PhorestFM Bonus Episode 025: Live From the Salon Owners Summit 2026 with Davina Devine

Episode Transcript

[00:00:00] Bingo Loco: Ladies and gentlemen, make some noise for your host this evening. He’s coming to stage now. Hit it, Josh. Let’s see those glow sticks up high. Are we ready for a party? Oh, come on

[00:00:13] PhorestFM Intro Music/Theme: We’ve an obligation to the industry we serve that we serve it in the right manner. Being a business owner A for the week The expectations are just different. It’s always a wake-up call. When you’re born into something this special, you can’t help but fight for 

[00:00:26] Alex Bélisle-Springer: it. Céad míle fáilte, Irish for 100,000 welcomes.

You’re listening to the PhorestFM podcast, and I’m your resident host, Alex Billo-Spriggan. This is our second and final live from the Salon Owner Summit 2026 bonus episode featuring Davina Divine and celebrating a decade of inspiration. 

[00:00:45] Calvin Stovall: When I say amp it, you

say up. Amp it. Up. Amp it. Up. When I say amp it, you say up. Amp it. Up. Amp it. Up. Anybody. Everybody. Everybody. 

[00:00:58] Phorest Summit Attendees: It is so inspiring to [00:01:00] be around other salon owners from around the world. Just the energy here is amazing, the love in the room. There is actionable elements that you can implement directly in your business.

It’s awesome because you are able to learn so much from these other people that you just met. 

Chef’s kiss. I love it. 

Every year, I think you surround yourself here with people with so much energy and so much positivity. 

[00:01:22] Davina Devine: I have been Davina, but more importantly, you have been divine

[00:01:30] Phorest Summit Attendees: Really get to have a feel of the community, the thriving, and you can really feel that Phorest is a family

[00:01:40] Alex Bélisle-Springer: The Phorest Summit exists because of a shared passion for growth, creativity, and supporting one another through every stage of business. This year marked its 10th edition, and everything about the event leaned heavily on the importance of human connection in business. On day one, the 2026 lineup brought to attendees skincare and practical advice from Caroline [00:02:00] Hirons; takeaways for business success and behind-the-scenes work on the product side from the Phorest product team; Heather Bagby’s balanced, practical, forward-thinking approach to building a sustainable business; Dr.

Lally Manz’s evidence-based practices showing how innovation and science can coexist seamlessly in the beauty industry; and hands-on learning with master classes led by Arif Ishakoon, Lance Courtney, Heather Harris, and folks within the Phorest team. On day two, it was time for big energy, big features, and big launches with more product-focused sessions.

Erin Kuhn Valenzuela’s real-world playbook for profit without panic, Calvin Stovall’s insights to help salon, spa, and clinic owners master the art of the wow experience through mindset, culture, and consistency, and Katie Piper’s story of resilience with the message that what happens to us doesn’t define the way we choose to move forward.

But they weren’t the only ones to bring big energy to the main stage. On that very second day, Davina Devine, one of Ireland’s most recognizable [00:03:00]drag queens and cabaret showgirls, hosted and emceed the Phorest Summit, giving everyone a taste of why she’s known as the life and soul of every party. Since making her debut in 2002, she has graced stages across Ireland and around the world, and nearly two decades later, she shows no signs of slowing down.

A multi-talented performer, Davina is a singer, model, DJ, and brand ambassador, having worked with global giants including MAC, Diet Coke, Mattel, and more. For over a decade, she’s been a weekly headliner and host at Ireland’s premier LGBTQ+ venue, The George in Dublin, fronting iconic club nights Satur-Gays and Thirsty Thursdays.

She’s represented Ireland at WorldPride Toronto in 2014 and Sydney Mardi Gras in 2015, supported Joan McNally and Vogue Williams on their 2023 UK and Ireland arena tour, and appeared at major festivals, including Electric Picnic and Longitude. Internationally, she continues to light up some of the hottest nightlife destinations.

Now, as someone who has [00:04:00] found a great deal of support and sense of belonging in the professional beauty industry whilst exploring how I most preferred to express my identity, I was excited to share a tad more intimate moment with Davina in which we discussed her flavor of drag and relationship to the industry Davina, thank you so much for joining me on Phorest 

[00:04:17] Davina Devine: FM.

No, thank you for having me. I’m very excited. 

[00:04:19] Alex Bélisle-Springer: You are just off the back of- … energizing a full room of- Yeah … people who were just after lunch. 

[00:04:24] Davina Devine: Well, they were- … very carb-loaded, so it was nice to just… I know what it’s like. I know, I, I used to do a lot of kind of corporate training, like, and I worked for cosmetic brands and stuff, so I know what it’s like coming back from lunch.

Mm. To just, you need a little kick, you know? 

