When Ryan Mallard met his wife Nese Atlas, he was introduced to a side of the hairdressing industry he had never seen before. Through Nese’s lived experience as a stylist, Ryan began to understand the gaps and saw an opportunity to do things differently.

Coming from over 20 years in the corporate world Ryan brought in what he knew, clear pathways for growth, strong team culture, and investment in people. Ryan and Nese set out to build a salon that redefined what it means to truly support a team.

Now with a team of 35 and a thriving apprenticeship programme, their model speaks for itself low staff turnover, strong loyalty, and a new standard for what’s possible in the industry. This is a conversation about bridging two worlds together, challenging norms, and building something that truly works for the people who make the industry what it is.

In this episode of KM Radio, hosts Nathan Gorman and Sarah Lund sit down with the inspiring Holly Santelli, founder of Ash & Willow Salon in Illinois, one of KEVIN.MURPHYS most loved and visionary salon partners in North America.

Holly shares her deeply personal journey back into the industry and how a lifelong connection to nature, wellness, and Celtic folklore shaped the intentional world of Ash & Willow. The conversation explores how Ash & Willow seamlessly blends beauty with holistic wellness, including The Nest - a dedicated in-salon sanctuary offering meditation, Reiki, sound baths, face yoga, and alternative healing practices for clients, practitioners, and the team alike.

Holly also opens up about Camp ReWild, a nature-based retreat designed to support salon culture, mental health, and connection through movement, mindfulness, and time outdoors.

Nathan and Sarah dive into Ash & Willow’s powerful apprenticeship and give-back programs, including their long-standing partnership with Avenues to Independence, where emerging stylists provide complimentary haircuts to people with special needs.

This month on KM.RADIO, Nathan Gorman sits down with Janine Simons, salon owner, business strategist, and now tech founder, launching Color Bar Manager, a purpose-built software platform for salons to track colour usage, manage inventory, and optimise profitability.

Janine takes us behind the scenes of her career from starting, scaling, and selling multiple salons, to hitting that big question so many face: what’s next? Retire… or pivot?

In this chat, Janine shares how each of her salons was built on a different strategy shaped by changing clients, growing teams, and an industry that never stands still. Now, as the founder of Color Bar Manager, Janine is helping salons around the world work smarter and cut colour waste.

Learn about Color Bar Manager here: https://colorbarmanager.com/

Follow Color Bar Manager Here: https://www.instagram.com/salonauntie_colorbarmanager/

In this months episode of KM.RADIO, hosts Nathan Gorman and Sarah Lund sit down with sibling duo Alison and Mark, the founders of Mastermynd Beauty. With Alison’s experience as a salon owner and Mark’s colourful background in tech and digital media, they’ve built a business that blends creativity with strategy.

We explore how salon owners and beauty professionals can market themselves effectively on social media, stay consistent, and redefine their relationship with digital platforms. Alison and Mark also share valuable mindset tips on how to get clear on what you want, the sacrifices success may require, and how to support your team along the way.

Learn more here :https://www.mastermyndbeauty.com/

Follow Mark, Alison and Mastermynd Beauty

@mastermyndbeauty

@alisonbellavi

@marksmynd

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@MastermyndBeauty

Upcoming classes

September 22 in Bristol, UK

September 23 in London, UK

https://wonderful-brands.com/product/the-beauty-business-masterclass-mastermynd-beauty/

October 27 in Rosemont, IL (Chicago area)

https://www.premierbeautysupply.com/education/?class=4401#filterhttps://www.mastermyndbeauty.com/contact

In this month’s episode on KM.RADIO Nathan Gorman sits down with salon business coach and industry leader Antony Whitaker to dive deep into the realities of becoming an independent stylist or salon owner.

With more stylists choosing to step away from traditional employment and embrace the independence of salon suites, freelance work, and self-employment, together they unpack the skills and mindset needed to thrive in today’s landscape from leadership and team management, to financial planning, client retention, and the importance of hiring the right people.

@growmysalonbusiness

https://growmysalonbusiness.com/

After starting her career in law, Amy made the bold decision to follow her true passion, hair. At 26, Amy wanted to become an adult apprentice but it wasn't easy. After facing rejection and setbacks, Amy decided to open up her own salon - The Chapel Aldgate, now recognised as one of Australia’s leading KEVIN.MURPHY salons. Amy shares her journey and what business strategies she put in place to scale her business and her brand.

✨Follow Amy: https://www.instagram.com/amysmithhairstylistau/

✨Follow the Chapel Aldgate: https://www.instagram.com/thechapel.aldgate/

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Welcome to KM.RADIO. A KEVIN.MURPHY business podcast brought to you by SESSION.SALON. Let us take you behind the scenes of the salon floor, sharing real stories, insights, and experiences from industry professionals. Join us as we sit down with special guests who’ll reveal their business secrets, challenges, and successes all to inspire and elevate your journey in the world of hair and beauty.

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⁠https://www.instagram.com/session.salon/⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/kevin.murphy.education/⁠

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👩🏻‍🔬 Colourists, join our private Facebook group

⁠https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1CAuGenrcA/⁠

🌿 Learn more about KEVIN.MURPHY

⁠https://kevinmurphy.com.au/au/en/pro/⁠