Explore every episode of the podcast the Hello Hair Pro podcast
Dive into the complete episode list for the Hello Hair Pro podcast. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
Hiring a stylist is hard. Retaining one is harder. Training them from scratch? That’s where most salon owners throw in the towel.
Todd and Jen believe that’s exactly where the opportunity lies.
In this episode, they break down their education funnel—the system they’ve built to train new hires (especially those straight out of cosmetology school) into fully booked, confident, high-performing stylists.
From blow-dry assessments to client-ready test-outs, you’ll hear exactly how they do it, how long it takes, and how it leads to stronger retention, higher performance, and long-term growth.
Whether you’re thinking about training your first stylist or looking to improve the education model inside your salon, this episode will help you build a path that scales with your business and supports your team.
Key Topics Covered:
[00:00] Stop Waiting for the “Unicorn” Hire [00:02] Jen’s Story: Learning the Hard Way at Her First Salon [00:04] Daydreaming Won’t Save Your Business—Systems Will [00:05] Todd’s Opening Rant: $80 Haircuts, Facebook Negativity, and a Dying Industry Mindset [00:12] Stop Asking Facebook What a Lawyer or Accountant Should Answer [00:14] Building an Education Funnel [00:16] Going Wider Reduces Risk and Builds Retention [00:17] Why We Focus on Hiring Stylists Out of School [00:19] How a True Apprenticeship Works (And What States Offer It) [00:20] Are You a “Push Forward” or “Hold Back” Type Leader? [00:22] Our Step-by-Step Training System (From Model to Client-Ready) [00:27] The Blow-Dry Test: A Crucial First Win [00:30] Why Clients Are Paying During Training—and Why That’s a Win [00:32] Adding Services One by One = Confidence + Clarity [00:34] Transparency Builds Trust: Don’t Hide the Training [00:36] Matching Clients and Stylists Without Compromising Standards [00:39] Transitioning From Friends/Family to Real Clients [00:41] Ongoing Training, Redos, and Leadership Conversations [00:44] Education Never Ends—Even for Experienced Stylists [00:46] Paying Stylists and Educators During Training [00:47] What If You Don’t Have Time to Train? [00:49] Be Willing to Let People Go—If They’re Not Growing, You’re Shrinking [00:51] The Term “Apprenticeship” [00:52] Get on the Email List
Key Takeaways:
Unicorn hires don’t build sustainable businesses. Systems do.
Stop outsourcing business decisions to Facebook. Talk to professionals.
Create wins early and often.
Your education system should evolve. What worked 5 years ago won’t work now.
Train transparently. Clients will respect your honesty if you lead with integrity.
Hire slow, fire fast. Don’t hold onto the wrong person just because training takes time.
Education never ends. Even senior stylists should be reassessed regularly.
Connect With Us:
🎧 Subscribe to the Hello Hair Pro Podcast 📸 Instagram: @hellohairpro 💌 Join the newsletter: 321 Pro Push
Real Talk on Hiring, Culture, and Why People Stay.
After a technical hiccup on Monday’s episode (sorry if you caught the glitchy one!), Todd and Jen are back with a full redo—and it might be even better than the original.
This episode covers team retention, leadership, and how to build a salon culture that people don’t want to leave.
They cover everything from how to attract new talent straight out of school, why “luxury” means nothing if your client experience doesn’t back it up, and how simplifying your systems might be the key to long-term success.
Oh—and they don’t shy away from calling out toxic industry mindsets that are holding people back.
Whether you’re running a salon or running a rental model, this episode is full of practical, experience-backed advice you can implement immediately.
🔥 Key Topics Covered:
[00:00] Why We’re Re-Recording + Behind-the-Scenes Podcast Real Talk [00:03] Luxury Isn’t a Word—It’s a Client Experience [00:06] Simplicity Wins: What Lego Can Teach Salon Owners [00:11] Bad Advice on Facebook and the Mentorship Void [00:12] Why You Should Always Be Interviewing [00:15] Don’t Be Salty When Stylists Leave—Plan for It [00:18] Creating a Clear Career Path with Visible Growth Opportunities [00:22] How to Build Education Into Your Salon Model [00:24] Stop Waiting for the “Perfect Stylist”—Hire Out of School [00:28] Buy-In Beats Experience [00:29] Flexibility + Rules = Sustainable Culture [00:32] Why You Might Be the Reason You Can’t Retain Staff [00:34] How to Structure Your Team to Handle Turnover [00:36] The Secret Power of Station Sharing [00:38] Culture Can’t Just Be a Buzzword—It Must Be Defined [00:39] The Fun Factor: Why Energy, Leadership, and Respect Matter [00:41] Culture > Commission: What Stylists Really Want Today
🧠 Key Takeaways:
“Always Be Interviewing” – Even when you’re fully staffed, build relationships now to avoid panic hires later.
Set Clear Growth Paths – Show stylists how they’ll grow with you—financially and professionally.
Hiring Out of School Isn’t a Last Resort—It’s a Strategy – Create systems to train and retain future superstars.
Flexibility Without Structure Fails – Your culture needs rules and systems if you want people to respect their freedoms.
Culture is More Important Than Commission – People don’t just want money—they want meaning, clarity, and momentum.
