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Originally posted https://professionalbeauty.co.uk/why-beauty-business-owners-must-prioritise-profit
At the upcoming Glasgow Regional Growth Summit, taking place on Monday 27 April, profit strategist and founder of Financial Growth Academy, Jo Simpson, will challenge one of the biggest mindset blocks in the beauty industry: the discomfort around profit.
Through her work at Financial Growth Academy – where she helps entrepreneurs step into their chief executive role with clarity, confidence and financial control – Jo is on a mission to shift business owners from “overworked and underpaid” to profitable and empowered.
Her message is simple but powerful: you don’t need to work harder – you need your business to work better. Here, Jo explains why profit must come first, not last – and what salon and clinic owners can do right now to take control of their finances.
From Busy to Profitable: A Real Business Wake-Up Call
With a career in accountancy and bookkeeping spanning more than two decades, Jo has worked with hundreds of UK business owners. On paper, many appeared successful, but the reality behind the scenes told a different story – an experience she can relate to.
“I was running multiple businesses, bringing money in, but there was no real structure around profit. It was stressful, reactive and unsustainable.”
This turning point led to a fundamental shift in perspective: business owners don’t necessarily need to work harder – they need stronger financial leadership.
“That’s what led me into profit strategy. Now I focus on helping business owners understand their numbers, make better decisions and actually keep more of what they earn.”
Why Profit Still Feels Uncomfortable in the Beauty Industry
Despite its importance, profit remains a sensitive topic – particularly in service-led sectors like beauty.
“Many business owners are values-driven. They care deeply about their clients and the experience they deliver,” says Jo. “Somewhere along the way, profit gets associated with being greedy or taking too much.”
However, Jo believes this mindset is holding businesses back.
“Profit is what allows you to pay yourself properly, invest back into your business, support your team and create stability. Without it, everything feels harder.”
In other words, profit isn’t a luxury, but rather the foundation.
The Biggest Profit Myth Holding Businesses Back
Jo explains that one of the most common misconceptions in business is that profit comes later.
“A lot of businesses focus on revenue first, thinking ‘once I hit the next level, then I’ll focus on profit’. But you can scale a business and still feel broke.”
This is a critical insight for beauty professionals aiming to grow.
“Profit isn’t a byproduct of growth. It needs to be built in from the start – through your pricing, your structure and how you manage money.”
What Does “Profit Gives You Freedom” Really Mean?
The phrase “profit gives you freedom” is often used, but what does it actually look like in practice?
“It comes down to choice,” she says. “Choice over how much you work, choice over who you work with, and choice over how and when you pay yourself.”
It also means removing constant financial stress: “It’s being able to take time off without panic, not worrying about cashflow, and having money set aside for tax, growth and yourself," she adds.
“Freedom isn’t just about more income. It’s about feeling in control of your business and your money.”
What You’ll Learn at the Glasgow Regional Growth Summit
Jo shares how attendees can expect “a clearer understanding of where profit is being lost in their business – and what they can do about it straight away”.
Importantly, this won’t be theory-heavy. She adds: “I’ll be sharing practical, actionable steps that don’t require a full business overhaul. Small changes that can have a big impact on cashflow and profit.”
Who Should Attend This Session?
Any business owner who is busy, bringing money in but not feeling the benefit of it.
“That’s something I see a lot in the beauty industry,” Jo notes. “Salon owners, clinic owners, solo therapists… anyone who feels like they’re working hard but still questioning where the money is going. If you want more control, more clarity and more profit, this session will be valuable.”
Why is This Conversation Particularly Relevant for Businesses Right Now?
“Costs are rising, margins are tighter and business owners are feeling the pressure,” explains Jo.
“When things feel uncertain, most people focus on getting more clients or increasing sales. Often the fastest way to improve your financial position is to manage what you already have better.
“Understanding your numbers, protecting your profit and making intentional decisions is what creates stability and right now, stability is everything.”
