In this episode, Hayley Mears sits down with Vince Saunders, owner and founder of Bonce Hair Boutique in regional South Australia — a salon known for its sharp branding, strong culture, and clever community-led marketing.

Vince opens up about the recruitment crisis facing salon owners, why fewer stylists want to work in traditional teams, and how shifting expectations around work–life balance are reshaping the industry. He shares how buying a salon in a town of 8,000 became a strategic advantage, and why standing out in a regional market requires a totally different approach than competing in a capital city.

Hayley and Vince also unpack Bonce Hair Boutique’s unique marketing strategy — using local community engagement, SEO, and blog content to drive new clients. For Vince, social media is last on the list. Instead, he focuses on building a digital presence that works when people search, not scroll.

The conversation dives into Vince’s leadership philosophy, the importance of nurturing a unified team culture, and the mindset shift required to stop “wearing too many hats” as a salon owner. Vince also reveals his next big move: expanding into the booming pet industry with a dog daycare and grooming facility, leveraging his existing salon audience to diversify revenue.

A grounded, insightful episode for salon owners navigating growth, leadership, and the realities of running a modern business.

Key Topics Covered

• Why salon recruitment is harder than ever — and how to attract team-minded stylists
• The advantage of owning a salon in a regional town
• Branding that cuts through: how Bonce Hair Boutique positioned itself against local competitors
• Using local events, blogs, and SEO to generate new clients organically
• The declining role of social media in client acquisition
• Leadership lessons: setting the “weather” in your salon
• Staff expectations, work–life balance, and evolving employment models
• Diversifying beyond hair: launching a dog daycare and grooming business
• Improving delegation and letting go of too many roles
• Podcasts and resources Vince uses to stay ahead

Useful Links

https://boncehairboutique.com/

https://www.instagram.com/boncehairboutique/