Build Your Salon with Phil Jackson

Does it feel like every time you build the perfect team, someone hands in their notice? You're not alone. In this episode, Phil Jackson dives into why good salon staff leave—and what you can do to keep them. From toxic culture to burnout and poor recruitment, discover the hidden reasons behind staff turnover and the practical steps you can take to build a loyal, thriving team. If you're tired of e...

🎙️ Staying Ahead of the Game with Sue DaviesIn this episode, I’m joined by Sue Davies—editorial director of Salonpreneur Magazine and long-time salon industry mentor. We dig into the shifting landscape of salon ownership, the pitfalls of outdated business models, and the mindset shifts needed to thrive in 2025 and beyond.💡 You’ll learn:What’s really driving the salon industry’s changes (and what’...

Struggling to make salon memberships work? Let's fix that. In this episode, I'm showing you how to put AI to work in your beauty business—so you can design irresistible packages, price them like a pro, and automate the whole thing without the stress. If you've ever felt overwhelmed trying to build recurring income, this one's for you, darling. This episode is proudly sponsored by Z...

What if everything you built almost fell apart? In this raw and powerful episode, award-winning salon owner Noel Halligan shares how he and his co-founder went from launching a high-end salon with huge ambition... to a second location that nearly cost them everything. You’ll hear how Noel navigated financial collapse, landlord nightmares, and team resistance—and came out the other side with a new...

Are you still running your salon the way you did five years ago? Ten? Maybe more? Then my darling, it’s time we had a word. In this episode, I’m poking the bear of outdated business practices and pulling back the curtain on the real reason your salon feels stuck. From appointment systems and pricing structures to dusty Yellow Pages ads (yes, really), we’re questioning it all. I’ll walk you through...

What if you could simplify your marketing and still get incredible results? In this episode, I chat with business coach Adam Chatterley about the 'attention flywheel'—a no-fluff strategy for turning online browsers into booked clients. We talk websites, social media, Google magic, and how to create momentum that doesn't eat up all your time. If you're tired of posting endlessly and want a more sus...

Hello, hello, hello salon friend! Is August giving your beauty business the cold shoulder? You’re not alone—but that doesn’t mean you need to panic. In this episode, I’m unpacking the real reason your salon or clinic might feel a little too quiet this time of year (hint: it’s not just the holidays). Whether you choose to embrace the lull or market your way through it, I’ve got smart, strategic way...

Hello, hello, hello, my salon friend 👋 Think your biggest problem is getting new clients? Think again. If your marketing strategy is “post more on socials,” you’re probably missing the real leak in your salon: retention. In this week’s episode, I’m lifting the lid on why growth without loyalty is a waste of your precious time and energy. I’ll walk you through the sneaky signs of a retention probl...

If you think blogging is “so last decade”, let’s fix that! These days, one well-written blog can bring you a steady stream of new clients—and thanks to AI, it’s easier and smarter than ever. Here’s the game-changer: your blog is now your 24/7 salesperson. While social posts vanish in a flash, a good blog hangs around for months (even years), quietly building trust and attracting the right people....

Is your front desk a costly relic from another era? In this eye-opening episode, I'm sharing why the traditional salon reception desk is holding you back—and how ditching it can boost your business. Discover why going deskless isn't just trendy but essential for creating a seamless, modern client experience. Learn practical strategies, from empowering your team to leveraging tech, and start buildi...

Are you still clinging to cash in your salon business? This week, I’m joined by @thecardmachineguy_ (Owen Toller) for a no-nonsense chat about the real cost of cash. From VAT headaches and banking fees to missed impulse purchases and risk management, we break down exactly why “cash only” might be holding your salon back. We’re talking: The psychology of spending and why card users spend more What...

What if the real secret to salon success isn’t a business plan—but putting your lifestyle first? In this powerful episode, I challenge the hustle culture that glorifies overwork and shame around “small” businesses. Instead, I show you how to build a salon business that funds your dream life, not drains it. We’ll talk strategy, pricing, time boundaries, marketing sanity—and why your calendar should...

Are you secretly worried that AI might replace you? You're not alone. In this empowering episode, I walk you through exactly why salon owners like you are actually in one of the safest—and most exciting—positions in business today. You'll learn how to future-proof your role, where AI can actually help rather than hinder, and how to start leading (not reacting) in this new tech-driven world. Plus,...

