Profitable Salon Owner Podcast

0:00 - Why dream team building matters 0:33 - Stephanie Fox’s journey in beauty and recruiting 2:12 - The most important element in team building 3:50 - How leaders must evolve with the workforce 6:07 - The two stakeholders every salon depends on 8:37 - When owners should hire support to lead better 11:31 - How to create real team culture and trust 16:03 - How to balance team needs with business reality 20:05 - What recruiting actually means in salons 24:55 - The biggest recruiting mistakes salon owners make Learn More About Our Sponsors: Collins: http://collins.co/hpsa L'ANZA: https://www.lanza.com/ MYA: https://joinmya.com/ AURA: https://aurasalonware.com/hpsa/

In this episode, you'll learn: Celebrating all wins means recognizing effort, risk, and progress, not just outcomes Immediate celebration creates emotional connection and builds confidence faster Struggling team members improve when owners focus on what they are doing right Celebration should be personalized so it feels encouraging, not performative A stronger culture is built when teams learn to celebrate themselves and each other consistently Learn More About Our Sponsors: Collins: http://collins.co/hpsa L'ANZA: https://www.lanza.com/ MYA: https://joinmya.com/ AURA: https://aurasalonware.com/hpsa/ (Use promo code HPSA for your first 2 months FREE)

In this episode, you'll learn: Why the hardest transition is moving from one location to two Why expansion must be based on numbers and not ego How and why leadership structure must evolve as locations increase Why stepping out of daily operations allows sustainable growth When does having fewer locations might mean higher profit

What we cover in this episode: Why task-based pay creates speed and ownership while hourly pay often rewards laziness. How to build a "Directed Downtime" list so staff always know what to do when they’re not booked. How to separate what’s required from paid add-ons. Why increasing commission for extra duties is not the best decision to make. Why optional education must be truly optional with no guilt or pressure.

In this episode, you'll learn HOW: Passion fuels resilience during burnout seasons. Building something bigger than your salon strengthens culture. Serving others fills your tank faster than personal success alone. You don’t need full credentials to start, just take the first step. Purpose grows when you say yes before you feel ready.

Episode 234 – Profitable Salon Owner PodcastTopic: Fixing Salon Staff AccountabilityIn this episode, you’ll learn:Why staff don’t step upThe hidden leadership mistakeHow to create ownership in your salonThe difference between managing and leadingWhat high-performing salon cultures have in commonIf your salon feels like:You’re the only adult in the roomYou’re constantly correcting behaviorYou can’t trust your team fullyThis conversation will change how you lead.—Want help building a high-performance salon?Visit High Performance Salon Academy.

Here's what you'll learn from this episode:The real difference between a manager and a leaderThe “right person, right seat” rule (and why it matters)How a weekly 90-minute leadership meeting creates real accountabilityWhat to do if someone isn’t a fit in a leadership roleHow to find leaders even in a small teamThe biggest mistakes salon owners make when building leadership teams Learn More About Our Sponsors:Collins: http://collins.co/hpsaL'ANZA: https://www.lanza.com/MYA: https://joinmya.com/AURA: https://aurasalonware.com/hpsa/ (Use promo code HPSA for your first 2 months FREE)

In this episode, you’ll hear:Why AI won’t replace haircuts or massages but will replace several roles behind the scenesThe “$20/month employee” concept (and the 6–8 jobs it can supportHow to start using AI the right way: “Go to lunch with AI”Voice prompts vs typing promptsBuilding playbooks instead of long, outdated SOPsThe “Sh*t Manual” every salon should have for emergencies and chaosOffboarding checklists: what to do when someone quits so you don’t miss stepsThe big shift: from the age of information to the age of precision

In this episode, Jason Everett joins Kayla Swanson to talk about the Code of Honor, a simple system that can transform your salon culture, reduce team drama, and strengthen accountability.You’ll hear:Why “we all get along” isn’t the same as a strong cultureWhat happens when you don’t have rules (spoiler: your team makes their own)How to create a Code of Honor with your teamThe biggest mistakes owners make when implementing itHow Code of Honor builds trust and performance under pressure Need support building your own Code of Honor?Text “CODE” to (916) 258-0720 and we’ll help you!

