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Too many salon owners start with numbers such as rent prices or commission percentages when hiring and attracting talent. In this episode, Todd and Jen flip the script with a lesson inspired by Steve Jobs: start with the experience and then work backward.

Whether you run a commission salon or a booth or suite rental space, you’ll learn how to design an environment where stylists and renters feel valued, supported, and inspired—and why that approach keeps people around longer.

Episode Timestamps

• [00:00 ] – Todd introduces the episode + Steve Jobs’ philosophy
• [01:30 ] – Opening takes: self-talk and work-life balance myths
• [07:00 ] – Why skipping fundamentals holds stylists back
• [10:00 ] – Hello Hair Co’s early culture decisions
• [13:00 ] – Common hiring mistakes salon owners make
• [16:00 ] – Why leading with commission % or rent price doesn’t work
• [18:00 ] – Why “luxury,” “family,” and “cutting edge” job ads fall flat
• [20:00 ] – What stylists actually want in a job today
• [23:00 ] – Stability, trust, and leadership as retention drivers
• [25:00 ] – Work-life balance: freedom without laziness
• [27:00 ] – Recognition and respect as key motivators
• [28:00 ] – The stylist journey: awareness → exploration → interview → onboarding → growth
• [34:00 ] – Why strong onboarding matters more than shadowing
• [39:00 ] – Writing job ads that attract culture fits
• [43:00 ] – Attracting booth renters: what they really want
• [47:00 ] – Booth rent vs. experience-first recruiting
• [49:00 ] – Key takeaways + closing thoughts

Key Takeaways

• Don’t lead with commission or rent rates—lead with experience.
• Stylists and renters want to belong, have growth opportunities, experience stability, trust, and recognition.
• Job ads that sound generic (“luxury,” “like family”) fail to attract the right people.
• Clear systems, mentorship, and education are the real differentiators.
• Booth renters value independence, but also want a professional, client-ready environment.
• Build a culture where stylists want to be—that’s the ultimate recruiting advantage.

How to Keep Your Salon Staff: What Our Stylists Said When We Asked Why They Stay [EP:204]

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