Opulent Beauty Pro is in a temporary pause, but new episodes of The Elevate Podcast continue every other Monday. Connect with me on Instagram @patricia_nowakowski_obs, get access to my free courses on YouTube, and join my email list to be the first to know about when I'm back! Free Salon Amenity Guide: https://opulentbeautypro.mykajabi.com/amenityguide Free Lead Like An Owner E-Book Preview: https://opulentbeautypro.mykajabi.com/ebook Private 1:1 coaching remains available with limited availability. 1 Session: https://opulentbeautypro.mykajabi.com/offers/pLzGMNnR/checkout 2 Sessions: https://opulentbeautypro.mykajabi.com/offers/sbzzEr9X/checkout 4 Sessions: https://opulentbeautypro.mykajabi.com/offers/gn5p6TP2/checkout Many salon owners believe that being understanding, flexible, and “nice” is what makes them a good leader. But what if that belief is actually holding your team back? In this episode of The Elevate Podcast, we’re talking about the one thing most salon owners avoidand why that avoidance quietly damages accountability, confidence, culture, income, and the client experience. You’ll learn: Why letting things slide is not kindness, but avoidance What actually happens to your team when expectations aren’t enforced How lack of accountability impacts high performers, low performers, and overall morale The hidden cost of avoiding hard conversations Why clarity, consistency, and follow-through are the real forms of leadership If you want 2026 to feel lighter, more aligned, and more profitable, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership and show you what needs to change.
Opulent Beauty Pro is in a temporary pause, but new episodes of The Elevate Podcast continue every other Monday. Connect with me on Instagram @patricia_nowakowski_obs, get access to my free courses on YouTube, and join my email list to be the first to know about when I'm back! Free Salon Amenity Guide: https://opulentbeautypro.mykajabi.com/amenityguide Free Lead Like An Owner E-Book Preview: https://opulentbeautypro.mykajabi.com/ebook Private 1:1 coaching remains available with limited availability. 1 Session: https://opulentbeautypro.mykajabi.com/offers/pLzGMNnR/checkout 2 Sessions: https://opulentbeautypro.mykajabi.com/offers/sbzzEr9X/checkout 4 Sessions: https://opulentbeautypro.mykajabi.com/offers/gn5p6TP2/checkout Purchase my Secret Shopper Toolkit here: https://opulentbeautypro.mykajabi.com/offers/JdSbjXr8/checkout Opulent Beauty Pro is in a temporary pause, but new episodes of The Elevate Podcast continue every other Monday. Connect with me on Instagram @patricia_nowakowski_obs, get access to my free courses on YouTube, and join my email list to be the first to know about when I'm back. Private 1:1 coaching remains available with limited availability.I’m taking you behind the scenes of my 2026 planning process and sharing what I’m doing differently to break the cycle of constant busyness and move into a more strategic, intentional year ahead. This year, I brought in secret shoppers to evaluate the Opulent Beauty guest experience and their feedback showed me gaps I didn’t know existed. From consultation flow to front desk systems to service consistency, this experience reshaped how I’m approaching growth and leadership next year. Inside the episode we walk through: Why I’m investing in one-on-one coaching again What the secret shopper results revealed about my salon The importance of looking at your business through an unbiased lens How I’m prioritizing development, systems, and accountability for 2026 This episode is perfect for any salon owner who feels like they’re running on fumes or growing without clarity and wants a more strategic way forward.
Want the full episode + supporting PDFs? Join my podcast coaching program, The Elevate Insider: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/offers/mfWaCmoz/checkout Or purchase the supporting guide alone here: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/offers/oxncZYys/checkout The Salon Owner Blueprint & My Salon Owner Community: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/blueprint 12 Week Training Program: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/training 1 On 1 Coaching: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/coaching Hands-On & Virtual Extension Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/extensions Social Media Support: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/socialmedia Free Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/free Socials: Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opulentbeautypro/Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricia_nowakowski_obs/#YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opulentbeautypro/featured A recent TikTok video went viral showing a client explaining how she paid $4,000 for extensions at a popular salon and the internet had plenty to say about it. (Watch the video here: https://www.tiktok.com/@notfamous808/video/7571646678005058830?_r=1&_t=ZT-91YsTFZnAGd) But the real conversation isn’t about the price. It’s about value. If you’re ready to think differently about pricing, value, and marketing and start positioning your salon for the level of client you want to attract, this episode will challenge and inspire you to step into a higher standard.
