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Real Talk on Hiring, Culture, and Why People Stay.

After a technical hiccup on Monday’s episode (sorry if you caught the glitchy one!), Todd and Jen are back with a full redo—and it might be even better than the original.

This episode covers team retention, leadership, and how to build a salon culture that people don’t want to leave.

They cover everything from how to attract new talent straight out of school, why “luxury” means nothing if your client experience doesn’t back it up, and how simplifying your systems might be the key to long-term success.

Oh—and they don’t shy away from calling out toxic industry mindsets that are holding people back.

Whether you’re running a salon or running a rental model, this episode is full of practical, experience-backed advice you can implement immediately.

🔥 Key Topics Covered:

[00:00] Why We’re Re-Recording + Behind-the-Scenes Podcast Real Talk
[00:03] Luxury Isn’t a Word—It’s a Client Experience
[00:06] Simplicity Wins: What Lego Can Teach Salon Owners
[00:11] Bad Advice on Facebook and the Mentorship Void
[00:12] Why You Should Always Be Interviewing
[00:15] Don’t Be Salty When Stylists Leave—Plan for It
[00:18] Creating a Clear Career Path with Visible Growth Opportunities
[00:22] How to Build Education Into Your Salon Model
[00:24] Stop Waiting for the “Perfect Stylist”—Hire Out of School
[00:28] Buy-In Beats Experience
[00:29] Flexibility + Rules = Sustainable Culture
[00:32] Why You Might Be the Reason You Can’t Retain Staff
[00:34] How to Structure Your Team to Handle Turnover
[00:36] The Secret Power of Station Sharing
[00:38] Culture Can’t Just Be a Buzzword—It Must Be Defined
[00:39] The Fun Factor: Why Energy, Leadership, and Respect Matter
[00:41] Culture > Commission: What Stylists Really Want Today

🧠 Key Takeaways:

• “Always Be Interviewing” – Even when you’re fully staffed, build relationships now to avoid panic hires later.
• Set Clear Growth Paths – Show stylists how they’ll grow with you—financially and professionally.
• Hiring Out of School Isn’t a Last Resort—It’s a Strategy – Create systems to train and retain future superstars.
• Flexibility Without Structure Fails – Your culture needs rules and systems if you want people to respect their freedoms.
• Culture is More Important Than Commission – People don’t just want money—they want meaning, clarity, and momentum.

📌 Mentioned in the Episode:

• The failed “luxury” experience rant
• A breakdown of our real-world commission system
• How Hello Hair Pro does internal education
• Our philosophy on interviewing, even when not hiring
• The deep clean bonus opportunity for staff
• Why hiring the “perfect” seasoned stylist isn’t your best bet

📣 Connect With Us:

🎧 Subscribe to the Hello Hair Pro Podcast
📸 Instagram: @hellohairpro
💌 Join our weekly newsletter: 321 Pro Push!
🌐 Learn more:

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In this final episode of our commission salon business mini-series, Todd and Jen break down how their roles as salon owners have evolved over time—and what it really takes to build a sustainable commission-based business.

From systems and structure to trust, delegation, and team culture, this episode is packed with real-world insight and hard-won lessons. Whether you're just starting or scaling up, this is a must-listen.

🔹 Timestamps + Topics

[00:00] - Welcome back & what we covered in parts 1 and 2
[03:00] - Jen’s opening take: The first real vacation after 16 years of owning a salon
[05:30] - Todd’s opening take: Use AI smartly—but don’t outsource your thinking
[09:45] - How our ownership roles have changed over the years
[13:00] - Your team determines how far you can go
[14:40] - How we got our team to care about cleaning (without nagging)
[16:30] - Why simplicity in systems makes them stick
[18:00] - Using Slack for communication and why it works
[19:00] - How we structure team meetings to inspire, not intimidate
[22:45] - Honest self-audits: “Where have we failed you as leaders?”
[24:00] - Delegation, creating opportunities, and expanding team roles
[27:00] - Station-sharing, working 7 days, and maximizing space without expanding
[30:00] - What most salons miss: supporting multiple generations of stylists
[34:30] - Why we don’t micromanage KPIs and tailor mentorship to the stylist
[36:00] - Taking care of your team holistically (yes, that includes hydration)
[37:00] - Final thoughts: You don’t need to have it all figured out
[38:00] - Culture is built on your worst days, not your best
[39:00] - What to do next: Audit yourself, your systems, and your leadership

💡 Key Takeaways

• You can’t scale alone. Build systems, delegate, and trust your team.
• Meet your staff where they are. This includes their mental health, concerns, and communication preferences.
• Your culture is about the bad days. Stay grounded and lead with intention.
• Commission isn’t outdated. Done right, it offers freedom and structure.
• Everything improves when your team feels valued.

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In this milestone 200th episode, Todd and Jen continue their in-depth exploration of what it takes not only to build a successful commission salon but also to sustain one.

From emotional intelligence behind the chair to their refined hiring process, leadership growth, team retention strategies, and handling conflict like pros—this episode is loaded with actionable insights for salon owners and hair professionals alike.

