Salon Owners Collective

How To: Achieve your Dream Salon!

Let’s face it, being a Salon Owner is challenging at times. It’s not something you instantly know how to master, it takes a lot of learning and adjusting along the way. There are so many things to nail when it comes to running a Salon, from the team to the clients and sales.  So wouldn’t it be nice to have some simple yet effective advice from someone who’s tackled these aspects themself? Well today I’m chatting with Mhairi McQueen. Mhairi is a member of my Salon Mastery Coaching Prog...

Your Guide to the Ultimate Salon Takeover!

I'm sure at one point or another, you've thought about expanding your Salon business, but have you ever thought about taking over a Salon that already exists?  This may sound scary, after all being the new face to a Salon environment and not knowing what to expect isn’t something we particularly like. Even if you are the leader, you still feel the pressure of making a good impression... In order for people to cooperate, they need to trust and respect their leader. There are so many imp...

BREAKING: The Success of Your Salon Begins with You

What if I told you that the key to growing a Successful Salon is as simple as looking in the mirror?  Now, I’m not saying that your dream Salon will magically appear if you look at yourself in the mirror and say 'Tabitha’ three times. What I am saying is that you are the one who determines if your Salon is a success or not.  I know it's easy to get caught up in external factors like your team underperforming or clients no longer making bookings... But, as Salon Owners, what we forget is t...

3 Crucial Steps to Make Your Salon Stand Out on Socials

It’s no secret: times have changed. If you think about it… when was the last time you picked up a phone book to make an appointment purely based on a name and number? Not very often, if at all, right? Gone are the days of going somewhere we know nothing about. We now live in a digital world overpopulated with online information. Everything we need to know can be found with a few clicks online. You might be wondering… why is this so relevant to the Salon Industry? Your clients expect r...

The Secret Ingredients to Running A Successful Salon

The vision of running your own Salon is exciting … to begin with. You get to be the leader and do things your way instead of coming under someone else's authority. Sounds like the dream, right? But as you know, the reality of this has its challenges. It’s all good and well having a vision but actually making it happen takes skill and steps to get there. Being a salon owner requires a whole new level of expertise… from managing a team, to increasing profit, not to mention being a markete...

Protect Your Salon When She Says “I’m Leaving”

There are a few questions that I often get asked in my work with Salon Owners… But without a doubt, one of the most common, and most stressed questions sounds like this: “My team member is leaving… and they’re opening a Salon down the road! HELP!” OMG… I get the pain, this is a seriously stressful situation. And there are actually quite a few problems like this that crop up for Salon Owners... like, i’m sure as you read this you can picture a time when a similar stressful situation has ...

Breaking the Stigma Around Home Hair Colour…

I’m kind of scared to say this, because I know it’s something that makes a lot of Salon Owner’s eyes roll… That’s right, today we’re talking about home hair colour. And I know you might be thinking, “But Larissa, you used to be a hairdresser, why are you talking about home hair colour!?” OK, let me explain… The stigma around home hair colour is something that’s circulated our industry for years… like, I get it. Why do your hair at home when you can come in and be pampered in my amazing sa...

How to Employ People… For Free?

As a Salon Owner, do you often struggle to keep your wage bill down? I know this can be tricky for many business owners… there’s a constant tug of war between wanting to grow and hire new team members, but also wanting to avoid blowing the budget on wage costs! Did you know: you can employ people for free? If you can get team members income generating in your business FAST... they can cover their own wage and make themselves FREE! I know, I know, you’re probably asking “how the heck can...

Putting Yourself Out There to Achieve Salon Success

Being a Salon Owner can feel scary at times! It can feel like there’s no one there to guide you when things are uncertain…. or even to celebrate you when things go right! Salon Owners are often afflicted with this feeling of loneliness or anxiety… we feel alone in business and like there’s no one around us who understands! That’s why I wanted to bring ultra-successful Salon Owner Kate Henderson on my Podcast today, so that we could chat about all things Salon Owner Success. In this epis...

Life Hacks to Master Your Inner CEO

I’ve been there. You’re juggling too many balls, wearing too many hats and the pot is starting to boil over… You get to the point where there’s so much going on in life that when even the smallest thing goes wrong - you lose it! I think every Salon Owner can relate to this. We are businesswomen… creative entrepreneurs, but we’re also mothers, daughters, wives, partners, hairdressers, marketers, cleaning ladies, taxi drivers, councillors… OMG the list just doesn’t end! And when the stress...

