Level Up with Lacey

Life has seasons and sometimes morning routines just don’t fit. If you’re a new mom or in a messy season, give yourself grace . Your time will come. In this episode, I share my current playbook, my three morning non-negotiables, and the simple hacks that keep me grounded as a salon owner, mom, and business coach. It’s not about a “perfect routine” — it’s about consistency, rituals that fit your se...

If you’re still scrubbing toilets, restocking color, or running your salon’s Instagram… this episode is your wake-up call. ✨ Most salon owners hold onto tasks way too long, thinking they’re saving money or staying in control. The truth? That mindset keeps you stuck, burnt out, and blocks your growth. In this episode, I’m sharing the  five specific tasks I’ve learned to delegate, who should take t...

Sometimes leadership comes with tough choices, and yes, that includes hitting “mute” or “unfollow” on social media when a team member leaves your salon. In this episode, I’m getting real about why protecting your energy isn’t pettiness- it’s self-care, boundaries, and emotional maturity. If you’ve ever felt that gut-punch when someone moves on from your team, this episode gives you permission to d...

We’re switching gears this week, friends… because sometimes you just need a good laugh (and maybe a leadership reminder snuck in at the end). In this episode, I’m spilling the tea on the most outrageous,  did-that-really-just-happen  wardrobe disasters from behind the chair, mine, my team’s, and even my students’. We’re talking: The Great Sticky Boob Slip of 2018  – when your “support system” aban...

Are you constantly signing up for courses, masterminds, or memberships… but nothing is actually changing in your business? In this episode, I’m calling out the Serial Signer-Uppers, the stylists and salon owners who are stuck in a never-ending season of “yes.” You know the drill: you sign up for the thing, download the workbook, watch a few trainings… and then it collects digital dust. 😵‍💫 Here...

Being a salon owner means stepping into leadership—even when it’s hard. In this episode, I’m getting real and sharing the 3 toughest conversations I’ve ever had with team members… and what I learned from each one. 💥 A loyal stylist who spiraled into addiction and chaos 💬 A team member I didn’t speak my truth to—and wish I had 💔 Ending a business partnership that changed everything If you’ve eve...

If you’ve ever thought, “I  want  help… but I’m scared,” this episode is for you. Hiring an assistant is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make behind the chair — and the fear that comes with it is  real . In this episode, I’m breaking down the  3 most common fears  I hear from stylist & salon owners (and have felt myself), and how to shift them so you can lead and grow with confidence. “Wha...

If  you  don’t feel confident in your assistant program… your assistant can feel that too. In this episode, Lacey is breaking down the subtle signs that your training program might not be as strong as you think — and what to do about it. Whether you’re constantly second-guessing yourself or saying, “I’m going to do it differently next time,” this one is for  you. Inside this episode: ✨ Why “wingi...

If you’ve been running on fumes, wondering if you’re the problem… this episode is for you. In today’s raw and honest conversation, Lacey unpacks the  real reason so many salon owners are burning out  — and it’s not because you’re doing it wrong. It’s because you’re doing it  alone. Inside this episode: 💥 The sneaky signs of burnout too many salon owners ignore 💥 Why hiring help  isn’t  a luxury...

If you're a salon owner thinking about hiring your first assistant—or you're already in the thick of it—this episode is for  you . I’m diving deep into the truth behind what it really takes to bring someone onto your team… and it’s probably not what you’ve been told. We’re talking about why most salon owners wait  way  too long to hire, the uncomfortable (but necessary) mindset shifts, and...

In this episode of  Level Up with Lacey , I’m taking it back to the beginning — to the version of me who was scared to spend a dime on her business. The one who second-guessed every investment, worried about every dollar, and didn’t yet understand what true growth required. Whether you're just starting out or you're standing on the edge of your next big move, this one’s for YOU. I’m sharin...

What happens when you find yourself in back-to-back rooms with some of the most powerful women in business? This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most surreal weeks of my business journey — from a private mastermind in Nashville with my coach and mentor Amy Porterfield, to hopping on a plane and joining Britt Seva and the Thrivers Community at the X Retreat in San Antonio. Talk ab...

