Listen to the
Brazen & Bold
Podcast
About
Listen on
Upcoming Episode
Latest Episodes
Get Out of Your Own Way: Leadership, Accountability & Salon Growth with Stephen Gomez
Struggling to get out of your own way? Salon coach Stephen Gomez opens up about losing everything, rebuilding from bankruptcy, and surviving pancreatic cancer—and the mindset shifts that fueled his comeback. This conversation cuts through the busy swirl to show you how accountability, people-first culture, and real leadership can transform your business and your life.
The Future of Salons: AI, Innovation, and Human Connection with Sam Brocato
Sam Brocato has spent 54 years at the forefront of beauty, from building a multi-million salon empire to pioneering AI-powered business systems. He shares why curiosity beats talent, how technology can create more time for creativity and human connection, and the metrics every salon owner needs to know. A conversation that will challenge how you think about innovation and what's possible in the years ahead.
From One Chair to Four Locations: How Lisa Sanger Built Wild Olive Without Losing Her Mind (Or Her Culture)
Lisa Sanger grew Wild Olive Salon from a single chair to four thriving locations without losing her mind or her culture. She shares the real leadership mistakes she made along the way, the systems she uses to track performance without micromanaging, and how she keeps her team connected across multiple salons. A masterclass in sustainable growth and staying sane while scaling.
Leadership Through Loss & Reinvention with Christopher Cody Hartl
Christopher Cody Hartl joins Heather for a raw, funny conversation about what happens when the business you built no longer fits the life you want. They get real about dissolving a marriage and a seven-figure salon brand, leadership through crisis, and the messy, honest reinvention that follows. This one is vulnerable, hilarious, and packed with the kind of human leadership talk we need more of.
Your Brand Needs Lore, Not a Logo — with Andi of Oui We Studio
What if branding is less about your logo and more about your story? Heather Harris talks with Andi of Oui We Studio about building brand lore, why your point of view matters most, and how human design can transform how you lead. Plus, a hot take on why trying to please everyone may be what's quietly stalling your growth.
Stop Being the Bottleneck: How to Delegate, Scale, and Finally Lead
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing it all alone, this conversation with Lauren Gartland and the Spark Pro Global founders will show you how to finally step back and lead. Heather and Lucy share real stories of moving from panic to profit, including which tasks to never touch and where hidden revenue lives in your salon software. It’s a no-fluff challenge to get out of your own way and reclaim your time and business.
From $200 and a Dream: How Anne Marie Krainich Built a Culture-First Salon Empire
Anne Marie Krainage started with just $200 and a dream as a recently divorced single mom—now she runs an award-winning, multi-location salon empire. She gets real about the messy middle, the Monday she nearly walked away, and the culture-first systems that made her unstoppable. Plus, she shares how closing her salon for education actually boosts the bottom line, and why her nonprofit work empowering women is the fearless heartbeat of everything she builds.
From Burnt Out to Bought Out: Nikki Le on Selling Her Salon & Building Her Leadership Legacy
Salon ownership is a rollercoaster no one warns you about. Nikki Le gets real about burnout, selling her salon Statements, and the leadership lessons she learned the hard way. If you're drowning in the day-to-day or dreaming of an exit, this conversation is your permission to breathe and reset.
The Truth About Why Salon Owners Stay Overwhelmed (And How to Fix It)
Salon owners, it’s time to stop doing everything yourself. In this conversation, Heather Harris, Lucy Randall, and Brigette Sobus break down how delegation, data, and consistent marketing can pull you out of overwhelm and into your CEO role. Reclaim your time, lead with intention, and grow with real freedom and profitability.
Why Your Clients Aren’t Buying (And How to Fix It Without Selling)
Most salon owners blame pricing or marketing when clients won’t buy. But global luxury retail expert Arif reveals the real reason—and it has nothing to do with sales tactics. Discover the emotional connection strategy that can increase client spend by 70% and why connecting always beats selling.
Why Your Clients ‘Love You’… But Never Come Back (And How to Fix It)
Why do clients swear they love you—then vanish? Salon veteran Lou DeCola joins Heather to reveal the hidden threat to your growth: the silent guest who never returns. With over four decades in the industry, Lou shares how data and smarter team structures can turn those one-time fans into loyal regulars.
