Secret Life of A Hairstylist

I can't believe I had the ICONIC Adrienne Dara on the podcast and you know I had some questions for this one!Take a listen to find out how she keeps it real, and a little weird, consistent and ultimately killing it in the education realm. We had so much fun with this conversation, so take a listen now!Links:Adriennes IG

It costs 1000's of dollars and 100's of hours of your time to hire stylists. So why not make sure you are hiring the right stylists?We've all heard the phrase "Hire slow, fire fast" but what does that hiring process look like?I'm breaking down not only the hiring process, but also thinking about what type of stylist you are wanting to hire, and what the pro's and con's are. Take a listen now!Links:Sign up for the full Hire With Intention program April 27! (For Redken accounts, use your C5A points!)https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/redken-canada-salon-success-building-a-team-that-grows-with-you-tickets-1981523119993?aff=oddtdtcreatorInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairbysamlacoste/

We're covering everything and more today as I bring Sandra Couto, your hair bestie, to talk all things Salon Ownership & the internal struggles we have, being an influencer and managing social media while also being a mom and stylist, and being an educator, our self imposter syndrome and hustling everyday!Listen now and make sure to subscribe!Links:Sandras InstagramApril's Salon Ownership Virtual classSecret Life of a Hairstylist IG

I've heard the question, "Should it be the responsibility of the salon owner to put clientele in to their stylists chair?"In this episode I'm giving my two cents to this question, as well as some easy tips to help salon owners & stylists make marketing more easily, consistently and how to market the salon and your own personal brand in harmony. Take a listen!Samantha's InstagramSalon Owners Program SALON SUCCESS: Building a Team That Grows with You

The first guest of 2026!! I couldn't have brought anyone else on than the girl I talk TV binges, business, hair & life with, Annie Savage. She is a Redken Artist, Educator & Hairstylist killing it in the industry. We're talking life, how we got in the industry, imposter syndrome, pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, the importance of connection in our industry and getting in your creative zone in 2026. This episode has everything rolled into one, so take a listen!Shownote links:Annie's IG: https://www.instagram.com/anniestayssharp/Goal Planner: https://mailchi.mp/c86c64c7cdb1/2026-goal-planner Sign up for the newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/446cd7a679a5/welcome Save the dates: (links coming soon!)April 12: Regina - Shades ALK LaunchMarch 30: Halifax - Power Painting & BalayageApril 27: Virtual Salon Owner Program - Salon Success: Building a Team That Grows With You

What a freaking year!2025 has taught me so many lessons, and as we step into the year of the horse, year 1 in numerology and a big shift for gemini's, it's safe to say, this is a year of transformation. In this episode, I'm sharing everything that 2025 taught me and how 2026 will be more aligned, clear, intentional and planned out so that I don't lead with burnout and can lead the life that is more free and fulfilled for ME. And I hope that these lessons I share, resonate with so many others. <3Take a listen!Links:NotionMy InstagramFree Goal Planner & Workshop

In this episode, we break down how to set your self up for success in 2025. What are the best numbers to look at in your business, how to create the perfect schedule and how to organize yourself in the best way this year so you can hit both personal and business goals this year. Lets make this the BEST YEAR YET!

We all need a good laugh sometimes, this episode is filled with funny stories that happen behind the chair, and you might even relate to some!Enjoy some more secrets spilled on The Secret Life of a Hairstylist.

Numbers are the one thing we all hate to think about as hairstylists, but in reality it's the most important thing for us to think about. I'm breaking down some really important numbers for us to look at in our business whether you are an independent stylist, a commission salon owner/stylist or a booth rental salon. Take a listen now!IG:@secretlifeofahairstylist@hairbysamlacoste

The industry has changed more in the last 2 years than it has in the last 20, join me in a thought provoking conversation on the way our services have changed and how we can maybe format them different to grow our clientele, we talk about new stylists coming into the industry and the education journey you take, and the investment salon owners take to train new stylists in the industry. IG:@secretlifeofahairstylistpod@hairbysamlacoste

