Jennifer Jade Alvarez on Where AI & Automation Can Drive Impact in an Industry Built on Human Connection (w/ Rich Cullen)

[329] AI is soon coming to Phorest, and this serves as officially non-officially the first conversation in a string of ones to be sprinkled into the podcast’s schedule during Season 10.
A version of this conversation could easily live in extremes, but this one does not. Rather, it asks a valid and core question of our time: How do you adopt new technology, AI & automation more precisely, without losing what makes your business human?
In this episode, joined by guest co-host Rich Cullen (Principal Product Designer at Phorest), we sit down with Jennifer Jade Alvarez, founder of Naperville, Illinois’ Refined Beauty, to discuss what it has been like to bring AI and automation tools into various areas of her business. And beyond discussing tools, we also spend time discussing decisions: what to automate, the trust factor, and what should perhaps never be automated in a beauty and wellness business.
We unpack the opportunities, the trade-offs, the real-world lessons—including what happens when AI gets it wrong—and the paybacks. All of it, with a deep belief that the businesses that win in the future won’t be the ones to remove the human touch. They’ll be the ones who remove friction around the craft and care.
Connect with Jennifer Jade Alvarez
Download Jennifer’s Top 50 Ways Salon Owners Buy Back Their Time: A free checklist using AI, automations, and virtual assistants
Learn more about the Salon CEO Method™ coaching program, listen to the Beauty Business Game Changer Podcast, and connect with Jennifer on Instagram @JenniferJadeAlvarez
All things Phorest
Learn more about the Phorest Summit & secure your tickets for 2027: https://www.phorestsummit.com/
Learn more about Phorest Software.
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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.

Live From the Salon Owners Summit 2026 with Davina Devine

In this second (and final) bonus episode from the Salon Owners Summit 2026, more on-the-floor reactions from salon, spa, and clinic owners attending the event, an overview recap of the 2026 lineup and a candid conversation with Davina Devine, one of Ireland’s most recognizable drag queens and cabaret showgirls (@davina.devine on Instagram).
Briefly stepping away from her hosting and emcee duties of the day, the discussion explored Davina's flavour of drag, how she goes about warming up a crowd, and her relationship to the industry.
For more about Davina Devine and to inquire about bookings, click here.
For her podcast, Petty Little Things, click here.
Learn more about the Phorest Summit & secure your tickets for 2027: https://www.phorestsummit.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.

Heather Harris on Strategic Delegation: Survival Mode Has an Expiry Date

[327] You’re booked and busy; what every business owner wants. But has over-functioning ever felt safer (or at the very least more familiar) than to say, “I feel like I’m drowning”? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone. In fact, Heather Harris — nationally recognised stylist, salon owner, business leader, and celebrated speaker — knows this all too well.
This week’s conversation focuses on delegation. At its heart, though, it focuses on the emotional experience of the shifts you are forced to make when you start delegating: 
Renegotiating with yourself what success actually looks like
Letting go of that part of your identity that ties success and/or value to how much you output
Shifting from being an owner-operator to becoming a CEO
Shifting from being a firefighter to becoming an architect in your business
Because at the end of the day, delegation is an identity renegotiation, and it’s about choosing where your care actually belongs. As the Founder/CEO of Spark Pro Global—an agency providing trained executive assistants—Heather’s here to tell you that you can, in fact, build a business that doesn’t require you to lose yourself in the process.
To avail of the complimentary consultation to implement strategic delegation in your salon, graciously offered by Heather, visit Alchemy Salon Consulting and leave a note in the form saying you heard about it through the PhorestFM podcast!
Otherwise, learn more about Spark Pro Global / Spark Pro Salon, listen to Heather's podcast here, and connect with her on Instagram @heather.tantrumsalon @sparkproglobal
Click here to read Brittany Dennison's "Delegate to Elevate" blog, and here for the "10 PhorestFM Podcast Conversations That Quietly Said the Loudest Things"
Learn more about the Phorest Summit & secure your tickets for 2027: https://www.phorestsummit.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.

Live From the Salon Owners Summit 2026 with Calvin Stovall

Calvin Stovall, customer experience and leadership keynote speaker, joins the show live from the Salon Owners Summit 2026, shortly after his main-stage talk on the art of the 'WOW' experience.
In this conversation, Calvin shares the story behind his own “why,” how his book Hidden Hospitality: Untold Stories of Black Hotel, Motel, and Resort Owners from the Pioneer Days to the Civil Rights Era came to be, and connects lessons from historic Black hoteliers to practical customer experience and leadership principles. Plus, on-the-floor reactions from salon, spa and clinic owners attending the event, and a look ahead to the Phorest Summit 2027.
Connect with Calvin Stovall on Instagram @iconicspeaker
Learn more about the Phorest Summit & secure your tickets for 2027: https://www.phorestsummit.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.

