Level Up with Lacey

“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...

In this special episode, we’re celebrating a BIG milestone— Mel’s 2-Year Anniversary with LG! 🥳 I’m sitting down with the one and only Mel (aka our operations wizard, support queen, and all-around rockstar) to talk about why her role has been absolutely critical to the growth of LG and the success of our students. We’re taking you behind the scenes to share: How we first met The story of how Mel...

Are you constantly reminding your commission stylists to post their availability on social media? Feeling like a broken record while they keep saying things like “I don’t like being on camera” or “I want to be private” ? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the frustration that comes when your service providers aren’t pulling their weight when it comes to marketing themselves. Because let’s be re...

If your salon team has been showing up a little too casual lately, you’re not imagining it… and you’re definitely not alone! 😅 In this episode, we're getting real about that moment every salon owner dreads: when your once-polished, on-brand team starts looking more “Sunday Target run” than “$100/hour luxury service.” But don’t worry—we’re not here to shame anyone or stir up drama. We’re here...

In this episode, Lacey dives deep into the power of simplifying your business to amplify your results. What if doing less could actually get you more ? More clarity, more impact, more income, and more joy. It’s time to trade overwhelm for intention and get laser-focused on what truly moves the needle in your salon and life. What We Cover: Why more isn’t always better The power of focus and choosin...

Have you been going back and forth about hiring a SECOND assistant?! Maybe you're working just a few days a week and thinking "WTF, how would I even schedule TWO people?!" I get it! And honestly, this might be the EXACT solution you've been looking for! In this episode I'm breaking down: The EXACT scheduling system I use to keep two assistants busy (without losing my mind in...

 The cat's out of the bag... The Culture Community is HERE! 🔥 For YEARS, I've been teaching salon owners how to recruit, hire, and train assistants. But I've never shared what happens next… until now! Let me tell you something—your salon culture is EVERYTHING when it comes to growing a strong, loyal, and high-performing team. It's what keeps your stylists engaged, motivated, and O...

🎙️ Episode Summary: What do you do when a client says, “I don’t want anyone else working on me” ? It’s a challenge many stylist face, especially when transitioning to a new business model with assistants. But here’s the truth—you cannot let clients dictate how you run your business. In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how to handle pushback from long-time clients while building a sustaina...

🎙️ Episode Summary: As a salon owner, maintaining a positive, professional environment is key to creating an amazing experience for both your guests and your team. But what happens when inappropriate conversations start creeping onto the salon floor? In this episode, we’re diving into how to handle conversations around sensitive topics like politics, religion, partying, gossip, and more —both with...

This week, we have an extra special episode featuring the incredible Jess Shelton ! She’s giving us an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how she has grown both her team and herself to incredible success. Join Lacey and Jess as they dive deep into: ✨ Their daily rituals that set them up for success ✨ How to stay motivated , even on tough days ✨ The power of discipline in leadership and busines...

Grab our LG Education Tracker here⤵️ https://lg-education.kit.com/79e22eb54f In this episode, we tackle a hot topic in the salon industry: Should you cover the cost of your assistant’s education and certifications? Lacey breaks down the pros and cons, sharing her personal experience and a structured approach to education with your assistant. Key Takeaways: Should You Pay for an Extension Certifica...

Join The Assistant University here ⤵️ https://lg-education.mykajabi.com/AUpresale Your success is a direct reflection of the risks you’re willing to take.   Staying comfortable won’t get you to the next level—it’s time to bet on yourself! In this episode, I share the biggest risks I’ve taken, including: ✅ Opening a salon & expanding ✅ Hiring & leading a team ✅ Ending a partnership &...

Join The Assistant University here ⤵️ https://lg-education.mykajabi.com/AUpresale Growing a team is HARD AF, and in this episode, I’m spilling the tea on how I lost 9 stylists last year. Yep, you heard that right—9. The truth is, growing a team comes with its challenges, and no one ever said it was easy. People will come and go, and that’s a reality we have to face as salon owners. In this raw and...