Shop Talk: A podcast for the beauty industry, hairstylists and hair-salon owners. By 124Go

Great salon owners and beauty professionals know that running a successful business requires far more than just technical skill—it demands genuine heart and intentional direction. Mastering beauty industry leadership means learning how to inspire your team while effectively managing the daily operations that keep your salon thriving. In this episode, host John Palmieri and co-host Jen LeBlanc are joined by legendary salon owner, industry educator, and influencer Geno Stampora following his annual Mentor and Masters event co-hosted with Nikki Lee. Geno shares his powerful perspective on bridging the gap between inspirational leadership and practical management, overcoming industry challenges with unyielding positivity, and cultivating a deep passion for helping others succeed.

For information on coaching and in-salon classes, email Info@124Go.com.

Say hi to Chris and John on social:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/124.go/

https://www.instagram.com/noindoorvoice/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/124GO/https://www.facebook.com/124GO/

If you’re a hairdresser, salon owner, salon manager, or hair beauty professional, please subscribe and give us a Wicked Good Reviewhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shop-talk-a-podcast-for-the-beauty/id1445070927HERE!

Follow us on Instagram.https://www.instagram.com/124.go/https://www.instagram.com/124.go/

Thanks for stopping by!

Navigating major industry shifts requires more than just technical skill—it demands a complete hairdressing career reinvention. In this episode, host John and co-host Jen LeBlanc sit down with hairdresser royalty and six-time NAHA winner Vivienne Mackinder to explore how salon professionals can adapt, elevate, and thrive through life’s unexpected challenges. From working at Vidal Sassoon and styling top global fashion runways to launching transformative online education programs, Vivienne shares the pivotal moments that reshaped her business and mindset. Discover how aligning with your core purpose, mastering your tools, and stepping outside your comfort zone can unlock unparalleled confidence and growth in your craft.

For information on coaching and in-salon classes, email Info@124Go.com.

Say hi to Chris and John on social:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/124.go/

https://www.instagram.com/noindoorvoice/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/124GO/https://www.facebook.com/124GO/

If you’re a hairdresser, salon owner, salon manager, or hair beauty professional, please subscribe and give us a Wicked Good Reviewhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shop-talk-a-podcast-for-the-beauty/id1445070927HERE!

Follow us on Instagram.https://www.instagram.com/124.go/https://www.instagram.com/124.go/

Thanks for stopping by!

What does it take for a stylist to generate six-figure revenue while maintaining a balanced schedule? Success behind the chair requires far more than technical skill—it relies on masterfully building salon clientele through genuine connection and consistent client care. Host John Palmieri sits down with Salon 124 top performers Shaina Huber, Marlana Allen, and rising star Victoria Ferguson to discuss how they achieved $185,000 revenues in just four days a week. Together, they unpack actionable strategies for overcoming burnout, educating clients, maximizing retail sales, and building a supportive salon culture. Tune in to discover practical insights that can elevate your business and transform your career behind the chair.

For information on coaching and in-salon classes email, Info@124Go.com.

Say hi to Chris and John on social:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/124.go/

https://www.instagram.com/noindoorvoice/

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/124GO/https://www.facebook.com/124GO/

If you’re a hairdresser, salon owner, salon manager, or hair beauty professional, please subscribe and give us a Wicked Good Reviewhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shop-talk-a-podcast-for-the-beauty/id1445070927HERE!

Follow us on Instagram.https://www.instagram.com/124.go/https://www.instagram.com/124.go/

Thanks for stopping by!

Running a thriving business requires more than artistic skill—it demands authentic salon leadership grounded in heart, transparency, and clear vision. When salon owners balance emotional investment with strong business strategy, they create an empowering environment where stylists truly excel. In this episode, John Palmieri and Jen LeBlanc sit down with Amber Pope, co-owner of Salon27 and Evermore Salon and winner of NAHA’s Inspiring Salon of the Year award. Amber shares her insights on building team buy-in, navigating peer-to-peer coaching, and adapting to the needs of Gen Z talent as discussed in books like Zconomy. Tune in to discover how fostering trust and open communication can transform your team into six-figure powerhouses.

For information on coaching and in-salon classes, email Info@124Go.com.

Say hi to Chris and John on social:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/124.go/

https://www.instagram.com/noindoorvoice/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/124GO/

If you’re a hairdresser, salon owner, salon manager, or hair beauty professional, please subscribe and give us a Wicked Good Review HERE!

