PhorestFM: Building a Stronger Industry, Together

[312] Co-founder of the neurodivergence community and training platform I Am Paying Attention (@iampayingattention) , Jess Joy, along with best friend and business partner Charlotte Mia, is championing change in the way we all work, one radically honest conversation at a time. This episode is no different, featuring vulnerable shares of lived experiences and an exploration of how the pace, pressur...

Noah Warren and Sydney Berry (@HairToStay) join Shauna O'Halloran (Head of Brand & Communications at Phorest) in the Phorest Lounge at the Data-Driven Salon Summit for a short catch-up. Learn more about HairToStay and donate here if you can ! Click here to revisit PhorestFM S08E300 with Noah, Sydney, and many more guests! Click here to subscribe to the PhorestFM email newsletter:  https://bit....

[311] With over 30 years of experience at all levels in the hairdressing industry and as the longest-running president of the Irish Hairdressers’ Federation, David Campbell (@davhoc) has a passion, drive and determination to improve the industry and raise standards. As the Director of both the House of Colour Salon Group (alongside partners Susan Byrne & Catherine Campbell) and The Salon Edge...

[310] Have you ever considered entering the Salon Today 200? Or want to know more about this industry-leading program that showcases salon business success? Behind every honoree's recognition are pages of essays. Stories of innovation, vulnerability, resilience and transformation. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the competition and celebrate the grit and vision of two 2025 Salon Today...

[309] In the dynamic and ever-evolving hair and beauty world, where passion, creativity, and connection make for a truly rewarding career, neurodiversity often remains an unspoken part of the conversation. This panel discussion, recorded live at International Beauty Show NY 2025 (click here for the abridged video version) , recognizes that many neurodivergent beauty professionals face barriers—fro...

[308] In this episode, Terra Harvell ( @theterraharvell ) shares her entrepreneurial journey and the crucial role mindset, determination, and having the right people around you play in turning aspirations into reality. Co-hosted by Phorest Founder & CEO Ronan Perceval , this conversation dives into the lucrative world of hair extensions, why having a clear vision is essential for business grow...

Ryan Power — UK-based award-winning salon coach and mentor — joins podcast host Alex Bélisle-Springer after his workshop at the Salon Owners Summit 2025 for a 5-year catch-up highlighting the vital role of connection, community and solidarity in the industry. Get your tickets to the next Salon Owners Summit now:  https://www.salonownersummit.com/tickets Learn more about Ryan Power: https://salonol...

[307] In an episode packed with both insights & anecdotal examples, Ross Loveland (@trueprofitsalons) shares what true financial transformation looks like (hint: there's a 5-pillar framework for it), dispels common financial myths that hold salon owners back and speaks to the mindset shifts required to unlocking sustainable growth and success. Ross is a salon financial strategist and the found...

Daniel Mason-Jones — Celebrity Stylist and Motivational Speaker — joins podcast host Alex Bélisle-Springer after his keynote at the Salon Owners Summit 2025. They discuss overcoming insecurity, the intrinsic link between authenticity and stepping into your power, belonging and uplifting others. Plus, exclusive moments from the event! Get your tickets to the next Salon Owners Summit now:  https://w...

[306] In 2022, a report by McKinsey & Company estimated addressing racial inequity in the beauty industry to be a $2.6 billion opportunity. Two years later, despite a more-than-welcome surge in conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion, Black hair and beauty professionals, entrepreneurs and consumers still face significant barriers. Breaking these barriers will require us to redefin...

Ken Hughes — Leading Consumer Behaviouralist, The King of Customer Experience — joins podcast host Alex Bélisle-Springer after his keynote at the Salon Owners Summit 2025 to further discuss how focusing on authenticity, connection and relationship building in your salon, spa, or clinic business can give you a clear advantage over your competitors. Plus, exclusive moments from the event! Get your t...

[305] PhorestFM Season 9 is officially underway! This first episode of 2025, featuring Keya Neal (@keyaartistically) , is a rich tapestry of wisdom that underscores the multifaceted nature of authenticity, its power for growth and fulfillment, and the inevitable costs associated with honoring the full spectrum of our identities amidst societal expectations. If you ever needed a reminder that every...

