When Daniel Mason-Jones stepped onto the stage at the Salon Owners Summit, he opened his keynote with unexpected vulnerability, saying; “I’ll be completely transparent. I’m so nervous. Do you ever get nervous?”
A simple question, but a powerful one. Because if there’s one thing salon, spa, and clinic owners know all too well, it’s the pressure to always be on. To be the one lifting others up, making clients feel great, keeping the team motivated, and running a business – all the while managing your own struggles behind the scenes.
With a mix of humour, personal stories, and unfiltered truth, Daniel set the tone for a conversation that the industry desperately needs to have – one that goes beyond hair, beauty, and business, and into the heart of what it means to be a leader in today’s world.
The Mental Health Crisis in the Salon, Spa, and Clinic Industry
Daniel didn’t waste time sugarcoating the reality of leadership. He acknowledged what many salon owners and professionals feel, but rarely say out loud: mental health struggles in the professional hair and beauty industry is an issue we don’t talk about enough.
“We walk into the salon: ‘Hello! Good morning!’ And then your 9am appointment tells you they’re divorcing, or that someone was diagnosed with a terminal illness. And we have to wear the cape,” Daniel said.
It was a moment of raw honesty, and one that most attendees resonated with. Because how many times have you had to push through exhaustion, stress, or anxiety just to keep up appearances? This keynote was about people, and about recognising that, as salon, spa, and clinic owners and managers, your mental health matters just as much as your clients’ and teams’.
Understanding Generational Differences: Bridging the Gap with Gen Z
Leading a team is about understanding people. In today’s workplace, that means bridging the generational divide, particularly with Gen Z. Daniel invited the Gen Z audience members to stand up, and asked them a simple question: “What’s one word you often hear about your generation?”
The responses were immediate – and exactly what you’d expect:
- “Snowflake.”
- “Lazy.”
- “No work ethic.”
Daniel didn’t just brush past these labels – he challenged them. Because the reality is that this generation has faced unique challenges that have shaped their worldview.
“Think about it,” Daniel said. “When they were born, we had 9/11. Then, just as they were becoming aware of the world, the economy collapsed. By the time they graduated, they were attending college on Zoom. And now, they’re entering the workforce in a time when buying a home feels like a distant dream.”
Instead of blaming Gen Z for wanting better work-life balance, for seeking purpose, or for being cautious about financial stability, Daniel encouraged the room to understand where they’re coming from.
His advice? Meet them where they are. “When we bring them into our salons, we must meet them where they are, and understand their experiences.”
A Heartbreaking Wake-Up Call
Some stories stay with you forever. For Daniel, his client’s story became the wake-up call that changed everything.
She was a bright, beautiful, vibrant young woman – the kind of client who lit up the salon when she walked in. Daniel had done her hair for years, watched her grow, styled her for photoshoots. But something wasn’t right. “Her hair wasn’t growing,” Daniel said. “She was getting thinner. But I didn’t connect the dots.”
Then, one day, she was gone. While on a family trip to Disney World, she collapsed from a seizure. Later, Daniel learned the devastating truth – she had been battling an eating disorder in silence.
When her family brought her home, Daniel asked for the honour of doing her hair and makeup one last time. “I spent six hours putting her extensions in. I did her makeup. I did her lashes. Little did I know, she did not even have fingernails or toenails. She was so sick. She had been hiding this from everyone.”
It was a gut-wrenching realisation. Could he have done something? Could a conversation have made a difference?
That moment became his sign; a sign that mental health in the salon, spa, and clinic industry couldn’t be ignored. That stylists, therapists, aestheticians, owners, and teams needed to be trained to recognise the signs, to have the tough conversations, to create a space where people feel safe opening up.
Setting Boundaries and Supporting Teams
Salon, spa, and clinic leadership can create a culture where people feel respected, valued, and motivated. But, Daniel reminded the audience, that doesn’t happen without boundaries. “If we allow someone to continue their negative behaviour, we are telling every other team member that it’s okay to act that way,” he said.
With his signature mix of humour and radical honesty, Daniel walked the audience through real-life leadership challenges, and how to face them constructively:
- The team member who’s always late.
- The stylist who brings negativity into the salon.
- The client who drains your energy and disrespects your staff.
Through role-playing exercises, Daniel helped audience members navigate these tough conversations with clarity, confidence, and kindness. His approach? Meet the issue head-on, but from a place of care.
For staff issues, he emphasised the importance of checking in first, before jumping to conclusions: “Hey, is there any reason you’ve been late? This isn’t like you. Is everything okay?”
For toxic employees, he made it clear that negativity can’t be ignored – because it spreads. Instead of avoiding the conversation, leaders need to set expectations: “I see so much potential in you, but I’ve noticed you’ve been struggling. I want to be vulnerable with you – I haven’t been as strong of a leader as I could be, but I want to do better for you and for this team.”
And when it comes to difficult clients, Daniel didn’t hold back: “I protect my peace and joy at all costs. I need to have this conversation for me, and I hope you can respect that.”
Because at the end of the day, leadership isn’t just about serving others – it’s about knowing your worth and setting boundaries to protect your energy, your team, and your business.
Leading with Empathy, Strength, and Purpose
As Daniel Mason-Jones closed his keynote, he left the audience with a powerful reminder: “Have you ever been made to feel unloved, unworthy, or that you don’t belong?” he asked. “If so, why would you make someone else feel that way?”
Because leadership isn’t just about policies, schedules, and KPIs – it’s about people. It’s about building a culture where your team feels supported, where mental health is prioritised, and where boundaries are set with both kindness and confidence.
It’s about knowing when to push, when to listen, and when to stand firm in your own worth. And most importantly, it’s about leading with love. “You did not sign up for leadership by being careless,” Daniel said. “You care deeply. Keep doing great things. We’re all in this together.”
As you step back into your business, take this with you: Your leadership has the power to change lives. Not just through great haircuts, glowing skin, or flawless nails, but through the environment that you create – the safety, encouragement, and belief that everyone in your space belongs.
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