Prosper and Profit

In this episode, I share an analogy I often use with clients: slicing the cake vs growing the cake. Think of your salon revenue like a cake. Some salons are working with a cupcake. Some have an 8-inch cake. Some have a 14-inch cake. The question is: how is that cake being sliced? Many salon owners are working incredibly hard to bake the cake… but by the time everyone else has taken their slice, there’s nothing left for the owner. Profit First helps bring structure to that. It helps make sure the cake is sliced in a way that covers the essentials of a healthy business profit, owner’s pay, tax and operating expenses. But sometimes the issue isn’t just the slices. Sometimes the cake itself needs to grow. In this episode, we'll talk about: • What it means to “slice the cake” properly in a salon • Why expenses often take the whole cake • When it’s a structure problem vs a revenue problem • Why growing the cake doesn’t always mean more staff or work Sometimes the work is about slicing the cake differently. Sometimes the work is about baking a bigger cake. And often… it’s a combination of both. If you’ve been working hard but still feel like there’s nothing left over for you, this episode will help you see your numbers through a new lens. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

In this episode, I’m joined by Harman Johnston the founder of Blu Bookkeepers and host of the Money First CEO podcast. Harman is a BAS Agent, a Certified Profit First Professional and someone deeply passionate about helping business owners understand their numbers and build sustainable cash flow. Together, we dive into a topic that quietly creates financial stress for many business owners: blurred money boundaries. Mixing business and personal spending. Using Afterpay and buy-now-pay-later services inside the business. Losing clarity on what the numbers are actually telling you. In this episode, we'll talk about: • Why mixing personal and business spending creates problems • How buy-now-pay-later distorts cash flow • Why profit can look healthy but cash still feels tight • Why clean financial visibility matters If you’ve ever felt like your numbers should be working but the cash still feels stressful, this episode is for you. Connect with Harman: "If you’re using Xero but aren’t completely confident your file is set up correctly, Harman and the Blu Bookkeepers team offer a Xero Health Check. Book here -> https://blubookkeepers.thrivecart.com/xero-health-check/ Website: https://blubookkeepers.com.au/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blubookkeepers/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harmanjohnston/ Facebook :https://www.facebook.com/Blubookkeepersau/ Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

In this episode, I walk through exactly what I would look at if I was to come into your salon for 30 days to improve the profit and performance of your salon. In this episode I'll cover; • Why we need to understand where the money is in a salon is going. • How to determine if a salon is really profiting. • What the owner is (or isn’t) being paid for • Whether the structure supports growth. If you’re working hard but still feeling pressure, this will help you refocus on what actually matters. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

This episode is a Mindset Minute which means a short episode on making an important mindset shift. We focus a lot on strategy here with numbers, decisions and action. However, something I learnt early on in business is that mindset and strategy move together. You need both tracks for the train to move. In this episode, I share a simple reminder: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The next best time is now.” It’s easy to think: • I should have done this sooner. • I can’t believe I missed this. • I should be further ahead. But that spiral keeps you stuck and often doesn't improve your business. Regret doesn’t move the business forward. You can plant the tree now. If you’ve been stuck in “I should have…”This episode is for you. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

In this episode, we’re talking about why “boring” is actually the goal and how stability, structure and predictability create more freedom than chaos. We’ll talk about: • Why rollercoaster businesses exhaust you • How structure reduces stress • Why boring business = better life From the outside, a salon can look like it’s thriving. But if it feels chaotic, unpredictable and mentally exhausting behind the scenes that’s not success. The goal isn’t constant adrenaline. It’s stability, simplicity and systems. Because when your business is steady your life gets to expand. Tune in now if you’re ready to build a business that supports your life not consumes it. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

The industry is evolving. The economy is shifting. And being great at what you do is no longer enough on its own. In this episode we're going to dive into how to thrive in this envirobnment and what I would be focusing on to protect profit in my salon. We'll cover: • Why what got you here won’t take you to the next level • The unsexy habits that protect and grow profit • What I’d focus on right now to strengthen a salon business The common thread for salon owners who are thriving is that profit isn’t built in big, exciting moments. It’s built in disciplined, consistent ones. Tune in now if you’re ready to step up, strip away the noise, and focus on what actually moves the needle. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

