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About

Welcome to Brazen and Bold, the podcast that tells it like it is. Hosted by Heather Harris, we dive into raw, real conversations with entrepreneurs, salon owners, and business leaders who are breaking the rules of success. Get ready for bold insights, actionable takeaways, and a few laughs along the way!

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Latest Episodes

Episode 56

The Future of Salons: AI, Innovation, and Human Connection with Sam Brocato

After 54 years in beauty, NAHA winner Sam Brocato reveals the mindset that fueled his success—and why curiosity beats talent. He shares how AI is transforming salon operations while making space for deeper human connection, plus the metrics every owner needs to know for the future.

Episode 55

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 team or her sanity. She shares the real leadership mistakes, weekly check-in systems, and culture-building strategies that made it sustainable. If you're scaling a business, this conversation is pure gold.

Episode 54

Leadership Through Loss & Reinvention with Christopher Cody Hartl

Heather sits down with Christopher Hartle for a raw, funny, and deeply honest conversation about what happens when the business you built no longer fits the life you want. From getting fired for barricading a boss’s house with Christmas trees to navigating divorce and selling a seven-figure salon brand, they explore the human side of leadership—addiction, identity, reinvention, and why transparency with your team matters more than ever. Vulnerable, hilarious, and incredibly real.

Episode 53

Your Brand Needs Lore, Not a Logo — with Andi of Oui We Studio

Heather Harris and Andi of Oui We Studio flip branding on its head. Your logo barely matters, but your lore does. They unpack why a strong point of view is your most powerful marketing tool, how human design can transform your work, and why trying to please everyone might be killing your growth.

Episode 52

Stop Being the Bottleneck: How to Delegate, Scale, and Finally Lead

If you've ever thought "I just want my life back," this conversation is your wake-up call. Salon owners Heather and Lucy get real about the hard lessons and practical steps that helped them stop doing everything themselves and finally lead. Learn how to find hidden revenue, delegate effectively, and break through the biggest ceiling in your business: you.

Episode 51

From $200 and a Dream: How Anne Marie Krainich Built a Culture-First Salon Empire

From a few hundred dollars and a dream, Anne Marie Krainage turned Ottalaus Salon into a multi-location, award-winning empire built on culture first. She shares the messy middle, the Monday she almost quit, and why closing her salon for education actually boosted the bottom line. Plus, how her Fearless Project empowers women escaping domestic abuse—and why fearless is the word that drives everything she does.

Episode 50

From Burnt Out to Bought Out: Nikki Le on Selling Her Salon & Building Her Leadership Legacy

Salon owner burnout isn't failure—it's a signal you've hit a leadership lid. Nikki Le shares how she grew, scaled, and sold her salon, and the hard-won lessons on energy, team structure, and a 3-year buyout framework that made it possible. Whether you're dreaming of exit or just surviving the day-to-day, this conversation is your permission slip to breathe and reset.

Episode 49

The Truth About Why Salon Owners Stay Overwhelmed (And How to Fix It)

Heather Harris and Lucy Randall join Brigette Sobus to reveal how salon owners can stop doing everything themselves and finally step into their CEO role. Through smart delegation, data-driven marketing, and consistent systems, you’ll learn to ditch the overwhelm for more freedom, clarity, and profit. It’s time to reclaim your time and lead with intention.

Episode 48

Why Your Clients Aren’t Buying (And How to Fix It Without Selling)

Most salon owners think the problem is pricing or marketing—but it's not. Global luxury retail expert Arif explains the real reason clients aren't buying, and it has nothing to do with sales tactics. Discover a simple emotional connection strategy that can increase client spend by 70 percent, and learn how selling naturally never feels pushy.

Episode 47

Why Your Clients ‘Love You’… But Never Come Back (And How to Fix It)

Your biggest business problem might be the one hiding in plain sight: the client who tells you they love you, then quietly disappears. Salon veteran Lou DeCola joins Heather to reveal how data, systems, and a fresh take on team structure can stop the silent exodus and unlock real retention. This conversation will shift how you see growth.

Episode 46

LIVE FROM INSPIRING CHAMPIONS! From Consultation to Cash Flow: The Salon Systems That Drive Growth

Heather and Lucy are live from Champ Camp in Dallas, sharing the best insights from salon leaders across the country. Discover how simple changes to consultations boost revenue, why rebooking systems drive growth, and how behind-the-scenes support turns ideas into repeatable results. Packed with practical tips you can use right away.

