Episode Summary:

In this solo episode, Heather shares the real, raw, and ridiculously valuable truths behind opening a commercial space—whether you're moving out of your home studio or stepping into your next big expansion.

She breaks down what’s worth the money, where you can save, how to create a jaw-dropping client experience, and why local partnerships might be your secret sauce. If you’re dreaming of launching your own space, this one’s your blueprint.

Heather covers:

• What to splurge on (and what to skip) when building out your space
• The number one mistake most business owners make during build-outs
• How to create buzz with a smart marketing plan (without burning out)
• Real talk on signage, furniture, equipment, client experience & more
• Why collaborating with your neighbors is one of the most underrated business strategies

This episode is for anyone ready to go from solo-preneur to storefront queen, with less stress and more strategy.

How to Connect with Heather:

Follow Heather on Instagram: @iamheatherdick

Follow The Expansion Code Podcast: @theexpansioncode

Website & Resources: www.theexpansioncode.ca

Want to work with Heather? Check out her consulting packages, free resources, and strategy sessions on her website.

Podcast Sponsor: Blush Artistry

This episode is proudly sponsored by Blush Artistry—your one-stop beauty haven for hair, makeup, nails, massage, medispa, and now private fitness and wellness services. Whether you need a killer balayage, a confidence-boosting facial, or a moment of self-care, Blush has you covered.

Book your appointment at: www.blush-artistry.ca

Follow Blush on Instagram: @blushartistrymua

Don't Forget to Subscribe & Review!

Follow the podcast so you never miss an episode.

Leave a review—it seriously helps!

Share this episode with a friend who needs social media clarity.

Check out our giveaways—details are always in the show notes & on Instagram!

Catch our full episodes on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheExpansionCode-HeatherDick

Podcast Artwork created by Lucas Seaward: www.360design.ca

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome this week’s Quick & Dirty Growth Hack — short, punchy insights to shift your momentum and grow with intention.

Today, Heather is lighting a fire under your build-out plans—whether you're moving from your home studio or dreaming about opening your first (or third) commercial space.

This episode is packed with power moves that will save you money, make you more money, and help you avoid the messy mistakes she made along the way.

In this episode:

• Why your signage is your 24/7 silent salesperson
• How to design your space with your client’s experience in mind—not just what’s cheap or convenient
• What to do before you open your doors to build major buzz (think: Beyoncé-level launch)
• A sneak peek at the full-length episode From Home-Based Hustle to Storefront Success for a deep dive into commercial leases, hiring, training, and sustainable scaling

Growth Hack Highlight

“Don’t wait until you’re ready to be seen—be seen from day one. Own your moment. Own your energy. It attracts the right clients, collaborators, and opportunities.” — Heather Dick

Want the Full Conversation?

Don’t miss the full-length episode From Home-Based Hustle to Storefront Success where Heather breaks down:

• The biggest financial mistakes to avoid in your first build-out
• Lease negotiation tips that protect your future
• How to design a client-first space that builds loyalty and retention
• Team training systems and soft-launch strategies that set your biz up for long-term success

If you’re in the thick of a build-out or just dreaming of one, this episode is a must-listen.

This Episode is Brought to You by Blush Artistry

Canada’s beauty & wellness destination for elevated self-care.

Hair, nails, medispa, tattoo & more — all under one blush-colored roof.

Find your next appointment or service at blushartistry.ca

Work with Heather

Ready to turn your burnout into leadership?

Explore Heather’s consulting offers, get free resources, and learn more at

www.theexpansioncode.ca

Connect on Instagram:

@iamheatherdick

@theexpansioncode

Want Free Stuff?

We're always running exclusive giveaways with our guests!

Check out our Instagram and show notes weekly for how to enter, win, and connect directly with our featured experts.

Thanks for tuning in. Growth isn’t always pretty — but it can be powerful. Let’s expand—together.

Catch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheExpansionCode-HeatherDick

Podcast Artwork created by Lucas Seaward: www.360design.ca

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this powerful episode of The Expansion Code, Heather sits down with salon owner, mentor, and human design guide Rachel Nixon to explore how true leadership starts from within—your body, your cycle, and your energy. Rachel shares her decades-long journey in the beauty industry, from being an “illegal colorist” to building two soulful salon spaces—one in California and one in New Orleans. But what really sets Rachel apart is how she leads her team: with deep intention, self-awareness, and what she calls cosmic leadership.

