Phorest

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Speakers

<h2 class="mb-0 pb-16 text-2xl text-center text-green-dark">Speaker announcements for 2027 coming soon</h2>

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    <span>Speakers</span>
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    <a href="#speaker1">Caroline Hirons</a>
    <a href="#speaker2">Dr Lollie Mancey</a>
    <a href="#speaker3">Heather Bagby</a>
    <a href="#speaker4">Katie Piper OBE</a>
    <a href="#speaker6">Calvin Stovall</a>
    <a href="#speaker7">Lance Courtney</a>
    <a href="#speaker8">Erin Kuhn Bhansali</a>
    <a href="#speaker9">Heather Harris</a>
    <a href="#speaker10">Arif Isikgun</a>
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<div class="align-center font-bold justify-center text-center speaker-anchor" style="margin: 0px 4px;"><a href="https://www.salonownersummit.com/speakers#speaker1" style="flex-direction: column-reverse; display: flex;"><img class="h-18 object-center object-cover w-32" style="height: 124px;width: 124px;border: 2px solid #1a615d;border-radius: 100% 100%;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dhjud9agh/image/upload/v1756390312/Caroline_Hirons_5e0952e578.jpg"><br>Caroline Hirons</a></div>
<div class="align-center font-bold justify-center text-center speaker-anchor" style="margin: 0px 4px;"><a href="https://www.salonownersummit.com/speakers#speaker2" style="flex-direction: column-reverse; display: flex;"><img class="h-18 object-center object-cover w-32" style="height: 124px;width: 124px;border: 2px solid #1a615d;border-radius: 100% 100%;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dhjud9agh/image/upload/v1754482738/Dr_Lollie_Mancey_ef34001982.jpg"><br>Dr Lollie Mancey</a></div>
<div class="align-center font-bold justify-center text-center speaker-anchor" style="margin: 0px 4px;"><a href="https://www.salonownersummit.com/speakers#speaker3" style="flex-direction: column-reverse; display: flex;"><img class="h-18 object-center object-cover w-32" style="height: 124px;width: 124px;border: 2px solid #1a615d;border-radius: 100% 100%;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dhjud9agh/image/upload/v1755004327/Heather_Bagby_fb33a4a0db.jpg"><br>Heather Bagby</a></div>
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<div class="align-center font-bold justify-center text-center speaker-anchor" style="margin: 0px 4px;"><a href="https://www.salonownersummit.com/speakers#speaker7" style="flex-direction: column-reverse; display: flex;"><img class="h-18 object-center object-cover w-32" style="height: 124px;width: 124px;border: 2px solid #1a615d;border-radius: 100% 100%;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dhjud9agh/image/upload/v1763633265/Screenshot_2025_11_20_at_10_05_45_c442f61af9.png"><br>Lance Courtney</a></div>
<div class="align-center font-bold justify-center text-center speaker-anchor" style="margin: 0px 4px;"><a href="https://www.salonownersummit.com/speakers#speaker8" style="flex-direction: column-reverse; display: flex;"><img class="h-18 object-center object-cover w-32" style="height: 124px;width: 124px;border: 2px solid #1a615d;border-radius: 100% 100%;" src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dhjud9agh/image/upload/v1763635915/New_Project_1_11f17b8c1d.webp"><br>Erin Kuhn Bhansali</a></div>
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<div style="font-weight: 300;">

<p class="-mt-4 font-normal pb-6 pt-2 text-center text-green-dark text-sm"><b>QUEEN OF SKINCARE | BRAND OWNER | INDUSTRY DISRUPTOR</b>
</p>

Caroline Hirons, the "Queen of Skincare," will be a keynote speaker at the Salon Owners Summit 2026. Her journey began in the beauty industry, with her mother and grandmother working in the field since the 1960s. Caroline started her career on the counter at Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge, and became a qualified beauty therapist before moving into senior roles in 2001. In 2008, she transitioned to consulting for top beauty brands and retailers.
<p></br></p>

