Inspiring Salon Professionals – Details, episodes & analysis

Body confidence and inclusion are more than just buzzwords in the salon industry; they are essential elements that shape the experiences of everyone involved, from clients to professionals. In this episode, I sit down with Amy Bates, a body confidence coach and passionate advocate for inclusivity, to explore how fostering a welcoming and body-positive environment can significantly impact salons. We delve into the importance of representation and the need for salon owners and teams to actively create spaces where all individuals feel valued and empowered, regardless of their shape, size, or background. Amy shares her journey and insights on how understanding body image issues affects not only the clients but also the professionals working in the industry. Tune in as we discuss actionable strategies that salon owners can implement to cultivate a more inclusive atmosphere, ultimately enhancing the overall client experience and team dynamics.

Diving deep into the realms of body confidence and inclusion within the salon industry, Amy Bates brings a fresh perspective that challenges the status quo. We explore how the salon environment can either bolster or undermine a client's self-esteem, with Amy sharing her journey from police work to becoming a body confidence coach. Her insights reveal the profound impact that inclusivity can have, not just on clients but also on salon professionals and owners. The conversation touches on the necessity of creating spaces where all body types are celebrated and accepted, emphasising that the salon should be a sanctuary for everyone, regardless of size, shape, or background. We reflect on the real-world implications of body image issues in the salon and how professionals can better support their clients in navigating these challenges. This episode underlines the importance of empathy, understanding, and the need for salon owners to adopt inclusive practices to foster a welcoming atmosphere.

Much of the conversation revolves around Amy's new book, Beauty & The Bullsh*t where she gives background on this important subject as well as actionable chapters to help readers make changes in their world.

Takeaways:

• Creating an inclusive salon environment fosters body confidence among team members and clients alike, directly enhancing the overall experience.
• Understanding the nuances of body image and diversity in the salon industry can significantly improve client relationships and retention rates.
• Professionals in the beauty industry must recognise their own biases and how they can impact the mental well-being of both clients and colleagues.
• Using proper inclusive language and imagery in marketing can help clients feel welcome and represented, leading to a more loyal customer base.
• Building a culture of openness around body positivity and mental health issues not only strengthens the team but also creates a safer space for clients.
• Incorporating training on body confidence and inclusion as part of professional development can elevate service standards and improve staff morale.

Buy Amy's book Beauty & the Bullsh*t

Find Amy on Insta - @the_beauty_rebellion

and LinkedIn

Inspiring Salon Professionals is produced in partnership with Jena, the online booking system for solo beauty pros. You can find out more by clicking my partner link here

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Brastop
• Jena
• Beauty Rebellion
• WUCA
• Tommy's Cancer Trust

Maximising your salon's visibility online is a necessary part of business ownership, and in this episode, we dive deep into how to leverage Google Business Profile and your Apple Business Showcase to make that happen. As a salon business, it’s an essential part of your client journey to ensure potential clients can easily find you, and these platforms are game changers for this task. We explore how setting up these profiles not only boosts your local SEO but also enhances your credibility and engagement with clients, all at no cost. I’ll walk you through the steps to get started, share insights on optimising your listings, and highlight the importance of keeping your information fresh and relevant. Tune in to discover strategies that can transform your online presence and attract more clients to your salon.

Sue Davies provides a wealth of insights into maximising online visibility for salon businesses through Google Business Profile and Apple Business Connect and the Apple Business Showcase. The episode highlights the importance of these platforms in the digital marketplace, where potential clients are primarily searching for services through Google or Apple Maps. Sue stresses that if a salon is not listed or listed but not optimised on these platforms, they are likely to miss out on numerous opportunities, as clients will gravitate towards competitors who are more visible online or have completed and are maintaining this shop window.

Sue gives an in-depth analysis of Google Business Profile - formerly known as Google My Business - and breaks down its functionalities. She explains how it serves as a vital tool for local SEO, enhancing a salon's online presence by providing essential information such as contact details, operating hours, and customer reviews. Sue shares specific strategies for optimising these listings, including the significance of using high-quality images and creating a welcoming business description that resonates with potential clients. The ease of interaction that the platform offers, such as booking appointments directly from the profile, is highlighted as a major advantage.

