Love the data back information and research you provide. I think it could be cool if you did podcasts with salon owners and stylists as well that might bring in some fun perspectives or differing systems that also work, or don’t!!! We learn best from our mistakes and are always evolving. Love that you update and share that as well. I am beyond grateful for all you openly share.

Hi Britt, I would love to hear your perspective on the many stylists I’ve seen lately signing up with the MLM Monat and then selling it to their clients. For context, I’m a licensed cosmetologist and although I haven’t been behind the chair in about 5 years, I’ve stayed involved in the industry. I view this topic from both a stylist and client perspective and it just kind of feels icky to me. I feel like every stylist I see making the switch then makes a ton of social media posts justifying why they’re doing it. And I can kind of maybe understand why they might do it from a business perspective (don’t know the structure but I’d have to imagine Monat pays more than traditional retail), but it just feels like a red flag. And as a client, I (personally) wouldn’t want to go to a stylist that slings Monat. Can you share your perspective on whether partnering with an mlm could be beneficial to your business or would it potentially do more harm to your business and reputation in the long run? Love the show and value your thoughts!

I’m part of a booth rental salon that’s doing really well, and we’re currently expanding and remodeling. I was there toward the beginning when the salon really started gaining momentum. The owner and I work really well together. We naturally collaborate on culture and she often asks for my input when needed. I recently mentioned that I’d love to be a bigger part of the salon and help support both her and the team’s success. I’m just not exactly sure what this role would be called yet.

Britt I feel like you’re the perfect person to help a scaling stylist navigate the situations that are popping up EVERYWHERE with stylists and landlords of suites. I work in a 132 sq ft suite that is 1 of 3 that’s owned by a salon owner/stylist. The building our suites are in are entirely separate from her salon. I have loved working here and the vibe is immaculate. I recently hired an assistant for about 14 hours a week. She’s freshly licensed and has been a fabulous addition. Well, of course I had an attorney look at my lease before I hired this person to make sure I was within my rights to do so. And I am. Well, my landlord who I thought was a very cool landlord, asked to have a meeting with me about bringing in this employee. The meeting quickly devolved into she thinks that we should amend my lease to charge me $250 more per month and acknowledge an employee in my lease. I have provided her with my business personal property insurance certificate and out of professional courtesy showed her the contract me and said employee have acknowledging that access to the building is dependent upon her employment etc. she is a w-2 employee and I pay payroll taxes on her. She IS NOT a sub-leasee. And also her presence does not impact our buildings occupancy limits. I told my landlord I will not be paying more and will not sign an amended lease as I am already operating within the terms of our current lease and am an excellent steward of this space. I see it as, she saw an opportunity to make more money off of me and thought I was “just another dumb stylist”. If you look at any other business renting a commercial space this would NEVER come up. The owner of a building would never ask a restaurant for example if they will have employees or how many they plan to have etc. We need to talk about the salon owner to suite owner pipeline and how to navigate minefields like this and the rampant abuse. I have been talking to my friends from across the country and almost all of them are facing the same problem and just going through the harassment in silence with no guidance.

I was just curious as to what your take is on if someone's business is probably going to thrive on a platform that already has a lot of industry related content and thought leaders, should they still participate and join that platform and try to compete with that or try and develop a base on a platform that has less popularity in that industry in the hopes that you will stand out? I’m still kind of a baby stylist trying to develop myself and my brand in the social media world and struggling to grasp everything in order to stand out and build my clientele off of what seems necessarily in today’s world.

What DOES a healthy schedule look like? How far out should we be booked out to where it isn’t considered too booked so you’re able to make changes/reschedules and not have to push an appointment out 6-8 more weeks? Right now I’m consistently booked out 2-3 months and it gets very hard to feel navigate at times. What’s your idea of a healthy schedule?

I love hearing all the tips, especially for salon owners, but I’d love to hear your recent take on how much a commission stylist should hope to take home (percentage wise). How long we should expect to stay at that percentage and when / how to ask for more. I really enjoy the salon I work at, but I feel like I have to do majority of my marketing (which is fine) but I’m ready to earn more if that’s the case.

