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Introducing Salon Rising: The Podcast - your personal business BFF in the world of hair and beauty! Hosted by the incredible duo, Samara Scott-Hunter and Jen Veivers. This podcast brings real-talk and heart-to-heart conversations. It's your go-to space for navigating the wild journey of being a woman, a mother, and a business owner. And how to blend those all together. Join Samara and Jen as they spill the tea on their own business escapades. Share the highs, lows, and everything between. It's like catching up with your besties, swapping stories, and debriefing about the rollercoaster of business life. It's where authenticity meets entrepreneurship. Offering a raw and honest peek into the challenges and triumphs of badass women in the industry. Salon Rising is the safe, supportive space you've been craving. Whether you're a seasoned pro or starting your business adventure. Tune in for a dose of realness, laughter, and the camaraderie of women who've been there and get it. 💪💖 #SalonRisingPodcast #WomenInBusiness #RealTalk
- 133 - Stop chasing the next thing and enjoy the salon you built – with Kelly Christie aka The Skin Queen
There’s always a next thing. Another staff member. A bigger week. A shinier machine. And somewhere in the middle of all that chasing, the salon you worked so hard to build stops feeling like something you get to enjoy.
Sam and Jen are joined again by Kelly Christie, aka The Skin Queen and owner of The Facial Bar on the Gold Coast. Kelly is back with an honest update. It covers an expensive equipment lesson, a team of three who love coming to work, and a plan to step away for three months and see the world.
It’s a conversation about wanting less and feeling more, and plenty of Australian salon owners are quietly landing in the same place.
What we cover
What an expensive IPL device taught Kelly about supplier training and supportWhy merchandising still sells, even when you hate doing itGoing from a team of 14 to 3.5 and finally being fully bookedSaying no to clients who aren’t the right fitWhy so many owners are choosing smaller, calmer businesses since COVIDRewarding your team with a trip instead of separate giftsSetting your clinic up to run while you travel for three monthsLetting your team lead themselves, with clear expectations and consequencesAsking how you want to feel in 2027, not just what you want to haveThe impact you have on clients who sit in your chair feeling vulnerableThe next thing can wait, because the salon you built is already worth enjoying.
FAQs
Is a smaller salon team more profitable?
It can be, because a smaller team usually means lower wages, less stock and a more loyal clientele. Sam from La Sorella only became fully booked once her team went from 14 down to 3.5.
How can a salon or skin clinic owner take extended time off?
Start with a team who can lead themselves, with clear expectations and a manager you’ve trained in leadership. Kelly is spending the year ahead getting The Facial Bar running smoothly so she can step away for three months.
What should you check before buying an expensive salon device?
Look at the training and support behind the machine, not just the machine itself. Kelly learned this the hard way when a $40,000 to $50,000 IPL device came with a few hours of training and didn’t get her clients the results they’d paid for.
Mon, 09 Nov 2026 - 54min - 132 - Mini Moment #31: The ten minute habit that keeps your relationship strong – with Tiana Baxter
You give everything to the salon. The clients, the team, the bookings, the numbers. And somewhere near the bottom of the list sits the person you come home to.
In this Mini Moment, Sam and Jen sit down with Tiana Baxter to talk about the one decision that shapes every other part of your life, your business included. Tiana is ten years into her second marriage and the first to say it isn't perfect. What it does have is two rules she and her husband Josh never break, and a ten minute habit that keeps them connected when life gets loud.
Salon owners right across Australia pour hours into their businesses every week. This is your reminder that the relationship at home deserves a few minutes too.
What we cover
Why your business won't perform if your relationship isn'tKeeping your marriage private, and who to turn to when you need supportWhy well meaning advice from friends can do more harm than goodThe one thing never to say in an argumentConnection boosters, the ten minute question practice for mornings and nightsStarting with positive questions when the habit is newChanging your actions first so your beliefs followGoing first and serving your partner, even when it feels hardYour business won't be with you at the end. Your person will.
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Wed, 07 Oct 2026 - 22min - 131 - The Farewell Tour Begins: Why We're Ending the Podcast – with Sam and Jen
There is in fact a farewell tour. After four years and 89 episodes, Sam and Jen are wrapping up the Salon Rising Podcast. In this episode they tell you why, in their own words.
There's no drama here. They're tired, in the honest way anyone running a salon, raising a family and standing on the floor all week will understand. One Monday a month in the studio had started to cost more than it gave back. So they're doing what they've always told Australian salon owners to do: check back in on what still feels purposeful, and put down what doesn't.
It's warm, funny and full of gratitude. They laugh about the early episodes and how many times they said "absolutely". Then they get into the business lessons they'd pass on to anyone building a salon today.
What we cover
Why Sam and Jen decided to end the Salon Rising Podcast after 89 episodesKnowing when something costs you more than it gives backTheir favourite episodes and the guests who shared their stories so openlyWhy it's okay to pull a dream apart and build a new oneKnow your numbers, still the number one business tipChecking back in on your purpose so you don't miss the chance to pivotLearning the thing that scares you, one hour a week at a timeChecking your ego and learning to back yourselfWhy Salon Rising isn't disappearing, just getting simplerThis chapter is closing, and they're leaving it grateful, not resentful.
Wed, 30 Sep 2026 - 30min - 130 - Mini Moment #30 - How to Downsize Your Salon Team Without Burning Bridges
Most salon owners know how to build. You hire the next person and take the bigger space. Very few know how to take it apart again when it stops working, and do it in a way that leaves everyone looked after.
In this Mini Moment, Sam and Jen are joined again by Siobhan from Siobhan Hair Artistry. She walks through exactly how she went from a leased six chair salon with three team members back to just her and her mum. It started with a lease conversation she didn't want to have. Then came the harder one with her apprentice, which she only had after she had quietly found a salon ready to take her on.
For any Australian salon owner thinking about going smaller, this is the practical side nobody talks about. It covers the order she did things in and how she kept it fair. It also covers what happened to a full book of clients once the team was gone.
What we cover
The sudden resignation that started the rethinkDeciding to reduce your team and your responsibilitiesMoving from leasing a whole salon space to renting two chairsFinding your apprentice a good salon to go to before you tell herGiving plenty of notice and keeping every change within Fair WorkHandling clients when your own book is already fullWhy some clients won't follow you to a senior's price pointWorking side by side with family in a small salonYou built it once. You're allowed to build it again.
FAQs
How do I downsize my salon team without burning bridges?
Plan each conversation before you have it, and give people as much notice as you can. Siobhan gave her apprentice eight weeks and had a new salon lined up for her first, so the news came with a next step.
Can I reduce the chairs I lease in a shared salon space?
It depends on your agreement, but an honest conversation with whoever you lease from is the place to start. Siobhan went from leasing a six chair space to renting two chairs, with a three month notice period for any changes.
What happens to clients when a salon downsizes?
Tell clients early and move them into the calendars that can actually hold them. Not every client can come with you, and some won't want to pay a senior's price, so it helps to accept that upfront.
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Tue, 22 Sep 2026 - 10min - 129 - The Sales Mistake Most Salon Owners Make – with Tiana Baxter
Your team won't sell retail. You've tried paying them more and dangling incentives, and the shelves still aren't moving. It's one of the most common frustrations in Australian salons, and it's rarely the team's fault.
Tiana Baxter is back with her new company, SELLÁ, and this time she's talking about the thing she knows best. Sales. She has a hard truth for owners too. However you sell is exactly how your team will sell.
Sam and Jen talk with Tiana about why selling got such a dirty name and how to recommend product from conviction instead of pressure. It's practical and honest, and it will change the way you walk onto your salon floor.
What we cover
Why sales became a dirty word, and why being called a salesgirl is a complimentFrameworks over tactics, and why tactics make selling feel manipulativeWhy owners need to live on the sales floor instead of visiting it when numbers dipThe consult question that hands your client the whole problemAsking better questions so you know exactly what to recommendProduct, people and payoff, plus the three Rs for every clientA simple team training exercise to get retail moving this weekThe payoff of the payoff, and why you're selling confidence, not conditionerWhy the sale starts after the client paysYour money thermostat and why earning more can feel unsafeThe story behind the salesgirl name and building a business on faithSELLÁ® — Home of the Salesgirl™ is a sales education company founded by Tiana Baxter, teaching women how make more money in business without becoming more ‘salesy’.
Through sales psychology, communication and self-mastery, SELLÁ teaches women how to get seriously good at selling without pushy tactics or awkward scripts.
