Profitable Salon Owner Podcast
Listen here with Kayla Swanson and leading industry experts to keep you in-the-know and up-to-date on the latest for the salon industry! If you feel that your current business model is not working for you and hasn't changed in the last two years or for two decades, we're here to show you the light! Profitable Salon Owner Podcast helps commission salon owners grow their business, profits and an amazing team! High Performance Salon Academy has helped hundreds of salons and thousands of stylists grow their personal income and find their passion for the industry once again. Their infectious high energy...
Has the Economy Already Crashed? What Salon Owners Should Do Now | EP 265 | Profitable Salon Owner
In this episode:
• The signals of economic pressure inside a salon
• How changing guest priorities affect spending
• Why your dashboard should guide your decisions
• What to trim—and what not to cut
• How to market when guests are more selective
• Why strong salons can find opportunity in a downturn
• How to lead your team with clarity and perspective
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Text “ECONOMY” to (916) 258-0720 to receive the economy data resource Jason references.
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Text “ACADEMY” to (916) 258-0720 to connect with the HPSA team...
When Commission Salon Owners Become the Villain: How to Rise Above | EP 264 | Profitable Salon Owner
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How to separate useful feedback from outside opinion
• Why caring for your team and protecting profit can coexist
• How to make your team part of the solution
• Why leadership growth begins with an honest look inward
• How fear-based decisions can create bigger problems later
• Why take-home income matters more than an impressive commission percentage
• How to navigate team departures without abandoning your vision
• Why the beauty industry needs room for different business models
You do not have to prove every opinion wrong. You need to understand...
What Jobs Will AI Eliminate in the Salon Industry? | EP 263 | Profitable Salon Owner
AI is not about replacing the hands-on service your guests come to you for. It is about transforming the planning, documentation, problem-solving, and repetitive work that can keep a salon owner overwhelmed.
In this episode, Kayla Swanson and HPSA founder Jason Everett discuss AI as a thinking partner for salon and spa owners. Jason explains how a simple voice conversation can help you get started and shares a practical prompt that turns your experience into customized business playbooks.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How to start using AI without mastering complicated prompts
• How to...
Should You Switch to a Commissionless Salon? | EP 262 | Profitable Salon Owner
In this episode of the Profitable Salon Owner Podcast, Kayla Swanson sits down with Jason Everett, CEO of High Performance Salon Academy, to introduce a different way of thinking about commission.
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Jason calls it the commissionless salon.
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And no, that doesn’t mean eliminating commission.
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It simply means talking about commission less and focusing more on helping your stylists build the income and career they actually want.
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This episode is your reminder that your job isn’t to offer the highest commission. It’s to become the salon...
Are You Too Nice to Your Salon Staff? | EP 261 | Profitable Salon Owner
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why being “too nice” can hurt your team The difference between being mean and being direct How to say no while explaining the why Why strong leaders stand beside their team, not against them How to repair trust when you’ve handled something poorly How to be firm while still leading with compassionYour team doesn’t need you to give them everything they want. Instead, they need a leader willing to tell the truth, stand their ground, and use their strength for them, not against them.
PRESS PLAY. ❤️
đź’¬ Wan...
4 Ways AI Can Increase Your Salon Revenue | EP 260 | Profitable Salon Owner
You'll learn how to use AI to cross-promote services, increase add-ons, fill last-minute openings, bring past guests back, and other easy ways AI can help improve your salon’s overall guest experience.
AI will not remove the human connection from your salon.
When used as a right tool, it can handle repetitive tasks so your team has more time to focus on the guest in front of them.
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đź’¬ Want to learn more about the tools salon owners are using to save time, improve systems, and grow their businesses?
Text "AI" to...
Why Change Is the Catalyst Your Salon Needs | EP 259 | Profitable Salon Owner
Jason shares how major changes in his own life sparked a ripple effect across his business, relationships, leadership, and mindset. Together, they unpack why comfort can quietly keep salon owners stuck and how learning to positively reframe change can turn difficult seasons into opportunities for growth.
You can't control every change that happens around you.
But you can control what you make it mean and who you become because of it.
PRESS PLAY. ❤️
đź’¬ Going through a season of change and want support?
TEXT “SUPPORT” to (916) 258 0720 to learn more about High...
The Hidden Causes of Hair Loss Most People Miss | EP 258 | Profitable Salon Owner
In this episode of the Profitable Salon Owner Podcast, Kayla Swanson welcomes back Ketmanee Whitlock (@ketmaneeheartshair), licensed cosmetologist, certified trichologist, and owner of Edify Salon & Extension Bar, Edify Head Spa, and Trichology Lounge.
