Podcast
The Hair Hustle Podcast
Hosted by Heather Podlesney · EN
Welcome to The Hair Hustle Podcast, where business meets beauty! Hosted by Heather Podlesney, a salon coach with over 20 years of industry experience, over a decade of coaching market leading salons, and passion for helping stylists succeed, this podcast is your go-to resource for mastering the business side of the salon industry. Each week, we cover practical tips on budgeting, time management, retail strategies, and promotions to help you grow your profits and run a thriving salon business. Whether you’re behind the chair or behind the scenes, tune in to learn how to hustle smarter, not harder!
41episodes
Episodes
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Episode 94: REPLAY (use this as your check in!) YOU NEED THIS for 2026
2w ago00:18:09Tap to summarizeInterested in a Class at your salon OR Coaching: CLICK HEREGrab the Know Your Numbers Worksheet: CLICK HERESummaryIn this episode of the Hair Hustle Podcast, host Heather Podlesney shares essential insights for stylists as they enter 2026. She emphasizes the importance of understanding profitability versus mere busyness, the necessity of charging appropriately for services, and the significance of setting healthy boundaries. Heather also encourages stylists to embrace their roles as CEOs of their businesses and to practice kindness in their interactions, recognizing that everyone faces challenges. This episode serves as a motivational guide for stylists to start the new year with clarity and purpose.Chapters00:00 Welcome to the Hair Hustle Podcast02:32 Setting the Stage for 202602:56 Understanding Profitability vs. Busyness05:48 The Importance of Charging What You Deserve07:51 Establishing Healthy Boundaries10:43 Embracing Your Role as CEO12:56 The Power of Kindness in the IndustryKeywordshair, salon, stylists, business coaching, profitability, boundaries, self-care, kindness, 2026 goals, beauty industryMentioned in this episode:www.heatherpodlesney.com/contactwww.heatherpodlesney.com/contactwww.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumbers
Transcribe →Episode 93: REPLAY - How to Utilized One of the Biggest Salon Resources
3w ago00:37:35Tap to summarizeInterested in a Class at your salon OR Coaching: CLICK HEREGrab the Know Your Numbers Worksheet: CLICK HEREContact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.comQuestions or work with Melissa Gross: 616-299-4869 and mgross@manocoblue.comSummaryIn this episode, Heather Podlesny interviews Melissa Gross, a seasoned salon sales consultant with over 25 years of industry experience. They discuss how stylists and salon owners can leverage sales consultants for business growth, retail success, and industry insights, emphasizing community, confidence, and strategic systems.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:20 Melissa Gross's Industry Journey and Experience03:38 Successful Salon Systems and Retail Strategies06:17 Misunderstandings About Sales Consultants' Role09:12 Industry Trends: Cleaner Ingredients and Sustainability11:33 Helping Struggling Stylists and Small Salons14:47 Maximizing Value from Your Sales Consultant19:23 Add-on Services and Business Growth Ideas21:42 Melissa's Unexpected Industry Insights24:11 Community, Support, and Overcoming Industry Challenges27:02 Salon Owner and Stylist Complaints and Misconceptions30:02 Addressing Common Salon Industry Complaints31:49 Melissa's Advice for Engaging with Sales Consultants35:33 Supporting Your Salon Community and Collaboration37:15 Closing Remarks and Resources for ListenersKeywordsSalon sales, retail strategies, industry insights, salon community, business growth, salon owner tips, sales consultant role, salon success, hair industry trendsMentioned in this episode:www.heatherpodlesney.com/contactwww.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumberswww.heatherpodlesney.com/contact
Transcribe →Episode 92: REPLAY - Brand Shopping with Surface Hair