How To Create a Sustainable Salon

I’m sure Sustainability is something you’ve heard a lot about in recent years.  Whether you’re completely in support of this movement, or you aren’t fully ‘in the know’, one thing that’s undeniable is the rise of the sustainability cause and sustainable salons in our industry. But I know there’s one question that many Salon Owners ask themselves when they hear this: What’s the cost? I know it can feel scary to spend more on companies and providers whose sustainable products & values mea...

What To Do When Team Members Leave- 3 Step Plan

When team members leave you, it can feel like you’ve been betrayed… Like… “How dare they?!”... right? I totally understand that feeling of rejection when one of your team leaves, especially when they move to another Salon down the road! We all want our staff members to be as invested in our Salon Business as we are… and we can easily forget that sometimes this just isn’t the reality.  Should we expect our team to be as invested in us? I have a few opinions on this… plus an action plan t...

Defying the Odds: Opening a Salon Via Zoom?!

Did you know: it is possible for a Salon business to excel in the current climate?! I get it, this may sound crazy to some. Covid-19 has affected so many businesses in this industry in so many ways, most of which have been negative. But when I tell you that I know someone who has defied all odds with her story, I'm not exaggerating! Meet Haylee Benton. Haylee is a 3x Salon Owner and ‘serial entrepreneur’ who has a mass of achievements under her belt… But what we are going to focus on tod...

Engaging Clients During a Global Pandemic

I think the most accurate word to describe the past year in our industry has been: unpredictable. With the global pandemic rocking Hair & Beauty Salons across the globe, and most closing their doors at one point or another, it’s important to remember that we always need to be prepared for anything.  And a huge aspect of that, which I saw many Salon Owners struggle with in lockdown especially, was keeping their clients engaged. Hair & beauty professionals strive in that 1:1, client-facin...

3 Critical Keys to Growing a Rockstar Team

Some Salon Owners that I see, are actually starting to think “I don't want to grow”.  Maybe there's an inability to find great staff and to fill empty chairs...and this is a real problem for growth.  Don’t get me wrong, there are some smart, savvy business owners whose businesses are growing rapidly. But there's still this fear around getting ‘too big’ and not being able to sustain growth.  And I think that fear and frustration comes from worry.  “What if my team leave and decide to rent...

Creating Healthy Boundaries: Ditch the Addiction!

Are you addicted to being busy? When you’re deep in a pit of overwhelm, and it’s been that way for longer than you actually realise… Then it might be time to take a step back and truly ask yourself this question. I see so many Salon Owners with these HUGE to-do lists, with lots of people relying on them and who are really still stuck in the day to day operations of their business. And don’t get me wrong… i’ve been there! But what I realise now, is that I didn’t want to let those things go...

How to Master Your Inner Salon CEO – Part 1

If you want to move toward your goals, and gain more freedom and more profit in your business, then these are the 5 critical things you need to know.  2021 is the year to Master your Inner CEO and ultimately master the art of Salon Success so you can have a break though year… not just this year but every year.  And it's not success if it's at the cost of your sanity and time with your family. Life is too short to live overworked, underpaid, stressed and overwhelmed. So it’s clear to me tha...

How to Master Your Inner Salon CEO- Part 2

Are you ready to step up into becoming a real CEO of your business? Maybe you’ve had a year of feeling stuck, or like nothing that you try is really working. We’re into a new year now, and you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed with all the things.  But what if you could make 2021 a breakthrough year… rather than just having another year of 'average'? Something needs to change! It’s time to start doing less, achieving more and moving faster. The magic is in the doing… so it’s time to get s...

Leading Your Team to Success, and More Advice

Do you ever feel like it’s a struggle to handle team dynamics in your Salon? You’re trying to do ‘all the things’ and wear ‘all the hats’... and when leading a team gets thrown into the mix, it all starts to feel a little overwhelming… I totally get that! In this industry, we are constantly managing humans… whether that’s our clients, or our staff members. And when we’re trying to run a successful business on top of that, it’s important we be a #bestboss and lead our team effectively. Th...