Transitioning to Apple Business Connect/Showcase, Sue reveals the significance of being present on this platform as well. With a large number of clients using Apple devices, having a presence on Apple Maps can significantly boost business visibility. Sue discusses the similarities and differences between the two platforms, encouraging salon owners to utilise both to extend their reach. She concludes the episode with a sneak peek into her upcoming course aimed at helping salon business owners navigate these digital tools effectively, underscoring that this knowledge is essential for anyone wanting to thrive in the salon industry today.

Takeaways:

• Utilising Google Business Profile effectively can significantly enhance your salon's online visibility and client engagement.
• Apple Business Connect & Showcase offers a new opportunity for salons to reach clients on Apple Maps and increase trustworthiness.
• Both Google and Apple platforms provide free tools that can help attract warm clients who are already interested in your services.
• Regularly updating your business profiles with fresh content is crucial for maintaining an active online presence and credibility.
• SEO strategies are important in optimising your profiles and relevant keywords will help potential clients find your salon first.
• Being listed on both Google and Apple platforms increases your chances of being discovered by clients searching for your services.

Links referenced in this episode:

• sue-davies.com
• askthepublic.com

This episode of Inspiring Salon Professionals features an insightful conversation between Sue Davies and Theresa Foddering, focussing on the importance of mentorship and knowledge sharing within the beauty industry. They discuss the concept of "Leaving The Ladder Down," which emphasises the need for seasoned professionals to support and uplift the next generation of beauty experts and how this can work in both directions.

The discussion delves into the challenges faced by the growing number of solo professionals and the significance of connecting with peers to create growth and collaboration. Theresa shares her journey of creating the Nail Surgery community, where professionals can ask questions and access valuable resources in a supportive environment. With a mix of humour and heartfelt reflections, this episode highlights the changing world of the beauty industry and the vital role of education and community in achieving success.

Theresa Foddering is a prominent figure in the nail industry and joins host Sue Davies to explore the nuances of professional nail and beauty practices and the vital importance of education in this constantly evolving sector. The discussion kicks off with Theresa sharing her experiences as a salon owner and educator, emphasising the rollercoaster journey that many beauty professionals face, especially those operating independently. They delve into the common challenges of managing client relationships, handling bookings, and the overwhelming nature of running a beauty business without a dedicated support system. Sue shares her thoughts on booking systems mentioning the new podcast sponsor Jena, a revolutionary app designed to streamline these processes and helping to minimise stress and workload.

As the episode progresses, the focus shifts to way that beauty education has evolved over the past 20 years, discussing the gaps in knowledge and training that can often leave professionals feeling ill-equipped. Sue takes Theresa through her own less than perfect pathway into industry and the lessons learned along the way and discussing and advocating for a more collaborative approach to education where experienced professionals mentor newcomers. The conversation addresses the need for continuous learning and adaptation within the industry, especially as new products and techniques emerge. Sue's mantra of 'Leaving The Ladder Down' serves as a recurring theme, reinforcing the idea that sharing knowledge and experiences is essential for the growth of the industry as a whole.

By the end of the episode, listeners are encouraged to take proactive steps in their professional journeys, whether through seeking mentorship, pursuing further education, or simply connecting with peers to share experiences and feedback. The episode concludes on an optimistic note, with both Sue and Theresa expressing their commitment to fostering a supportive community within the beauty industry, where professionals at all levels can learn from one another and elevate their craft.

