A business journal for independent beauty pros, by salonMonster
When I sat down with Rhino Gaudet, I knew we were in for a good conversation—but I didn’t realize just how much ground we’d cover, from rock-star dreams and livestock show floors to closing a salon and falling back in love with the basics of our craft. Rhino’s story starts in Calgary and lands on … Read more
Stephen and I jumped on a call with the legendary Douglas McCoy — hairdresser, filmmaker, photographer, educator, razor nerd, House of Pop owner — and from the first few minutes it was clear we weren’t just talking technique, we were talking career DNA. Douglas has one of those stories that reminds you why you fell … Read more
When I sat down with Dallas-based barber and creator of The Weighted Cape, Henry Tribes, I thought we were going to talk about a cool new product. Instead, I got a front-row seat to a whole new way of thinking about barbering, inclusion, and what it really means to reinvent yourself in this industry. This … Read more
Liam here 👋 I got to sit down (virtually) with one of our longtime salonMonster stylists, Kara Field from Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and it honestly felt less like an “interview” and more like catching up with a friend who quietly built the exact kind of independent hair business so many stylists dream about. Kara runs … Read more
You know those conversations where you hop on a call thinking it’ll be a quick chat…and an hour later you’re still talking because the stories are too good? That was my chat with Seattle-based stylist and educator, Erica Garza.
The second we sat down with Kristin Rankin, I knew this wasn’t going to be “just another industry chat.” It felt more like catching up with someone who has been quietly (and sometimes loudly) reshaping what salon culture can be, and doing it with zero patience for gatekeeping and gendered nonsense. This one’s for every … Read more
In our world – where beauty meets emotional support – hairdressers play a unique role. They don’t just create stunning looks; they also lend a sympathetic ear to clients’ joys and struggles.
Effective salon marketing is crucial for attracting and retaining clients – From social media strategies to in-salon experiences, here are the top 10 ideas for salon marketing to help your business thrive. Leverage the Power of Social Media: Embrace platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest to showcase your salon’s stunning hair transformations. Post high-quality photos … Read more
Have you ever sat in another stylist’s chair, or even been at a coffee shop, and caught yourself wondering, “Are they really this nice, or is this all just an act?” It’s a totally valid thought—and one that gets thrown around a lot, especially in the beauty industry. The truth is, it’s not as black-and-white … Read more
I figured we’d trade a few origin stories, maybe swap some no-show horror tales, and call it a wrap. Instead, I got a front-row seat to a wild, 10-day sprint that turned an empty microsuite into one of the city’s most buzz-worthy hair havens.