📌 Mentioned in the Episode:
The failed “luxury” experience rant
A breakdown of our real-world commission system
How Hello Hair Pro does internal education
Our philosophy on interviewing, even when not hiring
The deep clean bonus opportunity for staff
Why hiring the “perfect” seasoned stylist isn’t your best bet
📣 Connect With Us:
🎧 Subscribe to the Hello Hair Pro Podcast 📸 Instagram: @hellohairpro 💌 Join our weekly newsletter: 321 Pro Push! 🌐 Learn more:
In this episode, Jen and Todd discuss how preparedness will set your business apart.
They touch on the importance of growth opportunities, freedom in the workplace, and the value of supportive mentorship.
The episode highlights how using technology and innovative practices can enhance both client and staff experiences.
They also share insights on the essential tasks like maintaining cleanliness, conducting real consultations, and the overall importance of creating a welcoming environment.
With real-life examples and practical advice, Jen and Todd provide a blueprint for running a successful client and employee-focused salon.
00:00 Welcome Back! Catching Up with Jen 00:33 Discussing Last Week's Guest: Brooke 01:22 Preparedness and Opening Takes 02:05 Business Insights: Private Labels and Value Creation 05:24 Career Reflections and Personal Growth 10:03 Creating a Welcoming Salon Environment 13:53 The Importance of Cleanliness and Consistency 19:59 Collaboration at Hello Hair Co. 20:31 Encouraging Collaboration in the Salon 21:17 The Importance of Asking for Help 22:01 Adherence to Foundational Principles 22:14 Product Selection and Client Satisfaction 23:08 Effective Use of Social Media 24:53 Small Touches That Make a Big Difference 26:09 Leveraging Technology for Client Experience 28:42 Creating Growth Opportunities for Staff 31:12 Balancing Freedom and Responsibility 32:22 Supporting and Mentoring Your Team 33:53 Ensuring Proper Equipment and Tools 36:14 Marketing, Social Media, and Education 37:46 Final Thoughts and Conclusion
This week, we're discussing taking action and what happens when you don't.
If you avoid being proactive with your business or career, you will eventually become complacent. Complacency is a silent killer of business.
Even if things are going well, lack of action means you're slowly moving backward. Slowly enough that it's difficult to recognize. Before you know it, you're left wondering why your career has regressed.
Todd tells the story of Blockbuster and how their lack of innovation caused them to fail.
Then, he lists several other large companies that were victims of lack of action.
Todd then tells the story of Kodak and how ignoring technology presented by an employee and their stubbornness was responsible for the company going from 80% market share to bankruptcy.
The reason we chose to tell these stories is that if companies with boards, leadership teams, marketing divisions, management layers, and on and on can fail–so can you. And we don't want to see that happen.
You can't succeed by sitting around. You can't succeed by doing what's worked in the past forever. You must take action, innovate, and progress.
If you're ready to chat about how we can help you take action–reach out here!
This week we're talking about confidence. Let's go!
Up to 85% of people struggle with low self-esteem. Meaning you're not alone.
Why are we seeing such high amounts of anxiety?
Lack of REAL education
Lack of REAL leadership
So many fall in love with the idea of becoming better but aren't unwilling to do the necessary work.
What are you doing now to increase your confidence? Why? How? What does your process look like?
If you aren't doing anything, how come?
Lack of confidence can come from the need to feel in control. Some of the areas of control we desire could be:
formulation
technical cutting ability
consultation
conversation
pricing
Here are some common reasons for lacking confidence:
Skill Development: Confidence often grows with experience and expertise. Newer hair pros might lack confidence simply because they are still honing their skills. The fear of making mistakes or not meeting client expectations can contribute to their lack of self-assurance.
Comparison to Others: Social media platforms can exacerbate this issue by showcasing only the best work of others.
Client Expectations: If a stylist feels unsure about delivering what a client desires, it can lead to self-doubt. Fear of disappointing clients or receiving negative feedback can undermine confidence.
Creative Expression: The pressure to constantly develop creative and innovative styles can be daunting.
Constant Learning: The constant learning curve can make some feel like they're always playing catch-up.
Client Relationships**: Building and maintaining client relationships is essential. Rejection, miscommunication, or difficult clients can all contribute to a lack of confidence.
Client or any Feedback**: While feedback is essential for growth, negative feedback can hit hard.
Work Environment: The salon's environment plays a significant role.
Fear of Rejection: Hair pros often invest considerably emotionally in their work. This can make them fear rejection or negative feedback, causing them to doubt their skills.
Public Nature of the Work: Hair pros mostly work in a public-facing role where their work is displayed. This visibility can make them self-conscious and susceptible to criticism.
Try these things to increase your confidence:
Dress the part
Be proactive
Be realistic
Gain experience-put in the reps
Understand your strengths and weaknesses-be honest
Positive thinking
Exercise
Get away from social media if you struggle with confidence.
Weekly challenge: Do one thing this week to increase your confidence.
This week we're discussing how asking better questions can help drive success in your career.
But first, we talk about NH House Bill 409, which removed a redundant aspect of licensure here in our state.
Here's what was removed from the bill: "[(b) Booths attached to or within a salon or barbershop that are operated independently of the salon or barbershop shall be subject to licensure in the same manner as an independent establishment, except that each independently operated booth shall not be required to have a separate sink or shampoo bowl.]"
This means you don't need an additional license on top of the other two licenses that need to be in place.
Nothing is 100%. Yet, we still see people building echo chambers around their beliefs.
Just because something worked in one scenario doesn't guarantee its success in another scenario.
