Beauty Business Strategies
The podcast where salon, spa, medspa, barbershop, and lash studio owners learn quick tips to make more money, inspire their team, and create world-class client experiences.
Episodes
Real Results with Sydney Lopez: Social Media That Books Clients
Ready to stop chasing viral trends and start booking clients who are excited about your actual services? We sit down with creative director and educator Sydney Lopez to unpack a simple, repeatable social strategy that turns your feed into a pre-consultation engine. From rainbow hair transformations to realistic blonding timelines, Sydney shows how educational carousels, clear captions, and honest
8 Weeks to Increased Profit With Robert Reed of Ergo
The last ten minutes of a service can make or break the whole visit. We invited Robert Reed, founder of Ergo Research and a celebrated educator in professional beauty, to unpack why finishing is so often overlooked and how to turn it into a repeatable system that delights guests, protects stylists’ bodies, and drives real revenue. From the psychology of open-ended questions to the ergonomics of ai
Financial Literacy As A Beauty Industry Power Move
Tax talk gets real when it changes how much cash you keep. We sat down with CPA and beauty industry specialist April McDaniel to decode the $25,000 tip income deduction, the permanent FICA tip credit now available to salons and spas, and the exact systems owners need to make tip reporting airtight. April explains who qualifies, why married filing separately is a deal-breaker, and how income thresh
The 90 Minute Revenue Boost with Andrew Caruso
Frizz doesn’t need to flatten your personality. Andrew Caruso from Pure Brazilian joins us to rethink what “Brazilian” means today, breaking down the difference between smoothing and straightening, how modern formulas protect curls and coils, and why a clean, low-odor service changes everything for clients and teams. If you’ve been wary of fumes, downtime, or harsh grow-out lines, this conversatio
What's Next for Strategies: A Fresh Start
The future of beauty leadership doesn’t live in hustle culture or lone-wolf success stories—it lives in healthy companies where people grow, paychecks are stable, and culture drives the numbers. Robert Maraglia sits down with Barbara and Brett Pierce to share why they bought a three-decade education company and how they’re modernizing it without losing the backbone: financial clarity, team-based p
Build The Brand Clients Choose Every Time
What if your clients chose your salon for the experience and results, not the name on the station? We sit down with Cindy Reynolds, owner of Mermaid Hair Extensions in Seattle and Kirkland, to unpack a brand-first, team-based model that turns marathon extension services into a smooth, three-hour transformation. Instead of booking a stylist, guests book the salon. The calendar reads “Team Mermaid,”
Why Cash Tips Are Not Coffee Money
UPDATED NOTES!Laws have been updates since this was recorded. Important updates are time stamped:7:36 Start discussion about $25k tip income deduction.10:52 Reminder that laws are still being written.11:35 Reminder that this is a Federal law, States may or may not do something, FICA still applies. Must file joint return if single. NEW – must have income to take deduction15:10 Shift to ow
Making Your Clients the Stars: Social Media Strategies That Work for Salons and Spas with Sydney Lopez
In this episode, we’re joined by Sydney Lopez, a social media expert and stylist with over a quarter million followers on Instagram, to explore how salon and spa owners can revolutionize their approach to social media. Sydney shares her client-centered strategy that shifts the focus from showcasing services to celebrating the real stars of your business: your clients. Learn how to create an online
Cutting Costs, Not Creativity: Salon Profitability with Vish
In this episode, we sit down with Tim Howard from Vish to uncover how salons can dramatically cut color waste, improve profitability, and create a more sustainable business. Learn how Vish’s groundbreaking technology reduces waste from 40% to just 5%, while making every service on your menu equally profitable. Tim shares insights into the latest trends in salon data and practical tips on how to ma
From Injury to Innovation: Ben Atanga’s Journey to Holistic Wellness with The Stretch Loft
In this episode, we sit down with Ben Atanga, a dynamic entrepreneur who is reshaping holistic wellness. Ben shares his path from studying child psychology to founding The Stretch Loft, a cutting-edge business that harnesses the power of stretch therapy and guided breathing to release tension and promote healing. His personal experience with injury recovery led to the creation of The Stretch Loft