LIVE FROM INSPIRING CHAMPIONS! From Consultation to Cash Flow: The Salon Systems That Drive Growth
Heather and Lucy broadcast live from Champ Camp in Dallas, sharing how transformative consultations and smart rebooking systems can drive growth. They break down simple strategies for boosting retail and service enhancements, plus why operational support turns great ideas into repeatable systems. Perfect for salon owners wanting to improve guest experience and revenue.
Stop Losing New Hires: The Associate Program That Actually Retains Talent
Hiring great stylists is only half the battle—keeping them is where most salons struggle. Coach Chris Baran joins Heather Torriente to share a scalable training system that gets associates producing faster, builds confidence, and creates a culture where top talent actually stays. Plus, listeners get a free 30-day trial of the Salon Associate Accelerator.
Stop Working Harder. Start Working Smarter in Your Salon. Tracey Napotnik Shares THE Resource for ALL
If you're a salon owner burning out on 80-hour weeks, this conversation with Tracey Napotnik is exactly what you need. She reveals how tracking numbers and education turned her struggling salons into profitable businesses, and how her community at SalonTraining.com can help you do the same. Stop working harder—start working smarter with the resource that transforms how you run your salon.
How to Build a Salon That Wins in Any Economy with Jack Panico
Jack Panico shares how to lead a salon across generations, use AI without losing the human touch, and rethink retail when products are everywhere. Plus, his Heirs to Beauty philosophy that puts stylists at the center. Real talk for salon owners who want to win in any economy.
Hidden Growth: How L’Oréal’s Level Program Can Elevate Your Salon Business
Heather Harris and industry expert Beverly Shortt explore why most salons leave loyalty rewards on the table—and how L’Oréal’s Level program can be a game changer for business growth, team motivation, and client experience. From common redemption mistakes to creative ways to fund education and tech upgrades, this conversation will shift how you see vendor partnerships. Ready to operate with a stronger business mindset? Tune in.
Delegate to Elevate: How Salon Owners Scale with AI Without Losing Their Culture
What happens when AI helps you lead better instead of pulling you away from your people? Salon owner Michaela Blissett Williams and tech innovator Vinay join Heather Harris to share how salons can scale with intention, using AI to support teams and protect culture. Discover real examples of better bookings, retention, and leadership that grows with you.
When Authenticity Becomes Your Brand with Jenna Muehlenberg
Heather catches up with longtime friend and Goldwell National Artist Jenna Muehlenberg for a chat that’s equal parts inspiring and hilarious. Jenna shares her 21-year ride from receptionist to salon owner, how she held onto her authentic style through outdated dress codes, and the chaos of balancing four kids with a travel teaching gig. Plus, the origin of their Academy nicknames and why her husband took her maiden name—pure realness and laughs.
Luxury in the Little Things: How to Elevate Guest Experience, Retention & Revenue (Without Selling Hard)
What if the secret to higher revenue and stronger loyalty isn't a bigger menu, but a few intentional moments of luxury? Heather Torriente talks with Daimon Barber's Louis Hayes-Davies and Victoria Harrington about small, two-minute enhancements that transform guest experience—and why education beats hard selling every time. A must for any salon owner or stylist wanting to elevate service without the stress.
Meet Jude: The Force Behind Spark’s Smartest AI Innovations
Lucy Randall sits down with Jude, Spark’s tech lead, to share how a kid who fixed washing machines became the brain behind AI assistants and smart business tools. They explore the systems powering smarter customer experiences and time-saving tech for salon owners and entrepreneurs. Meet the force turning innovation into real results.
How AI Will Amplify Your Salon Team—Not Replace It
Paddy Monahan, a telecom engineer turned salon tech leader, explains why AI will amplify your team's human touch, not replace it. He shares how Phorest co-builds features with salon owners and why their Ads Manager turns $100 into thousands. A candid conversation on staying human while scaling profits.
Turn Guests Into Superfans: Barry Quinn on Loyalty, Retention & Making Your Software Work for You
Barry Quinn from Phorest North America shares how to build loyalty systems that turn one-time guests into raving superfans—no gimmicks required. He breaks down why traditional punch cards fall short, why treats beat discounts, and how simple automations plus data-driven coaching can plug revenue leaks. If you're ready to make your software actually grow your business, this conversation delivers clarity you can use today.