Gym example question.
We need to dig deeper into the questions we're asking.
Many will ask, "How do I make a million dollars?" A better question could be, "How do I make a thousand dollars and then scale?"
Building a social media following example questions.
Building a clientele examples questions.
If you're interested in finding out how we can help you find more success and take your career to the next level: REACH OUT HERE!
This week we're discussing a problem we currently see across shops of all sizes, ages, and reputations: hanging on to staff.
Here are the notes:
What are you doing now to retain staff and keep them engaged?
What have you done in the past? What have you already tried? What worked, and what didn't?
Have you attempted to replicate anything that's worked or adjust and remeasure something that hasn't?
What EXACTLY are you looking for in an employee?
Remember that you won't retain 100% of your employees in any industry.
Don't take things personally even though in this industry, and it happens in others too; people LOVE to leave and burn the bridge.
Hair pros, there is no reason for you to put down a business that you've moved on from, and there's no reason to burn bridges. You never know what's going to happen in the future.
Give the episode a listen and let us know what you think!
OK, our title may be a little 'clickbaity,' but it got your attention, so it worked.
Here's what we talked about in this episode:
The hair industry is self-sabotaging itself by claiming only one path to success.
You don't strengthen something by dividing.
There is room for all models, pay structures, businesses, etc.
Renting is not new, it's not innovative, it's certainly not 'the future' (whatever that means), but that also doesn't mean there isn't a place for it. It's an amazing path for many hair pros...just not 100% of them. Contractors exist in all fields.
Commission salons aren't new or mostly innovative either, but that doesn't mean they're right or wrong for everyone. Again, 100% doesn't exist.
You will never keep 100% of your money. Sorry, folks, just reality.
These ideas and experiments are just different, and that's OK.
Think about a restaurant or any business; should every employee be the manager? It doesn't make sense. Some employees can't even show up on time or remember the specials, but we expect them to run the operation?
You need to figure out what you want from your career and then make choices that support that. You need a plan. You need some education in business.
The days of 'I'm not a numbers person.' are gone.
Regardless of your choice, it's your responsibility to collect the required knowledge BEFORE deciding to risk your career.
Be less influenced by influencers and wanna-be influencers, and do your homework.
If you need help or would like to chat, please don't hesitate to reach out.
In this episode, we talk about why schools get a bad rep, the mindset of people entering the field, and our thoughts on school in general.
"School only teaches you to pass a test." is a silly statement.
It's your responsibility to learn, practice, and fine-tune skillsets.
We see 3 phases for the 'most' part.
1. Coming out of school, most people have zero confidence 2. After a year or so, most people have an overly-inflated level of confidence 3. After many years, most people realize there's so much to learn
If you're a few years (3-5) into your career, hopping salons, and wondering why you're not where you'd like to be...it's probably you.
Great news! Once you recognize that you're the thing that needs to change, you can change. It's far easier to change yourself than outside factors.
This week we're talking about complacency once again!
DISCLAIMER: I was in the worst mood, for absolutely no reason, when we sat down to record. We ended up laughing about it after because it's not as big of a deal as it seemed in the moment. I left most of my BS and attitude in the episode because I think there's value in the lesson. You don't need to be perfect, or even close, just keep moving forward! -Todd
Here's what we touched on:
Setting goals that align with your business foundations (mission, vision, core principles)
Continuously learn and develop YOURSELF
Embrace innovation
Get your staff engaged
Regularly self-assessment including your soft-skills
Be open to feedback and criticism
Celebrate your wins
Network and collaborate
Reconnect with your purpose
Stay customer focused
The word I couldn't spit out early in the episode was: Compartmentalize
We'd love to hear from you! You can find us on social media, through our website, or HERE!
Finding Your Place in the Hair Industry with Brooke Wrobel
Todd is joined by Brooke Wrobel, one of the hair pros at Hello Hair.
Brooke shares her journey into the hair industry, from her decision to skip college and attend hair school at Empire in Hookset, New Hampshire, to her experiences behind the chair.
They discuss various topics, including the challenges of transitioning from school to professional work, the importance of consultations, and Hello Hair's supportive culture.
Brooke also shares her favorite types of clients, memorable client stories, and struggles with social media and personal growth.
The episode wraps up with a fun, rapid-fire question segment, revealing Brooke’s preferences and quirks.
Tune in for a candid and insightful conversation about the highs and lows of being a hairstylist.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:35 Brooke's Journey into the Hair Industry 01:58 Hair School Experience 05:19 First Salon Job and Challenges 13:14 Joining Hello Hair 17:54 Client Interactions and Memorable Stories 21:17 Importance of Consultations 22:58 Styling Tips and Product Use 23:41 Working at Hello: Collaboration and Support 27:14 Salon Culture and Client Interaction 32:22 Social Media Challenges and Strategies 37:18 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts 42:10 Conclusion and Future Plans
If you've enjoyed something we've published or would like to see a different topic covered, please let us know so we can continue creating things specifically for you and your business.
This week we're talking about some skills that will help you become a better person, leader, hair pro, or really anything.
Then we dive into Jen's most recent apprentice and what the beginning of the program looks like.
The SKILLS:
Virtuosity the character, ability, or skill of a virtuoso
Patience the quality of being patient, as the bearing of provocation, annoyance, misfortune, or pain, without complaint, loss of temper, irritation, or the like.