Follow us on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/124.go/

Thanks for stopping by!

Struggling with persistent cystic acne can feel like an endless, exhausting battle against your own body. If you’ve tried every prescription, laser, and cream only to find yourself back at square one, it’s time to look beyond the surface and discover the power of Clearstem Skincare. In this episode, guests Danielle Gronich and Kayleigh Christina, the co-founders of CLEARSTEM, dive deep into the real root causes of breakouts, from hidden dietary triggers to pore-clogging ingredients in your daily routine. They share their inspiring journey of bootstrapping a revolutionary, non-toxic brand that targets both acne and aging simultaneously, while offering a refreshing look at how conscious communication and executive coaching keep their partnership thriving.

For information on coaching and in-salon classes, email Info@124Go.com.

Say hi to Chris and John on social:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/124.go/

https://www.instagram.com/noindoorvoice/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/124GO/

If you’re a hairdresser, salon owner, salon manager, or hair beauty professional, please subscribe and give us a Wicked Good Review HERE!

Follow us on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/124.go/

Thanks for stopping by!

Save your seat for Leading Forward at https://leadership.124go.com/

Use the coupon code keune to get $400 off your ticket price

The beauty and hair styling industry is undergoing a massive shift, moving away from corporate brand gatekeepers and sliding toward a future shaped by independent artists who value authenticity and simplicity. For stylists looking to thrive in this new landscape, finding high-quality, practical resources is essential, and that is where fancy hairdressers come in to bridge the gap. In this episode, we sit down with Jacob Kahn and Ben White, the passionate educators and co-founders behind Fancy Hairdressers, to dive deep into the evolution of salon business models and modern hair cutting education. They share invaluable insights on transitioning from commission structures to booth rental options, the realities of balancing a career behind the chair with outside passions, and why keeping hair styling straightforward and approachable is the ultimate key to client satisfaction.

For information on coaching and in-salon classes, email Info@124Go.com.

Say hi to Chris and John on social:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/124.go/

https://www.instagram.com/noindoorvoice/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/124GO/

If you’re a hairdresser, salon owner, salon manager, or hair beauty professional, please subscribe and give us a Wicked Good Review HERE!

Follow us on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/124.go/

Thanks for stopping by!

Save your seat for Leading Forward at https://leadership.124go.com/

Use the coupon code keune to get $400 off your ticket price

Running a successful salon or spa requires far more than artistic talent—it demands a deep understanding of business numbers, customer retention, and modern salon management software. In this episode, John Harms, founder and majority owner of Millennium Systems International, shares how four decades of hands-on experience shaped Meevo, one of the beauty industry's leading software platforms. From creating the first multi-step computerized appointment book to leveraging AI for real-time business insights, John reveals the key metrics that drive exponential growth, the power of frequency of visit, and why maintaining a client-first culture is essential for long-term success.

For information on coaching and in-salon classes email, Info@124Go.com.

Say hi to Chris and John on social:

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/124.go/

https://www.instagram.com/noindoorvoice/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/124GO/

If you’re a hairdresser, salon owner, salon manager, or hair beauty professional, please subscribe and give us a Wicked Good Review HERE!

Follow us on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/124.go/

Thanks for stopping by!

A thriving salon business is not just about great hair. It is also about business growth and creating an amazing experience clients keep coming back to. John Palmieri chats with Gina Bianca about the reality of salon ownership, the shift to a hybrid salon model, and what it takes to retain both clients and stylists. From pricing challenges to leadership struggles, they break down the lessons every salon owner needs to succeed. Plus, Gina shares her personal journey of growth, the importance of healing as a leader, and why strong systems—not just talent—drive long-term success.

Say hi to John on social:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noindoorvoice/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/124GO/

If you’re a hairdresser, salon owner, salon manager, or hair beauty professional, please subscribe and give us a Wicked Good Review HERE!

Follow us on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/124.go/

Thanks for stopping by!

Save your seat for Leading Forward at https://leadership.124go.com/

Use the coupon code keune to get $400 off your ticket price

Leadership and legacy are the foundation of a thriving salon business. In this episode of Shop Talk, host John Palmieri sits down with financial advisor Philip Barrington to discuss how salon owners can step into leadership roles, build a lasting legacy, and secure their financial future. Philip shares insights on mentorship, creating a culture of excellence, and the business strategies that help salons grow beyond just day-to-day operations. They also cover why financial planning is often overlooked in the beauty industry and how salon owners can take control of their business finances to ensure long-term stability. If you’re a stylist or salon owner looking to lead with confidence, grow your business, and create financial security, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways.

