Thriving Stylist Podcast: Episode #390 - Why I Almost Shut Down Thrivers
Host: Britt Seva
Release Date: June 16, 2025
Introduction
In Episode #390 of the Thriving Stylist Podcast, Britt Seva delves deep into a pivotal moment in her professional journey—why she almost shut down Thrivers Society, her business dedicated to empowering hairstylists and salon owners. This candid and introspective episode offers listeners an unfiltered look into the challenges of leadership, the importance of maintaining a clear business vision, and the transformative power of resilience.
The Push for Authentic Storytelling
Britt begins the episode by discussing a shift encouraged by her Chief of Creative and Marketing. Traditionally comfortable with sharing factual and tactical content, Britt was nudged to embrace vulnerability and share personal stories.
“My chief of creative and marketing who is pushing me more in a direction of authentically telling stories versus just sharing facts and data... it's so human.” [00:47]
This push set the stage for Britt to explore a personal low point, a narrative she had previously avoided.
The Catalyst: Personal and Professional Turmoil
Personal Losses
The year 2021 was a turning point for Britt, marked by significant personal losses that deeply affected her emotional and professional stability.
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May 2021: The sudden passing of her best friend, a figure who was like family to her.
“May of 2021, my very best friend passed away. She was in her 30s... she's my entire family.” [01:46]
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August 2021: The loss of her mother-in-law, further compounding her grief.
“August of 2021, my mother in law passed away... it just destroyed us.” [05:00]
Professional Strain
Amid these personal challenges, Britt's business was experiencing unprecedented growth, leading to rapid scaling that ultimately contributed to her sense of overwhelm.
“By the beginning of 2021, we were a team of 13... we hired and scaled very, very fast.” [04:20]
This expansion introduced complexities in team dynamics and leadership responsibilities that Britt struggled to manage effectively.
Leadership Challenges and Missteps
Britt recounts hiring a new team member with a strong corporate background who inadvertently shifted the company's vision. This misalignment led to significant operational and cultural issues within Thrivers Society.
“Her narrative became the company narrative. And now I look back and I can see it so clearly.” [09:30]
Key Issues Identified:
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Misaligned Vision: The new hire's corporate approach overshadowed Britt's original vision, leading to a diluted company culture.
“The company vision was, Britt needs to be quiet and just let us do our thing.” [12:15]
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Avoidance of Critical Conversations: Britt admits to avoiding necessary confrontations, allowing underperformance and toxicity to fester.
“I had been avoiding having critical conversations. I let underperforming team members stay too long.” [22:45]
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Overreliance on High Performers: Britt's trust in high-performing team members led her to neglect her leadership role, resulting in operational fragility.
“I gave blind trust to not just her, but my whole company.” [15:50]
These missteps culminated in a crisis point, where Britt considered selling her business and experienced an emotional breakdown during a heated team meeting.
“I turned my screen off and I muted myself and I cried.” [19:30]
Turning Point: Seeking Help and Rebuilding
Realizing the depth of her leadership failures, Britt took decisive steps to reclaim her business and vision:
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Hiring an Independent Consultant: Britt brought in an unbiased business operations consultant to evaluate Thrivers Society.
“I hired somebody to come in and evaluate our business completely unbiased.” [25:00]
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Educational Investment: She enrolled in a new educational experience and reflected deeply on her leadership practices during a transformative trip to Malibu.
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Implementing Changes: Based on the consultant's feedback, Britt identified and addressed key issues, including:
- Letting go of underperforming and misaligned team members.
- Re-establishing a clear and uncompromised business vision.
- Rebuilding trust and fostering a supportive team culture.
“I had lost their trust and to watch come back in the last year has been beautiful and amazing.” [40:10]
Transformation and Lessons Learned
By mid-2024, Britt had successfully restructured Thrivers Society, reducing her team from 16 to 10 members to eliminate drama and improve efficiency. This strategic move resulted in a more harmonious and productive workplace.
“Last summer, I decided... take our team from a team of 16 to a team of 10.” [35:00]
Key Takeaways:
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Maintain a Clear Vision:
“Have a clear vision for your business and make sure every single team member respects your vision.” [42:00]
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Align Team with Vision:
“If they don't, they can't work for you. Don't be scared of letting high performers go. Be scared of letting the wrong ones stay.” [43:15]
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Implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):
“Have KPIs expect achievement. When a person can't achieve, let them go on their way.” [44:30]
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Reward High Performers Generously:
“Compensate your high achievers generously.” [45:00]
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Adapt to Change While Staying True to Core Values:
“Don't change the vision to meet the room. Change the room to meet the vision.” [46:20]
These lessons not only salvaged Thrivers Society but also positioned it for sustainable growth and a healthier work environment.
Reinvigoration and Future Plans
With the lessons learned and the business realigned, Britt is now more resilient and prepared to lead Thrivers Society into the future. She has relaunched her core programs with enhanced methodologies designed to benefit both leaders and their teams profoundly.
“The new Thriving Leadership Method is truly revolutionary. It's, I think, the first of its kind.” [50:00]
Britt expresses gratitude towards her team and listeners for their support during her "messy middle" and looks forward to continuing her mission with renewed energy.
“To those of you who hung with me through my messy, messy middle from 2021 to 2024, thank you.” [55:45]
Conclusion
Episode #390 of the Thriving Stylist Podcast serves as a powerful testament to the challenges of leadership and the importance of maintaining a steadfast vision in business. Britt Seva's willingness to share her vulnerabilities provides invaluable insights for salon owners and stylists striving to build successful, sustainable careers. Her journey underscores that resilience, authenticity, and a clear vision are paramount to thriving in the ever-evolving beauty industry.
For more updates and to join Britt on her journey, visit thrivingstyles.com.
Notable Quotes:
- “I've never wanted to give up as a leader... it just doesn't make sense.” [03:10]
- “This is what leaders do. I have to make hard decisions and do hard things.” [30:45]
- “If ownership is effortless, you're not doing it right.” [37:50]
- “I will never fucking sell this business.” [49:30]
Key Resources Mentioned:
- Thriving Stylist Method: A comprehensive program for hairstylists and salon owners.
- Thriving Leadership Method: An upcoming revolutionary approach to business leadership.
- Wealthiest Year Yet Planner: A tool for planning financial and professional growth.
Britt's story is not just about almost shutting down a business; it's about overcoming adversity, embracing change, and reaffirming one's commitment to a passion-driven career. This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the beauty industry seeking inspiration and practical advice on navigating the complexities of business leadership.