It’s about learning to sell in a way that feels like you, while building a business that makes a lot more money.
Find Tiana and the world of SELLÁ on Instagram @tianarose.inc and @sella.inc
Why won't my salon team sell retail?
Most of the time, your team sells exactly the way you do. If you only step onto the sales floor when numbers dip, they learn that selling is something you visit rather than something you live.
What should hairdressers ask instead of "What are we doing today?"
Ask what your client is loving and not loving about her hair, and how she's finding it at home. Her answers show you what she wants and give you a real reason to recommend the right product later.
How do you recommend retail products without being salesy?
Use the three Rs, which are your recommendation, the reason why, and the result she'll get. Talk about the payoff instead of the ingredients, and only recommend products you genuinely use and believe in.
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Tue, 15 Sep 2026 - 1h 05min - 128 - Mini Moment #29: The Monday admin routine that runs a successful salon
Monday hits and you are already behind. The phone has messages on it from Saturday, the book looks fine until you actually look at it, and you have no real idea what last week made. So you open the salon, get in the chair, and tell yourself you will sort the rest of it later. Later never comes, and by Thursday the whole week feels like it is running you.
In this Mini Moment, Sam walks Jen through exactly what she does every Monday. Not a theory about admin days. The actual list. The appointments she moves, the confirmations she chases, the wages and bonuses, the accounts she gets down to the dollar, the inbox she empties, and the running to do list she keeps beside her the whole time. She does it in rounds through the day rather than one long block, and she has done it from a hospital bed.
Jen adds the other half of it. She runs a lot of the same work through AI and her software so the sorting is done before she sits down. Two salon owners in Australia, two different setups, the same rule underneath. If Monday is messy, the week is messy.
What we cover
The Monday non negotiables Sam has never skipped, no matter whatHow to read your appointment book properly and find a full hour of wasted spaceChasing confirmations and working the cancellation list before you post to socialsWages, super, bonuses and getting every account down to the dollarPaying credit cards off weekly instead of waiting for the monthClearing the inbox to zero and keeping a live to do list while you do itWhy Sam refuses to touch any of it on a weekendPutting your projected numbers on the board on a Tuesday morningUsing AI and your software to do the sorting before you startGoing back over Instagram messages to make sure nothing got missedStart with a real Monday and the other four days stop feeling like a fight.
FAQs
What admin should a salon owner do every Monday?
Check and rework the appointment book, confirm every unconfirmed booking, work the cancellation list, then do wages, bills and accounts. Finish by clearing the inbox and writing down anything left over so nothing is carried in your head.
How do I find more appointments without getting more clients?
Look at the gaps in your existing book. Fifteen minutes here and there across a day can be shuffled into a full extra appointment, which is why Sam moves clients up and down before she does anything else on a Monday.
Should salon owners do admin on the weekend?
Sam says no and treats it as a hard boundary. Jen replies when she genuinely has capacity, but flags anything that needs proper thought and leaves it until she is back in work mode.
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 07 Sep 2026 - 14min - 127 - Get your salon out of fight or flight before it costs you – with Siobhan from Siobhan Hair Artistry
There is a version of salon ownership where you grow the team, fill the chairs, take the whole space, and still lie awake on a Sunday night doing sums in your head. Siobhan from Siobhan Hair Artistry lived in that version for four years. She started mobile with a plastic basin and a bag of colour, moved into a home salon, rented a chair, then ended up renting the entire hair space at Cliff Newport with an apprentice, her mum and a team around her. And in her own words, she had no clue what she was doing. No break evens. No idea what the business had to make in an hour just to stand still.
Then last June she smashed into the back of a car on the motorway, fractured her sternum, and was back on the floor two weeks later doing foils with a broken chest because the bills did not stop. That was the moment the maths stopped being about the business and started being about her.
Six months ago she made the decision she had been avoiding. She let go of the apprentice she loved and went back to just her and her mum. She is busier now than she has ever been. She is also less tired, she knows exactly what she needs to make every week, and her clients keep telling her she seems like herself again. This is a conversation about what it actually costs to hold a team together when the numbers underneath are not working, and what happens when you finally stop.
What we cover
Building from mobile hairdressing to a home salon to renting a whole salon spaceEmploying a team with no break even figures and no idea what the business had to makeA senior stylist who quit on her first dayWhy your team will never be invested in your business the way you areThe car accident, the fractured sternum, and going back to work after two weeksLetting go of an apprentice she loved and finding her a job with a friendKnowing your weekly numbers before you employ another personIncome protection and super when you are a sole traderFair Work, hard conversations, and why so many Australian salon owners have stopped hiringBeing busier on her own and less tired than she was with a teamWhy you have the right to change your business, whenever you wantShe did not go backwards. She went back to the thing that was working all along.
How do I know if my salon is in fight or flight?
If your body is braced every time your phone lights up, if you check the schedule five times a day, and if you cannot remember the last week that felt calm, you are in it. Siobhan spent four years there and only recognised it once she was out.
Should I let staff go if my salon is not making enough money?
There is no single right answer, but the starting point is knowing whether each week is profitable before you decide anything. Siobhan let her apprentice go because the business could not hit its numbers consistently once anyone was sick or on leave, and she found her a job with a friend rather than leaving her without one.
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 31 Aug 2026 - 1h 02min - 126 - Mini Moment #28 - Stop being the weakest link in your own business – with Simone from Apotecari
There is usually one part of your business you avoid looking at. The numbers, the ads, the software, the thing you pay someone else to handle. You are not avoiding it because you are lazy. You are avoiding it because you do not understand it, and it has been easier to hope than to learn.
That gap is where most owners get stuck. Not in the work they are brilliant at. In the bit they handed over and never checked.
Simone from Apotecarihas nine years of this behind her. Staff who left and set up down the road. A house on the line to fund something she had no business running. Agencies on big monthly retainers doing work she had no way of judging. The turn came when she admitted she was the weakest link in her own business, and then did something about it. She is more profitable now than she was when she was paying other people to do all of it.
What we cover
The highs and lows of nine years in business, said out loudWhy every industry loses people to the person they trained, not just salonsWhat it actually feels like to put your own house on the lineThe part of the business you have been avoiding, and what that avoidance is costingWhy you should never hand over something you do not understand yetKnowing enough to ask the right questions, without becoming the expertBuilding the skill inside your team instead of renting it every monthWhere the growth came from once she stopped guessingYou do not have to know how to do it. You do have to know what good looks like.
Frequently asked questions
Should salon owners outsource their marketing?
Yes, once you understand the basics of what you are handing over. Plenty of Australian salon owners pay a monthly retainer for a long time before anyone checks whether the work is bringing people through the door.
How do you know if the person doing your marketing is any good?
You have to know enough to ask a real question and understand the answer. If you cannot tell the difference between a good month and a bad one, you cannot manage the relationship.
What do you do when a staff member leaves and opens up nearby?
It happens in every industry, and it is not a sign you did something wrong. Some people are there to build with you and some are there to build off you, and you rarely know which until they go.
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 24 Aug 2026 - 17min - 125 - What the other side of a hard season actually looks like – with Sam and Jen
Some seasons you do not get through gracefully. You just get through them. And then one day it is over, and you are standing on the other side wondering why it feels so quiet.
This one is just Sam and Jen. No guest, no plan, no idea where it was going to go. Sam opens up about the end of a chapter that ran almost three years and cost a quarter of a million dollars, and what it actually took to come out the other side of it still standing. Not the tell all version. The honest one, from a woman who is finally regulated enough to talk about it.
It is also a conversation about what a business has to do for you when everything else is falling over. Sam is blunt about it. If she had not known how to work her numbers, she would not have lasted. Seventeen years in, booked out, still not sure about hiring again, and finally choosing stillness over the chase. Jen brings the other half of the picture, a first six months of the year that tipped everything upside down, a business that has been genuinely hard, and why the changes she has made were measured ones rather than panicked ones.
What we cover
Why knowing your numbers is what actually carries you through a hard seasonThe real cost of a long legal chapter and how a salon absorbed itBuilding a team of people around you who tell you the truth, not what you want to hearSeventeen years in business and why staying still is a decision, not a lack of ambitionBeing booked out and still unsure whether to hire againThe Monday spent filling the book and what it does to your nervous systemProtecting your peace online, and knowing when it is safe to open back upMaking measured changes in a hard six months instead of erratic onesWhy no relationship, personal or professional, is a failureScars not wounds, and why the timing of your story mattersThere is hope on the other side. Sometimes it just arrives quieter than you expected.