For information on coaching and in-salon classes email, Info@124Go.com

Say hi to John on social:

Instagram: @124.go | @noindoorvoice

Facebook: 124GO

If you’re a hairdresser, salon owner, salon manager, or hair beauty professional, please subscribe and give us a Wicked Good Review HERE!!

Follow us on Instagram.

Thanks for stopping by!

Save your seat for Leading Forward at https://leadership.124go.com/

Use the coupon code keune to get $400 off your ticket price

Scalp cooling is revolutionizing the cancer journey for many, and Bethany Hornthal is one of those people leading the charge. In this conversation, the executive director and co-founder of HairToStay dives into the empowering option of unique procedure. Learn how scalp cooling minimizes hair loss during chemotherapy and how HairToStay is working to make it accessible to all cancer patients regardless of cost. Bethany also shares her inspiring journey, the science behind scalp cooling, and how the hair care industry can support this important cause.

For information on coaching and in-salon classes email, Info@124Go.com

Say hi to Chris and John on social:

Instagram: @124.go | @noindoorvoice

Facebook:124GO

If you’re a hairdresser, salon owner, salon manager, or hair beauty professional, please subscribe and give us a Wicked Good Review HERE!!

Follow us on Instagram.

Thanks for stopping by!

Save your seat for Leading Forward at https://leadership.124go.com/

Use the coupon code keune to get $400 off your ticket price

What does it take to build an exceptional salon culture? Join John Palmieri and Chris Sulimay as they chat with Amber Pope, owner of Salon 27, who shares her incredible journey to becoming a passionate and thriving salon owner. Amber opens up about the many challenges and various triumphs of building a business, leading a well-rounded team, and cultivating a salon culture centered around support, growth, and genuine connection. Tune in to discover actionable strategies for creating the right salon environment where stylists flourish and clients feel truly cared for.

For information on coaching and in-salon classes email, Info@124Go.com.

Say hi to Chris and John on social:

Instagram: @124.go | @noindoorvoice

Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/124GO/124GO

If you’re a hairdresser, salon owner, salon manager, or hair beauty professional, please subscribe and give us a Wicked Good Review HERE!

Follow us on Instagram.

Thanks for stopping by!

Save your seat for Leading Forward at https://leadership.124go.com/

Use the coupon code keune to get $400 off your ticket price

Digital marketing and SEO optimization are buzzwords thrown around when talking about building your brand online. But how do you know when to invest and where? Here to share his expertise is Lucas Renfroe. Lucas is a founding partner of http://salon.marketing/, a digital marketing agency specializing in the salon and spa industry. He is also a founding partner of Roots Southern Salon in Savannah, GA. In this episode, Lucas sits down with our hosts, Jenn Yeager and Lindsey Young, to share practical tips on boosting your salon’s branding and attracting more clients in the digital sphere. In addition, he touches on building your website, the importance of generating reviews, when to pay ads, and how to grow your business continually. Join in to get valuable business insight to help your salon’s exponential growth.

Is this the Salon Model of the Future - Lindsey Young Talks Quality Over Quantity

In this conversation Lindsey Young, Owner of Luna Salon and Masters of Balayage Trainer, shares why she is choosing quality over quantity to grow her salon and how it is attracting the perfect stylists for their salon culture.

She also shares lessons she is learning transitioning from behind the chair to full time owner.

Connect with Lindsey - https://www.instagram.com/lunasalontally/

http://thelunasalon.com

https://www.mastersofbalayage.com

To attend the 4-day virtual salon owner/manager workshop email us! Info@124go.com

Say hi to John on social: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/124.go/

https://www.instagram.com/noindoorvoice/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/124GO/

If you’re a hairdresser, salon owner, salon/spa manager or beauty professional, please subscribe and give us a Wicked Good Review!!

Music information: Never Wanna Grow up, by the incredible Katrina Stone. https://artlist.io/song/6748/never-wa…

Thank you for stopping by!

If you haven’t seen the work of this incredible, and humble human being than you are in for a treat! In this conversation, John and Chris give Jack the title of Hair Color Transformation King of the World. He is a multiple-time Behind the Chair #OneShot finalist. And WE GOT HIM TO SHARE ALL OF HIS SECRETS!

