Whether you’re just starting out or taking your salon to the next level, one of the smartest moves you can make is to learn from those already leading the way. Across North America, these inspiring salon owners and managers are raising the bar with standout client experiences, a motivated team, and a loyal client base.
But what sets them apart?
Each year, Salon Today magazine celebrates 200 of the top-performing salons across North America through its prestigious Salon Today 200 program. The 2025 awards spotlight salons that excel in everything from growth and culture, to customer service, innovation, and technology.
We sat down with the people behind some of these industry-leading salons to find out exactly what’s working – and what others can learn from their success. From building a purpose-driven team to embracing tech innovations that empower their business, here’s what it takes to grow a salon that lasts.
Build a Work Culture Your Team Will Thrive In
People are at the heart of every successful salon, and a strong, supportive team culture doesn’t just boost morale. It shapes every part of your business. A thriving culture leads to:
- High employee morale
- A collaborative environment
- Long-term team retention
- Client satisfaction
- A positive salon atmosphere
But that culture doesn’t happen by accident – it’s built with intention, and it starts with you.
“As a leader, your objectives remain the same: provide a safe, productive place to work,” says Larry Kane, owner of Jonathan Kane Salon & Spa in Homewood, Illinois. “But the changing dynamics of today’s workforce require the ability to adjust the methods to achieve those initial objectives.”
For Rowena Yeager, Creator of Opportunities at Studio Wish Salon Spa in Twinsburg, Ohio, great leadership is about collective success. “It’s about the ripple effect that happens when we lift up and support a career adventure that’s filled with love, passion, compassion, and artistry.”
The team dynamic shapes the energy your clients feel, from the moment they walk through the door. “Our team culture is very special because it is based on team work, education, and leadership,” says Dana Lyseng, Owner and Creative Director of Supernova Salon in North Vancouver, BC, Canada. “We hear from both our team and clients that our salon feels so supportive and everyone is working together.”
When the members of a team align, real magic happens, as Rachel Stearns, Owner of Razmataz Salon in Georgetown, Texas, knows well. “We have a very diverse team, yet we all mesh well together because our core values are so strong. There is no room for negativity;, everyone lifts each other up.”
Turn Setbacks Into Opportunities for Growth
No business is immune to challenges — but the best leaders don’t let setbacks define them. They use them as turning points to learn and grow stronger. Mistakes, setbacks, or even walkouts can become powerful opportunities to revitalize your team, refine your systems, and build a better salon culture.
Take Abbie Crafton, Owner of Gray & Graham Salon in Madisonville, LA, who navigated the challenge of a major staff walkout just over a year ago. “Instead of letting it break me, I leaned all the way into leadership, culture-building, and vision,” she says.
“I went from leading a team of three to rebuilding and growing a thriving team of ten. This year, I’ve really focused on slowing down, being more intentional, and truly listening. It’s helped me become a better leader and create a more balanced, supportive environment for my team.”
At Lavish Hair Lounge in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Owner Desirre Escobedo and the team tackle low client retention head-on with great results. “We track our client retention and stylists with a retention lower than 30% have been giving those clients a courtesy call,” Desirre says. “We have been able to rebook and retain clients this way – and they are shocked that we even took the effort to call!”
Moments like these show the power of resilience, and the role technology can play in helping you turn challenges into change. Utilizing tools like Phorest software in your salon can turn those roadblocks into growth opportunities by:
- Streamlining salon operations
- Improving internal communication
- Tracking client behavior
- Enhancing client experiences
With the right systems in place, you can focus more on growth – and your team can focus on what they do best: creating exceptional service moments for every client.
Lead with Clear, Honest Communication
Great communication builds strong teams, and strong teams build lasting success. It’s more than repeating a mission statement – it’s about creating an ongoing, two-way conversation where team members feel seen, heard, and supported.
“Good communication has transformed the way we run our business,” explains Carla Jennings, Owner and Elite Stylist at Middletown, Delaware’s Ecocentric Salon. “Along with having a solid structure of policies and procedures and culture,” she adds.
There’s a thriving environment of continuous improvement at a.salon in Chicago, IL, too. Owner and Managing Partner, Rudy Moser says that’s because everyone has a say in how a.salon can provide a better client experience.
