PhorestFM: Stories From the Salon Floor
The salon 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 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. As of Season 9 (2025), new episodes air every second week, with occasional bonus drops on ”off” weeks.
Episodes

Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Live From the Salon Owners Summit 2024 With David Meade
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
Tuesday Feb 20, 2024
David Meade — award-winning researcher and renowned organisational facilitator, business coach and broadcaster — joins podcast host Alex Bélisle-Springer to share his thoughts on the Salon Owners Summit 2024 event and discuss some of the actionable changes he spoke about on stage in regard to transforming the way we think, act and behave in business and life.
Get your tickets to the next Salon Owners Summit now: https://www.salonownersummit.com/tickets
Learn more about David Meade: https://www.davidmeade.co.uk/
@davidmeadelive
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.

Monday Feb 19, 2024
Between Alienation and Belonging: Quickfire Questions (Bonus)
Monday Feb 19, 2024
Monday Feb 19, 2024
[279] We all have stories to share. Some shape or empower us, and others change our lives — but if there's one thing Alex Belisle-Springer (@a.belspring) has learned from nearly a decade of sharing stories from the salon floor, it's familiarity more than knowledge that colours people's perspectives and allows them to embrace discomfort. Only when we take the time to listen and connect with one another do we open the door to vulnerability, acceptance and long-lasting positive change.
In a bonus to their conversation with Ronan Perceval, CEO of Phorest Salon Software, this episode features Alex Bélisle-Springer answering a quickfire round of questions from Shauna O'Halloran, Head of Education, Training & Support at Phorest.
Links:
Get your tickets for the next Salon Owners Summit: https://www.salonownersummit.com/tickets
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.

Monday Feb 19, 2024
Monday Feb 19, 2024
[278] Few introverts can claim to have made a name for themselves by facilitating over 250 podcast conversations, but Alex Bélisle-Springer (@a.belspring) is not your typical introvert. As the Global Content Education Lead at Phorest and resident host of the PhorestFM podcast, Alex has made inspiring contributions to the salon community over the past seven years, resulting in various speaking opportunities and content collaborations featured in renowned print and digital industry media.
Blending advocacy, mentorship and personal experiences, Alex offers intersectional approaches and practical guidance to business owners and their staff on fostering safer spaces and more inclusive cultures in which understanding, kindness, curiosity and compassion prevail.
In conversation with Ronan Perceval, CEO of Phorest Salon Software, this episode has them reflect on their keynote at The Salon Owners Summit 2024, their life and experiences of alienation and belonging.
Links:
Get your tickets for the next Salon Owners Summit: https://www.salonownersummit.com/tickets
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.

Monday Jan 29, 2024
S08 Launches on February 19th, 2024
Monday Jan 29, 2024
Monday Jan 29, 2024
... we're back!
And with lots to celebrate together — including Phorest's 20th birthday, PhorestFM's 300th episode milestone, more of the Live From… episodes and, of course, plenty more stories from the salon floor to enjoy on your commutes, dog walks, mornings or evenings, with or without your team!
To make sure you don't miss a beat this year, subscribe to the Phorest FM email newsletter and follow both Phorest Salon Software (@phorestsalonsoftware) & Alex Bélisle-Springer (@a.belspring) on Instagram!
Watch the video teaser: https://youtu.be/62p6DhevG70
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.

Monday Jan 15, 2024
Monday Jan 15, 2024
[276] In back-to-back episodes with Pepper Pastor (@pepperpastor) — a dynamic professional passionate about collaborating with entrepreneurs, creatives, and tech startups, founder of Purpose & Policy (@purposeandpolicy) and who many may also know from her work as a celebrity hairstylist specializing in fine/thinning hair — we'll be discussing brain-based strategies to improve your leadership and organizational effectiveness and potential.
With a solid foundation in neuroscience, Pepper brings a unique perspective to the realm of work behaviour and approaches to shape the development of executive functioning.
Part 2 of this episode picks up right where the previous conversation left off and explores the relationship between the employee lifecycle and organizational culture, psychological safety, what high-trust culture are really, as well as how and why you should want to focus on this in your salon or spa.
Links:
Learn more about Purpose & Policy: https://www.purposeandpolicy.com
Learn more about Pepper Pastor: https://www.pepperpastor.com/
Read the transcript and subscribe to the PhorestFM email newsletter: http://bit.ly/2T2gUj1
Leave a rating & review: http://bit.ly/phorestfm
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.

Monday Jan 08, 2024
Monday Jan 08, 2024
[275] In back-to-back episodes with Pepper Pastor (@pepperpastor) — a dynamic professional passionate about collaborating with entrepreneurs, creatives, and tech startups, founder of Purpose & Policy (@purposeandpolicy) and who many may also know from her work as a celebrity hairstylist specializing in fine/thinning hair — we'll be discussing brain-based strategies to improve your leadership and organizational effectiveness and potential.
With a solid foundation in neuroscience, Pepper brings a unique perspective to the realm of work behaviour and approaches to shape the development of executive functioning.
Part 1 of this episode explores the employee lifecycle of beauty businesses, what the various stages look like and why they're essential, grasping data, using it, and ways to benefit from it.
Links:
Learn more about Purpose & Policy: https://www.purposeandpolicy.com
Learn more about Pepper Pastor: https://www.pepperpastor.com/
Read the transcript and subscribe to the PhorestFM email newsletter: http://bit.ly/2T2gUj1
Leave a rating & review: http://bit.ly/phorestfm
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.

