:12] Every partnership ends eventually, so why you should plan for it early
366 How to Scale a Salon Business From One Store to One Hundred with Sudheer Koneru
Episode 366
Tuesday, September 22, 2026 • Duration 42:15
Why do some salon and beauty businesses grow beyond a single location while others struggle to scale? In this episode, I’m joined once again by Sudheer Koneru, co-founder of Zenoti, to discuss his new book, Growth Diaries: How the Best Beauty and Wellness Brands Scale from One Store to One Hundred Plus.
Drawing on conversations with 42 successful founders across the salon, spa, med spa and wellness industries, Sudheer shares the common traits he discovered behind businesses that successfully scale. We talk about why passion and purpose matter, the importance of building systems that work without the owner, why successful entrepreneurs are great listeners, and how people, culture, location and data all play a role in sustainable growth.
Whether your ambition is to build one exceptional salon or one hundred locations, there are plenty of lessons here about what it really takes to build a business that can grow beyond you.
IN THIS EPISODE:
The real reason most salons plateau at a single location and never expand
Which phase of growth trips up almost every founder, and what gets them through it
The three traits the world's fastest growing beauty and wellness brands all share
Why retention and rebooking matter more than chasing new client numbers
EPISODE TIMESTAMPS
[00:00] Introduction: why so few salons ever scale past one location
[00:39] Meet Sudheer Koneru, founder of Zenoti and author of Growth Diaries
[03:19] Sudheer's own path from Microsoft into building wellness businesses
[04:58] Why timing changes which sectors are easiest to scale today
[07:00] What surfaces when founders talk beyond their usual PR story
365 Five Things Every Growing Salon Needs in Place
Episode 365
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 • Duration 19:30
Growth sounds like the obvious goal for any salon owner, but chasing a bigger business without a plan can break the one you've already built. I've seen owners open a second location only to end up with two salons that struggle instead of one that thrives. So what would your business actually need to look like if it grew the way you truly want?
In this episode, I share the five things I believe every salon owner needs before they scale: a clear vision, real systems, people who can lead, a handle on the numbers, and the willingness to grow as a leader. You'll get a practical insight to decide if growth is the right goal, and how to build a business that gives you the life you want.
IN THIS EPISODE
• The five things you need in place before you scale a salon business
• Why expansion doesn't just duplicate what was already working; it duplicates the problems as well.
• How to build systems that let your business run without you
• Why business growth is really people growth, and how to develop leaders under you
EPISODE TIMESTAMPS
[00:00] Introduction
[01:33] Why there is no single definition of salon business success
[03:15] The assumption that bigger automatically means better, and why it isn't
[04:02] The five things you need in place for growth to be sustainable
[06:16] The mistake most salon owners make when they open salon number two
[07:47] How growth reveals whether you built a business or just a job
364 What Does Your Business Need From You?
Episode 364
Tuesday, September 8, 2026 • Duration 24:25
Every salon owner learns eventually that to manage a salon business, you first have to manage yourself. It's easy to focus on the team, the standards and the accountability conversations you'd rather avoid. But before any of that works, you need to look honestly at your own time, habits and follow-through.
This week I look at why being busy and managing well are two different things, why giving someone a task without also giving them the authority to make decisions isn't really delegating, and why so much of good management is invisible to your clients even though they feel the result of it. Manage yourself properly, and the rest of the business gets easier to run.
IN THIS EPISODE:
Why being busy and managing well are two completely different things
The diary test that shows what you're actually prioritising, not just what you say matters
Why delegation fails when you hand over the task but not the authority
The difference between managing things and leading people, and why both matter
EPISODE TIMESTAMPS
[00:00] Introduction: Why the hardest person to manage is the one running the salon
[01:28] The uncomfortable realisation that your own standards set the tone for everyone
[03:37] Why being busy and managing well are two completely different things
[06:00] The two very different jobs of a stylist and a salon manager
[07:21] What your diary actually reveals about your real priorities each week
[10:57] Why you manage things and systems, but you have to lead people
[12:32] Why clear expectations do more for standards than being hard or controlling
[13:00] Why "obvious" means something different to every single person on your team
363 Why the Most Successful Salons Keep it Simple
Episode 363
Tuesday, September 1, 2026 • Duration 21:12
Most salon owners assume their business feels complicated because it needs to be. But after years inside salons at every level of the market, I've noticed the opposite.
The businesses that thrive are simple, while the ones that struggle are usually a collection of good ideas picked up along the way that were never designed to work together. So ask yourself: does your business actually function as one connected whole, or does it just feel like separate parts that don’t quite work together as they should?
I'll share why keeping things simple takes real work, why most owners build their business one decision at a time, and why the real job of management is making sure every part connects to everything else. If your business feels harder than it should, this episode will help you see why.
IN THIS EPISODE:
Why the most successful salons are simple, not complicated
How joined up thinking turns one small decision, like pricing, into a ripple across the whole business
Why removing something from your business can matter as much as adding something new
The real difference between a simple business and one that depends on you
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT:
[00:00] Introduction
[00:43] The one question people most often ask about salon success
[01:54] The jigsaw puzzle metaphor for building a business that works
[03:56] Why so many salon owners end up building the plane while flying
[06:46] Why you need the picture on the box before you build
[08:35] How one pricing decision ripples through every part of your business
[10:00] The two sides of management: systems and processes versus people
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Super Stylist Online Course – Build the consultation, communication and rebooking skills that keep clients coming back – Find out more
Marketing Online Course – Build a marketing system that attracts the right clients and keeps them – Find out more
Management Online Course – Put the systems and structure in place for a salon that runs properly – Find out more
🙏 Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!
