Explore every episode of the podcast The Business of Style
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How Tariffs Between Canada and the U.S. Could Impact Your Salon, Spa, or Barbershop | 10 Feb 2025 | 00:19:43 | |
What Are These Tariffs and How Do They Work? A tariff is a tax placed on imported goods by a country’s government. The goal? To encourage domestic production by making foreign products more expensive. The U.S. is planning a sweeping 25% tariff on Canadian goods, meaning that anything from Canada heading south will be more expensive for American buyers. In response, Canada may impose retaliatory tariffs on American products entering Canada. For the beauty industry, this could mean higher costs on products moving across the border. Whether you’re importing American-made products or exporting Canadian-made ones, these tariffs could impact your bottom line. Tariffs can shake up pricing and supply chains, but they don’t have to derail your business. With smart planning, flexibility, and strong supplier relationships, you can keep costs under control and maintain a strong service offering. | |||
| Tough Conversations at Work? This Episode Can Help | 15 Dec 2024 | 00:17:50 | |
Let’s be honest—working in the beauty industry often means wearing more than one hat. You’re not just a stylist, barber, or esthetician. Sometimes, you’re a listener, a shoulder to lean on, or even an unofficial therapist for your clients. Sound familiar? On the latest episode of The Business of Style podcast, Greg Robins sits down with trauma-informed consultant and coach, Chavisa Horemans of The Mother Corp. They talk about something that doesn’t get discussed enough: how beauty professionals can deal with emotional conversations while looking after themselves. Here’s a taste of what they cover:
If you’ve ever ended a long day feeling emotionally drained, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with practical tools to make your workday less exhausting—and maybe even more rewarding. Curious? Hit play on this episode and hear what Greg and Chavisa | |||
| Episode 17 - How to Prep Your Salon or Spa for Sale | 09 Oct 2024 | 00:16:39 | |
How to Prep Your Salon or Spa for Sale If selling your salon or spa has crossed your mind, you’re not alone. There are many reasons why a beauty business owner might consider a sale. Maybe you’re ready to retire, relocate, or follow a new passion. Whatever your reason, the key is to be prepared well in advance. The biggest mistake? Waiting until the last minute to organize everything. When you’re well-prepared, you can ensure a smooth process, increase the value of your business, and make it more appealing to buyers. Here’s how to set yourself up for success when selling your salon or spa. 1. Build a Strong Foundation 2. Financial Fitness 3. Success Framework Understand the Value of Your Business Types of Sales: Assets vs. Shares Final Thoughts This episode features Caylee Auge, Owner of award-winning Hype Hair Studio from 2009-2019. Caylee has a lot of hype around her name! She is a Certified John Maxwell Team Trainer/Coach, L’Oréal Professional Business Trainer/Coach, Course Creator with Inspiring Champions, and Winner of Canada’s Best Beauty Talent. Since 1998, Caylee has shared her 25 years of beauty industry experience with salon owners worldwide. Her passion is empowering salon owners to take charge of their life and business through virtual coaching and training, like her signature program The Future of Your Salon. If you’d like support with preparing your salon or spa for sale, reach out for a free evaluation call to discuss your goals and next steps. | |||
| Podcast Episode 16: Product Deductions from Commission - What Owners and Employees Need to Know | 07 Sep 2024 | 00:12:40 | |
Learn how BC salon owners can legally structure product cost deductions from commissions, and what employees need to know to protect their rights. | |||
| Episode 15: The Two Roads to Salon, Spa, or Barbershop Ownership | 19 Aug 2024 | 00:21:25 | |
Running your own salon, spa, or barbershop can take you down two different paths. Are you planning to stay in it for the long run, or do you see yourself building it up to eventually sell? In today’s episode of "The Business of Style," we’re diving into these two options to help you decide which route is best for you. Option 1: Build, Work, and StayThis approach is all about commitment. You start your business, nurture it, and one day, when you’re ready, you close the doors and move on. Here’s what you need to focus on:
If selling is your end game, your strategy will be a bit different. Here’s what you should focus on:
Whether you’re planning to keep your business for the long haul or build it up to sell, a little planning goes a long way. Think through your options and prepare yourself for whichever path you choose. And remember, we’re here to help—visit BeautyCouncil.ca for more resources and personalized advice. | |||