Focus a state or condition permitting clear perception or understanding
Empathy the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experiences of another
Candor unreserved, honest, or sincere expression
Fortitude strength of mind that enables a person to encounter danger or bear pain or adversity with courage
Today we're talking about leadership. We also had Jen blindly rank superheroes because it seemed like it would be fun!
Poor “leaders” worry about how things will affect them and what sacrifices they may have to make instead of approaching scenarios with empathy and compassion.
Being a leader sometimes means you’re making sacrifices others won’t. Bad leaders aren't willing to make sacrifices, and if they do, my god, are you going to hear about it.
Adding to a messy business in an attempt to drive growth is a mistake made by misinformed leaders.
Every additional thing that requires your attention takes attention away from your main business. Bad leaders use this strategy.
It’s not about avoiding or not having problems; it’s about understanding how to deal with them.
Here are some topics on improving your leadership we covered:
Keep learning
Practice communication
Lead by example
Empower and create opportunities for others
Delegate
Actively build and foster your culture
Stay organized
Focus on REAL customer service
Embrace feedback
Network and collab in the real world
HELLO HAIR PRO
There is no secret sauce.
We’re not here trying to charge people for “courses” and “modules”. There's nothing wrong with those things; it's just not us right now.
You can find pretty close to 100% of the information we share on your own.
We’re not interested in pretending that we’ve got the secret sauce; we’re here to do these things: show you how to grow your business, speed up your growth, and provide accountability.
Why are we doing this? We want to help. That's it.
A business needs to be in a state of constant marketing.
Let's talk about the Instagram Blue Check Subscription
They removed increased reach as a benefit on March 17th
"Expand your reach with increased visibility and prominence in some parts of IG and FB like comments, search, and recommendations." This "benefit" was removed.
My 2¢
I think it's a plan by a giant company whose numbers are dropping.
I think it's tricking many people into thinking something cool will happen because most people are looking for a magic pill.
Most people think, "If I just do this one thing, it'll put me over the top!" when you should think, "How can I do common things uncommonly well."
Again, it goes back to asking the RIGHT questions: How can I stand out to my target clients is a much better question than what can I do to get popular on an app?
If you have a small following or are trying to build your clientele, focusing on a blue badge next to your name isn't help you. Use that $15 for marketing that will give you a measurable return.
Here's where you should focus:
Internally
Ask the RIGHT questions
Decide WHAT you want to do - What services do you want to offer or highlight?
Decide WHO you want to serve - avatar
Figure out WHERE those people are - This could be digital or in the actual real world.
Figure out HOW you will make them aware of your existence - how will you stand out?
In the real world
Bring coffee to a local business owner and chat with them
Setup a time to speak at a local hair school
Volunteer at a local school event in your town - We're setting up at the father-daughter dance in our elementary school
Find an open house or other events that might be looking for people to attend - we've been invited to business owner groups, and you can be too!
Online
Focus
Try - Give an honest effort
Focus on the WHERE your potential clients are and not on where you want them to be - for example, if your peeps are on FB, but you're only posting on IG, then you won't experience as much success.
Be clear
Stop trying to impress other hair pros - that does NOTHING for you
Focus on being the best solution to people's problems, your target audience.
Self-Awareness: The Key to Personal and Professional Growth
In this solo episode, Todd explores the critical topic of self-awareness and its impact on both personal and professional life.
Todd opens with a light-hearted take on family bonding over NBA basketball, underscoring the importance of real-life connections in an increasingly digital world.
He discusses the influence of ego, social media pressures, and living in echo chambers on one’s ability to self-assess accurately.
Todd also shares personal anecdotes from the hair industry and his experience as a gym owner to highlight the importance of self-awareness in achieving success and continuous improvement.
He emphasizes the value of journaling, mentorship, and remaining curious to enhance self-awareness.
00:00 Introduction and Updates 00:28 The Importance of Self-Awareness 02:05 Opening Take: NBA Playoffs and Family Time 05:45 Self-Awareness in the Hair Industry 07:47 Understanding the Dunning-Kruger Effect 13:05 Lessons from the Gym: Tracking Progress 15:36 Podcast Journey and Social Media Strategy 24:32 Common Mistakes in Business and Self-Awareness 28:53 Practical Tips for Increasing Self-Awareness 31:59 Conclusion and Call to Action
In episode 83, we were excited to sit down with Tyler Sullivan.
Tyler is a son, a brother, a dog lover, a business owner, a friend, and someone we enjoy having conversations with. He's more stuff too, but this is a podcast description, and we only get so many characters.
We talk over tons of topics that we hope will inspire some thought and, if required, some action.
Our conversation lasted over 2 hours, and we've decided to break it into 2 parts rather than edit a bunch of stuff out.
Tyler, alongside his brother Kerry and sister Lauren, owns New England's longest-standing independent beauty supply distributor, Sullivan Beauty. His role within the company is Director of Business Development.
We don't often have guests but have recently considered exploring new avenues. Sitting down with Tyler was a no-brainer for us.
We knew he'd drop some knowledge bombs, inspire action, and bring some fun!
When you meet Tyler, there's one thing that becomes clear almost immediately. . .he's here to help others succeed and he does it by caring.