[00:04:35] Alex Bélisle-Springer: Yeah, exactly. A little kick. So what is, uh… You were saying you were sharing stories and stuff. Mm-hmm. What, what’s one story you shared? 

[00:04:40] Davina Devine: Um, well, because it’s, like, a salon kind of owner summit, I was thinking, like, I usually do this, this kind of crowd work thing where I get people to share stories or, you know, if things happen, and depending on the crowd, you can kind of change that.

Like, normally I’ll get them to, I’ll ask kind of rude things, whatever, but obviously it’s a corporate environment. Uh, so I was asking, because it’s salons, like, salon disasters, and, like, every salon has had a disaster. [00:05:00] Of course. Everyone who works in the beauty business has had a disaster. So I was w- asked them to share a story with a positive outcome.

Yeah. One lady said, like, her plumbing got cut off when the f- salon was full of clients. Mm. So she asked the salon around the corner could she shampoo her clients in that salon. They said yes. Another woman told me, um, that, uh… I asked people about celebrity encounters. A woman told me that, uh, she dropped a whole tub of, like, face powder all over Elizabeth Taylor when she was doing- Oh, my God

her makeup, and Elizabeth Taylor was, like, just such a dream. Oh. And she’s like, “Honey, they all do that.” So it was re- Like, I think people just love connecting, you know? Yeah. And especially salon people because it’s all about human connection and, like, touch, t- talking. It’s everything, you know? So. 

[00:05:37] Alex Bélisle-Springer: Yeah. 

[00:05:37] Davina Devine: Yeah.

[00:05:38] Alex Bélisle-Springer: How, how do you feel you would describe your relationship to, like, the beauty industry in general? 

[00:05:42] Davina Devine: Well, I think it’s very interesting ’cause I feel like, you know, like, I’m sitting here and it’s like I look a certain way, but it’s, I feel like it’s all, this is all packaging, and it’s, uh, beauty is all packaging and how you’re presented to the world.

And drag, as RuPaul has said many times, drag, everyone has their own kind of version of drag. You know? Yeah. Everyone has a public face. So I feel like it’s, um- You know, and my, [00:06:00] my, what, what, what would you say, like, my flavor of drag, I suppose, is, like, I’ve created this whole kind of i- identity, and Divina has a look.

And actually, um, I know a guy who does Mariah Carey’s hair, and he said that Mariah has three Mariahs that she just goes to, but it’s a go-to. Mm. So I feel like everyone has that staple look. 

[00:06:15] Alex Bélisle-Springer: Yeah. 

[00:06:15] Davina Devine: Um, people need to, it needs to be recognizable, and yeah. I hope that answered the question. I kind of waffled on a bit.

No, that’s 

[00:06:22] Alex Bélisle-Springer: fine. Sorry. That, I mean, it’s a podcast. Yeah. That’s, that’s what we do, right? 

[00:06:25] Davina Devine: Yeah. Right. I, I make my own podcast where I like just waffling for hours. Yeah. 

[00:06:29] Alex Bélisle-Springer: Yeah. Um- Yeah … the conference this weekend is, a lot of it revolves around that human connection piece. Mm-hmm, yeah. I’m curious to hear your experience.

Mm-hmm. Has, has the beauty industry helped you define your drag identity, or has it helped you, like, come into, you know, your own personal style- Yeah … or, like, yeah. 

[00:06:47] Davina Devine: Yeah. Oh, it totally has. Like, I think, um, as I said, like I’ve worked, I’ve worked in makeup for years, and I worked with clients, and I feel one thing is that, that you learn very quick is that we’re all just human.

And s- like, I think going in the beauty environment, [00:07:00] beauty space, people can be very intimidated by that. So I think, you know, judging everyone by your own standards and kind of like what would you would be comfortable with is not necessarily what everyone would be comfortable with. So I think it’s about making a space that is safe- Mm

that people feel welcome in, and kind of being able to identify that in customers. ‘Cause like when I worked in makeup, there were certain people that hadn’t got a clue about makeup, real intimidated by, like, the look of a brand or whatever. And, and at the end of the day, it was just, it’s just face paint.

You know, the kind of way, that’s what it is. So, so kind of ma- making people feel like it’s not as scary. It’s like being, just more inclusion, I think. It’s about inclusiveness. And myself, like, I’ve learned so much. I worked for, um- I worked for MAC Cosmetics for years. Right. And when I first started drag, I started drag, like, 23 years ago, there was no YouTube, there was no, um, like, there was no tutorials, there was no…

So everyone kind of looked like sack of spuds, you know? Uh, and we had to find our own way. But a lot of that was going into beauty counters and speaking to other makeup artists and, and actually learning through community, you know that kind of way? Yeah. Yeah, 100%. There was no reference points. So I feel like you can always [00:08:00] learn from somebody else.

