The Parts + Labor Podcast

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When was the last time you made an intentional price increase in your salon? If you had to think about it… it might be time to take a closer look. In this episode, Alicia and Whitney dive into one of the most uncomfortable - but necessary - conversations in the beauty industry: raising your prices. While nearly every other industry adjusts pricing regularly to keep up with rising costs, many salon...

What if the real problem isn’t your pricing… but your financial clarity? In this episode, we’re joined by Erin from SOLO by Qnity , and we’re talking about the money conversations the beauty industry desperately needs. We cover: Why revenue isn’t the same as income The biggest financial blind spots for solo stylists How knowing your numbers creates confidence The difference between being booked ou...

What if some of the biggest beliefs in the salon industry are actually the reason so many salons struggle to stay profitable? In this myth-busting episode, you'll hear the most common pricing and backbar myths we hear from stylists and salon owners every day - and breaking down what’s really true behind the chair. From “product should always be included” to “waste is just part of the job,” we...

We’re so excited to welcome Lacey Broocke to the podcast - Wealth Building Educator & Coach , public speaker, published author, and beauty & wellness entrepreneur. She’s also the co-author of Secrets of a Six Figure Stylist alongside Kylie Phillippi , and the founder behind Beauty Concierge . In this episode, Lacey shares what she’s learned from years of helping stylists and salon owners s...

In this episode, we’re letting our customers do the talking. From clearer pricing decisions to increased confidence, profitability, and peace of mind, we’re reading real testimonials from salon owners and hairstylists who use SalonScale every day. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s actually like to implement SalonScale behind the chair or inside a salon business, this episode gives you an honest, u...

In this episode we look back at Alicias predictions for the industry from previous years and explore how they compare to where the industry is today. Which ones held true? Which ones shifted? What does that tell us about the year ahead? We share reflections, lessons and fresh insights as we look toward what 2026 might bring and how stylists and salon owners can prepare for the changes coming next....

In this episode, we’re unpacking one of the salon industry’s most debated topics: product deductions. Are they fair? Are they outdated? And most importantly - is there a better way? We dig into what “fair” actually looks like when it comes to charging for color. Spoiler: it’s not a flat fee, it’s not a guess, and it’s definitely not coming out of a stylist’s paycheck. Join us as we break down: Why...

In this powerful and inspiring episode, we sit down with Megan and Brad, owners of Studio M Salon and Spa, who open up about the defining moment that nearly ended their business. Just six weeks away from closing their doors, and with 20 employees depending on them - they made the bold decision to transform the way they ran their salon. Megan and Brad share their honest, behind-the-scenes story of...

We had the pleasure of sitting down with one of our earliest adopters and one of the most inspiring leaders in the salon industry - Celene Dupuis from @revampyxe in Saskatoon, SK. 💫⁠ ⁠ As a mentor with our friends at @highperformancesalon and award winning speaker, salon owner and coach, Celene knows what it takes to lead real change. In this episode, she shares how her team embraced SalonScale f...

In this episode, we explore what it truly means to own and operate a salon in the Great White North. From navigating the unique challenges of Canadian business regulations to embracing the tight-knit beauty communities across provinces, we uncover the realities and rewards of salon ownership in Canada. START YOUR FREE 14-DAY TRIAL TODAY!

What if breaking the “rules” is exactly what your business needs to thrive? Netflix was once known for being ad-free. Now, it makes millions from commercials. Uber promised no tipping. Today, tips are core to its revenue. Both giants pivoted when growth stalled, and customers stayed because the value was still there. In this episode, we draw a direct line from those shifts to the salon industry. S...

Running a salon is more than creating great hair. It’s running a business. But do you really know what your business is costing you, or is it a guessing game year after year? START YOUR FREE 14-DAY TRIAL TODAY!

Salon culture looks a little different these days. With the rise of solo suites, hybrid models, and traditional commission salons all coexisting, many are wondering: is the culture we once knew gone for good? In this episode, we chat about how each model is shaping the future of salon culture, the pros and cons of each, and what it means for owners, stylists, and clients alike. ✨ Ready to build a...

We’re asking the hard question: Are you actually making money—or just fully booked and burning out? We break down the difference between salon busyness and true profitability, uncovering where most owners and stylists get it wrong when it comes to pricing, expenses, and backbar usage. You'll learn how to assess your real profit margins, why being busy doesn't always mean you're succ...

It's about time we explore the major disconnect between how med spas and salons approach pricing—especially when it comes to variable costs like injectables vs. hair color. While med spas charge by the unit (think: 20 units of Botox = 20 units charged), many salons still guess or undercharge for the amount of color used. We break down the core pricing equation every salon owner should underst...

Do you get the feeling that your staff mixes extra bowls of color and "forgets" to ring it in? You’re not alone—and it’s costing more than you think. In this episode, Alicia and Whitney unpack four common (but totally fixable) reasons stylists avoid charging for that extra mix. We’re shedding light on the habits that sneakily chip away at a salons profits. Whether you're a stylist o...

In this episode, Whitney and Alicia welcome their very first guest to the podcast— Jason Everett , founder of High Performance Salon Academy (HPSA) . Together, they dive into the Profitable Backbar Method —a powerful strategy that helps salon owners turn their backbar from a cost center into a profit driver. From real-world pricing tips to shifting your mindset around costs and leadership, Jason b...

From the wild idea that sparked it all to becoming a staple in salons across the world, SalonScale just turned seven ! 🎉 In this special anniversary episode, Whitney and Alicia sit down to reflect on everything that’s happened over the past seven years—both in the beauty industry and behind the scenes at SalonScale. PARTS+ LABOR 101 COURSE START YOUR FREE 14-DAY TRIAL TODAY! BOOK A 1-1 DEMO HERE

Running a salon can sometimes be about facing the hard truths. In this episode, we’re breaking down 6 tough pills to swallow that every salon owner needs to hear. From navigating price increases and stylist pushback to tackling expired inventory and inflation, we’re holding nothing back. If you’ve ever felt alone in the tough calls or second-guessed your leadership, this one’s for you. Because gro...

From roller sets and perm rods to balayage and backbar breakdowns—this week, Alicia and Whitney take you on a nostalgic (and eye-opening) journey through the eras of the salon industry. In this episode of The Parts + Labor Podcast , we explore the evolution of salon services, pricing strategies, and the rise of different business models—from traditional commission salons to the solo suite boom and...

In this episode of The Parts and Labor Podcast , we’re getting into why the beauty industry has been one of the last to adopt technology—and what that means for salon owners and stylists today. From streamlining pricing to personalizing the guest experience, we explore how embracing tech can transform daily operations and elevate every appointment. It’s not about replacing the artistry—it’s about...

Let’s be real—introducing change in your salon can feel like walking into a storm. Stylist pushback is real . In this episode, we’re breaking down exactly how to handle the “but we’ve always done it this way” mindset. Learn how to lead with confidence, get your team on board with new systems (like charging separately for color usage), and turn tension into transformation. Real talk, smart strategi...

In this episode, Alicia opens up about her own journey with burnout—what it looked like, how it crept in, and the toll it took both behind the chair and in her everyday life. If you’ve ever felt the weight of your passion turning into pressure, you’re not alone. Whitney and Alicia share the intentional shifts a person can make to protect their energy without losing the love for the industry. From...

Think you're losing money because of waste? Think again. In this episode, Alicia and Whitney flip the script on one of the most misunderstood issues in the salon industry. It's not about waste—it's about numbers. We're diving into the real reason your color costs are out of control and how shifting your focus from “what’s left in the bowl” to “what’s going in the bowl” can radi...