In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Sam Kendall, CEO of SalonIQ, one of the UK’s leading salon software companies. I always enjoy conversations with tech providers because they see real data, and that means real insights into what’s happening inside salons across the industry. Sam and I talk about AI, automation, online booking, the shift towards self-employment, and the surprising number of salons still not using salon management systems.

We also dive into the trends SalonIQ is seeing in average bill size, rebooking, client retention, and retail sales. Plus, we explore how software is helping drive efficiency, improve the guest experience, and even replace some front desk functions.

Whether you’re tech-savvy or still relying on your appointment book and pen, this episode is a must-listen for understanding how technology is shaping the future of the salon business.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Intro and welcome - Meet Sam Kendall, CEO of SalonIQ

[03:12] What makes SalonIQ different

[10:57] Nearly 50% of salons still don’t use software!

[12:16] The online booking gap and what’s holding salons back

[15:08] Salon software and self-employment trends

[18:40] What’s stuck post-COVID: deposits, self-check-in, AI

[22:30] Is AI replacing your receptionist?

[25:18] What might salons look like by 2035?

[28:28] Trends in client retention, average bill, and retail

[30:59] Why retention is the biggest problem in the industry

[34:16] Retail: flatlining or full of potential?

[38:12] E-commerce: are salons really making it work?

[39:12] Frequency of visit, are we gaining ground?

[41:22] Where to find out more and connect with Sam

Want MORE to help you GROW?

📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/

🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/

RATINGS + REVIEWS

🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!

They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.

👉 Here's what you do:

- On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first)

- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'

- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars

- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏

Until next time!
Antony

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👉 FOLLOW SALON IQ!

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In this episode, I’m diving into a conversation that might annoy some people, but it’s a conversation that needs to be had. We’ve got a leadership crisis in our industry. Not because people don’t care, but because too many salon owners don’t realise what they signed up for when they opened their doors. Leadership isn’t optional. It’s the job.

This episode is for every salon owner who wants their team to succeed but feels stuck, frustrated, or just plain exhausted. I’ll break down why so many stylists aren't earning what they could be and why that’s partially due to the leadership (or lack of it) they’re working under.

If you want a business that thrives and a team that sticks around, this one’s for you.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Intro and recap of episode 291

[02:15] The leadership gap that’s hurting our industry

[03:01] Why poor leadership creates poor productivity and pay

[04:22] The difference between wanting to be paid more and earning more

[06:45] The uncomfortable truth: it is about money

[07:17] When the tail is wagging the dog, owners who’ve lost control

[09:59] What real leadership looks like in successful businesses

[11:42] Why people will leave and why that’s okay

[13:39] Leading by example (not micromanaging)

[15:30] Why we avoid leadership and why it’s still worth it

Want MORE to help you GROW?

📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/

🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/

RATINGS + REVIEWS

🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!

They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.

👉 Here's what you do:

- On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first)

- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'

- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars

- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏

Until next time!
Antony

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

Episode 291 Why Do Some Stylists Earn So Much More Than Others?

The Super Stylist Course The step-by-step System for Maximising Productivity and Profits in Your Salon

👉 FOLLOW US!

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In this episode, I sit down with long-time industry leader Keri Davis-Duffy, whose career as a salon owner and educator spans more than three decades. Keri shares the wisdom earned through real-life experience, leading employee-based salons in a state that turned compensation models on their head, navigating leadership challenges, building culture, and bouncing back from the inevitable setbacks every salon owner faces.

We talk candidly about staff walkouts, transitioning to hourly pay, creating flexible schedules for today’s workforce, and the crucial difference between being a great hairdresser and being a great business owner. Keri doesn’t sugarcoat it; salon ownership today is a different game entirely, but she offers grounded, inspiring advice for those brave enough to take it on. If you’re serious about building a business that lasts, you’ll want to soak up every minute of this conversation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:00] Welcome and guest introduction
• [00:56] Keri’s salon history and business model
• [04:17] Why she built an employee-based salon in a booth rental world
• [09:44] How California’s labor laws changed compensation models
• [15:14] Designing an hourly pay system that rewards productivity
• [19:35] Tracking performance and managing seasonal fluctuations
• [24:07] Wisdom for new salon owners in 2025
• [30:13] The walkout that changed everything
• [34:05] Lessons in leadership and communication during crisis
• [38:26] Adapting to Gen Z and flexibility in scheduling
• [41:36] Biggest challenges facing the salon industry today
• [43:14] Quick-fire insights: manufacturers, educators, tragedy, drama & more
• [51:24] The value of mentorship and giving back

Want MORE to help you GROW?

📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/

🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/

RATINGS + REVIEWS

🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated!
They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.

👉 Here's what you do:

- On your phone, Click here (Read steps below first)

- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'

- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars

- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏

Until next time!
Antony

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

👉 FOLLOW US!

Instagram | Facebook | Website

👉 FOLLOW KERI DAVIS-DUFFY!

Instagram | YouTube | Website