From Compliance to Crisis Management: The Essential Role of HR in Salons/Spas with Infiniti HR
Join us as we sit down with Eva DuPont from Infiniti HR and Heather Watkins, a waxing studio owner thriving with Human Resources support, to uncover the invaluable benefits of HR services for even the smallest of beauty businesses. Hear firsthand how HR expertise not only ensures compliance with essential laws but also acts as a vital safety net during challenging situations, like when a viral soc
How to Boost Your Salon/Spa's Visibility Online with the CEO of Glammatic
Join us as we sit down with Ameet Kallarackal, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Glammatic, who reveals the secrets to dominating your digital presence. Ameet shares compelling insights showing that a whopping 72% of potential clients search for salons and spas on Google first, making it imperative to rank high in search results. He unpacks the pitfalls of relying solely on platforms like Facebo
Tax Planning Essentials for Salon/Spa Owners with Tina Azarvand
On this episode, we sit down with seasoned tax attorney, Tina Azarvand, as she shares expert tax strategies tailored specifically for beauty entrepreneurs. From exploring the benefits and drawbacks of sole proprietorships, LLCs, and S-Corps to emphasizing the importance of proactive tax planning, Tina equips you with the insights needed to optimize your tax obligations and compliance. She delves i
Leadership Secrets for Managing Salon/Spa Teams with Laura Hess
How do you turn a group of individuals into a thriving, cohesive team? In this episode, we sit down with Laura Hess, the General Manager of A Glo Spa and Salon Co., who shares her secrets to leading a dynamic salon team. Discover A Glo's approach to managing diverse personalities and work styles, using tools like personality assessments to ensure everyone is on the same page. Learn how celebr
Mastering Beauty Business Finances: Bookkeeping Strategies with Randi Rose
In this episode, we're diving into financial stability in the beauty industry with our insightful chat featuring Randi Rose, co-founder of Thrive Business Services. Discover why relying solely on increased sales won't cure your financial woes, and learn how meticulous bookkeeping can transform your business. Randi shares indispensable advice on managing costs, understanding proper pricin
Creating a Motivated and Engaged Salon/Spa Team with Christi Newell
How do you transform a small beauty business into a thriving enterprise? Join us as we chat with Christi Newell, the visionary owner of A Glo Spa and Salon Co, who has done exactly that. Discover how Christi grew her salon from a team of six in 1999 to a bustling business with 45 employees through innovative leadership strategies. You'll learn how Christi identifies and nurtures individual ta
Recruiting and Hiring Techniques for a Growing Beauty Business with Sarah McGee
Join us as we chat with Sarah McGee, the innovative owner of Thirty Hair Salon in Columbia, Maryland. Sarah, a second-generation hairstylist, opens up about her unique journey and the effective hiring strategies that set her salon apart. Discover how she leverages a strong team culture to not only attract top talent but also ensure long-term success in leadership and business growth.You'll le
Creating Safe Havens: Beauty Care for Cancer Patients with Kim Becker
How does one conversation change the course of a life? Join us for an inspiring story with Kim Becker from Hello Gorgeous, a nonprofit born out of a dream to help women battling cancer feel beautiful again. Listen as Kim reveals her incredible journey, shifting from a legal career to becoming a passionate hairdresser, salon owner, and now non-profit founder. Sparked by a pivotal discussion with he
The Financial Metrics Every Beauty Business Owner Needs to Know with Daryl Jenkins
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by financial statements and unsure what they tell you about your business? Join us as we strip away the complexities of financial literacy with Strategies' Director of Coaching and Educator, Daryl Jenkins. In this episode, we break down three critical financial documents every beauty business owner needs to be familiar with into simple, digestible concepts. By l
A Veteran Stylist's Perspective on Working in a Team-Based Salon with Deja Coleman
