Susan welcomes Zoe Threadgold, a seasoned beauty professional with a remarkable journey in the industry. From starting her career in a local salon to becoming a solo operator and skin specialist, Zoe has now ventured into the realm of distribution with the innovative Neurotris microcurrent device. The conversation delves into Zoe's early experiences in beauty education, the challenges of managing a salon while raising a family, and her transition to a home salon. They discuss the evolution of beauty treatments, the importance of training, and the unique technology behind the Neurotris device, which adapts to individual skin needs. Zoe shares insights on the current state of the beauty industry, the significance of personal connections in client relationships, and her vision for the future of beauty therapy.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Diverse Career Paths in Beauty: The beauty industry offers various career opportunities, from working in salons to becoming a solo operator or even a distributor of beauty equipment.

Importance of Training and Experience: Gaining experience by working with a team after training is crucial. It helps new professionals build confidence and develop their skills in a supportive environment before venturing out on their own.

Adaptation to Industry Changes: The beauty industry is constantly evolving, with new technologies and treatments emerging. Professionals need to stay informed and adapt to these changes to provide the best services to their clients.

Client-Centric Approach: Building strong relationships with clients and understanding their needs is essential. Providing personalized treatments and maintaining open communication can lead to better client satisfaction and loyalty.

BEST MOMENTS

"I discovered the Neutris device and thought, well, I'll try this. We're at home. I had clients asking, what can I do at home?" - Zoe

"I always like to say, you know, there's not many industries where you can be anywhere in the world working." - Susan

"The difference with this machine, it's got the ability to read your skin's impedance to the current, which means that it's working with the skin it's working on." - Zoe

"It's just a time where you became more resourceful... think, right, what can I do?" - Susan

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Beauty And the Best" 1 and 2.

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

https://www.tiktok.com/@beautybusinessmatters

https://marketing.susanroutledge.com/beauty-and-the-best-chapters

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Theresa Heath-Warren welcomes a remarkable guest, who shares her inspiring journey from corporate marketing to becoming one of the UK's top influencers in the industry. The conversation delves into the challenges and triumphs of starting a business as a single parent, the importance of consistency in content creation, and the power of storytelling in marketing. They discuss the nuances of email marketing, the role of AI in content creation, and the significance of understanding one's unique voice in business. With insights on navigating the beauty industry and the value of personal connection, this episode is a treasure trove for beauty salon and clinic owners, as well as entrepreneurs looking to carve their own paths.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Embrace Courage Over Confidence: It's essential to have the courage to start new ventures, such as creating content or launching a business, even if you lack confidence initially.

Consistency is Key: Establishing a regular schedule for content creation, whether it's a podcast or email newsletters, helps build an audience and keeps you accountable.

Personal Connection in Communication: Writing emails or creating content should feel personal and conversational. Addressing your audience as if you're speaking to one individual can enhance engagement and relatability.

Utilize AI Thoughtfully: AI tools can assist in content creation, but it's crucial to input your unique voice and perspective. Using AI to refine your ideas rather than generate them from scratch can help maintain authenticity.

BEST MOMENTS

"It was never planned and there was no strategy. It was mainly winging it, but somehow it got me to where I am." - Theresa

"You have to have the courage first. So don’t wait for confidence. You’re not going to have it because you have no experience of doing it."- Theresa

"If you can go online, you’re doing a service to the people watching. It’s not about you; it’s about them."- Theresa

"Sometimes getting thrown in at the deep end is the best way, isn’t it?" - Susan

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Beauty And the Best" 1 and 2.

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

https://www.instagram.com/teresa_heathwareing/

https://teresaheathwareing.com/

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

https://www.tiktok.com/@beautybusinessmatters

https://marketing.susanroutledge.com/beauty-and-the-best-chapters

SPONSOR

https://www.phorest.com/

https://share.hsforms.com/1Z3Q1VRM8TNqfn11f4cZyPA1c4ta

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Susan engages in a captivating conversation with Liz, a seasoned expert in intellectual property law, particularly within the beauty industry. They reflect on their long-standing friendship and Liz's impressive journey from a science background to becoming a leading IP lawyer. The discussion delves into the importance of protecting intellectual property for businesses, especially in the rapidly evolving beauty sector, where branding, trademarks, copyrights, and patents play crucial roles. Liz shares valuable insights on how entrepreneurs can safeguard their innovations and navigate the complexities of IP law, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and expert guidance.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Importance of Intellectual Property (IP): Understanding and protecting intellectual property is crucial for businesses, especially in the beauty industry, as it can significantly impact brand value and market presence.

Types of IP Protection: Key forms of IP protection include trademarks (for brand names and logos), copyrights (for creative works like photographs and written content), patents (for innovative products and formulations), and licensing (for allowing others to use your IP).

Proactive IP Strategy: Businesses should consider trademarking and protecting their IP from the outset, especially in the age of social media where brands can quickly gain global recognition.

