From Chair to CEO
Ready to build a beauty business that doesn't just look successful—but actually feels aligned, profitable, and fulfilling? Welcome to From Chair to CEO—the podcast for ambitious salon owners, hairstylists, and beauty professionals who are ready to lead with intention, grow with strategy, and live with purpose.
I’m Amanda Smearman—salon and spa owner, mentor, mom, and soon-to-be your favorite business bestie. After building two thriving beauty brands from the ground up, I’m here to share what actually works behind the scenes—from leadership and pricing to team culture, marketing, and mindset.
Each week, we’ll dive into real conversations about salon ownership, building a booked-and-balanced life, leading a team with heart (and boundaries), and stepping into your role as a true CEO—without burning out or losing your spark.
Whether you're behind the chair or building an empire, this podcast will give you the tools, encouragement, and tough love you need to grow.
💬 Business.
💬 Leadership.
💬 Life.
Let’s talk about all of it.
From Chair to CEO
Why Your Team Isn't Growing
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
If your team isn’t growing — no matter how many meetings, goals, or pep talks you have — this episode is for you.
In Episode 2, I shares the truth most salon owners overlook: your team’s growth problem probably isn’t a people problem… it’s a systems problem.
Through my own story of learning how to adapt coaching strategies to fit her salon’s culture, I reveals what actually creates consistent team growth: structure, realistic goals, and clear communication. You’ll learn how to create systems that support your team’s success instead of stifling it — and how to lead with both data and connection.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- How to identify if your salon’s systems don’t match your team’s current season.
- Why coaching without connection leads to burnout and disengagement.
- The 3 hidden reasons your team isn’t growing (and how to fix each).
- How to build systems that fit your people, not force them into boxes.
- The simple leadership mindset shift that will change how your team performs.
🧩 Key Takeaways
“Your team can’t grow toward what they can’t see. Leadership isn’t about raising the bar higher — it’s about making sure your people can reach it.”“Data tells the story, but connection changes behavior.”“Growth doesn’t happen because you push harder — it happens because everyone finally understands the path.”
🔗 Resources + Links
- Download the Team Growth Audit Checklist
(Your free guide to identify what’s holding your team back and how to fix it.) - Follow Amanda on TikTok Instagram → @amandasmearman
⭐️ If You Loved This Episode…
- Share it with a fellow salon owner who’s trying to grow their team the right way.
- Rate and review From Chair to CEO on Apple Podcasts or Spotify — your feedback helps other beauty pros find the show.
- Screenshot this episode, share it to your stories, and tag @amandasmearman
If you loved this episode, don’t forget to hit that follow button so you never miss a moment of real talk, business tips, and inspiration to help you grow behind the chair and beyond.
💌 Want more?
Download my free Client Experience Checklist → amandasmearman.com
🫶 Let’s hang out on IG → @amandasalonstylist
Tag me in your takeaways or send a DM—I’d love to hear what resonated with you!
Thanks for listening, and remember:
You’re not just building a business—you’re building a legacy. 💜