Susan sits down with Gilian Huntley, the founder and director of Elite Probes, to discuss her inspiring journey in the beauty industry. Gilian shares how the COVID-19 lockdown prompted her to innovate in the field of blemish removal, leading to the development of specialized probes for treating various benign skin blemishes. The conversation delves into the evolution of training in this area, the profitability of blemish removal treatments, and the growing recognition of this niche within the beauty sector. Additionally, they discuss Gilian's recent initiatives, including sponsoring the first award for blemish removal at Professional Beauty and organizing a charity event at the iconic Gherkin in London, aimed at raising awareness and funds for skin cancer prevention.

LINKS TO GUEST

Instagram - @eliteprobes

Tiktok - @eliteprobes
www.eliteprobes.co.uk

07399397903

Charity Event

https://www.eliteprobes.co.uk/skcin-charity-and-educational-events

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Origin of Elite Probes: The idea for Elite Probes emerged during the lockdown when the founder recognized a gap in the market for effective blemish treatments, particularly after the NHS stopped funding such procedures.

Training and Qualifications: Unlike traditional electrolysis training, which required extensive qualifications, new training programs now allow beauty therapists with a Level 3 qualification or relevant medical background to specialize in blemish removal without needing prior electrolysis training.

Profitability of Blemish Removal: Blemish removal treatments are highly profitable, with therapists able to recoup their investment in training and equipment within weeks.

Collaboration with Medical Professionals: There is a growing trend of referrals from GPs to trained therapists for blemish removal, as many patients prefer quicker, non-invasive treatments compared to long wait times for dermatologists.

BEST MOMENTS

"I realized that the products that we were using hadn't been changed, hadn't been updated. The blemishes that we were getting in were getting bigger and bigger." - Gilian

"I think one of the misconceptions is that you used to have to have your full electrolysis qualification... But you can actually train without having an electrolysis qualification now." - Susan

"When you look at how much you can charge for a blemish and how long it takes you to do it... you could make that back in two to three weeks." - Gilian

The public are quite liking coming to us therapists as opposed to a medical GP doctor... We have got a very natural caring nature because of what we do." - Gilian

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Beauty And the Best" 1 and 2.

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

Susan welcomes her friend Jaxon Feeley, a former prison officer who transitioned while working in a male prison. Jaxon shares his inspiring journey of authenticity and resilience, discussing the challenges he faced during his transition and how he used his experiences to educate others. The conversation delves into the importance of difficult conversations, the impact of social media, and the power of vulnerability in connecting with others. Jaxon also reflects on his work in the media, including his appearances on TV shows like "Hunted" and "Banged Up," and his aspirations to become a leading voice for authenticity in the UK. With humour and heartfelt insights, this episode highlights the significance of living true to oneself and the transformative power of sharing one's story.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Authenticity and Resilience: The journey of transitioning and personal growth emphasizes the importance of living authentically and being resilient in the face of challenges.

Impact of Vulnerability: Engaging in difficult conversations and being open about personal struggles can foster understanding and connection, even in challenging environments like a male prison.

Social Media as a Tool for Growth: Utilizing social media as a platform for self-expression and documentation can serve as a powerful personal development tool.

Navigating Change: Transitioning from structured environments, such as the prison service, to self-employment can be daunting.

BEST MOMENTS

"I started to try and build a platform to educate as many people as possible around the topic, around transitioning, both with gender and in life." - Jaxon

"If you can allow yourself and those closest to you to take the piss out of your biggest insecurities, no one in this world can touch you."- Jaxon

"I think the thing is, when something's out of someone's comfort zone, the fear is that like, someone only like, we'll just not talk about it kind of thing." - Susan

"I believe that if it can change, well, you know, you heard me, one voice can change the world."- Jaxon

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Beauty And the Best" 1 and 2.

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

SPONSOR

https://www.phorest.com/

https://share.hsforms.com/1Z3Q1VRM8TNqfn11f4cZyPA1c4ta

Susan welcomes Dan and Anna Inglis, directors of Elegant Touch, who recently achieved the remarkable feat of winning the UK Professional Beauty Large Salon of the Year award on their first attempt. The episode delves into their inspiring journey, from Anna's early passion for beauty and her initial foray into the industry to the couple's strategic growth of their salon, which now boasts a team of 12. They discuss the challenges they faced during the pandemic, the importance of maintaining high standards, and the unique touches that set their salon apart. Listeners will gain insights into their award application process, the significance of teamwork, and how they balance their thriving business with family life. This episode is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence in the beauty industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Passion for the Beauty Industry: Anna has had a long-standing passion for the beauty industry, starting from a young age and continuing through her education and career.

Team Development and Growth: The couple emphasizes the importance of building a strong team. They have successfully grown their team from one to twelve members, utilizing a mix of experienced therapists and apprenticeships to ensure quality and consistency in service.

