PhorestFM: Stories From the Salon Floor

Live From the Data-Driven Salon Summit 2025 With David Colonna

David Colonna (@thedavidcolonna) joins Shauna O'Halloran (Head of Brand & Communications at Phorest) in the Phorest Lounge at the Data-Driven Salon Summit for a catch-up that leads to hearing about how Calligraphy Cut came to be, the circumstances that led David to a career in the industry, and some thoughts on technology. Learn more about Calligraphy Cut here, and about The Maven and The Muse Salon here.
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This episode was edited and mixed by Audio Z: Montreal's cutting-edge post-production studio for creative minds looking to have their vision professionally produced and mixed. Great music makes great moments.
Leave a Rating & Review: http://bit.ly/phorestfm 
Read the transcript, or click here to learn more about Phorest Salon Software.

Jess Joy on Creating Systems and Cultures That Don’t Mistake Coping for Success

[312] Co-founder of the neurodivergence community and training platform I Am Paying Attention (@iampayingattention), Jess Joy, along with best friend and business partner Charlotte Mia, is championing change in the way we all work, one radically honest conversation at a time.
This episode is no different, featuring vulnerable shares of lived experiences and an exploration of how the pace, pressure, unspoken expectations or the structure of businesses might be pushing some of the most talented and creative team members into quiet survival mode, shame and/or burnout. We get into:
🧠 Commonly used terms, concepts, their definitions and why understanding them matters
 🔍 How masking, burnout, and sensory overwhelm often go unacknowledged in professional work settings
⚙️ Why many “difficult” or “high maintenance” behaviours might actually be indicative of the invisible labour of being “fine” at work✋ Questions salon owners and managers can start asking themselves and their teams today to create neuroinclusive cultures
Bold, affirming, and full of practical reflection, this conversation is your invitation to rethink inclusion not as a perk, but through the lens of universal design..
Learn more about and access I Am Paying Attention's toolkit, course, training offerings and free resources here. Purchase 'How Not to Fit In,' co-authored by Jess Joy and Charlotte Mia, here.
Enjoyed the episode? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts!
Click here to subscribe to the PhorestFM email newsletter or here to learn more about Phorest Salon Software.
This episode was edited and mixed by Audio Z: Montreal's cutting-edge post-production studio for creative minds looking to have their vision professionally produced and mixed. Great music makes great moments.

Live From the Data-Driven Salon Summit 2025 With HairToStay

Noah Warren and Sydney Berry (@HairToStay) join Shauna O'Halloran (Head of Brand & Communications at Phorest) in the Phorest Lounge at the Data-Driven Salon Summit for a short catch-up. Learn more about HairToStay and donate here if you can!
Click here to revisit PhorestFM S08E300 with Noah, Sydney, and many more guests!
Click here to subscribe to the PhorestFM email newsletter: https://bit.ly/3WvQiI7
This episode was edited and mixed by Audio Z: Montreal's cutting-edge post-production studio for creative minds looking to have their vision professionally produced and mixed. Great music makes great moments.
Leave a Rating & Review: http://bit.ly/phorestfm 
Read the transcript, or click here to learn more about Phorest Salon Software.

David Campbell on Leading with Vision, Growing Talent and Being a Keeper of Dreams

[311] With over 30 years of experience at all levels in the hairdressing industry and as the longest-running president of the Irish Hairdressers’ Federation, David Campbell (@davhoc) has a passion, drive and determination to improve the industry and raise standards. As the Director of both the House of Colour Salon Group (alongside partners Susan Byrne & Catherine Campbell) and The Salon Edge (one-to-one coaching for salon owners), David has always been a visionary leader, designing and implementing innovative systems for growth, leadership, and staff empowerment.
In this episode, David pulls back the curtain on the strategies that have driven his success, including:🗝️ The importance he places on creating an internal culture of partnership;🤝🏼 How to build and retain a high-performance team;📊 The frameworks that transform trainees into seasoned professionals & confident leaders;💡 Why he believes every salon owner should plan for the long game – and how he’s already thinking about 2027. If you’re a salon owner or industry leader looking to build a legacy business, this conversation will challenge you to rethink your approach to growth, leadership, and the business strategies you might have simply replicated without fully assessing whether they actually worked for you (and your team).
Learn more about House of Colour (@houseofcolour) here, and The Salon Edge (@thesalonedge) here. Purchase 'Headstart: How to Get Your Dream Salon Job and Keep It,' authored by Aisling Kenny and David Campbell, here.
Enjoyed the episode? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts!
Click here to subscribe to the PhorestFM email newsletter or here to learn more about Phorest Salon Software.
This episode was edited and mixed by Audio Z: Montreal's cutting-edge post-production studio for creative minds looking to have their vision professionally produced and mixed. Great music makes great moments.

