We sat down with the people behind some of these industry-leading salons to find out exactly what\u2019s working \u2013 and what others can learn from their success. From building a purpose-driven team to embracing tech innovations that empower their business, here\u2019s what it takes to grow a salon that lasts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Build a Work Culture Your Team Will Thrive In<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- High employee morale<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A collaborative environment<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Long-term team retention<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Client satisfaction<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- A positive salon atmosphere<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
But that culture doesn\u2019t happen by accident \u2013 it\u2019s built with intention, and it starts with you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAs a leader, your objectives remain the same: provide a safe, productive place to work,\u201d says Larry Kane, owner of Jonathan Kane Salon & Spa<\/a> in Homewood, Illinois. \u201cBut the changing dynamics of today\u2019s workforce require the ability to adjust the methods to achieve those initial objectives.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Larry Kane and his team of stylists<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n For Rowena Yeager, Creator of Opportunities at Studio Wish Salon Spa <\/a>in Twinsburg, Ohio, great leadership is about collective success. \u201cIt\u2019s about the ripple effect that happens when we lift up and support a career adventure that\u2019s filled with love, passion, compassion, and artistry.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The team dynamic shapes the energy your clients feel, from the moment they walk through the door. \u201cOur team culture is very special because it is based on team work, education, and leadership,\u201d says Dana Lyseng, Owner and Creative Director of Supernova Salon<\/a> in North Vancouver, BC, Canada. “We hear from both our team and clients that our salon feels so supportive and everyone is working together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When the members of a team align, real magic happens, as Rachel Stearns, Owner of Razmataz Salon <\/a>in Georgetown, Texas, knows well. \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Turn Setbacks Into Opportunities for Growth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No business is immune to challenges \u2014 but the best leaders don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Take Abbie Crafton, Owner of Gray & Graham Salon <\/a>in Madisonville, LA, who navigated the challenge of a major staff walkout just over a year ago. \u201cInstead of letting it break me, I leaned all the way into leadership, culture-building, and vision,\u201d she says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Abbie Crafton with her team, receiving this year’s Client Experience Award<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n \u201cI went from leading a team of three to rebuilding and growing a thriving team of ten. This year, I\u2019ve really focused on slowing down, being more intentional, and truly listening. It\u2019s helped me become a better leader and create a more balanced, supportive environment for my team.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At Lavish Hair Lounge<\/a> in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Owner Desirre Escobedo and the team tackle low client retention head-on with great results. \u201cWe track our client retention<\/a> and stylists with a retention lower than 30% have been giving those clients a courtesy call,\u201d Desirre says. \u201cWe have been able to rebook and retain clients this way – and they are shocked that we even took the effort to call!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/a> software<\/a> in your salon can turn those roadblocks into growth opportunities by:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Streamlining salon operations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Improving internal communication<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Tracking client behavior<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Enhancing client experiences<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
With the right systems in place, you can focus more on growth \u2013 and your team can focus on what they do best: creating exceptional service moments for every client.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lead with Clear, Honest Communication<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Great communication<\/a> builds strong teams, and strong teams build lasting success. It\u2019s more than repeating a mission statement – it\u2019s about creating an ongoing, two-way conversation where team members feel seen, heard, and supported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cGood communication has transformed the way we run our business,\u201d explains Carla Jennings, Owner and Elite Stylist at Middletown, Delaware\u2019s Ecocentric Salon<\/a>. \u201cAlong with having a solid structure of policies and procedures and culture,\u201d she adds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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The team at Ecocentric Salon, together for Stylist’s Appreciation Week<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s a thriving environment of continuous improvement at a.salon<\/a> in Chicago, IL, too. Owner and Managing Partner, Rudy Moser says that\u2019s because everyone has a say in how a.salon can provide a better client experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s my responsibility to ensure everyone is aligned and committed to our business strategy,\u201d he explains. \u201cIf not, the business will suffer, so I have to be as inclusive to feedback as possible.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A strong internal communication tool kit includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Clear expectations and values-based policies<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Regular one-on-one check-ins<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Transparent, two-way feedback<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Accountability tied to shared purpose<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Accountability has become a non-negotiable for Abbie Crafton, who prioritizes one-to-ones with team members as soon as potential issues occur. \u201cI\u2019ve learned that if you don\u2019t address things early, they can quickly lapse and affect the entire culture,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Desirre Escobedo, an open dialogue means she can pass on learnings to her team, such as the goal-setting tool she herself uses. \u201cI sit with every person on my team every two weeks and implement the same process to help them accomplish building their dream clientele,\u201d she explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When communication is intentional and values-led, it creates a culture where people don\u2019t just clock in. They belong – and can grow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tap Into Tech to Transform Your Salon<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s top-performing salons, tech isn\u2019t just a tool; it\u2019s a strategic partner in delivering exceptional client experiences and building a stronger, more efficient business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Smart salon owners use technology to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Simplify and personalize the booking journey<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Track product usage with greater technology<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Stay meaningfully connected with clients<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Deliver a consistent, standout experience<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Learning more about the tech and services that can help your business is empowering, as Larry Kane discovered. \u201cWe 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,\u201d he explains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dana Lyseng also uses several systems to create a smooth daily operation and a better experience for guests. \u201cWe use Phorest Salon software that supports online booking with a personalized app,\u201d she says, \u201cand the in-salon booking is so easy.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They also connect with their clients through newsletters, appointment reminders, and follow-ups. \u201cWe 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.\u201d It\u2019s technology – with the personal touch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSocial media<\/a> can help – and also drive you nuts at the same time,\u201d adds Carla Jennings. \u201cBut always stay open-minded and not afraid to change.\u201d And at Studio Wish Salon Spa, Rowena uses tech to keep everyone motivated: \u201cI use the Phorest Staff Goals<\/a> feature for my team and the reward emojis \u2013 they love it!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Rowena in conversation with Alex Belisle-Springer, host of PhorestFM at the 2025 Salon Owners Summit<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n Whether it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Stay Inspired: The Key to Long-Term Growth<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In the fast-moving beauty industry like beauty and wellness, staying inspired isn\u2019t a luxury – it\u2019s an essential. Ongoing learning, mentorship, and meaningful development don’t just build skills. They create confident, motivated teams. Everyone wins, as Abbie Crafton explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWhat keeps me inspired and helps prevent burnout<\/a> is the deep connection I have with my team,\u201d she says. \u201cBeing 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.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Building a successful salon takes more than just technical skill – it requires:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- vision<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- leadership<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- creativity<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- a willingness to evolve<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For Rachel Stearns, inspiration comes through innovation. \u201cWe have to step up our game. Guests are looking for quicker services but the same quality and outcome,\u201d she says, citing extensions as a great opportunity for salons. \u201cExtensions are at a revolutionary point,\u201d she says. \u201cThere are so many application changes with this service right now, it’s exciting!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Connection, coaching, and shared growth are what keep salon owners energized and resilient. It\u2019s not always easy, but it\u2019s always worth it. \u201cIn the salon, we often tell each other to \u2018do it scared\u2019, says Desirre Escobedo. \u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Staying inspired isn\u2019t about avoiding challenges. It\u2019s 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\u2019t just thrive, but that inspires. For more information, and to learn some success strategies for entering the 2026 Salon Today 200 Awards<\/a>, check out Phorest’s on-demand webinar<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n\n\nReady to take your salon to the next level? <\/strong><\/p>\n<\/h2>\n \n <\/div>\n \n Book a Demo\n <\/a>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n