This episode answer one common question in 15 minutes or less. Short, sharp, and focused on one thing that can genuinely shift how you think or what you do next. I often hear clients say something along the lines of: “Setting aside 1% or 3% or even 5% profit feels so small. Is it even worth it?” And I completely get that. Because when I first implemented Profit First years ago, I felt exactly the same way. So if you’ve ever felt that way, you’re not wrong for thinking it. But even though the number felt small, something important had already started to shift. This episode unpacks why those “small” percentages matter more than you think. Why setting aside profit, even when it feels insignificant, is the foundation for bigger change. And why this isn’t really about the dollar amount at the start, but about building a system that puts you back in control. Press play for a short, honest conversation that might completely change how you think about profit. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

If you’ve been wondering where the podcast’s been, this episode starts with a little behind-the-scenes catch-up. Between school holidays, kids at home, and a very full January in the business, the podcast return needed a bit more space than I originally planned. But we’re back. ✨ Kids are back at school, routines have returned, and I’ve got my proper “on the business” days back. And honestly, that feels very good. From beach days, creek swims and local staycations, to a week away on the NSW north coast. That trip was paid for from my profit account, which I’ll be unpacking more in a future episode. What January looked like for us. We welcomed five new clients across hair, beauty, skin and aesthetics, which has been an incredibly strong start to the year and a real reminder of what’s possible when foundations are solid. Which leads perfectly into today’s conversation. As we head into 2026, one thing is clear. This is not a year for sitting on your hands and hoping things improve. We'll talk about: • Why 2026 will be a competitive year for salon owners • The patterns I’m seeing across both established and newer businesses • Why profitability is no longer optional if you want longevity • The mindset shifts required in today’s economic climate • And the six questions salon owners need to ask themselves to stay sustainable, confident and in control This isn’t about fear. It’s about awareness, intention, and making sure your salon is built for the environment we’re actually operating in now. If you want 2026 to feel different, press play and start with these questions. And if you find yourself listening and thinking, “This is exactly what I need to look at this year,” this episode is for you. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

As this episode drops, I know you’re coming through some absolutely massive weeks in the salon. Whether you’re squeezing in a few more days of work or you’ve already clocked off. I wanted to jump in and say Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. ❤️ I hope you get space to rest, recharge, reconnect and just be once the time comes and the chaos settles. This is our final episode for the year, and the podcast will be taking a little Christmas break too. Thank you for listening. Thank you for learning. Thank you for believing your salon deserves more. I'll see you in the new year. Rest up, enjoy the break, and have a beautiful Christmas. 🎄✨ Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

In this episode, I am so excited to share this with you because today I’m joined by someone many of you already know and love, the incredible Jools. Jools is a colour specialist, educator for Goldwell Global, long-time salon owner and all-round big personality in the hair industry. She’s travelled the world teaching, she’s juggled more creative projects than most of us could imagine, and yes… she’s also the actual mascot for the Brisbane Broncos. But today’s conversation isn’t about the glossy highlight reel. It’s about the real stuff. The stuff you only talk about once you feel safe enough to say, “I need help.” We'll talk about: • What life in the salon truly looked like before we started working together the, overwhelm, the chasing-your-tail, the feeling of loving the work but dreading the business side. • Why she reached out (“I think my first message literally said: I need help.”) • How years of carrying things alone, including the shame of a painful past business experience, shaped the way she approached her salon • The mindset shifts that changed everything including stepping out of chaos, creating structure, and redefining what “success” needed to look like for her next season of life Jools story is one so many of you will resonate with, especially if you’re amazing at what you do… but secretly avoiding the business decisions that feel too heavy, too confusing, or too overwhelming to face on your own. Her honesty is brave, refreshing, and exactly why I love these Client Files episodes they remind us that behind every thriving salon owner is a human who’s had to do the inner work and the business work. This conversation is warm, real, funny and such a powerful reminder that you can rewrite your story at any stage of your career. Enjoy this one it’s special. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