And I’m still learning, you know? Things are constantly changing, so think it’s, it’s a good thing to take away is that, you know, you never, you never, uh, know it all. We nearly had a spillage. 

[00:08:08] Alex Bélisle-Springer: I know. 

[00:08:09] Davina Devine: That’s all right. 

[00:08:10] Alex Bélisle-Springer: No, it’s g- we’re actually gathering a little crowd 

[00:08:12] Davina Devine: of, uh- Oh, fab. Oh, hi, guys. 

[00:08:14] Alex Bélisle-Springer: Hello. 

[00:08:16] Davina Devine: I j- I was like, I didn’t know what was going on there.

Oh, thank you.

[00:08:21] Alex Bélisle-Springer: Yeah. You sticking around for this a little bit, 

[00:08:23] Davina Devine: or- I’m here till, till, till the end of business. 

[00:08:26] Alex Bélisle-Springer: End 

[00:08:26] Davina Devine: of business. Till the end. I think I’m here till, like- Yeah … 5:00. And I have to say, since I walked in this store, like, everybody, there’s something, either, people who work in salons, like, have a very cheery disposition.

So even, I think, on your most miserable, like, miserable, gloomy day, everyone is so, so friendly here today, and everyone’s in great form- Mm … and having a great time, so that’s infectious, you know? And that’s another thing that people can take away, that’s, like, your mood can affect other people’s mood. Yes.

Like, I might be having a really bad, crappy day, and I go in, I do my show or whatever, and it can lift you, you know? So. 

[00:08:52] Alex Bélisle-Springer: Yeah. Well, speaking of that, actually- Mm-hmm … what’s your way or what’s your process when you walk into a venue- Mm-hmm … and you’re like, “Okay, I [00:09:00] have to, I have to, like-” Yeah … warm the crowd up- Mm-hmm

immediately. Yeah. Like, when you’re in salons, right, you’re, you’re, you’re having clients come in- Yeah … all the time. Yeah. It’s a bit of a, you know, there’s, I feel, I, I feel like there’s a crossover that people can learn from. Oh, yeah. Like, how do 

[00:09:11] Davina Devine: you- It’s like you’re, you’re, you’re performing, and you’re, you’re- Yeah

like, you’re front of house and you’re host, and you are actually delivering a performance, you know the kind of way? You are. Like, and people are paying, paying customers. Um, I don’t really have a process, per se. I just, I don’t get inside my head. I just keep it really, like, human and just kind of like I’m talking to my friends.

Yeah. Because I think when you start, it has to feel like it’s coming from you authentically, you know that kind of way? Yeah. So I just speak to people, like, how I would like to be speak to. I, I, I, I feel like drag before used to be very, um- You know, they pick on things and could be kind of catty or whatever, and I feel like I’ve, my, my aunt- my attitude’s very inclusive and kind of like- Mm

bring everyone in on the journey, everyone in on the joke. Yeah. The joke is not on something or someone. We’re all in the joke together, you know? 

[00:09:51] Alex Bélisle-Springer: I love that so much. 

[00:09:52] Davina Devine: Yeah. That’s it. Yeah. 

[00:09:53] Alex Bélisle-Springer: Yeah. 

[00:09:53] Davina Devine: That was very profound. 

[00:09:56] Alex Bélisle-Springer: No, I appreciate it. Yeah. No, it’s honestly… ‘Cause I feel like there’s, there’s so much that we can learn [00:10:00] from, like, different industries 

[00:10:01] Davina Devine: and perspectives.

Life’s all about learning. Yeah. We never stop learning, you know? And the day you think you know it all is the day you don’t. 

[00:10:06] Alex Bélisle-Springer: Exactly. It’s the 

[00:10:06] Davina Devine: day you don’t. Yeah. 

[00:10:07] Alex Bélisle-Springer: What is, uh, what are some of the current projects you’re working on? 

[00:10:10] Davina Devine: Um, well, I just came off doing a late night adult pantomime, uh, which is, like, the first that Ireland’s done in a long time, called Tinderella.

So it was actually called Tinderella Rides Again, um, as- This was the sequel. Uh, I’ve, I’ve been nonstop. I’ve b- I have a show that I do here at The George. It’s, like, um, Ireland’s oldest, um, LGBTQ+ venue. It’s, like, 40 years old, uh, next- You’ve done a few after 

[00:10:32] Alex Bélisle-Springer: parties there … next month. Have you done? Oh, yeah.

[00:10:34] Davina Devine: Oh, yeah. One day, oh, the girl… I’ll, I’ll tell the girls you’ll be in. I’ll tell the girls. Uh, so yeah, so it’s, um, like, I’ve just been flat to the mat, you know? So- Yeah … I thought I would coast a little bit in January, but obviously not, so. 