| Episode 14 - Three Risks to Avoid with Staff and Renters in your Salon or Spa | 26 Jul 2024 | 00:10:46 | |
Curious about common pitfalls in running your salon or spa? This episode of "The Business of Style" podcast, called "Risky Business," has got you covered. Hosted by Greg Robins, this episode dives into the nitty-gritty of staying on the right side of the law and avoiding costly mistakes. **Episode Overview** Greg discusses three hot topics that often trip up salon and spa owners. Let’s break them down: 1. **Renting vs. Employment**: Are you clear on the difference between renting space to independent contractors and treating them like employees? It's vital to get this right to keep the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) off your back. 2. **Employment Insurance (EI) for Hair Professionals**: Did you know you still need to pay EI for your hairstylists and barbers, even if they rent space from you? This little-known rule can save you a lot of headaches. 3. **Commission Pay Deductions**: Think you can deduct business costs from your staff's commission pay? Think again. Greg explains why this practice can land you in hot water. **Renting vs. Employment** Picture this: you’re a landlord with a tenant. You wouldn’t tell them what hours to keep or what furniture to use, right? The same goes for your salon or spa renters. They’re independent contractors, and your job is to provide a space, not to micromanage. Keep it professional and hands-off to avoid any CRA issues. We have a handy guide in our members area to help you get this right. **Employment Insurance for Hair Professionals** Here’s a curveball: even if your hairstylists and barbers rent a chair from you, you still need to pay their EI. Surprised? Many are. This rule doesn’t apply to skincare or other beauty services, but if it involves hair, you’re on the hook. Better safe than sorry, right? **Commission Pay Deductions** Let’s clear up some confusion: you can’t deduct business costs from your staff’s commission pay. So, if a stylist charges $300 for a service, you pay commission on the full $300, not on $270 after subtracting product costs. It’s the law, and following it keeps everyone happy and your business in the clear. If you’re a BeautyCouncil member, don’t forget to tap into our resources. Need a quick consultation or some legal advice? We’ve got you covered. Not a member yet? Join us today and get the support you need to thrive. | |||
| Chatting with Kirstin Lebrun, a Successful Salon Owner in Victoria | 10 Jun 2024 | 00:14:43 | |
Welcome to "The Business of Style"! Today, we're excited to share our conversation with Kirstin LeBrun, owner of Kharma Salons in Victoria, BC. Kirstin's story is packed with inspiration and practical tips for anyone looking to make it in the beauty industry. Starting Small, Dreaming Big Kirstin started her beauty journey 10 years ago. Now, she owns almost four locations in Greater Victoria and manages a team of nearly 50 staff members. What’s more impressive? She’s still a full-time service provider, staying hands-on with her clients while running the show behind the scenes. Balancing Acts: Behind the Chair and the Desk Being both a stylist and a business owner, Kirstin knows the ins and outs of the beauty world. Her husband plays a key role too, handling crucial tasks like payroll. This teamwork lets Kirstin focus on both the client experience and business growth. Always Learning and Growing Kirstin is all about continuous learning. She offers a variety of services, including permanent makeup, waxing, and laser treatments. This keeps her business fresh and appealing to a wide range of clients. Giving Back and Helping Others One of Kirstin's passions is sharing her knowledge with others. She posted on Instagram to help those thinking about starting or expanding their salons. She felt alone when she started and wants to make sure others have the support she lacked. Transparency about the true costs of running a salon is key for her. Facing Financial Realities Running a salon isn't cheap. Kirstin talks about the importance of understanding costs like rent, products, and unexpected expenses like staff premiums. She believes in adjusting prices regularly to keep the business sustainable, even if it feels uncomfortable. Building Community and Being Honest Kirstin values honesty with both her staff and clients. By educating her team about the financial side of things, she creates a supportive work environment. She encourages salon owners to communicate openly with clients about price increases and to offer different service levels to suit various budgets. Advice for New Salon Owners If you’re thinking about opening a salon, Kirstin suggests finding a mentor. Learning from someone who's been there can help you avoid common mistakes. Building a network and continually seeking knowledge are crucial steps to success. Reflecting on the Journey When asked what advice she would give her younger self, Kirstin talks about the importance of passion and resilience. The journey has its ups and downs, but the rewards of building a successful business and watching others grow make it all worth it. Final Thoughts Kirstin's final advice is about self-motivation and community support. Surround yourself with like-minded people and never stop learning. To keep up with Kirstin’s journey and get more tips, check out her Instagram. Her openness and dedication to sharing knowledge make her a fantastic resource for anyone in the beauty industry. | |||