Built to Last: Two 'Unicorn' Stories From the 2025 Salon Today 200

[310] Have you ever considered entering the Salon Today 200? Or want to know more about this industry-leading program that showcases salon business success? Behind every honoree's recognition are pages of essays. Stories of innovation, vulnerability, resilience and transformation.
In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the competition and celebrate the grit and vision of two 2025 Salon Today 200 honorees in the Technology best practice category: Soleil Salon & Spa and Eric Fisher Salons.
From navigating crises with creativity to reimagining systems, these salons discuss the real-world decisions that shaped their transformation. Alongside Stacey Soble, Director of Brand Content Strategy at Salon Today, we also unpack the judging process, reveal tips and strategies for submitting essays that stand out, discuss the power of storytelling, and why authenticity always wins.
Guests: Bobbi Springer (@beautybar_allure), Maggie Di Falco (@maggiethesalon), Stacey Soble (@salontodayofficial), Luisa Gladymir Garcia (@soleilsalonspanh), Eric Fisher & Cathy Salas (@efsalon) and Veronica Ballard (Phorest).
Click here to learn more about the Salon Today 200.
Enjoyed the episode? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts!
Click here to subscribe to the PhorestFM email newsletter or here to learn more about Phorest Salon Software.
This episode was edited and mixed by Audio Z: Montreal's cutting-edge post-production studio for creative minds looking to have their vision professionally produced and mixed. Great music makes great moments.

Neurodiversity in the Beauty Industry: Beauty Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All (Live Panel Discussion)

[309] In the dynamic and ever-evolving hair and beauty world, where passion, creativity, and connection make for a truly rewarding career, neurodiversity often remains an unspoken part of the conversation. This panel discussion, recorded live at International Beauty Show NY 2025 (click here for the abridged video version), recognizes that many neurodivergent beauty professionals face barriers—from misunderstanding to a lack of tailored support— pulls back the curtain on these layered experiences and explores how we can show up with more curiosity and understanding to experiences of neurodiverse staff and clients alike.
Expect candid stories from the salon floor, shared laughs, and some profound "aha!" moments as we address the gap between what's expected and what's possible and engage in a curious inquiry of what new ways of working could look like. Hosted and moderated by Keya Neal (@keyaartistically on Instagram), Founder of Kolour Kulture & Texture VS Race, Color Educator, DEI Consultant.
Panelists:
• Dawn Bradley (@dawnbradley on Instagram), Rock Your Business & The Anxious Creative Podcast
• Kitt Spata (@kittspata on Instagram), Youphoria Studios
• Kate Owens Heins (@kateilovehair on Instagram), CEO & Founder of The Sensory Safe Solution
Produced by Questex and presented by American Salon, International Beauty Show New York is the longest-running professional beauty event in the country. Connecting beauty professionals with the best in the industry, the show brings hundreds of top beauty brands together under one roof for free educational classes by industry legends, workshops, and exclusive show-floor discounts. For more information, visit ibsnewyork.com.
Enjoyed the episode? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts!
Click here to subscribe to the PhorestFM email newsletter or here to learn more about Phorest Salon Software.
This episode was edited and mixed by Audio Z: Montreal's cutting-edge post-production studio for creative minds looking to have their vision professionally produced and mixed. Great music makes great moments.