They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.
👉 Here’s what you do:
On your phone, Click here (read the steps below first)
Scroll down to ‘Ratings & Reviews’
Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars
Click on ‘Write a Review’
I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏
Until next time! Antony
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
🎓 Marketing Course and Coaching Program – A complete system to attract, convert and retain the right clients all year round – Find out more
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!
They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.
👉 Here's what you do: - On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first) - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars - Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast!
Thank you for your support! 🙏
Until next time! Antony
[31:41] Are tougher economic times pushing clients to trade down on haircuts?
[35:30] The percentages that decide whether a salon will be profitable
[37:49] Why time and price can never be separated in your salon
[39:54] The future of Just Cuts and why Denis is bringing in experts
[45:36] Would Denis do anything differently? Plus how to get the book
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
📚 The Power of Showing Up by Denis McFadden – Denis's personal story and the story behind the Just Cuts brand – Find out more
Episode 24: The story behind building ‘Just Cuts' a successful salon franchise with Denis McFadden Listen here → https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/024/
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!
They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.
👉 Here's what you do: - On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first) - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars - Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast!
Thank you for your support! 🙏
Until next time! Antony
[17:04] One simple question to ask about your business right now
[19:17] Why success leaves clues, and where to get help
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
➡️ Zenoti – all-in-one salon management platform with AI-powered client communications and automation. GMSB listeners get 50% off their first three months – Find out more
Grow My Salon Business – free and paid resources to help you build a more profitable, sustainable salon – Find out more
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!
They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.
👉 Here's what you do: - On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first) - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars - Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast!
Thank you for your support! 🙏
Until next time! Antony
[12:14] The seven Ds that can derail a salon business partnership
[14:20] The conversations to have before you sign a partnership agreement
[16:19] What a 50/50 partnership really means when the two of you disagree
[17:17] Why you can't outsource understanding your own business as an owner
[20:00] The biggest lessons from three very different partnerships
[21:23] How Grow My Salon Business can help you build a better business
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
The GROW Book Series – four bestselling books on building a successful salon business – Find out more
Grow My Salon Business Online Courses – step-by-step courses on money, management, marketing and your team – Find out more
Coaching – one-to-one support to work through the specific challenges in your business – Find out more
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!
They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.
👉 Here's what you do: - On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first) - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars - Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast!
Thank you for your support! 🙏
Until next time! Antony
[09:00] Two stories of founders who built huge brands from nothing
[13:00] The phases of growth most likely to trip up an owner
[16:26] Why owners underestimate how much they personally are the system
[19:00] Founder or business partner: what separates the two growth paths
[22:22] Why going from one location to two is the hardest step
[26:12] Three things the most successful beauty and wellness brands share
[35:39] Sudheer's advice for a young stylist wanting to build something bigger
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Growth Diaries by Sudheer Koneru – a new book drawn from 42 conversations with beauty and wellness founders who scaled from one location to over a hundred → You can get the book here
If you enjoyed this episode, you'll also like: Episode 268: Can One Salon Management Software System Fill All Your Needs? Listen here → https://growmysalonbusiness.com/podcast/268
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!
They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.
👉 Here's what you do: - On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first) - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars - Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast!
Thank you for your support! 🙏
Until next time! Antony
[10:00] Why business growth is really about growing people, not just adding them
[12:24] Why you need to know the numbers before you think about expanding
[14:22] Why evolving as a leader is the hardest part of growing a business
[16:09] The owner who believes nobody can do it as well as they can
[17:00] A recap of the five things sustainable salon growth actually requires
[18:11] Where to find the free video series on salon management skills
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Free Management Video Series – Four Essential Lessons in Salon Management to Set You Up For Success, a free four-part video series (each video around 15 minutes) that also explains how the management course and coaching program work. 👉 Register here https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-video-series and get them sent straight to your inbox
Want MORE to help you GROW?
📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/
🆘 Management overwhelm? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at: https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/
🙏 Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!
They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.
👉 Here's what you do:
- On your phone, click here (read the steps below first): https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/grow-my-salon-business-podcast/id1456014220
- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'
- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars
- Click on 'Write a Review'
I love to hear what's been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏
Until next time!
Antony
[16:00] What clients actually feel when a salon business is genuinely well managed
[20:11] Why knowledge alone never changes a business, only implementation actually does
[23:02] The one question every owner needs to ask about their own business
RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
🎥 4 Essential Lessons in Salon Management (free video series) – sign up and get one short video a day for four days, straight to your inbox, starting the 14th September – Join the free video series
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!
They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.
👉 Here's what you do:
- On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first) - Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews' - Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars - Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏
Until next time! Antony
[13:16] Why removing something from the business can matter as much as adding
[14:02] The real difference between a simple business and a dependent one
[18:08] Why the goal is making the pieces you have work together
[19:00] The free management checklist and course mentioned in this episode
If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!
They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.
👉 Here's what you do:
- On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first)
- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'
- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars
- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏
Until next time! Antony
Related Shows Based on Content Similarities
Discover shows related to Grow My Salon Business Podcast, based on actual content similarities. Explore podcasts with similar topics, themes, and formats, backed by real data.
