Positive Image Podcast

Would you trust AI to formulate your client's hair colour? AI is making its way into just about every industry, including ours. But just because ChatGPT can give you a colour formula, does that mean you should actually use it? In this episode of our controversial conversations series, Nicole and Alicia are tackling the growing trend of hairstylists turning to artificial intelligence to formulate h...

Just because you're a great hairstylist, does that mean you'd make a great salon owner? Nicole says YES. Alicia says NO. And neither is backing down easily. In this episode of our controversial conversations series, we're tackling a question that might ruffle a few feathers: Can anyone become a successful salon owner, or does it take a certain type of person? Nicole believes that with enough deter...

Your salon brought in HOW much?! You must be making a fortune… right? Well, not exactly. In this episode, Nicole and Alicia tackle another controversial salon conversation: should you share your business financials with your team, or are those numbers nobody's business but yours? They talk about why salon owners can be so protective of their numbers, the fear of employees seeing a big revenue numb...

Welcome to Season 7—and we're shaking things up. This season, Nicole and Alicia are diving into some of the more controversial conversations happening in the salon industry. They're sharing their perspectives, asking the uncomfortable questions, and talking about the things they don't always agree on. First up: S hould consultations and bang trims be free? Nicole and Alicia compare how they handle...

One of our Top 10 most listened to episodes was this one here - Law of Colour The laws of colour are the same for a painter as it is for a hairstylists. This short form educational audio - clearly goes through how colour theory work. These educational audios were created by Nicole Manzer   Find us on Instagram @hello.positiveimage @nicole.manzer @aliciacreate Email us any ideas suggestions or comm...

One of our Top 10 most listened to episodes was this one here - an interview with Sales Rep Julia Rego: What does a sales rep actually do—and just as importantly, what don't they do? In this episode of the Positive Image Podcast, Nicole and Alicia sit down with Julia, a seasoned sales consultant with a background in hairdressing and salon ownership, to uncover the real role of a sales rep in a sal...

One of our Top 10 most listened to episodes was this one here - 4 categories of hair colour Nicole takes a deep dive into the differing types of hair colour from dipping our toes in to a full cannon ball jump! These educational audios were created by Nicole Manzer   Find us on Instagram @hello.positiveimage @nicole.manzer @aliciacreate Email us any ideas suggestions or comments at hello.positiveim...

One of our Top 10 most listened to episodes was this one here - Leading with Impact Great leadership goes beyond managing a team—it's about inspiring, empowering, and recognizing the potential in others. In this episode of the Positive Image Podcast, Nicole and Alicia explore what it takes to be an effective leader in the salon industry. They discuss the difference between listening and truly hear...

One of our Top 10 most listened to episodes was this one here - how hair colour works This episode dives into how hair colour works. These educational audios were created by Nicole Manzer   Find us on Instagram @hello.positiveimage @nicole.manzer @aliciacreate Email us any ideas suggestions or comments at hello.positiveimage@gmail.com Work with Nicole - manzermethodcoaching@gmaill.com Work with Al...

One of our Top 10 most listened to episodes was this one here - Adapting to the many changes of our salon and aligning with our brands goals In this episode of the Positive Image Podcast, Nicole and Alicia explore the rapid changes reshaping the salon industry, particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Together, they discuss how adapting to new mindsets—like staff valuing flexibility and...

One of our Top 10 most listened to episodes was this one here - Hair characteristics Nicole dives into the ins and outs of hair and how she uses that knowledge to decide on the end result/ These educational audios were created by Nicole Manzer   Find us on Instagram @hello.positiveimage @nicole.manzer @aliciacreate Email us any ideas suggestions or comments at hello.positiveimage@gmail.com Work wi...

One of our Top 10 most listened to episodes was this one here - What does your Client experience look like? Embark on a journey with us as we delve into the heart of salon excellence—the client experience. In this episode, we unravel the art of adding value and personalization to every salon visit. From immersive salon tours to the fine details that make a client feel truly special. We explore way...