In 2010, she launched her blog, quickly gaining a massive following. Caroline is known for her ability to drive sales and create "retail stampedes" when she recommends products or collaborates with brands, demonstrating her profound market insight. She is a multi-award-winning consultant and brand owner, including her groundbreaking Skin Rocks line and app. Her success stems from her honest, science-backed approach, which has redefined consumer skincare and allowed her to build one of the most trusted communities in beauty. Caroline is recognized for her independent mind and unfiltered, authentic voice, making her an industry icon who defines trends and builds empires.
<p></br></p>
Caroline's insights as a speaker are set to be incredibly impactful, offering transformative lessons on personal growth, wellness, and innovation that will not just inspire, but empower salon and clinic owners to catapult their businesses to unprecedented heights
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<span class="block font-bold text-4xl text-center text-green-dark">Caroline Hirons</span>


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<p class="-mt-4 font-normal pb-6 pt-2 text-center text-green-dark text-sm"><b>CULTURAL FUTURIST | MEDIA PERSONALITY | AI & INNOVATION STRATEGIST</b>
</p>

Dr. Lollie Mancey isn't just an expert; she's one of Ireland’s most compelling voices igniting conversations where humanity meets cutting-edge technology. As an anthropologist, futurist, and AI ethicist, she brings razor-sharp insight into how culture, innovation, and emotional infrastructure will revolutionize the future of work, leadership, and even life itself – helping forward-thinking salon and clinic owners like you thrive.
<p></br></p>

As a 2026 Keynote Speaker at Phorest’s Salon Owners Summit, Dr. Lollie is set to deliver a future-focused talk that demystifies AI ethics, will help you unleash powerful branding strategies and spot the next big tech trends. You’ll dive deep into her philosophy that innovation isn't just for Silicon Valley giants; it belongs in every salon, clinic, and studio, shaping your culture and elevating every client experience. Prepare to leave with fresh thinking, real-world strategies to propel your business to an entirely new level.
<p></br></p>
A regular media commentator, Dr. Lollie is also co-presenter of RTÉ’s Futureville (now in its second series). She previously captivated national audiences with her appearance on The Tommy Tiernan Show, where she explored the ethics of AI companions and the emotional future of human-machine relationships. Her thought leadership consistently challenges assumptions and sparks vital national conversations that will directly impact your business's future.
<p></br></p>
As Programme Director at University College Dublin’s Innovation Academy, she doesn’t just teach; she equips leaders with the mindset and tools to navigate complexity, build resilient teams, and harness AI responsibly. Her impactful work with global powerhouses like NASA, Mastercard, and various public agencies ensures she bridges deep academic insight with real-world application – insights she's ready to share with you.
<p></br></p>
Known for her captivating stage presence and unique ability to make complex topics incredibly accessible and exciting, Dr. Lollie is a highly sought-after keynote speaker across all sectors. She’s praised for her ability to translate frontier thinking into bold, human-centred strategies that you can implement easily. Whether she’s unpacking the future of leadership, the ethics of digital intimacy, or what AI truly means for our emotional lives, her message is crystal clear: the future isn’t just about tech – it’s about what kind of humans (and businesses!) we want to become.
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<span class="block font-bold text-4xl text-center text-green-dark">Dr Lollie Mancey</span>


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<p class="-mt-4 font-normal pb-6 pt-2 text-center text-green-dark text-sm"><b>HAPPINESS EXPERT</b>
</p>

Heather Bagby is a force within organisational development and happiness, known for her captivating insights into creating thriving workplace cultures. As the visionary behind the Summit Salon Business Centre’s Happiness Project, she has dedicated her career to helping leaders understand that happiness isn't just a feeling – it’s a powerful tool for growth. Her research dives into how embracing flaws, inspiring curiosity, and fostering courage can transform teams and drive operational excellence.
<p></br></p>

An internationally sought-after speaker, Heather ignites enthusiasm and uplifts leaders in the professional beauty industry with her infectious energy. She firmly believes that when business owners invest in understanding their team’s dreams and aspirations, they can create cultures where both people and profits flourish.
<p></br></p>
In her summit session, Heather Bagby will explore practical strategies for creating workplace harmony through happiness-focussed leadership. She will cover finding balance in the workplace while leaning into happiness as a driver of success. 
<p></br></p>
A proud alumna of Auburn University with a master’s degree in organisational leadership from Rider University, Heather's career is built on a strong foundation of service and leadership. With her commitment to growth and happiness, she inspires audiences and organisations to embrace the journey toward a more joyful and successful workplace.
<div id="speaker4"></div>
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<span class="block font-bold text-4xl text-center text-green-dark">Heather Bagby</span>