Want the full episode + supporting PDFs? Join my podcast coaching program, The Elevate Insider. Get your first month free by clicking here: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/offers/mfWaCmoz?coupon_code=INSIDER Or purchase the supporting guide alone here: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/offers/BHoqD86D/checkout The Salon Owner Blueprint & My Salon Owner Community: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/blueprint 12 Week Training Program: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/training 1 On 1 Coaching: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/coaching Hands-On & Virtual Extension Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/extensions Social Media Support: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/socialmedia Free Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/free Socials: Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opulentbeautypro/Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricia_nowakowski_obs/#YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opulentbeautypro/featured Are you a salon owner or stylist looking to grow your income and make the most of your time behind the chair? In this episode, we break down practical strategies to maximize your earning potential. Whether it’s boosting service revenue, increasing retail sales, or optimizing your schedule. I share actionable tips based on real salon experience, common mistakes to avoid, and the mindset shifts that can help you earn more without burning out. If you’re ready to take control of your income and make every appointment count, this episode is for you.
To get a preview of my 12 Week Training Program, purchase it here https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/offers/qLbT6zSt/checkout or join The Elevate Insider to receive it for free https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/insider To purchase the entire 12 Week Training Program for only $199, visit https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/offers/GoqUSPim/checkout Hiring is a constant struggle for salon owners. We need stylists to work for us, but when new stylists just out of school that need a lot of training and support apply to work for us the overwhelm sets in. Training is a lot of time, energy, effort, and money. But when you implement a training program in your salon, it doesn't have to be so stressful and expensive. I offer new hires access to my 12 Week Training Program, which allows them to work on my 4 pillars of success: technical skills, client experience, mindset, and marketing/social media. When stylists work on these 4 pillars, they become confident stylists that are ready to take clients.
To get your supporting PDF, visit https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/offers/g2KCiLSt/checkout Many salon owners believe that luxury is about a beautiful space, high-end products, or fancy beverages. The truth? Luxury is a standard, not a vibe. In this episode of Insider, we dive into what it truly takes to create a luxury salon experience. You’ll learn how to: Anticipate client needs and deliver before it’s expected (like cleaning hairlines, informing about external disruptions, or offering thoughtful conveniences). Provide an impeccable client experience every single time. Deliver exceptional customer service with integrity and attention to detail. Train your team to consistently deliver a high-end experience, ensuring every client leaves feeling valued. We also break down lessons from the Ritz-Carlton and Disney on going above and beyond for clients, and how you can apply these standards in your salon immediately. If you’re ready to elevate your salon beyond aesthetics and products, and make luxury a repeatable standard, this episode is for you.
To purchase the supporting guide for this episode, visithttps://www.opulentbeautypro.com/offers/LR2MKcXp/checkout Want the full episode + supporting PDFs? Join my podcast coaching program, The Elevate Insider. Get your first month free by clicking here: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/offers/mfWaCmoz?coupon_code=INSIDER To get the full episode + supporting guides, join The Elevate Insider! https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/insider The Salon Owner Blueprint & My Salon Owner Community: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/blueprint 12 Week Training Program: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/training 1 On 1 Coaching: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/coaching Hands-On & Virtual Extension Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/extensions Social Media Support: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/socialmedia Free Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/free Socials: Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opulentbeautypro/Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricia_nowakowski_obs/#YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opulentbeautypro/featured At the beginning of the year, I sent out a survey that completely opened my eyes. I received hundreds of responses, and most found our online booking confusing or difficult. I immediately went into problem solving mode and spent hours researching which company to switch to. This year alone, I've used 3 booking systems and have tried 4 in total in my 14 years of business. Throughout this process, I've had many realizations. The biggest one? No booking system is perfect. Tune in to hear the pros and cons of the 4 systems I tried, and what you need to be mindful of if you're ready to make a switch!
To purchase the supporting guide for this episode, visit https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/offers/ZEALFXUz Want the full episode + supporting PDFs? Join my podcast coaching program, The Elevate Insider. Get your first month free by clicking here: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/offers/mfWaCmoz?coupon_code=INSIDER To get the full episode + supporting guides, join The Elevate Insider! https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/insider The Salon Owner Blueprint & My Salon Owner Community: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/blueprint 12 Week Training Program: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/training 1 On 1 Coaching: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/coaching Hands-On & Virtual Extension Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/extensions Social Media Support: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/socialmedia Free Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/free Socials: Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opulentbeautypro/Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricia_nowakowski_obs/#YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opulentbeautypro/featured Would you believe me if I told you that I don't motivate my team? No pep talks, no bonuses, no seminars. Instead, I move forward with a clear strategy that begins during the hiring process. I'm discovering my team's "why," learning what they value, and helping them build confidence. Motivation is fleeting, leading your team based on their personal values is what sticks.