In this episode, Kayla sits down with Danielle Cherewyk to talk about how salon owners can build a culture where team members grow into high-performing, six-figure earners. You’ll hear: Danielle’s story and why she built a career-path culture earlyHow she helped her team realize they were closer than they thoughtHow the program grew from 6 qualifiers to 14What salon owners can do to expand belief and break income ceilingsHow Danielle supports her team with a 7:1 mentorship modelHow to make “money conversations” normal without making them uncomfortableWhy your salon wins when your people WIN

In this episode, Kayla and Jason unpack what it really means to be a high-performing salon and why the biggest difference isn’t intelligence, luck, or even talent.What you’ll hear in this episode:What “high performance” actually means (and why it’s the foundation of everything at HPSA)The true separator of the top 1% from the restWhy high performers don’t overthink, stall out, or wait for perfect plansHow top owners get their team to execute quicklyWhy “corrective action” is the cheat code for growthThe 2–20–24 Rule for taking action immediately and building momentumWhy and how consistency turns excellence into a habit

In this episode, Kayla Swanson and Jason Everett discuss what it truly means to be a profitable salon owner. They cover the following topics:The difference between staying busy and actually making moneyWhy salon owners often avoid profit (sometimes without knowing it)How to begin shifting your salon from survival to sustainabilityJason also shares why profitable businesses create better teams, stronger cultures, and more fulfilled owners.

In this episode, you’ll discover:Why 2026 is a buyer’s market and how shaky operations are creating big opportunities for owners who are ready.What does capacity utilization mean and how to know if growth is smart or premature.Are you a CEO or just a high-paid stylist? And how to start shifting into true ownership.Why Jason wrote Prove Them Wrong and how owners can use it as a roadmap for stylists who want more income and a long-term future.Why Jason believes you must get lean, smart, and supported to ensure you’re on the upswing, not the decline of next year.The MINDSET you need for 2026.

In this episode, you’ll learn:Why burnout is often a mindset shift issue, not just a rest issueThe difference between Burn On, Burn Up, and BurnoutHow effort vs reward imbalance quietly creates burnoutWhy impostor syndrome can be a catalyst (and how common it is)The 3 major causes of burnout and their respective curesA leadership takeaway: why investing in support is often cheaper than losing great people

Gift Cards as a Tool for Growth: Gift cards can be highly profitable when used to attract new guests and grow revenue during holidays.Biggest Mistake #1 - Discounting: Avoid offering discounts on gift cards, as this can hurt your profit margins and set unrealistic pricing expectations.Biggest Mistake #2 - No Boundaries: Clearly define gift card usage rules to prevent misuse, like limiting their use to specific services or retail products.Biggest Mistake #3 - Fluffing December Sales: High gift card sales in December can artificially inflate revenue, leaving other months weaker.Biggest Mistake #4 - Spending December’s Cash: Treat gift card revenue as deferred income and avoid spending it immediately.Biggest Mistake #5 - Misclassifying on P&L: Log gift card sales properly as liabilities until redeemed, to avoid tax and accounting issues.Biggest Mistake #6 - Selling to Existing Clients: Focus on gift cards as a tool to bring in new customers rather than discounting services for loyal clients.Theft Risks: Implement systems to track and catalog gift cards, as they can be a target for employee theft.Timing and Marketing Strategies: Peak sales often happen close to Christmas, but promotions should encourage early-year bookings to maintain revenue consistency.Creative Packages: Bundle gift cards with services or retail items to add value, attract new guests, and provide thoughtful gifting options for businesses or groups.

In this episode:What productivity really means (and why it’s universal)Why food, energy, and environment influence your brain’s performanceHow dopamine, distraction, and devices wreck productivityTime-blocking, presence, and building a routine that worksHow to model productivity for your teamCreating psychological safety and meaningful feedback loopsHelping team members identify the real reason behind their behaviorWhat salon owners can do TODAY to increase productivity in their salons

💡 What you'll learn:Why nearly every owner reaches a point where they want to quitJason’s real experiences with business overwhelm and financial pressureHow internal beliefs shape your external business resultsHow to build resilience and embrace disruption in your businessWhy the size of your business is directly tied to the size of the problems you can handle 🎧 Feeling stuck? This episode is the mindset reset you need.🔥

Most salon owners don’t have control over their profit... and it’s costing them big. In this episode, Jason Everett joins Kayla Swanson to reveal why profit doesn't equate to working harder or cutting more costs. But it simply means understanding your numbers and planning intentionally. They share the key stages of business growth, how to find your break-even point, and when real profit starts to show up. You’ll walk away knowing exactly how to stop guessing and start leading with clarity and confidence. SimpleCast Show Notes (bullet point list of what is covered in episode): [Paste Here] 💡 Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ The difference between making money and making profit ✅ Why most owners confuse “income” with “pay” ✅ How to calculate your break-even point (and why it matters) ✅ When you actually start profiting and how to grow from there ✅ Why hiding money from yourself can help you grow your profit ✅ How to shift from being an employee to being an investor 🎧 Listen now and take back control of your profit without losing your passion.