Recognition and Awards: Entering and winning industry awards, such as the UK Professional Beauty Large Salon of the Year, has been a significant milestone for Elegant Touch.

Work-Life Balance: The importance of maintaining a work-life balance is highlighted, especially after experiencing a health scare.

BEST MOMENTS

"I chose hair, childcare and beauty, and beauty was the one that I absolutely loved." - Anna

"I said yeah go on then, I'll come and see you, forget paying those sorts of fees." - Dan

"I think it was a reset for us. I feel like we've never been stronger since then." - Anna

"We've looked after people very well from day one. The way Anna looks after them and the empathy that you show them." - Dan

www.eleganttouchuk.co.uk

Instagram- elegant_touch_beauty

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Bea And the Best" 1 and 2.

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

https://www.tiktok.com/@beautybusinessmatters

https://marketing.susanroutledge.com/beauty-and-the-best-chapters

In today's episode, Susan shares valuable insights on how to choose the right equipment for your beauty business. She outlines 20 essential considerations to ensure that your investment meets client demand and enhances your services. From understanding the reasons behind your purchase to conducting thorough research on suppliers, equipment standards, and market saturation, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide for beauty professionals looking to make informed decisions that will ultimately drive their business to success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Before purchasing equipment, ensure there is genuine demand from clients rather than buying based on personal desire. Conduct surveys or take pre-deposits to gauge interest.

• Investigate the equipment's standards, such as ISO accreditation and patents. Look for recommendations from industry peers and verify the supplier's reputation and history.

• Assess the level of support provided by the supplier, including customer service and training options. Consider the costs associated with training and whether it includes ongoing support for new team members.

• Analyze the return on investment by understanding treatment costs, pricing strategies, and potential resale value. Explore funding options or grants available for purchasing equipment.

• Ensure the equipment has been tried and tested, ideally through demonstrations at trade shows. Look for genuine before-and-after results to confirm its effectiveness before making a purchase.

BEST MOMENTS

"First of all, why do you want that piece of equipment? Is it just that you want that piece of equipment, or is it that you've got demand from your clients for it?"

"Look for recommendations as well. Do you know anyone else who's had that piece of equipment? Look at the results that they've got from it."

"What kind of support are you gonna get with this system? Is it gonna be you just buy it, you're left to your own devices?"

"Look at the resale value as well. If you decide in two years' time that you want to sell that piece of equipment, what's the resale value likely to look at?"

"It is so tempting just to jump in to buy a piece of equipment, but it's a relationship that you're building with that supplier."

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Bea And the Best" 1 and 2.

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

SPONSOR

https://www.phorest.com/

Susan welcomes back mindset expert Vicky Ross to discuss the current unrest in the beauty industry amidst economic changes. As the episode coincides with Susan's birthday and the launch of season two, Vicky shares her extensive experience in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and offers valuable insights on managing overwhelm and resetting one's mindset. The conversation delves into the importance of awareness, the stories we tell ourselves, and practical strategies for prioritizing tasks and maintaining mental well-being. Vicky emphasizes the significance of daily rituals, gratitude, and intention-setting to navigate challenges effectively, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to thrive in their business and personal life.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Understanding Overwhelm: Overwhelm is often a result of taking on too many tasks within a limited time frame.

The Importance of Awareness: Self-awareness is crucial in managing thoughts and emotions. By understanding what drives our behaviours and beliefs, we can better navigate challenges and reset our mindset when feeling overwhelmed.

Communication and Perception: The way we communicate with ourselves and others significantly impacts our perceptions.

Daily Rituals and Intentions: Establishing daily rituals, such as setting intentions and practicing gratitude, can help create a positive mindset. Taking time to reflect on what we want to achieve each day can lead to more focused and productive outcomes.

BEST MOMENTS

"If people don't understand themselves and haven't raised an awareness about their thinking, their feelings, and their actions, then everything goes haywire." -Vicky

"Overwhelm is typically when people are doing something they think is really important for them and they don't quite know how to do it."- Vicky

"What has to be true in you to do that to yourself? Why do you have the need to put five or six complex tasks on your plate?" - Vicky

"When someone doesn't stop, your body will stop you." - Susan

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Bea And the Best" 1 and 2.

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

https://www.vickyross.com

info@vickyross.com

https://www.vickyross.com/awakening-serenity - code: serenity25

SPONSOR

https://www.phorest.com/

In this episode, Susan shares valuable insights on how salon and clinic owners can maximize their experience at trade shows. Addressing common misconceptions about the value of these events, Susan emphasizes the importance of preparation, including creating an agenda, researching exhibitors, and engaging with key suppliers. Susan highlights the benefits of networking, attending educational demonstrations, and even entering competitions for a chance to win valuable prizes.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Create an agenda before attending a trade show to maximize your time. Research exhibitors, education sessions, and demonstrations to ensure you make the most of your visit.