We asked Phorest salons their priorities for 2025, and "GROWTH" was the number one response globally. So, after rerunning many important conversations, reaching 300 episodes, and doing a lot of shadow work last year, we decided it was time for the podcast to, once more, grow with you. In Season 9, get ready for all the same insightful interviews you love, but then also expect case studies, episode...

[304] Kati Whitledge (@katiwhitledge on Instagram) , speaker, podcaster, and the Founder and CEO of mya, is a marketing guru for the beauty and wellness industry who equips owners with no-fluff business and marketing strategies. She’s here to change how you are supported in your business with, among many things, mya, a client recruitment and marketing software for the beauty industry, and this epi...

[303] In the second to last episode of the PhorestFM podcast's eight season, Peigín Crowley, celebrated founder of GROUND Wellbeing, recounts the early days of her business and shares her vision for making transformative wellness accessible. Sharing her personal journey throughout the conversation, we explore the profound impact of self-care rituals, the power of inner connection, community-driven...

[302] The Client Experience Award is an annual celebration of salons, clinics, and spas that consistently go above and beyond to deliver exceptional services and unforgettable experiences. More precisely, it recognizes the Phorest salons that have reached and maintained a specific criteria for ratings and reviews from their clients. This year—and for the first time—the Phorest team hit the road to...

[301] The Client Experience Award is an annual celebration of salons, clinics, and spas that consistently go above and beyond to deliver exceptional services and unforgettable experiences. More precisely, it recognizes the Phorest salons that have reached and maintained a specific criteria for ratings and reviews from their clients. This year—and for the first time—the Phorest team hit the road to...

[300] For many, hair loss due to chemotherapy is one of the most feared and traumatic side effects. Shockingly, according to HairToStay, 8% of women will decline potentially life-saving chemotherapy because of their fear of losing their hair. HairToStay is dedicated to changing that. As the first and only national (US) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-income cancer patients afford s...

[299] If teaching is a skill, then teaching can be taught. And that's exactly what teacher training specialist Chris Moody (@chrismoodyhair) explores on this episode rerun. Sharing his passion for creating relevant, meaningful, and energizing learning experiences, we discuss the vital role educators play in shaping minds, how we can and need to move beyond traditional teaching methods when it come...

[298] Ever wondered which leadership style best matches your personality? Or how to lead effectively without formal management training? In the second part of the conversation with Valerie Delforge (International Business Strategy Consultant & Author), we shift our focus to the consequences and solutions to micromanagement. More specifically, through sharing anecdotes from our own default lead...

[297] Drawing from themes already being discussed at the Salon Owners Summit nearly eight years ago, this part-catch-up-part-rerun episode explores the rise of micromanagement and what we can do about it. Reconnecting with Valerie Delforge (International Business Strategy Consultant & Author) on the podcast for the first time since 2017, we spend this first part of the conversation defining mi...

[296] Most salon professionals say they would like their business to be more sustainable. So, how might we, collectively, move toward more sustainable hair and beauty practices? On day two of the Salon Owners Summit 2024, Fry Taylor from Green Salon Collective (@greensaloncollective) and Dr. Denise Baden, Professor of Sustainable Business at the University of Southampton, hosted a workshop explain...

[295] As we near the end of our rerun series, this episode challenges the idea that happiness is a destination. With this conversation, happiness researcher Dr Gillian Mandich (@drgillianmandich) seeks to reframe our concept of happiness, understand the science behind joy, share practical strategies for building our "happiness muscle", and explain why embracing our entire emotional spectrum is so...

[294] Have you ever felt the life-changing impact of a mentor's guidance, wondered how to go from mastering individual skills to becoming a mentor yourself, or what it would take for you to be able to work with an industry leader you've looked up to for years? In this episode, hear real-life professional stories highlighting the importance of empathy, cooperation, and building a community centred...

[293] What if failure was the key to your success? Whether you're a seasoned beauty pro or just starting out, Hunter Donia's ( @hairbyhunty ) experience of rebuilding a clientele after relocating to a new area underscores the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. In this episode, learn more about how and why, despite initial confidence and extensive efforts, putting the finger on wha...