From Burned-Out Behind the Chair to a $1.3M Hair Loss Studio: Shanna Moll on Integrity, Profit & Brave Pivots
Burned out from chasing double-booked days, Shanna Moll bet on herself with a $100K leap into hair loss specialization—and built a $1.3M studio rooted in transparency and profit. Now she crisscrosses the country in her Airstream, teaching stylists to create prosperity without burnout. If you've wondered whether a values-led business can actually pay, this conversation is your green light.
Not Luck—A System: How Pinup Studio Gets Stylists to Their Goals
Salon success isn't luck—it's a system. Pinup Studio's Christina Kirkey reveals how she built a pink-confetti culture and a simple, editable Playbook that got every stylist on track to hit their annual goal. This is about turning pretty hair into a profitable chair.
What Your Clients See That You Don’t: The Audit Every Business Needs Before 2026
Your salon may look stunning in person, but what about online? Kip Dodson created the Digital Basic Score audit after realizing his digital curb appeal was holding him back—not his ads or SEO. He shares the free fixes that helped him dominate search and earn 14,000 reviews, and why your website might be working against you.
Stacey Soble Reveals the Salon Owner Shift: From Chair-Bound to CEO
Stacey Soble from Salon Today joins to reveal how top salon owners traded chair burnout for CEO confidence—using data, KPIs, and smart coaching. You'll hear a wild story about a New Hampshire salon that survived a sewage flood with gamified goals, plus what judges look for in standout applications. This conversation is your roadmap off the hamster wheel and into a business that truly works.
Let Go to Grow: Building Powerful Partnerships with Virtual Assistants
Lucy Randall takes over Brazen & Bold to share what really makes a virtual assistant partnership thrive. Her team of Client Success Managers reveals the delegation systems and clarity-driven communication that turn overwhelm into real growth. Find out how top entrepreneurs use VAs to own results, not just check off tasks.
How Faith, Focus, and High-Ticket Thinking Turned $50 into $650K with Julie Cabezas and Chris Kenney from Self Made Sales
Julie Cabezas and Chris Kenney reveal the high-ticket advantage that lets corporate leaders launch premium boutique consulting firms. They show how to turn decades of experience into a category-defining offer, price it at a premium, and lead conversations that feel like service. Packed with practical frameworks and real stories for anyone ready to build a legacy without burnout.
Inside Spark: Assistants, Delegation & Doing More
Lucy Randall and Florence step into the host seats to share what it's really like working at Spark—building powerful systems, backing business owners, and why delegation is the secret to growth. They get candid about client projects, team collaboration, and how handing off the right tasks can completely transform your business.
Drop Dead Creativity: How Kristi Day Turned Innovation, Alopecia, and Gratitude into an Industry Movement
Salon owner Kristi Day turned her alopecia journey and creative grit into a thriving beauty movement. From opening her first salon young to building Drop Dead Studio with her husband, she shares how gratitude and bold thinking fuel success. A story of resilience that will inspire any creative to build their own path.
Passion + Purpose: The Path to Salon Success with Jacqueline Rodriguez
Heather Harris sits down with clean beauty expert Jacqueline Rodriguez to share how salon owners can build a profitable, non-toxic, and guest-obsessed business. From transitioning to eco-friendly systems and conscious leadership to using neuro coaching for team retention, this conversation delivers actionable steps without sacrificing results. Perfect for beauty pros ready to go green—and stay profitable.
Secret Service, Sandbags & 3 Seconds of Joy — with Alec Watson
When Alec Watson got a call to photograph two presidents mid-taxi, two security teams argued over his memory card. That’s just one of the delightfully unhinged stories from the former rock musician turned commercial photographer. Alec shares why fortune favors the bold, how giving people permission changes portraits, and why chasing three seconds of pure joy is worth the other ninety-seven.
No Excuses, Just Action: Lessons from Bennie Pollard
Bennie Pollard turned small-town beginnings into an award-winning salon empire—and she’s sharing the moves that made it happen. From backstage at NAHA to mentoring stylists, her “get out of the car” motto is all about pushing past doubt and taking bold action. If you’re ready to stop second-guessing and start building, this conversation will light a fire under you.