🕒 Timestamps & Topics:

[00:00] – Opening Takes

[07:00] – Recap of Part 1 + This Week’s Focus: Culture & Hiring

[08:00] – Early Hiring Mistakes & Leadership Growth
How the initial team didn’t align with the Hello Hair Pro mission—and how Todd and Jen refined their leadership and hiring approach as a result.

[10:30] – Hello’s Current Hiring Process
From culture fit first to post-hire model evaluations, shadow days, and hands-on onboarding.

[15:00] – What They Look for in New Team Members
Hiring for personality, not just skill. Todd looks for people he genuinely wants to be around; Jen assesses presentation and willingness to learn.

[18:00] – Common Hiring Traps in the Salon Industry
Why relying solely on technical ability is short-sighted, and how mentorship and real education matter more than ever.

[20:00] – Maintaining Culture & Retaining Your Team
What do you do after the hire? Jen shares how they constantly create opportunities, set goals, and keep their staff engaged long-term.

[22:00] – Fighting “The Social Media Carrot”
Why your team is being recruited 24/7 online—and how Hello Hair Pro stays ahead by offering real, meaningful value inside the business.

[24:00] – Education & Growth Opportunities
Daily education, peer-led classes, paid teaching gigs, and goal tracking. Jen explains how these initiatives keep their team connected and motivated.

[26:00] – The Power of Little Things
Sometimes, upgrading the breakroom fridge is the culture win of the year. Small gestures = big impact.

[28:00] – Making Work Fun: Games, Challenges & Contests
From Google review competitions to team videos, Todd and Jen explain how they use fun strategically, so it doesn’t become “just another thing.”

[29:00] – Treating Staff Like Adults, Not Children
Professional respect is key. Feedback is given directly, respectfully, and constructively.

[30:00] – Handling Conflict the Right Way
Disagreements happen. Jen and Todd discuss how they approach staff conflicts, encourage resolution, and maintain healthy team dynamics.

[32:00] – Wrap-Up + Teaser for Next Episode
Todd will be asking the team, “Why do you stay at Hello?” and they’ll share those answers in a future episode.

💡 Key Takeaways:

• Hire for character, teach the skill.
• Retention is the real growth strategy.
• Create a salon people don’t want to leave.
• Your culture is built on what you tolerate and celebrate.
• Conflict is natural—how you handle it defines your leadership.

📩 Get More From Todd & Jen

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Is running a commission salon even worth it anymore? Should you go solo, rent a suite, or bring it back to commission?

In this episode, Todd and Jen dig deep into what it actually takes to run a successful salon in 2025—from ditching discounts to building strong foundations, leading new generations of hair pros, and why most salon owners burn out.

You’ll hear why leadership is everything, how to market with intention, and how to avoid the trap of working harder instead of smarter.

This episode is full of real talk, hard truths, and proven strategies that Todd and Jen have actually implemented in their own salon.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why salon ownership isn’t about hair—it’s about business
• How blaming “the next generation” is lazy leadership
• The fatal mistake of constant discounting
• What a solid mission, vision, and core values actually do for your business
• How to build a brand people want to work for (and with)
• Why culture starts with listening, not talking

Helpful Blog Posts:

• Client Acquisition: Are You Solving the Right Problem?
• Don’t Be For Everyone
• Attracting The RIGHT Clients

Timestamps:
00:00 – Happy (not really) Monday + Opening Takes
01:30 – Is Commission Still Worth It in 2025?
02:15 – Todd’s Opening Take: Put the scissors down
03:00 – Jen’s Opening Take: Blaming the new generation won’t work
05:00 – The real reason salon owners burn out
06:30 – Discounting is not a marketing plan
09:00 – What your promotions say about your business
10:00 – Foundations: Mission, Vision, Core Values
13:00 – Choosing aligned brands and distributors
16:00 – Why salon marketing starts with knowing yourself
19:00 – Likes vs Revenue: What good marketing actually looks like
21:00 – Why making money isn’t “selling out”—it’s survival
24:00 – Culture is everything: How we built ours
27:00 – Jen’s honesty: “I didn’t know if I could be this uncomfortable”
30:00 – Listening over lecturing: The new leadership model
32:00 – Join our newsletter + what's next

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In this episode of the Hello Hair Pro podcast, Jen and Todd dive into what it really takes to build a standout salon business in today’s industry.

They kick things off with a personal story about a salon owner's dress code and her grandmother's influence, which leads to a broader conversation about the role of professionalism and presentation in attracting the right clients and building trust.

Then, Todd shares a blueprint for treating your salon like a media company—from launching a podcast and building an email list to creating content that attracts dream clients and future team members. Learn how shifting your mindset from "just a salon" to a media-driven brand can unlock next-level growth.

Whether you're a salon owner, booth renter, or stylist with ambition, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you grow with intention, elevate your brand, and future-proof your business.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 – Intro: Why This Topic Matters
• 01:18 – A Salon Owner, Her Grandma, and the Dress Code Debate
• 03:30 – What Professionalism Really Means in the Hair Industry
• 07:42 – Jen’s Advice for New Salon Owners
• 09:26 – How to Build a Media Company Around Your Salon
• 20:52 – Final Takeaways & Growth Challenge

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Is being the 'boss' really the freedom it's hyped up to be?

