Brian ‘Leo’ McCallum, Creative Director of ROAR Hair & Beauty, shares why putting people before profit has been key to building a successful salon culture.
Published:As hairdressers, we do far more than cut and colour hair. Every day we create a space where clients feel comfortable enough to open up, making our role as much about connection as creativity. But while we spend so much time supporting others, it’s equally important that we look after ourselves and the people we work alongside.
At ROAR Hair & Beauty, we’ve built our business around inclusivity and kindness. For us, that means creating an environment where both clients and team members feel respected, valued and able to be themselves. A positive salon culture doesn’t happen by chance, it’s created through the everyday decisions we make.
One of the simplest changes we’ve introduced has been around language. We refer to our team as “Partners” rather than employees because it reinforces a shared sense of ownership, trust and collaboration. It reminds everyone that we’re working towards the same goals together.
We’ve also replaced traditional one-to-one reviews with wellness meetings. Rather than focusing solely on targets and KPIs, these conversations are centred on how people are really feeling and what support they need to succeed. Instead of asking, “Have you hit your targets?” we ask, “What does success look like for you, and how can we help you get there?” Those conversations build confidence, trust and long-term engagement.
Investing in development is another essential part of supporting wellbeing. Giving the team opportunities to work on photoshoots, attend events, take part in education and experience life beyond the salon floor helps build confidence while keeping creativity alive. When people feel they are progressing, they’re more motivated and fulfilled in their careers.
This matters too. Whether it’s celebrating achievements at our annual ROAR Awards, rewarding success throughout the year or taking the team away together, showing appreciation creates a culture where people feel genuinely valued.
A wellbeing-first salon isn’t about removing ambition or lowering standards. It’s about creating an environment where people feel supported enough to perform at their best. When you invest in your team’s wellbeing, they’ll deliver a better experience for clients, strengthen your salon culture and ultimately help your business thrive. Brian also shared his tips for creating a fully inclusive salon with us in a past article.
For more information about the salon’s wellbeing services, please visit: www.roarhairandbeauty.com.
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