PhorestFM: Building a Stronger Industry, Together
The professional hair, beauty, and medi-aesthetics industry has a lot to be proud of. Phorest has always been in awe of it. The energy. The camaraderie. The creativity. Being a business owner takes courage, but it can sometimes become an isolating, all-consuming reality. Amidst the daily whirlwind of tasks, there’s still the challenge of thinking ahead, of carving a path forward.
The PhorestFM podcast celebrates innovative ideas, methods, and bold perspectives on business management and growth, marketing, leadership, and building great teams and cultures. Launched in 2017, it is hosted by Alex Bélisle-Springer (he/they), Global Education Content Lead at Phorest Salon Software. New episodes every second week, with occasional bonus drops on ”off” weeks.
The professional hair, beauty, and medi-aesthetics industry has a lot to be proud of. Phorest has always been in awe of it. The energy. The camaraderie. The creativity. Being a business owner takes courage, but it can sometimes become an isolating, all-consuming reality. Amidst the daily whirlwind of tasks, there’s still the challenge of thinking ahead, of carving a path forward.
The PhorestFM podcast celebrates innovative ideas, methods, and bold perspectives on business management and growth, marketing, leadership, and building great teams and cultures. Launched in 2017, it is hosted by Alex Bélisle-Springer (he/they), Global Education Content Lead at Phorest Salon Software. New episodes every second week, with occasional bonus drops on ”off” weeks.
Episodes

Monday Jul 26, 2021
Monday Jul 26, 2021
[216] Being a business owner can be an all-consuming reality. Along with the mental load of your daily to-do lists, you have to keep the big picture in the back of your mind. And while following your intuition is important (no one knows more about your business than you do), actively monitoring your salon's data will help you drive better informed decisions. Ready to turn insights into action?
To discuss Phorest's work on revamping its suite of salon reports, this week's episode features one of our own: Sean O'Sullivan, Associate Product Manager. You can also listen to Sean's take on setting and managing staff targets.
Links:
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/JNRXmVXxp2g
Take the Online Health Score assessment for free: https://bit.ly/2X3pB2t
Watch the "Master Your Booking Process" Australian webinar: https://bit.ly/3rVZGVs
Click here to subscribe to the weekly Phorest FM email newsletter: http://bit.ly/2T2gUj1
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.

Monday Jul 19, 2021
Monday Jul 19, 2021
[215] We often talk about creating and fostering welcoming salon spaces for all clients, but are we truly walking the talk if some clients have to travel outside of their neighbourhood to get even just a simple cut and style?
Featuring Christopher Aaron (@christopheraaronstudio on Instagram), Advanced Healing Artist for L'ANZA and Salon Centric influencer, this week's episode explores the relationship between hair and identity, the barriers to catering for all types of hair, and discusses fostering inclusion both from an individual and industry-wide perspective.
Offering an inclusive experience in your salon doesn't necessarily mean completely changing your setup or services. However, it at least means outgrowing our comfort zone as hairstylists, and to that, there are plenty of benefits.
Links:
Learn more about Christopher Aaron: https://www.christopheraaronstyling.com/christopher-aaron/
Click here to subscribe to the weekly Phorest FM email newsletter: http://bit.ly/2T2gUj1
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.

Monday Jun 28, 2021
Inside Phorest: Dedicated to Your Salon’s Growth and Success
Monday Jun 28, 2021
Monday Jun 28, 2021
[214] Leading with innovation and bringing teams together to drive business success, Phorest Salon Software is used by 100,000+ salon and spa professionals worldwide.
Founded as a technology company, today, it represents a dedication to being the partner that helps salon owners achieve their dreams. In 2021, Phorest empowers salons, spas, and aesthetic businesses to manage, market, and grow their business through innovation in technology, personal growth, mentoring and support.
And this week on the show, USA Key Salon Success Manager Siobhan McCaffrey joins us to discuss how the Success Manager role in Phorest is different to one of a Support role, and how it is there every step of the way to help salons strategically grow over time.
Links:
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGAlsIHhEEs
Take the 30Days2Grow challenge, Thrive Edition for free, at your own pace: https://bit.ly/36hNdBO
Take the Online Health Score assessment for free: https://bit.ly/3xoS5kh
Click here to subscribe to the weekly Phorest FM email newsletter: http://bit.ly/2T2gUj1
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.

Monday Jun 21, 2021
Alena Brown on Embracing the Opportunities That Can Help You Grow
Monday Jun 21, 2021
Monday Jun 21, 2021
[213] Are you on the fence about taking on the 30Days2Grow salon challenge, Thrive Edition? In this week's episode, hear from Alena Brown, the proud owner of both the St.Albert and Windermere Eye Candy Lash Extensions salons (@eye_candy_lash_extensions_yeg), as we explore the idea of embracing new opportunities as they come, the impacts of the challenge on her business, and more!
It's not too late to join! You can take the Thrive Edition of the challenge at your own pace. Every day for 30 days, we'll deliver easy daily tasks that will help you to supercharge your marketing, boost your team's performance, improve your salon's digital presence and put your self-care at the centre of your success.
Links:
Take the 30Days2Grow challenge at your own pace: http://www.phorest.com/30days2grow
Learn more about Alena Brown & Eye Candy Las Extensions: https://www.eyecandylashextensions.com/our-story
Click here to subscribe to the weekly Phorest FM email newsletter: http://bit.ly/2T2gUj1
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.