Do you need to be good with numbers to survive a hard season in business?
You need to know your numbers well enough to see what your business can carry. Sam is clear that her financial literacy is the only reason her salon supported her family through three years of legal costs.
Is it a bad sign if you do not want to grow your salon right now?
No. Choosing to stay still, keep your book tight and protect your energy is a legitimate business decision, not a step backwards.
How do you make big business decisions when everything feels uncertain?
Make them slowly and on the information you actually have, not on fear. Measured changes you have sat with beat reactive ones every time.
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 17 Aug 2026 - 44min - 124 - Mini Moment #27 - Nervous system resets that actually work for salon owners – with Sharelle from Miss Lash
You can be off the floor, home, sitting still, and your body still behaves like something is about to go wrong. The phone buzzes and your heart goes before your brain does. That is not you being dramatic. That is a nervous system that has been running on alarm so long it has forgotten there is another setting.
Sharelle from Miss Lash The Studio is back in the Inner Sanctum, and she, Sam and Jen have all been working on the same thing this year, from very different directions. This is a short, honest conversation about what actually brings you back down. Yin yoga for one, prayer for another, a Sunday morning at the markets before it gets busy. None of it is complicated. Most of it is free. All of it starts with deciding you are allowed to give something back to yourself after a day of giving it all away.
There is a lot in here you could start this week, and none of it asks you to add another thing to a life that is already full.
What we cover
What a nervous system reset actually means when you are the one giving all dayYin yoga, prayer, movement, and finding the thing that regulates you rather than the thing that works for someone elseWhy a busy supermarket can tip you straight into overwhelm, and what Sharelle does insteadBuffer time between appointments and how a spare half hour changes the shape of a whole dayRushing woman syndrome and why cramming wellness in does not help your nervous systemYour phone as an invitation, not an obligationTurning off notifications and getting free of that little red numberFive tasks on the list instead of fifty, and why ticking things off actually worksThe 90 second rule, and why you never reply to a one star review while you are heightenedCalm is not a personality type. It is a handful of small decisions you keep making.
FAQs
What is a nervous system reset?
It is anything that moves you out of fight or flight and back into rest and digest. For Sharelle that is yin yoga, for Samara it is prayer, and the point is finding the one that works for your body rather than copying someone else's.
How do salon owners get out of fight or flight during the working day?
Small resets built into the day work better than one big fix at the end of it. Buffer time between appointments, notifications switched off, and a shorter task list all lower the load before it builds.
Why should you wait before replying to a bad review?
A strong emotion runs its chemical course in about 90 seconds, so anything you send inside that window is written by the heightened version of you. Australian salon owners deal with reviews and client messages constantly, and waiting until you feel steady almost always gives you a better reply.
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 10 Aug 2026 - 12min - 123 - The hair catastrophe that launched a brand – with Simone from Apotecari
Shiny scalps. Sparse hairlines. Clients who used to have a mane and now don't. You're having these conversations every week and you need better answers than the ones on the shelf.
Simone from Apotecari has them. She's a naturopath, twenty years qualified, with a career spent formulating supplements for brands already sitting in your bathroom cabinet. She also had a hair catastrophe of her own, went looking for something that would fix it from the inside, and found nothing worth taking. So she built it.
These are clients you already have. The one whose hairline is quietly moving back. The one on a weight loss injection who hasn't thought to mention it. The one who's oily by day two and blames your shampoo. Simone explains what's happening in each of them, and why the answer is almost never another bottle on the shelf.
What we cover
The bond builder era and what a lot of stylists were really doing with itWhy hair is the first thing your body stops feeding when nutrients are shortPerimenopause hair loss and why nobody connected the dots for so longShiny scalps, receding hairlines and what is actually happening in the follicleOily scalps, dandruff and why washing more often changes nothingWhy your scalp ages seven times faster than the skin on your faceThe difference between hair shedding and hair loss, and why the word you use changes everythingWhy the hair industry is not great at doing its own researchWhat a proper ninety day product trial looks like, with data instead of feelingsShe hid her hair for six months. Then she went and fixed it for everybody else.
Frequently asked questions
Why does hair fall out during perimenopause?
Hormonal change alters how follicles behave, which is why thinning often shows down the centre part and around the hairline. It rarely happens alone, and it sits alongside other perimenopause symptoms that are just as real and just as connected.
Does washing your hair more often make it less oily?
No. Washing removes the sebum already on the scalp but does nothing to the rate your body produces it. Balancing oil production happens internally and usually takes two to three months.
How long should you take a hair supplement before judging it?
Give it ninety days minimum, because that tracks with the hair growth cycle. Take before photos and test porosity and elasticity first, so you are working from data rather than a feeling.
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 03 Aug 2026 - 1h 00min - 122 - Mini Moment #26 - Who is going to cut your hair when you are 70?
Ask a salon owner in Australia whether she is taking on an apprentice this year, and listen for the pause before she answers.
It is not that she has gone cold on young people. Jen has been training apprentices since she was about 21 and still loves it. Sam has had apprentices who became some of the best people she has ever worked with. The pause is about everything sitting underneath that. A wage that climbs on a timeline while the skill is still building. Eighteen months of your time before any of it comes back. Support that used to exist for owners and quietly stopped. And a salon floor that, with a smaller team, no longer needs the person who once kept the whole thing moving.
So the industry has ended up somewhere strange. Owners who genuinely want to train are turning young people away, week after week, because they cannot see the landscape they would be sending them into. Which leaves the question this episode opens on and never quite answers. If nobody is training them, who is cutting your hair in twenty years?
What we cover
Why Australian salon owners are turning apprentices awayThe support that used to exist for training and does not anymoreWages rising while the skill set is still buildingWhat a Cert II at TAFE is delivering, and what it is notThe myth that owners are getting kickbacks that cover the costWhy apprentices worked in a big salon and stopped working in a small oneUni students do unpaid placement, hairdressers pay for theirsCommitting to three years when you cannot see your own next threeWhat happens to the young people knocking on the doorNeither of them has the answer. Both of them would really like one.
FAQs
Why are salon owners not taking on apprentices anymore?
The cost is front loaded and the return has moved. Wages rise on a set timeline while the skill set is still building, and the first 18 months are almost entirely the owner's time.
Is there an apprentice shortage in the Australian hairdressing industry?
Fewer salons are taking apprentices on, so fewer are coming through and fewer are staying. Owners are turning young people away because they cannot see the industry they would be sending them into.
Do salon owners get paid to take on an apprentice?
Not in any meaningful way in hairdressing. Incentives have grown in other trades, mostly construction, and those employers also pay a much higher apprentice wage.
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 27 Jul 2026 - 08min - 121 - She had staff, now she's solo and it's the best thing ever – with Sharelle from Miss Lash
Sharelle is back in the Inner Sanctum for the third time, and she is almost unrecognisable. Last time she was here she had staff, an education arm, a big space on the Gold Coast Highway and a to do list that never ended. This time she walks in and Sam asks her who she is, and she cannot answer straight away.
Because the woman who built that salon at 21 is gone. Sharelle says it plainly. That girl is dead. She wanted the team and the education and the big version of it all because she wanted to feel good about herself, and somewhere in there she stopped being able to sit still with her own clients. Now it is just her, she is on the floor full time, she is booked out months ahead without posting, and she says it is the best thing that has happened to her business.
This one gets honest fast. Sharelle did not want to talk about her tax debt again, and then decided it would be worse not to, because there are women listening who are sitting in exactly the same spot and think they are the only one. So they talk about it properly. The payment plan, the cycle, the ego of pretending you are not on one, and what Sam actually does about it.
What we cover
Going from a full team back to solo, and why it felt like relief rather than failureThe ego trap of headcount, and who you are really trying to look successful forWhy hiring to work less usually means working moreSam's numbers a year on from seven staff, and how little the revenue actually movedTax debt, payment plans and the one habit that gets you out of the cycleWhy your future tax matters more than the debt you already haveBeing present with clients again, and what changed for both of them on the floorStaying booked out without living on social mediaFlexibility over income, and what owning a business is actually forThe dream you built at 21 is allowed to die, and the woman who replaces her usually knows better.
Should I hire staff for my salon?
Only if you have checked why you want them, because most owners hire hoping to work less and end up working more. Sam's honest test is whether the decision is about the business or about how the number of staff makes you feel.