I love this podcast! I’ve been a salon suite owner for 8 years and I worked as a commission based and hourly employee for my first four years behind the chair. I’m not considering transitioning into Salon ownership. The hybrid salon model speaks to me a bit but what about a co-op? I’m a client at a holistic health center that does a variety of services like massage, accupuncture, etc. Do you know of any successful co op salons? The idea of profit share as incentive for a successful collaborative environment sounds interesting to me. I know there is more to it than profit sharing but was curious about your thoughts?

Britt seems to be focused more on self-referencing in this episode than actually being productive. It gives very I-told-you-so vibes.

(Love this show) Brit how do you feel with à la carte pricing Also should haircut pricing be based off of length being long haircuts and short haircuts. Or do you think that a women’s cut in a men’s cut suffice for category? Been thinking about changing the name/how we book haircuts. Some of my stylists do not do short women’s haircut or men’s cuts. Thoughts and advice thank you so much Love this show

This episode is the conversation that I’ve been having for 10 years. I’ve felt defeated and frustrated by this topic. Thank you for bringing out in the open. I would love to learn more.

Love love love the podcast. EVERYTIME I listen to it I cannot help but be motivated & inspired. I love what you talk about & how you talk about it. I’m a manager at a men’s grooming salon in Charlotte North Carolina. We are in a pretty well-established area with a lot of corporate fellas. There is a lot of new growth happening around us which is amazing but that also means new barbershops. I truly feel like there’s enough people to go around so that I’m not too worried about .But where i need support is helping my stylist that have been here for a couple years. Continue to build their clientele. If you have more questions, DM me @BlendsByBellows. I would love to hear what you’d recommend 🫶🏼

I’ve been listening to Thriving Stylist for years & I always love hearing Britt’s insights about the industry. I would love an episode about WhatsApp. What are the pros/cons of the app for client/stylist communication? Is there any added value to a stylists business in using a messaging app with their clients? Are there any features in WhatsApp for business you think could be beneficial or a hindrance for our industry? Thank you.

Love it

Hey Brit! It would be amazing to hear your thoughts on a future podcast episode diving into hybrid salon models, especially when it comes to the balance of booth renters and employees. Do you think they should be clearly differentiated in a salon’s branding and website? I’ve really struggled with how to make it clear to clients that booth renters are independent businesses who are simply renting space. It feels misleading not to distinguish them to clients, especially when I’ve often had renters’ clients call or text me directly and then they are a little confused when I tell them they need to reach out to their stylist. But I also know some salons lean more into the salon suite model where the distinction is expected, versus a traditional salon where it’s both rental and stylists are seen as part of the brand. Right now, I allow booth renters to be on our main booking site alongside employees, and honestly I think that’s a huge draw for them—it brings in the bulk of their clients. Ideally, I’d love for each renter to have their own booking link, and I’d still send referrals their way, but I worry about pushback or even losing some of them. I also wonder if that adds too much friction and barrier to entry for clients who book lashes with one person, brows with another, and a facial with someone else—all in one visit. From a business standpoint, the biggest challenge I’m seeing is that some renters with open books are taking a lot of the last-minute bookings from clients who could’ve gone to my employees. It slows down the process of getting my employees fully booked and there’s a client retention issue with some renters who don’t rebook the new clients they receive from online bookings, which is unfair to the rest of the team because they could have taken that client on and probably retained them. Would love to hear your perspective—do you think booth renters and employees should be on the same booking site? Or do you recommend separating them entirely? Thanks so much for everything you share—your insight is always so helpful 💛

Long time listener, former Thriver, very informative podcast. Listening to your most recent episode on policies, I can’t help but notice that the problems of today were your own solutions of yesterday. With your direction and encouragement through the Thrivers program, these policies were rolled out and implemented. And now you’re quite accurately describing the fallout from this over- policization. So I wonder if your solutions for this will then become tomorrow’s problems. I do think you’re really brilliant at making predictions, they are well researched and informed. I just wonder if the solutions you’re selling actually help in the end, or if it’s just a great sales pitch. There’s not a tech solution to every problem, and Thrivers is at heart a tech program.