Want the full episode + supporting PDFs? Join my podcast coaching program, The Elevate Insider. Get your first month free by clicking here: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/offers/mfWaCmoz?coupon_code=INSIDER The Salon Owner Blueprint & My Salon Owner Community: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/blueprint 12 Week Training Program: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/training 1 On 1 Coaching: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/coaching Hands-On & Virtual Extension Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/extensions Social Media Support: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/socialmedia Free Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/free Socials: Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opulentbeautypro/Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricia_nowakowski_obs/#YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opulentbeautypro/featured To download today's PDF that will help you support independent stylists going back to a commission salon, click here: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/offers/ByTUtzph/checkout Over the last 3 months, I've had not one... not two... but three independent stylist start working for me at my commission salon. With the rise of independent stylists and suite rental over the last 5 years, I was curious why they decided to make the switch back to commission. And I took it a step further: I asked them why they decided to choose my salon over all the other salons in the area. Their answers were honest and clear. Doing everything on your own isn't easy, and sometimes the payout isn't worth it. I share my thoughts and how we can support independent stylists who want to go back to a commission salon in this episode!
Want the full episode + supporting PDFs? Join my podcast coaching program, The Elevate Insider. Get your first month free by clicking here: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/offers/mfWaCmoz?coupon_code=INSIDER The Salon Owner Blueprint & My Salon Owner Community: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/blueprint 12 Week Training Program: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/training 1 On 1 Coaching: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/coaching Hands-On & Virtual Extension Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/extensions Social Media Support: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/socialmedia Free Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/free Socials: Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opulentbeautypro/Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricia_nowakowski_obs/#YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opulentbeautypro/featured To download today's PDF that will help you audit your client experience + get 40 ways to instantly elevate your salon, click here: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/offers/W4ejVQCu/checkout This summer my husband and I booked a dinner reservation at Alinea, a Michelin Star restaurant in Chicago, and the experience was incredible. As I was reflecting on my experience, there was one thing that stood out. It wasn't that we had an amazing meal, it was that every single tiny detail was amazing! It made me think about our industry, and where salons are missing the mark. In this episode, I recount my time at Alinea and discuss ways we can create the same sort of experience at our salon.
Want the full episode + supporting PDFs? Join my podcast coaching program, The Elevate Insider. Get your first month free by clicking here. The Salon Owner Blueprint & My Salon Owner Community: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/blueprint 12 Week Training Program: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/training 1 On 1 Coaching: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/coaching Hands-On & Virtual Extension Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/extensions Social Media Support: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/socialmedia Free Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/free Socials: Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opulentbeautypro/Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricia_nowakowski_obs/#YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opulentbeautypro/featured Gaining momentum as a business owner is exciting, but losing it is super scary. This lead me to discover new and fresh things to grow my business, one of them being paid ads. I spent countless hours of my life trying to run Meta ads with little to no success. I knew something had to change, and I needed to hire this out to an expert. After much research and countless calls with companies, I settled on running my ads through Fill Your Books. They were well known in the industry, and they were one of the few companies that allowed you to keep what they built out for you. Since my ad launch in May, I've received hundreds of messages with eager clients ready to book. And without my ads, maybe they would've never found my salon. So instead of trying a million things yourself and seeing what sticks, I recommend hiring an expert to help you expedite this growth. To learn more about how Fill Your Books can help you grow your client base, book a walkthrough and be sure to mention I sent you! https://fillyourbooks.com/
Want the full episode + supporting PDFs? Join my podcast coaching program, The Elevate Insider. Get your first month free by clicking here. The Salon Owner Blueprint & My Salon Owner Community: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/blueprint 12 Week Training Program: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/training 1 On 1 Coaching: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/coaching Hands-On & Virtual Extension Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/extensions Social Media Support: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/socialmedia Free Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/free Socials: Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opulentbeautypro/Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricia_nowakowski_obs/#YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opulentbeautypro/featured How many times have you ignored the red flags for the sake of revenue? Recently I ignored some major red flags and am now picking up the pieces. In this episode, I share my recent story, what I learned, and what I'll do differently moving forward. This is an eye opening episode for all salon owners!
Want the full episode + supporting PDFs? Join my podcast coaching program, The Elevate Insider. Get your first month free by clicking here. The Salon Owner Blueprint & My Salon Owner Community: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/blueprint 12 Week Training Program: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/training 1 On 1 Coaching: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/coaching Hands-On & Virtual Extension Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/extensions Social Media Support: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/socialmedia Free Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/free Socials: Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opulentbeautypro/Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricia_nowakowski_obs/#YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opulentbeautypro/featured How are you finding new stylists in 2025? I recently started a new strategy for attracting stylists on social media and that has landed me twelve interviews in just 2 weeks! The bottom line? Show up, show who you are, and set up those interviews!