Monday Jun 14, 2021
30Days2Grow: Insights to Help You Thrive (Second Half of the Challenge)
Monday Jun 14, 2021
Monday Jun 14, 2021
[212] Still working your way through this year's edition of the 30Days2Grow challenge? The Thrive Edition officially kicked off on June 1st, but registration remains open at www.phorest.com/30days2grow. Bringing together all aspects of running a salon business, the free 30-day challenge is now in its fifth year and has built momentum from a small campaign to a much anticipated global digital challenge for thousands of salons taking part every year.
In this week's episode, we once again dig out key insights from the archives — past Phorest FM conversations — and present them in a way that helps you work on, review or prepare for the second half of the challenge.
Links:
Access the Post-Lockdown Revenue Calculator: https://www.phorest.com/salon-calculator/
Click here to subscribe to the weekly Phorest FM email newsletter: http://bit.ly/2T2gUj1
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.

Monday Jun 07, 2021
30Days2Grow: Insights To Help You Thrive (First Half Of The Challenge)
Monday Jun 07, 2021
Monday Jun 07, 2021
[211] How are you getting on with this year's edition of the 30Days2Grow challenge? The Thrive Edition officially kicked off on June 1st, but registration remains open at www.phorest.com/30days2grow. Bringing together all aspects of running a salon business, the free 30-day challenge is now in its fifth year and has built momentum from a small campaign to a much anticipated global digital challenge for thousands of salons taking part every year.
In this week's episode, we dig out key insights from the archives — past Phorest FM conversations — and present them in a way that helps you work on, review or prepare for the first half of the challenge.
Links:
Click here to subscribe to the weekly Phorest FM email newsletter: http://bit.ly/2T2gUj1
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.

Monday May 31, 2021
Inside Phorest: 30Days2Grow Is Back With a New Upbeat Spin for the Summer
Monday May 31, 2021
Monday May 31, 2021
[210] Building on the success of last year’s 30Days2Grow QuaranTEAM Edition which saw thousands of salons globally take part in daily tasks, this year’s challenge has been reimagined for the new era as the Thrive Edition! With a distinct lack of Covid-related tasks or pandemic talk, the theme is centred around positivity, wellness and brings together all aspects of running a salon business in a free 30-day challenge.
On the show with us this week to discuss the ins and outs of the challenge is no other than Shauna O'Halloran, Head of Brand & Global Content at Phorest, who you might remember from Episode 137.
30Days2Grow is now in its fourth year and has built momentum from a small campaign to a much anticipated global digital challenge for thousands of salons taking part every year. The Thrive Edition will officially be kicking off on Tuesday, June 1st, with registration now open and free to all at www.phorest.com/30days2grow.
Links:
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Bcc5J8QiuXg
Click here to subscribe to the weekly Phorest FM email newsletter: http://bit.ly/2T2gUj1
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.

Monday May 24, 2021
Janna Ronert on the Need to Embrace Digital Innovation
Monday May 24, 2021
Monday May 24, 2021
[209] Just weeks after announcing the major appointment of former Davines CEO Paolo Braguzzi to its board of directors, Phorest has proudly revealed that the beauty powerhouse Janna Ronert, CEO and Founder of IMAGE Skincare, is also joining the board, bringing further expertise and kudos to the brand.
Speaking of her newest undertaking, sitting on the board at Phorest, she shares her intention of putting her industry expertise to good use to help salon owners thrive and discusses the need for the industry to embrace technology.
Links:
Follow Janna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jannaronert/
Click here to subscribe to the weekly Phorest FM email newsletter: http://bit.ly/2T2gUj1
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.

Monday May 17, 2021
Monday May 17, 2021
[208] Communication can make or break a salon's customer experience. Yet, words often fail even the best of us. For the hair & beauty industry, making people feel good about themselves can come quite naturally. Selling products and additional treatments, not so much. Why?
Praised by Tabatha Coffey and described by Global President l'Oréal Professional Products Nathalie Boos as "a great way to help 'Amazon proof' the salon business," the multi-dimensional experience and magic mirror that is Piiq Digital all started with a salon client wondering why he couldn't buy his regular product from his regular stylist. The goal? To create a way for salon professionals to showcase their superpowers and hit their KPIs without having to sell. But also, to create a way for a salon's customers to feel more seen, heard, understood than ever before.
Featuring Richard Kavanagh, co-founder of Piiq Digital, 5x Australian Session Stylist of the year, and Redken Global Artist, this week's episode explores the "why" by examining the communication gaps within the salon client experience. Also up for discussion, of course, how augmented reality and artificial intelligence can help plug those gaps and the impacts of the Amazon Salon on the industry.
Links:
Follow Richard Kavanagh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardkavanagh/
Piiq Digital creates advanced visual tools that improve the communication between hair professionals and their clients. Learn more: https://www.piiqdigital.com/
Click here to subscribe to the weekly Phorest FM email newsletter: http://bit.ly/2T2gUj1
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.

Monday May 10, 2021
Paolo Braguzzi on Servicing & Supporting the Professional Salon Industry
Monday May 10, 2021
Monday May 10, 2021
[207] After 17 years as CEO of the Davines Group, fearless pioneer and compassionate leader Paolo Braguzzi brings his expertise and leadership to Phorest's Board of Directors.
This week on the show, we celebrate Paolo's recent appointment by sharing his devotion to the hair and beauty industry. Join us in welcoming him to Phorest as we discuss the importance of sharing knowledge, building a strong brand and reflect on significant industry challenges such as the recruitment crisis and the reduced frequency of visits salons have been and still are currently experiencing.
Links:
Read more about Paolo Braguzzi's appointment: https://bit.ly/3vPenuf
Click here to subscribe to the weekly Phorest FM email newsletter: http://bit.ly/2T2gUj1
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.










