Blowouts, Breakdowns & Business Plans

✂️ Episode Summary:

Welcome to the first episode of Mane Talk—where beauty meets business and nothing’s off-limits. Your host, Laura Bell, shares the raw, real, and often hilarious story of how she went from stylist to salon owner, wife, and mom… all in the span of a year and a half. Hear the origin story of Salon 21, what no one tells you about opening a salon, the behind-the-chair myth she busts on the regular, and why this podcast is about way more than just great hair. It’s about community, confidence, and creating beauty your way.

⏱️ Timestamps:

[00:00] Welcome to Mane Talk: Fun, unfiltered, and all things beauty & biz

[01:00] Laura’s journey: stylist → salon owner → wife + mom

[02:00] The dream: creating more than just a hair studio

[03:00] Why “Mane Talk” and what finally pushed her to start the pod

[04:00] Chaos of opening in 2021—health inspections, pandemic setbacks, and a surprise fifth sink

[05:00] Pandemic shutdowns, resilience, and client loyalty

[05:30] Hair myth busting: "Dirty hair helps color?" Nope!

[06:00] What’s next on Mane Talk: Beauty school flashbacks & building confidence

💬 Notable Quotes:

“I went from stylist, to wife, to mom, to business owner—within a year and a half. Chaos? Yes. Worth it? Every second.” Laura Bell

“We made it through. Just like a bad haircut—it eventually grows out.” Laura Bell

“No, dirty hair does not make your colour take better. Grease is a barrier, not a bonding agent!” Laura Bell

“Mane Talk is where beauty meets business—and nothing is off-limits.” Laura Bell

🌐 Connect with Laura & Salon 21:

• 💇‍♀️ Website: salon21.ca
• 📸 Facebook: Salon21.by.LauraMills
• 🪞Instagram: @salon21.hairandaesthetics