Data Protection Awareness: With the implementation of GDPR, businesses must be vigilant about data protection, ensuring that client information is securely managed and that there are clear agreements regarding data ownership, especially when employing self-employed practitioners.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think it's great to find your groove in that sort of way. I worked for a number of bigger law firms and then set up on my own in 2007." - Liz

"What I love about your company is that nothing seems too small. Every client matters, and your money's just as good to me as it is coming from a big brand." - Susan

"You need to trademark from the get-go... Social media's changed everything. You put a brand onto YouTube, and it can become a global phenomenon really quickly." - Liz

"Copyright protects the physical expression of something... So, for example, a photograph, a piece of music, a piece of software, a piece of written work." - Liz

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Beauty And the Best" 1 and 2.

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

https://www.tiktok.com/@beautybusinessmatters

https://marketing.susanroutledge.com/beauty-and-the-best-chapters

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Susan welcomes PR expert Amanda Fitzgerald, known for her ability to help businesses gain major visibility. Amanda shares her inspiring journey into the world of public relations, starting from her early experiences in her mother's bead business to launching her own ventures. The conversation delves into the importance of PR as an essential business life skill, emphasizing how it can elevate a brand's credibility and attract clients. Amanda offers practical tips for getting started with PR, including the significance of crafting a compelling pitch and the value of local press coverage.

OFFERS

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Use your special coupon code: BEAUTY7 at checkout to watch this masterclass for JUST £7!

https://www.amandafitzgerald.co.uk/AwardPR

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Importance of PR as a Business Skill: Understanding how to promote oneself and one's business through public relations is essential for all entrepreneurs, regardless of their industry.

Local Press as a Starting Point: For those new to PR, starting with local publications can be beneficial. Gaining recognition in local media can lead to opportunities in national press, as journalists often look for local stories.

Preparation is Key: Having a PR toolkit ready, including professional photos and a well-crafted press release template, can streamline the process of pitching to the media.

BEST MOMENTS

"Getting publicity even for a CEO all the way down to absolute beginner is an essential business life skill. You need to know how to self-promote." - Amanda

"I think a lot of it just procrastinates and thinking what you should do." -Susan

"Whenever you're pitching yourself to the press, think about the reader, the viewer, or the listener, not just you, the business owner."- Amanda

"The power of PR is amazing at raising your profile, so it shouldn't be overlooked."- Amanda

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Beauty And the Best" 1 and 2.

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

http://www.amandapr.com/

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

SPONSOR

https://www.phorest.com/

https://share.hsforms.com/1Z3Q1VRM8TNqfn11f4cZyPA1c4ta

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Susan sits down with Gilian Huntley, the founder and director of Elite Probes, to discuss her inspiring journey in the beauty industry. Gilian shares how the COVID-19 lockdown prompted her to innovate in the field of blemish removal, leading to the development of specialized probes for treating various benign skin blemishes. The conversation delves into the evolution of training in this area, the profitability of blemish removal treatments, and the growing recognition of this niche within the beauty sector. Additionally, they discuss Gilian's recent initiatives, including sponsoring the first award for blemish removal at Professional Beauty and organizing a charity event at the iconic Gherkin in London, aimed at raising awareness and funds for skin cancer prevention.

LINKS TO GUEST

Instagram - @eliteprobes

Tiktok - @eliteprobes
www.eliteprobes.co.uk

07399397903

Charity Event

https://www.eliteprobes.co.uk/skcin-charity-and-educational-events

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Origin of Elite Probes: The idea for Elite Probes emerged during the lockdown when the founder recognized a gap in the market for effective blemish treatments, particularly after the NHS stopped funding such procedures.

Training and Qualifications: Unlike traditional electrolysis training, which required extensive qualifications, new training programs now allow beauty therapists with a Level 3 qualification or relevant medical background to specialize in blemish removal without needing prior electrolysis training.

Profitability of Blemish Removal: Blemish removal treatments are highly profitable, with therapists able to recoup their investment in training and equipment within weeks.

Collaboration with Medical Professionals: There is a growing trend of referrals from GPs to trained therapists for blemish removal, as many patients prefer quicker, non-invasive treatments compared to long wait times for dermatologists.

BEST MOMENTS

"I realized that the products that we were using hadn't been changed, hadn't been updated. The blemishes that we were getting in were getting bigger and bigger." - Gilian

"I think one of the misconceptions is that you used to have to have your full electrolysis qualification... But you can actually train without having an electrolysis qualification now." - Susan

"When you look at how much you can charge for a blemish and how long it takes you to do it... you could make that back in two to three weeks." - Gilian

The public are quite liking coming to us therapists as opposed to a medical GP doctor... We have got a very natural caring nature because of what we do." - Gilian

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Beauty And the Best" 1 and 2.

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

Susan welcomes her friend Jaxon Feeley, a former prison officer who transitioned while working in a male prison. Jaxon shares his inspiring journey of authenticity and resilience, discussing the challenges he faced during his transition and how he used his experiences to educate others. The conversation delves into the importance of difficult conversations, the impact of social media, and the power of vulnerability in connecting with others. Jaxon also reflects on his work in the media, including his appearances on TV shows like "Hunted" and "Banged Up," and his aspirations to become a leading voice for authenticity in the UK. With humour and heartfelt insights, this episode highlights the significance of living true to oneself and the transformative power of sharing one's story.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Authenticity and Resilience: The journey of transitioning and personal growth emphasizes the importance of living authentically and being resilient in the face of challenges.