Some of the topics we covered:
History of Sullivan Beauty
Sullivan Beauty HQ in Hooksett, NH - the think tank, the learning center
Education
Sullivan Beauty's corporate structure
The dynamic of working with family
A distributor's role in the industry
How and why Hello Hair decided to align with Sullivan Beauty
The differences between an independent distributor and a conglomerate
What the client experience looks like at scale - is it still cool to text?
Staying relevant
Enjoy, and tune in next week for part 2!
Also - if you have someone you think we should chat with, let us know.
Here's some contact info that you should check out, ya know, if ya want to: IG: @shampootyler Website: sullivanbeauty.com
In this episode (we're both fighting the longest-lasting cold ever), we're talking about a few strategies we've used to put clients in chairs.
Topics covered:
Facebook. Facebook isn't dead; in fact, we've leveraged Facebook to bring plenty of clients into Hello Hair Co. You can do the same, and it does NOT require paying for adds, but it does work best with effort and a strategy.
Referrals. Referrals work, but they need to be done properly. Telling 100% of your clients that you want to do their friend's hair may not be as effective (quite often, it isn't) as targeting your BEST clients.
The real world. It's easy to post to social and be done, but nothing compares with real-world interaction and creating relationships in your community.
Effort. Random could work. You might get lucky. Having a focused, thought-out approach will always yield superior results in the end.
We'd LOVE a review!
If you found value in this or any other episode - please head to Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen and leave us a 5-star review.
That would help us to get the show in front of more people, and we'd truly appreciate your help!
Do you struggle to turn a profit with your business? Or find yourself wondering why your revenue isn't where it should be, despite your hard work and dedication.
The truth is, it's not uncommon for salon businesses to experience struggles and setbacks along the way. But to turn things around, you first need to identify the root causes of those struggles.
In this episode, we dive into identifying some of the root causes/issues a business may face.
Whether you're a seasoned salon owner or just starting out, this episode will help you think about things in a different way.
What we touched on:
Poor financial management: Many salon owners struggle to manage their finances effectively, leading to cash flow issues, debt, and difficulty paying bills on time.
Low customer retention: If customers are not returning to the salon, it can be a sign that they are not satisfied with the services or customer experience. This can lead to lost revenue and reduced profitability.
Low staff morale: If staff members are unhappy, it can impact their productivity and customer service, leading to reduced revenue and profitability.
Outdated marketing strategies: If a salon is not attracting new customers, it may be due to outdated marketing strategies or a lack of social media presence.
Inefficient operations: If a salon is not operating efficiently, it can lead to increased costs, decreased productivity, and lost revenue.
Inadequate product or service offerings: If a salon's product or service offerings are not meeting the needs or desires of its target market, it can result in decreased revenue and profitability.
Lack of differentiation: If a salon is not offering unique services or experiences, it can be challenging to stand out in a crowded market and attract new customers.
Overhead costs: If a salon's overhead costs are too high, it can make it difficult to generate a profit. Overhead costs can include rent, utilities, insurance, and other expenses associated with running a business.
Inadequate technology: If a salon's technology is outdated or inefficient, it can impact productivity, customer service, and overall profitability. This can include outdated booking systems, point-of-sale software, or other tools used to manage the business.
In this episode, we're looking at salon culture, its meaning, and how to change yours if needed.
We start by defining what we're talking about when we say "business culture," which is your values, beliefs, and behavior.
Todd tells a quick story about the gym world and what happens when you're lazy with defining your culture. Hint: You end up looking exactly like everyone else.
The role of leadership for salon culture.
Strategies for Building a Positive Salon Culture
Hiring the right people and creating a TRUE team environment
Fostering open communication and constructive feedback
Encouraging creativity and professional growth
Eliminate obstacles and create growth opportunities for others
Promoting Workplace Wellness Understand the importance of physical and mental wellness.
Building Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Common challenges in the hair industry and their impact on salon culture and workplace wellness
Get rid of THAT person who disrupts your culture in a negative way
Coping with stress and preventing burnout
Encouraging a culture of resilience and growth
Coach and encourage your team
We hope you enjoyed the episode! We'd love a review, a share, or a hello, so hit us up!
Before jumping in, we chat briefly about Jen's most recent trip to Savannah, where she spent a week with the evo team.
Customer service has two sides (like everything), and we must address both.
What we're calling the science side is made up of the technical aspects, such as understanding client behavior, needs, and challenges. Then relying on data and metrics to guide decisions.
What we're referring to as the art side is the skillset of tools that you'll use to service clients. This is how you communicate, showing up with enthusiasm and making sure that your clients are having a good time, feel understood, and are excited to come back to see you again.
We'll dive into this more in an upcoming blog post!
Today we're talking about balancing family, work, creativity, personal well-being, and more!
Finding ways to create balance will positively impact your business and life outside of work. The process does take some time to develop, but we promise it's worth your efforts.
“Consistently working late is not necessarily a sign of a hard worker, but rather the inability to use time wisely.” —Victor Bretting
Understanding the Challenges
The challenges that hair professionals face in balancing creativity and business.
Some real-life examples.
Strategies for Success
Planning
Asking for help
Scheduling
Setting realistic goals and prioritizing tasks.
Setting aside time to NOT work together.
Setting boundaries and delegating responsibilities.
Importance of Self-Care & Outlets
The importance of self-care in balancing creativity and business.
Go to another salon and have a service.
Exercise
Meditate, float, walk, or get a massage.
Taking care of oneself can impact the ability to balance.
Outline various self-care practices that hair professionals can adopt to maintain balance.