Together, Heather and Rachel dive into:

• How the female hormonal cycle (biorhythms) impacts work, energy, and decision-making
• Understanding the four phases of your cycle—and how to lead with them, not against them
• Using Human Design and Enneagram as tools to support your team’s success
• Why Rachel scrapped the traditional salon model for a smaller, more intentional team culture
• The difference between building a salon for your ego vs. building for your purpose
• What Rachel’s doing to help her team align with their energy, not hustle against it

Want to learn more about Rachel’s work and her Human Design coaching?

Find her at @handtiedstitchqueen and everythinghandtiedhair.com

This Episode is Brought to You By Blush Artistry

At Blush Artistry, we believe that looking and feeling your best is more than just a luxury—it’s a necessity! Whether you need a fresh balayage, a relaxing massage, or a medispa treatment that leaves you glowing, Blush is your one-stop destination for beauty and self-care. And with our latest expansion, we now offer private gym, physiotherapy, and chiropractic services to keep your body feeling as good as you look. Book your self-care session today at blush-artistry.ca and follow us on Instagram @blushartistrymua!

Resources & References:

Follow Heather on Instagram: @iamheatherdick | @theexpansioncode

Blush Artistry – Heather’s flagship company: blush-artistry.ca

The Expansion Code Website: www.theexpansioncode.ca

If you loved this episode, don’t forget to:

Subscribe to The Expansion Code so you never miss an episode

Leave a review – your feedback helps us bring you the best content

Share it with a friend – because growing together is more fun!

Looking for more? Work with Heather!

Whether you’re ready to scale your business, refine your leadership skills, or build a podcast as a business asset, Heather offers one-on-one consulting, group coaching, and custom strategy sessions. Visit www.theexpansioncode.ca to learn more about how you can work with Heather today! And catch the show on

YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@TheExpansionCode-HeatherDick

Podcast Artwork created by Lucas Seaward: www.360design.ca

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome this week’s Quick & Dirty Growth Hack — short, punchy insights to shift your momentum and grow with intention.

Today, Heather is bringing awareness to a topic that rarely gets talked about in leadership circles—how women’s cycles impact business, leadership, and team culture.

If you’ve ever felt like your energy is inconsistent or your team dynamics feel “off” with no clear reason, this Growth Hack is about to rewire your perspective.

In this episode:

• Why running your business like every day is the same just doesn’t work
• The science behind hormonal shifts and their impact on energy, communication, and creativity
• Why syncing with the 28-day infradian rhythm (not the 24-hour male-driven one) changes everything
• A sneak peek at Wednesday’s full episode with Rachel Nixon—on conscious leadership, cycles, human design, and emotional intelligence

Growth Hack Highlight

“When we ignore our cycles, we lose power. But when we integrate them? That’s where the magic happens.” — Heather Dick

Want the Full Conversation?

Don't miss Wednesday’s full episode featuring Rachel Nixon, salon owner, mentor, educator, and intuitive leader. She’s sharing:

• How syncing her business operations with the female cycle transformed her culture and leadership
• What it looks like to lead with emotional awareness, human design, and biorhythms
• How to create a team culture rooted in collaboration, boundaries, and honesty
• Why asking, “Where are you in your cycle?” could be the most empowering thing you say all week

This one will shift how you lead, how you work, and how you support the women around you—don’t miss it.

This Episode is Brought to You by Blush Artistry

Canada’s beauty & wellness destination for elevated self-care.

Hair, nails, medispa, tattoo & more — all under one blush-colored roof.

Find your next appointment or service at blushartistry.ca

Work with Heather

Ready to turn your burnout into leadership?

Explore Heather’s consulting offers, get free resources, and learn more at

www.theexpansioncode.ca

Connect on Instagram:

@iamheatherdick

@theexpansioncode

Want Free Stuff?

We're always running exclusive giveaways with our guests!

Check out our Instagram and show notes weekly for how to enter, win, and connect directly with our featured experts.

Thanks for tuning in. Growth isn’t always pretty — but it can be powerful. Let’s expand—together.

Catch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheExpansionCode-HeatherDick

Podcast Artwork created by Lucas Seaward: www.360design.ca

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Expansion Code, Heather sits down with longtime friend and Sherwood Park gym owner, Justin Cross, for a real and tactical convo on building a thriving personal training business from scratch. Justin shares how he went from a one-man operation grinding out 130% days to building a team and mentorship program rooted in purpose, systems, and relationships.