4w ago01:27:38Tap to summarizeContact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.comInterested in a Class at your salon OR Coaching: CLICK HEREGrab the Know Your Numbers Worksheet: CLICK HERESummaryIn this episode of the Hair Hustle podcast, Heather Podlesney hosts representatives from Surface, Sean Carlson and Cassie Laub, to discuss industry insights, brand support, retail strategies, and upcoming events. They share valuable tips for salon owners and stylists to thrive in a competitive market, emphasizing the importance of education, brand partnerships, and strategic planning.CONTACTS:Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.comCassy: claub@surfacehair.comSean: scarlson@surfacehair.comLINKS:Retreat:Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hair Hustle Podcast01:24 Meet the Surface Team06:10 State of the Industry: Challenges and Opportunities14:06 The Importance of Brand Support21:26 Questions to Ask Your Brand27:58 Finding the Right Brand and Distributor34:50 The Emotional Connection to Products39:56 Navigating Brand Loyalty in Salons45:43 The Importance of Awareness and Responsibility51:06 Thriving vs Surviving Salons57:16 Identifying Survival Mode in Salon Owners01:00:39 Connecting with Support for Salons01:04:10 The Importance of Partnership in the Beauty Industry01:05:40 Wellness Sanctuary Retreat: A New Experience01:08:03 Spilling the Tea: Insights from the Brand Side01:16:01 Surface's New All-In Product Launch01:22:38 Introducing Surface Unscripted: A New Podcast01:25:45 How to Connect with Surface TeamKeywordshair industry, salon retail, brand support, Surface, salon success, retail strategies, industry insights, salon coaching, Surface Unscripted, salon eventsMentioned in this episode:www.heatherpodlesney.com/contactwww.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumberswww.heatherpodlesney.com/contact
Transcribe →Episode 91: Guest Experience Series - De Escalating Keyboard Courage Clients
Jul 700:22:56Tap to summarizeContact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.comInterested in a Class at your salon OR Coaching: CLICK HEREGrab the Know Your Numbers Worksheet: CLICK HERESummaryThis episode offers practical strategies for hairstylists and salon owners to handle unhappy clients effectively, especially through social media and in-person interactions. It provides a framework for de-escalation, communication tips, and ways to turn negative experiences into learning opportunities.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Guest Experience Series01:50 Handling Unhappy Clients05:29 Reframing Complaints as Opportunities07:57 De-escalation Framework for Client Complaints12:29 Offering Solutions: Redo, Adjustment, or Refund17:46 Professional Communication with ClientsKeywordshairstylist, salon owner, unhappy clients, client communication, de-escalation, social media, customer service, hair color, conflict resolution, salon businessMentioned in this episode:www.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumberswww.heatherpodlesney.com/contactwww.heatherpodlesney.com/contact
Transcribe →Episode 90: Guest Experience Series - Let Your Feed Be Your First Impression
Jun 3000:28:54Tap to summarizeContact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.comInterested in a Class at your salon OR Coaching: CLICK HEREGrab the Know Your Numbers Worksheet: CLICK HERESummaryIn this episode of the Hair Hustle Podcast, Heather Podlesney discusses how your social media feed is your first impression and shares practical strategies for stylists and salon owners to attract and retain clients through effective social media use. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, consistency, and leveraging both old and new school tactics to build a strong online presence.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Guest Experience Series03:08 The Importance of Social Media for Stylists05:54 Building Your Brand Through Social Media09:00 Creating Engaging Content for Your Audience11:45 The Four Pillars of Social Media Posting18:16 Encouraging Client Engagement and Retention21:59 Actionable Steps for Social Media ImprovementKeywordssocial media marketing, client attraction, salon branding, social media tips, hairstylist marketing, guest experience, online presence, social media strategy, client retention, personal brandingMentioned in this episode:www.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumberswww.heatherpodlesney.com/contactwww.heatherpodlesney.com/contact
Transcribe →Episode 89: Guest Experience - THE Controversial REBOOK