Episode 45

Stop Losing New Hires: The Associate Program That Actually Retains Talent

Keeping great stylists is even harder than hiring them. Coach Chris Baran breaks down a scalable training system that gets new associates producing revenue faster and keeps them around for the long haul. Grab a free 30-day trial and start building a culture where talent actually stays.

Episode 44

Stop Working Harder. Start Working Smarter in Your Salon. Tracey Napotnik Shares THE Resource for ALL

Stop grinding 80-hour weeks in your salon if you're still not profitable. Beauty industry leader Tracey Napotnik reveals how education, mentorship, and tracking numbers turned her struggling salons into thriving businesses—and how her platform SalonTraining.com gives stylists the exact tools to do the same. If you’re ready to work smarter, not harder, this conversation is your shortcut.

Episode 43

How to Build a Salon That Wins in Any Economy with Jack Panico

Jack Panico of Panico and Heirs to Beauty shares how to lead a multi-generational salon through industry shifts, from embracing AI without losing the guest experience to thriving in a world where products are everywhere. It’s a real talk on legacy, retail, and why stylists are the true heirs of this business. Practical insights for salon owners and stylists who care about team culture and genuine client connections.

Episode 42

Hidden Growth: How L’Oréal’s Level Program Can Elevate Your Salon Business

Most salon owners are leaving money on the table with their loyalty rewards, and Heather Harris and industry expert Beverly Shortt reveal how L'Oréal's Level program can be a game-changer for business growth, team development, and even tech upgrades. They share common redemption mistakes and creative ways to turn points into meaningful experiences and education. If you're ready to operate with a stronger business mindset, this conversation will show you how to tap into resources you already have.

Episode 41

Delegate to Elevate: How Salon Owners Scale with AI Without Losing Their Culture

Heather Harris sits down with salon owner Michaela Blissett Williams and tech innovator Vinay to explore scaling with AI without losing culture. They break down how delegation and tech free leaders to focus on people, driving bookings and retention. Perfect for owners who want growth without sacrificing connection.

Episode 40

When Authenticity Becomes Your Brand with Jenna Muehlenberg

Longtime friends Heather and Jenna Muehlenberg dive into Jenna's twenty-one-year journey from receptionist to salon owner and national educator. Expect rebellious piercings, accidental competition wins, and the hilarious origin of their Academy nicknames. A warm, real conversation about authenticity, building a team, and balancing four kids with a thriving salon.

Episode 39

Luxury in the Little Things: How to Elevate Guest Experience, Retention & Revenue (Without Selling Hard)

Higher retention and stronger revenue don’t require a bigger menu—just a few intentional, luxurious moments. Heather Torriente talks with Daimon Barber’s team about how tiny service enhancements, education over hard selling, and skincare-grade haircare can transform guest experience. It’s a fresh take on building trust and value without adding stress.

Episode 38

Meet Jude: The Force Behind Spark’s Smartest AI Innovations

Meet Jude, the tech lead who went from fixing washing machines to building Spark's smartest AI innovations. Lucy Randall sits down with the force behind Roxy, custom chatbots, and systems that drive thousands of monthly visits without paid ads. If you're a business owner craving smarter, time-saving tools, this conversation is pure problem-solving magic.

Episode 37

How AI Will Amplify Your Salon Team—Not Replace It

Paddy Monahan went from telecoms engineering to obsessing over salons, and he’s here to explain why talking to customers is the most powerful tool you have. He breaks down how AI can help your team be more consistent and profitable without losing the human touch—plus why so many salon ads fall flat and how to fix it.

Episode 36

Turn Guests Into Superfans: Barry Quinn on Loyalty, Retention & Making Your Software Work for You

Barry Quinn of Phorest North America shares how salon owners can stop hoping guests return and start building systems that guarantee it—without relying on tired "buy 9 get 1 free" models. Learn why treats beat discounts, how to coach your team with data, and simple automations that plug revenue leaks. If you're only using your software to book appointments, this conversation will shift your approach.

Episode 35

From Burned-Out Behind the Chair to a $1.3M Hair Loss Studio: Shanna Moll on Integrity, Profit & Brave Pivots

Stylist Shanna Moll went from chasing double-booked days to helming a $1.3M hair loss studio built on transparency and empathy. After a pivotal trip to Israel, she pivoted from burnout to serving clients with profound hair loss—all while traveling the country in her Airstream and coaching others to build values-led, profitable businesses. This conversation is your permission slip to do the same.