The 1 Thing You Should Know When Making Salon Decisions

Being a Salon Owner can be a rollercoaster of emotions. Especially when you feel like your Salon is your baby… it can be so easy to become super attached to everything in your business…. But sometimes, I think it’s important for Salon Owners to remember that they need to separate themselves from their business and make decisions based on data and facts, rather than emotions. I know that this can feel tricky and scary, and that it can be hard to detach yourself… But if you want to grow a...

How to Stand Out on Social Media

There is 1 thing that is going to make your Salon stand out on Social Media amongst all your competition. Do you know what it is? It’s probably one of the reasons you started your business. It’s probably even something you think about every day. Know what it is yet? Well, if you don’t… then that’s OK! Because in this episode, my guest Leslie Lyons, is going to reveal all... She will share with us the 1 secret that we all have at our disposal… that we probably aren’t even using w...

The 3 Steps to Better Wealth

So many people are scared of Money. And if that resonates, don’t worry- I totally get it. The topic of Money can feel like this overwhelming thing that looms over you 24/7… something inescapable that people try so desperately to ignore for as long as possible! I’m here to say - it’s time for Salon Owners to remove their heads from the sand when it comes to money! I see so many Salon Owners every day who are struggling when it comes to making money and profit- but it doesn’t have to be th...

What You Could Be Doing Wrong When Looking For Staff

Throughout my 36+ years working in the hair and beauty industry, there is 1 challenge so large that it is still affecting Salon Owners to this day. Can you guess what it is? I’m sure you probably guessed it… It’s an issue so prominent and internationally widespread, and something I help Salon Owners with almost daily. That challenge is, finding staff. In this industry, if you really think about it, we actually sell time with humans. And those humans need to be experts! But what are we...

How to Rid Your Salon of Toxic Team Members

I want to talk about how to rid yourself of toxic team members.  Especially as we enter a new year, we have this opportunity to turn the page and start a new chapter, write our own endings.  And sometimes we need to face up to some of the challenges that we have, that are stopping us from our growth and being the best that we possibly can.  I really want to talk about this problem, because as I started to look back throughout 2020, this one came up a lot - challenging team members that ar...

A Year in Review: Lessons Learned in 2020

Let’s take a moment to reflect. As we step into 2021, a new year filled with new possibilities... we first must look back on the year that’s passed, in order to look forward into 2021. To make the best of 2021 you must become someone different than you've been in 2020. If you do the same as you did last year, nothing will change- everything will stay the same. Lunacy is doing the same as you’ve done before, and expecting a different result. Let’s work toward bringing out your best & beco...

Level Up in 2021- Part 3

I love planning out my future because it reminds me that I am in control of writing my own story book.  Ultimately, we are the only ones who get to decide what happens in our lives and in our businesses, but what that takes is planning and dedication. You have to dedicate time to act as your salon’s CEO. If being a ‘CEO’ feels like a huge leap from where you are now, that’s okay. Remember you have to be true to where you are in your journey and start from there.  If 2021 is going to be d...

Level Up in 2021- Part 2

It’s time to decide that 2021 will be different.  Are you ready to make the decision to become the Salon CEO you want to be? As your business grows and moves through the different stages, you get better at your job as a CEO and your priorities shift. It is possible to balance your business life with your personal life, it’s just a matter of learning how.  The first step is deciding that you’re going to go for it in 2021. You have to make a conscious decision that you will not settle for a...

What Got You “Here” Won’t Get You “There”

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we can’t always rely on things going to plan. At the end of the day, we can only rely on ourselves and what we know to truly shape our lives into what we dream of. Sometimes, we need to take matters into our own hands, write our own story and give ourselves a fresh start…  Really utilise the opportunity that is 2021, to turn over a new page and truly step up to ensure your business is thriving and not just surviving in the new year. Because remember: ...

Level Up in 2021- Part 1

If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we can’t always rely on things going to plan. At the end of the day, we can only rely on ourselves and what we know to truly shape our lives into what we dream of. Sometimes, we need to take matters into our own hands, write our own story and give ourselves a fresh start…  Really utilise the opportunity that is 2021, to turn over a new page and truly step up to ensure your business is thriving and not just surviving in the new year. Because rememb...