The Work of Happiness: Heather Bagby on Transforming Leadership and Life

[320] When approached with intention, leaning into happiness can become a powerful tool for personal and professional growth. In this episode, Heather Bagby (@heatherbagby on Instagram) — the visionary behind the Summit Salon Business Centre’s Happiness Project and the recently announced keynote speaker for the Salon Owners Summit 2026 — reframes happiness as hard work with high rewards.
Known to inspire audiences and organizations to embrace the journey toward a more joyful and successful workplace, Heather joins the PhorestFM podcast for a conversation blending personal stories, actionable strategies, and bold ideas that connect happiness with leadership, resilience and personal growth.
Find out more about the Summit Salon Business Centre here: https://www.summitsalon.com
Secure your Salon Owners Summit tickets here: https://www.salonownersummit.com/tickets
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 2025 Aesthetic Extender Symposium With Dr. George Baxter-Holder

Get a glimpse of the energy and people at the 18th Annual Aesthetic Extender Symposium in Boca Raton, Florida! Hosted by Shauna O'Halloran (Head of Brand & Communications at Phorest), this short episode has it all: her on-the-ground observations, short clips from some of the conference’s live education, a conversation with Dr. George Baxter-Holder (VP of Talent Development at Skin Spirit) and some vox pops!
You can learn more about the Aesthetic Extender Symposium here, and about Skin Spirit here. Follow Dr. George Baxter-Holder, DNP, MBA, APRN, CANS on Instagram 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 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.

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!
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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.

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.

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.

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.

Breaking Barriers: Black Beauty & Redefining Excellence (Live Panel Discussion)

[306] In 2022, a report by McKinsey & Company estimated addressing racial inequity in the beauty industry to be a $2.6 billion opportunity. Two years later, despite a more-than-welcome surge in conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion, Black hair and beauty professionals, entrepreneurs and consumers still face significant barriers.
Breaking these barriers will require us to redefine excellence and unlearn ingrained practices fueled by a commitment to serving all communities—especially those historically underrepresented.
This conversation — recorded live at the Salon Owners Summit 2025 — draws on the experiences and success stories of leaders and panelists Winnie Awa, Dija Ayodele, Tendai Moyo, and Keya Neal. It challenges the current white-centric standards of the beauty industry, explores the influence of Black culture within this sector, and emphasizes the urgent need for inclusivity, innovation, ethical practices, and investment in Black communities.
Panelists:
Winnie Awa (@winnieawa on Instagram), Founder/CEO of Carra
Dija Ayodele (@dija_ayodele on Instagram), Founder of West Room Aesthetics & Black Skin Directory
Tendai Moyo (@vtmoyo on Instagram), Founder/CEO of Ruka Hair
Keya Neal (@keyaartistically on Instagram), Founder of Kolour Kulture & Texture VS Race, Color Educator, DEI Consultant
Access the 'Breaking Barriers' worksheet and all the other links mentioned throughout the episode.
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 
Click here to learn more about Phorest Salon Software!

Live From the Salon Owners Summit 2025 With Ken Hughes

Ken Hughes — Leading Consumer Behaviouralist, The King of Customer Experience — joins podcast host Alex Bélisle-Springer after his keynote at the Salon Owners Summit 2025 to further discuss how focusing on authenticity, connection and relationship building in your salon, spa, or clinic business can give you a clear advantage over your competitors. Plus, exclusive moments from the event!
Get your tickets to the next Salon Owners Summit now: https://www.salonownersummit.com/tickets
Learn more about Ken Hughes: https://www.kenhughes.info/
@kenhughesie
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.

Kati Whitledge on Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Solving the New Client Retention Problem

[304] Kati Whitledge (@katiwhitledge on Instagram), speaker, podcaster, and the Founder and CEO of mya, is a marketing guru for the beauty and wellness industry who equips owners with no-fluff business and marketing strategies.
She’s here to change how you are supported in your business with, among many things, mya, a client recruitment and marketing software for the beauty industry, and this episode serves as a reflection on innovation, on founding and running a business, as well as added depth and context to both Kati’s keynote and her why.
Links:
Learn more about mya, follow the brand on Instagram
Listen to Kati's podcast, Beyond The Technique
Learn more about the Salon Owners Summit
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.

Peigín Crowley on Transformative Wellness, Connecting Inwards and the Birth of GROUND

[303] In the second to last episode of the PhorestFM podcast's eight season, Peigín Crowley, celebrated founder of GROUND Wellbeing, recounts the early days of her business and shares her vision for making transformative wellness accessible. Sharing her personal journey throughout the conversation, we explore the profound impact of self-care rituals, the power of inner connection, community-driven wellness, and everything in between.
Links:
Learn more about GROUND Wellbeing
Learn more about the Salon Owners Summit
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.