Britt-I listen every single week and value your advice so much as a stylist and booth rent salon owner. Your prediction about retail in salons in 2026 really struck a nerve…our retail revenue has declined from $78K in our highest year(2021) to $35K. Still a lot, but when I took your advice and added up the expense of carrying retail, the margin was small. I don’t want to stop carrying retail because I see it as a service to our clients and because the brand we carry (Moroccanoil) has become part of my salon’s brand. I was one of those blaming declining sales on Ulta and Amazon, so please do an episode diving deeper into new consumer behavior and solutions for salon owners!

How do you price in 2026? You have to have your fixed costs and parts and labor IS the model, even if it’s not stated that way. When we take out product costs before paying commission, that’s the parts. The client pays that. How do we price then, if we can’t call it what it is? How do we sell extra color so we aren’t eating it?

Thank you Britt for your 2026 predictions! They are always so helpful and thought provoking. I stood behind the chair and in commission salons for 10 years and then went booth rental for the last 5 years. I expanded in the education world, not on my own. I worked as a contractor for a manufacturer. Loved it but the traveling wasn’t suitable for me and my young family. So, I turned in my booth rental keys in, stopped educating as an IC and took a job at the cosmetology school I graduated at 15years ago to continue to expand myself in the education world that is more suitable for my phase of life while earning benefits and a constant paycheck. Do you have any insight on how to continue to grow in this space? I feel like there is opportunity with all these new stylists entering the industry and I get this chance to connect and help with their education. I’m never the type to just settle. I really enjoy what I’m doing but I’m looking for ways to expand whether it’s something I present to the school and build it through them (preferred) or it’s something I create outside of the school for the local graduates in my city. Thanks again!!

Love this podcast since 2016. It’s my industry Bible 🙏. Epi 402 Question— how does this apply to Rental Salon Owners?

Hi Britt, I co-own a salon that operates on a booth rental model. A few of our stylists also offer pedicures and manicures, which means they’re using additional designated spaces in the salon beyond their styling stations. We want to charge fairly for the use of those extra areas so our costs are covered, but we also don’t want our stylists to feel like we’re nickel-and-diming them or taking advantage. How would you recommend structuring rent for add-on services and spaces so it feels fair, sustainable, and positive for both the business and the stylist?

Hey Britt! I just listened to your latest episode about raising prices and find myself in almost the opposite situation. I’m a stylist in an employee based salon and one of, if not the highest producer. I’ve built a phenomenal clientele and I’m super proud of the experience I provide to clients in my chair. Recently my boss has announced he plans to raise my prices…and I’m nervous. I feel that while I personally hit a lot of the benchmarks to warrant a price increase (booked out several months, a constant stream of referrals, a growing waitlist etc.) the salon itself I feel is holding me back from feeling confident in a price increase. The space is looking worn, our social media presence is super dated, the other stylists have become complacent and lazy. I know I’m definitely gossiped about a little bc of how much effort I put into my social media and the “above and beyond” experience I provide for my clients but that’s ok and honestly doesn’t get to me much. My problem is that I’ve been able to keep my clients in the bubble of my curated experience with limited interaction with the less favorable elements of the salon as a whole but recently, not so much. How can I justify charging more money to be in a space that’s deteriorating and receive, what I feel, is a subpar service experience? I’ve spoken to the owner, who is also a stylist, about this and other concerns over the years, and while he’s receptive nothing really changes. His view is “we’re all adults” and everyone should just do what needs to be done. I’d love any ideas you have of ways I can add value to my clients experience so I feel more confident in this price increase. My ig- @hairbygretchenmarie Salon’s ig- @gw.salon

Th best podcast for hairstylists. I’ve been listening for a long time. I’ve learned so much from this podcast. The pricing episode today is definitely speaking to me. I need to make some changes in my business in order to raise. Instagram handle is jwilkerson.hair

Hi Britt !! I’ve been following your podcast ever since I started working at my current salon & became an official Thriver earlier this year! My business wouldn’t be what it is today without your help! My salon owner has decided not to renew the lease on our salon next year and I was hoping for some insight from you. The girls and I all have such a great environment at our current salon and we are all so sad to see it come to an end, although we are very excited for our owner to move forward with the dreams and goals she has set with her family! That all being said, there’s been some talk amongst us girls about starting a “micro salon” in a salon suite location! Have you heard of this trend & do you have any predictions about the future of these little salons? Thanks again for all that you do, we appreciate you!!

