The Beauty Biz Breakdown | For Salon & Spa Owners

🎧 Is Your Past Holding You Hostage? Are the same old struggles keeping you from running the salon or spa of your dreams? In this episode, we’re uncovering how to let go of the baggage holding you back—whether it’s outdated systems, fear of change, or past mistakes. 🖤✨ It’s time to reclaim your role as the visionary leader your business needs. Step into a future filled with growth, freedom, and...

 In this lighthearted and relatable episode of We Listen and We Don’t Judge: Podcast Edition , we dive into the hilarious, slightly questionable, and oh-so-real things salon and spa owners do to survive the chaos of running a business. From spotting color tubes with a drop left and sneaking them back on the shelf to pretending to be “in a meeting” while scrolling TikTok behind a closed office door...

2024 was no walk in the park for salon and spa owners, and we’re not sugarcoating it. In this powerful episode of Salon Swagger, Brie Holt and Chandra See dig into the real challenges that left many business owners feeling stuck and overwhelmed. But here’s the twist: those challenges can be the foundation for something incredible in 2025. From breaking free of survival mode to crafting a vision th...

"Reset, Rebuild… or Stay Stuck? How to Conquer Fear and Transform Your Salon" Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or out of sync with the salon or spa business you’ve built? It might be time to reset or rebuild—and this episode of Salon Swagger is your roadmap to making that choice. Brie Holt and Chandra C. dive deep into the fears holding salon owners back, from losing employees to facing financial hits,...

Wake-Up Call: Why Your Business Might Be Making You Miserable (Even If It’s Profitable) In this Salon Swagger episode, Brie and Chandra tackle the raw truth about salon and spa ownership: what happens when the business you built starts draining your happiness? They break down the signs it’s time to hit reset or rebuild, and how to make the tough calls that lead to real joy and alignment. 💡 What Y...

Still feeling stuck in your salon or spa? In this episode, Brie and Chandra dive deep into how salon owners can stop waiting for change and start making it happen today. Here’s what you’ll uncover: Why being unclear about your goals is the biggest roadblock to your success. How small, consistent actions lead to massive growth—without feeling overwhelmed. The power of seeking mentorship to avoid ye...

In this episode of Salon Swagger , Brie and Chandra shine a spotlight on one of the most overlooked—but most critical—parts of the client journey: the service close. If you’re skipping this step or not nailing it, you’re leaving money, client loyalty, and future bookings on the table. Here’s what we cover: 💡 What the service close really is and why it’s a game-changer for retention and revenue....

 In this episode of Salon Swagger, Brie and Chandra break down the steps to creating a seamless client journey in your salon or spa. They revisit key topics like social media, website optimization, pricing, and consultations before diving into the heart of today’s discussion: setting the stage for a flawless service experience and nailing the service close. Here’s what’s inside: 💡 How preparation...

Is your team shying away from selling retail products? In this episode, Brie and Chandra dive into the common challenges salon owners face when getting their teams to recommend retail—and why it’s more than just about making a sale. You’ll learn: Why retail recommendations are a critical part of client care and should be seen as a service. How to reframe fear of rejection and transform it into a l...

In this episode of Salon Swagger, hosts Brie Holt and Chandra C. welcome Chris Knudsen, co-owner of Mane Attraction Salon, to discuss his journey in the hair industry, the importance of education and training, and the challenges faced during the pandemic. Chris shares insights on the future of commission salons, building a strong training program, and the impact of community engagement through cha...

Are you stuck in the cycle of overwhelm, financial instability, and endless struggle? In this episode, Brie and Chandra break down the key challenges salon and spa owners face—and how to transform your business with a solid strategy. Here’s what you’ll discover: How a lack of strategy is keeping your salon from growing and thriving. The four building blocks of a successful salon strategy: Authorit...

In this episode, Brie and Sami discuss the benefits of working in a commission-based salon versus renting a booth or suite. They debunk common myths about commission salons and highlight the financial stability and support provided by these establishments. They also emphasize the professional growth potential and career advancement opportunities available in commission-based salons. In this conver...