This is Ketmanee's second appearance on the podcast. If you haven't listened to Episode 159, we recommend starting there for a deeper introduction to trichology before diving into today's conversation.
Whether you're experiencing hair loss yourself or you're a salon owner looking to better serve your guests, this conversation offers practical insights and actionable next steps.
PRESS PLAY. ❤️
đź’¬ Want to conn...
How Giving Back Built a Million-Dollar Salon Legacy | EP 257 | Profitable Salon Owner
You'll learn:
How giving back strengthens your salon culture Why clients and team members stay loyal to a purpose-driven business Simple ways to start serving your community How generosity can become part of your salon's identity Why building trust creates long-term business growth
Learn More About Our Sponsors:
L'ANZA: https://www.lanza.com/
MYA: https://joinmya.com/
AURA: https://aurasalonware.com/hpsa/
(Use promo code HPSA for your first 2 months FREE)
Ready to build your six-figure team? Tune in now!
Know more here - www.highperformancesalon.com
...
6 Uncommon Ways to Use AI in Your Salon | EP 256 | Profitable Salon Owner
In this episode, you'll learn:
How to build digital employees that support different roles in your salon Why every salon owner should have an AI CFO How AI can help you improve your personal finances, too How to use AI as a sparring partner instead of just a search engine Why recording your meetings can make your leadership stronger How to create thinking manuals that preserve your knowledge as your business grows
If you're only using AI to write social posts or emails, you're barely scratching the surface.
PRESS PLAY. ❤️
🚀 Want to master...
3 Ways to Stop Carrying Your Salon Alone | EP 255 | Profitable Salon Owner
In this episode, you'll learn:
- How to set business goals your entire team can get behind
- Why tracking the right numbers creates better leaders
- How to use data to coach instead of micromanage
- How salon software can become your silent business partner
- The systems that give salon owners more time, clarity, and peace
If you're ready to stop carrying your salon alone, this conversation is a great place to start.
PRESS PLAY. ❤️
đź’ˇ Download Aura's FREE resource and start putting...
How to Build Healthy Relationships That Last | EP 254 | Profitable Salon Owner
In this episode, you'll learn:
âś… Why successful businesses are built on healthy relationships
âś… Why creating shared experiences strengthens every relationship
âś… The role communication plays in preventing conflict
âś… How to rebuild trust after it's been broken
âś… Why the relationship you have with yourself impacts every other relationship in your life
PRESS PLAY. ❤️
Learn More About Our Sponsors:
L'ANZA: https://www.lanza.com/
MYA: https://joinmya.com/
AURA: https://aurasalonware.com/hpsa/
(Use promo code HPSA for your first 2 months FREE)
👉 Interested in kno...
How to Know When It's Time to Expand Your Salon | EP 253 | Profitable Salon Owner
 In this episode, you'll learn:
âś… How to know if your salon is truly ready for expansion
âś… Why more space doesn't always mean more profit
âś… The first ways to grow before opening another location
âś… What Danielle considered before adding shareholders
âś… Why your team should influence your growth strategy
âś…The role numbers (not emotions) play in expansion decisions
If you're dreaming about growing your salon, don't make your next move until you've heard this conversation.
PRESS PLAY. ❤️
Learn More About Our Sponsors:
L'ANZA: https...
Booth Rental vs. Commission: Which Model Wins in 2026? | EP 252 | Profitable Salon Owner Podcast
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why booth rental isn't replacing commission salons The biggest misconception about making more money in booth rental Why some salon owners switch models and why others never should The five types of people every commission salon owner needs to understand How to build a business around the people you want to lead instead of chasing industry trends The leadership shifts that help people stay, grow, and thrive
PRESS PLAY. ❤️
👉 Interested in learning more about High Performance Salon Academy? Check the links below.
👇 Join the conversation
FB Group: fac...
Can You Teach Your Old Staff New Tricks? | EP 251 | Profitable Salon Owner
Inside this episode, you’ll hear:
• Why your team may already know exactly what to do
• The role fear plays in performance and growth
• How leadership influences team behavior
• Why successful people do hard things anyway
• The mindset shift that helps teams evolve
If you've been frustrated by inconsistent execution, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership.
Ready to build your six-figure team? Tune in now!
Join the conversation - www.highperformancesalon.com
Join our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalon
Like us...