Takeaways:

• Successful salon professionals need to continuously educate themselves to stay relevant in the industry.
• Sharing knowledge and experiences can bridge the gap between generations of professionals.
• Being a brand ambassador requires genuine passion for the products being promoted to build trust.
• Understanding and complying with National Occupational Standards is essential for professional credibility.
• Nail and beauty professionals should seek expert mentorship to navigate the complexities of their field.
• Being part of a supportive community can help professionals feel less isolated in their journeys.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• [ comfort zone ]
• Louella Belle/Artistic Nails
• Astonishing Nails
• Entity
• OPI
• Lecente
• Jena
• Lustrelash

Navigating the complexities of salon accounting can feel overwhelming, especially with the recent Budget changes impacting the beauty industry. Sue Davies welcomes Ria-Jaine Lincoln, a seasoned accountant with a deep understanding of salon operations, to provide clarity and actionable insights for salon owners. Ria shares her journey from beauty professional to financial consultant, highlighting the unique challenges salon owners face in managing cash flow and understanding tax and accounting responsibilities. The discussion is rich with information on the implications of the Chancellor's budget, particularly concerning National Insurance contributions and minimum wage increases, urging salon owners to be proactive in their financial planning.

The episode dives into the importance of cash flow management, emphasising that salon business owners must not only track their income but also plan for fluctuations throughout the year. Ria introduces concepts such as filling diary whitespace through targeted marketing strategies and leveraging existing client relationships to maintain consistent revenue. She also shares her thoughts on the value of creating a supportive work environment through non-monetary rewards for teams, which can help retain employees when financial resources are tight. This episode is not just about numbers; it’s about empowering salon professionals to embrace their financial journey with confidence and strategic foresight, ultimately fostering a thriving salon business.

Takeaways:

• Understanding cash flow is essential for salon owners to ensure business sustainability and growth.
• The Chancellor's Budget changes impact National Insurance and employment allowance for salon businesses.
• Many salon owners struggle with accounting so utilising tech solutions can alleviate some stress.
• Consider the long-term financial implications before making significant investments in your salon.
• Hidden employment is high on HMRC's list and it's essential to differentiate between self-employed and employed staff for tax and HR purposes.
• Regularly reviewing financial data helps salon owners make informed decisions and plan ahead.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• The Beauty Accountant
• QuickBooks
• Xero
• JENA
• The Salon Inspector

If you've enjoyed the show you can share your gratitude at Buy Me A Coffee

The conversation between Sue Davies and JM Chalayer offers a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities faced by solo beauty professionals working in the salon industry. With JENA as the podcast's first official sponsor, JM outlines the app's mission to simplify the day to day running of a beauty business. The discussion highlights the importance of a seamless client journey, from the initial discovery of services to the booking process and follow-up communications. Sue emphasises how JENA's all-in-one platform addresses many of the daily frustrations, helping professionals to manage bookings, payments, and online presence effectively without the drama and tech knowledge needed to manage multiple systems.

JM shares his insights on the growing freelance world, noting how the pandemic has accelerated the shift towards independent and solo work in the beauty industry. Sue and JM explore the significance of understanding client needs, the psychological factors that influence client decisions, and the power of feedback in maintaining service standards. They advocate for a proactive approach to client engagement, and suggest that beauty professionals should actively seek feedback to grow and learn about their business. This episode serves as a valuable resource for anyone in the beauty industry, illustrating that through technology, personalised service, and a focus on the client experience, professionals can not only thrive but also build lasting relationships with their clients.

Takeaways:

• JENA's all-in-one app simplifies the client journey for solo beauty professionals.
• Building a personal brand is necessary for solo professionals to attract clients.
• Engaging with clients through Google My Business enhances visibility and trust in your brand.
• Mistakes in business should be viewed as learning opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Having a clear Call To Action (CTA) on your website can significantly boost bookings.
• The importance of community in the beauty industry cannot be overstated for support.

Companies/People mentioned in this episode:

• JENA
• Le Salon
• Phenix Suites
• The Salon Inspector

Chapters:

• 00:03 - Introduction to Inspiring Salon Professionals
• 03:57 - The Journey to Freelance Freedom
• 19:46 - The Future of Salon Business Models
• 28:23 - Building Community in Business
• 31:01 - Creating Community Through Social Media
• 44:47 - Transitioning to JENA: Empowering Solo Business Owners
• 48:48 - The Importance of Online Presence for Businesses
• 01:02:40 - Understanding Client Journey and Experience
• 01:04:55 - Understanding Client Journeys and Effective Call To Action
• 01:14:19 - The Learning Opportunity of Mistakes
• 01:18:30 - The Evolution of Customer Experience

What a conversation! I've known Wendy for a few years and have always found her insights into the business world helpful and thought provoking. In this episode we cover so much more than the title suggests, but there wasn't enough space.

