Where leaders love to learn

Empathy, Understanding, and Patience: The Human Connection in Customer Service at Phorest

Having spent over two decades working across the global beauty industry, I’ve seen first hand what truly shapes a client’s experience. From managing luxury department store counters to leading education for premium brands, I’ve learned that exceptional service rarely comes down to technique alone.  The most powerful moments in customer experience often come from something … Continued

Why AI Isn’t Replacing Salon, Spa, and Clinic Professionals — It’s Giving Them Their Time Back

Let’s start with the obvious — because it’s the part that tends to get lost in the noise. The human touch will never be replaced. No algorithm can replicate the way a great therapist reads a room the second a client walks in. The subtle shift in tone when someone’s had a hard week. The … Continued

Compliance Checklist for Med Spas in New York: 2026 Edition

A med spa can look polished on the surface, and still carry serious compliance risk underneath. In New York, that gap matters. State regulators have already warned consumers about unauthorized med spa services after investigating businesses that offered medical procedures without proper licensure or oversight. For med spa owners and physicians, requirements for med spa … Continued

The Ethical Edge: Demystifying AI in the Beauty and Wellness Industry

AI is rapidly becoming part of everyday life. Across industries, it is being used to enhance efficiency and improve client experiences. As these tools become more and more accessible, many beauty and wellness professionals may be feeling both excited and slightly overwhelmed by what this shift means for their day-to-day. How do we embrace the … Continued

Compliance Checklist for Med Spas in Florida: 2026 Edition

For med spa owners and physicians in Florida, the word “compliance” is far more than a legal buzzword. It’s a daily balancing act between safeguarding patient safety, and protecting your business from costly pitfalls. In 2026, with new state laws taking effect and increased scrutiny from regulators, staying compliant means following the rules, while building … Continued

Modernizing a 4th Generation Business: The System Behind the Scenes

When I was growing up, the beauty industry was simply part of the rhythm of family life. It was dinner table conversation, weekends spent around the business, warehouse visits, and hair shows. It developed into the kind of stories that stay with you for years. I didn’t grow up thinking, “One day, this will all … Continued

Best Medical Spa Software in the US (2026)

An Honest Comparison for Growth-Minded Medspa Owners If you’ve spent any time researching medspa software online, you’ve probably noticed something frustrating: most comparison articles are written by the very companies selling the software. Pabau’s blog ranks Pabau first. Vagaro’s website calls Vagaro the best choice. Even many “independent” roundups are quietly backed by affiliate deals … Continued

Why Self-Belief is a Business Strategy

At this year’s Salon Owners’ Summit, Phorest invited Katie Piper to deliver our closing keynote for a reason. The salon, spa, and clinic industry is powered largely by women – approximately 85% to 93%, according to the National Hair and Beauty Foundation. It is built on resilience, emotional intelligence, and the ability to adapt under … Continued

The Art of the WOW Experience

Achieving a “WOW experience” for clients is the goal – but are you consistently creating the same feeling for your team? In the competitive salon, spa, and clinic industry, being “average” is no longer good enough. It’s about cultivating a culture where engaged employees deliver extraordinary experiences – every single day. This requires you to … Continued