The REFINE Network

Hosted by Evan Silver & Christopher Hartl

Business Entrepreneurship Arts

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102

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to The Refine Network with Evan Silver, your go-to podcast for all things salon industry-related. Join us as we dive deep into topics ranging from leadership development, cultivating a positive salon culture, maximizing profitability, effective marketing strategies, and mastering financial intelligence.Hosted by Evan Silver & Christopher Hartl, each episode is packed with actionable insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories from leaders in the salon industry. Whether you're a salon

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June 8, 202620 min

From Stylist Thinking to Owner Thinking: The Numbers That Changed Everything

In this episode, Erin Silver shares what happened when she went through SCALE for a second time and why the experience landed differently than it did the first time. Erin opens up about stepping fully into her role as an owner, uncovering financial realities that were limiting her salon's growth, and using data to create greater clarity and buy-in across her team. The conversation explores pricing, profitability, leadership development, delegation, and the importance of moving beyond a stylist mindset to lead a business effectively. Erin also shares how investing in her own growth as a leader has impacted her team, strengthened her culture, and created opportunities for people at every stage of their careers. Whether you're a salon owner, leader, or aspiring entrepreneur, this episode offers practical insights on building a stronger, healthier business through intentional leadership and financial clarity. 🔗 Resources & Links 📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/growth-coaching 🎓 Explore The Artist Academy:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/artistacademy 📊 Discover SCALE (the Refine systems program):https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale 📲 Download The Refine Network App (Apple & Android):Search “The Refine Network” in your app store 📸 Follow us on Instagram:@therefinenetwork00:00 Running Shoes, Magnesium & TikTok Shop 03:03 Why SCALE Hit Differently the Second Time 03:56 Thinking Like an Owner Instead of a Stylist 04:37 The Numbers That Were Holding Us Back 05:19 Pricing Services with Data, Not Guesswork 07:13 How to Get Team Buy-In 10:42 Developing High-Performing Salon Teams 11:29 Stop Micromanaging and Start Leading 13:41 Why Leaders Need to Be Visible 15:19 The Belief Shift That Changes Everything 16:27 What Every New Salon Owner Should Do First 18:24 Final Thoughts

May 25, 202617 min

The Fear About Raising Your Prices | From a Stylist Perspective

What does it actually feel like to go through a major salon pricing shift? In this episode, Christopher sits down with Megan from Mercer Hair Studio to talk about her experience going through SCALE and the emotional reality of raising prices as a stylist. From anxiety and overthinking to confidence and clarity, Megan shares what it looked like to navigate pricing changes inside a growing salon, communicate those changes to clients, and confront the internal fear of wondering if she was truly “worth” more. The conversation dives into:- The mindset challenges behind price increases- What SCALE implementation actually felt like- Fear of losing loyal clients- Communicating pricing with confidence- The connection between pricing and self-worth- Building financial stability behind the chair- Growth culture inside Mercer Hair Studio If pricing conversations make you uncomfortable or you’ve ever questioned your value as a stylist, this episode offers a real and honest perspective from someone who went through it firsthand. 🔗 Resources & Links 📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/growth-coaching 🎓 Explore The Artist Academy:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/artistacademy 📊 Discover SCALE (the Refine systems program):https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale 📲 Download The Refine Network App (Apple & Android):Search “The Refine Network” in your app store 📸 Follow us on Instagram:@therefinenetwork Chapters 00:00 – ABS Chicago, Packing Styles & Enneagram Talk02:29 – Meet Megan from Mercer Hair Studio03:10 – Megan’s First Reaction to SCALE04:08 – Building Her Career & Moving to South Carolina05:06 – Growing a Diverse, Fully Booked Clientele06:26 – Operating at 110% Behind the Chair07:47 – Implementing SCALE Inside the Salon08:29 – “Am I Worth This New Price?”09:24 – Learning How to Talk About Price Increases10:49 – What Actually Happened After Raising Prices11:48 – Financial Freedom & Charging More13:01 – Advice for Stylists Struggling With Pricing14:13 – Growth Culture at Mercer Hair Studio15:43 – Letting Go of Scarcity & Fear17:00 – Final Thoughts & Outro