Whether you’re in fitness, beauty, or any service-based business, Justin’s leadership lessons and growth mindset will hit home. They talk about hiring through practicum placements, the importance of soft skills, building SOPs, and why being the best on your team isn’t the goal as a leader.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Justin used practicum students to grow his business strategically
• Why strong systems = more time and better client experience
• The hiring lesson that changed his leadership style
• Why you need to start building SOPs before you’re ready to hire
• The one mindset shift that helped him get out of burnout mode
• How relationships and referrals beat marketing (and social media!)

Connect with Justin:

Instagram: @crossconditioning

Website: crossconditioning.ca

Grab your free week of training and see what the buzz is about!

This Episode is Brought to You By Blush Artistry

At Blush Artistry, we believe that looking and feeling your best is more than just a luxury—it’s a necessity! Whether you need a fresh balayage, a relaxing massage, or a medispa treatment that leaves you glowing, Blush is your one-stop destination for beauty and self-care. And with our latest expansion, we now offer private gym, physiotherapy, and chiropractic services to keep your body feeling as good as you look.

Book your self-care session today at blush-artistry.ca and follow us on Instagram @blushartistrymua!

Resources & References:

Follow Heather on Instagram: @iamheatherdick | @theexpansioncode

Blush Artistry – Heather’s flagship company: blush-artistry.ca

The Expansion Code Website: www.theexpansioncode.ca

If you loved this episode, don’t forget to:

Subscribe to The Expansion Code so you never miss an episode

Leave a review – your feedback helps us bring you the best content

Share it with a friend – because growing together is more fun!

Whether you’re ready to scale your business, refine your leadership skills, or build a podcast as a business asset, Heather offers one-on-one consulting, group coaching, and custom strategy sessions.

Visit www.theexpansioncode.ca to learn more about how you can work with Heather today! Tune in to the show on

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheExpansionCode-HeatherDick

Podcast Artwork created by Lucas Seaward: www.360design.ca

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome this week’s Quick & Dirty Growth Hack — short, punchy insights to shift your momentum and grow with intention.

Today, Heather is diving into a truth most leaders learn the hard way: building a team isn’t about how many people you hire—it’s about how well you lead them.

If you’ve ever thought, “I’ll just find someone amazing and they’ll figure it out,” this episode is your wake-up call. Because without systems and clarity, even your dream hire won’t thrive.

In this episode:

• Why your first hire can either set you free—or make you wish you stayed solo
• The biggest mistake leaders make when growing a team
• What Heather calls “the unsexy magic” that makes or breaks your leadership
• A 5-minute challenge to start systemizing your business before your team even exists
• A sneak peek at Wednesday’s full episode with Justin Cross—on team SOPs, mentorship, and scaling with intention

Growth Hack Highlight

“Doing it all yourself might get you far—but it’ll never get you free. And that’s the goal. Freedom comes from leadership, not just hustle.” — Heather Dick

Want the Full Conversation?

Don't miss Wednesday’s full episode featuring gym owner and mentor Justin Cross, who’s breaking down:

• How he uses practicum hires and systems to grow a people-first business
• What most leaders overlook when it comes to delegation and training
• The soft skills that keep a team loyal—and the structure that keeps it sustainable
• How he’s building a thriving business while staying present as a dad and husband

This episode is tactical, honest, and packed with real-life wisdom for any entrepreneur ready to lead better.

This Episode is Brought to You by Blush Artistry

Canada’s beauty & wellness destination for elevated self-care.

Hair, nails, medispa, tattoo & more — all under one blush-colored roof.

Find your next appointment or service at blushartistry.ca

Work with Heather

Ready to turn your burnout into leadership?

Explore Heather’s consulting offers, get free resources, and learn more at

www.theexpansioncode.ca

Connect on Instagram:

@iamheatherdick

@theexpansioncode

Want Free Stuff?

We're always running exclusive giveaways with our guests!

Check out our Instagram and show notes weekly for how to enter, win, and connect directly with our featured experts.

Thanks for tuning in. Growth isn’t always pretty — but it can be powerful. Let’s expand—together.

Catch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheExpansionCode-HeatherDick

Podcast Artwork created by Lucas Seaward: www.360design.ca

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode Summary:

In this solo episode, Heather breaks down why team building is more than just a buzzword—it’s the backbone of a thriving business. Whether you're a solopreneur stepping into leadership for the first time or managing a team of 50+, building strong relationships within your team is the key to retention, morale, and long-term success.