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<p class="-mt-4 font-normal pb-6 pt-2 text-center text-green-dark text-sm"><b>AUTHOR | BROADCASTER | MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER</b>
</p>

Katie Piper OBE is an icon of her generation. A prominent author, broadcaster and internationally recognised motivational speaker, she has been changing the landscape in the world of beauty for over a decade. She was the first woman with visible differences to appear in TV and billboard adverts for brands such as La Roche Posay and L’Oreal. 
<p></br></p>
Her charity The Katie Piper Foundation achieved Katie’s dream to provide the first rehabilitation centre in the UK for people with life altering burns and scarring. She continues to inspire millions of people all over the world with her bestselling books, her TV shows including her ITV breakfast show, her shows for U&W filmed in the USA, her podcasts and inspirational speaking.
<div id="speaker6"></div>
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<span class="block font-bold text-4xl text-center text-green-dark">Katie Piper OBE</span>


<div style="font-weight: 300;">

<p class="-mt-4 font-normal pb-6 pt-2 text-center text-green-dark text-sm"><b>CHIEF EXPERIENCE OFFICER OF ICONIC PRESENTATIONS, LLC</b>
</p>

Calvin Stovall specializes in delivering dynamic customer experience and leadership keynote presentations and workshops for organizations nationwide. He has nearly 30 years of experience in the hospitality and non-profit service industries.

<p></br></p>
Today, he leverages his life experiences as a business leader and passion for music to engage and connect with his audiences nationwide. Calvin is a native Chicagoan and began his hospitality career as a front desk clerk at the Holiday Inn City Centre. During his hospitality career as vice president of brand marketing with Hilton Worldwide, he was responsible for the marketing and public relations efforts for more than 150 Homewood Suites hotels. While under his leadership, the Homewood Suites brand was recognized four times by J.D. Power and Associates. 
<p></br></p>
Calvin formerly served as CEO of The Soulsville Foundation, a non-profit based in Memphis, TN. He also worked as a brand marketing strategist with ALSAC, the brand awareness and fundraising arm for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
<p></br></p>
In addition to running his own business venture, Calvin serves as the Director of Executive Programs at The Advanced Leadership Institute based in Pittsburgh, PA.
For the second consecutive year, Calvin was voted one of the 50 Most Inspirational People in Travel/Hospitality by the International Hospitality Institute. He is also the author of the recently released book, “Hidden Hospitality: Untold Stories of Black Hotel, Motel, and Resort Owners from the Pioneer Days to the Civil Rights Era."
Calvin resides in Mooresville, NC, with his two teenage sons, Caden, 18, and Carson, 16.
<div id="speaker7"></div>
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<span class="block font-bold text-4xl text-center text-green-dark">Calvin Stovall</span>


<div style="font-weight: 300;">
<p class="-mt-4 font-normal pb-6 pt-2 text-center text-green-dark text-sm"><b>KEYNOTE SPEAKER | BUSINESS COACH | EDUCATOR</b>
</p>


Lance Courtney is a highly regarded keynote speaker, business coach and educator with over three decades of experience in business development, performance psychology and leadership performance. Known for his dynamic presence and human-first approach, Lance has helped tens of thousands of salon professionals, owners, and industry leaders grow revenue, shift culture, and lead with purpose.

<p></br></p>
He currently serves as the Vice President of Healthy Hair Inc., where he drives strategic growth for a family of multi-million dollar brands across North America such as easihair pro and Amplify. Lance is also one of only 1,200 Certified Dream Coaches® worldwide, bringing a unique blend of emotional intelligence and business rigor to his coaching and leadership development programs.

<p></br></p>
Lance is the founder of Advance the Trainer, a national initiative dedicated to mentoring and upskilling emerging educators in the salon industry. He also created Disrupting Customer Service (formerly Top Gun Front Desk), a groundbreaking course that reshapes the client experience using neuroscience, storytelling, and data-driven performance coaching.