Jun 2300:13:57Tap to summarizeContact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.comInterested in a Class at your salon OR Coaching: CLICK HEREGrab the Know Your Numbers Worksheet: CLICK HERESummaryIn this episode, Heather Podlesney discusses the importance of pre-booking for hairstylists, debunking myths and sharing practical strategies to build a sustainable business. She emphasizes how pre-booking enhances client retention, income stability, and professional confidence.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the episode and topic overview00:32 Debunking social media myths about not pre-booking01:23 The shift in industry perspectives on pre-booking02:22 Why pre-booking is vital for a sustainable business04:45 Understanding the 65% pre-book rate benchmark05:44 Common reasons stylists avoid asking for rebooking06:15 Reframing the conversation: Helping clients maintain their look07:52 How to plant the seed for rebooking during the service09:20 Using confident language to secure future appointments10:43 Handling client hesitation and follow-up gracefully11:41 The importance of professional communication and client experience12:10 Action steps: Improving pre-book rates and business sustainabilityKeywordshairstylist, pre-booking, client retention, salon business, sustainable income, hair industry, booking strategiesMentioned in this episode:www.heatherpodlesney.com/contactwww.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumberswww.heatherpodlesney.com/contact
Transcribe →Episode 88: Guest Experience Series - Salon Sensory Audit
Jun 1600:17:21Tap to summarizeSummaryIn this episode, Heather Podlesney explores how salon environment impacts guest experience, emphasizing sensory elements and intentional space management to create a welcoming atmosphere. Perfect for stylists, salon owners, and independents looking to elevate client satisfaction without high costs.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Guest Experience Series00:56 Why Environment Matters for All Salon Types01:49 Creating a Positive First Impression02:48 What Clients See in the First 10 Seconds03:56 Incorporating the Four Senses in Your Salon05:06 Conducting a Self-Assessment of Your Space07:19 The Power of Scent and Seasonal Ambiance09:09 Music and Sound Environment Tips10:58 Greeting Clients Effectively Without a Front Desk13:21 Control and Enhance Your Salon in a Suite Setting15:08 Actionable Steps for All Salon Types16:09 Conducting a 10-Second Salon Audit16:34 Wrapping Up and Next StepsKeywordssalon environment, guest experience, sensory marketing, salon tips, client retention, salon decor, ambiance, customer service, salon managementMentioned in this episode:www.heatherpodlesney.com/contactwww.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumberswww.heatherpodlesney.com/contact
Transcribe →Episode 87: Guest Experience Series - Say THIS or Say THAT?
Jun 900:12:50Tap to summarizeContact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.comCoaching Interest: HEREFree Know Your Numbers Worksheet: HEREInSalon Class: HERESummaryIn this episode, Heather Podlesney launches a new guest experience series focused on improving client interactions in salons. She shares practical scripts, tips on effective communication, and strategies to build trust, upsell, and enhance guest satisfaction.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Guest Experience Series00:27 Why Guest Experience Matters in Salons01:20 The Power of Words and Trust02:15 The Consultation: Setting the Stage03:39 Swapping 'What Are You Looking For?' for Open-Ended Questions05:52 Guiding Clients with Descriptive Questions07:07 Handling Client Pictures and Self-Consciousness08:25 Discussing Budget Without Making Clients Uncomfortable11:08 Confirming Client Goals and Desires11:53 Using Feedback to Identify Client Problems13:18 Encouraging Client Feedback and Problem SolvingKeywordsguest experience, salon tips, client trust, communication, consultation, upselling, hair styling, salon success
Transcribe →Episode 86: The Mental Load and How it Shifts from Emotional to Physical
Jun 200:26:44Tap to summarizeContact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.comInterested in a Class at your salon OR Coaching: CLICK HEREGrab the Know Your Numbers Worksheet: CLICK HERESummaryIn this episode, Heather Podlesney discusses the mental load faced by working moms and industry professionals, sharing practical tips for resetting and protecting energy. She emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, getting mental clarity, and prioritizing self-care to thrive both personally and professionally.Chapters00:00 Introduction and episode overview00:58 The mental load faced by working moms01:57 Heather's personal marathon experience and need for reset02:50 Upcoming guest experience series in June03:50 Understanding the mental load and its misconceptions04:45 The mental load as an invisible layer of busyness06:55 The importance of honesty and getting things out of your head07:52 Techniques to manage mental load and regain