“I’m canceling my appointment. The price I paid? No way. Disappointing.” That was the message my student (and dear friend) received from a client — and she was crushed. The client didn’t understand why an assistant had worked on her, questioned the pricing, and accused her of being unethical. Oof. Those texts hit hard — especially when you’re working so hard to build something bigger than yourself...

Let’s talk about silence — not as weakness, but as power. In today’s episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a tough chapter in my leadership journey. Earlier this year, I released a podcast episode that stirred up some real emotions — especially with a few former team members. I almost didn’t post it. I questioned everything, even texting Mel asking, “Should we really release this?” But I knew i...

Ever feel like the days fly by and you’re left wondering where your time actually went? Yep — I’ve been there too. In this episode, I’m sharing the exact strategies that helped me go from constantly overwhelmed and “on call” 24/7… to feeling more focused, more protected, and more in control of my schedule. We all get the same 24 hours. But how you spend them? That’s what determines your peace, you...

Let’s talk about the unsexy hour that completely transformed my business. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the one hour each week that made the biggest difference in my salon’s financial health — and no, I’m not the one categorizing every transaction. From bi-weekly meetings with my CFO to reviewing monthly P&Ls and making data-backed decisions, I’m sharing exactly what this rh...

Ever feel like you’re either winning big or completely failing ? That black-and-white thinking kept me stuck for years — and in this episode, I’m sharing how running a half marathon (and nearly falling apart during it) became the wake-up call I didn’t know I needed. I’ll break down how the all-or-nothing mindset shows up in your business, keeps you in perfection mode, and delays the growth you’re...

In this deeply moving episode, I talk with  Hayle Hendrix , a mom of two and owner of  Salon Envy  and  The Willow Salon  in Owasso, OK. Hayle opens up about her  traumatic  experience during the birth of her second child. She shares how she’s overcome struggles to not only build two successful salons but also pour back into her community in meaningful ways. Inside this conversation: Hayle’s journ...

In this episode, I’m joined by  Heather Yacenda Burnside , owner of  Studio H Salon  in Wichita, KS, and mom of  two little ones  in the thick of the baby years. Heather shares candidly about the  exhausting, beautiful, and chaotic  season of balancing babies and business—and what she’s learned about grace, and redefining success along the way. Inside this episode: What life looks like right now w...

In this episode, I’m chatting with Meisha Manas , a mom to one sweet boy and owner of a truly legendary business trifecta: Legendary Salon, Juice Bar & Boutique in Red Bluff, CA. We talk about what it really takes to grow multiple businesses while raising a little one—and how Meisha stays grounded through it all. Inside this episode: What a day in Meisha’s world looks like (hint: it’s a lot!)...

In this episode, I sit down with Sybil Manahan , proud mom of two teenage girls and owner of Haute Glam Studio in Johnson City, TN. Sybil shares what it’s like navigating the teen years while running a thriving salon—and how motherhood has shaped her leadership and vision. We cover: What life looks like with teens at home and a business to lead The hardest seasons she’s faced balancing family and...

In this episode, I sit down with  Bailey Hughes , a powerhouse mom of three and owner of  not one but two  thriving salon and spa locations:  After FX Spa & Salon  and  After FX Hair Studio  in Broken Arrow, OK. We dive deep into the  real  behind-the-scenes of what it takes to build a business while raising little ones—from impossible days to unexpected wins. Bailey gets vulnerable about: Wha...

In our 2nd episode of our mothers day series, I’m joined by  Shannon Atkinson , a proud mom of three girls and owner of the vibrant  Hyde Salon  in Kansas City. We get real about what it means to  lead with heart  while balancing the never-ending demands of motherhood and salon ownership. Shannon opens up about: What a  real-life  day looks like for her (and her girls!) The toughest moments she’s...

“I love this question!” 🙌🏻 If you’ve ever thought, “I don’t want to double book—so is an assistant even worth it?” this episode is a must-listen. We’re breaking the mold and busting the myth that assistants are only for stylists who double book. Truth is, working with an assistant isn’t about cramming your day — it’s about enhancing the guest experience and working smarter. Inside this episode,...

Are you feeling defeated, burned out, or overly emotional about the hard stuff happening in your business right now? In this episode, I’m getting real about the tough decisions salon owners face — and how to stop letting emotions run the show. I’m currently in a season of making some seriously HARD business decisions, and let me tell you: it’s all business right now. No room for guilt, overthinkin...