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

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Until next time!
Antony

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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

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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:

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In today’s episode, I want to get real about something that many salon owners don’t like to hear… your team problems might not be about your team. They might actually be about you and your style of leadership.

We talk about the difference between being “the boss” and being a true leader. Because if you want loyalty, innovation, trust, and long-term commitment from your people, barking orders or crossing your fingers and hoping for the best won’t cut it.

This episode is about finding the balance, between control and chaos, between command and collaboration. It's about stepping into leadership so you can build a salon culture that attracts and retains the right people and brings your vision to life.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[01:33] Boss, manager, leader or just owner? What’s the difference?
[03:01] Why leadership matters more than ever in salons
[03:46] Is your team the problem… or is it you?
[04:52] The struggle of finding balance as a salon owner
[05:51] What real leadership looks like in practice
[06:41] The cultural cost of “boss-style” management
[07:26] How to begin your transition from boss to leader
[08:46] Celebrate wins and acknowledge progress
[09:35] Your team reflects your leadership
[10:00] What happens when you grow as a leader

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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In this episode, I sit down with Australian salon owner Luke Reynolds to talk about one of the most powerful drivers of salon success, which he believes is investing in the personal development of your people.

Luke shares how he's integrated monthly life coaching sessions, meditation practices, and even equine therapy into his team culture. It’s a fascinating conversation about building confidence, communication, and community in the workplace, and the profound effect this has on the day-to-day salon environment.

What I really loved about this chat is how naturally these initiatives grew into a cornerstone of Luke’s business, creating a safe, supportive, and high-functioning team that clients notice and appreciate. We also touch on the challenges younger team members face today and how personal development tools can help them not just survive, but thrive. If you're passionate about building a culture that retains great people, this is one you won’t want to miss.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Intro and welcome

[00:48] Meet Luke Reynolds and his culture-first approach

[02:00] Why Luke brought in a life coach for his team

[05:00] Addressing anxiety and mental health in apprentices
[07:00] How personal growth improves communication and confidence
[10:35] Creating a safe, vulnerable space for learning
[13:00] Why Luke stays out of the sessions and what happens after
[16:35] When the life coach couldn’t come: Sound healing and meditation
[19:45] How these initiatives impact salon culture and performance
[21:30] A client’s unsolicited feedback that says it all
[27:11] Equine therapy as a team building day
[30:00] Trust, communication, and personal breakthroughs with horses
[37:10] What’s next for Luke’s team
[38:44] Wrapping up and plans for a follow-up episode

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 LUKE REYNOLDS HAIRDRESSING!

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👉 FOLLOW LUKE REYNOLDS!

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Welcome to episode 300! It’s a milestone I’m incredibly proud of, and I want to thank you for being part of the journey. Whether you’re listening while walking the dog, doing the school run, or lifting weights at the gym, I’m grateful to have you here.

In this episode, I’m sharing the 10 timeless principles of salon money management. These aren’t fluffy ideas; they’re hard-won lessons from my own experience and from years of coaching salon owners around the world.

If you want to go beyond just “doing great hair” and actually run a profitable business, this one’s for you. Let’s make sense of the numbers and start building a business that works for you, not the other way around.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Celebrating 300 episodes and listeners around the world

[02:22] Why timeless business principles still matter

[03:00] The hairdresser-to-business-owner journey

[04:02] Why financial literacy matters more than talent alone

[04:57] Principle 1: Revenue does not equal success; profit is the real goal

[05:55] Principle 2: Separate your business and personal finances

[06:38] Principle 3: Be careful who you take advice from

[07:16] Principle 4: Learn to love your numbers

[08:15] Principle 5: Focus on your core salon offering

[09:00] Principle 6: More money isn’t always the solution

[09:36] Principle 7: More clients don’t always mean more profit

[09:53] Principle 8: Invest in your business and personal growth

[10:16] Principle 9: Build an emergency fund, stuff happens

[11:00] Principle 10: Money is a game, learn to play it well

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:

Free Masterclass - The Financially Savvy Salon Owner - Monday, June 23rd - Save your seat

The Money Course - You don't need to be a numbers genius. You just need the right steps in the right order to transform your salon’s financial future. Find out more

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In this episode, I’m joined by Narad Kutowaroo, Creative Director for Unite Haircare in the UK, to talk all things Fashion Week and specifically, the Runway Ready bootcamp that gives hairdressers the opportunity to work backstage.

Narad shares how Runway Ready gives salon stylists real-world experience at London Fashion Week and beyond, and more importantly, how the skills learnt translate directly back into faster, better, and more confident salon work.

We also discuss why styling is more than just “hair up,” how to thrive under pressure, and the impact this kind of creative experience can have on your confidence, speed, and even client attraction. Whether you’re curious or committed, there’s something here for everyone.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Welcome and introduction to Narad Kutowaroo and Unite’s Runway Ready bootcamp

[02:23] Origins of Runway Ready - from US concept to global expansion

[03:25] The inspiration behind opening doors to Fashion Week

[05:33] What to expect during the two-day bootcamp

[07:35] Who can enrol and what are the experience level requirements

[15:59] Experience levels - from new graduates to 30-year veterans

[22:13] Benefits for salon owners sending their teams

[32:38] The motivation and transformation of a Fashion Week experience

[35:23] Mix of salon employees and self-employed stylists

[39:03] Biggest misconceptions about editorial work and who is suited for this type of work

[44:22] How to find out more about Unite’s Runway Ready bootcamp and connect with Narad

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:

👉 Click here to find out more about Unite’s ‘Runway Ready Bootcamp’

To listen to a previous episode with Andrew Dale founder of Unite, head to Episode 097

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👉 FOLLOW LACEYS HAIR & BEAUTY!

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👉 FOLLOW UNITE UK!

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👉 FOLLOW NARAD KUTOWAROO!

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In this episode, I’m sharing a real-life story from one of the salon owners in my online money course. She found herself heading into a cash flow crisis, not because she was doing something wrong, but because life happened. Staff resignations, injuries, and pre-booked leave collided to create a perfect storm of reduced income.

The good news? She saw it coming. And that’s the power of planning.

We walk through the strategies I shared with her, what to do, what to avoid, and most importantly, how to stay calm and proactive. Whether you’re in a financial squeeze or just want to bulletproof your business, this episode is packed with practical advice and a big reminder: the best way to survive a crisis is to see it coming and prepare before it hits.

IN THIS EPISODE:

[00:00] Introduction and today’s topic: managing a cash flow crisis

[00:55] Real-life scenario from a salon owner in the Money course

[04:57] Ideas to increase income before touching savings

[06:22] Strategies for short-term staffing solutions

[08:55] Reducing outgoings: where to trim the fat

[10:12] Hiring strategically: assistants and productivity

[14:41] 10 key lessons for navigating a cash flow crunch

[18:03] Free resources and upcoming Money course info

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:

👉 How to Navigate a Path Through Difficult Financial Times - Free Video Training. Visit our Free Resources page and have the video and workbook sent straight to your inbox!

Online Money Course - Find out more!

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