How to Choose the Right Business Coach for Your Salon | EP 250 | Profitable Salon Owner
Inside this episode, you’ll learn:
• How to evaluate a coach beyond testimonials
• Why results should always matter
• The difference between doing and teaching
• Red flags salon owners should watch for
• What great coaching relationships actually look like
If you've ever considered hiring a coach (or wondered if your current coach is helping you move forward) this episode offers practical guidance for making the right decision.
Learn more here - www.highperformancesalon.com
Join our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalon
Like us on FB - www.facebo...
Why Your Best Staff Keep Leaving (And How to Fix It) | EP 249 | Profitable Salon Owner
Inside this episode:
• Why growth paths matter more than most owners realize
• How to remove fear and anxiety around numbers
• The simple adjustments that create big income gains
• Why asking questions beats giving answers
• How great leaders support growth without people-pleasing
If you've ever felt frustrated by team motivation, retention, or performance, this episode may help you see the challenge differently.
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PRESS PLAY. ❤️
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Learn More About Our Sponsors:
Collins: http://collins.co/hpsa
L'ANZA: https://www.lanza.com/<...
The Real Reason Your Business Feels So Chaotic | EP 248 | Profitable Salon Owner
If you're tired of feeling overwhelmed and ready to create more clarity and profitability in your salon, this episode is a must-listen.
Learn More About Our Sponsors:
Collins: http://collins.co/hpsa
L'ANZA: https://www.lanza.com/
MYA: https://joinmya.com/
AURA: https://aurasalonware.com/hpsa/
(Use promo code HPSA for your first 2 months FREE)
👇 Join the conversation
FB Group: facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalon
FB Page: facebook.com/highperformancesalon
IG: instagram.com/highperformancesalon
The Real Reason Your Team Isn’t Listening to You | EP 247 | Profitable Salon Owner
Inside this episode:
Why your team may not be hearing what you THINK you’re saying The hidden damage caused by indirect communication How fear and stress change your leadership tone Why healthy salons require direct conversations The mindset shift that makes salon owners better communicatorsIf you’ve ever walked away from a team conversation thinking, “That’s not what I meant…” this episode is for you.
Learn more about High Performance Salon Academy here - www.highperformancesalon.com
Join our FB group - www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalon
Like us on FB - www.fac...
How to Reconnect With the Heart of Your Salon | EP 246 | Profitable Salon Owner
Inside this episode, you’ll learn:
Why salon owners lose connection to their vision The importance of defining your salon’s core values How to stop comparing your salon to everyone else online Why protecting your team culture matters more than growth The mindset shift that helps struggling salon owners resetIf your salon has started feeling stressful, heavy, or disconnected from the reason you opened it… this episode will bring you back to center.
Press PLAY. ❤️
👇 Connect with Brian Leo McCalum
Personal IG: https://www.instagram.com/roar_ginger/
Business IG: https://w...
Should You Sell Your Salon? (What Most Owners Get Wrong) | EP 245 | Profitable Salon Owner
đź’ˇ Inside this episode, we cover:
✅ Why most salons aren’t actually sellable
✅ The #1 mistake that kills your salon’s value
âś… What buyers are really looking for
âś… When it actually makes sense to sell
âś… How to build a salon that works without you
Whether you want to sell one day (or even never sell at all!) this episode will change how you build your salon business.
PRESS PLAY. ❤️
đź‘Ť Like, subscribe and share if this helped you!
Learn More About Our Sponsors:
Collins: http://collin...
What to Do When Your Clients Are Losing Their Hair? | EP 244 | Profitable Salon Owner
Inside this episode:
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✅ Why hair loss is increasing (and what’s causing it)
✅ The different types of hair loss most stylists don’t understand
âś… How scalp health impacts hair growth
✅ Why most advice you’ve been giving might be wrong
âś… How to create real solutions for your clients
âś… Turning hair loss into a new revenue stream
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This isn’t just education… It’s a glimpse into where the industry is going.
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Learn More About Our Sponsors:
Collins: http://collins.c...
Going From Stylist to Salon Owner: What No One Tells You | EP 243 | Profitable Salon Owner
đź’ˇ Inside this episode:
âś… The biggest mistake stylists make when opening a salon
âś…How to build a team that actually supports your vision
âś…Why personal development changes everything
✅What it really means to “get out of your own way”
âś…How to create a culture your team wants to be part of
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So if you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step as a stylist or salon owner? This episode will hit home.
PRESS PLAY. ❤️
Learn More About Our Sponsors:
Collins...
Why Does Your Staff Refuse to Sell Retail? | EP 242 | Profitable Salon Owner
Inside this episode, you’ll learn:
Why most stylists resist selling retail The biggest mistake salon owners make when training their team How language alone can make or break your retail sales The mindset shift that turns service into natural retail Simple ways to increase your retail numbers fastRetail isn’t a “nice to have.”