Don't take yourself too seriously
Book a call to find out how we can help you gain more balance!
Transformative Leadership Insights: Lessons from Starbucks and Chili's CEOs
In this episode, hosts Jen and Todd kick off their discussion with engaging opening takes on the importance of self-care and effective leadership qualities.
Jen discusses her career in the hair industry and the crucial role of self-care in achieving longevity in the profession.
Todd shares a surprising statistic about American-made clothing and suggests that great leaders inspire those around them.
The hosts delve into lessons from the CEOs of Starbucks and Chili's, highlighting how these leaders successfully pivot their companies by streamlining operations and focusing on fundamentals.
Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol emphasizes creating a consistent customer experience, while Chili's CEO Kevin Hochman showcases innovative changes in kitchen operations that have massively increased efficiency and sales.
They encourage listeners to look beyond their industry for inspiration and always be open to reevaluating and upgrading their business practices.
00:00 Introduction and Greetings 01:09 Opening Takes: Self-Care and Career Longevity 03:09 Opening Takes: Made in America and Leadership 06:14 Starbucks: Learning from a Giant 07:44 Starbucks: Addressing Challenges and Innovations 11:07 Starbucks: Focusing on Customer Experience 17:37 Chili's: Streamlining for Success 18:24 Chili's Kitchen Overhaul: Streamlining for Success 19:47 French Fry Fix: Simplifying for Speed 21:26 Team Insights: Listening to Your Staff 23:24 Menu Slim Down: Less is More 25:10 Marketing Moves: Competing with Fast Food 26:51 Consistency is Key: Delivering What You Promise 32:09 Fundamentals First: Mastering the Basics 33:30 Final Thoughts: Continuous Improvement
We're covering some topics in this episode, including expanding your business and customer service.
We talk about expansion because it's a very tempting option for many but a wrong choice for most. If your goal is to expand in any capacity, you must have a solid foundation, including your business plan, mission, vision, core principles, and more.
Some options for expanding:
Franchising: This is when someone pays a royalty to use your business name, model, systems, etc. Not super common in the hair industry, but we touch on it briefly.
Multiple locations: This is when you open another copy of your business in another location.
Expanding in your current location: Knocking down a wall, taking over another unit, etc.
Challenges you'll need to consider when expanding:
Your systems need to be perfected
Hiring, training, and managing
Increasing revenue to cover increased costs
Marketing and advertising
Financial management
Increased risk
Keep in mind; Bigger is not always better. In most cases, it's worse.
In this episode, we're chatting about several topics that surround building a clientele and marketing to your PERFECT clients.
State of Mind
It's important to believe in yourself and your offerings - if you don't buy in, no one else will. This includes your pricing.
Have a positive mindset when it comes to your pricing and work.
Understanding Your Clients
Think about things from the client's perspective
Clients don't care about your certifications; they care about you being the best solution to their problems.
Marketing Strategies
Utilize social media, BUT it's critical to think outside of the box!
Want to stand out? Consider launching a podcast or blog.
You must stand out on social media.
Demonstrating your business's strategic differences can help attract the right clients.
Social Proof and Reviews
Reviews and social proof can help attract new clients.
Your reviews don't have to include only 5 stars; remember, you're not trying to be for everyone; you're trying to find your perfect clients.
Online Booking and Digital Marketing
Making the booking process as frictionless as possible will increase your bookings. Fact. People want simplicity.
Your website needs to have clear contact information, online booking, and consistent branding.
Client Experience
Focus on and evaluate your client experience.
Retention is huge for building business, and keeping current clients happy will lead to more referrals. Those referrals will likely be similar to those sending them.
Follow-Up and Referrals
Following up with clients will make them feel special.
When was the last time you reached out post-appointment to let a client know you appreciate them?
Reach out if you'd like to talk about how we may be able to help your business grow!
You've launched your business, and now you're realizing how much work it takes to be successful.
Today, we're going to chat about some common misconceptions about business, the importance of perseverance, and then we'll dive into some things to think about for steering your business toward success.
Common misconceptions:
Overnight success
Get Rich Quick
Low Risk
No need for education and experience
Everyone can be an Entrepreneur
You get to keep all of the money: This couldn't be further from the truth.
Importance of perseverance:
Let's take a look at the importance of perseverance when it comes to succeeding in business.
Perseverance allows you to...
Overcome obstacles
A long-term mindset
Become Resilience
Learn from failure
Adapting to change & your ability to pivot
Success in business is not a guarantee, and it takes a lot of time, reps, and determination to achieve. It's also important to point out that perseverance doesn't mean to keep doing the same thing over and over again but to keep moving forward, learning, and adapting to the situation.
Objects in motion stay in motion, so DO SOMETHING. Taking action is more important than the actual action. Of course, we don't want to waste time but if you're not sure what to do, just do anything.
All or nothing isn't a good mindset if you're looking to make progress.
The key to client retention. Hint: It's not about you.
Take a good look at your foundation. Mission, vision, core values. Are you living those? Is your team living those?
Personal goals
what do you want to accomplish outside of work this year?
what does time outside of work look like for you?
thought experiment - what does a perfect day look like outside of work?
