Grow My Salon Business Podcast

• 325 Branding, AI & The New Rules of Instagram with Hayley Mears

  In this episode, I’m joined by Hayley Mears, former hairdresser, branding expert, and the driving force behind Six Underground Media. Hayley is also one of the guest educators inside our marketing course, and she brings a level of insight into social media, branding, and digital trends that most salon owners simply don’t have access to.We dive deep into what salon owners should expect from Instagram in 2026, why the platform is about to shift in a major way, and how AI is going to become a natural part of your marketing workflow, whether you like it or not. Hayley also opens up about outsourcing, building teams globally, why email addresses are more valuable than followers, and how Canva has democratised design for salon owners everywhere.If you want to stay ahead of the curve, understand what’s changing, and get practical, real-world advice from someone who lives and breathes digital marketing for salons, you’re going to love this conversation.IN THIS EPISODE:[02:23] Instagram trends coming in 2026[04:26] Auto-responses, ManyChat, and in-app automations[06:00] The overwhelm salon owners feel around tech and social media[07:26] Should salons outsource or DIY their social?[08:59] Why capability and confidence aren’t the same thing[09:39] The shift in what salons need from social agencies[17:41] Three things to focus on for Instagram in 2026[18:21] Why storytelling matters more than ever[21:04] How to use AI for content and campaign ideas[27:27] Canva: why every salon should be using itWant MORE to help you GROW?📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/RATINGS + REVIEWS🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.👉 Here's what you do:- On your phone, Click here  (Read steps below first)- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏Until next time!AntonyRESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Online Marketing Course - Join the waitlist - Enrolment opening January 👉 FOLLOW US!Instagram | Facebook | Website👉 FOLLOW HAYLEY MEARS!Instagram | Website

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• 324 Why People Problems Are Really Leadership Problems

  In this week’s episode, I’m tackling the flip side of a happy, high-performing team, what to do when things are not going smoothly. Because after the recent episode titled “The Beautiful Chaos of Building a Team,” I received a flood of emails from salon owners struggling with people issues.So today, I’m breaking down the key elements that set your team up to succeed, and what to do when they don’t. From defining the vision for your business, to recruiting for cultural fit, to onboarding properly, communicating clearly, and embracing change… this episode is all about the fundamentals of strong leadership in the salon industry. If you want a team that performs consistently, this one’s for you.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:00] Welcome and listener shout-out[00:42] Why this topic matters — and the emails that prompted it[01:56] The big question: “How do I get people to do what I want?”[02:35] First question to ask: How did you set them up?[03:39] Point 1: Define your vision, culture, and systems[05:21] Point 2: Recruit for values and alignment[06:32] Point 3: Onboarding isn’t handing over a manual[07:50] Point 4: Communication solves more than it causes[09:26] Point 5: Don’t be afraid to manage performance[10:14] People who resist change — and what to do about them[12:57] Taking over an existing team = friction guaranteed[14:13] Addressing toxic behaviour head-on[17:17] Kaizen — why continuous improvement matters[18:13] Wrap-up — see you next week!Want MORE to help you GROW?📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/RATINGS + REVIEWS🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.👉 Here's what you do:- On your phone, Click here  (Read steps below first)- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏Until next time!Antony 👉 FOLLOW US!Instagram | Facebook | Website

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• 323 Leadership, Legacy & the Future of Juut with Coco Wagner

  In this week’s episode, I sit down with someone who’s grown up alongside one of the most respected salon organisations in the United States.Today's guest is Coco Wagner, daughter of David and Charlie Wagner owners of the Juut Salon Spa’s. Coco brings a fascinating blend of global experience, fresh perspective, and deep respect for the culture her family has built over 40 years. What I love about this conversation is how open and thoughtful she is about stepping into a leadership role in a family business, especially one with 450 team members and multiple locations across the country.We dive into everything from evolving an established brand to navigating the changing needs of today’s workforce, to earning the trust of long-standing team members when you’re “the owner’s daughter.” Coco also shares why structure matters more than ever for Gen Z stylists, and how Juut has managed to keep more than half their team earning six-figure incomes while working fewer hours post-COVID.It’s a generous, insightful conversation about leadership, culture, and the future of salons, and I think you’ll take a lot from it whether you’re a salon owner, a leader in your business, or simply someone wondering how the next generation is shaping our industry.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:24] The Juut story and global context[01:30] David Wagner, Horst, and the early Aveda connection[07:01] Growing up in the salons and earning trust[11:18] Digital transformation: SEO, website, and social[15:18] Maintaining culture across locations[17:26] Leading without being a hairdresser[20:28] Team buy-in when changing culture[21:32] What Gen Z wants from salons today[23:01] Hours, flexibility, and six-figure incomes[24:52] Suite life vs. salon life — and the boomerang stylists[34:28] Family dynamics in a family business[36:52] Where to connect with Coco and JuutWant MORE to help you GROW?📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/RATINGS + REVIEWS🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.👉 Here's what you do:- On your phone, Click here  (Read steps below first)- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏Until next time!Antony 👉 FOLLOW US!Instagram | Facebook | Website👉 FOLLOW COCO WAGNER!Instagram | Website

