The Power of Efficiency and Presence with Monique McMahon
When you think of salon success, it’s easy to picture a big team, a buzzing floor, and endless appointments. But as Monique McMahon shared with us in her return to Salon Rising: The Podcast, real success is not about how much you turn over, it’s about how well you run your business, how strong your team feels, and how present you are as a leader.
This conversation with Monique was overflowing with insight and honesty. She let us into her world as a global ambassador, salon owner, educator, and mentor, sharing the small shifts that have made the biggest difference. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow without burning out, or how to balance expansion with profitability, this one is for you.
Why Efficiency Is the New Salon Superpower
For Monique, the word of the year is efficiency. It’s not the flashiest word, but it’s the one that has completely transformed her salon.
“Small changes become one big change. And suddenly you’re living this completely different lifestyle.”
Efficiency wasn’t just about stock budgets or appointment flow, it was about everything. From simplifying sundries and rethinking foil orders to creating processes for Google reviews, every decision has been about doing more with less.
Monique explained how cutting back on team size, ordering smarter, and streamlining daily habits lifted her efficiency score and boosted profitability. It’s proof that success isn’t about more staff or higher turnover, it’s about how well your business runs.
Presence: The Leadership Skill That Changes Everything
Alongside efficiency, Monique spoke about the power of presence.
She reminded us that clients don’t just come for hair, they come for how we make them feel. Presence is about how your team shows up, the energy they bring, and the confidence they carry into every appointment.
Monique shared the challenge of helping younger stylists develop that presence, especially in a world shaped by social media and post pandemic nerves. For her, teaching presence is just as important as teaching skill. Because while technical ability is critical, the emotional connection is what keeps clients coming back.
Profitability Over Turnover
One of the most powerful truths Monique shared was this:
“The less staff I have, the more profitable we are.”
It’s easy to assume more staff means more money. But bigger teams also mean bigger bills, higher stock costs, and more management. For Monique, stepping back from the idea that success equals size has been freeing. Today, her salon is leaner, her team stronger, and her profits higher.
This reminder is one that every salon owner needs: turnover means nothing without profit.
Culture, Confidence and Client Care
From Google review competitions to one on one conversations about rebooking rates, Monique gave us a peek into the small things that create a culture of excellence. She reminded us that even something as simple as a rebooking percentage is a mirror of how clients feel about their experience.
And while social media has its place, she also reinforced that success doesn’t rely on going viral. Many stylists thrive without building a huge online presence. What matters most is skill, presence, and the client’s experience inside your salon.
Looking Ahead: Global Growth and Team Strength
Monique’s year ahead is as big as it is inspiring. Between launching her sustainable Q Wraps, serving as global ambassador for Christophe Robin, and preparing for a US tour across five cities, she’s proving that salons can thrive on the global stage.
But what struck us most is that despite all the opportunities, her heart is still right where it started, with her team.
“My passion project is my Q Team. I want them super strong, super confident, and able to achieve whatever dreams they have in the industry.”
Final Thoughts
This conversation was a reminder that success doesn’t always look how we think it should. It’s not about being the biggest, the loudest, or the most followed. It’s about building a business that’s profitable, a team that’s thriving, and a culture that clients can’t wait to be part of.
So if you take just one word from Monique’s wisdom, let it be efficiency. Small changes really can create the transformation you’ve been searching for.
Listen to the Full Episode HERE
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