How to Re-Vamp Your Salon Marketing in 2021

Long gone are the days where perfection was the key to success on Social Media. Given the tumultuous year we’ve all experienced together, I think it’s especially evident now, more than ever, that what people are craving on Social Media is raw, human connection.  But I know that can be easier said than done! That’s why today, I’ve brought in Salon Social Media expert Britt Seva to share her knowledge. Britt and I will chat all about how you can turn your Social Media around in 2021 and re...

Hangry Hairdressers at Christmas Time?!

The Secret to Pricing Your Services Right

Your clients want to know, like and trust you. And what that all comes down to is your area of expertise and what you can do for them… that’s what clients care about, after all! And a huge part of that is your pricing. I think too often Salons are afraid to put their prices up, or feel nervous when it comes to establishing a pricing structure, because they’re scared of what their clients will say, or what people will think.  But when it comes down to it, if your expertise is clearly esta...

The Biggest Mistakes to Avoid as a Salon Owner, and more

Do you ever have something go wrong in your business, or learn a lesson and think: Damn, I wish I’d known that before! I know the feeling, and I’ve been there! That’s why in this episode, I’m going to share all my best advice on owning a Salon based off of my own experience… ...From buying my own Salon at only 19 years old- with only me and one other team member- to 20 years later when I grew a team of 30! Trust me, I made all the mistakes under the sun, and now i’m sharing my journey...

The 3 Keys to Running a Successful Business

Being a Salon Owner can be an emotional rollercoaster. Trust me, I get it... Over my 20 years owning a Salon and growing a team of up to 30… there were a lot of ups & downs, team dramas, personal dramas, babies, weddings… and all the rest!  The emotional rollercoaster that you experience when working in an industry that revolves around ‘humans’ is REAL… and it can feel crazy at times! But one of the most important lessons that I learned as a Salon owner- and that i’m still practicing i...

The 12 Steps to Survive a Salon Christmas

Throughout my 20 years owning a Salon, I fought my way through many crazy Christmases...exhausted and burned out, until I discovered some key ways to truly make a shift and move from exhaustion to exhilaration. Like, let’s be real… For most other people, Christmas is a happy time to spend with family and get festive, but in our Industry, it can often feel like we're the only ones working ourselves to the bone! It's the harsh reality we Salon Owners know to be all too true: The Silly Seas...

If You’re Not on Google, You Don’t Exist

It’s 2020… and do you know what that means? If you’re not on google… you don’t exist. Google is one of the most useful, yet under-utilised tools we business owners have at our disposal today. Many salon owners think all they need is some socials...And don't get me wrong, so many Salons get their clients from Instagram, FB… BUT you could be leaving money on the table. There are so many opportunities on Google to really expand the reach of our business, up our digital marketing game and tru...

What You Need to Know Before Expanding Your Business

A couple of weeks ago, I released a Podcast episode all about the topic of opening another Salon. I want to know… is this something you’ve ever considered? In that episode, I shared my story…. Now? I’m going to share the story of my great friend, Janine Simons. Janine is a Salon Owner extraordinaire who’s basically an expert in all things business and marketing… I feel like we grew our businesses side by side back in the day - in fact, we were literally across the road from each other...

Start Paying Attention to This Now- Before It’s Too Late!

Should I Open Another Salon?

I want to ask you: Have you ever thought about opening another Salon? Maybe you’re super excited by the opportunity of having more than 1 business, you thrive on adrenaline and enjoy the chase of success. I know the thrill of growing your business and having a clear purpose in life… it’s a real thing, and I know because it was definitely part of my own journey.  That’s why in this episode of the Podcast, I want to share my journey with you. Specifically, my journey with opening a second...

Stop Letting Your Finances Intimidate You

Be honest… Do the words ‘credit’ and ‘finance’ kind of scare you? I know this is the case for so many Salon Owners… and I used to be in the same boat! But when you own a business, it’s essential to not only know about these things, but actually actively consider them when making decisions within your business. Luckily for you though… i’ve brought in the big guns! Today i’m chatting to Geri, a credit & financing expert. In this episode Geri is going to share with you her top tips when it...

How to Go From Winging it, to Killing it in Business

A lot of Salon Owners that I know often feel like they are fumbling around in the dark… like they know they want to #kickass in business… but they just aren’t sure how! I mean, after all, most of us have training in hair or beauty, but no training in business. So as business owners, we feel the pressure to run a high performing business… when half the time, we feel like we’re just winging it! In this episode of the Podcast, I’m talking to Megan Panozzo. Megan is a business owner and friend...