Stop Looking Up or Down. Start Looking Within In this inspiring episode, Jason Everett joins Kayla Swanson to explore how comparison and self-doubt hold salon owners back and how to break free from them. They unpack the concept of “borrowed confidence,” share lessons from personal experiences, and reveal how to use your community and mindset to rise higher. Learn how to stop looking up to others or down on yourself so you can start focusing on your own growth and potential. SimpleCast Show Notes (bullet point list of what is covered in episode): [Paste Here] 💡 Here’s what you’ll learn from this episode: ✅ The truth about comparison and how it kills confidence ✅ How to “borrow confidence” from others and your future self ✅ The importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people ✅ How celebrating others’ wins helps you grow faster ✅ Mindset shifts to overcome fear and self-doubt 🎧 Tune in and discover how to stop competing so you can start becoming the confident leader your team needs.

💡 Here’s what you’ll learn:How salon layout directly impacts profit and productivityWhy space optimization boosts revenue and retentionThe importance of investing in quality salon furnitureHow to use 3D tools for better design decisionsQuestions to ask before remodeling or expandingHow to create a welcoming, profitable environment for clients and staff🎧 Tune in now to learn how to design a salon that works smarter, not harder!🔗 collins.co/hpsaLearn more here - www.highperformancesalon.comJoin our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalonLike us on FB - www.facebook.com/highperformancesalonFollow us on IG - www.instagram.com/highperformancesalon

💡 Here’s what you’ll learn:How to design a complete guest experience from start to finishWhy emotional connection matters more than technical perfectionHow to train your team to deliver consistent five-star momentsWays to use leadership collaboration to improve systemsShelby’s proven process that increased her rebooking rate from 55% to 70%!!!🎧 Listen now and discover how to make every visit unforgettable!Learn more here - www.highperformancesalon.comJoin our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalonLike us on FB - www.facebook.com/highperformancesalonFollow us on IG - www.instagram.com/highperformancesalon

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Danielle’s story of moving from passion to profitHow curiosity is the secret weapon for financial growthWhy flipping to “profit first” changes everythingBehavior hacks that make consistent profit possibleHow to work with accountants without fear or confusionWhy your salon needs to be both pretty and profitableLearn more here - www.highperformancesalon.comJoin our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalonLike us on FB - www.facebook.com/highperformancesalonFollow us on IG - www.instagram.com/highperformancesalon

💡 Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:Why AI is the biggest business shift since smartphonesHow to avoid the pitfalls of using ChatGPT at the surface levelReal examples of AI saving time in salons (dress codes, staff training, systems, etc)Why early adopters will outpace laggards in the industryHow to get access to 21 salon-specific AI tasks🎧 Listen now and start putting AI to work in your salon!Learn more here - www.highperformancesalon.comJoin our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalonLike us on FB - www.facebook.com/highperformancesalonFollow us on IG - www.instagram.com/highperformancesalon

💡 Here’s what you’ll learn:The #1 mistake salon owners make when setting pricesHow to price for profit instead of fearWhy raising your prices can actually help attract better clientsThe exact way to communicate price changes without losing trustHow often you should be raising your pricesLearn more here - www.highperformancesalon.comJoin our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalonLike us on FB - www.facebook.com/highperformancesalonFollow us on IG - www.instagram.com/highperformancesalon

Here’s what you’ll learn:Why most salon owners get stuck behind the chairThe difference between delegating vs. abdicatingHow to attract leaders who treat your salon like their ownThe mindset shift that helps you lead leaders instead of followers🎧 Tune in now and start building the leadership team your salon deserves.Learn more here - www.highperformancesalon.comJoin our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalonLike us on FB - www.facebook.com/highperformancesalonFollow us on IG - www.instagram.com/highperformancesalon