One of our Top 10 most listened to episodes was this one here - hair composition Nicole dives into the scientific side of hair!  These educational audios were created by Nicole Manzer   Find us on Instagram @hello.positiveimage @nicole.manzer @aliciacreate Email us any ideas suggestions or comments at hello.positiveimage@gmail.com Work with Nicole - manzermethodcoaching@gmaill.com Work with Alicia...

One of our Top 10 most listened to episodes was this one here - Navigating the hiring process.  In this episode, we talk about finding the perfect hairstylist/ team member. From following your intuition to defining your brand culture and perfect avatar (team members). We also talk about - Where to post your position opening. And how to attract the team for your brand. Download our Building a Team...

What would actually happen if you stepped away from your salon… for weeks? Would everything fall apart? Would your team survive? Or would things run just fine without you? In this episode, Nicole and Alicia take you behind the scenes of what it really looks like to step away from your salon, your business, and the day-to-day demands of being a salon owner. They talk about burnout, the pressure of...

Let's talk about the part of business most salon owners avoid… your numbers. In this episode, Nicole and Alicia break down cash flow in a way that actually makes sense. They cover what cash flow is, how it's different from your budget, and why so many salon owners feel overwhelmed when it comes to money. They share simple, practical systems you can start using right away—like daily tracking habits...

Is salon retail dead… or are we just doing it wrong? In this episode, Nicole and Alicia break down the real role of retail in today's salon industry—and why in-person product sales are still one of your biggest growth opportunities. They explore how to build trust with clients through honest recommendations, create a retail space that invites engagement, and balance selling products without it fee...

One-on-one meetings can feel intimidating for both salon owners and team members—but when done right, they're one of the most powerful tools for building trust, clarity, and long-term growth in your salon. In this episode, Nicole and Alicia break down how often you should schedule one-on-ones (monthly vs. quarterly), where they work best (in the salon, over lunch, or even on a walking meeting), an...

What happens when working behind the chair isn't forever? In this episode, Nicole and Alicia explore a topic that isn't talked about enough in the beauty industry: what do you do if you can't — or don't want to — keep doing hair full-time? From allergies, injuries, burnout, arthritis, and emotional capacity… to simply evolving as a human and wanting something new — they unpack the real reasons sty...

This is the episode most salon owners don't talk about. Nicole and Alicia get honest about the unexpected realities of running a salon—the things you never see on social media. From extreme weather days and broken appliances to health emergencies and last-minute chaos, they share the behind-the-scenes moments that test you as an owner. They also touch on the real-life challenges that come with own...

Hair school is just the beginning. In this episode, Nicole and Alicia dive into the importance of post-licence education and why continuous learning is essential for long-term success in the hair industry. They share personal experiences with advanced training, travelling for education, and learning from diverse perspectives—highlighting how building on strong foundational skills leads to confiden...

In this milestone 50th episode, Nicole and Alicia delve into the profound concept of self-image and its subtle yet profound impact on our beliefs, decisions, and daily actions. Nicole breaks down the difference between self-image and self-esteem, explaining how our perception of ourselves influences how we show up in the world—both personally and professionally. Together, they explore the connecti...

In this episode, Nicole and Alicia dive into year-end reflection and intentional goal setting for salon owners and creatives. They talk about why looking back is just as important as planning ahead—helping you gain clarity on what worked, what didn't, and where you want to grow next. They explore the power of writing down goals, setting both realistic and audacious intentions, and connecting deepl...

Taxes don't have to be scary—but they do have to be understood. In this episode, Nicole and Alicia break down the essentials of salon taxes in a practical, easy-to-follow way. They cover what HST is and how it works, payroll taxes and remittances, and the basics of business and corporate taxes. You'll learn what each tax is for, how often it needs to be paid, and what money is actually yours versu...

In this episode, Nicole and Alicia dive into the beautiful (and sometimes tricky) world of  client gifting —who to gift, what to give, when to give, and how to make it meaningful without breaking the bank. They explore ways to show appreciation through small branded items, low-cost gestures, personalized messages, and value-added services like scalp treatments or product perks. Whether you're usin...