Beauty Business Matters

Susan welcomes back Arif Isikgun, a global sales trainer who has made significant strides in the beauty industry. They reflect on their journey since their first meeting over two years ago, discussing the importance of retail in beauty and how it often takes a backseat to treatments. Arif shares insights from his award-winning books, "Shine" and "StorySeller," emphasizing the power of storytelling...

Susan sits down with Helena Biggs, the editorial director of Scratch magazine, to explore the vibrant and innovative world of the nail industry. With over 22 years of experience, Helena shares her journey from a multimedia journalism graduate to a key figure in beauty journalism, discussing the evolution of Scratch magazine and its impact on the nail sector. The conversation delves into the import...

Susan is interviewed by Ryan, who takes the opportunity to delve into Susan's experiences and insights gained from hosting over 40 episodes of the podcast. They discuss the joy Susan finds in connecting with industry leaders and sharing valuable knowledge with her audience, emphasizing the importance of community and collaboration in the beauty industry. Susan reflects on her journey from conducti...

In this inspiring podcast episode, Susan interviews the remarkable Amanda Pearson who shares her unique journey through the beauty and pharmaceutical industries. Initially trained as a beauty therapist, she transitioned into a successful career in cardiology before returning to her roots in beauty after a career break to raise her children. The conversation delves into her experiences of building...

Susan sits down with Eve Oxbury, head of editorial for Professional Beauty and Aesthetic Medicine, to explore her extensive background and multifaceted role in the beauty industry. With over 20 years of experience, Eve shares insights into her journey from journalism to beauty, the evolution of the industry, and the significant changes she has witnessed, particularly in aesthetics and the rise of...

Susan welcomes Zoe Threadgold, a seasoned beauty professional with a remarkable journey in the industry. From starting her career in a local salon to becoming a solo operator and skin specialist, Zoe has now ventured into the realm of distribution with the innovative Neurotris microcurrent device. The conversation delves into Zoe's early experiences in beauty education, the challenges of managing...

Theresa Heath-Warren welcomes a remarkable guest, who shares her inspiring journey from corporate marketing to becoming one of the UK's top influencers in the industry. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of starting a business as a single parent, the importance of consistency in content creation, and the power of storytelling in marketing. They discuss the nuances of email ma...

Susan engages in a captivating conversation with Liz, a seasoned expert in intellectual property law, particularly within the beauty industry. They reflect on their long-standing friendship and Liz's impressive journey from a science background to becoming a leading IP lawyer. The discussion delves into the importance of protecting intellectual property for businesses, especially in the rapidly ev...

Susan welcomes PR expert Amanda Fitzgerald, known for her ability to help businesses gain major visibility. Amanda shares her inspiring journey into the world of public relations, starting from her early experiences in her mother's bead business to launching her own ventures. The conversation delves into the importance of PR as an essential business life skill, emphasizing how it can elevate a bra...

Susan sits down with Gilian Huntley, the founder and director of Elite Probes, to discuss her inspiring journey in the beauty industry. Gilian shares how the COVID-19 lockdown prompted her to innovate in the field of blemish removal, leading to the development of specialized probes for treating various benign skin blemishes. The conversation delves into the evolution of training in this area, the...

Susan welcomes her friend Jaxon Feeley, a former prison officer who transitioned while working in a male prison. Jaxon shares his inspiring journey of authenticity and resilience, discussing the challenges he faced during his transition and how he used his experiences to educate others. The conversation delves into the importance of difficult conversations, the impact of social media, and the powe...

Susan welcomes Dan and Anna Inglis, directors of Elegant Touch, who recently achieved the remarkable feat of winning the UK Professional Beauty Large Salon of the Year award on their first attempt. The episode delves into their inspiring journey, from Anna's early passion for beauty and her initial foray into the industry to the couple's strategic growth of their salon, which now boasts a team of...

In today's episode, Susan shares valuable insights on how to choose the right equipment for your beauty business. She outlines 20 essential considerations to ensure that your investment meets client demand and enhances your services. From understanding the reasons behind your purchase to conducting thorough research on suppliers, equipment standards, and market saturation, this episode serves as a...

Susan welcomes back mindset expert Vicky Ross to discuss the current unrest in the beauty industry amidst economic changes. As the episode coincides with Susan's birthday and the launch of season two, Vicky shares her extensive experience in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and offers valuable insights on managing overwhelm and resetting one's mindset. The conversation delves into the importance...

In this episode, Susan shares valuable insights on how salon and clinic owners can maximize their experience at trade shows. Addressing common misconceptions about the value of these events, Susan emphasizes the importance of preparation, including creating an agenda, researching exhibitors, and engaging with key suppliers. Susan highlights the benefits of networking, attending educational demonst...

Susan welcomes Pete Scott from the Sales Spotlight Academy, who shares his insights on transforming the beauty industry by empowering therapists and salon owners to charge what they are truly worth. With a background that spans from personal training on cruise ships to consulting for various industries, Pete discusses the importance of effective consultations and the psychology behind selling high...

In this episode, Susan addresses a common concern among salon and clinic owners: why their teams struggle to sell products as effectively as they do. Susan emphasises the trust clients place in owners and explores deeper issues that may hinder team sales, such as money mindset and product knowledge. She offers practical strategies for improving retail success, including the importance of understan...

Susan welcomes Rachael Howard from Beauty Within, a seasoned professional with nearly 20 years of experience in the beauty industry. Rachael shares her inspiring journey, which began with aspirations of becoming a nurse before transitioning into beauty therapy after discovering her passion for holistic treatments. She recounts her experiences working on cruise ships, teaching in the Middle East, a...

In this episode, Susan discusses the importance of local collaborations for salon and clinic owners looking to build their client base. While acknowledging the role of social media for visibility, she notes that personal connections and local partnerships can yield quicker results. Susan also shares insights from her experience at the Beauty Directors Club Business Bootcamp in Malta, where she exp...

Susan sits down with industry veteran Josh Yardley from The Smart Group. They delve into Josh's extensive background in retail and beauty, discussing his journey from working with major retailers to founding a successful business that supplies advanced beauty equipment. Josh shares insights on the importance of understanding consumer needs, the evolving relationship between beauty and medical aest...

In this midweek episode, Susan shares valuable insights on how salon and clinic owners can raise their profiles through the act of giving back. She emphasises the importance of community involvement, highlighting various ways to engage with local charities, schools, and colleges. Susan discusses the benefits of organising charity events, participating in local fairs, and offering mentorship to stu...

Susan  sits down with Amanda Hutchinson from AKP Branding Stories to explore the fascinating journey of brand photography. Amanda shares her unique background in crisis management and how it shaped her meticulous attention to detail in photography. The conversation delves into the transition from wedding photography to brand photography, highlighting the importance of planning and preparation for...

In this episode, Susan addresses a common question among clinic and salon owners: whether to implement a booking fee or a deposit system. She explains the differences between the two and advocates for a booking fee as a more effective deterrent against last-minute cancellations and no-shows. Susan emphasises the importance of planning, consistency, and clear terms and conditions when introducing a...

Susan Routledge welcomes the dynamic duo, Samuel and Samantha Sweet of Sweet Squared, for their first duet podcast. The conversation delves into their inspiring journey in the beauty industry, starting from their early careers to the establishment of Sweet Squared. They share personal anecdotes about their initial experiences, the challenges of building a brand, and the importance of education in...

In today's midweek episode, Susan shares what motivated her to start this podcast. Reflecting on her extensive experience in the beauty industry, Susan recounts how the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted her to connect with salon and clinic owners through interviews, providing vital information during a time of uncertainty. She also discusses the evolution of her initiatives, including the su...