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why AI isn’t just “another app” and how to use it as a business accelerator. The difference between “cute prompts” and leveraging AI like a $10k consultant.Real-world salon examples of how to automate training, recruiting, and even creative projects.Why "sloppy prompting" (yes, sloppy!) is one of Jason’s favorite strategies.Learn more here - www.highperformancesalon.comJoin our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalonLike us on FB - www.facebook.com/highperformancesalonFollow us on IG - www.instagram.com/highperformancesalon

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why flexible rewards are more powerful than paychecksThe surprising value of hiring seasoned stylistsHow to attract new hires without poachingLeadership shifts that keep your salon competitive🎧 Tune in now and get ahead of the hiring curve.Learn more here - www.highperformancesalon.comJoin our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalonLike us on FB - www.facebook.com/highperformancesalonFollow us on IG - www.instagram.com/highperformancesalon

In this powerful episode, Jason Everett and Kayla Swanson discuss:The story behind Prove Them Wrong and why it matters for salon ownersThe six-figure service provider award and how it inspired an industry shiftThe 3 S’s every stylist must master: Service, Sales, and SelfHow reframing sales as “serving clients” changes everythingWhy self-care is just as critical as technical skillHow salon owners can use this roadmap to create thriving, profitable teams🎧 Ready to build your six-figure team? Tune in now!Learn more here - www.highperformancesalon.comJoin our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalonLike us on FB - www.facebook.com/highperformancesalonFollow us on IG - www.instagram.com/highperformancesalon

In this eye-opening episode, Jason Everett joins Kayla Swanson to talk about leadership, discipline, and the line between being nice, firm, and mean.💡 Here’s what you’ll learn:The real definition of “mean” and why intent mattersWhy giving staff everything they want can hurt your businessHow to say no without losing trust or credibilityThe formula for repairing broken trust after conflictWhy strong leadership requires standing with your team (not against them!)Tune in now to learn how to lead with strength, clarity, and compassion.Learn more here - www.highperformancesalon.comJoin our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalonLike us on FB - www.facebook.com/highperformancesalonFollow us on IG - www.instagram.com/highperformancesalon

In this episode of the Profitable Salon Owner Podcast, Jason Everett joins host Kayla Swanson to unpack the power of relationships in both business and life.💡 Here’s what you’ll learn:Why your relationship with yourself sets the tone for everything elseThe power of giving without expectationHow shared experiences create stronger bondsPractical steps to repair broken trustWhy ignoring relationships can sabotage your business🎧 Ready to build better relationships and a stronger salon? Listen now!Learn more here - www.highperformancesalon.comJoin our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalonLike us on FB - www.facebook.com/highperformancesalonFollow us on IG - www.instagram.com/highperformancesalon

In this insightful episode of the Profitable Salon Owner Podcast, Kayla Swanson and Jason Everett tackle social media fatigue head-on. Rather than chasing perfection, they invite salon owners to embrace ease, authenticity, and fun.Episode Highlights:Why your audience wants to be entertained before they buyHow to find and adapt content inspiration wiselyThe structure of a "Social Media Play Day", a staff-powered content dayThe power of putting out 20 imperfect videos to build skill and confidenceBonus: Text REELS or PLAYDAY to get the social media cheat sheets mentioned in the episode!Learn more here - www.highperformancesalon.comJoin our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalonLike us on FB - www.facebook.com/highperformancesalonFollow us on IG - www.instagram.com/highperformancesalon

In This Episode, You'll Discover:How to rise above fear-based salon gossip and headlinesThe critical basics most salons are ignoring (and how to fix them fast)Why “surprise and delight” is your 2025 secret weaponThe new way to support your team’s mental health and mindsetHow to lead with vision and stop chasing your teamThe #1 mistake struggling salon owners make (and how to avoid it)👉 Listen now and position your salon for growth, stability, and leadership, no matter what 2025 brings.Learn more here - www.highperformancesalon.comJoin our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalonLike us on FB - www.facebook.com/highperformancesalonFollow us on IG - www.instagram.com/highperformancesalon