Training associates (apprentices) can be one of the highest expenses in your business, Lorelle and I go through her tried and true associate training, we shoot the shit on salon ownership and the difference between Gen Z and millennials. Take a listen to the episode now!Resources:Lorelle's IG: @lorelleperrin Course: https://thesalonproper.mykajabi.com

I'm so excited to talk to the one and only Chan Bhasin about her growth in the hair industry. We're talking BIG colour corrections, creating killer content to grow her hair & education business, & the most important, mental health. What you see on social media is not always real life, we're talking about how she deals with imposter syndrome all the time, and how she's conquering this industry. Take a listen to this episode!Chan's IG: @blendsbychan@secretlifeofahairstylistpodSave with Ovatu - https://ovatu.com/referral?referrer=25475

I can't believe how far AI has come in such a short amount of time, and it's about time we start talking more about how we can utilize it more than we fight it. From how to make processes easier in your business, to how to grow your client through marketing with AI, there are so many different ways we can use it. In this episode, I am specifically talking about ChatGPT, as resource I've utilized throughout the last year to grow my business and make things just so much easier! Take a listen now!Links:ChatGPT https://chat.openai.com/My IG: @hairbysamlacoste Month trial of Ovatu: https://ovatu.com/referral?referrer=25475

I am SO excited to announce this new series apart of the SECRET Life of a Hairstylist, where we are sharing all of our most funniest, embarrassing & downright laughable stories about being behind the chair. These episodes will probably be the most relatable episodes, make you feel like you're not alone, humanize us & we just wanna have a good laugh! So for all the Bravo fans out there, I got a little inspired, so welcome to our very own Secrets Revealed. If you're DYE-ing to share your story, send me a DM @hairbysamlacoste 

This two part series dives DEEP into the minds of salon ownership.I'm so excited to have my business partner, James Ouellette on with me, which I don't know if this episode is more therapy for us or for you, but we're opening up about the struggles & realities of salon ownership.Some of the mistakes we've made, some of the life lessons, navigating partnership, imposter syndrome,  finances, and SO MUCH MORE.I can't wait for you all to take a listen and share with us some of your own struggles or  some things you resonated with.*This is a two part series so make sure to listen in sequence!James IG: @hairbyjamerzGet a month FREE with Ovatu: https://ovatu.com/referral?referrer=25475

This two part series dives DEEP into the minds of salon ownership. I'm so excited to have my business partner, James Ouellette on with me, which I don't know if this episode is more therapy for us or for you, but we're opening up about the struggles & realities of salon ownership. Some of the mistakes we've made, some of the life lessons, navigating partnership, imposter syndrome,  finances, and SO MUCH MORE. I can't wait for you all to take a listen and share with us some of your own struggles or  some things you resonated with. *This is a two part series so make sure to listen in sequence!James IG: @hairbyjamerzGet a month FREE with Ovatu: https://ovatu.com/referral?referrer=25475

I'm so excited I finally got Blake Reed Evans on the Podcast to chat about one of my favourite things, Salon Ownership!We talk not only about some of the biggest learnings in growing a successful salon, but also keeping the culture in a salon of 5 to a salon of 70, how to hire the right employees AND KEEP THEM, how quickly we can get caught in the comparison trap of social media and even some of the biggest social media strategies he learnt at the Salon Centric Meta event last month. Make sure to take a listen to this amazing conversation!IG: @blakereedevans 

We are still only in January, and there is so much time to accomplish the things we want to achieve this year. So why not take this month to organize ourselves and set ourselves up for success so all the actions we want to take this year don't get pushed to the side and forgotten about.We are capable of doing so many things in this career, but sometimes we just need to lay it all out, have someone (or ourselves) hold us accountable and a plan to keep us going so we can MAKE IT HAPPEN!Whether it's going on our dream vacation, putting a down payment on a house, growing our social media or niching down on a service, we can't do it without a why and a how. So take a listen to this weeks episode as I break down all the things we look at in our one on one meetings so we can set up our team for success and make their dreams a reality in 2024!

