Welcome to Season 4! We're diving deep into the business of beauty, starting with what it really takes to open a salon. In this episode, Nicole and Alicia share the essential first steps every future salon owner should know before signing a lease or buying a chair. From clarifying your vision to establishing legal foundations, such as obtaining business licenses and incorporating, we guide you through the groundwork that sets your salon up for long-term success. If you've been dreaming of starting your own space, this is where your roadmap begins.

Find us on Instagram @hello.positiveimage @nicole.manzer @aliciacreate
Email us any ideas, suggestions, or comments at hello.positiveimage@gmail.com
Work with Nicole - manzermethodcoaching@gmail.com
Work with Alicia - alicia.lumsden.to@gmail.com

In this episode, we break down everything you need to know about running payroll in your salon — from how often to pay your team to staying compliant with government regulations. Whether you’re using an hourly, commission, or hybrid pay structure, we’ve got you covered with real-world info and salon-specific tips. We’ll walk you through payroll frequency, deductions, software options, managing tips, and more. This episode is packed with practical advice, including a downloadable cheat sheet to keep your payroll smooth, stress-free, and compliant.

Hint: Find the cheat sheet on our Instagram Bio Link

Find us on Instagram @hello.positiveimage @nicole.manzer @aliciacreate

Email us any ideas, suggestions, or comments at hello.positiveimage@gmail.com

Work with Nicole - manzermethodcoaching@gmail.com

Work with Alicia - alicia.lumsden.to@gmail.com

Our next episode will be the first of a 7 part series and kicking off Season 3!

For this summer season we will air episodes every 3 weeks until the fall.

Happy business buidling beauties!

In this episode, Nicole and Alicia dive into the art of communication and boundaries with salon teams. They explore how salon owners can stop being the fixer and start empowering their staff to solve problems on their own. From asking the right coaching questions to explaining the "why" behind business decisions, they share strategies to build stronger, more self-sufficient teams. They also open up about navigating the fine line between personal and professional relationships at work—and how to clearly communicate when it's time to switch hats. Whether you manage a big team or a small crew, this episode will give you the tools to lead with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

💡 Want to know how documenting systems, active listening, and healthy boundaries can transform your salon culture? Tune in!

Find us on Instagram
@hello.positiveimage @nicole.manzer @aliciacreate

Email us any ideas, suggestions, or comments
hello.positiveimage@gmail.com

Work with Nicole
manzermethodcoaching@gmail.com

Work with Alicia
alicia.lumsden.to@gmail.com

In this episode, Nicole and Alicia explore how AI and emerging technology are transforming the salon industry—from marketing to client care and beyond. They break down how tools like ChatGPT can simplify everyday tasks like writing emails, creating social media content, and managing rebooking reminders. Nicole shares how AI has been a game-changer in supporting her as a neurodivergent business owner, while Alicia highlights how automation can ease operations like payroll and appointment confirmations.

They also touch on the emotional side of adopting new tech: the fear, the resistance, and the undeniable need to evolve as consumer behaviour shifts. From AI-generated images to the future of virtual try-ons, this episode encourages salon pros to explore digital tools while staying rooted in the human connection that makes the beauty industry special.

Find us on Instagram @hello.positiveimage @nicole.manzer @aliciacreate

Email us any ideas suggestions or comments at hello.positiveimage@gmail.com

Work with Nicole - manzermethodcoaching@gmaill.com

Work with Alicia - alicia.lumsden.to@gmail.com

In this episode, Nicole and Alicia explore the mindset it takes to be a great educator with industry veteran Ira Pope Sage. With over 20 years of experience, Ira shares how discipline, patience, and personal growth have shaped his teaching philosophy. He dives into the importance of adapting education to different learning styles, including neurodivergent thinkers, and why connection-focused education is the future. Plus, he breaks down his clock cutting method and the vision behind his new scissor line, Stoke Lords. If you're looking to grow as a stylist or educator, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration!

Tickets to Ira Pope Sage + Jun Jie Cutting Class Toronto

Follow Ira @irapopesage

Find us on Instagram @hello.positiveimage @nicole.manzer @aliciacreate

Email us any ideas suggestions or comments at hello.positiveimage@gmail.com

Work with Nicole - manzermethodcoaching@gmaill.com

Work with Alicia - alicia.lumsden.to@gmail.com

In this episode, Nicole and Alicia break down the pros and cons of different salon business models—suite rental, chair rental, commission-based stylist, and full salon ownership. They discuss financial risks, creative freedom, work-life balance, and long-term career goals. Whether you're looking for full independence or a structured salon environment, this episode will help you weigh your options and choose the best path for your beauty career. Tune in to gain insights on maximizing your success in any setup!

Find us on Instagram @hello.positiveimage @nicole.manzer @aliciacreate

Email us any ideas suggestions or comments at hello.positiveimage@gmail.com

Work with Nicole - manzermethodcoaching@gmaill.com

Work with Alicia - alicia.lumsden.to@gmail.com

What does a sales rep actually do—and just as importantly, what don’t they do? In this episode of the Positive Image Podcast, Nicole and Alicia sit down with Julia, a seasoned sales consultant with a background in hairdressing and salon ownership, to uncover the real role of a sales rep in a salon’s success.

They discuss how to build a strong, transparent relationship with your rep, navigate hard conversations about budgets and boundaries, and leverage your rep’s expertise to grow your business—without overspending. Plus, they dive into the hot topic of tariffs in the beauty industry, how they could impact pricing and product availability, and why salon owners should stay informed.

If you’ve ever wondered how to maximize your partnership with a sales rep or how upcoming changes in the industry might affect your bottom line, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

Julia's info:

Follow Julia on Instagram Liquid Luxury on Instagram

Find us on Instagram @hello.positiveimage @nicole.manzer @aliciacreate

Email us any ideas suggestions or comments at hello.positiveimage@gmail.com

Work with Nicole - manzermethodcoaching@gmaill.com

Work with Alicia - alicia.lumsden.to@gmail.com

Can you truly be friends with other salon owners? In this episode of the Positive Image Podcast, Nicole and Alicia dive into the mindset shifts needed to foster supportive relationships in the beauty industry.

They explore why some owners gatekeep knowledge out of fear, how to build confidence in your unique approach to attract the right staff and clients, and the power of collaboration over competition. The conversation also touches on identifying and stopping toxic relationships, overcoming jealousy, and stepping into the energy of joy and forgiveness.

If you're ready to shift from a scarcity mindset to a community-driven approach, this episode will challenge and inspire you to embrace connections, build meaningful relationships, and grow alongside fellow salon owners.

Find us on Instagram @hello.positiveimage @nicole.manzer @aliciacreate

Email us any ideas suggestions or comments at hello.positiveimage@gmail.com

Work with Nicole - manzermethodcoaching@gmaill.com

Work with Alicia - alicia.lumsden.to@gmail.com