• Use the opportunity to meet and network with key suppliers. Building relationships can lead to valuable insights about new products and trends in the industry.

• Before the show, survey your clients to understand their interests and needs. This will help you make informed decisions about which products or equipment to explore and potentially invest in.

• Wear appropriate footwear and clothing that allows you to navigate the show comfortably while still looking professional for meetings and negotiations.

• Enter competitions at the trade show, as there may be fewer entries than expected. Winning can provide significant rewards, and it’s a great way to engage with the event.

BEST MOMENTS

"Your clients are so, so knowledgeable now that they expect you to be on your A game all the time."

"Make sure that you are doing all of your market research beforehand, talking to your clients about what you are hoping to see at the show."

"It's a great time as well if you are planned, you're turning up there very professional, it's a great time to do some great negotiating."

"Although that sounds like it's, you know, great fun, it's a great time to be networking because networking is a huge part of being at a trade show."

"Make sure that you see what competitions are on and enter those competitions as well."

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Bea And the Best" 1 and 2.

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

SPONSOR

https://www.phorest.com/

Susan welcomes Pete Scott from the Sales Spotlight Academy, who shares his insights on transforming the beauty industry by empowering therapists and salon owners to charge what they are truly worth. With a background that spans from personal training on cruise ships to consulting for various industries, Pete discusses the importance of effective consultations and the psychology behind selling high-value services. He emphasizes the need for therapists to shift their mindset from commoditized treatments to offering genuine transformations for clients, ultimately positioning themselves as trusted advisors. Throughout the conversation, Pete provides practical strategies for overcoming limiting beliefs and enhancing client relationships, making this episode a must-listen for anyone in the beauty business looking to elevate their practice and increase their revenue.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Transformational Selling: The focus should be on helping clients achieve real change and transformation rather than just selling treatments.

Consultation Importance: A well-structured consultation is crucial for success in the beauty industry. Asking the right questions can lead to deeper conversations, allowing clients to realize the value of long-term investments in their beauty and wellness.

Mindset Shift: Many therapists and salon owners limit themselves by assuming clients won't pay higher prices. It's essential to challenge these beliefs and recognize that clients often want to invest in their well-being when they see the value in the service offered.

Team Empowerment: For salon owners, it's vital to support and empower their teams through training and practice.

BEST MOMENTS

"If a client walked into your business tomorrow and said, 'Here's £10,000,' not one therapist has said they wouldn't take the money. They all reply, 'I would figure it out.'" - Pete

"You always say it is down to the consultation. And of course, it very much is." - Susan

"Clients want to buy. They want you to be their trusted advisor. They love the idea of saying, 'my skin advisor.'"- Pete

"The less you charge, the more clients will pay for the product. The more they pay, the more they pay for you."- Pete

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Beauty And the Best" 1 and 2.

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

Instagram: @petejscott
TikTok: @petejscott
www.youtube.com/petescott

https://www.facebook.com/pete.scott.sales

In this episode, Susan addresses a common concern among salon and clinic owners: why their teams struggle to sell products as effectively as they do. Susan emphasises the trust clients place in owners and explores deeper issues that may hinder team sales, such as money mindset and product knowledge. She offers practical strategies for improving retail success, including the importance of understanding client needs, using appropriate language, and implementing a seven-day money-back guarantee to boost confidence in selling.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Clients tend to trust salon and clinic owners more than their staff, which can impact sales. It's important for team members to build their own rapport and trust with clients.

• Team members may perceive products as expensive, especially if they are not using them themselves. Addressing their money mindset and educating them on the value of professional products can help improve sales.

• Therapists should use the same language as clients when discussing products. Listening to clients' concerns and addressing them with appropriate solutions can enhance the selling process.

• Providing education on the products and offering a money-back guarantee can boost therapists' confidence in selling. This approach reassures clients and encourages them to try new products.

• Understanding what clients are running out of and what they truly need is crucial. Therapists should focus on providing solutions that align with clients' perceptions of their skin needs, ensuring a cohesive treatment experience.

BEST MOMENTS

"Clients will always see you as the key person in that business and will trust you the most."

"If your team aren't selling, then quite often it is a money mindset thing where you may want to do some work with your team around their money mindset."

"Clients will always find money for whatever they see value in."

"It's a form of discrimination if you've got therapists who are constantly thinking, 'Oh, my clients can't afford this' and they are prejudging their clients."

"Skincare and cosmetics are no longer luxuries to clients. Now they are just commodities."

1. HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Bea And the Best" 1 and 2.

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

SPONSOR

https://www.phorest.com/