What should I do if I owe tax debt in my salon business?
Keep the payment plan as low as you can manage and pay it off slowly, but start putting your future tax aside from this week. Paying the old debt fast while ignoring the new bill is what keeps Australian salon owners stuck in the cycle for years.
Can you actually make good money as a solo salon owner?
Yes, and often more of it lands in your pocket. Sam compared her numbers with seven staff to her numbers with a team of two and a bit, and the difference across the year was about three thousand dollars, with retail up sharply.
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Tue, 21 Jul 2026 - 56min - 120 - Mini Moment #25 - Finding an accountant who gets you, not just your numbers – with Paris from Group One Accounting
Most of us treat our accountant like a stranger who happens to know our numbers. Someone we email at tax time, brace ourselves for, and quietly hope is not judging us. But what if that relationship could feel like the complete opposite?
In this Mini Moment, Sam sits down with her own accountant, Paris from Group One Accounting, to talk about what it actually looks like to work with someone who gets you. Not just someone who lodges your BAS on time, but someone you can be honest with, lean on, and yes, even cry to about tax.
Because here is the part most salon owners never get told. Your accountant is not there to be your business strategist, and expecting that will only leave you let down. The real shift comes from knowing what the job actually is, asking for exactly what you need, and finding the person who fits the way you work.
What we cover
What an accountant is actually responsible for, and what they are notThe real difference between a bookkeeper and an accountantThe questions to ask before you take someone on, from communication style to fees and response timeWhy Sam pays her accountant a set amount each week, and how that protects her cashflowHow to find an accountant who feels personal, not just professionalWhy you should never feel judged by the person doing your booksThe right accountant does not just know your numbers. They make you feel safe in your own business.
FAQs
What is the difference between a bookkeeper and an accountant?
A bookkeeper handles the day to day reconciling, data entry and the quarterly BAS that Australian businesses lodge for GST. An accountant usually comes in at the end of the financial year to tidy everything up and do the tax level work, though plenty of accountants can cover both.
What should you ask before hiring an accountant?
Ask how they communicate, how quickly they respond, and how they charge, including whether phone calls are billed. Being clear about what you need up front is what stops you feeling disappointed later.
Should I do my own bookkeeping as a salon owner?
For a lot of smaller salons, basic reconciling and paying wages is simpler than it looks, and learning it first keeps your head in your own business. You can always hand it over once you understand what is involved.
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 29 Jun 2026 - 11min - 119 - The real PuraU story, from her own acne to a brand that actually works – with Founder, Acacia
Everyone's starting a side business right now. A product, a brand, a little something on the side that might just take off. Acacia actually did it. She and her partner built PuraU, a natural skincare and gut brand, out of her own years of struggling with acne. And in this episode she tells the real story, not the highlight reel.
It started with her own skin. Years of the pill, antibiotics, Accutane, naturopaths she could barely afford, and nothing that lasted. So she set out to build the thing she wished she'd had. What she's honest about is everything that came after. They launched to crickets and didn't make a sale for two weeks. They cold called journalists themselves when the expensive PR agency did nothing. It took three years before the business turned a profit, and three years before they paid themselves a wage.
If you've ever sat on an idea waiting until you had enough money, or felt behind watching everyone else online look like an overnight success, this one will land. Acacia is proof that the unglamorous version is the real one, and that the people who make it are simply the ones who stick it out.
What we cover
Building PuraU from Acacia's own years of acne and trying everythingLaunching the website and not making a single sale for two weeksCold calling journalists herself instead of paying a PR agencyWhy a great product means nothing if nobody can find itLearning Facebook ads herself to stop relying on one off PR spikesThe three years it took before breaking through, making a profit, or paying themselvesComparison, social media, and the false reality of replacing your income in four weeksKnowing your customer because you were your customerPushing into chemists and skin clinics, and the setbacks that nearly broke themShe built it from nothing, on persistence not luck, and she's only just getting started.
You'll find the whole range at purau.com.au, plus there's a quick skin quiz to find your own starting point.
FAQs
How long does it really take to build a successful business?
For Acacia and PuraU it took three years before the business made a profit or paid them a wage. The overnight success stories you see online usually hide years of work that happened before the launch.
Do you need money and business experience to start a brand?
Acacia was a nurse with no business background and sold her car to help fund the brand. What carried them was resilience and a willingness to learn each part themselves rather than pay someone else to do it.
What is PuraU?
PuraU is an Australian made skincare and gut health brand, formulated with microbiologists to treat the root cause of acne rather than the surface. It was created by Acacia and her partner out of their own experience with skin and gut issues.
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 22 Jun 2026 - 1h 03min - 118 - Mini Moment #24: The AI Hacks for Busy Salon Owners – with Renee from Salon Society
You already know AI can tidy up a caption. Most salon owners stop right there. Renee from Salon Society and Jen do not.
In this Mini Moment the two of them fall down a happy little rabbit hole on all the other ways AI quietly takes the load off a busy owner. Not the marketing stuff. The day to day stuff that clogs up your head and steals your day off.
Renee, who is in salon in Perth every week, shares the exact thing she did after a five hour client meeting. One voice note, dropped into Claude with a bit of context, came back as a full action list of who does what. If you want to go deeper on this kind of thing, Renee teaches the whole system in her online course, How to Market Your Beauty Business Online.
Jen then talks through how she runs her admin days now, from sorting her inbox to building apprentice training plans, so the mental load stops living rent free in her head. This one is for anyone who has ever sat staring at a to do list with no idea where to start. Especially the neurodivergent owners, who Jen speaks to straight here. AI does not replace you. It just clears the path so you can actually get going.
What we cover
Why AI is for so much more than checking your captionsTurning a long staff meeting into a clear action list in a minuteThe voice note habit that writes your client content for youGiving AI proper context so it sounds like you, not genericUsing AI to sort and triage your inbox on admin daysBuilding apprentice training plans that are easy to actually followAI as a way past analysis paralysis and the never ending listWhy it buys back time without ever doing the work for youDip your toe in. The water is warm, and your next day off will thank you.
FAQs
How can salon owners use AI for more than writing captions? AI can turn a long staff meeting into a clear action list, sort your inbox, and build training plans for your apprentices. The trick is giving it context about your salon so the output sounds like you, not generic.
How do you use a voice note to create salon content with AI? Record a quick voice note about a client's consultation on your phone, then drop the transcription into a tool like Claude or ChatGPT. Ask it to write the caption as a story about that client, and you get content in your own voice in seconds.
Does using AI mean it replaces the salon owner? No. AI does not do the work or send your emails for you. It speeds up the planning and thinking you already do, so you take action
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 15 Jun 2026 - 15min - 117 - The Client Landscape Has Changed And No One Is Talking About It – With Rach From Halo Hair and Beauty
You know the feeling. You post the last minute cancellation, the one that used to fill within the hour, and now it just sits there. The Monday DMs that used to be mental are quiet. The new client requests that used to roll in are a trickle. You are not imagining it, and you are not doing anything wrong.
In this episode, Sam and Jen are joined by one of Sam's dearest friends and the final piece of her rat pack, Rach from Halo Hair and Beauty in Tweed. Fourteen years a salon owner, six years an educator, and refreshingly honest about what has actually shifted in this industry. Rach and the girls get into the thing most owners are quietly worried about and almost no one is saying out loud. The clients are not coming the way they used to, building a new column is harder than it has been in years, and the old playbook of post on Monday and fill by Friday does not work anymore.
This is a real conversation about the new landscape of the Australian salon industry. Why younger clients are skipping colour altogether. Why the hate around pricing online misses what a haircut actually costs to deliver. Why a smaller team has quietly become the smarter, calmer, more profitable choice. And the slow shift that comes with time in the chair, when you stop chasing the bigger salon and start enjoying the one you already built.
What we cover
Why building a new client column is so much harder than ten years agoThe new client landscape and why last minute spots no longer fill the way they didYounger clients going natural and skipping colour, and what that does to the booksThe online hate around salon pricing and the real cost behind a haircutWhy a smaller team often means better culture, less tax and more profitKnowing your numbers and team targets so you are not paying people to do nothingWhy going back to basics is the skill apprentices are missingChoosing to enjoy the salon you have built instead of always chasing moreSome weeks the most powerful thing you can do is jump in, do what you need, and jump back out.
