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!
42episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 75: If I Saved ZERO for Tax Season So Far (here is exactly what I would do)
Mar 1700:10:55Tap to summarizeTax Season Prep for Stylists: Organize, Plan, and Execute with Confidence: In this episode of the Hair Hustle Podcast, Heather Podlesney breaks down practical steps for freelance stylists and small business owners to prepare for tax season — even if they feel unorganized or overwhelmed. Learn how to avoid panic, get clear on your numbers, and work effectively with tax professionals.Key Topics:The common anxiety around approaching tax season, especially for independent stylistsThe importance of not panicking and maintaining a clear head to assess financialsHow to organize your expenses and income to be ready for tax filingThe role of a tax professional and why hiring one is criticalCreating a plan based on your income and expenses, including quarterly paymentsStrategies to estimate taxes owed if you have no savings yetHow payment plans and extensions can help manage tax liabilitiesBuilding a system of awareness around your finances for future tax seasonsThe importance of patience and self-compassion in managing moneyTimestamps:00:00 - Why tax season can cause anxiety for stylists 00:27 - The importance of staying calm and not panicking 00:53 - Common mistakes and misconceptions about taxes in the industry 01:18 - How to get clear on your finances and organize your numbers 02:15 - The importance of working with a tax professional instead of DIY 03:11 - Understanding income, expenses, and planning for taxes 03:41 - Tips for estimating how much you owe and setting aside funds 04:12 - Creating a tax-saving system and staying ahead for future years 05:09 - Paying quarterly estimates and how to set up your business properly 06:21 - Adjusting payments and planning for tax year-end liabilities 07:47 - How to use professional help to set up payment plans and extensions 09:07 - Addressing changes in family or business situation that affect taxes 10:03 - Final reminders: stay informed, plan ahead, and reach out for professional help 10:32 - Action steps: organize your financial records and find a tax pro 11:01 - Encouragement to build awareness around money and reduce shameConnect with Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.comLet this episode be your turning point for stress-free tax planning. Remember, understanding your numbers is the key to building a more confident and organized business. Reach out if you have questions — you’re doing an amazing job!
Transcribe →Episode 74: Are You Only Calling Your Sales Consultant When You're Low on 9V? Putting the CONSULT in Consultant with Melissa Gross
Mar 1000:35:17Tap to summarizeContact 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 trends
Transcribe →Episode 73: The Slept on Social Post You Need to Start Today!
Mar 300:13:50Tap to summarizeSummaryDiscover why carousels are making a comeback in social media marketing, especially for hairstylists and salon owners. Learn practical strategies to create engaging carousels that educate, tell stories, and boost your social media presence without the overwhelm of video content.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the resurgence of carousels01:50 Why carousels slow down swipers and increase engagement02:55 Carousels for education, explanation, and storytelling03:45 When to use a carousel instead of a reel04:21 Content ideas for hairstylists and salons06:16 Creating a simple carousel formula07:19 The importance of a strong hook in carousels08:40 Structuring your carousel: from hook to call to action11:43 Shifting focus from likes to saves for engagement12:41 Common mistakes to avoid in carousel contentKeywordssocial media marketing, carousels, reels, hairstylist marketing, content strategy, engagement, storytelling, social media tips
Transcribe →Episode 72: Organize Your Content & Kick the Overwhelm of Social Media
Feb 2400:10:30Tap to summarizeContact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.comSummaryIn this episode, Heather Podlesney shares a practical framework for stylists to simplify and improve their social media content strategy. She introduces the four E's of content—Educate, Elevate, Entertain, and Encourage—and offers actionable tips to build confidence and consistency in posting.Key Topics The 4 E's of content: Educate, Elevate, Entertain, EncourageCreating a consistent posting scheduleBuilding confidence in social media marketingEngagement strategies for stylistsSimplifying content creationKeywordssocial media, content strategy, hair stylist, marketing, engagement, social media tips, salon marketing, content creation, social media framework, Heather Podlesney
Transcribe →Episode 71: REEL Talk
Feb 1700:08:18Tap to summarizeContact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.comSummaryIn this episode of the Hair Hustle Podcast, Heather Podlesney shares essential tips for hairstylists on creating effective short form videos and reels. She emphasizes the importance of keeping the process simple, focusing on three key components: the hook, the bridge, and the call to action. By using relatable analogies, Heather guides listeners through the steps to engage their audience and drive action, ultimately enhancing their social media presence.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Short Form Video Creation01:10 Understanding the Importance of Hooks03:52 The Bridge: Delivering Your Content05:41 The Call to Action: Engaging Your AudienceKeywordsshort form videos, reels, social media, hairstyling, content creation, marketing strategies, engagement, beauty industry, salon business, video tips
Transcribe →Episode 70: Take Your Money on a Date!