Episode 34

Not Luck—A System: How Pinup Studio Gets Stylists to Their Goals

Salon success isn't luck; it's structure. Christina Kirkey shares how she built an inclusive, high-energy culture and created the Stylist Playbook—a simple, editable system that helped every one of her stylists get on track to hit their annual goals in the first year. If you want more than pretty hair and a profitable chair, this conversation is for you.

Episode 33

What Your Clients See That You Don’t: The Audit Every Business Needs Before 2026

Your salon might shine in person, but online? That’s where clients see what you don’t. Kip Dodson created the Digital Basic Score to expose the hidden gaps in your digital storefront—and shows why ads and SEO aren’t the real problem. Walk away with simple, free fixes that boost credibility and get clients booking.

Episode 32

Stacey Soble Reveals the Salon Owner Shift: From Chair-Bound to CEO

Salon Today's Stacey Soble breaks down how top owners escape the hamster wheel, transforming from chair-bound stylists to data-driven CEOs. She shares the inside scoop on the Top 200, why numbers matter even for non-math types, and a wild story about a New Hampshire salon that survived a sewage flood using smart coaching and gamified goals. Plus, get a peek at Salon Today's new wellness focus and what judges look for in winning applications.

Episode 31

Let Go to Grow: Building Powerful Partnerships with Virtual Assistants

Lucy Randall from Spark Pro Global takes over the mic to chat with the team’s Client Success Managers about what really makes a virtual assistant partnership thrive. They share proven delegation systems, leadership insights, and clarity-driven communication that turn overwhelm into growth. If you’re ready to scale with confidence—and let your VA own results, not just tasks—this one’s for you.

Episode 30

How Faith, Focus, and High-Ticket Thinking Turned $50 into $650K with Julie Cabezas and Chris Kenney from Self Made Sales

Chris Kenney and Julie Cabezas turned fifty bucks into six hundred fifty thousand dollars with faith, focus, and high-ticket thinking. Now they're sharing the exact blueprint corporate leaders use to launch premium consulting companies, monetize their genius, and build a legacy without burning out. If you've built empires for others, this is your chance to learn how to price premium, lead enrollment conversations that feel like service, and turn your expertise into real revenue.

Episode 29

Inside Spark: Assistants, Delegation & Doing More

Lucy Randall, Spark's COO, and Florence, their Marketing Manager, take the mic to share what it's really like working at Spark. From Arizona to the Philippines, they dive into client projects, team collaboration, and how delegation transforms businesses. This candid conversation celebrates the team behind the bold ideas.

Episode 28

Drop Dead Creativity: How Kristi Day Turned Innovation, Alopecia, and Gratitude into an Industry Movement

Salon owner and global educator Kristi Day turned innovation, alopecia, and a whole lot of gratitude into an industry movement. She shares how she built Drop Dead Studio with her husband, navigated life with humor and strength, and created space for bold creativity. Get ready to feel inspired to live authentically and build something that matters.

Episode 27

Passion + Purpose: The Path to Salon Success with Jacqueline Rodriguez

Jacqueline Rodriguez—clean beauty expert and salon owner—shares how to build a profitable, non-toxic salon that keeps clients and team members coming back. From conscious leadership to energy healing and clean product vetting, she offers real steps to shift your culture and cut through greenwashing. Perfect for salon owners ready to grow sustainably without sacrificing revenue.

Episode 26

Secret Service, Sandbags & 3 Seconds of Joy — with Alec Watson

A former rock musician turned award-winning photographer, Alec Watson has the wildest behind-the-scenes stories—like photographing two presidents while security teams argued over his memory card. He and Heather talk about gale-force winds, chemical peels, and why chasing those three seconds of pure joy is worth the other ninety-seven that hurt. It’s a funny, fast nudge to say yes to the bold thing.

Episode 25

No Excuses, Just Action: Lessons from Bennie Pollard

Bennie Pollard turned small-town beginnings into a salon empire by refusing to let fear win. Her “get out of the car” mindset is all about taking bold action instead of talking yourself out of your dreams. It’s an inspiring, no-excuses conversation for stylists and entrepreneurs ready to move.

Episode 24

Chaos to Clarity: Rhysa & Abby on Scaling, Sanity & Success

Rhysa Anderson and Abigail Brown turned chaos into clarity, building a thriving salon empire while juggling motherhood, leadership, and entrepreneurship. These two badasses share how they scaled past survival, created a game-changing app for salon owners, and learned that resilience sometimes means wine by noon. It's a story of freedom, leadership, and building a business that thrives without burning out.