It’s one of the fastest ways to increase profit in your salon.
👉 Text "Game" for info on our Consultation Gamification Board Game
👉 Text "Challenge" for info on our Double Your Retail Sales Challenge
Learn More About...
The 3 Hidden Blocks Killing Your Salon Success | EP 241 | Profitable Salon Owner
You’ll learn how your thoughts and feelings directly impact your income, client relationships, confidence, and overall success in business and life.
This episode is a must-listen if you’re ready to move from operating on autopilot to becoming a fully conscious, intentional salon professional.
Tune in now!
How To Connect With Us Further:
Learn more about what we do: www.highperformancesalon.com
Join our free commission salon owner community: www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalon
Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/highperformancesalon
Follow us on Instagram: www.inst...
Why Your Team Isn’t Listening (And How to Fix It) | EP 240 | Profitable Salon Owner
5 Key Learnings:
People listen when what you say feels valuable to them. If you’re out of tune personally, your team will feel it. Your team is a reflection of your leadership. There are 6 areas to tune in yourself and 6 areas to tune in your business. Teams buy in faster when they feel you care about their growth, not just your own.How To Connect With Us Further:
Learn more about what we do: www.highperformancesalon.com
Join our free commission salon owner community: www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalon
Connect with us on Fa...
Do's and Dont's of Building Your Salon's Dream Team | EP 239 | Profitable Salon Owner
0:00 - Why dream team building matters
0:33 - Stephanie Fox’s journey in beauty and recruiting
2:12 - The most important element in team building
3:50 - How leaders must evolve with the workforce
6:07 - The two stakeholders every salon depends on
8:37 - When owners should hire support to lead better
11:31 - How to create real team culture and trust
16:03 - How to balance team needs with business reality
20:05 - What recruiting actually means in salons
24:55 - The biggest recruiting mistakes salon owners make
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How To Connect With Us Further:
...The #1 Ingredient to Training Your Salon Team | EP 238 | Profitable Salon Owner
In this episode, you'll learn:
Celebrating all wins means recognizing effort, risk, and progress, not just outcomes Immediate celebration creates emotional connection and builds confidence faster Struggling team members improve when owners focus on what they are doing right Celebration should be personalized so it feels encouraging, not performative A stronger culture is built when teams learn to celebrate themselves and each other consistentlyHow To Connect With Us Further:
Learn more about what we do: www.highperformancesalon.com
Join our free commission salon owner community:
www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalon
Connect with...
The Truth About Expanding to Multiple Locations | EP 237 | Profitable Salon Owner
In this episode, you'll learn:
Why the hardest transition is moving from one location to two Why expansion must be based on numbers and not ego How and why leadership structure must evolve as locations increase Why stepping out of daily operations allows sustainable growth When does having fewer locations might mean higher profitHow To Connect With Us Further:
Learn more about what we do: www.highperformancesalon.com
Join our free commission salon owner community:
www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalon
Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/highperformancesalon
Follow us...
How to Properly Compensate Non-Service Work | EP 236 | Profitable Salon Owner
What we cover in this episode:
Why task-based pay creates speed and ownership while hourly pay often rewards laziness. How to build a "Directed Downtime" list so staff always know what to do when they’re not booked. How to separate what’s required from paid add-ons. Why increasing commission for extra duties is not the best decision to make. Why optional education must be truly optional with no guilt or pressure.How To Connect With Us Further:
Learn more about what we do: www.highperformancesalon.com
Join our free commission salon owner community:
www...
The Power of Passion Beyond the Salon | EP 235 | Profitable Salon Owner
In this episode, you'll learn HOW:
Passion fuels resilience during burnout seasons. Building something bigger than your salon strengthens culture. Serving others fills your tank faster than personal success alone. You don’t need full credentials to start, just take the first step. Purpose grows when you say yes before you feel ready.How To Connect With Us Further:
Learn more about what we do: www.highperformancesalon.com
Join our free commission salon owner community:
www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalon
Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/highperformancesalon
Follow us on In...
Why Your Salon Staff Won’t Step Up (And How to Fix It) | EP 234 | Profitable Salon Owner
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why staff don’t step up The hidden leadership mistake How to create ownership in your salon The difference between managing and leading What high-performing salon cultures have in commonIf your salon feels like:
- You’re the only adult in the room
- You’re constantly correcting behavior
- You can’t trust your team fully
This conversation will change how you lead.
Want help building a high-performance salon?