In this episode, Jen and Todd break down some of the biggest myths in the salon industry — from the glamorized idea of being your own boss to the realities of chair rental and independent work.

You'll hear:

• Why summer is a strategic season for planning and promotion
• The most common mistakes new stylists make when renting a booth
• The truth behind titles like Master Stylist, Boss, or Owner, and why they can be misleading
• Why mentorship can save you from major (and expensive) business pitfalls
• The difference between freedom and structure in salon careers
• How salon owners can navigate side gigs, retention, and stylist growth

Whether you’re a commission stylist, booth renter, or salon owner, this conversation is packed with honest insights, laughs, and next-level salon strategy.

⏱️ Timestamps for Easy Navigation

00:00 – Welcome and episode intro
00:17 – Today’s hot takes: balancing fun with work
03:01 – Why you should question “expert” advice
07:17 – The truth behind being “the boss”
13:02 – When independent stylists get confused about business
20:23 – Real talk: the challenges of going solo
21:38 – The problem with inflated titles in the beauty industry
22:29 – What “Master Barber” really means
24:32 – Can you balance side gigs with salon success?
28:24 – How to plan during slow seasons
33:27 – Straight talk for aspiring salon owners
34:50 – Why solid foundations matter more than flair
38:52 – Final thoughts and encouragement

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Do What You Love. Figure Out Who You Are & Do the Work

In this multi-topic episode, Jen and Todd share their thoughts on the importance of passion and self-discovery in both personal and business life.

Jen starts with a heartfelt story about a client who was moved to tears after Jen transformed her hair with extensions, reminding Jen why she loves her work.

Todd follows with a discussion on the significance of figuring out who you are and then putting in the work, emphasizing that copying others won't lead to success.

They also explore the dynamics within salons, the importance of attracting the right kind of clientele, and how new hairstylists should approach building their careers.

Moreover, the conversation shifts to business strategies, using Trader Joe's unique model as an example to illustrate how businesses can thrive by doing things differently.

They wrap up with an exciting announcement about an upcoming workshop on June 13th. MORE INFO HERE!

00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter
00:29 Opening Takes: Do What You Love
02:17 Opening Takes: Figure Out Who You Are
02:41 The Importance of Self-Reliance in Business
04:56 Challenges in Salon Leadership and Team Dynamics
07:25 Advice for New Stylists and Building Clientele
14:28 Dealing with Extension Fix Requests
18:26 Client Consultation Challenges
19:14 Dealing with Discount Seekers
20:34 Business Insights from Trader Joe's
23:40 Maximizing Salon Space and Efficiency
26:27 Product Selection and Brand Alignment
30:11 Donation Strategies and Community Impact
32:26 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Events

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Feeling uninspired? Overwhelmed? Just going through the motions in your salon, studio, or behind the chair?

You're not alone—and you're not broken.

In this episode, Todd and Jen tackle what it really means to be in a professional slump, why it's more common than you think, and how to pull yourself out of it with simple, actionable strategies.

They cover everything from signs of burnout and creative stagnation to client overbooking and social media comparison traps.

Whether you’re a stylist, salon owner, or creative professional, this conversation will help you find clarity, community, and fresh inspiration.

🔥 What You’ll Learn:

• Why being in a slump is normal (and sometimes necessary for growth)
• 6+ causes of professional slumps in the hair industry
• Practical ways to re-ignite creativity and motivation
• The truth about running a business vs. doing great hair
• Why classes and community are essential to your long-term success
• What to do today if you’re feeling stuck

🕒 Episode Timestamps:

• [00:00] Opening: Wrapping up the school year + “be present” mindset
• [03:00] Hair vs. business: Two completely separate skill sets
• [06:00] Stop cutting corners: Why investing in your business matters
• [07:30] What a slump feels like (and how to recognize it)
• [09:00] Jen's insight: How growth, change, and perspective combat slumps
• [10:45] Behind the scenes: Hello’s upcoming Blow Dry Finish Workshop
• [12:30] The value of revisiting fundamentals, even after 10+ years
• [14:30] Creating styling menus to boost revenue & client experience
• [17:00] MVP mindset: Launch now, improve later
• [18:00] Causes of burnout: repetition, overbooking, and lack of boundaries
• [20:00] The role of social media & comparison in salon burnout
• [22:00] Reassessing your clientele and long-term goals
• [24:00] Mentorship, phone calls, and vision-setting
• [26:00] Why quitting may not be the answer—and what to ask yourself first
• [28:00] Growth doesn’t always mean more—it might mean less
• [29:30] Simple actions that create massive change
• [33:00] Advice for employees who feel stuck but don’t want to leave
• [35:00] Finding your hype group: community matters
• [37:00] The SLUMP Acronym: Step back. Learn. Update. Meet. Pick.

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