Salon Secrets: How Retention Beats Acquisition

Reflecting on our own childhood experiences, we reminisce about the joyous freedom we had back in the '90s, where our outdoor adventures were filled with simplicity and creativity—improvising games, exploring nature, and engaging in hands-on play without the distractions of screens.In this episode, we grapple with the question of whether today's children are, in fact, over-protected from real-life experiences, yet simultaneously under-prepared to handle the digital interactions. I share personal insights, including my son’s first dating experience and my plan to introduce a month-long family experiment to disconnect from screens.

Curious how a Netflix show can reshape your take on parenting teens today? In this episode, we dive into Adolescence—a series sparking buzz among parents and teens alike.We ask: who’s guiding kids through this digital maze—parents, schools, or tech giants?In this episode, you’ll learn:Why Adolescence hits home for parents and teens.The big questions on who shapes kids today.Real ways to spark trust and talks with teens.Raw and relatable, this episode’s for anyone navigating parenting in a digital world.Hair Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Feel like self-doubt’s holding you back? In this episode of Hair Life, Cally and I dive into confidence, unpacking why so many of us—especially women—struggle to feel "enough." From childhood stings to social media’s comparison trap, we get real about what fuels insecurity.We go beyond the why, sharing actionable ways to grow confidence—like Cally’s self-love day or my lessons in coaching my son to stand tall. Expect honest talk on failure as growth, the pressure to do it all, and creating spaces that spark courage over comparison.In this episode, you’ll learn:Where self-doubt comes from—childhood scars, social media traps, and more.Small, actionable steps to build confidence, like power poses or saying no.How failure fuels growth and why perfection is the enemy.Ways to create environments that lift everyone up, from salons to boardrooms.Packed with real stories and practical tips, this episode is for anyone ready to quiet the inner critic and step up.Hair Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Ever let a great idea fester in our heads too long? We’ve been there—overthinking while time slips by. In this episode we’re unpacking why doing beats hesitating, no fluff—just real talk.In this episode, you’ll learn:  Why action always outshines hesitation.  Why fear of judgement is a trap worth dodging.  Why perfect timing is a myth that’s holding us back.  Loaded with real talk and actionable steps, this episode is for anyone ready to ditch the delays and make moves.Hair Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Money does more than pay the bills—it shapes your life. In this episode of Hair Life, we share our real, raw stories about cash, from losing it all to building successful salons.In this episode, you’ll learn:How we turn financial struggles into wins.Why money feels like a blessing and a burden.How it affects choices, relationships, and happiness.Callie’s 11-year plan to gain freedom.Nathan’s dream of sharing salon ownership with his team.With honest tales of resilience and lessons learned, this episode is perfect for salon owners or anyone ready to rethink money’s role in their life.Hair Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

This week, we reveal the secrets to keeping clients loyal and coming back for more.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why retaining clients costs less than acquiring new ones.Why loyalty programmes increase retention.Why understanding client habits leads to loyalty.With actionable tips to maximise your revenue and build lasting client connections, this episode is a must-listen for salon owners ready to kick-start a successful year.Hair Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

What’s ahead for your business in 2025, and how can you use the first few months to set a strong foundation? In this episode, we discuss our plans for the year and share practical tips on setting goals and preparing for challenges, including:The value of having a coachThe power of goal-settingHow small steps lead to big winsTips for maintaining a healthier work-life balanceBy using the early months of 2025 to focus on goal-setting, taking small steps, and prioritising balance, you can build a solid foundation for success.Got a question or a suggestion? Connect with us at hairlifepodcast.com.Hair Life is produced by Urban Podcasts.

How will the recent budget changes impact your salon’s finances, and what steps can you take to navigate the challenges ahead?In this episode of Hair Life, accountant Melanie Beach joins us and breaks down the financial changes hitting small salons, including the rise in national insurance and its effect on SMEs with five or more employees. Melanie offers actionable advice on cash flow management, transparency with staff, and how to create a strategic financial plan to stay ahead. We also explore the importance of consistent reporting, managing costs, and the value of investing in apprentices.

Are we truly living in a way that honours the time we have left?In this episode of Hair Life, we explore the often-taboo subject of death. Inspired by recent, raw conversations with salon clients and our own experiences, we share the challenging realities of loss. I open up about losing my father nine years ago and the way his passing forever changed my perspective on life and mortality. Cally adds her own reflections on how grief can isolate, with friends and family often unsure how to stay supportive after the initial loss.We share the powerful notion of intentional living: making each day matter and prioritising our well-being, joy, and relationships. Reflecting on the limited nature of our time, we discuss how self-care, conscious choices, and meaningful connections can transform how we experience the time we have.

After facing a significant health scare, Cally discovered the transformative power of setting boundaries and valuing time with family over material wealth. This personal revelation echoed a broader societal shift we've noticed, especially in a post-COVID world, where people are now more inclined to seek a balanced lifestyle despite financial pressures. In this episode, we share heartwarming stories and discuss how older generations are adapting. We'll also shine a light on the immense pressures that today's youth face regarding their financial futures. As parents make significant investments in private education and young adults navigate the rising costs of university, debt becomes a heavy burden.Lastly, we tackle the VAT debate within the salon industry, an ongoing challenge that we believe needs immediate attention. Salon owners are struggling with high VAT rates, and freelancers are opting for independence to escape these financial constraints. We explore potential solutions such as lowering the VAT rate and creating a supportive salon culture to retain staff.