The Living Your Legacy Podcast - Episode Summary: "Mastering the Art of Multiplying Yourself"
Podcast Information
- Title: The Living Your Legacy Podcast
- Host: Rudy Mawer
- Episode Title: Mastering the Art of Multiplying Yourself
- Release Date: July 28, 2025
- Description: This episode features Megan Carlisle, founder of Platform Hair Company, who shares her journey from earning $5,000 in her first year as a hairstylist to building a multimillion-dollar brand. Megan discusses the challenges she faced, the strategies she employed to grow her business, and her vision for empowering other stylists to achieve financial freedom and business success.
Introduction to Megan Carlisle and Her Journey
The episode opens with an introduction to Megan Carlisle, a visionary speaker and the founder of Platform Hair Company. Megan recounts her early struggles in the hairstyling industry, where despite her hard work, she earned merely $5,000 in her first year. This prompted her to seek a better way to not only sustain herself but also to help other stylists achieve financial stability and professional growth.
Notable Quote:
"Make more money, learn how to manage their time better and actually do well so they didn't have to make $5,000 a year like I did."
– Megan Carlisle [00:37]
From Struggling Stylist to Entrepreneur
Megan shares the pivotal moment when she decided to transition from being a hairstylist to an entrepreneur. Observing that many of her peers were struggling with unreliable products and companies, she identified a market gap. This realization led her to found Platform Hair Company, focusing on creating her own hair colors and sourcing high-quality products to support stylists.
Key Points:
- Identifying the Problem: Unreliable products and poor business models were common issues among stylists.
- Solution: Creating a reliable supply of high-quality hair products and fostering a supportive business environment.
- Goal: Empower stylists to earn more and manage their businesses effectively.
Notable Quote:
"If we're going to do this, we need to start our own company."
– Megan Carlisle [00:16]
Building a Multi-Million Dollar Business
Megan delves into the strategies that transformed her small salon into a multi-million-dollar enterprise. Central to her success was her commitment to mastering the business aspects of hairstyling, including time management, pricing, and marketing—skills not taught in traditional hairstyling education.
Key Strategies:
- Multiplying Herself: Hiring and training assistants to handle routine tasks, allowing her to focus on high-value activities.
- Education and Coaching: Offering online and in-person training to educate stylists on business management and advanced hairstyling techniques.
- Product Development: Sourcing and developing premium hair extensions and tools to maintain high quality and reliability.
Notable Quote:
"Learn how to multiply yourself and leverage other people to grow what makes you great."
– Megan Carlisle [06:16]
Overcoming Business Challenges
The path to success was not without obstacles. Megan recounts a significant setback involving a major order of hair products that turned out to be of subpar quality due to a deceptive manufacturer. This incident threatened to derail her fledgling business, but her resilience and commitment to quality drove her to find new, reliable manufacturers and rebuild trust with her customers.
Key Points:
- Quality Control Issues: Received a large shipment that did not meet quality standards.
- Decision Point: Either continue with the unreliable manufacturer or seek a new partner.
- Resolution: Chose to cut ties with the problematic manufacturer, refunded affected customers, and sourced higher-quality products.
Notable Quote:
"People don't get to put limits on you. You can create whatever future you want."
– Megan Carlisle [20:34]
Marketing and Branding Excellence
Megan emphasizes the importance of robust marketing strategies and strong branding in scaling her business. Initially, Platform Hair relied on grassroots marketing through educators and instructors across the United States. As the company grew, they incorporated online advertising to reach a broader audience, significantly amplifying their market presence.
Marketing Strategies:
- Grassroots Marketing: Partnering with educators to teach classes and spread the brand organically.
- Online Advertising: Leveraging digital platforms to reach a wider customer base.
- Premium Branding: Positioning Platform Hair as a luxury brand through high-quality products and exceptional customer experiences.
Notable Quote:
"We started small with our savings, and we started out of our house, and it just kind of grew over time."
– Megan Carlisle [04:37]
Pricing Strategies and Premium Services
A critical aspect of Megan's business model is strategic pricing. She advises stylists to avoid competing in the mid-tier market and instead focus on high-end services and products. By offering premium experiences and pricing accordingly, stylists can maximize their profits and reduce burnout.
Key Points:
- Avoiding the Middle: Positioning services and products either in the high-volume low-cost category or the high-margin high-cost category.
- Value-Based Pricing: Setting prices based on the value and quality of services offered rather than market averages.
- Creating Premium Experiences: Enhancing the customer experience to justify higher prices, such as offering beverages and a serene salon environment.
Notable Quote:
"The experience has to be worth it for people to be able to pay that."
– Megan Carlisle [12:26]
Resilience and Personal Growth
Megan shares a profound personal story that underscores her resilience—a key trait that has propelled her business forward. She recounts an accident in her childhood where she fell from a 100-foot cliff, resulting in severe injuries. Despite dire medical prognoses, Megan’s determination and her family's support enabled her full recovery and instilled in her the resilience necessary to overcome business challenges.
Key Points:
- Overcoming Adversity: Faced life-threatening injuries as a child and defied medical expectations.
- Family Support: Her mother's encouragement to "write your future" fostered a mindset of perseverance.
- Legacy of Resilience: This personal history shapes her approach to business and mentoring others.
Notable Quote:
"People don't get to put limits on you. You can create whatever future you want."
– Megan Carlisle [20:35]
Defining Legacy in Business
Discussing the concept of legacy, Megan articulates her desire to be remembered for supporting underdogs and creating opportunities for others to realize their dreams. Her approach to business is not just about personal success but about building a lasting impact on the hairstyling community.
Key Points:
- Empowerment: Providing tools, education, and support to help other stylists succeed.
- Community Building: Creating an ecosystem where stylists can continuously learn and grow.
- Sustainable Success: Focusing on long-term growth and the well-being of her team and customers.
Notable Quote:
"Legacy means to me, I want to be someone that is remembered for believing in the underdog and creating bridges for other people to create their own dreams."
– Megan Carlisle [20:43]
Final Advice and Takeaways
Megan concludes with actionable advice for listeners aspiring to build their own legacy. She emphasizes the importance of understanding one’s unique strengths and leveraging them by multiplying oneself through delegation and effective use of resources.
Key Takeaways:
- Self-Assessment: Identify what makes you exceptional and focus your efforts there.
- Delegation: Hire and train capable team members to handle other aspects of the business.
- Continuous Learning: Invest in education and coaching to enhance business acumen and skills.
- Quality and Branding: Maintain high standards in products and services to build a strong brand.
Notable Quote:
"Figuring out what makes you great and how you can multiply yourself is the biggest start."
– Megan Carlisle [21:36]
Connecting with Megan Carlisle
For listeners interested in learning more about Megan Carlisle or exploring her products and educational programs, she can be reached through her website and social media platforms.
- Website: megcarlisle.com
- Instagram: @MegHairGreat
- Brand: Platform Hair Extensions
Conclusion
In this inspiring episode of The Living Your Legacy Podcast, Megan Carlisle shares her transformative journey from a struggling hairstylist to the founder of a multimillion-dollar enterprise. Her story highlights the importance of resilience, strategic business practices, and a commitment to empowering others. Aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals alike can draw valuable insights from Megan’s experiences, equipping them with the tools and motivation to build their own lasting legacies.