| How to get the Right Insurance for your Salon or Spa | 03 May 2024 | 00:20:41 | |
In the 12th episode of the Business of Style Podcast, hosted by BeautyCouncil, we welcomed Kieran Nock from Apollo Insurance for a friendly chat about insurance essentials for beauty professionals. Kieran broke down the ins and outs of securing insurance right from the start of your beauty career. Kieran pointed out that getting insurance coverage early on is a smart move. He noted, "the moment you have dollar one coming through the door, you're going to want to have some sort of coverage in place.” This is vital because even activities like advertising, done before you actually start earning, could expose you to legal risks such as copyright infringement. Here’s what we covered that you’ll find super helpful:
Kieran also discussed specific scenarios, like renting a chair in a salon, which require particular attention to insurance needs. He emphasized that professionals in these situations should not only have general liability insurance but also consider additional coverage tailored to their arrangements. For those new to business insurance, Kieran recommended chatting with an insurance professional to understand what coverage fits best and ensure it aligns with any contractual requirements. This podcast episode is packed with straightforward advice for anyone in the beauty industry, from newcomers to experienced pros looking to understand their insurance needs better. Whether you're running a salon, renting a chair, or working independently, managing your business risks with the right insurance is key to keeping your operations smooth and secure. | |||
| Member Question from Maya: What is the best home-based insurance to get? | 28 Mar 2024 | 00:11:40 | |
In episode 11 of the Beauty of Style podcast, hosted by Greg Robins and brought to you by the BeautyCouncil, we delve into an essential topic for home-based beauty professionals: insurance. Our first member question episode features a query from Maya, a listener from the Sunshine Coast, seeking clarity on insurance for her home-based business. Understanding Insurance Basics Insurance is a safety net, covering unexpected events like injuries, damages, or lawsuits. While home insurance protects your personal assets and liability, it doesn't extend to professional activities conducted at home. Why Home Insurance Isn't Enough Your home insurance is tailored for residential use, covering scenarios like theft or property damage. However, it doesn't cover professional liabilities or accidents that occur during business activities. The Need for Specific Professional Insurance For home-based beauty professionals, having a separate professional insurance policy is crucial. This policy should encompass:
Additional Coverage Considerations Consider insurance for your equipment and supplies, especially for high-value items. Be transparent with your insurance agent about the services you offer and any changes to ensure comprehensive coverage. Choosing the Right Insurance Provider The Beauty Council recommends trusted providers like Apollo or Zensurance, who understand the unique needs of the beauty industry. Key Takeaways for Beauty Professionals
Insurance is not just about protecting your business; it's about ensuring peace of mind for you and your clients. Listen to the full episode for more insights and tips on securing the right insurance for your home-based beauty business. | |||
| Boosting Your Salon's Income Without the Hard Sell: Insights from Caylee Auge | 03 Mar 2024 | 00:21:46 | |
In this special episode of the Business of Style podcast, Greg Robins chats with Caylee about a topic close to every salon owner's heart: increasing income without relying on traditional sales tactics. If you're in the beauty industry and looking for ways to enhance your earnings without the sales pressure, this episode is a must-listen. **The Five-Step Approach to Increased Income** Caylee shares a five-step process that goes beyond the usual advice of pre-booking and upselling. Here's a quick rundown: 1. **Check Your Mindset About Making Money**: Start by examining your thoughts on financial success. A positive mindset towards money is crucial for attracting it. 2. **Set a Target**: Define what more money and time mean to you. Make your goals specific and meaningful. 3. **Set Targets with Each Team Member**: Involve your team in the vision. Help them understand their role in achieving the salon's financial goals. 