Salon Success: Avoid Pitfalls, Find Mentors, and Set Non-Negotiables [EP:205]

Owning a salon isn’t just about doing great hair—it’s about leading a team, solving problems, and staying steady when chaos strikes. 

In this episode, Todd and Jen pull back the curtain on a whirlwind week of running Hello Hair Co.

From dealing with a busted dryer, a tough staffing decision, and a convincing scam attempt, to unpacking why so many salon owners fall into the “keep all the money” trap, this conversation is packed with hard-earned lessons.

They dive deep into:

• Finding the right mentor (and spotting the wrong ones before they derail your business)
• Why non-negotiables are essential for building a strong culture and consistent standards
• How to prepare for seasonal slowdowns instead of just “accepting them”
• The leadership mindset shift every salon owner needs if they want to grow and last

Whether you’re a new salon owner, an experienced stylist thinking of branching out, or just curious about the behind-the-scenes of running a business, this episode will give you strategies to lead with clarity, handle curveballs with confidence, and avoid costly mistakes.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Opening banter & download spike update
02:00 – Jen’s week of business curveballs (dryer problems, staffing decisions, and resilience)
04:45 – The salon owner “keep all the money” myth and why it fails
10:00 – Seasonal slowdowns: the bad advice floating around & how to actually prepare
17:00 – The Eversource scam attempt: how it unfolded and what to watch for
24:00 – Finding the right mentor (and avoiding the wrong ones)
31:00 – Why customized mentorship beats cookie-cutter templates
35:00 – Non-negotiables: how they shape culture, performance, and growth
40:00 – High expectations, vision alignment, and leading from the front
41:00 – Todd’s restaurant story: enforcing standards when it’s uncomfortable
42:30 – Final thoughts and call to action

Key Topics Covered:
Salon leadership, seasonal business strategies, avoiding scams, finding the right mentor, mentorship pitfalls, setting non-negotiables, leadership decision-making, staff management, salon business growth, vision and values, problem-solving mindset

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