Jack began his career, in his home country of Syria and France before coming to the United States where he met his wife (a hairdresser as well). After years of working and refining their craft, Jack saw the opportunity on Social Media… The rest is history and for you to enjoy by listening to this inspiring conversation.

Follow Jack https://www.instagram.com/jackmartincolorist/

If you enjoyed this podcast please subscribe and give us a Wicked Good Review!!

Follow us on the Social Media:

https://www.instagram.com/124.go/

https://124go.com/

Or email us @info@124Go.com

Music information: Never Wanna Grow up, by the incredible Katrina Stone. https://artlist.io/song/6748/never-wa...

What’s it like to grow 9 salons and two skin spas? Just ask Lorean Cairns co-founder of Fox and Jane Salons and Skin Habit.

To think her journey as an owner started under 10 years ago is miraculous! In this conversation, Lorean shares her philosophies on leadership, culture, coaching and her plans for the future. This is a conversation for every level of salon professional.

Say Hi to Lorean https://loreancairns.com/ @loreancairns

Purchase Culture Fox https://www.amazon.com/Culture-Fox-Cultivate-Culture-International/dp/1544502311

Check out Fox and Jane salons https://foxandjanesalon.com/bowery/

Say hi to John on social: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/124.go/

https://www.instagram.com/noindoorvoice/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/124GO/

If you’re a hairdresser, salon owner, salon manager or hair beauty professional, please subscribe and give us a Wicked Good Review!!

If you’re a hairdresser, salon owner, salon manager or hair beauty professional, please subscribe and give us a Wicked Good Review!!

Music information: Never Wanna Grow up, by the incredible Katrina Stone. https://artlist.io/song/6748/never-wa…

Thank you for stopping by!

She Doubled Her Prices!

In this very special episode John and Chris interview Rachael Ford, and Rachael represents well, a lot of you - and if you're new to the career - she represents what your future might look like.

You see Rachael is a hairstylist and the owner of an 8 chair salon. She is also a mother with five ranging from college to toddler, a wife - a homemaker… You get the picture.

This year Rachael finally had enough, one day - maybe while doing dishes or picking up toys she decided something had to give.. She needed to make some changes if she was going to be happy and sustain..

After going down a rabbit hole of self discovery - she decided to do something drastic!

Enroll in Salon Business Blueprint - https://www.124goacademy.com/

4-day intensive of 2023, in Atlanta, GA, May 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th. - Apply go to https://124go.com/ or email us @ info@124go.com Trust me, you don’t want to miss this!

• The top strategies that Brian Perdue used to grow from 4 hairstylists to 6 salons and over 140 hairstylists.
• Get hand fed the systems and processes that salon 124 uses every day to be one of the most successful salon groups in the country.
• This is a no holds barred event where we share all of the secrets to help you grow your salon - no matter the size.

Say hi to John on social:

Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/124.go/

If you’re a hairdresser, salon owner, salon manager or hair beauty professional, please subscribe and give us a Wicked Good Review!!

Music information: Never Wanna Grow up, by the incredible Katrina Stone.https://www.youtube.com/redirect?redir_token=FUnveCwjJFsdgxSGPCWV8iKWgGB8MTU2Njg2NDc5NkAxNTY2Nzc4Mzk2&q=https%3A%2F%2Fartlist.io%2Fsong%2F6748%2Fnever-wanna-grow-up&v=WyW4zUjc4_k&event=video_descriptionhttps://artlist.io/song/6748/never-wa…

Thank you for stopping by!

J Ladner Pt. 2 - How to Feel Like You are Enough / Showing Up / Being open to Education, Mentorship and Experience

In this episode J dives deeper into the stylist career journey and why being open to education and mentorship early in your career is so important.

He also leaves us with some beautiful final words - so be sure to listen until the end!

• If you haven't met J here’s a bit more about him - he is an accomplished hair and makeup artist with experience in film, television, theatre, print and digital media.
• Recognized as Modern Salon’s 2019 Top 100,
• American Influencer Awards 2020 Emerging Hairstylist of the Year Nominee, J is also a successful entrepreneur, educator, digital author,
• Digital Creative Director of Oligo Professionnel
• Hosts the No Stylist Left Behind podcast with Nina Tulio.

Connect with J - https://www.jladner.com/

4-Day Intensive of 2023. That happens May 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th, here in sunny Atlanta. To register, go to https://124go.com/ or email us at info@124go.com Trust me, you don’t want to miss this!