Ever wondered how a team-based company can elevate your professional game? Deja Coleman, a veteran stylist with 25 years of experience, joins us to share the impact working in a team-based salon has had on the trajectory of her career. Deja shares how the dynamic team environment at Goldwaves Salon in Fort Worth, TX has paved the way for her incredible career milestones, including winning multiple
Building a Salon/Spa Team with Shared Values and Individuality with Kelly Swann
On this episode, Kelly Swann joins the pod to share how she created a salon environment that's not just cutting-edge (Hello, Certified B Corporation!) but a nurturing ground for awesome company culture. Kelly's salon, Let Em Have It in Denver, CO has blended camaraderie with individual flair, earning them a spot among the prestigious Salon Today Top 200 for Culture in 2024. Join the conv
The Origin Story of Team-Based Pay in the Beauty Industry with Neil Ducoff
Ever wondered how Team-Based Pay came to be in the beauty industry? We sit down with the pioneer of Team-Based Pay and Strategies founder, Neil Ducoff, as he spills the tea on the business model that's reshaping the beauty industry. As a former salon owner himself, Neil shares his pivotal shift from commission to the hourly model that empowers beauty businesses to focus on collective success.
Transforming Salon Culture by Valuing Every Voice with Michell Bartlein
On this episode, we sit down with Michell Bartlein, owner of Savoye Salon in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Certified Strategies Coach, and recent Salon Today Top 200 winner in the Culture category. Michelle shares her personal journey of transforming Savoye Salon into a thriving community where team members are valued as equals, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and innovation. From annual ret
We Answer Britt Seva's Questions About Team-Based Pay
In this special episode, we answer questions about Team-Based Pay (TBP) raised by Britt Seva in her Thriving Stylist podcast episode titled "Commission Structures That Work Today."Listen to her episode of reference here: https://thrivingstylist.com/podcast/332As fans of the Thriving Stylist podcast, we were thrilled to be included in the conversation about pay.In this episode, we're
Building Your Dream Team: Finding Talent That Thrives in Your Salon/Spa Culture with Leslie Winterrowd
On this episode, Leslie Winterrowd, a seasoned salon owner and Certified Strategies Coach, joins us to share her wealth of knowledge on recruiting and hiring service providers that fit your salon/spa. Together, we dissect the nuanced art of crafting job postings that don't just speak to the skill set but resonate with the core values and culture that make your salon/spa stand out. Leslie&apos
Balancing Payroll Costs and Team Happiness in Your Beauty Business
In this episode, we tackle one of the most pressing issues facing beauty business owners today: PAYROLL. We discuss the delicate balance owners must maintain between meeting employee expectations for higher pay and ensuring the financial health of their company. You'll learn valuable insights on how to approach this challenge, including the importance of communication, career paths for employ
Revolutionizing the Salon Workweek for Maximum Efficiency with Wafaya Abdallah
In this episode, Wafaya Abdallah, owner of Curly Oasis Inc, reveals how specializing in curly hair and embracing a team-based approach dramatically increased productivity. This episode isn't just about the highs of winning a productivity award; it’s a raw look at the challenges that followed, including the departure of key staff members. Wafaya opens up on what it takes to rebuild, proving t
The Beauty Industry's Wake-up Call: Powering Growth in Your Business Post-Pandemic
In this episode, we navigate the choppy waters of the beauty industry's post-pandemic financial recovery, from the lifeline of PPP loans to the newfound urgency of profitability. Reflecting on those who emerged from the storm unfazed, we unveil why a solid financial foundation isn't just helpful—it's imperative. Join us as we dissect the transition from survival to growth, emphasizi
From Pop-Up Parties to Thriving Medspa: An Owner’s Journey
In this enlightening episode of the Beauty Business Strategies Podcast, we sit down with Alicia Bonner, a former physician assistant who boldly embraced entrepreneurship to establish Bella Mobile Aesthetics.In our candid conversation, Alicia takes us through her unique transition from organizing pop-up Botox events to founding a successful brick-and-mortar medspa. She openly discusses the hurdles
Salon/Spa Profitability Through Efficiency