4. **Use a Powerful Consultation**: A thorough consultation can uncover client needs and lead to tailored solutions. 5. **Offer Solutions with No Emotions Attached**: Present solutions to your clients' problems without letting personal feelings influence the conversation. **Changing the Narrative Around Sales** Caylee emphasizes the importance of shifting our perspective on sales. It's not about pushing products but about providing solutions to clients' problems. By adopting a more consultative approach, salon professionals can enhance their clients' experience and, in turn, boost their income. **Practical Tips for Implementation** The episode is packed with actionable advice, from setting smart goals to mastering the art of consultation. Kaylee also highlights the importance of practicing and getting comfortable with the sales process, ensuring that it becomes a natural part of the salon experience. Increasing your salon's income without the hard sell is achievable with the right mindset and approach. By focusing on providing value and solutions, you can create a more positive and profitable salon environment. | |||
| Episode 9 - Embracing AI: Your Salon's Game-Changer | 12 Feb 2024 | 00:09:14 | |
Feeling swamped by endless admin tasks and paperwork, wishing you could get back to what you love? It's time to meet your new powerhouse assistant: artificial intelligence (AI). I'm Greg Robins, and in this episode of the Business of Style podcast, brought to you by the Beauty Council, we dive into how AI can revolutionize your salon, spa, or barbershop. **What's AI, Anyway?** AI is tech's buzzword, but beyond the jargon, it's a tool poised to transform routine tasks. From drafting social media posts to revamping your website or handling complex calculations, AI's capabilities are expanding. Imagine AI managing appointments or analyzing market trends for you—this is not the future; it's here. **Three Ways AI Can Boost Your Business This Week** 1. **Social Media Savvy**: AI can craft engaging posts, complete with perfect grammar and tailored to your brand's voice, freeing up your time for creativity. 2. **Website Wizardry**: Let AI suggest enhancements for your site, ensuring it stands out and ranks higher on search engines. 3. **Math Magician**: Why struggle with figures when AI can adjust your pricing strategy accurately and efficiently? **Accessing AI: No Cost, No Fuss** Curious? Start exploring AI possibilities with tools like CHAT GPT. Signing up is free, and you'll soon find yourself leveraging AI's full potential to streamline operations, engage customers, and stay competitive. Dive in and discover how AI can be your salon's best asset, making administrative chores a thing of the past and letting you focus on your passion. Tune in to the Business of Style for more insights on leveraging technology in the beauty industry. | |||
| Handling Employee Termination Gracefully in Your Salon or Spa | 12 Jan 2024 | 00:16:31 | |
In the beauty business, parting ways with a team member is tough but sometimes necessary. It's not just about saying goodbye; it's about knowing the hows and whys so you can do it the right way. Getting the Basics Right Ending a job is never easy, whether it’s a decision from you (termination) or them (resignation). Chris Drinovz, a pro in employment law, sheds light on this delicate process. The Early Days Matter: The Probation Period Newbies have a trial period. If things aren't clicking, you can part ways easily in these early days, especially in the first three months. Just remember, the rules change once this period is over. Full-time or Part-time: Same Rules Apply Whether your team member is full-time or part-time, the game's the same when it comes to ending their contract. It's all about their average earnings when figuring out their dues. Understanding ‘Cause’ and ‘No Cause’ There are two ways to say goodbye: 'with cause' (like serious issues on their part) and 'without cause'. Going the 'with cause' route doesn't need notice or severance, but you've got to have your facts straight. Steering Clear of Legal Bumps As a salon/spa owner, watch out for legal traps. Mistakes like not giving enough notice or being unfair can lead to big headaches. Smart Moves for Salon Owners
Privacy is Key After saying goodbye, keep it classy. Their story isn’t for sharing with the team or clients. Wrapping Up Letting someone go is hard, but knowing the ins and outs makes it smoother. Stay informed, stay fair, and keep your salon or spa a great place to work and visit. | |||
| Episode 7 - Predictions for 2024 | 02 Jan 2024 | 00:12:36 | |
Explore the Future of Beauty: Top 5 Trends for 2024 - In this insightful episode of the 'Business of Style,' host Greg Robins, Executive Director at the BeautyCouncil, delves into the five pivotal trends shaping the beauty industry in 2024. Discover how sustainability and eco-friendly practices are becoming integral to salon operations, and the growing importance of inclusivity in product ranges. Learn about the rise of digital and remote beauty services, the evolving role of social media influencers in marketing, and the transformative impact of AI and technology on salon management. Join us for a captivating look at the innovations driving the future of beauty and style. | |||