clarity09:56 The concept of bouncing back and consistency10:27 Self-reflection and being kind to yourself11:42 Recognizing moments of clarity and taking action12:28 Protecting your energy and setting boundaries13:14 Protecting days off and creating sacred time16:18 Stopping mental load from living in your head18:09 The Big Three technique for daily focus19:48 Conducting a calendar audit and identifying drains21:55 Tools to protect your time and energy23:47 Treat your energy as a resource and prioritize self-care24:54 Final thoughts and encouragement for a resetKeywordsmental load, self-care, boundaries, working moms, productivity, energy management, reset, work-life balance, industry tipsMentioned in this episode:www.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumberswww.heatherpodlesney.com/contactwww.heatherpodlesney.com/contact
Transcribe →Episode 85: REPLAY - Leading YOU Even When You Don't Think You are a Leader with Heather Spencer
May 2600:51:24Tap to summarizeContact Heather Pod: helloheatherpod@gmail.comLinks from Ads:Know your numbers Worksheet In Salon Class or One on One Coaching HEREDiscover practical insights on leadership, balancing a thriving career with family, and personal development from Heather Spencer, a seasoned salon owner and industry leader. Whether you're behind the chair or managing your own salon, these tips will help you lead intentionally and create a meaningful, balanced life.Main Topics:The importance of leading yourself first as a foundation for leadershipBuilding boundaries and managing energy for sustainable successBalancing family, business, and personal growth through clear non-negotiablesThe power of daily habits, mindset, and self-careDeveloping leadership through reflection, goals, and a personal leadership statementStrategies for overcoming challenges and embracing failures as growth opportunitiesKey Insights:Leadership begins with self-awareness and self-leadership, not just managing others.Daily habits such as proper rest, movement, and mindset shape how you show up for clients and team.Setting clear boundaries protects your energy and promotes mental health and resilience.Your mindset influences your client interactions and overall success—what you permit you promote.Reevaluate and prioritize your non-negotiables to align your actions with your goals.Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth—failure is part of success.The importance of financial health and intentional time management in personal and professional life.Leadership is personal and adaptable; create a leadership statement that reflects your values.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Heather Spencer and her industry journey02:00 - Why leadership is the cornerstone of salon success03:30 - The significance of leading yourself before leading others05:00 - The impact of continuous learning with John Maxwell's leadership training07:00 - Practical daily habits for stylists to prevent burnout09:30 - Mindset shifts: treating every client with love and respect11:45 - The influence of words and how to promote positive client interactions14:00 - The importance of product knowledge in service and sales16:00 - The role of problem-solving in leadership and client care19:00 - Recognizing and embracing challenges as opportunities for growth22:00 - Balancing family life, business, and personal health26:00 - The trade-offs in career and life priorities28:00 - Insights from corporate experience and transitions to family-focused leadership33:00 - Developing resilience and learning from setbacks36:00 - Identifying and honoring your non-negotiables40:00 - Practical strategies to set boundaries and protect energy43:00 - The importance of rest and self-care in leadership45:30 - The significance of strategic time management for growth48:00 - Heather's leadership workbook – how to develop your leadership identity51:00 - Advice to young and new salon owners52:00 - Final motivational quote on embracing challenges and failures53:00 - Wrap-up and connecting with Heather SpencerResources & Links:Heather Spencer Leadership Workbook (Available via link in Instagram bio)Follow Heather on InstagramJohn Maxwell Leadership CourseConnect with Heather Spencer:InstagramTrue leadership starts with self-awareness, setting boundaries, and embracing challenges. Your journey is unique—lead intentionally, balance wisely, and keep hustling!Mentioned in this episode:www.heatherpodlesney.com/contactwww.heatherpodlesney.com/knowyournumberswww.heatherpodlesney.com/contact
Transcribe →