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.

Juliann Upton on Change As an Invitation to Come Alive

[328] Thinking about change can often bring up questions about readiness. Are we ready to move into this bigger space, to move cities, to grow the team? Juliann Upton, the founder and driving force behind Mesh Hair Studio, Nail Bar & Head Spa, would probably tell you the distinction between change that lands at your doorstep and change that you initiate matters less than what you do once it's standing in front of you. That's when, with some curiosity, perhaps the more intimidating questions emerge: Are we willing to honor the pull toward something more? Are we willing to let this rearrange ourselves, or a part of our identity?
As we trace the pivotal moments of her 20+ year career in roughly 60 mins — a challenge in itself — Juliann shares the key lessons she’s learned along the way. And if you pay attention, you’ll find that each meaningful chapter she seems to have begun when she met her future self halfway, in the unknown.
If you’ve been looking for a sign or a gentle nudge to trust yourself in whatever decision or change is waiting on you, perhaps this is your invitation to recognize and act on the moments that invite you to grow.
Connect with Juliann Upton
To learn more about Mesh Hair Studio, Nail Bar & Head Spa, click here.
Instagram: @meshhairstudio, @juliannikki
References
On Martha Graham: Smithsonian Mag, Biography, Martha Graham History.
For Kitty Knorr's Reel on creativity and change, click here.
All things Phorest
Learn more about the Phorest Summit & secure your tickets for 2027: https://www.phorestsummit.com/
Learn more about Phorest Software.
Enjoyed the episode?
Leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts!
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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.

S10 Launches on February 23rd, 2026

For the past nine seasons, the PhorestFM podcast has been steadily putting down roots. Growing slowly, but steadily, like the trees in the Phorest forest. And every episode’s been its own brand of fertiliser, carrying insight, knowledge, lessons, new ideas, and stories. Many, many of those.
From small seeds, the show has grown enough to change the landscape.
Our intent going into this tenth season is to bring you the energy of the rooms we create and/or find ourselves in this year, and make it a season bound by conversations that bring us forward.
Whether you’re joining us from the salon floor, the treatment room, the clinic, or an industry event, the car park between clients, or the commute home before or after a long day, we’re here to amplify community voices all around the globe. We’re here when you need a spark of inspiration or an extra dose of courage to branch out. When you need a new perspective or someone to listen. Really listen.
Because more than software, we’re on a mission, together with our community, to build a stronger industry. One we’ll always fight to see soar.
The year is 2026, the local time is now, and what’s next… is up to us. If this feels like your kind of journey—bring a friend with you. Season 10 starts on Monday, February 23rd, 2026, with a Live From the Phorest Summit 2026 bonus episode.
Subscribe to the Phorest FM email newsletter to be in the know of our casting calls & more fun stuff, and follow both Phorest Salon Software (@phorestsalonsoftware) & Alex Bélisle-Springer (@a.belspring) on Instagram for video clips and BTS content!
This trailer was edited and mixed by Audio Z: Great music makes great moments. Montreal's cutting-edge post-production studio for creative minds looking to have their vision professionally produced and mixed.

Love Letters to the Industry and Its People: End of Year Gratitude and Reflections

When Phorest salons shared, in early 2025, that "growth" was their number one priority this year, we got busy. On Season 9 of the PhorestFM podcast, we brought you insightful interviews, case studies, episodes with special guest co-hosts, and bonus live content! Sourced directly from the community, this season finale is a feel-good festive send-off. Thanks for tuning in, and thanks for another incredible year — slán go fóill (bye for now)!
This episode was made possible thanks to the contributions of:
Jackie Gonzalez @hairbyjackie_g @maggiethesalon
David Campbell @davhoc @thesalonedge @houseofcolour
Christine Cunningham-Smith @blissbeautyfife
Emma Jarvis @emmajarvis.thbacademy @thehairbase
Lori Fudens @whitesandhairsalon @lorifudens_redkenartist
Shirley Popham @pophamsalons
Naomi Cartwright @thefarmhousesanctuary_ @nlc_x
Leslie Perry @leslieperry_pba
Greg Clarke @greg_clarke @amicaecohairdressing
Stay tuned for Season 10, coming to you soon after the Salon Owners Summit 2026!
Learn more about the Salon Owners Summit: https://www.salonownersummit.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.