Business goals
This is where your company vision comes into play. You didn't take the time to create a vision to sit there; you've created these things to guide you.
financial goals
staffing
systems
educational
marketing
culture
sale of business
Evaluate your team - complacency check
if you have a team; now's a great time to check in with them
What the hell is everyone looking for? Why are salons offering 'sign-on' bonuses? Why are businesses struggling to keep employees? Why are hair pros salon-hopping? Why are owners doing the same thing over and over even though it stopped working 8 years ago?
Today we're chatting about these questions and more!
It's vital to understand what people are looking for so that you, as an owner or employee or self-employed or whatever you are, can give it to them.
Instead of salon hopping, learn to have tough conversations that could lead to an improved situation.
If you try something new that doesn't work or doesn't "fill your cup," what's your next move?
Start with yourself. What do you want? What does your dream job look like? What are you willing to sacrifice?
People are looking for:
A clear path to opportunities (what does their growth look like?) the path should take into account the quickest line of action. We all want to minimize the time it takes to get from point A to point B, and that's OK as long as we're not trying to force shortcuts that don't make sense.
Flexibility Scheduling flexibility is an essential thing to today's hair pro. We still have rules at our salon; a free-for-all isn't the answer.
To work with strong, talented hair pros Working with a strong team can boost confidence and creativity.
Structure, goals, something to stand for, and a sense of belonging. Every business needs structure; otherwise, it will fall apart, and chaos will ensue.
Follow through (no more talking, more action) Owners shouldn't need thank you's for every little thing. It's the owner's responsibility to make updates and improvements to the business. We are NOT saying that wanting to feel appreciated isn't valid. It is.
Guidance, leadership, and support Often a new owner will set out with the purest of intentions. Then they quickly realize how much work is involved and become overwhelmed. From there, promises get put on the back burner as stress builds. At this point, they're no longer in a position to provide the guidance their employees require. Owners should actively work on leadership.
Try this:
Toward the end of each year, set yourself by reevaluating how you want the next year to look. Make the changes immediately. Do you want more time off around the holidays? Adjust your schedule now, don't wait until the last minute because you'll be tempted to keep it open.
Owners, don't fall into the trap of complacency. What may work now may not in a year or two. It likely won't work in a decade, and by then, you'll be so out of date it will be difficult (not impossible) to make changes.
Thank you for listening; we wish you the happiest of holiday seasons! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! -Jen & Todd
PS Let's kick off 2023 with positivity, compassion, and growth.
If you're the person who is always saying, "Idk what to post!" it's because you're not putting any effort into it, and that's OK.
Just don't keep lying to yourself with, "I want to get better at this!" No, you don't. You don't.
Do you know how much free material is on the web that literally lays out countless strategies with varying levels of difficulty and/or effort?
You don't want to get better at it, or you would.
Why use social media?
It's free!
It's simple.
It's designed to get you in front of people.
People need to see your offer multiple times before they consider taking action.
Seven (7) is the magic number.
With social media, you could potentially reach someone seven times in a single day or week, or month which is something that was out of reach financially for most just a few years ago.
Keep in mind not all touches are the same.
What is an offer? Your offer is simply telling people what problem you can solve for them.
Stand out - be different - entertainment is big.
Tell stories. Either your or your clients, preferably both.
Effort. If you don't put effort into things, your return will be lower.
Reps. No matter what you're trying to improve, getting in the reps is the answer.
Some things to AVOID (if your goal is to gain clientele):
Don't post to those who aren't your target client.
Don't post only the back of heads.
Don't post without putting effort into your captions.
Don't post without intent.
Don't skip the CTA.
Remember - Have fun with whatever it is you're up to. Our advice is only that, advice. It's based on what we've seen work and not work during our combined 30-ish years of business ownership. You're welcome to take or leave it.
We've got 3 quick topics to touch on today as our mission of brief episodes through the holiday season continues.
This week's topics: It's OK to pivot. Planning for a rainy or, in our case, snowy day. Setting yourself up to conquer 2023!
Pivot If you've tried things and they didn't work, or you're feeling stuck doing something that you launched and didn't quite work out how you pictured. Congratulations! You're in a position to PIVOT!
First, you should recognize the importance and the value that comes with innovation, and that's what you're doing.
Businesses need to constantly be evolving and adapting otherwise, we become complacent. Complacency is a silent killer of businesses.
Sometimes owners become stuck in the paralysis-by-analysis stage, constantly thinking, "this could be good, but what if it's not?" Here's the trick - don't be willing to die on the hill for your ideas.
You're not a martyr, you're a business owner.
If you've implemented something and you've measured it with the metrics that you've laid out, and it isn't benefiting your business...make a change!
Having beliefs is cool, and you should all have your foundations laid out, but if something isn't producing for you, are you willing to lose your business or make less money simply so you can say you did something?
Planning for a rainy day. We're approaching winter here, and in the Northeast, that means snow, ice, stormy conditions, the whole lot of it.
Salon owners should be sticking aside some funds to cover closures.
Don't be the hair pro that's all pissed off because you braved the weather to come in, and your clients felt safer staying off the roads. Instead, be the person who is prepared and isn't impacted by a day off here or there.
Setting up for 2023! Evaluate 2022 before you do anything else.
Get with your accountant and plan.
Go back to the basics - revisit your mission, vision, and core values - how can you drive these forward in the new year?
Write out your goals and then break them WAY down into weekly objectives.