Episode 23

How to Balance Salon Success with Team + Client Happiness

Heather sits down with Scott Buchanan, founder of Scott J Salons, who shares how he built a brand where team members stay for three decades. His secret lies in three simple questions: Is it good for the salon, the team, and the client? Plus, he opens up about delegation, letting others shine, and creating a culture where everyone wins.

Episode 22

High-Ticket Mindset: Selling Big, Loving Yourself Bigger

Chris from Self-Made Sales reveals the surprising secret to selling big: loving yourself even bigger. He explains how leaning into your emotions and celebrating wins fuels confidence, and shares his Loss Authority Mindset — believing there’s always a solution. This conversation is permission to dream bigger and charge what you’re worth.

Episode 21

Don’t Ghost Your Leads, Girl: Salon Automation 101

Marketing brains meet salon grit in this chat with Brynne Travis, co-founder of My Salon Concierge. She and her brother turned their own salon experience into a lead-gen machine, revealing why your front desk is your secret weapon for booking more clients and boosting profits. Learn how to automate leads without losing the personal touch—and why thriving salon CEOs shift their mindset to work smarter, not harder.

Episode 20

Numbers, Leadership & ChatGPT?! Lessons from a New Salon Owner

Jennifer gets real about taking over a salon—balancing leadership with life, investing in coaching, and even using ChatGPT to level up. Her biggest lesson? Treat your salon like a business: know your numbers, document what works, and hire with purpose. Honest, inspiring, and full of "why didn’t I do that sooner?" moments.

Episode 19

From Walkout to Winning: Mitch Eubanks on Leading Through the Hard Stuff

Mitch Eubanks went from dancing on stages to leading a salon—and when his team walked out, he didn’t crumble. Instead, he listened, learned, and rebuilt with humility and humor. This conversation is packed with honest leadership lessons for anyone navigating chaos and earning trust along the way.

Episode 18

Turn Your Salon Into a Profit Machine with Ross Loveland

Heather chats with Ross Loveland, founder of True Profit Salons, about transforming salon finances with the Profit First system. He shares his own lowest moments and how this simple cash management approach brought him financial peace and confident growth decisions. A game-changing conversation for any salon owner ready to stop stressing over money and start building a sustainable, profitable business.

Episode 17

The Power of Yes: Unlocking Joy & Opportunity with Tammie Axworthy

Tammie Axworthy, a stylist who's walked Fashion Week runways, lives by a simple rule: say yes to what scares you. She reveals how that leap unlocked unexpected joy and opportunity, and how she builds a team culture rooted in trust and fearless growth. This conversation will leave you ready to lead with courage and think bigger.

Episode 16

Show Up, Be Seen: Unlocking Camera Confidence for Your Brand

Ready to stop feeling awkward on camera? Heather and on-camera coach Chris Sulimay share how to find your authentic voice, break through the fear of being seen, and make video content that feels natural and fun. Heather also opens up about her own shift from stiff to magnetic, plus details on Chris's September workshop in Sarasota for anyone ready to finally show up and be seen.

Episode 15

From Clicks to Lifelong Clients: Kati Whitledge & the Magic of MYA ✨

Kati Whitledge combined her salon experience with a love of psychology to build MYA, a platform that turns website clicks into loyal clients and cuts marketing costs. Her tool has already generated over $20 million in revenue, with sights set on $50 million by 2025. This is the story of turning salon frustrations into a movement.

Episode 14

The Education Effect: How to Elevate Stylists & Save Your Salon

Heather sits down with Cole Thompson—former Sassoon Creative Director turned founder of Elevation H—to talk about why education is the secret weapon against stylist burnout and salon turnover. They explore how elevating your team’s skills transforms the guest experience and keeps your best talent from walking out the door. Cole’s platform makes world-class training accessible anytime, anywhere, so your salon can finally stop surviving and start thriving.

Episode 13

Loyal Clients, Loyal Stylists: The Kip Dodson Blueprint

Kip Dodson brings an engineer's brain and a salon owner's heart to the table, showing you how data and systems can actually deepen your team and client relationships. He tackles stylist turnover head-on, then reveals his NPS system that turns feedback into fierce loyalty and rave-worthy service. Practical, fresh, and full of heart.