In this episode of the Profitable Salon Owner Podcast, host Kayla Swanson sits down with Angie Lorenz, a salon owner of 12 years who went from the brink of burnout to earning a 19% profit—all within nine months. Angie shares her journey of:Feeling stuck despite rising topline salesLetting go of comparison and Instagram illusionsImplementing a Code of Honor and building a leadership teamTransitioning to Profit First systemsUsing tools like Vish, Maya, and Salon Ninja to drive growthCharging for parts and labor to reclaim profit from every serviceCreating balance between personal life and business ownershipIf you're feeling stuck, discouraged, or like you're pouring more into your business than it's giving back, this episode will remind you what's possible.Learn more here - www.highperformancesalon.comJoin our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalonLike us on FB - www.facebook.com/highperformancesalonFollow us on IG - www.instagram.com/highperformancesalon

Is your salon feeling stale or overly systemized? Are guests getting a service… but not an experience?Kayla Swanson is joined again by Leah Freeman (Global Color Director at L’ANZA) to dive deep into what it really takes to bring quality back into the guest journey.In this Episode, You'll Discover:Creative ways to stand out (without discounting)How small sensory upgrades like scent machines & hot towels create emotional loyaltyHow mindset affects pricing and who you attractStrategies Leah is using in her own salon and med spa to boost retentionPerfect for owners who want to stop chasing deals and start designing a world-class guest experienceLearn more here - www.highperformancesalon.comJoin our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalonLike us on FB - www.facebook.com/highperformancesalonFollow us on IG - www.instagram.com/highperformancesalon

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Building a one-page business planCreating a proforma to forecast growthKnowing when to pivot (and why plateaus are warning signs)How to escape from behind the chair and scale sustainablyGetting advice from people who’ve done what you want to doIf your current plan is collecting dust or non-existent, this episode will reignite your vision and give you a real strategy to follow.Learn more here - www.highperformancesalon.comJoin our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalonLike us on FB - www.facebook.com/highperformancesalonFollow us on IG - www.instagram.com/highperformancesalon

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:How Jonelle went from buying a salon on maternity leave to doubling her revenueThe secrets to building a strong leadership team and trusting them to run the showSmart ways to separate parts and labor and charge credit card fees to boost profitsWhy accountability systems were a game changer for her business growthMindset shifts that helped her step up as a confident owner and inspire her teamLearn more here - www.highperformancesalon.comJoin our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalonLike us on FB - www.facebook.com/highperformancesalonFollow us on IG - www.instagram.com/highperformancesalon

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:How Danielle trains new stylists to become confident retail prosThe systems she put in place to support massive growthWhat a “performance improvement plan” really means in her cultureWhy retail numbers are more than just dollars—they measure careHer go-to mindset check before opening a new locationLearn more here - www.highperformancesalon.comJoin our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalonLike us on FB - www.facebook.com/highperformancesalonFollow us on IG - www.instagram.com/highperformancesalon

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:The 14-year journey from debt to profitLeah’s strategy for using 101 intermixable tubes to create any colorHow to get your team on board with inventory changesThe truth about inventory taking up “rent-free” spaceWhy being profitable is NOT the same as being busyDon't miss this episode if you're ready to finally make your back bar work for YOU!Learn more here - www.highperformancesalon.comJoin our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalonLike us on FB - www.facebook.com/highperformancesalonFollow us on IG - www.instagram.com/highperformancesalon

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why building intentional relationships is key to long-term salon successHow to market your salon in a way that feels authentic and effectiveThe role of trust in client and distributor relationships—and how to earn itBennie’s personal strategies for elevating your salon’s reputation and cultureReal-world lessons from decades in the beauty industry that you can apply todayLearn more here - www.highperformancesalon.comJoin our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalonLike us on FB - www.facebook.com/highperformancesalonFollow us on IG - www.instagram.com/highperformancesalon

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:What led to the breakdown and the breakthroughThe emotional toll no one talks aboutHow they rebuilt their culture with values the team helped defineWhy intentional hiring (not just “warm bodies”) became the ruleHow getting vulnerable as a leader changed everythingLearn more here - www.highperformancesalon.comJoin our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalonLike us on FB - www.facebook.com/highperformancesalonFollow us on IG - www.instagram.com/highperformancesalon

In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why continuous learning is essential for sustained salon successThe key business metrics every salon owner should understandHow seeking support can accelerate your growth journeyThe value of creating a culture of growth within your salon teamActionable ways to build personal accountability as a salon ownerHow to overcome common challenges with clarity and confidenceWhat it takes to shift from surviving to thriving in your businessLearn more here - www.highperformancesalon.comJoin our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalonLike us on FB - www.facebook.com/highperformancesalonFollow us on IG - www.instagram.com/highperformancesalon