Feb 1000:16:20Tap to summarizeFREEBIE: Money Date Cheat SheetWant to be a guest on The Hair Hustle Podcast? Contact Heather at helloheatherpod@gmail.comSummaryIn this episode of the Hairhousel Podcast, Heather Podlesny discusses the concept of 'money dates'—a structured approach to managing personal and business finances. She emphasizes the importance of regular check-ins with finances to reduce anxiety and improve financial awareness. Heather outlines the steps to implement money dates, including setting a consistent schedule, focusing on key financial metrics, and asking constructive questions. The episode concludes with an invitation to access a cheat sheet to simplify the process of starting money dates.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Money Dates01:04 Understanding Money Dates04:43 Implementing Money Dates08:13 The Structure of a Money Date12:44 Closing the Money Date13:17 The Impact of Money DatesKeywordsmoney dates, financial planning, salon business, budgeting, personal finance, stylist strategies, salon owner tips, financial awareness, money management, emotional connection to money
Transcribe →Episode 69: Stick to the Things You CAN Control!
Feb 300:13:12Tap to summarizeContact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.comSummaryIn this episode of the Hair Hustle Podcast, host Heather Podlesney discusses the challenges stylists face in the beauty industry, particularly focusing on what they can and cannot control. She emphasizes the importance of mental health and the need to let go of things outside of one's control, such as cancellations and client spending habits. Heather encourages stylists to focus on clear communication, service structuring, and budgeting as areas they can influence. The episode concludes with a practical exercise for listeners to identify what they can control and what they need to let go of, promoting a healthier mindset in their professional lives.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Hair Hustle Podcast00:35 Understanding the Beauty Industry's Challenges00:41 What Stylists Can and Cannot Control03:01 The Importance of Letting Go07:21 Focusing on What You Can Control09:14 Shifting from Reaction to Intention10:43 Practical Exercise for Stylists12:41 Conclusion and Next StepsKeywordsbeauty industry, salon management, stylist tips, mental health, control, communication, client relationships, business strategies, self-care, professional growth
Transcribe →Episode 68: Minisode Pep Talk - Consumer Behavior is Changing, ARE YOU?
Jan 2700:11:00Tap to summarizeContact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.comSummaryIn this episode of the Hair Hustle Podcast, Heather Podlesney discusses the evolving landscape of consumer behavior in the beauty industry. She emphasizes the importance of understanding shifts in guest spending habits, the need for clear pricing, and the necessity for stylists to adapt their strategies to meet changing consumer expectations. Heather encourages stylists to analyze their business metrics, embrace a mindset shift, and focus on providing value to clients to thrive in 2026 and beyond.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hair Hustle Podcast00:52 Understanding Consumer Behavior02:55 Shifts in Guest Spending Habits04:45 The Importance of Clear Pricing08:19 Mindset Shift in the Beauty Industry09:53 Adapting to New Consumer ExpectationsKeywordshair salon, consumer behavior, stylist tips, salon business, guest spending, financial awareness, mindset shift, beauty industry, retail strategies, salon success
Transcribe →Episode 67: If Money Feels Heavy Right Now...
Jan 2000:20:21Tap to summarizeContact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.comSummaryIn this episode of the Hair Hustle Podcast, host Heather Podlesney addresses the current financial climate affecting stylists and salon owners. She emphasizes the importance of developing a budgeting habit rather than just focusing on the numbers. Drawing from her own experiences and conversations with industry peers, Heather shares insights on how to navigate the emotional weight of money management, especially during uncertain times. She encourages listeners to view budgeting not as a punishment but as a form of permission to make informed financial decisions that support their lives and businesses.Heather also discusses the cyclical nature of income in the beauty industry, particularly the seasonal dips that stylists often face. She reassures listeners that feeling stressed about money is common and does not equate to being bad at business. Instead, she advocates for a proactive approach to budgeting, suggesting that stylists take control of their finances by regularly reviewing their income and expenses. By fostering a positive mindset around budgeting, Heather aims to empower her audience to create a sustainable financial future in the beauty industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Hair Hustle Podcast00:21 Reflecting on Financial Challenges00:43 The Importance of Budgeting Habits05:17 Understanding Income Fluctuations10:29 Changing Your Money Mindset14:12 Practical Steps for Budgeting19:23 Closing Thoughts and EncouragementKeywordsbudgeting, financial advice, beauty industry, salon owners, money management, hairstylists, financial habits, income stability, salon business coach, Hair Hustle Podcast
Transcribe →Episode 66: REAL Tips to Motivate Your Salon Team or Stylist Bestie to POST on Social
Jan 1300:33:47Tap to summarizeContact Heather: helloheatherpod@gmail.comShow Notes Not working today! I had some technical errors, but here is the FREE new guest template I talked about!NEW GUEST TEMPLATE that actually gets guests!See you next week!
Transcribe →