“It’s my responsibility to ensure everyone is aligned and committed to our business strategy,” he explains. “If not, the business will suffer, so I have to be as inclusive to feedback as possible.”
A strong internal communication tool kit includes:
- Clear expectations and values-based policies
- Regular one-on-one check-ins
- Transparent, two-way feedback
- Accountability tied to shared purpose
Accountability has become a non-negotiable for Abbie Crafton, who prioritizes one-to-ones with team members as soon as potential issues occur. “I’ve learned that if you don’t address things early, they can quickly lapse and affect the entire culture,” she explains.
For Desirre Escobedo, an open dialogue means she can pass on learnings to her team, such as the goal-setting tool she herself uses. “I sit with every person on my team every two weeks and implement the same process to help them accomplish building their dream clientele,” she explains.
When communication is intentional and values-led, it creates a culture where people don’t just clock in. They belong – and can grow.
Tap Into Tech to Transform Your Salon
While nothing can replace the creativity and care of a skilled professional, the right technology can really take your business to the next level. For today’s top-performing salons, tech isn’t just a tool; it’s a strategic partner in delivering exceptional client experiences and building a stronger, more efficient business.
Smart salon owners use technology to:
- Simplify and personalize the booking journey
- Track product usage with greater technology
- Stay meaningfully connected with clients
- Deliver a consistent, standout experience
Learning more about the tech and services that can help your business is empowering, as Larry Kane discovered. “We have taken a much deeper dive into the support tools we use (Phorest, Vish & Green Circle Salons) to truly maximize the use and productivity of those programs,” he explains.
Dana Lyseng also uses several systems to create a smooth daily operation and a better experience for guests. “We use Phorest Salon software that supports online booking with a personalized app,” she says, “and the in-salon booking is so easy.”
They also connect with their clients through newsletters, appointment reminders, and follow-ups. “We send a thank you email to all our salon guests to make sure that they had an amazing appointment and that they love their hair.” It’s technology – with the personal touch.
“Social media can help – and also drive you nuts at the same time,” adds Carla Jennings. “But always stay open-minded and not afraid to change.” And at Studio Wish Salon Spa, Rowena uses tech to keep everyone motivated: “I use the Phorest Staff Goals feature for my team and the reward emojis – they love it!”
Whether it’s improving your booking flow or inspiring your team, the right tools can help you free up valuable time, reduce manual work, and focus on what matters most: creativity, connection, and client care.
Stay Inspired: The Key to Long-Term Growth
In the fast-moving beauty industry like beauty and wellness, staying inspired isn’t a luxury – it’s an essential. Ongoing learning, mentorship, and meaningful development don’t just build skills. They create confident, motivated teams. Everyone wins, as Abbie Crafton explains.
“What keeps me inspired and helps prevent burnout is the deep connection I have with my team,” she says. “Being part of their growth, watching them evolve, gain confidence, and step into their own success brings me so much joy and pride. Their wins feel like my wins, and that shared journey is what fuels me every day.”
Building a successful salon takes more than just technical skill – it requires:
- vision
- leadership
- creativity
- a willingness to evolve
From the latest product launches and tech innovations to best practices in team management, staying informed and involved in the industry is vital, says a.salon’s Rudy Moser. This sentiment is echoed by Larry Kane, who attends as many shows and conferences as possible and is always looking for opportunities to improve his business.
For Rachel Stearns, inspiration comes through innovation. “We have to step up our game. Guests are looking for quicker services but the same quality and outcome,” she says, citing extensions as a great opportunity for salons. “Extensions are at a revolutionary point,” she says. “There are so many application changes with this service right now, it’s exciting!”
Connection, coaching, and shared growth are what keep salon owners energized and resilient. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. “In the salon, we often tell each other to ‘do it scared’, says Desirre Escobedo. “We thrive on challenging ourselves and always seek to improve, so we have no choice but to do it scared. That often means facing my own fear before I guide someone into facing theirs.”
Staying inspired isn’t about avoiding challenges. It’s about showing up for yourself, for your team, and for the future of your business. When you combine a strong culture, the right tools, and a commitment to learning, you create a business that doesn’t just thrive, but that inspires. For more information, and to learn some success strategies for entering the 2026 Salon Today 200 Awards, check out Phorest’s on-demand webinar.