Tom Kuhn on What Top-Performing Salons Do Differently: Benchmarks & Data-Backed Profitability Insights

[325] In 2024, Qnity’s research arm, the Qnity Institute, conducted a study. At the heart of it was one core question: ‘What does a financially successful salon look like?’
In this episode, Tom Kuhn, CEO of Qnity—an organisation offering education and tools for economic empowerment in the beauty industry—shares findings and insights from the subsequent 50-page report, published in June 2025. The ‘2024 Salon P&L Benchmark Study’ set out to paint a clearer picture of the industry, establish reliable benchmarks, and deliver actionable insights that could help improve profitability, and this conversation aims to do the same, equipping salon owners with prompts for reflection or conversation starters about the financial health of their own business going into 2026.
Find out more about Qnity, and the Qnity Institute.
To participate in the 2025 version of the study, click here.
Follow Tom Kuhn on Instagram: @tomhkuhn
Learn more about the Salon Owners Summit: https://www.salonownersummit.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.
 

David & Shirley Popham on the Heart, Art and Business of Paying Attention

[315] When David Popham first opened his salon in 1981, he didn't set out to build a legacy business. And Shirley certainly didn’t set out to work in or manage a salon—she grew up intimidated by them.
In this episode, Shirley and David Popham of Popham Hairdressing (@popham.salons) reflect on decades of hair and life stories. Stories of long, imperfect journeys, humble and unlikely beginnings, chance encounters, love, bold decisions, closing chapters, starting over and everything in between.
Most of this year’s PhorestFM conversations and stories have, in one way or another, connected to leadership, and in that way, this episode is no different. But here, leadership isn’t loud or perfect. It’s people-centered, creative, humble, built by curiosity and carried by integrity.
To find out more about Popham Hairdressing, click 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!
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.

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.

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.

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!

Keya Neal on the Power Authenticity Holds for Growth & Fulfillment

[305] PhorestFM Season 9 is officially underway!
This first episode of 2025, featuring Keya Neal (@keyaartistically), is a rich tapestry of wisdom that underscores the multifaceted nature of authenticity, its power for growth and fulfillment, and the inevitable costs associated with honoring the full spectrum of our identities amidst societal expectations. If you ever needed a reminder that everything you need is within, this is it.
Keya is the Founder of Kolour Kulture and Texture VS Race, a Color Educator and DEI Consultant. Find out more about Texture VS Race 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.

S09 Launches on February 3rd, 2025

We asked Phorest salons their priorities for 2025, and "GROWTH" was the number one response globally. So, after rerunning many important conversations, reaching 300 episodes, and doing a lot of shadow work last year, we decided it was time for the podcast to, once more, grow with you.
In Season 9, get ready for all the same insightful interviews you love, but then also expect case studies, episodes with special guest co-hosts, live content, and bonus drops sourced directly from the community!
Regardless of your role in the industry, if you consider yourself someone who enjoys learning, there will be something for you in this year’s Stories from the Salon Floor. We hope you join us.
Subscribe to the Phorest FM email newsletter to be in the know of our casting calls & more fun stuff, and follow both Phorest Salon Software (@phorestsalonsoftware) & Alex Bélisle-Springer (@a.belspring) on Instagram for video clips and BTS content!
This trailer was edited and mixed by Audio Z: Great music makes great moments. Montreal's cutting-edge post-production studio for creative minds looking to have their vision professionally produced and mixed.

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.

Stories & Smiles Across Miles: Hand-Delivering The Client Experience Awards 2024 (Part 2)

[302] The Client Experience Award is an annual celebration of salons, clinics, and spas that consistently go above and beyond to deliver exceptional services and unforgettable experiences. More precisely, it recognizes the Phorest salons that have reached and maintained a specific criteria for ratings and reviews from their clients.
This year—and for the first time—the Phorest team hit the road to personally celebrate with these award-winning salons in Ireland, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Finland, Germany, and beyond. We were honored to share these special moments and proud to celebrate their dedication to client care.
To us, it was more than handing over an award. It was about connecting with our community, hearing their stories, and even offering ad-hoc support where needed!
Featured in this episode: Ronan Perceval, Sarah Russell, Sian Gray, Helen Devenney, Rich Cullen, Abba Studio & Hair Boutique, The Curly Red Head
Links:
Learn more about the Client Experience Awards 2024: https://shorturl.at/iw0vA
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.