Episode 1: 5 Things I’d Do If I Opened A Salon Today (Copy)
Building a scalable salon business requires intentional systems, clear communication, strategic hiring, and a long-term vision.
And today, my friend, today we’re diving into 5 non-negotiable strategies for building a scalable, profitable salon business.
These insights come from my own experience of building a 7-figure salon in 4 years. I walk you through the 5 things I would do if I were to open a brand-new salon today.
Whether you’re about to open your first salon or have been open for years, I hope you’ll take these strategies and work them into your business, so that you can create the foundation for sustainable growth beyond your personal capacity.
HERE ARE 5 MAIN TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Takeaway #1: An Employee-Based Salon Is How You Build Bigger Than Yourself
An employee-based salon gives you room to grow beyond your own two hands. Starting behind the chair is smart because it generates cash flow and keeps the lights on, but the goal is never to stay stuck there forever. By year two, scaling back your chair time creates space to focus on developing your team instead of being the main revenue source. A commission-based model supports this growth by allowing stylists to earn well while the salon retains margin to cover expenses and reinvest in the business.
Takeaway #2: Clear Policies Prevent Quiet Resentment
Before you hire a single person, you need an employee handbook. Clear policies eliminate confusion, protect boundaries, and dramatically reduce turnover caused by mismatched expectations. Your handbook shouldn’t just list rules; it should explain your vision and core values with real examples of how they show up day to day. When values guide hiring, feedback, and even firing decisions, leadership stops feeling personal and starts feeling fair.
Takeaway #3: Pricing Is a System, Not a Guess
Pricing based solely on location is one of the fastest ways to undercut your own business. Sustainable pricing considers three things: covering expenses with profit built in, how you’re positioned compared to competitors, and—most importantly—how much time each service actually takes. Since service-based businesses sell time, every minute must be accounted for and protected with clear time boundaries. Multiple service levels allow flexibility without chaos, and model pricing should prioritize education and training over short-term profit.
Takeaway #4: Your Schedule Should Reflect the Leader You’re Becoming
A five-day workweek with two true days off isn’t lazy, it’s strategic. The split between chair work, admin, training, and coaching creates a natural runway out of being the main producer. Training during services, filming for future education, and gradually handing off tasks builds team confidence while freeing your time. The transition out of the chair isn’t abrupt; it’s intentional, paced, and aligned with the strength of your team.
Takeaway #5: Your Right-Hand Hire Changes Everything
Your most important hire isn’t another stylist. It’s your right-hand person, and they should start at the front desk. This role sets the tone for guest experience, systems, and daily execution, so attitude and alignment matter more than experience alone. Whether you hire seasoned or green, training is non-negotiable if you want consistency. Long term, this person becomes the gatekeeper of guest flow and operations, allowing you to stay focused on leadership, hiring, and growth.
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