Get ready to revitalize your salon's approach to efficiency and profitability! On this episode of the Beauty Business Strategies podcast, we speak with Tim Howard, Chief Innovation Officer at Vish, a technology-based company that takes a revolutionary approach to hair color management.During our discussion, Tim shares his insights on managing hair color inventory, reducing waste, and understa
Empowering the Beauty Industry: A Conversation on Trust, Communication, and Leadership
What happens when you combine open communication, vulnerability, and trust in the beauty industry? You get Trisha Koppert, the general manager of Dulcederm, who believes in the power of a safe and inclusive workspace. Get ready to explore a stimulating conversation on the art of empowering not only the owner but also the team, interpreting the owner’s wishes, and transforming difficult conversatio
Becoming an Eco-Friendly Salon
On this episode of the Beauty Business Strategies Podcast, we are joined by Valorie Tate, "corporate misfit" and owner of Sustain Beauty Co. Valorie is an industry expert on sustainable salon practices and is deeply passionate about transforming salons and spas into eco-friendly spaces. During our conversation, Valorie shares the importance of sustainable beauty business practices and ho
Avoiding Salon/Spa Owner Burnout w/ Erica Cuni
Burnout comes for us all, especially in a field like the salon and spa industry that is physically and emotionally demanding. However, you don't have to wait for it to get "bad enough" to do something about it. You can start right now!In this Beauty Business Strategies podcast episode, we sit down with "The Burnout Professor," Erica Cuni LMFT, CIMPH. Erica is a Leading Int
Bringing Balance Back to Your Salon, Spa or Lash Studio - Shelby Tarleton
In this episode of the Beauty Business Strategies Podcast, our host, Michael Yost, sits down with returning guest Shelby Tarleton, the owner of Pink Lady Lash in Austin, TX, founder of Lash Boss Summit, and host of Lash Boss Radio to discuss the joys and challenges of owning a salon, spa, medspa, barbershop or lash studio.Join us as Shelby shares her insights on navigating the common stumbling blo
Leading with Empathy - Lessons from Serious Business
On this episode of the Beauty Business Strategies Podcast, we're joined by Carol Augusto, the executive producer and "dream builder" behind the celebrated beauty industry conference, Serious Business.We'll dive into the inner workings of running a successful conference, the leadership skills required to make it happen, and the teamwork, empathy, and trust necessary to make it t
Creating a True Quality Experience for Salon/Spa Clients
Ready to level up your salon or spa's client experience? Don't settle for just "pleasant" - give your clients an experience they won't forget! In this episode of Beauty Business Strategies Podcast, we're joined by Megan Schmidt and Autumn Queen - owners of Identity Atelier in Columbus, OH - as we break down the step-by-step recipe for creating a "true quality exp
The Team-Based Hiring Blueprint for Salons & Spas
Get ready to build your dream team!On this episode of the Beauty Business Strategies Podcast, we're chatting with Marian Sang, owner of the highly sought-after Omagi Salon & Spa in Louisville, KY.During this discussion, Marian shares her secrets on building a thriving company culture and A-team staff — from attracting your ideal candidates to conducting killer interviews and keeping top t
Inspiring Evolution in Your Salon or Spa
The lifespan of a salon, spa, or medspa will always have its ups and downs. Sales will fluctuate, team members will come and go, and the industry will go through different phases. To survive and thrive, your business and team must continually adapt and evolve with these changes. But how?In this episode of the Beauty Business Strategies Podcast, Laura Pinkas, owner of Shine Hair Color & Design
Salon/Spa Leadership & Inspiring Your Culture
How do you inspire your salon/spa teams when you need inspiration and support for yourself? Tune in to this episode of the Beauty Business Strategies Podcast to find out, as we are joined by two amazing members of the Strategies educational team: Educational Director Barbara Pierce and Certified Coach Leslie Winterrowd. In this lively discussion, Leslie and Barbara help us dissect the joys and pre
Building Business Momentum Through Relationships
Meeting the right people can be life-changing — or career-making! In this episode of the Beauty Business Strategies Podcast, we're joined by Aria Jayne, owner of Sucre Sugaring Studio in Everett, WA, and winner of the Momentum Award at Strategies' 2022 Team-Based Pay Awards.Aria is the poster child for the phrase "leap of faith." She left behind a stable career in the corporate
Harness Your Holiday Momentum!
