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 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.

Tuesday Nov 07, 2023
Tuesday Nov 07, 2023
[270] For people within the industry wanting to blend their career and giving back initiatives with a global and almost immediate impact, empowering individuals living in conditions of poverty by equipping them with the necessary resources to not only survive but thrive with a career in the salon industry helps them connect to a larger purpose through the universal language of hair.
Mandy Pulse (@mandy_saloninspire), the owner of Salon Inspire in Kansas City, Missouri, is one of those people, and that's how the organization for which she's the proud Founder and CEO — Global Stylist Scholarship — came to life.
In this episode, we delve into Mandy's journey within the hair and beauty industry, explore her non-profit's transformative work and discuss the impact, challenges and rewards of connecting passion and purpose with global impact.
Links:
Listen back to PhorestFM Episode 269: https://link.chtbl.com/PFM-S07E269-HetherFlorman
Learn more about the Global Stylist Scholarship: https://www.globalstylistscholarship.com/
Studies & research: BMC Public Health, Corporation for National and Community Service, Journal of Happiness Studies, Volunteering and Civic Life in America
"The Healing Power of Doing Good" by Allan Luks: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Power-Doing-Good/dp/0595175910
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.

Friday Oct 20, 2023
Live From Strategies TBX23 With Robert Miraglia
Friday Oct 20, 2023
Friday Oct 20, 2023
Robert Miraglia — Certified Strategies Coach — joins podcast host Zoé Bélisle-Springer to talk about how he got started with coaching, share some personal stories of salon ownership and give some insight into growing a successful, thriving salon, spa, or medspa with Strategies looks like.
Also featured in this episode are Ana & Trent from @RusticSalon and Jessica from Couture Lash Lab.
Find out more about Strategies: https://strategies.com/ @strategies4biz
Read the transcript and subscribe to the PhorestFM email newsletter: http://bit.ly/2T2gUj1
Leave a rating & review: http://bit.ly/phorestfm
This "Live From..." bonus episode 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.

Thursday Oct 19, 2023
Live From Strategies TBX23 With Ariel Sims
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
Thursday Oct 19, 2023
Ariel Sims, Spa Director at Absolutely Fabulous Spa @absolutelyfabulousspa in Frisco, Texas — joins podcast host Zoé Bélisle-Springer to talk about her role within the organization, discuss working with Strategies' coaching, training and systems, and last but not least, the culture shift the team has seen over the past year.
Also featured in this episode are Jeff Lingley from @BrushABlowdryBar, Ana & Trent from @RusticSalon & Kelly Swan from @LetEmHaveItSalon.
Find out more about Strategies: https://strategies.com/ @strategies4biz
Find out more about Absolutely Fabulous Spa: https://www.absolutelyfabspa.com/
Read the transcript and subscribe to the PhorestFM email newsletter: http://bit.ly/2T2gUj1
Leave a rating & review: http://bit.ly/phorestfm
This "Live From..." bonus episode 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.

Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
Live From Strategies TBX23 With Katlin Liell-Kok
Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
Wednesday Oct 18, 2023
Katlin Liell-Kok @bbysnakes — Education Director/Manager & Purefessional Colorist at Omagi Salon & Spa— joins podcast host Zoé Bélisle-Springer to talk about leadership and what she gets out of going to conferences & events like Strategies' Team-Based Experience as well as share some insight into what went into the salon's application for the "No Compromise Business of the Year" award.
Also featured in this episode are Amanda Maddalena from AM Salon @a.madd_hairdesigns & Ana & Trent from @RusticSalon.
Find out more about Strategies: https://strategies.com/ @strategies4biz
Find out more about Omagi Salon & Spa: https://www.omagisalonspa.com/
Read the transcript and subscribe to the PhorestFM email newsletter: http://bit.ly/2T2gUj1
Leave a rating & review: http://bit.ly/phorestfm
This "Live From..." bonus episode 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.

Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
Live From Strategies TBX23 With Sydney Lopez
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
Sydney Lopez — Rainbow Hair Educator, Social Media Strategist, Hairstylist & Co-Owner (and so much more!) — joins podcast host Zoé Bélisle-Springer to give some insight into the social media lab she designed for TBX23, discuss her experience with growing her platform and audience, the value you bring for your audience and giving back to the hair & beauty industry and community through her the company she's launching.
Also featured in this episode are Jeff Lingley from @brushablowdrybar & Sarah Carter from @thespasalonm.
Find out more about Strategies: https://strategies.com/ @strategies4biz
Find out more about Sydney's Education: linktr.ee/Sydneyannlopezhair @sydneyannlopezhair
Find out more about Unicorn Uprising: https://unicornuprising.com/
Read the transcript and subscribe to the PhorestFM email newsletter: http://bit.ly/2T2gUj1
Leave a rating & review: http://bit.ly/phorestfm
This "Live From..." bonus episode 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 Oct 16, 2023
Live From Strategies TBX23 With Daryl Jenkins
Monday Oct 16, 2023
Monday Oct 16, 2023
Daryl Jenkins — Director of Coaching at Strategies — joins podcast host Zoé Bélisle-Springer to talk about his involvement with Strategies and give some insight into the TBX23 coachability session he led.
Also featured in this episode are Kelly Swan from @LetEmHaveItSalon, Nicole Faehn from @blushfargo, and Amanda Maddalena from AM Salon @a.madd_hairdesigns/.
Find out more about Strategies: https://strategies.com/ @strategies4biz
Read the transcript and subscribe to the PhorestFM email newsletter: http://bit.ly/2T2gUj1
Leave a rating & review: http://bit.ly/phorestfm
This "Live From..." bonus episode 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.

Friday Oct 13, 2023
Live From Strategies TBX23 With Bruce Hourigan
Friday Oct 13, 2023
Friday Oct 13, 2023
Bruce Hourigan — Strategic Business Advisor at Strategies — joins podcast host Zoé Bélisle-Springer to share how he first got involved with Strategies, how he spends most of his free time, and last but not least, discuss his experience with coaching clients during TBX23.
Also featured in this episode are Dana Broslovsky, Ellie Mowbray & Alyssa Breault from @ALDAAesthetics, Sarah Carter from @TheSpaSalonM and Nicole Faehn from @blushfargo.
Find out more about Strategies: https://strategies.com/ @strategies4biz
Read the transcript and subscribe to the PhorestFM email newsletter: http://bit.ly/2T2gUj1
Leave a rating & review: http://bit.ly/phorestfm
This "Live From..." bonus episode 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.