PhorestFM: Stories From the Salon Floor
The salon industry has a lot to be proud of. Phorest has always been in awe of it. The energy. The camaraderie. The creativity. Being a business owner takes courage, but it can sometimes become an isolating, all-consuming reality. Amidst the daily whirlwind of tasks, there’s still the challenge of thinking ahead, of carving a path forward. The PhorestFM podcast celebrates innovative ideas, methods, and perspectives on business management and growth, marketing, leadership, and building great teams and cultures. Launched in 2017, it is hosted by Alex Bélisle-Springer (he/they), Global Education Content Lead at Phorest Salon Software. As of Season 9 (2025), new episodes air every second week, with occasional bonus drops on ”off” weeks.
Episodes
[315] When David Popham first opened his salon in 1981, he didn't set out to build a legacy business. And Shirley certainly didn’t set out to work in or manage a salon—she grew up intimidated by them.
In this episode, Shirley and David Popham of Popham Hairdressing (@popham.salons) reflect on decades of hair and life stories. Stories of long, imperfect journeys, humble and unlikely beginnings, chance encounters, love, bold decision...
[314] In Part 2 of this conversation, co-hosted by Luke Doolin (UKI Managing Director at Phorest), we pick up where we left off with Sarah Abel — CEO of TNB Skills Training (@tnbskillstraining) and proudly known in the industry as the Funding Godmother.
The topic of mindset as a strategic tool for growth remains a constant throughout, but in this episode, we spend more time exploring how salon owners can access funding, develop the...
[313] Sarah Abel, also known as the known as the Funding Godmother, is the CEO of TNB Skills Training (@tnbskillstraining) and author of The Power of Funding, is an award-winning entrepreneur and funding strategist with a fierce passion for helping beauty businesses grow, secure funding, and develop accredited and regulated programmes, all without getting buried in bureaucracy.
In Part 1 of this conversation, co-hosted by Luke Dool...
David Colonna (@thedavidcolonna) joins Shauna O'Halloran (Head of Brand & Communications at Phorest) in the Phorest Lounge at the Data-Driven Salon Summit for a catch-up that leads to hearing about how Calligraphy Cut came to be, the circumstances that led David to a career in the industry, and some thoughts on technology. Learn more about Calligraphy Cut here, and about The Maven and The Muse Salon here.
[312] Co-founder of the neurodivergence community and training platform I Am Paying Attention (@iampayingattention), Jess Joy, along with best friend and business partner Charlotte Mia, is championing change in the way we all work, one radically honest conversation at a time.
This episode is no different, featuring vulnerable shares of lived experiences and an exploration of how the pace, pressure, unspoken expectations or the stru...
Noah Warren and Sydney Berry (@HairToStay) join Shauna O'Halloran (Head of Brand & Communications at Phorest) in the Phorest Lounge at the Data-Driven Salon Summit for a short catch-up. Learn more about HairToStay and donate here if you can!
Click here to revisit PhorestFM S08E300 with Noah, Sydney, and many more guests!
Click here to subscribe to the PhorestFM email newsletter: https://bit.ly/3WvQiI7
This episode was edited an...
[311] With over 30 years of experience at all levels in the hairdressing industry and as the longest-running president of the Irish Hairdressers’ Federation, David Campbell (@davhoc) has a passion, drive and determination to improve the industry and raise standards. As the Director of both the House of Colour Salon Group (alongside partners Susan Byrne & Catherine Campbell) and The Salon Edge (one-to-one coaching for salon owne...
[310] Have you ever considered entering the Salon Today 200? Or want to know more about this industry-leading program that showcases salon business success? Behind every honoree's recognition are pages of essays. Stories of innovation, vulnerability, resilience and transformation.
In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the competition and celebrate the grit and vision of two 2025 Salon Today 200 honorees in the Technology bes...
[309] In the dynamic and ever-evolving hair and beauty world, where passion, creativity, and connection make for a truly rewarding career, neurodiversity often remains an unspoken part of the conversation. This panel discussion, recorded live at International Beauty Show NY 2025 (click here for the abridged video version), recognizes that many neurodivergent beauty professionals face barriers—from misunderstanding to a lack of tail...