May 11, 202625 min

The Truth About Raising Prices in Your Salon

What actually happens when you raise your salon prices? In this episode, Crystal Mercer joins the podcast to talk about leadership, culture, pricing psychology, and building a salon team that can truly thrive. The conversation dives into the emotional side of price increases, why so many owners stay stuck playing small, and how fear around money impacts both leaders and stylists. Crystal also shares how she built a culture centered around honesty, accountability, and helping team members create real careers—not just jobs. From hiring with intention to giving teams grace during change, this episode is a powerful look at what sustainable salon leadership actually requires. If you're a salon owner trying to grow without losing your culture, this conversation is for you. 🔗 Resources & Links 📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/growth-coaching 🎓 Explore The Artist Academy:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/artistacademy 📊 Discover SCALE (the Refine systems program):https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale 📲 Download The Refine Network App (Apple & Android):Search “The Refine Network” in your app store 📸 Follow us on Instagram:@therefinenetwork 00:00 Intro + What’s New Right Now01:18 Training a Manager for the First Time03:02 Why Salon Owners Don’t Believe Bigger Is Possible05:10 Stop Treating Your Team Like Children06:18 Hiring for Character, Not Just Talent07:54 The Power of Radical Candor in Leadership09:04 Building a Culture People Want to Stay Connected To10:25 Brand Value, Growth, and Outgrowing Your Space11:45 What Salon Owners Miss About Price Increases13:30 Helping Teams Feel Confident About Pricing14:05 Creating Careers That Actually Support Life16:29 Changing the Way People View the Beauty Industry19:01 Why Retail Numbers Often Dip After Price Changes20:35 Giving Your Team Grace During Transition21:38 What Made SCALE Different From Other Coaching Programs23:50 Why Great Leaders Need People Who Challenge Them25:01 Final Thoughts on Leadership, Culture, and Growth

April 27, 202619 min

Before You Fire a Stylist for Redos...

What do you do when a stylist keeps getting redos? It’s easy to jump to firing.But most of the time, that’s not actually the solution. In this episode, we break down what’s really going on when clients keep coming back for adjustments. From rushed consultations to skipping steps, to pride getting in the way of growth. We talk through how to identify whether it’s a skill issue, a process issue, or a mindset issue… and how to lead that conversation in a way that actually helps someone improve. Because redos aren’t just about fixing hair.They’re about how you lead your team. If you’re a salon owner or leader trying to figure out when to coach and when to let go, this conversation will give you a clearer way forward. Website: https://www.therefinenetwork.com/ Follow Refine:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therefinenetwork/Website: https://www.therefinenetwork.com/ 00:00 Intro Question00:35 Quick Intro Conversation02:30 What Do You Do When a Stylist Keeps Getting Redos?03:15 Why Firing Isn’t the First Move04:10 Skill vs Process: Finding the Real Issue05:20 When Speed Becomes the Problem06:30 The Consultation Breakdown07:10 Why You Should Be Tracking Redos08:00 Coaching Instead of Telling09:00 Pride, Ego, and Coachability10:15 Separating Identity from Performance11:20 Avoiding Blame + Staying Focused12:30 Getting to the Root Problem13:45 Using Team Culture to Reinforce Growth15:00 When It Becomes a Bigger Issue16:00 Leadership Takeaways

March 30, 202618 min

What SCALE Actually Does for Salon Owners

If you’ve been hearing us talk about SCALE and wondering what it actually is—this episode is your inside look. We break down where SCALE started, how it’s evolved, and what it’s becoming as we move into a more streamlined, software-driven experience. We also talk through: Why so many salon owners feel disconnected from their numbersWhat’s typically happening behind the scenes in growing salonsHow SCALE supports owners in gaining clarity and making better decisionsReal feedback and results from salon owners currently going through it This isn’t a deep dive into the numbers—it’s a look at the bigger picture of what SCALE is, who it’s for, and why it’s making an impact. If you’ve been curious, this is the place to start. 👉 Want to learn more?DM us or head to https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale and click “Have a coach reach out.” Follow Refine:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therefinenetwork/Website: https://www.therefinenetwork.com/ Chapters:00:00 Intro02:30 Tracking Habits05:00 What is SCALE05:45 Who It’s For07:00 Numbers Struggle08:00 SCALE Evolution10:45 What Makes It Different11:45 Results + Feedback13:40 ROI15:00 The Process16:15 Workshops17:00 Get Started

