Beauty Business Strategies

The last ten minutes of a service can make or break the whole visit. We invited Robert Reed, founder of Ergo Research and a celebrated educator in professional beauty, to unpack why finishing is so often overlooked and how to turn it into a repeatable system that delights guests, protects stylists’ bodies, and drives real revenue. From the psychology of open-ended questions to the ergonomics of airflow and sectioning, we map a path...

Tax talk gets real when it changes how much cash you keep. We sat down with CPA and beauty industry specialist April McDaniel to decode the $25,000 tip income deduction, the permanent FICA tip credit now available to salons and spas, and the exact systems owners need to make tip reporting airtight. April explains who qualifies, why married filing separately is a deal-breaker, and how income thresholds and documentation rules will s...

Frizz doesn’t need to flatten your personality. Andrew Caruso from Pure Brazilian joins us to rethink what “Brazilian” means today, breaking down the difference between smoothing and straightening, how modern formulas protect curls and coils, and why a clean, low-odor service changes everything for clients and teams. If you’ve been wary of fumes, downtime, or harsh grow-out lines, this conversation gives you a fresh, practical play...

The future of beauty leadership doesn’t live in hustle culture or lone-wolf success stories—it lives in healthy companies where people grow, paychecks are stable, and culture drives the numbers. Robert Maraglia sits down with Barbara and Brett Pierce to share why they bought a three-decade education company and how they’re modernizing it without losing the backbone: financial clarity, team-based pay, and no-compromise leadership.

What if your clients chose your salon for the experience and results, not the name on the station? We sit down with Cindy Reynolds, owner of Mermaid Hair Extensions in Seattle and Kirkland, to unpack a brand-first, team-based model that turns marathon extension services into a smooth, three-hour transformation. Instead of booking a stylist, guests book the salon. The calendar reads “Team Mermaid,” the pricing is transparent and all...

UPDATED NOTES!

Laws have been updates since this was recorded. Important updates are time stamped:

7:36     Start discussion about $25k tip income deduction.

10:52   Reminder that laws are still being written.

11:35  Reminder that this is a Federal law, States may or may not do something, FICA still applies. Must file joint return if single.  NEW – must have income to take deduction

15:10   Shift to owner’s discussion.

15:58  Could be el...

In this episode, we’re joined by Sydney Lopez, a social media expert and stylist with over a quarter million followers on Instagram, to explore how salon and spa owners can revolutionize their approach to social media. Sydney shares her client-centered strategy that shifts the focus from showcasing services to celebrating the real stars of your business: your clients. Learn how to create an online community, craft compelling conten...

In this episode, we sit down with Tim Howard from Vish to uncover how salons can dramatically cut color waste, improve profitability, and create a more sustainable business. Learn how Vish’s groundbreaking technology reduces waste from 40% to just 5%, while making every service on your menu equally profitable.

Tim shares insights into the latest trends in salon data and practical tips on how to maximize your color bar&apo...

In this episode, we sit down with Ben Atanga, a dynamic entrepreneur who is reshaping holistic wellness. Ben shares his path from studying child psychology to founding The Stretch Loft, a cutting-edge business that harnesses the power of stretch therapy and guided breathing to release tension and promote healing. His personal experience with injury recovery led to the creation of The Stretch Loft and The Stretch Loft Academy, where...

Join us as we sit down with Eva DuPont from Infiniti HR and Heather Watkins, a waxing studio owner thriving with Human Resources support, to uncover the invaluable benefits of HR services for even the smallest of beauty businesses. Hear firsthand how HR expertise not only ensures compliance with essential laws but also acts as a vital safety net during challenging situations, like when a viral social media mishap strikes. Heather s...

Join us as we sit down with Ameet Kallarackal, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Glammatic, who reveals the secrets to dominating your digital presence. Ameet shares compelling insights showing that a whopping 72% of potential clients search for salons and spas on Google first, making it imperative to rank high in search results. He unpacks the pitfalls of relying solely on platforms like Facebook and Instagram and underscores th...

On this episode, we sit down with seasoned tax attorney, Tina Azarvand, as she shares expert tax strategies tailored specifically for beauty entrepreneurs. From exploring the benefits and drawbacks of sole proprietorships, LLCs, and S-Corps to emphasizing the importance of proactive tax planning, Tina equips you with the insights needed to optimize your tax obligations and compliance. She delves into the specifics of S-Corp salary ...

How do you turn a group of individuals into a thriving, cohesive team? In this episode, we sit down with Laura Hess, the General Manager of A Glo Spa and Salon Co., who shares her secrets to leading a dynamic salon team. Discover A Glo's approach to managing diverse personalities and work styles, using tools like personality assessments to ensure everyone is on the same page. Learn how celebrating successes, setting meaningful...

In this episode, we're diving into financial stability in the beauty industry with our insightful chat featuring Randi Rose, co-founder of Thrive Business Services. Discover why relying solely on increased sales won't cure your financial woes, and learn how meticulous bookkeeping can transform your business. Randi shares indispensable advice on managing costs, understanding proper pricing strategies, and tracking income a...

How do you transform a small beauty business into a thriving enterprise? Join us as we chat with Christi Newell, the visionary owner of A Glo Spa and Salon Co, who has done exactly that. Discover how Christi grew her salon from a team of six in 1999 to a bustling business with 45 employees through innovative leadership strategies.

You'll learn how Christi identifies and nurtures individual talents within her team, cr...

Join us as we chat with Sarah McGee, the innovative owner of Thirty Hair Salon in Columbia, Maryland. Sarah, a second-generation hairstylist, opens up about her unique journey and the effective hiring strategies that set her salon apart. Discover how she leverages a strong team culture to not only attract top talent but also ensure long-term success in leadership and business growth.

You'll learn Sarah's meticulo...

How does one conversation change the course of a life? Join us for an inspiring story with Kim Becker from Hello Gorgeous, a nonprofit born out of a dream to help women battling cancer feel beautiful again. Listen as Kim reveals her incredible journey, shifting from a legal career to becoming a passionate hairdresser, salon owner, and now non-profit founder. Sparked by a pivotal discussion with her late husband, Kim envisioned a mo...

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by financial statements and unsure what they tell you about your business? Join us as we strip away the complexities of financial literacy with Strategies' Director of Coaching and Educator, Daryl Jenkins. In this episode, we break down three critical financial documents every beauty business owner needs to be familiar with into simple, digestible concepts. By likening these financial documents t...

Ever wondered how a team-based company can elevate your professional game? Deja Coleman, a veteran stylist with 25 years of experience, joins us to share the impact working in a team-based salon has had on the trajectory of her career. Deja shares how the dynamic team environment at Goldwaves Salon in Fort Worth, TX has paved the way for her incredible career milestones, including winning multiple awards and currently a finalist fo...