How To Connect With Us Further:
Learn more about what we do: www...
The Leadership Team Blueprint: Right People, Right Seats, Real Growth | EP 233 | Profitable Salon Owner
Here's what you'll learn from this episode:
The real difference between a manager and a leader The “right person, right seat” rule (and why it matters) How a weekly 90-minute leadership meeting creates real accountability What to do if someone isn’t a fit in a leadership role How to find leaders even in a small team The biggest mistakes salon owners make when building leadership teamsHow To Connect With Us Further:
Learn more about what we do: www.highperformancesalon.com
Join our free commission salon owner community:
www.facebook.com/groups/highperformancesalon
C...
The Real Power of AI for Salon Owners: Precision Over Information | EP 232 | Profitable Salon Owner
In this episode, you’ll hear:
Why AI won’t replace haircuts or massages but will replace several roles behind the scenes The “$20/month employee” concept (and the 6–8 jobs it can support How to start using AI the right way: “Go to lunch with AI” Voice prompts vs typing prompts Building playbooks instead of long, outdated SOPs The “Sh*t Manual” every salon should have for emergencies and chaos Offboarding checklists: what to do when someone quits so you don’t miss steps The big shift: from the age of information to the age of precisionHow To Connect With Us F...
The Salon Code of Honor: Fix Your Culture, Drama, and Accountability | EP 231 | Profitable Salon Owner
In this episode, Jason Everett joins Kayla Swanson to talk about the Code of Honor, a simple system that can transform your salon culture, reduce team drama, and strengthen accountability.
You’ll hear:
Why “we all get along” isn’t the same as a strong culture What happens when you don’t have rules (spoiler: your team makes their own) How to create a Code of Honor with your team The biggest mistakes owners make when implementing it How Code of Honor builds trust and performance under pressureNeed support building your own Code of Honor?
...How to Develop 6-Figure Stylists Without Burning Them Out | EP 230 | Profitable Salon Owner
In this episode, Kayla sits down with Danielle Cherewyk to talk about how salon owners can build a culture where team members grow into high-performing, six-figure earners.
You’ll hear:
Danielle’s story and why she built a career-path culture early How she helped her team realize they were closer than they thought How the program grew from 6 qualifiers to 14 What salon owners can do to expand belief and break income ceilings How Danielle supports her team with a 7:1 mentorship model How to make “money conversations” normal without making them uncomfortable Why your salon wins when your peo...What High-Performing Salons Do Differently | EP 229 | Profitable Salon Owner
In this episode, Kayla and Jason unpack what it really means to be a high-performing salon and why the biggest difference isn’t intelligence, luck, or even talent.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
What “high performance” actually means (and why it’s the foundation of everything at HPSA)
The true separator of the top 1% from the rest
Why high performers don’t overthink, stall out, or wait for perfect plans
How top owners get their team to execute quickly
Why “corrective action” is the cheat code for growth<...
Why Profit Is the Only Thing That Saves Your Salon This 2026 | EP 228 | Profitable Salon Owner
In this episode, Kayla Swanson and Jason Everett discuss what it truly means to be a profitable salon owner.
They cover the following topics:
The difference between staying busy and actually making money Why salon owners often avoid profit (sometimes without knowing it) How to begin shifting your salon from survival to sustainability Jason also shares why profitable businesses create better teams, stronger cultures, and more fulfilled owners.How To Connect With Us Further:
Learn more about what we do: www.highperformancesalon.com
Join our free commission salon owner community:
www.facebook...
Buy, Sell, or Shut the Doors? What Smart Salon Owners Will Do in 2026 | EP 227 | Profitable Salon Owner
In this episode, you’ll discover:
Why 2026 is a buyer’s market and how shaky operations are creating big opportunities for owners who are ready. What does capacity utilization mean and how to know if growth is smart or premature. Are you a CEO or just a high-paid stylist? And how to start shifting into true ownership. Why Jason wrote Prove Them Wrong and how owners can use it as a roadmap for stylists who want more income and a long-term future. Why Jason believes you must get lean, smart, and supported to ensure you’re on the upswin...The Real Reason You’re Burnt Out (And the 3 Fixes That Actually Work) | EP 226 | Profitable Salon Owner
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why burnout is often a mindset shift issue, not just a rest issue
The difference between Burn On, Burn Up, and Burnout
How effort vs reward imbalance quietly creates burnout
Why impostor syndrome can be a catalyst (and how common it is)
The 3 major causes of burnout and their respective cures
A leadership takeaway: why investing in support is often cheaper than losing great people