I'm sharing all the In's & Out's of 2024!This is the year we  make things happen and we can only do that if we chuck out the old bad habits and bring in the new amazing ones!No matter if you're a salon owner, stylist or solopreneur, these IN's will bring success, wealth and freedom into 2024 with you. Take a listen!Salon Owner Collective: Virtual Series (First session: "Salon Success Blueprint")Tickets available - https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/780914796177?aff=oddtdtcreatorIG: @hairbysamlacoste

This can be one of the biggest struggles in not only owning your own business , finding stylists who fit well with your salon, your brand, and are there to stay!Do they fit in with your values, will they get along with your team, are they invested in your space, not just looking for a job?Plus, this episode is great for stylists who are struggling to find the right fit. What are some things you need to look for when looking for the right salon. These are all of the things we're going over in this weeks episode! SO what are you waiting for? Hit play!

This one is FULL of Golden Nuggets!Laura Nelson and I chat about the different ways you can create a memorable salon experience that has nothing to do with what happens in the chair. The salon experience is probably the most important part of what keeps your guests coming back to you, so how can you keep yourself fresh in their mind, and make them wanting to come back for more. Make sure to hit and play from start to finish, because theres so much we go over!Resources:Laura's IG: @lauranelson.vaStylist ResourceSecret Life of a Hairstylist IG: @secretlifeofahaistylistpod

What an episode! I couldn't stop listening, with the flow of conversation.In this episode Laura and I talked about growing a 6 figure business behind the chair, our issues with money mindset, how to raise our prices, what to focus on on social media and so much more!Hit play to listen to this episode now!@iamlauraelizabeth@secretlifeofahairstylistpod

We can confidently say our industry has changed more in the last 3 years than it has in the last 20. We're seeing clients come in less frequently, the cost of living has increased and we are having to service our clients in a whole new way. In this episode, I am sharing all my thoughts on where our industry is today, what needs to change and how we can continue to grow our business BTC.Leave a review or message me on IG @secretlifeofahairstylistpod to share your thoughts! 

Kendall Dorsey is known for styling such celebrities as Nikki Minaj, Rihanna, Alicia Keys, Kelly Rowland to name a few. In this episode we're talking about the power of a curl, working on set, working with curl textured hair,  and even a few tips on working with wigs!The Curl Wow Ambassador is sharing all his tips with us on todays podcast so click now to listen! Use code MELT20 to get 20% off Colorwow products@colorwowhairKendalls IG: @kendalldorsey1Podcasts IG: @secretlifeofahairstylistpod

I'm chatting with Stephanie Russell about Psychological Safety. It's all about having difficult conversations with your guests and staff, how to navigate building a team without the stress and anxiety taking over and how to protect your own energy!What a way to make a comeback to this podcast, take a listen now!Stephanies IG: @psychologicallysafestephPsychologically Safe salon trainingStephanies Freebies: https://www.wavesociety.ca/freepsychsafesalonguidebookThe podcast IG: @secretlifeofahairstylistpod

We have all gotten so caught up in the technical side of hair, that sometimes it's easy to forget about the interpersonal skills, The Consultation! Hands down the most important part of the service, it's their first impression of you and the salon, the way they will remember you, the part that can make or break a service. But I won't dive to deep into it, because Educator & Hairstylist Danielle Wulff is here to break it down and remind us of the little things that make a BIG difference. Press play on today's episode! Resources:@Daniellewulffjusthair@secretlifeofa_hairstylist

Are you using Canva to build your business yet?!This is a tool I use pretty much daily and I am constantly discovering new ways to utilize it to build our business.So I wanted to share a few of the ways I use it with my team to keep our communication clear and our brand consistent!Hope you enjoy XOXOResources: Canva.comReferral link! https://www.canva.com/join/lwh-kqn-mjx