• The top strategies that the Salon 124 Group used to grow from 4 hairstylists to 6 salons, 140 hairstylists and 10 Million Dollars in Sales.
• Get hand fed the systems and processes that salon 124 uses every day to be one of the most successful salon groups in the country.
• This is a no holds barred event where we share all of the secrets to help you grow your salon - no matter the size.

Say hi on social:

Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/124.go/

If you’re a hairdresser, salon owner, salon manager or hair beauty professional, please subscribe and give us a Wicked Good Review!!

Music information: Never Wanna Grow up, by the incredible Katrina Stone.https://www.youtube.com/redirect?redir_token=FUnveCwjJFsdgxSGPCWV8iKWgGB8MTU2Njg2NDc5NkAxNTY2Nzc4Mzk2&q=https%3A%2F%2Fartlist.io%2Fsong%2F6748%2Fnever-wanna-grow-up&v=WyW4zUjc4_k&event=video_descriptionhttps://artlist.io/song/6748/never-wa…

Thank you for stopping by!

“Be vulnerable with them, and the magic will exist”

Hello everyone, it’s John here – welcome back to the Shop Talk Podcast, the educational podcast for salon pros looking to elevate their craft.

This is Part 1 of our conversation with J Ladner, and I promise you, it’s going to be incredible!

J, a bundle of energy, is the Digital Creative Director for Oligo Pro and the Founder of J Ladner Education. He is also the co-host of the No Stylist Left Behind Podcast, alongside Nina Tulio.

Although relatively young in his career, J has achieved a lot:

• Starting in Tampa, FL, J and his husband moved to North Dakota, where they opened J Ladner Salon and quickly became the talk of the town.
• After seven years of ownership, they sold the salon and followed their dreams to LA, where they reside today.

In this conversation, J discusses:

• Building credibility and drawing on your experience
• Asking difficult questions and leaning into your vulnerability
• Waking up to change

We loved this conversation and know you will too!

Connect With J:

• Website: https://www.jladner.com/
• Enroll in Salon Business Blueprint: https://www.124goacademy.com/

Salon owners and managers, attend the amazing 4-Day Intensive happening this May (May 7th, 8th, 9th, and 10th).

• Register: https://124go.com/
• Email us: info@124go.com

Learn the top strategies the Salon 124 Group used to grow:

• From 4 hairstylists to 6 salons
• To 140 hairstylists and over $10 million in sales

Get exclusive access to the systems and processes Salon 124 uses daily to be one of the most successful salon groups in the country. This is a no-holds-barred event where we share all the secrets to help you grow your salon – no matter the size.

Say Hi On Social

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/124.go/

If you’re a hairdresser, salon owner, salon manager, or beauty professional, please subscribe and give us a Wicked Good Review!

Never Wanna Grow Up by Katrina Stone (Listen here)

Thank you for stopping by!

Intention Equals Power / Vivian Mackinder / Icon and Founder Hairdesigner TV

Vivian Mackinder is an Icon in the beauty industry (and she is just getting started). A master reinventer, and pilgrim of online education Vivian has taught and inspired millions of hair stylists around the globe. In this episode she shares her philosophy for success and her keys to becoming a master hairstylist.

Say hi to John on social: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/124.go/

https://www.instagram.com/noindoorvoice/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/124GO/

If you’re a hairdresser, salon owner, salon manager or hair beauty professional, please subscribe and give us a Wicked Good Review!

Music information: Never Wanna Grow up, by the incredible Katrina Stone.

https://artlist.io/song/6748/never-wa..

Thank you for stopping by!

Jay Williams may be the most prolific thought leader in the salon industry. In this conversation, Jay schools John and Chris on how to better lead yourself and influence others in such our fast-shifting 2020 environment.

There is so much packed into this episode - you may have to listen twice!

Connect with Jay Williams https://www.instagram.com/jaywilliamsco/

Purchase This VS That and Leave Your Mark (all profits go to helping stop human trafficking) https://www.jaywilliamsco.com/the-book

Say hi to John on social:

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/124.go/

https://www.instagram.com/noindoorvoice/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/124GO/

If you’re a hairdresser, salon owner, salon manager or hair beauty professional, please subscribe and give us a Wicked Good Review!!

Music information: Never Wanna Grow up, by the incredible Katrina Stone. https://artlist.io/song/6748/never-wa…

Thank you for stopping by!