Positive Image Podcast

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...

In this episode, Nicole and Alicia dive deep into one of the most important (and sometimes challenging) parts of salon ownership — hiring the right people. They discuss how knowing your brand values is the foundation for attracting the kind of team that truly fits your culture and helps your business grow. You'll learn what questions to ask in interviews, what to include in your job posting to fil...

In this episode, Nicole and Alicia explore how community engagement can become one of the most powerful tools for business growth and brand trust. From local sponsorships and charity events to pay-what-you-can haircuts and school fundraisers, they share how authentic giving and collaboration can elevate your salon's reputation and attract loyal clients.   They also discuss how to align with like-m...

In the final episode of our How to Open a Salon in Toronto series, Nicole and Alicia dive into the exciting world of branding, marketing, and launch strategy. They unpack what it takes to build a magnetic brand, attract your dream clients, and design a marketing plan that works without overwhelming you. From choosing booking systems and creating content to planning a buzz-worthy grand opening, thi...

In this episode, Nicole and Alicia break down why every salon owner needs a policy and procedure manual —and how to actually create one without overcomplicating things. From payroll and compensation basics to vacation rules, sick leave, and product commissions, they cover what to include so your team knows exactly what's expected. They discuss how clear policies not only protect you legally, but a...

In this episode, Nicole and Alicia walk you through  Realistic cost breakdowns for opening a salon in Toronto—from buildout to insurance, with tips on budgeting and surprise expenses They'll break down: The Big Categories – What You'll Spend On Renovations & Buildout Costs Furniture, Equipment & Fixtures Licenses, Legal, Insurance & Admin Inventory, Branding & Other Start-up Costs Funding Your Sal...

In this episode, Nicole and Alicia walk you through one of the most critical steps in opening your salon— finding the right space, understanding commercial leases, zoning requirements, and passing Public Health inspections. They'll break down: What to look for in a salon space (foot traffic, layout, plumbing, etc.) What's hidden in commercial lease agreements and what clauses matter The zoning req...

Before you pick out paint swatches or shampoo bowls, you need to make your salon legit . In this episode, Nicole and Alicia walk you through the legal and practical steps of registering your salon business in Toronto, Ontario . From choosing the right business structure (sole proprietorship vs. incorporation), to doing a NUANS name search, getting your CRA business number, and understanding HST re...

Welcome to Season 4! We're diving deep into the business of beauty, starting with what it really takes to open a salon. In this episode, Nicole and Alicia share the essential first steps every future salon owner should know before signing a lease or buying a chair. From clarifying your vision to establishing legal foundations, such as obtaining business licenses and incorporating, we guide you thr...

In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about running payroll in your salon — from how often to pay your team to staying compliant with government regulations. Whether you're using an hourly, commission, or hybrid pay structure, we've got you covered with real-world info and salon-specific tips. We'll walk you through payroll frequency, deductions, software options, managing tip...