Episode 12

Cash Flow & Exit Plans: Michael Cole’s Salon Success Secrets

Certified Financial Analyst and barbershop owner Michael Cole pulls back the curtain on what salons really need to skyrocket revenue—and it’s not just filling the books. He also delivers a clear-eyed wake-up call on why every salon owner, whether just starting out or dreaming of a legacy, needs an exit strategy yesterday. This conversation is pure fuel for your money, mindset, and future.

Episode 11

Salon Owners, It’s Time to Pivot: Hard Truths with Tim Howard

Salon owners, get ready for some real talk. Tim Howard—hairstylist, salon owner, and the mind behind Vish—shares the wild journey from behind the chair to building a tech company that helped one salon wipe out over $1 million in debt. He doesn't hold back on the brutal lessons, necessary pivots, and why embracing change is non-negotiable for thriving in today's industry.

Episode 10

Compassionate & Unstoppable: Amber Pope’s Leadership Playbook

Amber Pope, the force behind Salon 27, proves that leading with compassion and staying present can expand your influence far beyond your own walls. She shares how being real—even through hard conversations and tough experiences—unlocked partnerships with top brands and a seat at the table for industry-changing solutions. If you're ready to lead boldly while staying grounded, Amber's full-hearted playbook is exactly what you need.

Episode 9

Change is Hard—But So Are You: Salon Takeover Lessons from Bobbi Springer

Bobbi Springer walked into a salon takeover and refused to let resistance win. She shares how she built a new culture, asked the hard questions, and created rituals that fired up her team. If you're ready to lead through change with confidence, this conversation is your blueprint.

Episode 8

Leading Loudly: Real Talk on Vision, Systems & Getting Sh*t Done with Carrie Barchanowicz

Salon owner Carrie Barchanowicz didn’t just take over Shear Talent—she transformed it. She shares how she streamlined operations, found her leadership voice, and finally tackled those big projects by ditching overwhelm for real systems and clear communication. If you’re ready to stop spinning and start leading with purpose, this conversation is pure gold.

Episode 7

Burnout, Be Gone: How to Rewire Your Brain for Success — Brigette Sobus

Burnout isn’t a sign to work harder—it’s a signal to dig deeper. Transformational coach Brigette Sobus reveals how NLP, timeline therapy, and hypnosis can rewire the subconscious patterns driving 95% of your decisions, so you can break through ceilings without the hustle. If you’re ready to trade overwhelm for real clarity and ease, this conversation is your green light.

Episode 6

Stop Guessing, Start Connecting — Chris Sulimay’s Blueprint for Content That Converts

Chris Sulimay went from salon storytelling to guiding high-level leaders—and he’s sharing how you can stop guessing and start connecting with content that actually converts. He breaks down why practice and reflection are your secret weapons, why you don't have to film yourself to make an impact, and the three golden questions that clarify your offer. By knowing your goal, audience, and platform, you’ll build messaging that works without trying to be everywhere.

Episode 5

Stop Reacting, Start Leading: The Smarter Way to Scale Your Business

Tired of running your business on chaos and caffeine? Nicole Roufs shows you how to swap survival mode for calm, strategic leadership with her MOD method—Mindset, Operations, and Data. Discover why sustainable success isn't about constant hustle, but trusting your rhythm, delegating boldly, and building a business that lets you thrive at work and at home. Press play to start leading, not just reacting.

Episode 2

Want to Add $29K to Your Bottom Line? Emotional Intelligence Is the Hack

Want to add $29K to your bottom line? Emotional intelligence is the secret weapon you've been missing. Jay Williams joins to explain why EQ outranks IQ for real leadership, and how self-awareness and empathy can transform your business. Learn to lead with heart and results.

Episode 3

Million-Dollar Mindset: Building a Team That Thrives

Thriving salons and million-dollar revenue come down to one thing: the perfect balance of culture and process. Beauty biz coach Justin Gold shows you how to lead with heart, set clear systems, and build a team that craves structure—without micromanaging. It’s your permission to stop firefighting and start leading like a boss.

Episode 4

Salon Retention Unlocked: Build a Legendary Team

Think bigger paychecks are the secret to salon team loyalty? Nikki Le reveals the real magic—invisible perks, culture worth bragging about, and the three core skills every pro needs. Plus, why trust is your ultimate currency for building a legendary team that sticks around.

Episode 1

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, and that's the ultimate power move. Welcome to Brazen and Bold, where we get real about the wild, messy side of entrepreneurship and share strategies that actually work. Grab your coffee, hit play, and let’s dive into the conversations that’ll help you lead like a CEO and build a business you love.

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