Susan sits down with Stephanie Podmore, the owner of Escape Beauty and Skin, to explore her unique journey into entrepreneurship. Stephanie shares her transition from aspiring sports professional to successful salon owner, detailing the challenges she faced, including navigating motherhood and the impact of COVID-19 on her business. The conversation delves into the importance of understanding financials, nurturing client relationships, and fostering a supportive team environment. Stephanie emphasises the significance of involving her staff in decision-making and how this approach has led to a thriving business culture. With insights on personal growth and resilience, this episode is a testament to the power of passion and dedication in the beauty industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS Understanding Numbers is Crucial: Gaining a clear understanding of financial metrics and margins is essential for running a successful business. This knowledge helps in making informed decisions about pricing and managing expenses. Nurturing Client Relationships: Building strong rapport with clients is vital. Providing personalised experiences, such as offering upgrades or thoughtful gestures, enhances client satisfaction and loyalty. Team Involvement in Decision-Making: Involving team members in business decisions fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility. This collaborative approach not only boosts morale but also aligns individual goals with the overall objectives of the business. Adaptability and Mindset: Embracing change and maintaining a positive mindset during challenging times is important. Learning from experiences and being open to new strategies can lead to growth and improvement. BEST MOMENTS "I would hate for someone to work for me that didn't want to be there." - Stephanie "I never went to uni in the end. I did my level two and my level three." - Stephanie "I honestly, up until when I left, I had a bit of a tricky birth with Bonnie." - Stephanie "It's really not healthy for someone to stay with you if they've got aspirations to do something." - Susan HOST BIO Susan Routledge is a distinguished figure in the beauty industry with over 38 years of experience. As a multi-award-winning salon owner and international business consultant, she's recognized among the top UK industry influencers for her passion and dedication.  Known for her down-to-earth, light-hearted approach, Susan is an international speaker and established awards judge. She founded the exclusive Beauty Directors Club, a global membership community for salon, clinic, and spa owners, offering business resources and multi-expert advice. Susan also created the online "Salon Success Freedom" program to help beauty businesses thrive. Susan founded and has grown her clinic of 36 years in Co. Durham into the largest independent beauty salon in Northeast England. She is the creator of the trademarked STABLE business formula and author of "The Little Book of Client Retention" and the world's No. 1 bestsellers "Beauty And the Best" 1 and 2.  She serves on the Professional Board for BABTAC, helping to represent and raise industry standards, and on the advisory board for the prestigious PHAB Service Stars. Susan's expertise continues to shape and elevate the beauty industry worldwide. USEFUL LINKS https://susanroutledge.com https://www.instagram.com/susan_routledge/ https://www.tiktok.com/@beautybusinessmatters https://marketing.susanroutledge.com/beauty-and-the-best-chapters This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/