To get the full episode + the exact survey I used, join The Elevate Insider: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/offers/mfWaCmoz/checkout The Salon Owner Blueprint & My Salon Owner Community: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/blueprint 12 Week Training Program: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/training 1 On 1 Coaching: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/coaching Hands-On & Virtual Extension Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/extensions Social Media Support: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/socialmedia Free Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/free Socials: Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opulentbeautypro/Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricia_nowakowski_obs/#YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opulentbeautypro/featured Surveys are a simple but powerful tool to get inside your clients' heads, but pressing the send button isn't easy. Last month I reached out to every single client who hasn't been in my salon in over 9 months or more. The feedback I received was eye opening. And it stung. A lot. I saw some clear trends and knew exactly where I needed to shift thanks to this brutal feedback. I share all the details, including the survey template, in today's episode of The Elevate Insider!
Join The Elevate Insider for full episodes: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/offers/mfWaCmoz/checkout The Salon Owner Blueprint & My Salon Owner Community: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/blueprint 1 On 1 Coaching: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/coaching Hands-On & Virtual Extension Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/extensions Social Media Support: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/socialmedia Free Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/free Socials: Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opulentbeautypro/Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricia_nowakowski_obs/#YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opulentbeautypro/featured As you grow and develop your team, they will need more support outside of just their technical skills. It's your responsibility to develop them into leaders. In this episode, I share why it's important to include this sort of training in your salon and how to get started! You'll be able to give your team more growth opportunities, take more off your plate, and build a stronger salon culture.
Join The Elevate Insider for full episodes: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/offers/mfWaCmoz/checkout The Salon Owner Blueprint & My Salon Owner Community: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/blueprint 1 On 1 Coaching: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/coaching Hands-On & Virtual Extension Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/extensions Social Media Support: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/socialmedia Free Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/free Socials: Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opulentbeautypro/Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricia_nowakowski_obs/#YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opulentbeautypro/featured I don't care how many times I have to say this... You need a front desk. A front desk/support staff's job is not to sit around, answer phones, and fold towels. They should be in a sales role, going above and beyond for clients, and making sure nothing slips through the cracks. I share all the details in this week's episode!
Join The Elevate Insider for full episodes: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/offers/mfWaCmoz/checkout The Salon Owner Blueprint & My Salon Owner Community: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/blueprint 1 On 1 Coaching: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/coaching Hands-On & Virtual Extension Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/extensions Social Media Support: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/socialmedia Free Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/free Socials: Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opulentbeautypro/Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricia_nowakowski_obs/#YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opulentbeautypro/featured In a digital world that's full of advice, it's easy to feel lost. And now more than ever, it's easy to feel divided. As salon owners, we put a lot on the line. And it's not all glamorous. In this episode, I share how I think we can become a more united industry, and how stylists and salon owners can work together to create careers that are absolutely fulfilling.
Join The Elevate Insider for full episodes: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/offers/mfWaCmoz/checkout The Salon Owner Blueprint & My Salon Owner Community: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/blueprint 1 On 1 Coaching: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/coaching Hands-On & Virtual Extension Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/extensions Social Media Support: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/socialmedia Free Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/free Socials: Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opulentbeautypro/Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricia_nowakowski_obs/#YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opulentbeautypro/featured New salon owners are turning to trusted people in our industry to guide them on the right path to success. New salon owner Kaili Nihil opened her salon Forest Moon Collective just two years ago, and decided to follow some popular advice at the time. To her surprise, her salon wasn't growing like she thought. Kaili took matters into her own hands and completely transformed her business, resulting in more profit, more team members, and a better experience for clients. As entrepreneurs, pivoting will save your business- just like it did for Kaili.
To complete the listener survey & receive my 7 Power Moves to Elevate Your Salon Playbook, visit: https://53fgjwjm0yd.typeform.com/to/kdrUYXFj Join The Elevate Insider for full episodes: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/offers/mfWaCmoz/checkout The Salon Owner Blueprint & My Salon Owner Community: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/blueprint 1 On 1 Coaching: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/coaching Hands-On & Virtual Extension Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/extensions Social Media Support: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/socialmedia Free Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/free Socials: Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opulentbeautypro/Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricia_nowakowski_obs/#YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opulentbeautypro/featured
Join The Elevate Insider for full episodes: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/offers/mfWaCmoz/checkout The Salon Owner Blueprint & My Salon Owner Community: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/blueprint 1 On 1 Coaching: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/coaching Hands-On & Virtual Extension Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/extensions Social Media Support: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/socialmedia Free Education: https://www.opulentbeautypro.com/free Socials: Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opulentbeautypro/Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patricia_nowakowski_obs/#YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@opulentbeautypro/featured You can't do it all as a salon owner, and that includes working full time behind the chair. As a salon owner, you have to shift your time and energy from working with clients to leadership, team and client retention, marketing, and so much more. In this episode, I explain why no salon owner should be working full time behind the chair, and what you should be doing instead. The main focus? Your team.