In today’s episode, we’re diving into something every salon owner has felt at some point money stress, shame and that sinking feeling of “Why isn’t this working?” We're in full December energy: busy salons, strong cashflow and the beginnings of that end-of-year reflection. Whether you listen now or during your Christmas break, this conversation will land exactly when it needs to. Inside the episode, we talk about: • Why money stress is normal and fixable • What to do if 2025 didn’t go as planned • The difference between structural business issues and personal ones • The patterns I’ve seen from 45+ salon and clinic owners this year from rising costs to seasonal lulls Here’s the reminder every salon owner needs: If you want a different result in 2026, you can’t repeat the same habits and structures from this year. And none of this means you are the problem. You were trained as a technician, not a business owner so of course there are skills no one ever taught you. This episode will help you reflect without blame, reset your thinking and head into 2026 with clarity and confidence. Tune in for a grounded, honest, and empowering wrap-up to your year. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

In this episode, I’m sharing a peek into my time at Profit Con, the annual conference for Profit First Professionals, and the in-person planning day Kristen and I added on to evolve and elevate the way we support our clients. We'll talk about: • Why stepping out of your environment gives you the clarity you didn’t know you were missing • The power of investing in planning time (even when it’s not “billable hours”) • What really happens when you make room to work on the business, not just in it • Little personal moments from the trip including a very unexpected hotel upgrade and the reminder that energy really does matter This episode is a mix of business insights, personal reflections and a reminder I think every business owner needs to hear: Clarity doesn’t come from pushing harder it comes from space. Space to zoom out, question things, reset… and come back sharper. If you’ve been feeling like you’re just getting through the week-to-week, this one is going to land in the best way. Tune in now for a chat that feels equal parts honest, expansive and energising. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

In this episode, I’m so excited to be sharing another Client Files with you today. These are some of my absolute favourites. Because while I can talk about strategy and systems all day long, nothing highlights how powerful this work really is then hearing from women just like you, salon owners who have walked the path, faced the stress and decided to take back control. I’m joined by the incredible Rachel, a salon owner in Victoria who has been in business for 13 years and runs a salon with a small team. Rachel opens up about what life and business looked like before we started working together, the stress of juggling bills, that sinking feeling of robbing Peter to pay Paul, and the frustration of wondering why things still felt tight after so many years in business. We talk about: • The turning point that made her reach out for help • How she realised the business model (not her effort) needed a reset • The game-changing moment of raising her prices • What life and business look like now that she has a clear plan for her profit and pay This conversation shows that often it’s not that you’re doing anything wrong… It’s that the environment has changed and your business needs to evolve with it. Tune in for an honest, uplifting chat about getting unstuck, regaining confidence, and building a business that supports you. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

This episode feels a little different, a bit more personal but I think you’re really going to see the parallel here. This story starts with my skin (yes, really!) but it’s actually about something much deeper: how we hold ourselves back from change. On this episode we talk through; • The identity and mindset we attach to our “problems” • What it really takes to reach that turning point for change • How to move from acceptance to action in your business It’s honest, a little vulnerable and full of parallels I think you’ll really resonate with. Tune in now, this one’s for anyone who knows it’s time to stop settling for “that’s just how it is.” Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

This episode is a rapid-fire where we're tackling a question that comes up over and over (and one I just spoke about with a client): “Should I spend money to reduce my tax bill?” It’s one of those myths that sounds good; Spend now, save on tax later but the truth is, a tax deduction doesn’t make your expenses free. We’ll talk about: • Why “it’s tax deductible” doesn’t mean “it’s free money” • The mindset that makes business spending feel easier than personal spending • What a “write-off” actually means (and why that Schitt’s Creek moment is so relatable) • Why paying tax isn’t always the enemy, it means your business is profitable If you’ve ever caught yourself justifying a purchase because “it’s tax deductible,” let’s unpack what really happens when you spend to save tax. The goal is for you to make decisions that serve your business long-term, not just your end-of-year emotions. Tune in now for a bite-sized dose of clarity and common sense Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

