How Fast Decisions and Storytelling Drive Salon Success

The Terra Harvell Show

In this powerful episode of The Terra Harvell Show, Terra Harvell sits down with Kelly Cardenas, the first boss she ever had in the industry! Besides a seasoned past of running multiple salon locations, Kelly is a National Best-Selling Author and Podcast Host of "The Vibe." In this episode, they sat down for a dynamic conversation on leadership, mentorship, and the art of storytelling in the beauty industry. Kelly shares how some of the most impactful lessons aren’t taught—they’re caught through experience and stories that resonate deeply with people.

Together, they discuss the importance of building trust and vision as a salon owner, why fast-paced decision-making matters, and how storytelling can shape how your team learns and grows. Kelly also reflects on his journey in the salon world, sharing personal experiences that helped shape his career and the lasting lessons he’s passed down to future leaders, like Terra.

Key takeaways:

• Why storytelling is crucial for building a strong, lasting team culture
• The importance of focusing on mentorship to help stylists grow
• Lessons learned from salon ownership, scaling, and staying profitable
• How to balance technique, speed, and vision for salon success

Stream the full episode now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or Stitcher.

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Guest speaker: Kelly Cardenas

Kelly Cardenas IG: @therealkellycardenas

Kelly Cardenas YouTube: @thevibewithkellycardenas

Kelly Cardenas Spotify: The Vibe Podcast with Kelly Cardenas