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• 322 The Beautiful Chaos of Building a Team

  I've been thinking a lot about what really makes a great salon, and it's not always what you might think. Sure, brilliant technical skills matter, but what really sets exceptional salons apart is the energy, the culture, and the people.A coaching client told me recently about the atmosphere in her salon, no drama, no bitchiness, just fun, laughter, and genuine support. Her clients connect with that positive energy the minute they walk through the door. It got me reflecting on something I talk about in my new marketing course, that we need reminding, and that is, “We're in the people business”. But with all the focus on algorithms, followers, and SEO, we sometimes forget that the best marketing is creating an incredible experience that people want to tell their friends about. I also make a comparison between my favourite TV series, The Bear, and why it reminds me of the salons I've worked in and owned. And how there's something special that happens when you bring diverse personalities together with a shared commitment to excellence and to each other.IN THIS EPISODE:[00:52] A coaching client’s story about a vibrant team culture[01:43] The real source of positive salon energy[02:36] Offline vs. online marketing, and what actually matters[03:30] How marketing used to work before the internet[03:47] The benefits of combining offline and online worlds[04:19] Re-centring the industry on human connection[04:47] My favourite TV series: The Bear and why it resonates[06:49] Why team culture is both the best and hardest part of running a salon[09:25] Work families and the power of belonging[10:37] The leader’s role in directing team energy[10:59] Final thoughts: business is peopleWant MORE to help you GROW?📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/🆘  Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/RATINGS + REVIEWS🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.👉 Here's what you do:- On your phone, Click here  (Read steps below first)- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏Until next time!AntonyRESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:The Bear TV Series👉 FOLLOW US!Instagram | Facebook | Website

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• 321 Courage, Culture, and Conscious Living with Rita Marcon

  In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Rita Marcon, whose story perfectly captures the courage it takes to follow your intuition and reinvent yourself. Rita is a former hairdresser who climbed the corporate ladder to become the Australian General Manager for one of the biggest haircare brands before taking a leap of faith to start her own business, I Am Conscious Living.Rita’s journey is full of wisdom about courage, leadership, and self-awareness. We talk about what it takes to leave the comfort of the known, how to stay grounded when everything’s changing, and the difference between leading others and truly leading yourself. Her approach to conscious living and human leadership is something every salon owner can learn from.Whether you’re leading a team, running a salon solo, or just looking to find more meaning and calm in the chaos, this conversation will leave you inspired to breathe, be brave, and lead with heart.IN THIS EPISODE:[01:00] Meet Rita Marcon, from salon floor to global leadership[04:50] Finding the courage to change direction[07:30] Lessons learned from 28 years in corporate life[10:10] Knowing your value and self-worth as a leader[13:00] The role of culture and communication in leadership[17:00] Applying corporate lessons to small business and solo ownership[23:00] Practical ways to bring conscious living into daily salon life[33:00] Preventing burnout and finding balance[36:20] When to follow your gut vs. data in decision making[42:50] A powerful story of resilience and self-leadership[46:45] One conscious habit for every salon owner[48:30] How to connect with Rita and learn more about I Am Conscious LivingWant MORE to help you GROW?📚 Check out our Bestselling GROW Books https://growmysalonbusiness.com/books/🆘 Management overwhelm!? Download our free checklist! This checklist will help you get clarity on where you're at https://growmysalonbusiness.com/management-checklist/RATINGS + REVIEWS🙏Thanks so much for joining me this week. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a review. Ratings and reviews are extremely helpful and greatly appreciated! They do matter in the rankings of the show and help other people find my podcast.👉 Here's what you do:- On your phone, Click here  (Read steps below first)- Scroll down to 'Ratings & Reviews'- Tap on the empty purple stars and rate 5 stars- Click on ‘Write a Review’ I love to hear what’s been helpful and what you love about the podcast! Thank you for your support! 🙏Until next time!Antony 👉 FOLLOW US!Instagram | Facebook | Website👉 FOLLOW RITA MARCON!Instagram | Website

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