Episode 7: Profit on Purpose: Salon Success Without Burnout with Kelly Cahen

Episode Summary

If you’ve ever looked at your salon numbers and thought, “Where the heck is all my money going?” — this episode is for you. Host Heather Dick sits down with the brilliant and hilarious Kelly Cahen, founder of Scissors Make Sense, to unpack what true profitability looks like in the salon world (spoiler: it’s not about giving away LaCroix and granola bars).

Kelly is a salon owner of 15+ years and financial educator who helps beauty entrepreneurs ditch financial chaos and build intentional, profitable businesses. She shares the real math behind profit margins, how to stop pricing based on emotion, and why your first move toward success might be cutting your snack budget.

This conversation is packed with real numbers, real strategies, and zero fluff — just what you need if you're ready to turn your salon into a sustainable, high-performing business.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The formula Kelly uses to calculate profitable pricing (and why most salons get it wrong)
• How to structure your services to increase margin without losing clients
• The mindset shifts needed to grow from stylist to CEO
• The truth about retail: how to sell it without being pushy
• When to raise prices vs. grow your team — and how to know which to do first
• Why you need to stop calling yourself “bad with numbers”

Guest Links: 

Learn more about Kelly's services:

@scissorsmakesense & https://scissorsmakecents.com/

This episode is proudly brought to you by Blush Artistry — your one-stop destination for all things beauty, self-care, and empowerment. Whether you need a fresh balayage, flawless makeup, relaxing massage, or that “I woke up like this” glow — we’ve got you.

Hair • Makeup • Nails • Tattoo • Massage • Medispa • Chiropractic • Private Gym & More

Visit us at blush-artistry.ca

Follow on Instagram: @blushartistrymua

Work with Heather

Heather offers coaching and consulting for ambitious beauty entrepreneurs who are ready to scale, hire, and create more freedom (without burning out). Whether you're a solo artist ready to build your team, or a studio owner looking to boost profit and culture — she’s your girl.

Learn more: www.theexpansioncode.ca

Follow on Instagram: @iamheatherdick

Don’t forget to follow, rate, and review The Expansion Code!

Share this episode with a salon owner who needs to hear it — and tag us so we can say thank you!

And catch us on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@TheExpansionCode-HeatherDick

Podcast Artwork created by Lucas Seaward: www.360design.ca

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