In this powerful episode, Ann Marie Christell, hairstylist turned coach with over 20 years of experience, dives deep into one of the biggest challenges behind the chair—handling scheduling and last-minute cancellations with grace and professionalism.

If you're a hairstylist who’s tired of being ghosted, rescheduled last minute, or drained by back-and-forth communication, this episode is for you. Ann Marie shares how to set strong boundaries, build smart systems, and protect your energy and time—all while maintaining a calm, empowered mindset.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

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  Why last-minute cancellations happen and how to emotionally detach from them

  
  


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  The power of systems: Online booking, deposit requirements, and automated reminders

  
  


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  How to create and communicate clear cancellation and rescheduling policies

  
  


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  Why video consultations and deposits build commitment and screen the right clients

  
  


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  How to gracefully handle chronic reschedulers and no-shows

  
  


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  Mindset tips for staying calm and confident when appointments fall through

  
  


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  What to do instead when a gap opens in your calendar (hint: it’s a chance to grow your business!)

  
  


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  Why your website—not social media—should be the go-to for your policies

  
  


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  How to reframe frustrating situations into learning opportunities

  
  

🛠️ Tools & Systems Mentioned:

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  Online booking calendar with deposits & automation

  
  


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  Automated email & text message sequences

  
  


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  Pre-recorded video content to explain policies and salon etiquette

  
  


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  Client screening systems via paid video consultations

  
  


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  Templates for handling cancellations and rescheduling conversations

  
  

🌿 Ann Marie’s Key Takeaways:

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  You are in charge of your business. Clear boundaries = less stress.

  
  


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  Clients respect structure. Don’t be afraid to create and enforce your policies.

  
  


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  Every cancellation is a chance to refine your systems and improve your client experience.

  
  


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  Staying calm and kind—yet firm—protects both your peace and professionalism.

  
  


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  Don’t just react—plan. Build systems that run smoothly without emotional overload.

  
  

💌 Resources & Links:

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  💻 Join the Serene Flow Marketing Club – Only $1 for the first 30 days!
  Weekly coaching calls, content strategies, systems templates, and a supportive community.
  👉 https://www.serene-flow.com/offers/FQ64naYL 

  
  


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  🎧 Related Episode: [What to Do During Slow Times in Your Salon]
  https://www.serene-flow.com/podcasts/the-sustainable-hair-stylist-podcast/episodes/2148672406 

  
  


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  📥 Get in Touch:
  ✉️ Email: contact@serenen-flow.com
  📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sereneflow_ 

  
  

🙌 Support the Show:

If you enjoyed this episode, it would mean the world if you:

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  💬 Left a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts

  
  


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  📺 Gave a thumbs up and subscribed on YouTube

  
  


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  📨 Shared it with a fellow hairstylist who needs to hear this message!

  
  

💖 Final Words from Ann Marie:

“You are running a business—you don’t need to take everything personally. Create systems, stick to your policies, and trust that the right clients will show up for you.”