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 May 03, 2021
Monday May 03, 2021
[206] With more than 20 years of industry experience, knowledge and professional beauty expertise, Alain Audet — former executive director of the Allied Beauty Association (ABA Canada) & director of salon development for L'Oréal Canada Professional Products Division — joins Phorest as the newly appointed General Manager for Canada. In his new position with Phorest, Audet will support the company's organic growth within the market and develop it with a more Canadian focus.
In this week’s episode, we first take some time to discuss overcoming self-doubt and using transferable knowledge and creativity to overcome challenges. Then, we discuss Alain’s deep appreciation for the professional salon industry, his thoughts on what its biggest challenges are as well as his hopes for the future. Join us in welcoming Alain to Phorest, and let us know what you appreciate most about being a part of the industry!
Links:
Read the news on Salon Magazine: shorturl.at/bekEH
Follow Alain on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alainaudet
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 Apr 26, 2021
Inside Phorest: Committed Clients Every Time, With Online Deposits
Monday Apr 26, 2021
Monday Apr 26, 2021
[205] With social distancing and capacity restrictions still in place, cutting down on no-shows has never been more important. Online Deposits allow salons to take an upfront deposit from clients when they make their online booking, guaranteeing a better commitment from clients.
This week, Head of Phorest Pay Europe Niamh Greaney joins the show to discuss how Online Deposits can help your salon and simple steps to set them up in Phorest.
Links:
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/t2wG_Yyr7LI
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 Apr 19, 2021
James Alba on How to Be a More Sustainability-Conscious Salon
Monday Apr 19, 2021
Monday Apr 19, 2021
[204] When running a salon, gaining new clients, saving money and generating more revenue tend to be top priorities. But as the world faces a global climate change crisis, clients want to contribute their dollars to businesses making a change and giving back to the earth — not contribute to 877 pounds of waste being created every single minute*.
Just in time for Earth Day on April 22nd, this week's episode features co-founder of The Salon Movement (@salonmovement), James Alba, who also runs the B Hive (@bhiveorganic), a one of a kind salon focused on sustainable beauty for the industry and the environment. Certified Gold with Green America, Platinum with the Green Business Bureau and Winner of the International Eco Salon Contest, it has grown an international reputation for its leadership in organic beauty. Get insights into the grassroots movement of sustainability-conscious Davines stylists and salon owners, the benefits of going green and what sustainable practices you can integrate into your salon's business model as of today. See how you can grow your business while being an industry leader and making a difference.
* Statistic source: Green Circle Salons.
Links:
Become a Green Circle Salons member: https://greencirclesalons.com/
Join the Salon Movement: http://thesalonmovement.com
Learn more about the Beauty Business Reset: https://beautybizreset.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 Apr 12, 2021
Kristin Rankin & Lauren Wilde on Running Gender-Affirming Salon Spaces
Monday Apr 12, 2021
Monday Apr 12, 2021
[203] What does the power of a haircut mean to you? For many, going to a salon is a wonderful experience. Unfortunately, though, it is still a scary and challenging experience for quite a few others. While the professional beauty industry has always been considered a safer space for people within the LGBTQ2S+ communities, we still have a long way to go with education, acceptance and understanding.
And because learning through community, asking questions and sharing experiences is so powerful, The Dresscode Project (@thedresscodeproject) has become the number one resource to turn to within the industry.
Working to eradicate homophobia, transphobia and discrimination according to race, sex and gender in salons worldwide, Kristin Rankin has made it a huge part of their career to teach business owners and hairstylists how to create a space that feels safe and welcoming to everyone. In this episode, we discuss the birth of their initiative — The Dresscode Project — explore the ins and out of creating safer spaces for all clients and chat with salon owner & educator Lauren Wilde on the importance, meaning and day-to-day of running a gender-affirming salon space.
Links:
Learn more or become a part of The Dresscode Project Salon Alliance: https://www.dresscodeproject.com
Reach out to Kristin Rankin (they/them) @kristinrankinhair or on www.foxandjanesalon.com
Reach out to Lauren Wilde (she/her) @wildehairday, @frizz.and.fantasy or on www.roseandonyx.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 Apr 05, 2021
Jill Higginbotham on Management Fundamentals That Drive Salon Success
Monday Apr 05, 2021
Monday Apr 05, 2021
[202] Today, Eufora International and Phorest Salon Software announced an official partnership, aligning their core values around education, growth, and caring for the planet, bringing salons the ultimate experience in integrated technology and product offering. The collaboration will see the teams work together to provide top quality resources and tools to help salons grow all aspects of their business, from marketing skills to retail sales, e-commerce and more.
In that spirit, this week's episode features Jill Higginbotham, owner and founder of J Michael's Spa & Salon in Louisville, Kentucky (@jmichaelsspasalon) and Eufora International Business Educator (@euforainternational). Passionate about leadership and education, she helps stylists and salon owners realize the importance of their profession, their creativity, and their business. In this conversation she aims to do precisely that, as she discusses management fundamentals and pressure points, the six key drivers of salon success, the "Rule of 3," delegation and staff development.
