2026 is set to be a defining year for salon owners. In this episode, Jason Everett joins Kayla Swanson to discuss why some salons are closing while others are positioned to grow through smarter systems, stronger teams, and intentional leadership. This conversation offers insight into how salon owners can prepare now to protect their business and capitalize on what’s ahead.

Burnout is NOT just fatigue. Taking time off doesn’t always fix it! Chris Baran joins Kayla Swanson to explain Burn On vs Burn Up vs Burnout, the link between burnout and impostor syndrome, and the 3 major causes that create burnout (stagnation, lack of motivation, self-doubt). You’ll walk away with 3 practical cures: training, motivation, and a clear plan built through proactive communication and mentorship.

Learn how to turn gift cards into a profit machine for your salon! 💳 From avoiding revenue pitfalls to crafting promotions that drive NEW clients to your business, we cover it all in this episode. Learn More About Our Sponsors: Phorest: https://www.phorest.com/us/ L'ANZA: https://www.lanza.com/ Collins: https://collins.co/ MYA: https://joinmya.com/ (Use promo code HPSA for your first 2 months FREE)

In this episode, performance strategist Jade Green joins Kayla to break down the science of productivity and why most salon owners struggle to stay focused. Jade shares practical tools from neuroscience, flow state, and behavioral psychology to help owners improve their personal productivity and model it effectively for their teams.

In this episode, Kayla Swanson and Jason Everett get real about the moments that make salon owners want to QUIT. Jason shares vulnerable stories about the pressures of leadership, the fear of failing others, and the mindset work required to push through hard seasons. Together, they explore how your internal story shapes your business reality and why embracing disruption is essential for growth.

Most salon owners don’t have control over their profit... and it’s costing them big. In this episode, Jason Everett joins Kayla Swanson to reveal why profit doesn't equate to working harder or cutting more costs. But it simply means understanding your numbers and planning intentionally. They share the key stages of business growth, how to find your break-even point, and when real profit starts to show up. You’ll walk away knowing exactly how to stop guessing and start leading with clarity and confidence. SimpleCast Show Notes (bullet point list of what is covered in episode): [Paste Here] 💡 Here’s what you’ll learn: ✅ The difference between making money and making profit ✅ Why most owners confuse “income” with “pay” ✅ How to calculate your break-even point (and why it matters) ✅ When you actually start profiting and how to grow from there ✅ Why hiding money from yourself can help you grow your profit ✅ How to shift from being an employee to being an investor 🎧 Listen now and take back control of your profit without losing your passion.

Stop Looking Up or Down. Start Looking Within In this inspiring episode, Jason Everett joins Kayla Swanson to explore how comparison and self-doubt hold salon owners back and how to break free from them. They unpack the concept of “borrowed confidence,” share lessons from personal experiences, and reveal how to use your community and mindset to rise higher. Learn how to stop looking up to others or down on yourself so you can start focusing on your own growth and potential. SimpleCast Show Notes (bullet point list of what is covered in episode): [Paste Here] 💡 Here’s what you’ll learn from this episode: ✅ The truth about comparison and how it kills confidence ✅ How to “borrow confidence” from others and your future self ✅ The importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people ✅ How celebrating others’ wins helps you grow faster ✅ Mindset shifts to overcome fear and self-doubt 🎧 Tune in and discover how to stop competing so you can start becoming the confident leader your team needs.

In this episode, Kayla Swanson sits down with Leslie Groves to discuss how salon design, layout, and quality furniture impact client experience, team efficiency, and profitability. They cover the most important questions to ask before remodeling, how to use 3D visualization tools, and why intentionality in design is the key to long-term success.

What does it take to deliver a truly five-star experience in your salon? In this episode, Shelby Bills, owner of Graeber & Company Salon and Spa, shares the guest experience model that transformed her salon’s culture, consistency, and profitability. With our host Kayla Swanson, Shelby walks through each guest touchpoint (from the first greeting to the final rebook) and reveals how her team built a system rooted in sensory connection, leadership collaboration, and intentional service.

Are you tired of working hard but not seeing the profit you deserve? In this episode, Kayla Swanson sits down with Danielle Cherewyk, salon owner and mentor at High Performance Salon Academy, to talk about how to shift your money mindset and finally create consistent profit in your salon. Danielle shares her journey of going from passion-driven to profit-focused using Profit First principles and intentional habits. If numbers intimidate you, this episode will change the way you see your salon’s finances forever.

In this episode, Jason Everett, founder of High Performance Salon Academy, joins podcast host Kayla Swanson to explore how salon owners and stylists can use ChatGPT to work smarter, not harder. They discuss why AI is more than a trend, the risks of surface-level use, and practical ways to integrate it into salon operations.

In this episode, Jason Everett breaks down why pricing is the foundation of profit and how to raise your salon prices the right way. If you’ve ever felt scared to increase your prices, this episode will give you the confidence, strategy, and mindset to do it without losing clients.

In this episode, Jason Everett and Kayla Swanson tackle one of the biggest challenges salon owners face: doing it all alone. They discuss how building a leadership team can free owners from the chair, create stability, and set the stage for real growth.

Are you using AI the right way in your salon? AI is no longer optional, it’s essential. But the real question isn’t "Are you using it?" It’ should be: "Are you using it the right way?" In this episode, Jason Everett joins host Kayla Swanson to unpack how salon owners can go beyond basic prompts and start treating AI like a business partner. From recruiting to training to creative projects, you’ll discover practical strategies to save time, increase profit, and get ahead of the curve.

Salon hiring has changed in 2025!! And if you’re still using old strategies, you’re already falling behind. In this episode, Jason Everett and Kayla Swanson reveal the three biggest hiring shifts every salon owner needs to know.

In this episode, Jason Everett joins host Kayla Swanson to share how salon owners can build six-figure service providers using the principles from their upcoming book Prove Them Wrong. They break down the three pillars of success service, sales, and self, and show how stylists can become true lifestyle professionals earning $100,000+ in take-home income without burning out.

In this episode, Jason Everett unpacks the question every salon owner has asked: when is it okay to be mean to your staff? Joined by host Kayla Swanson, they explore the difference between harmful behavior, tough love, and strong leadership. You’ll learn how to say no without damaging trust, when to stand firm, and how to repair relationships if you’ve gone too far.

In this episode, Jason Everett and Kayla Swanson discuss how healthy, intentional relationships create the foundation for salon success. From repairing trust to building connections with your team, family, and clients, Jason shares practical strategies for strengthening relationships inside and outside of your business.

Over social media burnout? Learn how to make posting fun, sustainable, and profitable in this episode with Kayla Swanson and Jason Everett. Discover how to use "snackable" content to capture attention, create content with a “Play Day” mindset, and batch content without burning out.

What does it really take to thrive in 2025? Kayla Swanson and Jason Everett break down six critical strategies salon owners need to rise above fear, competition, and confusion. Whether you’re worried about the economy, your team, or your bookings, this episode is filled with practical advice to strengthen your salon's mindset, structure, and success.