In this week's episode, we're touching on some end-of-year thoughts. Our goal is to keep episodes brief through the holiday season because we don't want to hold everyone up with our rambling. ;)
"No matter how brilliant your mind or strategy, if you're playing a solo game, you will always lose out to a team." -Reid Hoffman
Thoughts we touched on:
Your impact on the economy as an entrepreneur
The importance and responsibility that comes with being an entrepreneur
Navigating the Beauty Industry: Debunking Myths and Bad Advice from Schools
In this episode, Jen and Todd discuss the misinformation and bad advice being spread by cosmetology schools, particularly regarding business models in the beauty industry.
They share personal anecdotes about leadership and client care, emphasizing the importance of understanding one's clients and providing exceptional service.
Jen also highlights the importance of proper nutrition for optimal performance.
The conversation then shifts to the pitfalls of booth rental versus commission salons, the unrealistic expectations set by schools, and the need for thorough research and mentorship.
They emphasize the importance of shadowing various salon environments to make informed career decisions. Ultimately, the episode aims to offer thought-provoking insights and practical advice for beauty professionals to thrive and sustain successful careers in the industry.
00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:15 Opening Takes: Leadership and Snacks 02:00 Client Relationships and Business Practices 02:17 The Chewy Story: Customer Care 05:32 Challenges in the Hair Industry 06:09 The Reality of Booth Rentals 10:20 The Importance of Continued Education 14:11 Shadowing and Forming Your Own Path 16:34 The Importance of Team Collaboration 17:33 Challenges in Booth Rental Salons 18:39 Misleading Advertisements in the Salon Industry 21:14 The Value of Shadowing and Internships 23:28 Defining Success in the Hair Industry 29:16 Avoiding Social Media Traps 32:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
"Most entrepreneurs are trying to be artists instead of operators." -Gary Vee on why most people won't succeed
In this week's episode, we chat about busy times and how to leverage them for continued growth.
Don't hide behind the fact that you'll be busy during the holidays (or any time).
Instead, continue taking action to grow your business.
The holidays will come to an end, and you'll be right where you were when they began.
This isn't the time to take your foot off the gas if you're trying to build or make progress.
You can 100% enjoy your holidays; no one is taking away from that. In fact, you should take time around them to enjoy yourself with friends and family, and you should guard that fiercely by having boundaries with clients and work, but that's another topic for another day.
The trick is to stay focused on the details. Don't skip the little stuff because you're busy, or you won't STAY busy.
"Plans are useless, but planning is essential." -Dwight D Eisenhower
Another thing we should consider is planning ahead for the upcoming year. If you experience an influx of clients and you find yourself a lot busier around the holidays, take the time to identify slower times of your year and plan accordingly.
Save some money, maybe.
We need to get out of this just deal with stuff as it happens mindset. Too many people will accept being slow and hope they make it to the busier times.
When a tiny amount of time planning could be what gets you ahead and allows you to build something that's actually stable.
Skipping the fundamentals because you're busy is never a good game plan.
We've seen people do it at our salon. A hair pro starts to build a bit, and suddenly the details start to take a back seat.
When we talk to other hair pros, one of the common things we hear is, "how do I find more clients?" and that's an OK question but not the one you should be asking. The question should sound more like, "How do I find the right clients for my business?"
So today, we're going to break down some strategies and thoughts that will help you gain more "seed clients" remember, seed clients are the clients who pay your prices, don't complain, respect you, and treat you how you deserve to be treated.
You have to believe in yourself and your offering SINCERELY, from your pricing to your work. This all starts with your state of mind.
The second step is to think about how things look through other people's eyes. You are not the main character in other people's lives; they are. They likely don't care that you took another certification by a popular cleaning product. They care if you're the best solution to their problem. That's it.
Think outside of social. Social is cool, and it's free, and we recommend utilizing it. But we must use other platforms and strategies we'll dive into soon. Since we are still using social media, here are a few things to consider.
You need to create for the target audience: if you're not an educator or trying to be an educator, you probably shouldn't be posting formulas. You should prob post before & after pics (show the face!), show people being happy, and show their eyes.
You need to learn a touch of photography, even if you're using a phone. In fact, especially if you're using a phone. You need to understand a little bit about lighting, composition, and on and on if you want to stand out.
You need to be different on social (and any marketing efforts), or you won't stand out. Stop copying everyone and posting the backs of heads repeatedly–it doesn't play to how potential clients think.
Demonstrate your business's strategic differences.
Reviews & Social Proof
Online Booking
Make the process as frictionless as possible.
Digital Marketing
Website
Contact info: hours, location, current photos and videos (yes, videos)
CLEAR CTA
Online booking
Bio page
Vibe and branding should be true and consistent
Other possibilities to explore:
podcast
blog
Retention is HUGE!
Client experience should be a focus for every salon business.
Should you do this or that? Is it worth paying attention to the systems everyone's arguing about online?
In this episode, we'll run through a few systems to consider.
"People think innovation is just having a good idea, but a lot of it is just moving quickly and trying a lot of things." – Mark Zuckerberg.
At the end of the day, it's YOUR business, and you should do what's best. Our opinions and thoughts come from our personal experiences. Before making changes to your business, it's important to weigh the pros and cons and do LOTS of learning on the particular topic.
Systems we touch on in this episode:
Pricing structure
Discounts
Tipping
Cancellation policies
Booking deposits
Closed books or always accepting new clients
Promotions and deals
Retail
Marketing
Sales
Retention
Rental or commission
Want us to dive deeper into a specific topic? Let us know!