Hey Britt! I absolutely love your podcast—I listen every Monday without fail. I’m a salon owner, and I can honestly say I’ve experienced so much growth from every episode. I believe my team is happy and thriving with me as a leader because I truly listen to your advice, take in all perspectives, and implement what you share. Your insights have helped me lead with more intention, clarity, and confidence. I do have a question I’ve been pondering as an owner: Some of my staff have been asking about creating membership services for certain items—like blowdries, facials, and hair extensions. I’ve been running numbers and trying to see how it would work from a client perspective, owner perspective, and commission stylist perspective. Could you share your thoughts on whether implementing memberships in a salon/spa setting is generally helpful or potentially harmful?

Britt Siva’s podcast is like sipping champagne in a masterclass — every episode sparkles with wisdom, strategy, and inspiration. She blends high-end business insights with real-world coaching in a way that feels both luxurious and actionable. Listening to her is like upgrading your mindset to first class while learning how to run your business like a pro.”

Britt I love listening to your podcast and it has helped me so much as a salon owner and stylist. I remember back you had an episode about your morning routine with “white time” I’m not sure what it was called. But I’m trying to find it but I’ve listened to so many and wondering if you can help me find what episode it was on? I remember I think you were saying you were in Lake Tahoe doing it but can’t find it! Please help! Xoxo

Hi!! I’ve been thriving since 2019. When I found you it was like you were speaking my language for the first time I was hearing someone speak the values I felt in my heart! It was validating and I learned how to turn them into action. I was wondering, as consumer behavior is changing, about charging clients the processing fee. I know this is a hot button topic but it’s also becoming the norm. It feels tacky but at the same time it seems like most clients don’t care. Disclaimer: I haven’t implemented this but am trying to weigh. From a business standpoint it makes sense & I could do more for my staff with that money. But I also wonder what I does to a stylists tip for example. A lot of salon owners in my area have implemented this and say they have lost 0 clients. They’re also owners I believe & trust. I’d love your insight, Thankyou!!

Hi Brit, I love your podcast! I have been out of the industry for 5 years and would love to come back. The only this is I am a full time mom with no help outside of my husband. My plan is to start my online education. I have been licensed since 2007 and only had chain salon experience. What would you suggest to someone like me? My confidence as dwindled so practicing and educating will be most helpful for me right now. Thanks so much, Felixia (“Felicia”)

I have to start by saying I have been a fan for the past five years. Thrives leadership has always been on my wish list but I have not wanted to take the leap until I can fully commit the time to it. So I will live by your podcast for now. I’ve been a booth rental salon owner for six years. My salon is thriving in a massive way. Every Stylist that comes in with zero clientele is full within a couple months. We turn away work daily. I know you don’t necessarily coach to booth rental salons, but something that I don’t hear talked about enough is the fallout when you give notice. I understand that hurt people hurt people. So I do my best to be kind. I’ve listened to your advice about doing what’s right by everyone when it’s not a good fit. Unfortunately, when you give someone a career on a silver platter, and then take it away, my experience has been extreme vengefulness. Everything from slander, bashing on public forums, bad reviews, and now lawsuits. I’ve learned the hard way that even with rock solid leases, abiding by all the laws and treating people well still leaves you in a gray area without Insurance stepping in. Settlements are cheaper than litigation. I’m having a really hard time wanting to continue even though the business is massively successful. Literally out of fear.