Let's face it, we need money to do everything! So why are we so afraid of it?In today's episode, we are chatting with Misty Jayne, a money mindset coach & hairstylist on how to overcome raising our prices, how to not fear money, how to set ourselves up for the future and how to get out of debt!Take a listen to this weeks episode now!Resources:@_mistyjayne_

The founder and voice behind the Foils & Coffee Podcast, Simone chats with clients to get their perspective on their appointment! Sometimes we need those little reminders that they might not understand what the heck we're talking about, or if they're upset about their hair, it might not be us but something internally going on. This is a great episode to break down not only the importance of a consultation, but how we could do better in our consultation to understand our clients point of view. Take a listen!Resources:@coffeandfoilspodcastwww.samanthalacoste.com

Why do we have a fear of raising our prices?Why are we scared to tell our clients we've raised our prices?Why do we fear having more money?We're covering all of this and more in todays episode with Tenika Tang. Take a listen!Resources:https://www.instagram.com/tenika_tang/

To understand how to best do business, we have to be able to understand ourselves first!Human Design is a tool we can use to understand how we make decisions, how we best practice productivity, even how to grow our clientele and everything in between! Listen in on todays episode where I chat with Hairstylist & Human Design Coach, Lindsey Means.Resources:@lindseymeans_www.samanthalacoste.com

Our website is our first impression! So let's make sure it's the best impression yet!In this episode I am sharing 5 ways in which we can utilize our website, ways in which we can grow clientele, get butts in our chair, and make actual money even while we are closed! Listen now to get in on the secret!!

Is owning a suite salon really worth it? Instagram makes it look so cool and pretty, but what really goes into owning your own suite?I brought Alicia Hayes, a suite owner & hairstylist mentor, on the podcast to talk about her experience opening a suite, what brought her to that decision and all the pretty little details that go into it. You don't want to miss it!Resources:@alicialovesbalayageFree resource1:1 Mentorship for commission Salons with me

Ready to dive head first into 2022?We're breaking down the numbers you need to look at from 2021, how to set your goals for 2022, what can stand in the way and how to put those goals into action!Hit play on todays episode so we can kick 2022 into high gear!Resources:Downloadable Goal Setting workbook 1 on 1 Mentorship Session @hairbysamlacoste

I sat down with Coach, Educator & Hairstylist, Stephanie Russell, to talk about Salon Ownership & creating an atmosphere that not only is positive for them to come work in, but an atmosphere based on teamwork. We're talking about some of the biggest issues facing employee retention and how we can change our industry for the better.Hit play on todays episode, you don't want to miss it!Resources:https://www.wavesociety.caIG: @stephanieclaritycoachwww.samanthalacoste.com

We're creeping up on 2022 and you might be wondering, should I hire a receptionist or not? Adrienne and I are talking all the reasons to hire one and all the reasons to not hire one. Because the reality is, what right for one person, might not be right for the next. So hit play on this episode and let us know what you think! @hairbysamlacoste@adriennehofer

In this episode we're talking all the things we love most as a hairstylist... budgeting! I know as hairstylists we're not numbers people, but book keeping and budgeting is so so important in this industry. So Kenesha is making book keeping sexy! We're breaking down some of the most common mistakes, how to make it easy and how to grow a profitable business behind the chair. Resources:IG: @thebeautycpaBook submission: https://samanthalacoste.com/book-submission

How many times have you felt yourself getting  burnt out, stuck in a rut, or comparing yourself to others?Abbey and I are discussing the importance of setting energetic boundaries and putting yourself first to have a more successful, abundant career. Plus we talk about how to set yourself up for success for the holiday season!Resources:@abbeyrose_mysticstylist  Abbeyrosewellness.comWant to be apart of the Secret Life of a Hairstylist Book?Click the link below to find out more! samanthalacoste.com/book-submission

As an independent artist there is so much more that goes into it than the feeling of freedom and a curated instagram. It takes hard work, dedication and it can feel super lonely sometimes. That's why Lynzie started The independent Beaty Pros to help connect other independent stylists and help other stylists grow. We're talking about what the difference between going independent vs. working in a commission salon, and how to create meaningful connections that can help grow your business. What are you waiting for? Press play!Resources: @independentbeautyproswww.independentbeautypros.com