Ah, the holiday season. The stockings are hung, the appointment book is full, and retail sales are plentiful. So why does your holiday momentum have to end with the new year? It doesn’t! Tune in for this special edition of the Beauty Business Strategies Podcast as Certified Strategies Coaches Leslie Winterrowd and Jason Hoopiiaina bring the holiday cheer as they sit down to unpack how to capitaliz
Flexible Scheduling & Honoring Your Team
Could your salon or spa be doing more with less? In this episode of the Beauty Business Strategies Podcast, we sit down with Wafaya Abdallah, owner of Curly Oasis in Rockville, MD, and DevaCurl-certified curly hair specialist. Wafaya transformed her salon post-pandemic by transitioning to a four-day work week and bringing self-care into the workplace. Tune in for a fascinating dialogue about the b
Looking in the Mirror as a Salon/Spa Owner
Sometimes, it’s easy to get caught up in being The Boss and forget that you are also a part of your team. In episode 6 of the Beauty Business Strategies Podcast, join us for an insightful conversation about leadership and overcoming adversity with curly hair specialist Yukiko Taylor, owner of OlyCurl in Olympia, WA. Yukiko, winner of the 2021 Team-Based Pay Award for Best Turnaround, shares how a
Balancing “We” & “Me”
In this episode of Beauty Business Strategies, we are joined by Robert Reed and Brock Goldberg from Ergo for a compelling discussion about communication, collaboration, and consistency. We dive into how the age of social media has changed the industry’s mindset from “we” to “me” and how that shift has affected team dynamics, communication styles, inspiration, and goal-setting. Tune in for some wor
Experience vs. Influence on Social Media
In this episode of Beauty Business Strategies, Paul and Tussanee Luebbers from the LashCast Podcast join us to discuss the evolving role social media plays in growing a successful beauty business. We also explore how to ensure you're using your influence for the greater good of your company and community. 1:03 - Background4:32 - Shifts in the industry6:26 - Jumping to the head of the line bef
A Salon Owner's Journey: Adaptability, Empathy & Tough Conversations
In this episode, Rachel Beechboard, owner of Libelle Beech Salon in Lebanon, TN, joins us to share how adapting her leadership role through empathy and tough conversations has strengthened her salon's team culture, increased customer loyalty, and fueled overall growth.Time stamps:2:34 - What are you most proud of? (Shift in culture, leadership, and team)5:14 - Evolving your leadership role9:2
What if the Green Bay Packers Ran Your Salon/Spa?
In this episode, Strategies coaches Michael Yost and Michell Bartlein are joined by Jerry Montgomery, Defensive Line/Running Game Coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, to discuss all things leadership and culture. But what does an NFL coach have to do with salon/spa business? Well, you're about to learn that Jerry's knowledge about building teams transcends industry. You'll hear hi
Creating Team Leadership in Your Salon/Spa...the Ted Lasso Way!
In this episode, we are joined by Brett Pierce, a Certified Strategies Coach and owner of The Masters Salon in Huntsville, AL, for an in-depth discussion of creating team leadership in your salon, spa or medspa...the Ted Lasso way!Time stamps:1:20 - Background4:56 - Team Leadership the Ted Lasso way12:52 - The importance of meeting people where they are as a leader15:12 - Leading by example18:01 -