FAQs
Why is it harder to build a new client column now than it used to be? Demand has shifted, so the steady stream of new clients many salons relied on has slowed right down. More people are going natural or stretching out appointments, which means fewer new bookings and a slower build for newer team members.
Is a smaller salon team better than a bigger one? For many owners, yes. A smaller team can mean stronger culture, less time spent managing people, and a lower wage, tax and superannuation load, which often leaves the business more profitable and far less stressful to run.
Why do salon prices feel so high right now? A haircut or colour covers far more than the time in the chair. Rent, stock, insurance, superannuation and tax all come out of that price, and rising client expectations mean each service takes more time and skill than it used to.
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 08 Jun 2026 - 48min - 116 - Mini Moment #23: The One Client Trick That Sorts Your Whole Brand – with Tegan from Moosh
Most salon owners think branding is the colours, the logo and the name above the door. Tegan from Moosh used to think that too. Then she realised her brand had quietly gone missing, not because she got the visuals wrong, but because she had stopped knowing who she was actually talking to.
In this Mini Moment, Tegan joins Jen to pull branding apart in plain language. The thing that brought hers back was almost too simple. She stopped posting to everyone and started posting to one favourite client, a real person, as if she was talking only to her. From there the feeling, the team and the whole vibe of Moosh fell back into place.
This is an honest, practical chat about why your brand is a feeling more than a colour, why your team is part of it whether you planned that or not, and why two salons right here in Australia can share the exact same palette and still feel like nothing alike.
What we cover
Why your brand is a feeling, not just your colours and logoThe one client trick that makes your posts actually landHow a busy salon quietly loses its brand without noticingWorking out who you really want sitting in your chairWhy your team and their personalities are part of your brandPosting to attract the right client instead of everyoneThe difference between the look of a salon and the feeling of itYour colours were never the brand. The feeling people walk into always was.
What makes up a salon brand? A salon brand is the feeling people get from you, not just your colours, logo or name. It comes from who you serve, how your team shows up and how clients feel in your space.
How do I find my salon brand? Start by picturing one favourite client and speak only to her, the way Tegan from Moosh did. Once you know who you are talking to, your colours, tone and team culture fall into place around her.
Why does my salon brand feel off? Most brands feel off when the salon gets busy and the owner loses sight of who they are speaking to. The fix is rarely new colours, it is getting clear on your person again.
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 01 Jun 2026 - 09min - 115 - The One Thing Salon Owners Must Do in 2026 to Get Found by AI – with Renee from Salon Society
You have done everything right. The website is beautiful, the work is gorgeous, the reels go up. So why does it feel like you are shouting into a void while new faces still trickle in from who knows where? This episode answers the who knows where, and the answer has changed.
Jen sits down with Renee from Salon Society, for a conversation that started over dinner and turned into a deep dive neither of them wanted to end. Renee has seen this industry from every side. A mature age apprentice who became a Kevin Murphy educator. Then a sales rep who built a territory on relationships. Then a social media agency owner running it all between nap times. And now someone who lives inside the world of AI marketing for salons. She is not teaching theory. She is in salon every week watching real new clients walk in and asking every single one of them how they found the place.
What she is finding will change how you think about marketing in 2026. One woman booked a curly hair appointment after typing "best curly hairdresser south Perth" into ChatGPT. Renee shares the real numbers, the multi step path a client takes before they book, and the holes in the bucket that quietly cost you the clients you already worked hard to attract. There is also a tender thread running underneath all of it, about success, motherhood, and the day her son threw her phone across the room and she realised she had built the business but forgotten to pivot it.
If this conversation lights something up in you, Renee teaches the full system behind it, building a digital presence that brings in bookings without posting more or chasing trends, in her own online course.
What we cover
How clients are now using AI tools like ChatGPT to find a salon, and what that means for youThe one thing to become obsessed with in 2026, knowing exactly where your new clients come fromWhy a referred client can find you and still not book, and how to plug the holes in your bucketOptimising your socials, website and Google Business Profile so AI can actually find youWhy your captions matter again, and the problem and solution story every caption should tellBuilding an evergreen content strategy so you can stop chasing trends and get off the hamster wheelUsing AI to amplify your brand voice instead of replacing itRenee's own pivots, from the salon floor to education to agency to AI, and knowing when each season is overWhat success actually felt like, and the honest cost of chasing moreThis is the episode that makes the AI shift feel less like a threat and more like the most useful thing to happen to salon marketing in years.
FAQs
How do salon clients find a business using AI like ChatGPT? Clients type a plain question into an AI tool, such as the best hairdresser for a service in their suburb, and the AI answers by pulling from your socials, website, Google reviews and listed services. The more consistent and specific your content is across those places, the more likely AI is to recommend you.
What is the one thing salon owners should focus on in 2026? Become obsessed with knowing where your new clients actually come from by asking every new client how they found you and whether that is when they booked. Once you know what is working, you can make more of that content instead of chasing new clients online for hours.
Do captions still matter for salon social media? Yes, more than ever. AI reads the words in your captions and on screen text to understand what your content is about, so a caption that names the service, the client's problem and the solution is what helps you get found and booked.
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 25 May 2026 - 56min - 114 - Mini Moment #22: You Are Not the Only One Asking That Question – with Sherri from Timely
The bravest thing you can do as a business owner is admit you do not have all the answers.
In this Mini Moment, Jen sits down with Sherri from Timely to talk about why asking for help might just be the most underrated business move you make this year.
Timely Answers is the new drop in session format that has been quietly booking out. A community of other business owners, and an open invitation to ask the questions you have been carrying around alone. Because the moment you hear someone else ask the thing you were too nervous to ask, everything shifts.
The conversation then opens out into something equally valuable. How small sensory shifts in your service, a hand massage, a foot rub, a scalp moment, the smell of your salon, can move you from another appointment to a memorable experience your client will talk about. And how the energy you bring to your business is the energy your clients walk out with.
What we cover
The new Timely Answers drop in sessions and how they workWhy community removes the loneliness of running a salonThe power of realising someone else is asking the same questionHow to think outside the square with higher ticket offeringsWhy regulated business owners create regulated clientsBringing the passion back into your businessWhen you stop trying to do it all alone, everything gets lighter.
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 18 May 2026 - 08min - 113 - Service or Sacrifice. Which One Are You In – with Sam and Jen
There is one question that quietly underpins every leadership decision a salon owner makes. Are you in service or are you in sacrifice?
In this honest, reflective conversation, Sam and Jen sit down to unpack the difference, why it matters, and how the answer changes everything from your team energy to your retail numbers to the way you feel walking into your own business.
This is not a leadership masterclass. It is a real conversation between two friends who are deep in the work themselves, examining the labels we attach to leadership, culture and ourselves. The word boss carries an ego. The word culture has become a buzzword. And the version of leadership most of us were taught, the one that sits at the top shouting orders down, is actually the opposite of what builds a business that lasts.
Sam shares what she has learned from 14 staff down to three, why finance is the most important pillar of any small business, and why the targets document she has used for years has never felt more valuable.
Jen reflects on capacity, glass balls and plastic balls, and the moment she pulled out of an event that would have broken her. Together they explore what it actually looks like to lead from below rather than above.
What we cover
The difference between service and sacrifice, and how to tell which one you are inWhy resentment is the signal you have stepped into sacrificeReverse engineering your leadership from the version you actually wantWhy the word boss does not sit right anymoreFinance as the foundation everything else flows fromWhy your team needs financial literacy, not just targetsCapacity, boundaries and protecting your glass ballsStripping the ego out of the decisions you make about your businessWhy your first priority is your team and theirs is your clientsThe labels we attach to ourselves, our businesses and the people in themWhen you lead from service, your business stops feeling heavy. It starts feeling like home.
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 11 May 2026 - 39min - 112 - Mini Moment #21: 14 New Clients a Week and How She Got Them – with Tegan from Moosh
In this Mini Moment, Tegan from Moosh joins Jen to talk about something most salon owners are quietly stressing about...marketing. Specifically, what to actually spend money on, when to bring someone in to help, and what kind of return you can realistically expect.
After years of consistent regulars, Tegan is in a rebuild season and marketing to brand new clients is now non-negotiable. She shares exactly what she has been doing, why she finally outsourced her paid ads, and how that decision is now bringing in 14 new clients a week.
This is an honest, practical conversation about the chicken and egg of marketing spend, why you cannot build a business on Instagram posts alone, and why finding people who actually understand your brand is the difference between marketing that lands and marketing that makes you cringe.