Terra Harvell on the Lessons and Mindset Shifts That Drive Salon Success and Build Wealth (w/ Ronan Perceval)

[308] In this episode, Terra Harvell (@theterraharvell) shares her entrepreneurial journey and the crucial role mindset, determination, and having the right people around you play in turning aspirations into reality. Co-hosted by Phorest Founder & CEO Ronan Perceval, this conversation dives into the lucrative world of hair extensions, why having a clear vision is essential for business growth, and how grit and bold goal-setting can help beauty professionals create opportunities for themselves and others, build wealth and create a lasting legacy.
Terra is an 8-figure entrepreneur — CEO/Founder of Harper Ellis Hair Co. and Harper Ellis Salon — with a 7-figure real estate portfolio, and a business mentor to thousands of stylists worldwide. You can find out more about Harper Ellis Hair Co. and their education offerings here.
Enjoyed the episode? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts!
Click here to subscribe to the PhorestFM email newsletter or here to learn more about Phorest Salon Software.
This episode was edited and mixed by Audio Z: Montreal's cutting-edge post-production studio for creative minds looking to have their vision professionally produced and mixed. Great music makes great moments.

Live From the Salon Owners Summit 2025 With Ryan Power

Ryan Power — UK-based award-winning salon coach and mentor — joins podcast host Alex Bélisle-Springer after his workshop at the Salon Owners Summit 2025 for a 5-year catch-up highlighting the vital role of connection, community and solidarity in the industry.
Get your tickets to the next Salon Owners Summit now: https://www.salonownersummit.com/tickets
Learn more about Ryan Power: https://salonology.uk/
@itsryanpower on Instagram
Click here to subscribe to the PhorestFM email newsletter: https://bit.ly/3WvQiI7
This episode was edited and mixed by Audio Z: Montreal's cutting-edge post-production studio for creative minds looking to have their vision professionally produced and mixed. Great music makes great moments.
Leave a Rating & Review: http://bit.ly/phorestfm 
Read the transcript, or click here to learn more about Phorest Salon Software.

Ross Loveland on Why Many Salons Make Money but Still Struggle to Survive

[307] In an episode packed with both insights & anecdotal examples, Ross Loveland (@trueprofitsalons) shares what true financial transformation looks like (hint: there's a 5-pillar framework for it), dispels common financial myths that hold salon owners back and speaks to the mindset shifts required to unlocking sustainable growth and success.
Ross is a salon financial strategist and the founder of True Profit Salons, providing financial coaching and bookkeeping services to salons and spas, helping them become more profitable, take home more money, and achieve financial freedom.
Find out more about True Profit Salons here, and book your Financial Clarity Assessment at 50% off with the code "PhorestFM"
Enjoyed the episode? Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts!
Click here to subscribe to the PhorestFM email newsletter or here to learn more about Phorest Salon Software.
This episode was edited and mixed by Audio Z: Montreal's cutting-edge post-production studio for creative minds looking to have their vision professionally produced and mixed. Great music makes great moments.

Live From the Salon Owners Summit 2025 With Daniel Mason-Jones

Daniel Mason-Jones — Celebrity Stylist and Motivational Speaker — joins podcast host Alex Bélisle-Springer after his keynote at the Salon Owners Summit 2025. They discuss overcoming insecurity, the intrinsic link between authenticity and stepping into your power, belonging and uplifting others. Plus, exclusive moments from the event!
Get your tickets to the next Salon Owners Summit now: https://www.salonownersummit.com/tickets
Learn more about Daniel Mason-Jones: https://www.danielmasonjones.com/
@danielmasonjones on Instagram
Click here to subscribe to the PhorestFM email newsletter: https://bit.ly/3WvQiI7
This episode was edited and mixed by Audio Z: Montreal's cutting-edge post-production studio for creative minds looking to have their vision professionally produced and mixed. Great music makes great moments.
Leave a Rating & Review: http://bit.ly/phorestfm 
Read the transcript, or click here to learn more about Phorest Salon Software.