| Bruce Peters on the Importance of Salon Profits | 02 Dec 2023 | 00:16:53 | |
In our newest podcast, we had a great chat with Bruce Peters from Zazou Salon and Academy. We're unpacking some golden nuggets on boosting your salon's profitability – a must-know for every salon owner out there! Profitability: The Heart of Your Salon's Success Bruce brings a fresh perspective on why profit isn’t just a nice-to-have, but a must-have. We’re talking about the difference between just staying afloat and really making waves in the beauty world. The Real Deal on Profit Margins Bruce sheds light on the startling fact that most salons operate on razor-thin profit margins, and how this can be risky. It’s like being just one wave away from going under! Strategies for Sustainable Growth Here’s where it gets exciting! Bruce shares his insights on smart staffing, managing expenses, and why education and team development are game changers for your salon's revenue. Raising Prices Smartly A hot topic! Bruce emphasizes the importance of periodic price revisions to keep up with demand and market conditions. It’s not just about the increase; it’s about the timing and strategy. Bruce wraps up with a powerful call to action for the salon community – aim for higher profit margins for healthier, happier businesses. Be sure to join the association at www.beautycouncil.ca | |||
| Solo Riff : Reasons to Keep Your Prices in Line with Inflation | 20 Nov 2023 | 00:14:11 | |
Join us in this episode with host Greg Robins as we explore why it's smart for salons to adjust their prices with inflation, covering everything from its impacts on your business to practical tips on making the change smoothly, all with a helping hand from the Beauty Council. Join the BeautCouncil today. https://beautycouncil.ca/membership-account/membership-levels/
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| Part 2: How to Take Control of your Salon Profits | 27 Oct 2023 | 00:15:54 | |
In this episode, we welcome back Caylee Auge for another insightful discussion. Building on our previous conversation about doing more with less, Caylee delves into the concept of financial modeling for salon owners. She explains how to be intentional about your profit margins, the importance of understanding different business models, and why salon owners should prioritize themselves financially. Whether you're struggling to take money out of your business or taking out too much, Caylee offers a balanced approach to help you stabilize your profit margins and grow your business sustainably. Don't miss this episode if you're looking to take control of your salon's financial future. | |||
| Human Resource Management in Salons, Spas, and Barbershops with Carol Warne of The HR Agency | 06 Oct 2023 | 00:26:47 | |
In this comprehensive episode, we explore the multifaceted realm of human resource management in the beauty and grooming sector. We'll also address the critical issue of client data ownership and its significance for both owners and staff. Segment 1: The Role of HR in the Beauty Industry Segment 2: Employee Agreements Segment 3: Chair Renters vs. Employees Segment 4: Non-Competition Legalities Segment 5: Payroll and Compensation Segment 6: Performance Reviews and Employee Development Segment 7: Employee Benefits and Perks | |||
| How to Choose the Best Credit Card Payment System for Salons and Renters | 14 Sep 2023 | 00:32:20 | |
🎙️ Episode Title: "Mastering Payments: Choosing the Right Credit Card System for Your Beauty Business" 🎧 Host: Greg Robins 💡 Episode Focus: 1️⃣ The Importance of the Right Payment System: 2️⃣ Demystifying Fees: 3️⃣ Equipment Choices and Costs: 4️⃣ Mobility Matters: 5️⃣ Reliability is Key: 6️⃣ Customer Service: 7️⃣ Software Integrations: 8️⃣ Chair Renters, Listen Up!: 🤝 Partner Spotlight: | |||
| Do you need to hire more staff? With Caylee Augé | 18 Aug 2023 | 00:21:30 | |
Here’s a question for you. Is there a shortage of staff these days ? Maybe the bigger question is, do we need more staff or should we be looking at how to optimize our salon or spa to do better with the team we already have? Hey beauty and barber pros, welcome to The Business of Style Podcast, brought to you by the BeautyCouncil. My name is Greg Robins and today in our first episode, we tackle the thorny problem that so many of our members are talking about - staff shortages. My guest today is Cayle Auge, a well-loved coach to the professional beauty industry and previous owner of the highly successful Vancouver salon, Hype. Stick around to hear how Caylee offers strategies to thrive with the team you have today in this 20 minute episode. | |||