Thriving Stylist Podcast: Episode #410

"Salon Owner: Your Stylist Wants You To Hear This"

Host: Britt Seva
Release Date: November 3, 2025

Brief Overview

In this powerful solo episode, Britt Seva addresses a message to salon owners—particularly those who have been sent this episode by stylists on their own teams. She examines the fast-paced changes within the beauty industry, the evolving expectations of stylists, and the challenges that today's salon owners face. The episode is both a wakeup call and a lifeline, encouraging openness to change and providing actionable advice for fostering a thriving, modern salon business.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why This Episode Was Made

• Britt reveals she was prompted by a heartfelt DM from a stylist feeling desperate about her salon’s stagnation.

• The episode is meant to offer salon owners perspective on team sentiment and to encourage necessary change.

  • Quote [05:10]:

    “If you have a team member who sent you this, it’s very possible it’s not even the one who’s upset... They just want to give you perhaps a lifeline.” – Britt

• Intended message: The episode’s purpose is to allow stylists to share concerns with leadership in a supportive, non-confrontational way.

2. Industry Evolution: How Did We Get Here? ([13:30])

• Britt reviews historic shifts in the salon industry over the last 30 years:

  • 1990s-2010: Industry stability, slow growth, long mentorships, low pay, “pay your dues”.

  • 2010-2015: Arrival of digital tools (websites, email marketing), automation (e.g., online booking).

  • 2016-2019: Social media boom; rise of “Instagram stylists” and rapid client-building.

  • 2020: COVID-19 disrupts everything; “artificial inflation” of business after reopening (temporary client spikes).

  • 2021-2023: Overinflated clientele; now deflated, resulting in today’s “new normal.”

  • Rise of studio suites: Emergence of new, independent business models for stylists.

  • Quote [20:40]:

    “The coaching companies of the 90s, 2010s did not change and adapt, and in many ways still haven’t.” – Britt

3. What Stylists Expect Today ([36:00])

• The core expectations and shifts among the newest generation of stylists:

  • Salon-generated clientele: Owners must actively market and fill stylists’ chairs.

  • Robust digital marketing: Stylists expect salons to be digitally savvy and maintain strong, modern online presences.

  • Quick, structured growth: Top talent expects fast learning curves, hands-on mentorship—not years “paying dues.”

  • Flexibility and time-off over traditional benefits: Paid time off, flexible scheduling, and growth matter more than insurance or retirement plans.

  • Quote [40:43]:

    “If you want stylists to stay with you, marketing has to be your number one priority… If you’re not going to do it, what’s the advantage of working for you and your team?” – Britt

• Britt challenges owners to reflect on what they truly offer beyond “good culture.”

4. Red Flags: Is It Time for Salon Change or Coaching? ([49:00])

• Signs you might need a new coach or a strategy change:

  • Spending $5k+ a year on coaching without seeing at least 15% revenue growth and an 8% profit margin.

  • Coaching companies enforcing rigid, one-size-fits-all systems.

  • Multiple team members with stagnated growth.

  • Losing 25%+ of staff in a year.

  • Not understanding or executing digital marketing effectively.

  • Few applicants and unfilled chairs.

  • Anxiety about the future isn’t being alleviated by current mentoring.

  • Quote [53:32]:

    “If you aren’t growing at that rate or getting regular applicants, whatever you’re doing digitally is not working.” – Britt

5. Addressing Fears About Coaching and Change ([58:10])

• Britt addresses common hesitations salon owners have about working with external coaches, especially her own company:

  • She and her team are independent—no hidden “big hair” or distributor influence.

  • Track record: Over 17,000 accounts coached in 13 years, with proof of results.

  • “X Club”: Celebrating clients who double or triple revenues, with tax records as proof.

  • Encourages owners to interview coaching companies by asking for recent, relevant referrals.

  • Quote [01:01:55]:

    “Being with an established company is only good if the company is evolving forward... Are their methods decades-old, or are they continuing to innovate?” – Britt

6. Why Your Stylist Shared This Episode ([01:05:30])

• Britt outlines four main reasons:

  1. Stylists want the salon and owner to succeed and care deeply about the business.
  2. They want their leader to be happy and supported.
  3. They don’t want to leave, but they’re at a breaking point—this is a lifeline, not an ultimatum.
  4. They feel something is missing and want to open the door to positive change.
  • Quote [01:08:25]:

    “Accountability and self-awareness are the two hardest skills for any adult to have... this is your chance to be eyes-wide-open and just consider the possibility that maybe it’s time to make a change.” – Britt

7. Next Steps for Owners ([01:11:40])

• Listen to more podcast episodes, explore other coaching companies, and stay open to evolution.
• Reach out to Britt via DM for guidance, but focus most on moving forward and innovating—no matter who you work with.
• The salon industry can thrive in the new era, but only by adapting.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• The DM That Inspired It All:
  • “We were the salon in town, profitable, busy… Then COVID hit and everything changed. The owner’s vibe was awful… Now our books are slow. Everybody knows it. Money isn’t flowing. We’re getting desperate. Nothing is changing." ([11:15])
• Hard Truth on “Great Culture”:
  • “Culture is different now, and that’s not, generally speaking, going to be enough… culture is nice; I have a family to feed.” ([41:55])
• On Digital Marketing as Non-Negotiable:
  • “Just posting is not effective digital marketing. If you’re not getting regular applicants who want to work for you, whatever you’re doing digitally is not working.” ([53:15])
• On Team Motivation:
  • “They’re not pointing fingers—they’re handing you a life raft.” ([01:07:30])

Important Timestamps

• Why this episode exists / Reading the DM: [05:10] – [13:00]
• Industry evolution overview: [13:30] – [36:00]
• Modern stylist expectations: [36:00] – [49:00]
• Red flags & signs change is needed: [49:00] – [56:00]
• Breaking down coaching fears: [58:10] – [01:05:00]
• Why stylists share this with owners: [01:05:30] – [01:10:00]
• Action steps for owners: [01:11:40] – [end]

Tone & Takeaway

Britt’s tone throughout is candid, empathetic, and future-focused. She blends tough love with genuine encouragement, aiming to shake owners out of stagnation while affirming their ability to create thriving, modern salons—if they’re willing to adapt.

Final Message:
This episode is a must-listen for any salon owner dreaming of vibrant teams and a robust business in the new beauty landscape. “I just want you to win. I want salons to win.” – Britt ([01:13:00])