48. Salon Taxes Demystified: What You Owe, When to Pay, and Why
Release Date: 12/15/2025
49. Reflect, Reset, Rebuild: Year-End Planning for Salon Owners
Positive Image Podcast
In this episode, Nicole and Alicia dive into year-end reflection and intentional goal setting for salon owners and creatives. They talk about why looking back is just as important as planning ahead—helping you gain clarity on what worked, what didn’t, and where you want to grow next. They explore the power of writing down goals, setting both realistic and audacious intentions, and connecting deeply to the why behind each goal to stay motivated. Nicole shares her approach to starting the planning process earlier in the year, while Alicia discusses the value of implementing changes in...
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48. Salon Taxes Demystified: What You Owe, When to Pay, and Why
Positive Image Podcast
Taxes don’t have to be scary—but they do have to be understood. In this episode, Nicole and Alicia break down the essentials of salon taxes in a practical, easy-to-follow way. They cover what HST is and how it works, payroll taxes and remittances, and the basics of business and corporate taxes. You’ll learn what each tax is for, how often it needs to be paid, and what money is actually yours versus what belongs to the government. Important disclaimer: Nicole and Alicia are not accountants or lawyers. This episode is for educational purposes only and is meant to help you understand...
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47. The Art of Client Gifting: Thoughtful Ways to Show Appreciation
Positive Image Podcast
Work with Nicole: Work with Alicia:
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46 - Hiring with Heart: Finding the Right People for Your Salon
Positive Image Podcast
In this episode, Nicole and Alicia dive deep into one of the most important (and sometimes challenging) parts of salon ownership — hiring the right people. They discuss how knowing your brand values is the foundation for attracting the kind of team that truly fits your culture and helps your business grow. You’ll learn what questions to ask in interviews, what to include in your job posting to filter for the right applicants, and how to design a hiring process that aligns with your salon’s goals. Plus, they explore a surprisingly refreshing topic — how to support team members who dream...
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45 - Community Over Competition: Building Local Connections That Grow Your Business
Positive Image Podcast
In this episode, Nicole and Alicia explore how community engagement can become one of the most powerful tools for business growth and brand trust. From local sponsorships and charity events to pay-what-you-can haircuts and school fundraisers, they share how authentic giving and collaboration can elevate your salon’s reputation and attract loyal clients. They also discuss how to align with like-minded local businesses, balance marketing with genuine connection, and find creative ways to get involved without losing focus on your core values. Whether you’re hosting community events or...
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43 - Building a Brand That Books: Marketing Your Salon & Attracting Dream Clients
Positive Image Podcast
In the final episode of our How to Open a Salon in Toronto series, Nicole and Alicia dive into the exciting world of branding, marketing, and launch strategy. They unpack what it takes to build a magnetic brand, attract your dream clients, and design a marketing plan that works without overwhelming you. From choosing booking systems and creating content to planning a buzz-worthy grand opening, this episode covers the essentials of getting your salon noticed. Along the way, you’ll learn how to: ✅ Define your brand identity and values ✅ Identify and market to your dream client ✅ Build a...
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42 - Salon Policies Made Simple: Protecting Your Business & Empowering Your Team
Positive Image Podcast
In this episode, Nicole and Alicia break down why every salon owner needs a policy and procedure manual—and how to actually create one without overcomplicating things. From payroll and compensation basics to vacation rules, sick leave, and product commissions, they cover what to include so your team knows exactly what’s expected. They discuss how clear policies not only protect you legally, but also empower your team, prevent misunderstandings, and keep your salon running smoothly without constant micromanagement. You’ll also learn practical tips for building your manual, introducing it...
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41 - Opening Costs: How Much Does It Really Cost to Open a Salon?
Positive Image Podcast
In this episode, Nicole and Alicia walk you through Realistic cost breakdowns for opening a salon in Toronto—from buildout to insurance, with tips on budgeting and surprise expenses They’ll break down: The Big Categories – What You’ll Spend On Renovations & Buildout Costs Furniture, Equipment & Fixtures Licenses, Legal, Insurance & Admin Inventory, Branding & Other Start-up Costs Funding Your Salon Budgeting Advice + Surprise Costs Ongoing Monthly Costs You’ll Need to Budget For Tips to Stay Financially Sane If you're planning to open a salon in Toronto,...
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40. Lease, License & Location: Getting Salon-Ready
Positive Image Podcast
In this episode, Nicole and Alicia walk you through one of the most critical steps in opening your salon—finding the right space, understanding commercial leases, zoning requirements, and passing Public Health inspections. They’ll break down: What to look for in a salon space (foot traffic, layout, plumbing, etc.) What’s hidden in commercial lease agreements and what clauses matter The zoning requirements to legally operate a salon in Toronto How to apply for your Personal Services Setting Licence (PSSL) What’s needed to pass your Public Health BodySafe inspection How to...
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39. Make It Official: Registering Your Salon the Right Way
Positive Image Podcast
Before you pick out paint swatches or shampoo bowls, you need to make your salon legit. In this episode, Nicole and Alicia walk you through the legal and practical steps of registering your salon business in Toronto, Ontario. From choosing the right business structure (sole proprietorship vs. incorporation), to doing a NUANS name search, getting your CRA business number, and understanding HST registration, we’re laying down the legal foundation. We also touch on one of the most overlooked details—zoning and licensing—to make sure you don’t fall in love with a space you can’t legally...
info_outlineTaxes don’t have to be scary—but they do have to be understood. In this episode, Nicole and Alicia break down the essentials of salon taxes in a practical, easy-to-follow way. They cover what HST is and how it works, payroll taxes and remittances, and the basics of business and corporate taxes. You’ll learn what each tax is for, how often it needs to be paid, and what money is actually yours versus what belongs to the government.
Important disclaimer: Nicole and Alicia are not accountants or lawyers. This episode is for educational purposes only and is meant to help you understand how the system works—not to provide legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified accountant or tax professional for guidance specific to your business.
This episode is all about clarity—helping salon owners feel confident, organized, and prepared so there are no surprises at tax time. Whether you’re newly self-employed or running an established salon, this is a must-listen for understanding your responsibilities and building a financially healthy business.
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Work with Nicole
manzermethodcoaching@gmail.com
Work with Alicia
alicia.lumsden.to@gmail.com