Chaos to Clarity: Rhysa & Abby on Scaling, Sanity & Success
Rhysa Anderson and Abigail Brown turned chaos into clarity, scaling from stylist and assistant to co-owning a thriving 3,000-square-foot salon while raising kids and launching an app that’s reshaping the beauty industry. They share how communication turns breakdowns into breakthroughs, what real scaling looks like, and how to build a business that thrives without burning out. This is leadership, freedom, and resilience in action.
How to Balance Salon Success with Team + Client Happiness
Heather sits down with salon legend Scott Buchanan to learn how he built a brand so strong that team members stay for 30+ years. Scott shares his simple yet powerful framework for every decision: is it good for the salon, the team, and the client? Plus, the secret to delegating and letting others shine without burning out.
High-Ticket Mindset: Selling Big, Loving Yourself Bigger
Chris from Self-Made Sales reveals the surprising secret behind high-ticket success: self-love. He shares how leaning into your emotions, celebrating wins without brushing them off, and adopting the Loss Authority Mindset—believing there’s always a solution—can transform your business and life. If you’re ready to dream bigger, charge higher, and love harder, this conversation is your permission slip.
Don’t Ghost Your Leads, Girl: Salon Automation 101
Meet Brynne Travis, co-founder of My Salon Concierge and your new automation guru. She and her brother turned their salon experience into a lead-gen powerhouse, revealing why your front desk is the secret weapon for booking more clients and boosting profits. If you're ready to work smarter and stop ghosting leads, this conversation delivers the mindset shift you need to thrive in 2025.
Numbers, Leadership & ChatGPT?! Lessons from a New Salon Owner
Jennifer shares what it's really like stepping into salon ownership, from balancing leadership with life to using tools like ChatGPT and coaching. Her biggest lesson? Treat your salon like a business by knowing your numbers and hiring with purpose. Full of honest, inspiring moments that will make you take action.
From Walkout to Winning: Mitch Eubanks on Leading Through the Hard Stuff
Mitch Eubanks went from dancing on stages to owning a salon—then faced a full team walkout. Instead of crumbling, he listened, learned, and rebuilt with heart and humor. A raw, hilarious conversation on leading through chaos and earning trust back.
Turn Your Salon Into a Profit Machine with Ross Loveland
Heather chats with Ross Loveland about hitting rock bottom and building a profit-first salon. His simple cash management system helps you set aside profit automatically, reduce financial stress, and make confident growth decisions. If you're a salon owner ready to take control, this conversation will change how you think about money.
The Power of Yes: Unlocking Joy & Opportunity with Tammie Axworthy
Tammie Axworthy, salon owner and Fashion Week stylist, shares how saying yes to the unknown unlocked joy and opportunity in her career and life. She also opens up about building a culture of trust by truly showing up for her team. This conversation will leave you ready to take that leap.
Show Up, Be Seen: Unlocking Camera Confidence for Your Brand
Ready to stop feeling awkward on camera and show up like the star you are? Heather and on-camera coach Chris Sulimay reveal why clarity beats perfection and share simple ways to build real confidence. They also talk about Heather’s journey from stiff to magnetic, and Chris’s upcoming intensive in Sarasota where you can finally step into your on-camera power.
From Clicks to Lifelong Clients: Kati Whitledge & the Magic of MYA ✨
Kati Whitledge turned salon frustration into a movement. She built MYA to turn website clicks into loyal clients, slashing marketing costs while boosting retention. With over $20 million in revenue and a $50 million goal, her psychology-driven platform is making the beauty industry rethink everything.
The Education Effect: How to Elevate Stylists & Save Your Salon
Cole Thompson went from London salons to global stages, and now he's on a mission to transform salon education. In this chat, he shares how Elevation H fights burnout, boosts stylist retention, and elevates the guest experience. The best part? You can access it anywhere, anytime—no excuses, just growth.
Loyal Clients, Loyal Stylists: The Kip Dodson Blueprint
Kip Dodson brings an engineer’s precision and a leader’s heart to salon business. He shares why stylist turnover is inevitable and how to respond in a way that builds lasting loyalty. Plus, his groundbreaking Net Promoter Score system turns client feedback into raving fans—packed with actionable insights for owners and stylists alike.