Wendy shares her views of the USP the salon industry has for clients from the client perspective and we discuss how that personal touch we provide to our clients.

Wendy specialises in women in business and has recently formed Refirement UK to specifically advance awareness of women over 55 in the business world. As an often overlooked demographic with employers and many others believing that this group have reached the end of their use. We discuss the challenges this brings for women of that age now and also for those coming through from their 30's onwards. The myth needs to be dispelled and in an industry filled with women, many over the age of 40, and with more joining, there is an opportunity for business growth and development when harnessing the wisdom and experience available.

Wendy shares her thoughts on targeted marketing and how we can make the most of the growing client base of Over 50's who have an attractive disposal income for the services we offer. Getting the marketing right can increase your client numbers and this age group have higher loyalty values and so will only be good for your salon.

There is so much to unpack from research by Forbes that explains women starting a business aged 50+ are 2x more likely to succeed than the average 30 year old.

We discuss the generation gap and how using an idea Wendy has created called the Wisdom Bridge we may be able to address the chasm that appears to be forming in the industry.

You can connect with Wendy in the following ways:

www.wendygarcarz.com

Facebook

LinkedIn

To connect with me you can find all my links here

If you want to find out more about my podcast sponsor, Jena, you can visit my Jena Referral page here

Takeaways:

• The importance of women over 50 in business is often underestimated, yet they possess invaluable experience.
• Mentorship can be a transformative relationship, enriching both the mentor and mentee equally.
• Embracing technology can empower mature women to thrive in modern business environments.
• It's crucial for salon professionals to adapt their business models to accommodate an aging workforce.
• Nurturing relationships with clients is essential; they seek not just services but emotional support.
• The 'Wisdom Bridge' initiative aims to connect experienced female entrepreneurs with those starting out.

Chapters:

• 00:03 - Introduction to Inspiring Salon Professionals
• 01:14 - Empowering Women in Business
• 12:20 - The Evolving Role of Beauty Professionals
• 17:41 - The Importance of Age and Experience in Business Ownership
• 29:41 - Navigating Social Media for Business Growth
• 36:44 - Navigating Personal Standards and Brand Visibility
• 44:35 - The Power of the Over 55 Consumer Group
• 53:31 - The Wisdom Bridge: Bridging Generations
• 01:02:40 - The Journey to Becoming a Writer
• 01:14:05 - The Importance of Lifelong Learning
• 01:17:54 - Redefining Retirement for Women

Welcoming Stephanie Stevenson to the Inspiring Salon Professionals podcast. Steph joined me recently for a catch up and a conversation that's long overdue.

Steph is a global business leader with over 30 years of experience in the hair, retail, and business sectors. Founder of the award-winning HNB Salon & Spa, she has collaborated with leading international brands and pioneered innovative strategies, blending AI and human dynamics to shape the future of business. A previous board member of the National Hairdressers/Beauty Federation, Steph is also a motivational speaker, industry awards judge, and is in the world of AI development. Her work with Kaikura, a personal development app, reflects her passion for driving innovation and supporting businesses to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.

In our conversation we talk through salon memberships, how the salon AI of the near future will be able to help you predict no shows, cancellations and individual client retail sales. We also talk through the struggles currently facing the industry in light of the Autumn 24 budget and the ongoing impact of client shifts since before, during and after the pandemic. Steph shares her list of must haves to be a successful entrepreneur and business owner in 2025 which includes enhancing your client experience, building your business skills and more.

It's a broad and long episode so buckle up if your on your school run, grab a cuppa or a wine if you're in the salon or at home and listen to what I know you'll find an interesting listen.

Follow Steph on Facebook

Link up with Steph on LinkedIn

Connect with me on my socials and website via my Linktree

If you've enjoyed this episode and want to help the podcast continue to thrive, please consider 'Buying Me A Coffee" Give £3 or multiples of to make a small contribution to the curation, production and information provided.