Links:
Get more information on Eufora International's educational offering: https://eufora.net/pages/education
Follow Jill on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jill_higginbotham_style
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 Mar 29, 2021
Monday Mar 29, 2021
[201] The COVID-19 global pandemic has accelerated the need for all businesses to connect, sell and communicate online. Now more than ever, businesses that capitalise on social media, digital advertising and e-commerce not only survive, but thrive. If 2020 was the year of change, perhaps 2021 can become the year of opportunity: how well has your salon adapted to consumer behaviour changes?
This week, Head of Phorest Pay Europe Niamh Greaney joins the show to talk through how salons can get a personalised report on their business' Online Health Score and identify the triggers they can pull to up their game.
Links:
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/qYM8gIbIoTw
Check your salon's Online Health Score: https://bit.ly/2PGxEym
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 Mar 22, 2021
Rachel Paige on Self-Discovery & Finding Rhythm After Traumatic Loss
Monday Mar 22, 2021
Monday Mar 22, 2021
[200] Content warning: This conversation contains a segment depicting an episode of domestic violence, and mentions of death and suicide, from 3:30 to 21:30 and from 31:15 to 35:15. Listener discretion is advised.
This week's episode features Rachel Paige (@rachelpaigexo), Founder & CEO of The Beauty Lounge in Texas, Global educator for LACED, and business coach for salon owners as she tells her story of survival and how she reframed her experience into a deeper understanding of herself, her purpose, and her world.
We have done our best to hold this conversation with intention and sincerity, and we encourage you to listen to it without judgement but rather with a compassionate ear. Thank you for listening, and please take care of yourself. If you need to, don't be afraid to reach out and ask for help. You can find resources on your local governing sites.
Links:
Book your Business Strategy Session with Rachel: https://rachelpaigexo.as.me/coachingcall
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 Mar 15, 2021
Monday Mar 15, 2021
[199] Whether you're open for business or in the UK/Ireland and getting ready to reopen your salon, the first quarter of the year is always a good time to put on your spring cleaning outfit and have a closer look at your social media presence. In other words, a time to take stock of your accounts' strengths and weaknesses, make sure that you aren't missing opportunities, and are representing your brand appropriately.
Co-founders of The Creative Society (@thecreativesociety.ie) — a social media and branding agency — Kate Lynch & Eimear Morris are both passionate about empowering business owners to control their brand's online presence. Therefore, while this week's episode will discuss why it's so important to understand your salon's positioning within the social sphere, it will also cover practical tips and provide information on tools you can use to assess your current performance and improve your strategy.
Doing a social media self-audit is like doing a big house-cleaning project. It'll take some work, but by the time you're done, you'll be happier and get better results.
Links:
Get more information on The Creative Society's workshops: https://thecreativesociety.ie/events/
Get 4 free Social Media Weekly Planners (1 per week) to help reopen your salon: https://bit.ly/38MqUWf
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 Mar 08, 2021
Katie Godfrey on Franchising as a Strategy for Growth
Monday Mar 08, 2021
Monday Mar 08, 2021
[198] Opening a second salon or spa involves more than meets the eye, and many salon owners, unfortunately, get too excited too quickly. Is your salon truly ready to expand? And if it is, what business model best fits you?
Owner of a multi-award-winning salon, business mentor, author, and podcaster, Katie Godfrey (KG Professional, The Life of KG) has conducted various talks and mentoring sessions at colleges and events about her story and is passionate about motivating others in building their careers. One topic she’s very passionate about is franchising, a common business model in various industries, however not as well known within the hair and beauty industry.
To better understand how it can be a successful strategy for salon growth, this episode explores the structures and knowledge you need to franchise successfully, the pros and cons of this alternative business model, and what you can do to ensure standards are met across the different franchises.
Links:
Learn more about KG Professional: https://kgprofessional.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 Mar 01, 2021
Richard Gibbons on Generating Substantial ROI With Paid Social Advertising
Monday Mar 01, 2021
Monday Mar 01, 2021
[197] With many people now working from home, there has been an accelerated need for all businesses to connect, sell and communicate online. This year onward, having a paid social media advertising strategy to work along the organic one will be a must for salons to attract clients & generate substantial ROI.
Founder of Boost My Customers, a UK-based company with a vision to help clinic owners get the freedom they want and make an impact in their local community, Richard Gibbons has worked with 50+ clinics, including some on the verge of closing — which he's helped turn around and become fully booked in just 45 days!
In this episode, we discuss how to scale profitably with no capital, ways to know if your social media advertising campaign will succeed before spending a penny on ads, how to craft the perfect online advertising offer and, of course, also share some success stories from owners who would have worked with Richard in the past!
Links:
Follow Richard Gibbons on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boostmycustomers
Learn more about Boost My Customers: www.boostmycustomers.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.