We're kicking off season 3 with none other than Dawn Bradley! If you haven't met her before, she is an educator, coach & hairstylist who has been through it all and loves to share it so no one feels alone. She was the perfect guest to bring on for this topic as we dive into how to manage your mental health behind the chair, if you have a negative client, how to not let it affect you and so much more!Make sure to click play and let us know how you liked the episode by leaving us a review!Resources:@dawnbradleyhairwww.dawnbradley.com

One of the best ways to grow your biz and to create connections with your clientele is Email Marketing!But how the heck do you do it, where to start, and everything. So we're sitting down with Teddi Bickers, an email marketing whiz to teach us everything she knows!Resources:@teddibickers

This episode is all about creating team culture, mentoring & coaching your team, how to set up one on one meetings and really what are the expectations about being a salon owner! This is a great episode for anyone who needs a refresher pick me up or has been thinking about becoming a salon owner.Resources:@rob.raiseyourlidconsulting@hairbysamlacoste@secretlifeofa_hairstylist

I'm so excited to have Kerri Twigg on the podcast, she is not only an amazing client of mine, but she is a Career Story coach, an author, a TedX Speaker, and has gone viral on LinkedIn with her amazing education.We are chatting about the importance of finding your unique voice not only online but in person as well. How to land that dream job you've been wanting and how to niche down on your amazing unique voice. You don't want to miss this episode! Resources:Career Stories Kerri Twigg@careerstorieskerri

In an ever changing world, there's not only more ways to do hair, but ways to price as well! I am sitting down with Kimber Chapman to talk about Session Pricing. A method of pricing that has worked well for her and she is sharing her knowledge on the structure of it through her education platform. Are you curious yet? Hit play to listen to this weeks episode! 

You do not want to miss this episode! Charlene Parsons, a hairstylist behind the chair for over 25 years, has worn many hats within the industry.  She has worked for big brands, has educated, has managed salons, and now works solely behind the chair where she first found her passion and continues to grow her passion. For all the stylists out there who feel stuck, aren't feeling the passion they once did, this episode is for you. Resources:@parsons_char

This is an episode like no other.I am chatting with Kristen, a Reiki master, educator and hairstylist who incorporates reiki practices into her services.We're talking healing, allowing yourself to not take on others energies and the beauty of mind, soul and hair coming together.Kristen's Free Gift:https://kristensoseman.mykajabi.com/my-gift-to-youResources:@kristen.hellogorgeousEnergy Coaching

Are you ready to grow your business to the next level?I'm talking with Kelly, a published author, coach and Commissioned salon owner. We talk about what Kelly wishes she would have known before jumping into salon ownership and how she has continued to grow her business to the success it is today.Resources:@scissorsmakecentsBook a session with Kelly

As business owners it can be a big struggle to find the balance between working behind the chair and working on your business. So I'm chatting with educator and salon owner, Celene Dupuis, to find out the best way to scale back behind the chair. There's so much more to it than you would think! So take a listen to find out more.Resources:@celenedupuis

Do you struggle with making the perfect Red or Copper? Do you get hot roots? Does it go warm and not cool? Were you looking for more red and it went copper instead?We are covering all of this and MORE in todays episode with Red Expert Kristina RussellIG: @colourkristinaPodcast: @colourkristinatalkspodcastResources: www.samanthalacoste.com

Hairstyling is one of the most demanding jobs on our bodies. It can lead to burnout both mentally and physically. We get sore backs, carpel tunnel and more. So if we know all this, why don't we take better care of ourselves?I sat down with Shelby, a hairstylist, salon owner and educator who's mission it is to spread love throughout the industry by reminding us to take better care of ourselves so we can lead a longer, happier life behind the chair. Shelbys IG: @shelby.bettencourtEducation: Happy Healthy Hairstylist