In today's midweek episode, Susan shares what motivated her to start this podcast. Reflecting on her extensive experience in the beauty industry, Susan recounts how the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted her to connect with salon and clinic owners through interviews, providing vital information during a time of uncertainty. She also discusses the evolution of her initiatives, including the successful 'Beauty and the Best' books and the popular Beauty Roundup events, which foster community and learning among beauty professionals.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Creating a podcast was a natural next step for Susan, after years of experience in the beauty industry.

• The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic prompted Susan to start interviewing other salon owners to provide valuable information and support during a time of uncertainty.

• Initiatives like the Beauty Directors Club and the Beauty Roundup events were established to foster community, share experiences, and inspire salon owners, highlighting the importance of collaboration over competition.

• Susan achieved bestseller status with her book 'Beauty and the Best', which showcased a collection of stories from industry professionals.

BEST MOMENTS

"I thought a great thing to do would be to try and bring the right people who could help with things like furlough and all the things that everyone was in total confusion about."

"The Beauty Roundup events have been absolutely phenomenal. You can see all of the 'aha' moments where someone thinks, 'wow, I could do that.'"

"I had been thinking about doing a podcast for so, so long. I decided that I would go with the largest podcast company in the UK."

"It's just been such a fabulous journey. We've had fabulous CEOs of companies like Ronan from Forrest, David Alpert from IIAA."

"The messages that I get as well have just been overwhelming to get beautiful feedback about how inspiring everyone's finding the podcast."

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/