March 16, 202623 min

What “Unreasonable Hospitality” Means for Salon Owners

Great service is expected.Hospitality is what makes you unforgettable. In this episode, we break down what “unreasonable hospitality” actually means for salon owners — and why it may be the single greatest competitive advantage you have. We talk about:- The difference between service and hospitality- The problem with “good enough”- Why connection always comes before systems- How small, thoughtful gestures create lifelong clients- How to systematize hospitality so it becomes culture — not coincidence If you care about retention, leadership, and building something that feels different — this conversation is for you. 🔗 Resources & Links 📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/growth-coaching 🎓 Explore The Artist Academy:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/artistacademy 📊 Discover SCALE (the Refine systems program):https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale 📲 Download The Refine Network App (Apple & Android):Search “The Refine Network” in your app store 📸 Follow us on Instagram:@therefinenetwork Chapters 00:00 — Best & Worst Service Stories03:04 — Why This Book Matters04:44 — From #50 to #1: The Power of Hospitality05:30 — Service vs. Hospitality06:40 — The Problem with “Good Enough”08:03 — The Flower Story10:14 — The 3 Pillars of Hospitality12:02 — Parking, Details & First Impressions15:07 — Generosity as a Strategy17:28 — Reframing Fees & Profit17:49 — Systemizing Hospitality21:13 — Real Salon Examples23:16 — Final Takeaways

March 2, 202631 min

Classic Cutting: The Missing Foundation

Most stylists aren’t lacking talent.They’re lacking structure. In this episode, we sit down with Gareth to talk about Classic Cutting — the foundational system that has guided every haircut he’s done for over 30 years. We unpack:• Why so many stylists feel confident with color but uncertain with cutting• The gap between cosmetology school and advanced education• Why “advanced” classes don’t work without fundamentals• How structure creates creative freedom• The difference between copying techniques and understanding why they work This isn’t about replacing other cutting methods.It’s about building the foundation that makes everything else stronger. When you understand the fundamentals, you stop guessing.You stop re-cutting.You stop hoping it works out. You start creating with confidence. If you’re a stylist looking for stability behind the chair — or a salon owner wanting stronger cutters on your team — this conversation is for you. 🔗 Resources & Links 📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/growth-coaching 🎓 Explore The Artist Academy:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/artistacademy 📊 Discover SCALE (the Refine systems program):https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale 📲 Download The Refine Network App (Apple & Android):Search “The Refine Network” in your app store 📸 Follow us on Instagram:@therefinenetwork Chapters:00:00 — Icebreaker & Hygiene Lessons03:12 — Meet Gareth04:37 — From London to the U.S.07:37 — Education & Early Career Growth12:45 — The Surface Education Story15:26 — Why Classic Cutting Matters17:18 — The Foundation Behind Every Haircut20:21 — Cutting vs. Color Education22:17 — The Education Gap in America25:21 — Bridging School & Advanced Training27:28 — Digital Education & Scale28:31 — Leadership Without Ego30:03 — What’s Next for Classic Cutting

