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PODCAST

Positive Image Podcast

Nicole Manzer and Alicia Lumsden

Welcome to Positive Image, the podcast that dives deep into the fascinating world of the hair and beauty industry. Join us, your hosts Alicia and Nicole, two accomplished salon owners, educators, and coaches, as we take you on an enlightening journey through the art and science of enhancing your beauty and confidence. In a world where appearance plays a significant role, we believe that the pursuit of beauty should be empowering, inclusive, and most importantly, positive. With our combined

arts fashion & beauty

All Episodes

28:52

45 - Community Over Competition: Building Local...

Positive Image Podcast ·

2025/10/27

In this episode, Nicole and Alicia explore how community engagement can become one of the most powerful tools for business growth and brand trust. From local sponsorships and charity events to pay-what-you-can haircuts and school fundraisers, they share how authentic giving and collaboration can elevate your salon's reputation and attract loyal clients. They also discuss how to align with like-minded local businesses, balance marketing with genuine connection, and find creative ways to get

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33:46

43 - Building a Brand That Books: Marketing Your...

Positive Image Podcast ·

2025/09/22

In the final episode of our How to Open a Salon in Toronto series, Nicole and Alicia dive into the exciting world of branding, marketing, and launch strategy. They unpack what it takes to build a magnetic brand, attract your dream clients, and design a marketing plan that works without overwhelming you. From choosing booking systems and creating content to planning a buzz-worthy grand opening, this episode covers the essentials of getting your salon noticed. Along the way, you’ll learn how to: ✅

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23:05

42 - Salon Policies Made Simple: Protecting Your...

Positive Image Podcast ·

2025/09/01

In this episode, Nicole and Alicia break down why every salon owner needs a policy and procedure manual—and how to actually create one without overcomplicating things. From payroll and compensation basics to vacation rules, sick leave, and product commissions, they cover what to include so your team knows exactly what’s expected. They discuss how clear policies not only protect you legally, but also empower your team, prevent misunderstandings, and keep your salon running smoothly without constant

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48:30

41 - Opening Costs: How Much Does It Really Cost to...

Positive Image Podcast ·

2025/08/11

In this episode, Nicole and Alicia walk you through Realistic cost breakdowns for opening a salon in Toronto—from buildout to insurance, with tips on budgeting and surprise expenses They’ll break down: The Big Categories – What You’ll Spend On Renovations & Buildout Costs Furniture, Equipment & Fixtures Licenses, Legal, Insurance & Admin Inventory, Branding & Other Start-up Costs Funding Your Salon Budgeting Advice + Surprise Costs Ongoing Monthly Costs You’ll Need to Budget For Tips to Stay

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39:33

40. Lease, License & Location – Getting Salon-Ready

Positive Image Podcast ·

2025/07/21

In this episode, Nicole and Alicia walk you through one of the most critical steps in opening your salon—finding the right space, understanding commercial leases, zoning requirements, and passing Public Health inspections. They’ll break down: What to look for in a salon space (foot traffic, layout, plumbing, etc.) What’s hidden in commercial lease agreements and what clauses matter The zoning requirements to legally operate a salon in Toronto How to apply for your Personal Services Setting

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18:26

39. Make It Official: Registering Your Salon the...

Positive Image Podcast ·

2025/06/30

Before you pick out paint swatches or shampoo bowls, you need to make your salon legit. In this episode, Nicole and Alicia walk you through the legal and practical steps of registering your salon business in Toronto, Ontario. From choosing the right business structure (sole proprietorship vs. incorporation), to doing a NUANS name search, getting your CRA business number, and understanding HST registration, we’re laying down the legal foundation. We also touch on one of the most overlooked

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11:33

38. So, You Want to Open a Salon? Let’s Talk First Steps

Positive Image Podcast ·

2025/06/09

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

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20:04

37. Let’s Talk Payroll: The Salon Owner’s Guide to...

Positive Image Podcast ·

2025/05/19

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

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27:55

Talk Less, Guide More

Positive Image Podcast ·

2025/04/28

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

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23:46

Tech, Tools & the Future: AI in the Salon Industry

Positive Image Podcast ·

2025/04/14

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

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32:23

The Educator’s Mindset with Ira Pope Sage

Positive Image Podcast ·

2025/03/31

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

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24:05

Salon Business Models: Which One is Right for You?

Positive Image Podcast ·

2025/03/17

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

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41:58

Inside the Sales Rep Role: Hard Conversations,...

Positive Image Podcast ·

2025/03/03

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

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29:40

Community Over Competition: Building Healthy...

Positive Image Podcast ·

2025/02/17

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

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32:43

Leading with Impact: The Qualities of a Great Salon...

Positive Image Podcast ·

2025/02/03

Great leadership goes beyond managing a team—it’s about inspiring, empowering, and recognizing the potential in others. In this episode of the Positive Image Podcast, Nicole and Alicia explore what it takes to be an effective leader in the salon industry. They discuss the difference between listening and truly hearing your team, how to identify and nurture strengths, and ways to encourage growth before your team even realizes their full potential. Plus, they share ideas for team acknowledgment, from

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24:19

Budgeting for Growth: Strategies and Solutions for...

Positive Image Podcast ·

2025/01/20

In this episode of the Positive Image Podcast, Nicole and co-host Alicia dive deep into the critical topics of budgeting and navigating economic uncertainties in the salon industry. They discuss the importance of understanding your numbers to make informed business decisions and reflect on how changes in tariffs and exchange rates might impact salon operations. Nicole suggests exploring Canadian-made products as a potential solution to mitigate these challenges. The conversation also highlights

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27:47

Mastering Metrics: The Key to Salon Success

Positive Image Podcast ·

2025/01/06

Metrics and KPIs are the backbone of any successful salon business, and in this episode, Nicole and co-host Alicia break down how to use them effectively. They discuss the power of pre-booking, with actionable goals for experienced and new stylists, and share insights into retention rates, daily earnings targets, and tracking new vs. returning clients. Budgeting strategies also take center stage, with tips for monthly breakdowns, daily tracking, and the value of transparency by involving your team

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29:24

Adapting and Aligning: Thriving in a Changing Salon...

Positive Image Podcast ·

2024/12/23

In this episode of the Positive Image Podcast, Nicole and Alicia explore the rapid changes reshaping the salon industry, particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Together, they discuss how adapting to new mindsets—like staff valuing flexibility and work-life balance—can lead to growth and sustainability. Nicole shares her innovative approach to building vacation pay into paychecks, while both emphasize the importance of consistency and leading by example to maintain a positive work

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32:11

Apprenticeship Essentials Part 2: Mastering Models...

Positive Image Podcast ·

2024/12/09

In the second part of our Apprenticeship Essentials series, we focus on the pivotal role of working with models during an apprenticeship. From how to set appropriate pricing for model services to mastering the art of consultation, we explore how to create a learning environment that benefits both your apprentice and your clients. We discuss the importance of planning out the apprenticeship journey, including strategies to ensure models commit to ongoing appointments. Plus, we share tips on how to

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28:03

The Evolution of Client Spending: Trends, Social...

Positive Image Podcast ·

2024/11/25

In this episode of the Positive Image Podcast, we delve into the fascinating evolution of client spending over the past 20 years. From the rise of game-changing trends like ombré and balayage to the undeniable influence of social media on the beauty industry, we explore how client behaviors and expectations have shifted. We also break down the differences between scheduling one transformative appointment per day versus back-to-back appointments and how these approaches impact both the stylist’s

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