What we cover
Why community Facebook pages are not the answerThe real cost of trying to run paid ads yourselfHow to know when it is time to outsource your marketingWhat a proper marketing agency actually does for a salonWhy understanding your brand has to come before outsourcingThe chicken and egg of marketing investment when cash is tightOne client a week from your team can fund the whole marketing budgetWhy patience is part of the marketing strategyMentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 04 May 2026 - 11min - 111 - The Salon I Always Wanted Was Smaller Than I Thought – with Tegan from Moosh
Sometimes the dream you were chasing is not the dream you needed. In this episode, Sam and Jen are joined by one of Sam's dearest friends and biggest cheerleaders, Tegan from Moosh. After 10 years in business, a team that grew to 11 and has since come back to two, Tegan opens up about what it has actually taken to come back to herself, her vision and the kind of salon she always wanted to build.
This is a conversation about the slow, quiet realisations that only come from time in the chair. The grief of losing long term staff. The bittersweet beauty of regular clients moving on. The financial honesty most owners avoid. And the moment you walk into your salon, hear how peaceful it is, and realise this calm was the goal all along.
Tegan is open, warm and full of the kind of gusto that makes everyone around her feel like they can do anything. But this episode shows another side of her too. The leader stepping into herself for the first time. The mother holding boundaries. The owner choosing service over sacrifice. And the woman who genuinely loves what she does and is finally ready to enjoy it.
What we cover
10 years of Moosh, from 40 square metres to a commercial purchaseGoing from 11 staff down to two and what that has taught herThe grief of losing long term team members and regular clientsWhy your business cannot be built on sacrificeComing back to your vision and rebuilding from thereKnowing your numbers as the antidote to fearHiring for personality over skillThe trap of panic hiring and why it never worksLeading through different seasons of life and teamWhy being a hairdresser does not have to be the thing you outgrowShe's back. And the salon she always wanted was here all along.
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Tue, 28 Apr 2026 - 1h 04min - 110 - Mini Moment #20: Your Salon Software Is Not Working as Hard as You Are – with Sherri from Timely
Most salon owners set up their booking software once and never go back. The descriptions are outdated, the services do not reflect the brand anymore, and there is revenue sitting quietly in the background that nobody is capturing. Sound familiar?
In this Mini Moment, Jen sits down with Sherri from Timely to talk about why an annual audit of your salon software is one of the most underrated things you can do for your business. And why the new Timely add-ons feature might just be the thing that changes how you think about upselling forever.
Because here is the thing. The best add-on conversation is the one you never have to have out loud. When your software is set up properly, it does the prompting for you. Your clients get the nudge at the right moment, they feel in control of their choices, and you get the revenue without the awkward middle bit.
What we cover
Why auditing your salon software once a year is non negotiableHow misaligned service descriptions can disconnect your brand experienceThe new Timely add-ons feature and how it works for your businessLetting technology do the upselling so you do not have toWhy giving clients ownership of their booking increases add-on uptakeHow solo operators can use software to reduce overwhelmAI, social media and the future of working smarter not harderWhy having fun on Instagram is actually a strategyYour software should be working while you are behind the chair. This episode will show you how to make that happen.
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 20 Apr 2026 - 17min - 109 - Permission to Be Exactly Where You Are – with Sam and Jen
Sometimes the most important conversations are the ones that happen between two friends who are deep in it themselves.
In this episode, Sam and Jen pull back the curtain on where they are each at right now. In their businesses, in their teams and in their lives and give each other, and you, permission to just be in the season you are in.
Sam is back on the floor full time and genuinely loving it. Jen is in the hustle, building her team and finding her rhythm. Neither of them is where they thought they would be. And both of them are okay with that.
This episode is a honest, grounded and at times deeply personal conversation about what it actually looks like to run a small salon business in real time, without the highlight reel.
From wage ratios and retail to radical honesty and gratitude, this one covers a lot of ground. But the thread running through all of it is the same. The season you are in right now is not a detour. It is the journey.
What we cover
Where Sam and Jen are each at in their businesses right now
Sam's return to the floor and what that season has taught her
Jen's hustle of building and filling her team's columns
Wage ratios, what they should look like and how to check yours
Retail as a tool for genuinely helping clients, not selling to them
Training young team members consistently and why bite size beats once a week
The difference between being in your business and running it from above
The time is going to pass anyway. You may as well be in it.
Timestamps
00:00 Episode Summary
02:29 Hospital Detour and Boundaries
04:50 Easter Break Reset Rituals
06:59 Back on the Salon Floor
09:00 Booked Out and Waitlist Systems
10:34 Jen’s Hustle to Fill Columns
12:24 Training Young Staff Fast
14:43 Offers Referrals and Memberships
16:37 Choosing Your Season in Business
18:27 38 Hours on Floor Plus Admin
19:42 Capacity and Wage Ratio Basics
22:23 Salon Cost Benchmarks
23:38 Tracking Wages Weekly
24:39 Team Targets and Performance
25:47 Retail Without the Ick
28:05 Owner Lessons and Expectations
32:09 Work for Yourself Myth
35:25 Quarter Two Focus
36:55 Gratitude and Seasons
46:04 Closing Thoughts
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 13 Apr 2026 - 47min - 108 - Mini Moment #19: The Client Retention Conversation You Need to Hear – with Sara Briscoe
Retention. It is one of those words that gets thrown around a lot in this industry, usually tied to numbers, rebooking rates and revenue. But Sara Briscoe from Roca Verde has a different way of looking at it, and once you hear it this way, you will not be able to unhear it.
Because retention is not just good for your bottom line. It is good for your nervous system. A column full of familiar faces means less anxiety, less tap dancing to impress someone new, and more of the kind of days that remind you why you love this job. That is what is in it for your team. And that is exactly the conversation most salon owners are not having.
In this Mini Moment, Sara breaks down the why behind retention, the how behind building it, and why teaching your team to care about it starts with making it personal.
What we cover
Why retention is an emotional conversation as much as a financial oneThe real cost of a column full of new clients on your adrenals and your confidenceHow to teach your team the why so they actually careThe power of a consistent consultation and giving clients a hair journeySocial media as a retention tool, not just a marketing oneWhy a calm familiar column is one of the greatest gifts you can give your teamWhen you and your team understand what retention actually does for you and them, everything shifts.
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 06 Apr 2026 - 07min - 107 - The Answer Was Always Connection – with Brooke from Paper Rokk
Some episodes stop you in your tracks. This is one of them.
Sam & Jen are joined by one of Sam's closest friends and hair besties, Brooke Wolf from Paper Rokk. For a conversation that is as honest, warm and real as it gets.
Brooke has built her salon business over 12 years through some of life's most defining moments. Loss, burnout, single motherhood, a new build and now navigating the early days of a significant personal change. And through all of it, one thing has kept showing up as the answer.
Connection.
This episode explores what connection actually looks like in business and in life. The connection you have with your team, your clients, your closest friends and yourself. It is a conversation about showing up for people in ways that matter, about the salons that save us when everything else feels uncertain, and about what happens when you finally let yourself lean into the people around you instead of pushing through alone.
Brooke's story is one of resilience, self awareness and grace. And her reminder that we are in the business of connection, even when we forget it, is something every salon owner needs to hear.
What we cover
Brooke's journey from heartbreak to building Paper Rokk over 12 yearsOpening a salon after loss and figuring it out as you goRunning two salons, burning out and knowing when to let one goNavigating separation as a business owner and a motherWhy grief doesn't stop, it just moves with youThe difference between sending a text and actually showing upHow your salon can save you in the seasons you least expectWhat connection really means for your team, your clients and yourselfWhy saying yes more often can change everythingThe glass balls and the plastic balls, what you let fall and what you don'tThe answer was always connection. It just takes the hard seasons to remind us.
Timestamps:
00:00 Episode Summary
02:33 Meet Brooke Wolf
03:27 Friendship And Support Crew
06:27 Starting A Salon After Loss
09:27 Second Salon And Burnout
12:15 Closing Palm Beach Lessons
13:43 New Space Pregnancy Chaos
15:07 Group Chat Lifeline
19:20 Separation And New Chapter
25:43 Grief While Leading
28:49 Finding Joy In Small Moments
32:37 Saying Yes Again
34:31 Glow Up And Bucket List
35:44 Better Apart Realizations
36:45 Trauma And Overworking
39:13 New Hobbies And Joy
42:57 Friendship Web Story
46:13 Connection Over Everything
51:02 Salon As Safe Haven
56:21 Business Lessons And Team
59:03 Show Up For People
01:05:30 Grace In Breakups
01:08:30 Co Parenting And Closure
01:10:02 Final Connection Reminder
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 30 Mar 2026 - 1h 10min - 106 - Mini Moment #18: Stop Overlooking the Community You Already Have – with Sherri from Timely
Most salon owners are sitting on a network they have barely touched. The clients in their chairs, the brands they love, the people they already know and trust.