I just listened to your most recent episode and this Friday is my last day at the salon I’ve been at for the past 4.5 years. I’ve been in this industry for 20 years and this salon owner did me in. Definitely lacked the leadership qualities you spoke of in your past episodes. But I’m not going to another salon and I’m not going to a studio suite (been there done that and it definitely wasn’t for the money). I’m becoming a mobile stylist…freelance if you will. If my clients aren’t comfortable with me going to their homes, I extend the invitation for them to come to mine. If you have any thoughts about this, I’d love to hear them. Love your podcast!

Hi Britt! I am so excited to have found your podcast!! I respect your insight, knowledge and professionalism. . . I’ve been an independent hairstylist/booth renter for 30 years. My schedule stays quite full, work too many hours, consistently get new referrals (I don’t advertise or do social media). My clientele has a wide range, women, men, teens & seniors. I love my career and enjoy keeping up on education. I have listened to you talk about raising prices, which a struggle and a road block that I know is holding me back and I’m losing money (Our salon is busy and some of my colleagues are guilty of the same). I’m embarrassed to say, I have not done a price increase since 2018!! It’s been so long that I don’t even know where to begin or how much to increase, even more with all that is happening politically . . What I do know is I am wayyyy below market and need a swift kick!! Sincerely, Embarrassed and tired of the insecurity and guilt of doing business. Thank you so much for your time.

I have signed up for Thrivers and just “couldn’t find time” so I just used the podcast! I feel like I have to MAKE time! 2025 hair is so different and you have the BEST info for us stylists!!!

As a public school elementary principal with a spray tan business and a dream to go to cosmetology school once I retire, this podcast not only blends entrepreneurial wisdom, but real world leadership advice. What I appreciate most is how practical and actionable each episode is. Every episode feels like a mini business coaching session. I can take pieces from each episode and use them both in my business and in my professional career. This podcast is a gem! I’m praying to meet qualifications of a Thriver Society Member one day!

Hi!! I absolutely love the podcast, and I have kind of a broad question for you. I’m hoping you can help me with where to start. I have followed and listened to your podcast since before starting beauty school in 2019. I went straight into booth renting, and have been fully booked the last few years which I’m so grateful for. Now, I am in the process of building my own salon! I have seen tons of info on salon ownership/fixing problems/ deciding structure based off of past data- but what about when you’re starting fresh? I know that learning and trials will be apart of the process, but I want to do everything I can to start this business on the right foot and set it up for success and profitability! Any insight or advice you have I would be so grateful. Thank you!! And p.s. I do plan on joining thrivers leadership, but I’m not sure if now would be the right time or if I need to wait until I have more data to go off of? Thank you 🥰🥰

Brit Siva for President! I listened to this podcast a year before opening my salon, and now, one year in, I’ve grown my revenue by 150%—offering just one service. Brit’s advice is insanely actionable, and simply by listening and implementing what she shares, my business is thriving. I haven’t even joined Thrive, just the podcast alone has transformed my salon.

Listening to Britt on the Member’s Only podcast today hit me hard—in the best way. It’s not a “now what?” mindset, it’s a “Oh WOW—I’m still growing my business!” Revisiting these updated modules has me feeling so clear and grateful for this journey. I’m a content and education junkie, and I just love how each module flows beautifully into the next. As I work through everything, I find myself asking important questions: “This is great for new clients, but what about current clients?” It’s making me rethink and reset how I serve everyone who walks through our doors. Sometimes I get distracted by shiny objects and lose focus, but this reset is grounding me in my purpose. I’m embracing the opportunity to keep growing and refining my passion for curly hair care and community. 💫 I just feel so grateful to be able to hit reset and keep learning, both personally and professionally. Thank you to everyone who supports and encourages me along the way—especially my amazing team and community. 🧡

Hey Britt!! I am a previous thriver. I need to come back! I have anemia and its been super hard to work so my pay has been cut. My husband is military but he is a reservist. He is trying to get an active duty slot for 4 years moving. Maybe to California! But how should I go about this. I'm worried for my health but we would have great insurance vs what we have now if he goes active duty but we would have to move and I would have to rebuild. I am struggling on this decision. But something is pulling me in the direction to move. And I feel like it would be a great change for our lives! Please help me. I feel like military spouses aren't talked about a lot. But I know you will have the best answer for me! :) thank you for all that you do! I will be back to thrivers!