In this episode I wanted to talk about something that comes up in conversations and with peers, my own coach in the past and with our clients: structure. More specifically the myth that structure is stressful. Because here’s the truth: when I first started my business, I avoided structure too. I thought structure would take away my freedom. But over time, I realised it’s the lack of structure that creates the most stress. We'll talk through: • Why so many salon and clinic owners resist structure (and what’s really behind it) • How “winging it” keeps you in a constant cycle of stress and scrambling • The lightness that comes from knowing things are handled • Why structure doesn’t box you in If you’ve ever found yourself saying things like “I just don’t have time for systems right now” you'll want to listen in. True freedom in business doesn’t come from chaos it comes from clarity, consistency, and structure that supports you (not controls you). Tune in now for a mindset shift that will make your salon or clinic feel lighter, calmer and far more in control. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

In this episode, we're going from beginner level profit first to intermediate. I'm talking through the common adaptations and advancements we make to profit first when working with salons and clinics. We'll talk about: • Why implementing Profit First is just the starting point, not the end game. • The difference between cashflow management and actually improving profitability. • How we use sub–opex accounts to create clarity and control as businesses scale. • When it’s time to move from “level one” Profit First to the next stage of financial maturity. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the “right” Profit First steps but your business still feels tight or messy behind the scenes, this episode is for you. Tune in now and let’s take your Profit First system to the next level. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

This episode is one of the most powerful shifts I’ve ever made in business (and something I talk about with my salon and clinic owner clients all the time): your business is not you. We'll talk about: • How this mindset shift transforms your decisions, cash flow, profit and pay. • The difference between what you need and what the business needs. • Why thinking like a CEO (not just the do-it-all owner) brings more clarity and freedom. From paying yourself properly to separating expenses this separation sets the stage for a business that can thrive without being 100% reliant on you. Because here’s the truth: you are not your business. And once you treat it as the independent entity it is, you’ll run it better with less chaos and far more freedom. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

This is one of the most important conversations of the year. The end-of-year rush is coming. Your books are filling, you’re gearing up for long days and your focus is on maximising revenue and fuller bank accounts. But while everyone’s eyes are on November and December, the smart salon owners are already planning for what happens after the rush. Because here’s the truth: the quiet period in January and February isn’t a surprise it’s predictable. And yet, every year, too many salon owners go into those months unprepared, stressed and scrambling to pay themselves or cover bills. This episode is your reminder to plan now so you’re not starting the new year behind. We’ll talk about: • Why October is the most important month for financial planning. • The predictable “busy then broke” pattern and how to break it. • What to plan for, from annual leave to tax bills so you can actually enjoy your Christmas break. • The difference between starting January in panic mode vs. starting strong and in control. This isn’t about doom and gloom, it’s about strategy. With a few smart moves now, you can make sure the holiday season sets you up for success instead of setting you back. Tune in now to get ahead of the game, your January self will thank you. Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan

Here’s the situation: you decide to implement Profit First, you’re excited about finally getting clarity with your money and then your bookkeeper turns around and says, “It’s too complicated. Too many accounts. Too much work.” Over the past year, I’ve had a number of clients tell me this story. It can be so frustrating because here you are trying to take control of your cash flow and suddenly the professional you’re paying to support you is pushing back. In this episode, we’ll talk about: • Why bookkeepers dislike Profit First (hint: they’re not trained in it and all they see is “more work”). • The truth about how much extra effort Profit First actually creates (spoiler: it’s literally a few clicks a week). • Why bookkeepers see money differently to business owners and why their perspective isn’t always what you need. • How separating money into multiple accounts reduces complexity for you as the salon owner (even if your bookkeeper thinks it adds complexity for them). • The key difference between Profit First as a cash management system and traditional bookkeeping as an accounting system and why both matter. At the end of the day, Profit First is designed to make your money work for you, not for your bookkeeper. If you’ve ever felt stuck between wanting to do things differently and feeling like you’re being “a pain” to your bookkeeper, this episode is going to be a huge relief. Hit play and let’s break this down honestly, so you can move forward with confidence (and maybe even help your bookkeeper understand why this system matters so much for your business). Looking for help to transform your business into the thriving, profitable business you know it could be? Book a Discovery Call with Laura here www.laurajohagan.com/book-call Ready to Prosper and Profit? Let's dive in. Loving the podcast? If this podcast is providing value to you, please leave a 5-star review. Connect with Laura Website: www.laurajohagan.com Email: hello@laurajohagan.com Instagram: www.instagram.com/laurajohagan