[00:10:44] Alex Bélisle-Springer: Obviously 

[00:10:44] Davina Devine: not. Obviously not. 

I’m really bad with memory, so. 

Like, I’m just being real.

I’m like, there’s always something coming up, you know? So. 

[00:10:52] Alex Bélisle-Springer: Yeah. 

[00:10:53] Davina Devine: Yeah. 

[00:10:53] Alex Bélisle-Springer: Amazing. Well, thank you so much- Hi … for joining me. Thanks for having me. I’m very 

[00:10:55] Davina Devine: excited to be 

[00:10:56] Alex Bélisle-Springer: here. Um, anyone who wants to, like, follow your journey, uh- Don’t. Maybe if they’re… [00:11:00] Or come to a show. 

[00:11:03] Davina Devine: Yeah. Um, you can find me on Instagram, devina.divine, D-E-V-I-N-A.

People are always… And Davina, D-A-V-I-N-A, so people always spell my name wrong. That drives me nuts. Yeah. Um, especially when they, when you send them an email- Yeah … and they’ll see. They’ll- And then, yeah … they see your name, but- Yeah … you’ll still spell it wrong. 

[00:11:16] Alex Bélisle-Springer: Let’s not do that in 2026. Let’s not 

[00:11:18] Davina Devine: do that. Leave that in 2025.

[00:11:19] Alex Bélisle-Springer: Yes. 

[00:11:19] Davina Devine: Yeah. All right. Thank you so much. Thanks for having me, Alex. It was lovely. Thank you.

[00:11:27] Greg Clarke: Hi, I’m Greg Clarke from Amika Eco Hairdressing, and my moment so far has been Calvin. He just rocked it. It- we will rock you, he rocked us. Yeah. 

[00:11:39] Nancy Greer: Hi, I’m Nancy Greer from Lumiene Salon in Kansas City, Missouri, in the States. 

[00:11:44] Daria Michalik: And what do you think from over the last two days will stick with you the longest? 

[00:11:50] Nancy Greer: I would say there’s so much great content over the last two days, but what’s gonna stick with me the longest is the consistency in my leadership.

[00:11:59] Kristian Tognini: [00:12:00] Hi, I’m Christian Topneney from Topneney’s in Australia. The thing that’s gonna stay with me from Summit 2026 is definitely the thought of, and the whole surrounding of the whole session being thrive. And I think 2076 is all about thriving, and thriving in your business, and using the tools to help you thrive, and your customers thrive, and your staff thrive.

[00:12:23] Judy Crawford: My name is Judy Crawford. I’m from Virginia. I’m the owner of the, um, Studio of Beauty and Wellness. 

[00:12:32] Daria Michalik: And what do you think over the last two days during the summit has made you think, “This is really worth it”? 

[00:12:38] Judy Crawford: Everything has been so powerful, from the opening to the, the journey that it’s taken us on. A little bit of business, a little bit of motivation, but it’s just powerful.

[00:12:50] Abby Hery: Hi, I’m Abby. Um, I’m with The Vault Salon. Um, I think what made this worth it for me was, um, listening to Calvin just give, like, an incredible motivational speech on how to, like, [00:13:00] amp up your team, and coming up with, like, all new ideas for me to take back home. 

[00:13:05] Becca Walsh & Sinéad Hynes: So excited. I think it all went really, really well.

I’m so excited for 2027 now. Janelle. Larnie. Gonna be amazing. I can’t wait

[00:13:15] Alex Bélisle-Springer: For the breakdown of this year’s different talks, make sure you head over to the Phorest blog where we’ve been steadily releasing insights stemming from the event. If this year proved anything, it’s that when this community gathers, incredible things happen. Ideas grow, confidence builds, and the industry’s future feels brighter than ever.

To every salon, spa, and clinic owner, manager, and staff member who joined us, thank you. The Phorest Summit is so much bigger than just an event, and watching everything unfold, watching the conversations happen in the corridors, ideas being exchanged was a highlight in itself. If you couldn’t make it this year, consider this your invitation.

The doors are always open to new voices, fresh perspectives, and anyone ready to take their business to the next level. And as you may already know, the Phorest Summit is heading to Killarney next year with tickets for 2027 already on sale. So see you there?

The PhorestFM podcast is brought to you by Phorest Software. More than software, we’re on a mission, together with our community, to build a stronger industry. 

[00:14:20] Alex Bélisle-Springer: This episode was edited and mixed by Audio Z, Montreal’s cutting edge post-production studio for creative minds looking to have their vision professionally produced and mixed.

Great music makes great moments.