In this episode of Inspiring Salon Professionals I talk with Mandie Holgate who is an international business coach and cheerleader.

In this episode we continue on the client journey series discussing the ways the clients find you online and how you can promote your business in different ways. Mandie is an expert in blogging for business and a good blog can bring you so much new business and ground you as THE expert in your area.

Mandie is the coach that makes dreams reality. When others say it's impossible that's when best selling author of Fight the Fear and Taking Control Of Your Mind steps in. Growing over 10,000 businesses and millions of people's skills in communication, Emotional Intelligence and confidence, Mandie has made a career out of making the impossible, possible.

Overcoming adversity and ill health, Mandie has spoken at international events around business, mindset and communication supporting teams from Virgin Care and WHSmiths, to the NHS and Small businesses around the world.

Her Can do attitude and fun lively approach makes the hardest conversations and challenges easier and they melt away.

With over 1000 strategies personalised designed by Mandie to help people succeed, 3 books, 14 courses and one mastermind group there’s a solution for all budgets.

To find out more about joining the BWN Insiders follow this link

https://www.thebusinesswomansnetwork.co.uk/bwn-insider-benefits/

You can simply Google Mandie and you'll find the vast amount of things she's known for or you can check out these links ....

https://www.facebook.com/TheBusinessWomansNetwork

https://twitter.com/BWNcouk

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/2633035/https://www.instagram.com/thebusinesswomansnetworkuk/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/mandieholgate/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/MandieHolgateFightthefearCoach

https://twitter.com/Mandieholgate

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandieholgatefightthefear/

Joining me on this episode is Debbie Allen, a salon professional and education expert who has over 40 years served. We discuss how your professional boundaries advise your clients on how your business operates, what they can expect and also how they help you maintain your own sense of self, wellbeing and business management. We share our experiences of when boundaries flex too much and what an unprofessional service can do for your client perception.

Debbie is a mindset and hypnotherapy coach as well as a salon industry education provider covering everything from entry level to advanced skills and through to helping professionals transition into education.

You can connect with Debbie through her Just Fabulous socials...

Debbie's Instagram

Debbie's Facebook

Head over to the Just Fabulous website and download Debbie's free Ebook - Raise Your Confidence Game .

Welcome to the final part in the series on Customer Journey and in this episode I'm talking all things Reconnection.

How to communicate and maintain relationships with clients once they've walked out of your venue. The methods are varied and cover areas like:

• Client goody bags with free gifts, merchandise, price lists - all tangible things to hold and commit their experience to memory and their sub-conscious mind
• Loyalty schemes - they'll want the next stamp and the incentive
• Recommend a Friend - they'll be talking about you
• Emailing and reconnecting with absent clients
• Emailing as a follow up to their treatment - make them feel valued, educated, cared about and heard
• Social media - VIP groups, community
• Memberships and clubs

There are so many ways to keep up communication with your clients and I'd love to hear what you do to maintain that connection.

At the end of the episode I talk about my new venture, Sue Davies - Inspiring Business Excellence which I'm launching and will provide opportunities for you to connect with me to audit your business' client journey with the Client Experience Audit and also book my Mystery Shopper Audit.

The Client Experience Audit is FREE and takes you through a 26 question quiz to review your client experience through 6 areas. You'll receive an overall score along with feedback so you can see areas you're doing great and areas you may need to review. There is also the opportunity to book a review call with me to discuss how you can implement changes and adjust your client journey.

Take the FREE Client Experience Audit here

The Mystery Shopper Audit will provide you a full review of your discover, connection and booking processes with a feedback report. This is

Buy your Mystery Shopper Audit & Report £48.50 until 31/5/24 use code SL50 (usual price £97)

Buy your Mystery Shopper Audit, Report & 60 min Implementation Call £98.50 use code SL50 (usual price £197)

Want to get more organised in your business and work through your mission, goals, be more mindful and have all your planning in one place? Buy my new 6 month undated Salon Business Planner here with FREE postage!