Cash Flow & Exit Plans: Michael Cole’s Salon Success Secrets
Certified Financial Analyst and powerhouse barbershop owner Michael Cole shares the real secret to boosting your salon’s revenue—hint, it’s not just packing your books. He also lays out why every salon, from startup to legacy, needs an exit strategy starting now. Practical steps and serious motivation for your money, mindset, and future.
Salon Owners, It’s Time to Pivot: Hard Truths with Tim Howard
Tim Howard went from salon owner to tech startup CIO, and he's sharing hard truths about leading through change. He reveals how his color management system helped one salon wipe out over a million dollars in debt. This conversation is raw, real, and packed with lessons every salon owner needs to hear if they want to keep growing.
Compassionate & Unstoppable: Amber Pope’s Leadership Playbook
Salon owner and educator Amber Pope is rewriting the rules of leadership—and it starts with compassion and showing up fully. From working with top brands to tackling hard conversations, she proves that strong values and a real, grounded presence can make a massive impact. If you’re ready to lead boldly while staying true to yourself, let Amber show you how it’s done.
Change is Hard—But So Are You: Salon Takeover Lessons from Bobbi Springer
Taking over an existing salon is never easy, but Bobbi Springer shows how to lead change with confidence and clarity. She shares how she transformed Allure Salon's culture, asked the tough questions most avoid, and built rituals that spark growth. If you're ready to level up your leadership, this conversation will inspire your next bold move.
Leading Loudly: Real Talk on Vision, Systems & Getting Sh*t Done with Carrie Barchanowicz
Salon owner Carrie Barchanowicz took full ownership of Shear Talent and didn’t just survive—she thrived. She opens up about streamlining operations, finding her leadership voice, and turning big dreams into done deals, from mastering 1:1 meetings to delegating like a boss. If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start leading with intention, this conversation is pure gold.
Burnout, Be Gone: How to Rewire Your Brain for Success — Brigette Sobus
Feel like you’re hitting a ceiling no matter how hard you work? Transformational coach Brigette Sobus joins us to reveal why 95% of your decisions come from subconscious blocks—and how NLP, timeline therapy, and hypnosis can rewire your brain for real growth. Learn how to ditch burnout and double revenue without hustling harder.
Stop Guessing, Start Connecting — Chris Sulimay’s Blueprint for Content That Converts
Chris Sulimay went from salon stories to guiding leaders, and he’s sharing a clear blueprint for content that converts. Discover why practice, reflection, and knowing your audience matter more than doing everything everywhere. The key? Stop guessing who you’re talking to and start connecting with purpose.
Stop Reacting, Start Leading: The Smarter Way to Scale Your Business
Ready to trade chaos for clarity? Business coach Nicole Roufs shows how sustainable success comes from strategy and calm, not just hustle. She shares how to step into confident leadership, use data without fear, and build a business that works with your nervous system—not against it. Press play to start leading instead of reacting.
Want to Add $29K to Your Bottom Line? Emotional Intelligence Is the Hack
Think leadership is all logic and spreadsheets? Jay Williams proves emotional intelligence is the real hack—and it could add $29K to your bottom line. He breaks down why EQ matters more than IQ and how anyone can learn to lead with self-awareness, empathy, and connection. Press play to build your leadership superpower.
Million-Dollar Mindset: Building a Team That Thrives
Beauty biz coach Justin Gold reveals the secret sauce behind thriving salons: a perfect blend of culture and process. Learn how to lead with heart while holding your team accountable, why clear systems actually free up creativity, and how striking the right balance between empathy and structure can transform your business into a dream that runs itself.
Salon Retention Unlocked: Build a Legendary Team
Think top talent stays for bigger paychecks? Salon retention expert Nikki Le shares the real secret: build a culture your team brags about on their day off. She reveals the invisible perks and three core skills that create loyal, high-performing teams—and why trust is your most valuable currency. Ready to lead like a boss and thrive? This is your blueprint.
Brazen and Bold: Real, Raw, and Radically Honest Conversations for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Leaders
Scaling your business isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing less. Host Heather Harris, a salon owner and business coach, brings you real, unfiltered conversations with entrepreneurs making bold moves. Each episode delivers actionable strategies and fresh perspective to help you step into your CEO role and build a business that fits your life.