February 16, 202625 min

Ego Is Not Your Amigo

We sat down with a simple question: What used to feel like success… that no longer does? What started as an icebreaker turned into a real conversation about ego, leadership, humility, and what actually defines success. Because at some point, success stops being about the car, the title, or the applause… and starts being about legacy, culture, and how you show up for the people around you. In this episode, we unpack: • Why chasing the newest thing doesn’t equal success • The difference between confidence and ego • How ego quietly damages team culture • Why feedback is the fastest ego test • Separating who you are from what you do • Why humility builds lasting legacy Ego can create short-term wins. Humility builds long-term impact. If you lead a team, own a business, or care about culture — this one’s for you. 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations on leadership, growth, and building something that actually lasts. 🔗 Resources & Links 📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/grow... 🎓 Explore The Artist Academy:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/arti... 📊 Discover SCALE (the Refine systems program):https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale 📲 Download The Refine Network App (Apple & Android):Search “The Refine Network” in your app store 📸 Follow us on Instagram:@therefinenetwork Chapters:00:00 — What Used to Feel Like Success04:08 — Ego in the Salon Industry05:50 — How We Keep Our Ego in Check07:16 — “You Don’t Have 20 Years of Experience…”09:46 — The Best in the World (Without Saying It)10:28 — The Smaller the Ego, The Bigger the Legacy11:29 — Humility vs Pride13:38 — Why Ego Hates Feedback15:38 — It’s Okay to Mess Up17:16 — When Ego Damages Culture19:10 — Separate Who You Are from What You Do20:26 — Why Being Your Own Boss Isn’t Always the Win24:06 — Hang Around Humble People

February 2, 202618 min

Trust, Autonomy, and Hard Conversations

We sit down with Cynthia and Olga to talk about what actually keeps a leadership team together — not in theory, but in real life. After working side by side for over 16 years, they share what’s made their partnership last: trust, autonomy, and being willing to have the hard conversations most leaders avoid. We get into how their roles evolved, how respect and clear lanes reduce friction, and why separating feelings from facts is essential when you’re leading creative people. From money conversations and performance expectations to retention, communication systems, and navigating uncomfortable moments with clarity instead of ego — this conversation is honest, grounded, and deeply practical. If you’ve ever wondered why some teams stay solid while others fall apart, this episode offers a real look at what leadership actually requires. 🔗 Resources & Links 📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/growth-coaching 🎓 Explore The Artist Academy:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/artistacademy 📊 Discover SCALE (the Refine systems program):https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale 📲 Download The Refine Network App (Apple & Android):Search “The Refine Network” in your app store 📸 Follow us on Instagram:@therefinenetwork 00:00 — Intro & Setting the Tone01:14 — How the Salon Started02:48 — Support Roles & Longevity04:18 — Communication & Team Engagement05:36 — Trust, Respect & Clear Roles07:19 — Autonomy, Feedback & Growth08:07 — Retention & Leadership Responsibility10:10 — Preparing for Hard Conversations11:27 — Leading with Facts, Not Feelings12:30 — Money, Numbers & Creative Teams14:22 — Normalizing Financial Conversations15:56 — Commission vs. Booth Rent16:54 — Why Better Together Still Matters17:35 — Final Takeaways & Invitation

January 19, 202618 min

Identity, Integrity, and Leadership in the Salon Industry

In this episode, we sit down with Crystal Mercer for an honest conversation about identity, integrity, and what it really means to lead in the salon industry. Crystal shares her perspective on staying true to who you are as a leader, why trying to perform or shape-shift for others leads to burnout, and how clarity builds trust with both teams and clients. We talk about her journey from teenage motherhood to salon ownership, the role coaching has played in her growth, and why systems matter—not just for profit, but for protecting people and creating longevity. This conversation explores leadership as a responsibility, not a title, and challenges salon owners to build businesses that reflect their values, support their teams, and can survive beyond them. If you’re navigating leadership, growth, or the pressure to be everything to everyone, this episode offers grounded perspective and real-world insight. 🔗 Resources & Links 📈 Learn more about Growth Coaching:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/grow... 🎓 Explore The Artist Academy:https://www.therefinenetwork.com/arti... 📊 Discover SCALE (the Refine systems program):https://www.therefinenetwork.com/scale 📲 Download The Refine Network App (Apple & Android):Search “The Refine Network” in your app store 📸 Follow us on Instagram:@therefinenetwork 00:00 — Intro & Icebreaker02:31 — Leading as Yourself04:36 — Salon Ownership06:36 — Systems & Color Management10:02 — Hiring & Growth11:33 — Leading Young Stylists13:45 — Coaching & Intention15:53 — Working with Cosmo Schools16:27 — The Broom Story17:14 — Final Thoughts