Thursday Nov 23, 2023
Geno Stampora on Leadership, Greatness and Beauty Beyond Boundary
Thursday Nov 23, 2023
Thursday Nov 23, 2023
[274] As we gear up for the Salon Owners Summit 2024, Geno Stampora (@genostampora), a visionary, passionate and compassionate leader with broad experience in the beauty industry, sets the stage for an enriching keynote presentation that will foster a fresh perspective on leadership.
In this episode, hear his thoughts on what he considers to be distinguishing factors between a good and a great salon as we discuss the significance of building strong client relationships, practising curiosity over judgment, setting clear expectations, and creating a unique, welcoming environment that empowers both employees and clients.
Links:
Get your tickets for the Salon Owners Summit 2024: https://www.salonownersummit.com/tickets
Read the transcript and subscribe to the PhorestFM email newsletter: http://bit.ly/2T2gUj1
Leave a rating & review: http://bit.ly/phorestfm
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.

Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Dr David Basketter on Patch Testing and the Allergy Risks of Hair Dyes
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
[273] Have you ever wondered why some people are highly allergic to hair dye while others seem immune to its effect? The global hair colour market generated a value of about 25 billion U.S. dollars in 2022 and is forecasted to reach nearly 42 billion U.S. dollars by 2029. Yet, there is still a blatant lack of standardized policies and protocols when it comes to allergy screening in the industry.
Deep dive into the complexities of hair dye allergies with renowned expert toxicologist Dr David Basketter, highlighting the importance of proper allergy testing, examining the continued usage of PPD despite a surge in allergy reports, uncovering the truth behind the advertising of PPD-free hair dyes and discussing innovative tools like Colorstart (@colourstart_uk) to ensure client safety.
Links:
Learn more about Colourstart: www.colourstart.com
Get started with Phorest + Colourstart: https://www.phorest.com/demos/colourstart/
Watch "A Better Way to Patch Test" (free webinar recording)
Read "Testing Times" by Helen Ward
Read the transcript and subscribe to the PhorestFM email newsletter: http://bit.ly/2T2gUj1
Leave a rating & review: http://bit.ly/phorestfm
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.

Thursday Nov 09, 2023
Steve Gomez on Resiliency, Leadership & Life Lessons Learned From Adversity
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
Thursday Nov 09, 2023
[272] Adversity comes in all shapes and forms — and it doesn't discriminate. In a slightly different delivery than your weekly PhorestFM episode, business coach Steve Gomez (@saloncoachsjg) will take us on his journey of overcoming pancreatic cancer, underscoring the role of psychological resilience, social support and adaptive coping strategies amid adversity. This episode dives into the essence of shifting mindsets, acknowledging our feelings, and the power of resilience in overcoming not only business obstacles but personal battles, too.
Trigger Warning: This podcast contains discussions about sensitive topics that may be distressing to some listeners. These topics include cancer, surgery complications and recounting of a near-death experience. We understand and respect that this subject may be emotionally challenging for some individuals, so please prioritize your well-being and feel free to pause or skip this episode if you feel it may affect you negatively. Listener discretion is advised.
If you or someone you know needs support or resources for any of the discussed topics, please get in touch with a mental health professional or GP. Your well-being is important to us.
Find services in your area:
Australia: https://shorturl.at/ghP37
Canada: https://shorturl.at/cgzPV
USA: https://shorturl.at/ho359
UK: https://shorturl.at/tuCWZ
Ireland: https://shorturl.at/prvAO
Links:
Learn more about Steve Gomez's business coach offerings: https://stephengomez.net/
Read the transcript and subscribe to the PhorestFM email newsletter: http://bit.ly/2T2gUj1
Leave a rating & review: http://bit.ly/phorestfm
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.

Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
Wednesday Nov 08, 2023
[271] Brands such as Vish, Sustain Beauty Co., Ecoheads, Green Circle Salons and Green Salon Collective, are, at this point, all well-known within the global sustainability sphere of the hair and beauty industry. But there's one business, originally known as Affordable Salon Equipment Repair, that began in 1996 as a small beauty equipment servicing business in San Diego, CA, who, years before sustainability was needed for public buy-in, saw a need in the industry for reliable beauty equipment service and repair.
In this episode, hear Daniel Johnson — owner of The Salon Chair Guys @thesalonchairguys and founder of The Green Beauty Community @greenbeautycoalition — discuss his father's influence on his vision for a greener future within the hair & beauty industry and the need for collaboration and education to drive change.
Links:
Learn more about The Salon Chair Guys: https://thesalonchairguys.com/
Learn more about The Green Beauty Community (CODE GBC10): https://greenbeautycommunity.com/
Learn more about Matt Klein: https://kleinkleinklein.com/
Read the transcript and subscribe to the PhorestFM email newsletter: http://bit.ly/2T2gUj1
Leave a rating & review: http://bit.ly/phorestfm
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.