In this Mini Moment, Jen sits down with Sherri from Timely to talk about one of the most underutilised assets in your business, the community you have already built around you.
It is a conversation that started with a question Timely kept hearing from salons: costs are rising, times are tough, how do we actually help? The answer became Timely Perks, a growing initiative built to ease the real financial pressure of running a salon by connecting owners with brand partnerships, exclusive offers and education, all in one place. But the conversation quickly opens out into something bigger than a product feature. It becomes a genuine exploration of what it means to build with your community rather than just within it.
From leveraging the clients already in your chairs to rethinking what collaboration can look like across brands, artists and industries, this one will shift the way you see the network you already have.
What we cover
- What Timely Perks is and why it was createdHow to support clients through tough financial times without discountingTreating your clients as partners, not just appointmentsLeveraging your existing client network in ways you probably haven't tried yetThe power of collaboration across brands, artists and industriesWhy community over competition is more than a hashtagOne simple thing you can do today to start building those connections
Your next great business partnership might already be sitting in your chair.
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 23 Mar 2026 - 21min - 105 - Building the Dream While Running the Business – with Sara Briscoe
There's a particular kind of calm that only comes after years in the trenches.
In this episode, Sam and Jen sit down with the brilliant Sara Briscoefrom Roca Verde, an 18 year salon owner, country girl turned Sunshine Coast icon, and one of the most refreshingly real voices in the industry right now.
Sara has built, sold, renovated and rebuilt her way through nearly two decades of business, and she brings all of it to this conversation without filters, without fluff, and with a lot of heart.
They talk about what it actually looks like to build a salon from the ground up, from a tiny 50 square metre space called Blondies to the stunning Roca Verde, and now into the next chapter with a brand new build in the works. But this episode goes well beyond bricks and mortar. It gets into the stuff that lives underneath the beautiful feed and the full appointment book. The real cost of running a big team, why wages to sales ratios matter more than most people realise, and why so many salon owners are still undercharging and burning out because of it.
This is also a deeply human conversation about leadership, letting go, and learning to love the season you are in. Whether that is a season of growth, a season of stillness, or a season of just holding it all together while a new dream takes shape behind the scenes.
What we cover
- Sara's journey from country Queensland to building one of the Sunshine Coast's most recognised salonsWhat it really takes to buy, build and renovate salon spaces over 18 yearsSelling a building you love and starting again from scratchWages, pricing and why knowing your numbers changes everythingThe tiered pricing model that brought wages to sales back into a healthy rangeHiring for the person, not just the skill setWhy a bad culture fit can rock an entire businessThe apprentice conversation the industry needs to be havingLearning to let your people go with grace and prideWhy it is not that deep, and how that mindset shift changes everything
There is one thing that has stayed consistent across 18 years of building, selling, hiring, losing, laughing and starting again. And that is Sara.
This episode is a reminder that you are the constant. Everything else is just the season you are in.
Timestamps
00:00 Episode Summary
02:02 Podcast Welcome and Guest
04:54 Warts and All Growth
09:55 From Country to Salon Owner
12:42 Building Roca Verde Empire
17:29 Designing The All Space
20:43 Selling Up and Staff Trust
23:52 New Site and Pop Up Plan
30:08 Family Priorities and Burnout
33:49 Apprentices vs Freelancers
39:20 TikTok vs Instagram Comments
39:52 Wages Salon Misconceptions
41:03 Apprentice Pipeline Crisis
44:57 Pricing Value Perception
48:15 Raising Prices Without Guilt
54:02 Tiered Pricing Know Numbers
01:00:43 Hiring Culture Retention
01:06:05 Letting Staff Leave Well
01:09:34 Its Not That Deep Wrap
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 16 Mar 2026 - 1h 14min - 104 - Mini Moment #17: The Real Secret to Keeping Great Staff - with Abbe
Staff retention is one of the biggest conversations happening across the hair and beauty industry right now. In this Mini Moment, the girls sit down with Abbe from Koko Cosmetica to unpack what actually keeps great team members in your business and why it’s rarely about perks or pay rises.
Instead, it comes down to something much more human: creating a safe, supportive environment where your team feels respected, heard and able to live their lives outside of work. Because the truth is, your team aren’t just employees, they’re people building their own lives alongside your business.
We talk about the small leadership habits that build loyalty over time, from respecting personal boundaries to paying people properly, and why often the biggest shifts start with looking at ourselves as leaders first.
What we cover:
- Why creating a safe work environment matters mostLetting staff live their lives outside workSupporting sick leave and personal time properlyWhy leadership self awareness is essentialThe importance of paying staff correctly and on timeWhy consistency builds trust within your team
A great team culture isn’t built in big gestures. It’s built in the small, everyday ways you show your people they matter.
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 09 Mar 2026 - 11min - 103 - There Are No Secrets. Just Hard Work – with Sam Mangan
If you want anywhere near a business, it’s hard. There is no secret club. No magic strategy. No shortcut that only a few people know about. In this episode, the straight talking and unapologetically honest Sam Mangan joins us for an unfiltered, no fluff conversation about what it actually takes to build something meaningful and why so many people are chasing the wrong things.
We unpack the myth of instant success and the obsession with access. Meeting the CEO will not save you. A viral moment will not build your foundation. Success is built in relationships, in uncomfortable conversations, in asking better questions, and in choosing to do the hard thing when no one is watching.
This episode is a reality check and a reminder. Every business is a dumpster fire behind the scenes. Every operator is putting out fires daily. If you feel like you’re struggling, you’re not alone. Everyone is in a lifeboat. The difference is not who avoids the hard. It’s who chooses it.
What We Cover
- Why “it’s hard” is not a strategyThe myth of the secret formula for successWhy networking is about people, not business cardsThe truth about instant gratification and social media successWhy extraordinary outcomes require extraordinary effortHow to ask better questions in businessWhy ideas are worthless without executionThe importance of relationships at every level
Timestamps
00:00 – Episode Summary
02:29 – The real reason Sam quit
04:18 – Being blunt but still kind
05:34 – Sam’s honest Bond panel rant
08:38 – The rise of free content
10:37 – The danger of delusional ambition
11:27 – The fake influencer illusion
13:58 – The hard work reality check
14:59 – Raising kids around money
18:04 – Questioning self help culture
22:19 – How to spot fake coaches
23:12 – The questions real consultants ask
31:20 – Networking to find real answers
36:52 – Why gatekeepers deserve respect
38:27 – Putting relationships before transactions
39:23 – When kindness genuinely pays off
40:03 – The unexpected Celine Dion story
44:35 – Dating app filters and authenticity
45:42 – Coffee shop loyalty lessons
48:31 – Why change starts today
49:21 – Lessons from the Aspire podcast
53:13 – Ideas are nothing without execution
55:33 – How Sam built his business
57:47 – Why networking takes practice
01:00:28 – The ego free celebrity insight
01:02:25 – Coming back to home base values
01:11:33 – The truth that failure is universal
01:13:18 – Final reflections and wrap up
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 02 Mar 2026 - 1h 15min - 102 - Mini Moment #16: The Power of Knowing Your Why & Purpose
What if the reason your business feels heavy… isn’t the workload, it’s misalignment?
In this Mini Moment, we’re sharing a behind the scenes masterclass from inside Rising Finances Online and Solo Rise Online. This is the foundational work our members do early on, defining their why, their purpose, and their core values.
Because here’s the truth: if you don’t consciously decide how you want your business to serve your life, it will quietly start running you instead.
Your values are your compass. Your why is your anchor. And your purpose is the filter every big decision should pass through.
What we cover:
- The power of defining your whyValues as your business compassMisalignment as a hidden cause of burnoutGrowth that aligns with your lifeBuilding a business that reflects you
This isn’t mindset fluff. It’s practical clarity.
If your business feels noisy, heavy, or disconnected, it might be time to come back to your values.