Are you still “waiting for the right moment” to try AI in your salon? While you're dithering, your competition is levelling up. In this practical and punchy episode, I’m walking you through five super-simple steps to get your first AI assistant up and running – no fluff, no tech panic. We’ll cover choosing your platform, training it to match your salon’s voice, testing real tasks, creating a promp...

In this episode of Build Your Salon, I chat with Braden Weinstock—co-owner of EFoxx Hair and founder of Pretty Data (https://prettydata.co) —about how top salons are using smarter systems and AI to protect profits, keep staff, and plan for growth. We unpack why most salons fail to implement the day-to-day strategies that actually move the needle, how COVID changed the salon landscape forever, and...

Hello, hello, hello, my salon friend! This week, we’re going full robot mode – but don’t worry, your job’s safe. In fact, AI might just save your sanity. I’m giving you five time-wasting tasks that you can hand off to AI tools right now – from writing those pesky social posts to soothing tricky client complaints, even managing stock like a pro. This episode is packed with practical tips, no fluff,...

Hello, my salon friend 👋 Feeling overwhelmed? Like your business is held together by toupee tape and caffeine? This one’s your deep breath. I’m unpacking the quiet chaos of doing too much—and showing you how to simplify for success, sanity, and sustainability. 🧘 In this episode: Why hustle isn’t the vibe (and never was) How doing less can grow your salon faster What to delegate, ditch, automate,...

Hello, my salon friend 👋 If you’re delivering five-star service but charging three-star prices, this one’s your wake-up call. In this episode, I’m serving up a mindset makeover around pricing—and helping you step into the high-ticket confidence your salon deserves. 💰 Inside this episode: Why the middle of the market is the most dangerous place to be The sneaky mindset traps that are keeping your...

Hello, my salon friend 👋 Still treating retail like it’s optional? In this episode, I’m tearing up every tired excuse I’ve heard about why salon owners don’t sell—and replacing them with confidence, clarity, and proper professional care. 🔥 We’re covering: Why recommending retail is part of your job—not a dirty word How to ditch the “I’m not a salesperson” identity What retail avoidance is really...

Hello, my salon friend 👋 Feeling the mid-year money wobble? I’ve got you covered with a cheeky, cash-boosting strategy that doesn’t involve prostituting your salon on Facebook 😘 🎁 In this episode: The difference between service-based and amount-based gift cards (and why one is sexier) How to structure promos that bring money in without burning you out My top dos and don’ts for making sure redem...

🎧 Episode: From Chaos to Calm – Systemise Your Salon for Profit and Peace If your salon feels like a beautiful mess behind the scenes, it's time to take a closer look at your systems. In this episode, I’ll walk you through five key areas where simple, smart systems can bring clarity, calm, and more money to your business. Here’s what we cover: Why “boring” businesses are often the most profitable...

Title: Why Boring Income is the Smartest Salon Strategy You’ve Never Tried Description: What if your clients wanted to pay you monthly—and loved you for it? In this episode, Phil Jackson, your Queen of Salons, breaks down exactly why “boring” predictable income might just be the secret to long-term success in your salon business. We unpack the power of salon memberships, the difference between sub...

🎧 Episode: Niche and Thrive – How Specialisation Can Skyrocket Your Salon Business Trying to please everyone? That’s a fast track to burnout—and bland branding. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly why narrowing your salon’s focus could be the smartest decision you make this year. Here’s what we’ll cover: Why generalists get overlooked in today’s salon market The 4 powerful ways to define your ni...

What does it take to build a beauty business that truly reflects who you are? In this inspiring episode, I’m joined by Sophie Brooks—founder of  Joy by Sophie , a values-led aesthetic clinic based in Manchester. From her beginnings as a nurse to creating a standout brand rooted in inclusivity, neurodiversity, and holistic care, Sophie shares the powerful (and personal) journey behind her clinic. W...

Salon retail can be a game-changer for your profits…  if  you get it right. But handled badly? You’ll spend more time dusting products than selling them! In this episode, I’m cutting through the noise and sharing my  top three strategies  to make retail a thriving, profitable part of your salon. No pushy sales tactics, no awkward scripts—just practical, proven methods that work (even if your team...