Hi Britt! It was a hard pill to swallow your most recent episode regarding the new level to the marketing funnel but I needed it. I have a question about last minute cancellations. I had a client book 3-4 weeks in advance of her appointment. On the day of her appointment, she cancels last minute because she’s “feeling sick”. She never mentioned rescheduling just wanted to cancel. How should we go about enforcing cancellation policies with clients that have not fully built trust yet? I’m torn between refunding her deposit to avoid any backlash like a bad Google review. Or enforcing a policy she agreed to when booking. How do we handle cancellation policies in 2025 and going forward?

Hey Britt! Big fan of the podcast and you. Been in and out and back in thrivers now since 2022 and I can literally say your advice has built my business from the ground up and given me what I need in life. Thank you! Now I’m at a cross roads, I know you’ve said more suite owners are pivoting to booths and commission and I’m thinking about being one of them. To pivot to a booth would actually raise my overhead by about $300 but I’m still thinking of doing it to have a little less responsibility after I have my second baby. Do you think it still makes sense to pivot away from a suite even when it’s more expensive? Context: it’s still below 25% of my monthly revenue and I’d still be on track for my growth goals this year with the pivot. My hesitation is I’ve worked so hard on my brand and I feel like I’d have to completely rebrand with the move and I’m not sure that’s the best business move. Any advice would be appreciated!

I’ve been listening to the podcast for years and done Britt’s coaching program. The information is always relevant and beneficial and will truly uplevel your career if you follow the advice

I loved the last woo woo episode. I am always here for learning and whipping my butt in shape when I need a reality check. I love the tough love and tend to lean towards the more aggressive approach to buisness learning but this episode is exactly what I needed to ground me.

Hey Brit! I just listened to the Shrinkage episode. I was wondering what your thoughts on stylist/ salons adding memberships to their service menus. Do they work in the long run? Are people interested in them. Thinking of doing something like this for blowouts especially for my ladies who come in weekly.

Love the latest episode. It’s great to hear Brit be vulnerable.

I have been listening for the last 2 years and have gotten so much from every single episode and is something I look forward to listening to every single week. It has helped me gain so much clarity on how I manage my business as well as how to keep growing in the future. In the most recent episode with the topic of google reviews I do have a question and have been wondering this every time you mention a google review. As a booth renter I do ask for reviews on the salon profile. Should I also create a personal one and ask for reviews on both?

Woo woo episode is hands down the best episode I have ever heard you do., the transparency has won me over. 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼 do more like this!

This episode was such a breath of fresh air. I was a thriver a few years ago, and I follow you emphatically. To me, you perfectly presented yourself before, but this episode you let loose a little bit in a way I haven’t heard you do so in the past. It was very real and touching, and I can relate to so much of what you talked about. Thank you for all your education and wisdom!

I’d love to know what you think about the moral dilemma of using platforms like Facebook and Instagram when you don’t align with the creators/founders ethics. Social media is important for marketing and connecting with your audience, but it can also be troubling when you don’t align with the moral compass of the people who created the platform. I personally would love to get rid of Facebook and Instagram from my life. I never had tiktok and never would, for the same reasons. However, I’m afraid of the lack of connection with potential clients. I’m confused and conflicted. Would love to know your thoughts.

LOVE listening to you every Monday morning! I’m also a Bay Area native and really appreciate how you use data as examples—so insightful! I’ve been a hairstylist for 14 years, and with all the recent social media conflicts (like people leaving Facebook and the possible end of TikTok), what platform would you predict or recommend for hairstylists to continue effectively promoting our work?

I love Thrivers so much and appreciate your help for the non-millennial generation. As I age in this industry it gets harder but your program helps sooo much! I have a younger employee that just came back from having a baby. I'm sure dress code isn't her priority. I did explain the dress code when she was hired. I have mentioned a few times about our dress code but she continues to not get it. Without making her feel bad I'm having trouble finding the right words. (Being self conscious about baby weight)(I did listen to your podcast about dress code but looking for more verbiage) Thanks so much Your the best Lots of love Lizzy