Ever feel like you have to be everything to everyone—at home and in your business? In this episode, Brie and Chandra open up about the unspoken challenges faced by salon and spa owners, especially women, as they juggle personal struggles with business responsibilities. Tune in for: Personal stories of loss and adversity that shaped their leadership. How to navigate the pressures of being a caregiv...

Ever feel like your salon is on the edge of a breakdown? In this episode, Brie and Chandra share powerful stories of salon owners who faced the toughest challenges—from team walkouts and financial fears to leadership struggles—and turned their businesses around. You’ll hear: How Tanya, Rose, Kathlyn, and Lori overcame their toughest obstacles and transformed their businesses. Why taking bold actio...

Is your social media feeling like a time-suck with little reward? In this episode, Brie sits down with Tiffany Welty, a freelance social media manager, to reveal the strategies that actually work for salon and spa owners.  In this episode, you'll learn: Why many salon owners are missing the mark on social media. How to simplify your social media without sacrificing quality. The power of building a...

Ever wonder what it takes to go from a solo stylist to running a multi-million dollar salon? In this episode, Brie shares her personal journey of overcoming challenges, hitting a glass ceiling, and making the bold shift from stylist to CEO. Discover: The mindset shifts that took Brie from working in the business to working on the business. The challenges and breakthroughs that led to the creation...

Are you getting the most out of your support staff—or just paying them to show up? In this episode, Brie and Chandra tackle the hard truths about compensating support staff, especially at the front desk, and why it's crucial for business success.  Highlights include: Why recognizing the value of your support staff is a game-changer for client experience and profitability. How to balance fair compe...

Ever feel like you're just not into your salon or spa anymore? In this episode, Brie and Chandra dive into the tough but real moments when salon owners fall out of love with their business. It happens to the best of us—but the key is how to get back on track and reignite your passion. You’ll learn: Why it’s normal to go through phases of love and hate with your business. How to reconnect with your...

Is your salon prepared for the holiday rush—or just hoping to survive it? In this episode, Brie and Chandra dive deep into how strategic planning for Q4 can set you up for more than just a successful holiday season—it’s about laying the foundation for long-term growth. Discover: The cash flow secrets that will keep your profit margins healthy during the busiest time of year. How to create a promot...

In this episode Brie talks with a successful Med-Spa owner about her journey and how coaching has changed her life and business! Amanda Mathis, the visionary behind Mathis Salon and Spa, shares her journey and success in the salon and spa industry. She emphasizes the challenges and doubts she faced along the way, but her passion and love for the industry kept her going. Amanda believes in putting...

Is the commission salon model the real game-changer for stylists? In this episode, Brie sits down with Caroline, a successful commission stylist, to challenge the myths surrounding booth and suite rentals and highlight why commission salons could be the key to financial stability and career growth. Discover: Why commission salons offer more freedom and opportunities than you think. The hidden bene...

In this episode, host Brie interviews Jenelle, a successful barbershop owner, about her journey from being a solo barber to franchising her business. They discuss the challenges Janelle faced in scaling her business and the value of coaching in overcoming those challenges. Jenelle shares the lessons she learned during her coaching program and the impact it had on her personal and professional life...

Is selling in the beauty industry pushy—or just good service? In this episode, Brie and Chandra challenge the misconceptions about sales and explain why a positive sales mindset is the secret to growing your salon or spa. Discover how to: Reframe selling as an extension of your service, not something uncomfortable. Use consultations as a powerful tool for client connection and revenue growth. Mast...

In this episode of Salon Swagger, Sydney Berry, a successful salon owner and distributor, shares her journey in the beauty industry and the importance of strategic vendor relationships. She emphasizes the need for salon and spa owners to understand their purpose and foster a collaborative culture. Sydney also discusses her involvement with Hair to Stay Salon 1000 Club, an organization that provide...

Can you build a thriving salon or spa while being the mom you want to be? In this episode, Brie and Chandra dive into the struggle so many salon and spa owners face: managing mom guilt while running a business. Learn how upbringing and societal norms shape our expectations and why giving yourself grace is key to finding balance. You’ll also discover: The power of setting boundaries to protect your...