Speakers

QUEEN OF SKINCARE | BRAND OWNER | INDUSTRY DISRUPTOR

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.

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.

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

HAPPINESS EXPERT

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.

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.

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.

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.

CHIEF EXPERIENCE OFFICER OF ICONIC PRESENTATIONS, LLC

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.

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.

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.

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.

PRESIDENT/PARTNER OF QNITY & QNITY FOR SCHOOLS

• 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.

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.

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.