[308] In this episode, Terra Harvell (@theterraharvell) shares her entrepreneurial journey and the crucial role mindset, determination, and having the right people around you play in turning aspirations into reality. Co-hosted by Phorest Founder & CEO Ronan Perceval, this conversation dives into the lucrative world of hair extensions, why having a clear vision is essential for business growth, and how grit and bold goal-setting...
Ryan Power — UK-based award-winning salon coach and mentor — joins podcast host Alex Bélisle-Springer after his workshop at the Salon Owners Summit 2025 for a 5-year catch-up highlighting the vital role of connection, community and solidarity in the industry.
Get your tickets to the next Salon Owners Summit now: https://www.salonownersummit.com/tickets
Learn more about Ryan Power: https://salonology.uk/
[307] In an episode packed with both insights & anecdotal examples, Ross Loveland (@trueprofitsalons) shares what true financial transformation looks like (hint: there's a 5-pillar framework for it), dispels common financial myths that hold salon owners back and speaks to the mindset shifts required to unlocking sustainable growth and success.
Ross is a salon financial strategist and the founder of True Profit Salons, providing...
Daniel Mason-Jones — Celebrity Stylist and Motivational Speaker — joins podcast host Alex Bélisle-Springer after his keynote at the Salon Owners Summit 2025. They discuss overcoming insecurity, the intrinsic link between authenticity and stepping into your power, belonging and uplifting others. Plus, exclusive moments from the event!
Get your tickets to the next Salon Owners Summit now: https://www.salonownersummit.com/tickets
[306] In 2022, a report by McKinsey & Company estimated addressing racial inequity in the beauty industry to be a $2.6 billion opportunity. Two years later, despite a more-than-welcome surge in conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion, Black hair and beauty professionals, entrepreneurs and consumers still face significant barriers.
Breaking these barriers will require us to redefine excellence and unlearn ingrained ...
Ken Hughes — Leading Consumer Behaviouralist, The King of Customer Experience — joins podcast host Alex Bélisle-Springer after his keynote at the Salon Owners Summit 2025 to further discuss how focusing on authenticity, connection and relationship building in your salon, spa, or clinic business can give you a clear advantage over your competitors. Plus, exclusive moments from the event!
[305] PhorestFM Season 9 is officially underway!
This first episode of 2025, featuring Keya Neal (@keyaartistically), is a rich tapestry of wisdom that underscores the multifaceted nature of authenticity, its power for growth and fulfillment, and the inevitable costs associated with honoring the full spectrum of our identities amidst societal expectations. If you ever needed a reminder that everything you need is within, this is it...
We asked Phorest salons their priorities for 2025, and "GROWTH" was the number one response globally. So, after rerunning many important conversations, reaching 300 episodes, and doing a lot of shadow work last year, we decided it was time for the podcast to, once more, grow with you.
In Season 9, get ready for all the same insightful interviews you love, but then also expect case studies, episodes with special guest co-hosts, live...
[304] Kati Whitledge (@katiwhitledge on Instagram), speaker, podcaster, and the Founder and CEO of mya, is a marketing guru for the beauty and wellness industry who equips owners with no-fluff business and marketing strategies.
She’s here to change how you are supported in your business with, among many things, mya, a client recruitment and marketing software for the beauty industry, and this episode serves as a reflection on innov...
[303] In the second to last episode of the PhorestFM podcast's eight season, Peigín Crowley, celebrated founder of GROUND Wellbeing, recounts the early days of her business and shares her vision for making transformative wellness accessible. Sharing her personal journey throughout the conversation, we explore the profound impact of self-care rituals, the power of inner connection, community-driven wellness, and everything in betwee...
[302] The Client Experience Award is an annual celebration of salons, clinics, and spas that consistently go above and beyond to deliver exceptional services and unforgettable experiences. More precisely, it recognizes the Phorest salons that have reached and maintained a specific criteria for ratings and reviews from their clients.
This year—and for the first time—the Phorest team hit the road to personally ce...
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