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From Chair to CEO: Building a Scalable Salon Team with Systems That Stick | Diane Cole Stevens | CEO & Owner | Cole Stevens Salon
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In this episode, Diane Cole Stevens—CEO of Cole Stevens Salon—shares how she built a high-performing team, established white-glove systems, and grew a brand rooted in excellence, mentorship, and leadership that scales.
🚨Diane will also be a Panelist at our upcoming Beauty Business Brunch on July 27th in Washington, DC. Use this link to learn more, and join us! - https://www.eventcreate.com/e/bbb25
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KEY TAKEAWAYS:
🔅Train leaders, not just stylists: Diane built her salon by identifying team members’ strengths, documenting how they learn, and creating space for regular 1:1 meetings and growth check-ins.
🔅Leadership starts with clarity: From written service standards to team-wide communication systems, Diane ensures her brand is delivered consistently—whether she’s present or not.
🔅Brand = Experience: For Diane, her brand isn’t just a logo or vibe—it’s the way clients are greeted, how they’re educated, and how every stylist interacts with intention and care.
🔅Great teams are built, not found: Diane believes in investing time and mentorship into her team. Many of her key staff have been with her for years because they feel supported and seen.
🔅Systems support freedom: By developing operational systems—from front desk flow to white-glove service protocols—Diane empowered her team to deliver excellence independently, allowing her to focus on vision and growth.
🔅Know your leadership style: Diane knows her strength is vision and communication. She hires leaders with complementary strengths (organization, technical training, etc.) and builds a layered leadership model.
🔅Intentional branding creates trust: Every decision at Cole Stevens—from the scent in the air to the tone of voice in client scripts—is intentional and aligned with the brand promise of elegance and care.
👉Follow Diane on Instagram
👉Follow Cole Stevens Salon on Instagram
👉Check out Diane's nonprofit, The Cinderella Foundation
The Hairdresser Strong Show is all about Salon Owners, Rising Stylists, and Seasoned Stylists sharing their experiences, successes, failures, and advice to inform, educate, and empower their Fellow Hairdresser. We won’t stop until we are all: Hairdresser Strong.
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