Heather shares both budget-friendly and high-impact ways to foster a connected, happy team, including:

• Creative team-building ideas – from big retreats to simple coffee meetups
• Wellness & development workshops – to keep your team feeling good and engaged
• How leadership sets the tone – and why company culture starts at the top
• Giving back as a team – the unexpected way charity work can strengthen bonds
• This episode is packed with actionable strategies to make your business a place where people want to stay and grow. If you're ready to build a team that thrives, hit play now!

This Episode is Brought to You By Blush Artistry

At Blush Artistry, we believe that looking and feeling your best is more than just a luxury—it’s a necessity! Whether you need a fresh balayage, a relaxing massage, or a medispa treatment that leaves you glowing, Blush is your one-stop destination for beauty and self-care. And with our latest expansion, we now offer private gym, physiotherapy, and chiropractic services to keep your body feeling as good as you look.

Book your self-care session today at blush-artistry.ca and follow us on Instagram @blushartistrymua!

Resources & References:

Follow Heather on Instagram: @iamheatherdick | @theexpansioncode

Blush Artistry – Heather’s flagship company: blush-artistry.ca

The Expansion Code Website: www.theexpansioncode.ca

Mentioned in the Episode:

Book: Who Not How by Dan Sullivan – On delegation & leadership

Reiki & Energy Work – How energy impacts business & personal growth

Escape Rooms, Cooking Classes, & Charity Work – Fun & effective team-building exercises

Subscribe & Stay Connected!

If you loved this episode, don’t forget to:

Subscribe to The Expansion Code so you never miss an episode

Leave a review – your feedback helps us bring you the best content

Share it with a friend – because growing together is more fun!

Looking for more? Work with Heather!

Whether you’re ready to scale your business, refine your leadership skills, or build a podcast as a business asset, Heather offers one-on-one consulting, group coaching, and custom strategy sessions.

Visit www.theexpansioncode.ca to learn more about how you can work with Heather today!

Catch our full episodes on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheExpansionCode-HeatherDick

Podcast Artwork created by Lucas Seaward: www.360design.ca

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome this week’s Quick & Dirty Growth Hack — short, punchy insights to shift your momentum and grow with intention.

Today, Heather is busting the myth that team building is just cheesy games and trust falls. This episode is about real, smart, and creative ways to build a team that’s connected, motivated, and ready to lead with you.

If your team feels more like a group of people who clock in and out instead of a united force—you might be missing a big opportunity. Because when your people feel like they belong, everything changes.

In this episode:

• Why belonging isn’t fluffy—it’s one of your strongest business levers
• The shocking stat that proves how team connection drives productivity
• What most leaders forget when they think about retention
• How shared experiences literally rewire your team’s brain for better collaboration
• A sneak peek at Wednesday’s full episode with tactical, fun, and budget-friendly ways to create a team culture that lasts

Growth Hack Highlight

“When people feel like they belong in a workplace, they’re 3.5 times more engaged and productive. That’s not a nice-to-have—that’s a strategy.” — Heather Dick

Want the Full Conversation?

Don't miss Wednesday’s full episode, where Heather breaks down:

• Her favorite zero-cost team-building strategies that actually work
• How to use culture to improve retention and stop bleeding money
• Creative ways to keep your team connected—no cringe activities required
• The secret to team building that goes beyond the “fun” and actually strengthens your business long-term

Set your reminder now—this one will shift how you lead your people.

This Episode is Brought to You by Blush Artistry

Canada’s beauty & wellness destination for elevated self-care.

Hair, nails, medispa, tattoo & more — all under one blush-colored roof.

Find your next appointment or service at blushartistry.ca

Work with Heather

Ready to turn your burnout into leadership?

Explore Heather’s consulting offers, get free resources, and learn more at

www.theexpansioncode.ca

Connect on Instagram:

@iamheatherdick

@theexpansioncode

Want Free Stuff?

We're always running exclusive giveaways with our guests!

Check out our Instagram and show notes weekly for how to enter, win, and connect directly with our featured experts.

Thanks for tuning in. Growth isn’t always pretty — but it can be powerful. Let’s expand—together.

Catch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheExpansionCode-HeatherDick

Podcast Artwork created by Lucas Seaward: www.360design.ca

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.