<p></br></p>
His insights have been featured in Salon Today, Modern Salon, and Beauty Launchpad, and he’s been interviewed by industry thought leaders including Winn Claybaugh and Tina Black. Throughout his career, Lance has collaborated with leading brands such as L’ORÉAL Professionnel, Aveda, Wella, Kerastase, and Regis, helping their teams unlock new levels of sales, service and leadership impact.
<div id="speaker8"></div>
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<span class="block font-bold text-4xl text-center text-green-dark">Lance Courtney</span>


<div style="font-weight: 300;">

<p class="-mt-4 font-normal pb-6 pt-2 text-center text-green-dark text-sm"><b>PRESIDENT/PARTNER OF QNITY & QNITY FOR SCHOOLS</b>
</p>

Erin serves as the President/Partner of Qnity, overseeing three unique divisions: Qnity for Schools, Qnity for Businesses, and Qnity Institute. With Erin's leadership, Qnity delivers transformational education, services, and research aimed at enhancing economic empowerment within the beauty and wellness sector. Erin has spearheaded initiatives that have provided over 70,000 students across 200+ schools access to Qnity's innovative financial literacy program, MONEY EDU. Additionally, through Qnity for Business, Erin has helped hundreds of salons, spas, and medspas experience remarkable transformations in profit, growth, execution, and beyond.

<p></br></p>
Through Qnity's newest division, The Qnity Institute, Erin serves as the primary spokesperson for the Institute. Erin garners support from industry brands and presents groundbreaking findings to educate and advocate for the economic potential and reality of a career in beauty.

<p></br></p>
Beyond her responsibilities at Qnity, Erin is deeply committed to helping businesses and individuals experience greater financial empowerment. As a seasoned speaker and the host of the MONEYO2 Podcast, she features voices of financial transformation from experts and novices, from the beauty industry and beyond.
<div id="speaker9"></div>
</div>

<span class="block font-bold text-4xl text-center text-green-dark">Erin Kuhn Bhansali</span>


<div style="font-weight: 300;">

<p class="-mt-4 font-normal pb-6 pt-2 text-center text-green-dark text-sm"><b>STYLIST | SALON OWNER | BUSINESS LEADER | SPEAKER</b>
</p>

Heather Harris is a nationally recognized stylist, salon owner and business leader, and sought-after speaker who brings a bold, relatable voice to the conversation around entrepreneurship and leadership. In 2023 she won Gold Creative Colorist at the Global Creative US Awards, was a NAHA Team category nominee in 2024- honors that reflect her creative mastery and dedication to excellence.

<p></br></p>
Heather is the founder of Spark Pro Global, a company that provides trained executive assistants to creative professionals and entrepreneurs. Her passion for delegation and leadership stems from personal experience—once overwhelmed by the demands of business ownership, Heather hired an executive assistant and saw immediate growth and clarity. That shift inspired her to help others do the same.
<p></br></p>
Now, through speaking engagements and her podcast, Brazen and Bold, Heather empowers business owners to stop doing it all and start leading with purpose. Her message is simple but powerful: delegation isn’t just about freeing up your time—it’s about unlocking your full potential.
Known for her sharp business insight, humor, and down-to-earth approach, Heather is a favorite at industry events and summits nationwide. At the Phorest Salon Summit, she’ll share real-world strategies for stepping into your CEO role, building a confident team, and running your business with intention—without burning out.
<div id="speaker10"></div>
</div>

<span class="block font-bold text-4xl text-center text-green-dark">Heather Harris</span>

<div style="font-weight: 300;">
<p class="-mt-4 font-normal pb-6 pt-2 text-center text-green-dark text-sm"><b>EDUCATOR | CONSULTANT | AUTHOR</b>
</p>

Arif Isikgun is an award-winning educator, consultant, author and founder of Ai Beauty Consultancy – a global authority on sales transformation in the beauty, salon, spa, and luxury retail industries. 
<p></br></p>
With over 18 years of hands-on experience, Arif has worked across every level of the industry, delivering strategic training and brand development for leading blue-chip names around the world. He is the creator of the acclaimed Retail Excellence course – a groundbreaking programme that has helped spa and salon professionals double, even triple their retail performance, with teams reporting sales growth of up to 120%. 
<p></br></p>
His emotionally intelligent, story-led approach turns service into sales by empowering teams with the confidence, tools, and language to connect authentically with clients. 
<p></br></p>
Arif’s passion lies in helping people shine – building belief from the inside out and proving that when education is done right, it doesn’t just grow revenue – it transforms lives and businesses.
</div>

<span class="block font-bold text-4xl text-center text-green-dark">Arif Isikgun</span>

##Previous Speakers!previous-speakers!(section-heading text-primary-600 )