The Hustle: From Service Provider to Salon CEO with Summit Salon Business Center

with Summit Salon Business Center

Running a successful salon today requires more than technical skill. It requires clear thinking, strong leadership, and an understanding of how your business really makes money.

The Hustle: From Service Provider to Salon CEO is a free webinar from Summit Salon Business Center, in partnership with Phorest Salon Software, created for salon owners and leaders who want practical strategies they can apply in 2026.

Led by Summit coaches MaLissa Young and Shannon Rusher, this session focuses on the core business principles that help salons improve profitability, make better decisions, and create a consistent guest experience while protecting culture and team engagement.

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MaLissa Young

Director of Business Development

MaLissa Young is the Director of Business Development at Summit Salon Business Center, as well as a Salon Coach and Shareholder. With deep experience as a licensed cosmetologist and multi-location salon and spa owner, MaLissa brings a practical, firsthand understanding of what it takes to build profitable, people-centered salon businesses.

MaLissa is known for her passion for leadership development and her ability to guide salons through meaningful growth—supporting teams as they evolve from individual contributors into aligned leadership groups and, ultimately, business owners. She is especially inspired by helping salons create clear career paths that support both financial success and long-term fulfillment.

Having grown her own career from salon management to ownership and executive leadership, MaLissa brings a grounded, strategic perspective to her work. Her approach is collaborative, forward-thinking, and focused on building strong systems that allow salons to grow with intention and confidence.

Shannon Rusher

Business Development Facilitator

Shannon Rusher is a Salon Coach, Business Development Facilitator, and Summit Shareholder with more than 15 years of experience in the professional beauty industry. She works closely with salon owners and service providers to build financially intelligent, sustainable businesses that support long-term growth, leadership confidence, and profitability.

Known for her ability to simplify complex business concepts, Shannon helps salon professionals translate insight into action—creating clarity around numbers, systems, and decision-making. She is deeply committed to guiding individuals and teams as they step outside their comfort zones, adopt new strategies, and experience meaningful transformation in their businesses.

Shannon began her career in the industry at the front desk of a salon and has since developed a deep understanding of both the operational and human sides of salon leadership. She brings a practical, encouraging, and results-driven approach to every session she facilitates.

The Hustle: From Service Provider to Salon CEO with Summit Salon Business Center

MaLissa Young

Shannon Rusher

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