Is Your Salon’s Marketing Too Vague?

A lot of Salon Owners are afraid to make their marketing too specific, or to ‘narrow down’ their ideal client too much… because they think it’s going to damage the size of their potential clientele. But did you know, the opposite is actually true?! “Niching Down” and really honing in on your Ideal Client through targeted Social Media & Online Marketing is the best way to attract more of the clients you love into your business! Because when you try to attract ‘everyone’... you actually ...

6 Ways to Make More from the Clients you Already Have

Did you know... There are only 3 ways to make more in your salon… Attract more clients into your business Ensure the clients that you DO have, are spending more each visit Make sure your clients come back… and come back more often If you increase each of those 'ways' by 20%... your business actually grows 68%... This is how we get exponential growth. But the question remains… How do we make this happen?! The answer? Through systems and processes. We need to ensure the Systems & Proce...

The Importance of Educating Your Team

There’s a quote by Benjamin Franklin that I love, which says: “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.” Now, you’re probably wondering… “How does this apply to a Salon Owner?!” Well, I assure you it does! Let’s break it down... As Salon Owners, we want our Salon to be the known expert in its area of specialisation. Whether your Salon’s ‘thing’ is blondes, balayage, bold colours, edgy cuts, or red skin, aging skin or another specialist process… we all know how great it is to ...

Adjusting Mindset for Salon Success

Do you ever feel like you have these big dreams to grow… But you’ve hit a plateau?! You can never seem to get past a certain point, no matter how hard you try… Well what you might not realise, is that you could be getting in your own way. Your Salon CEO Mindset could be the 1 thing that’s stopping you from achieving your dream Salon Success…. In this episode, I’m joined by Amira Alvarez. Amira is the Founder of the Unstoppable Woman, and she helps business owners like you adjust their m...

Why Salon Owners Should Stop Prioritising “Being Busy” Over Growing

Why Salon Owners should stop prioritising being busy over Growing a salon.... Most Salon Owners I work with come to me at a point when they are overwhelmed, over-committed... and either they personally, or their business, is suffering as a result.  The business is getting away from them, they feel on edge all the time or are having team challenges. It’s not because they don’t LOVE their business, in fact they are uber passionate about growing their business! It’s because they’re LOST in a...

The Keys to Nailing Salon Pricing

It’s a Salon CEO’s job to ensure that their Salon reflects their ideal client. And when I say ‘ salon’- I mean ALL of it! I’m talking about everything from branding, to services and knowing how to value those services… but I know this can feel tricky! Luckily, there are a few hacks I want to share with Salon Owners on how to get the correct pricing for their Clients & Salon. In this episode, I’m chatting with Mick Dwyer. Mick is an Author, App Developer & Keynote Speaker and today he’s g...

THIS is Your Number One Purpose as a Salon CEO

I believe there is 1 thing that is your number 1 purpose in life as a CEO of a Salon. You’re probably wondering: “Well… what is it?” 3 words: Income. Generating. Activity. When you spend time on Income Generating Activity that results in either new client acquisition, or better serving your existing clients- then you naturally increase income, sales & profit.  In this episode, I'm going to share with you 5 income generating activities that you need to be carrying out, in your business. W...

THIS is The Number One Purpose of a Salon CEO

I believe there is 1 thing that is your number 1 purpose in life as a CEO of a Salon. You’re probably wondering: “Well… what is it?” One word: IGA Do you know what IGA is? When you spend time on IGA that results in either new client acquisition, or better serving your existing clients- then you naturally increase client spend, retention, and more.  In this episode, I'm going to share with you what IGA means and 5 IGA Ideas that you need to be carrying out, in your business. With the o...

Social Media Mistakes to Avoid

Do you ever click onto Facebook or Instagram and spontaneously post a before & after photo… just because it seems like the sort of thing you ‘should’ be doing? You don’t really put much thought into the post or caption… because you’re not actually sure what the thought behind the post even is in the first place… right?! So many Salon Owners that I know do exactly this. They vaguely know the outcome they want to achieve from Social Media in general, but they aren’t thinking about the outcom...