Impact of Vulnerability: Engaging in difficult conversations and being open about personal struggles can foster understanding and connection, even in challenging environments like a male prison.

Social Media as a Tool for Growth: Utilizing social media as a platform for self-expression and documentation can serve as a powerful personal development tool.

Navigating Change: Transitioning from structured environments, such as the prison service, to self-employment can be daunting.

BEST MOMENTS

"I started to try and build a platform to educate as many people as possible around the topic, around transitioning, both with gender and in life." - Jaxon

"If you can allow yourself and those closest to you to take the piss out of your biggest insecurities, no one in this world can touch you."- Jaxon

"I think the thing is, when something's out of someone's comfort zone, the fear is that like, someone only like, we'll just not talk about it kind of thing." - Susan

"I believe that if it can change, well, you know, you heard me, one voice can change the world."- Jaxon

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Beauty And the Best" 1 and 2.

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

SPONSOR

https://www.phorest.com/

https://share.hsforms.com/1Z3Q1VRM8TNqfn11f4cZyPA1c4ta

Susan welcomes Dan and Anna Inglis, directors of Elegant Touch, who recently achieved the remarkable feat of winning the UK Professional Beauty Large Salon of the Year award on their first attempt. The episode delves into their inspiring journey, from Anna's early passion for beauty and her initial foray into the industry to the couple's strategic growth of their salon, which now boasts a team of 12. They discuss the challenges they faced during the pandemic, the importance of maintaining high standards, and the unique touches that set their salon apart. Listeners will gain insights into their award application process, the significance of teamwork, and how they balance their thriving business with family life. This episode is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence in the beauty industry.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Passion for the Beauty Industry: Anna has had a long-standing passion for the beauty industry, starting from a young age and continuing through her education and career.

Team Development and Growth: The couple emphasizes the importance of building a strong team. They have successfully grown their team from one to twelve members, utilizing a mix of experienced therapists and apprenticeships to ensure quality and consistency in service.

Recognition and Awards: Entering and winning industry awards, such as the UK Professional Beauty Large Salon of the Year, has been a significant milestone for Elegant Touch.

Work-Life Balance: The importance of maintaining a work-life balance is highlighted, especially after experiencing a health scare.

BEST MOMENTS

"I chose hair, childcare and beauty, and beauty was the one that I absolutely loved." - Anna

"I said yeah go on then, I'll come and see you, forget paying those sorts of fees." - Dan

"I think it was a reset for us. I feel like we've never been stronger since then." - Anna

"We've looked after people very well from day one. The way Anna looks after them and the empathy that you show them." - Dan

www.eleganttouchuk.co.uk

Instagram- elegant_touch_beauty

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Bea And the Best" 1 and 2.

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

https://www.tiktok.com/@beautybusinessmatters

https://marketing.susanroutledge.com/beauty-and-the-best-chapters

In today's episode, Susan shares valuable insights on how to choose the right equipment for your beauty business. She outlines 20 essential considerations to ensure that your investment meets client demand and enhances your services. From understanding the reasons behind your purchase to conducting thorough research on suppliers, equipment standards, and market saturation, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide for beauty professionals looking to make informed decisions that will ultimately drive their business to success.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Before purchasing equipment, ensure there is genuine demand from clients rather than buying based on personal desire. Conduct surveys or take pre-deposits to gauge interest.

• Investigate the equipment's standards, such as ISO accreditation and patents. Look for recommendations from industry peers and verify the supplier's reputation and history.

• Assess the level of support provided by the supplier, including customer service and training options. Consider the costs associated with training and whether it includes ongoing support for new team members.

• Analyze the return on investment by understanding treatment costs, pricing strategies, and potential resale value. Explore funding options or grants available for purchasing equipment.

• Ensure the equipment has been tried and tested, ideally through demonstrations at trade shows. Look for genuine before-and-after results to confirm its effectiveness before making a purchase.

BEST MOMENTS

"First of all, why do you want that piece of equipment? Is it just that you want that piece of equipment, or is it that you've got demand from your clients for it?"

"Look for recommendations as well. Do you know anyone else who's had that piece of equipment? Look at the results that they've got from it."

"What kind of support are you gonna get with this system? Is it gonna be you just buy it, you're left to your own devices?"

"Look at the resale value as well. If you decide in two years' time that you want to sell that piece of equipment, what's the resale value likely to look at?"

"It is so tempting just to jump in to buy a piece of equipment, but it's a relationship that you're building with that supplier."

HOST BIO

Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.

Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive.

Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Bea And the Best" 1 and 2.

She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars.

Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide.

USEFUL LINKS

https://susanroutledge.com

https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/

SPONSOR

https://www.phorest.com/