And if you would like to delve deeper into our online courses, you can check them out below 👇
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 23 Feb 2026 - 11min - 101 - When your Hardest Season Builds the Strongest Version of You – with Abbe from Koko Cosmetica
What happens when the hardest season of your life becomes the foundation for your strongest one?
In this deeply honest and reflective conversation, Abbefrom Koko Cosmetica returns to the podcast two years after her first appearance, and she is not the same woman. Since we last spoke, she’s navigated postpartum depression, grown her salon to five years strong, welcomed a third baby, survived the FIFO juggle, and stepped into a calmer, more grounded version of herself as both a mother and business owner.
We talk honestly about postpartum mental health, delegation in business, the pressure to keep expanding, sustainable systems, and the uncomfortable truth that growth often requires letting go.
If you are a mother in business, a salon owner feeling stretched, or a woman quietly navigating your own hard season, this one will feel like a hand on your back.
What we cover:
- The reality of postpartum depression as a business ownerWhy discomfort is often the birthplace of growthLetting go of a business idea that no longer fitsDelegation as both leadership and self protectionCreating sustainable systems in motherhood and businessThe power of separating work and home energy
This episode is a reminder that you can survive the mud, grow through it, and come out clearer, calmer, and stronger on the other side.
Timestamps:
00:00 Episode Summary
04:03 Meet Abbe Again: Five Years in Business, FIFO Life & New Baby
05:44 Putting Projects Down: Pausing the Clothing Brand to Focus
07:43 Choosing Baby #3 After Postpartum Depression Fears
11:31 A Healing Postpartum
13:53 Spotting the Signs: Anger, Overwhelm & Business Pressure
20:37 Sustainable Business Habits: Delegation, Stock & Systems
29:12 Motherhood + Business Balance: Separation, Routines & Small Wins
33:04 Ditching Social Media - Replacing Scroll Time with Podcasts
34:13 The 1% Reminders That Change Your Day
35:18 Family Systems That Save Your Sanity
36:49 Delegation Without Perfection
42:27 Close the Loops: Tackle One Annoying Area to Build Momentum
43:57 Why Uncertainty Is Needed to Level Up
48:06 Seasons of Business
50:33 Putting Projects Down and Staying True to You
55:02 Redefining Success & Legacy
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 16 Feb 2026 - 1h 01min - 100 - Mini Moment #15: The Hidden Cost of Loneliness in Our Industry
Loneliness is something we don’t talk about enough in our industry, yet it’s quietly impacting our health, our work, and our relationships.
In this solo Mini Moment, Jen reflects on a recent conversation sparked by Ange Davis and a statistic that stopped her in her tracks: loneliness has a similar impact on the body as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. From there, she explores how modern life, business efficiency, and the rise of solo work can unintentionally strip away real human connection.
This episode is a reminder of the unique role salon professionals play. For some clients, the chair is the only place they’re truly seen, heard, or even touched. And while connection can feel inconvenient, loneliness is far more costly. This Mini Moment invites you to pause, reflect, and consider how small acts of presence can profoundly affect both your clients’ wellbeing and your own.
Because in an industry built on human connection, showing up as a human might be the most powerful service you offer.
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 09 Feb 2026 - 07min - 99 - Big Teams, Bigger Lessons – with Chantelle from Telleish
In this episode of Salon Rising: The Podcast, Sam and Jen sit down with the amazing Chantelle from Telleish for an honest, expansive conversation about what it truly takes to build and lead a large salon business, without losing yourself along the way. From humble beginnings and major personal sacrifice to creating one of Melbourne’s most iconic salons, Chantelle shares the reality behind the growth most people only see from the outside.
Together, they unpack the identity shift from hairdresser to leader, the emotional weight of managing big teams, pricing with confidence, paying stylists well, and why heart led business can be both your superpower and your biggest challenge. Chantelle also opens up about motherhood, stepping back from the floor, navigating staff turnover, and building systems that allow a salon to scale sustainably while still feeling human.
This episode is a grounded, real look at leadership, money, team culture, and long term thinking, especially for salon owners questioning what “success” actually looks like in this season of their life.
What we cover
- The identity shift from stylist to leader (and why it can feel like grief)Building and sustaining a large team without burning outPricing, profitability, and the roadmap to higher stylist earningsWhy not everyone will like you — and why that’s part of leadershipCreating a “salon for life” model that supports clients through every season
This episode is proof that there’s no single “right” way to build a salon. But there is a way to build one that feels rich in life, aligned with your values, and sustainable for the long haul.
Timestamps
00:00 Episode Summary
01:59 Guest Introduction
05:41 The Story Behind Telleish
09:56 Expanding and Innovating the Salon
22:44 Leadership and Team Management
30:00 Navigating Challenges and Personal Growth
41:30 Building Trust in the Workplace
41:46 The Importance of Team Loyalty
43:04 Challenges in the Hair Industry
44:00 Raising Prices to Elevate the Industry
44:48 Investing in Employee Growth
49:45 Balancing Business and Personal Life
55:06 Navigating Financial Challenges
58:26 Adapting to Industry Changes
1:12:22 The Value of Team Diversity
1:17:22 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 02 Feb 2026 - 1h 22min - 98 - Mini Moment #14: The One Block of Time Salon Owners Can’t Afford to Skip
In this Mini Moment, Sam and Jen talk honestly about something salon owners rarely prioritise properly: a dedicated day to work on the business, not just survive inside it.
As they head into 2026, this chat is about boundaries, nervous system care, and why diarising your wellbeing is just as important as diarising clients. From admin Mondays to non negotiable “me days,” this episode is a reminder that sustainability is not lazy, it is leadership.
If you ended 2025 depleted, reactive, or running on fumes, this Mini Moment is your permission slip to slow down strategically and build a year that actually supports you.
What we cover
- Why a weekly business admin day changes everythingThe difference between maintenance work and true restNervous system burnout and recognising the warning signsScheduling therapy, physio and health like real business commitmentsBooking holidays early so rest is planned, not reactive
In short: this episode is a reminder that you are the asset. When you protect your energy, your business becomes stronger, calmer and far more sustainable.
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 26 Jan 2026 - 09min - 97 - Confidence as a Salon Owner: Why Winging It Is Costing You – with Sam & Jen
Confidence as a salon owner is a funny thing. You can be incredible in the chair, calm with clients, talented as hell… and still feel completely rattled by team stuff, quiet weeks, money pressure, reviews, or the fear of being judged.
In this episode, Sam and Jen unpack the invisible weight salon owners carry and why confidence doesn’t mean “nothing goes wrong”, it means you keep leading even when things do.
We talk about the difference between winging it as a stylist (with foundations underneath) versus winging it as a business owner (and accidentally winging the outcome). This is your reminder that confidence is built through clarity, numbers, boundaries, brave conversations, and keeping promises to yourself. Not through pretending you’re smashing it when you’re secretly drowning.
What we cover
- Why confidence gets shaken by team issues, quiet weeks, reviews and judgementThe difference between “faking it” and leading with real foundationsWhy business owners lose confidence when they don’t know their numbersHow systems, boundaries and clarity create calm leadershipWhy brave conversations (and owning your mistakes) build trust fast
In short: confidence isn’t something you magically have. It’s something you build, one clear decision, one hard conversation, and one honest look at your numbers at a time.
Timestamps:
00:00 Episode Summary
02:50 Confidence and Team Dynamics
06:58 Handling Judgement and Self Worth
11:07 Continuous Learning and Adaptation
23:33 External Validation and Self Worth
28:02 Living the Day Twice
28:29 Financial Planning and Sacrifices
29:11 Support Systems and Confidence
30:55 Boundaries and Business Decisions
36:28 Systems and Procedures
37:31 Knowing Your Numbers
39:41 Leading with Clarity
43:58 Brave Conversations
51:02 Building Confidence
53:18 Homework for Confidence
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 19 Jan 2026 - 54min - 96 - Mini Moment #13: How to Grow Your Salon Without Working More Hours
Growing your salon doesn’t always mean adding more days, more late nights or running yourself into the ground.
In this Mini Moment, Sam and Jen break down what actually moves the needle when you want more profit without more exhaustion.
This is a practical, honest chat about working smarter not harder. From optimising your appointment book, to charging correctly for the work you’re already doing, to being confident enough to say no to bookings that don’t serve your business.
If your diary feels full but your bank account doesn’t, this one will hit home.
What we cover:
- Why optimising your appointment book can unlock thousands without adding hoursThe real cost of underchargingHow treatment menus and client choice remove the awkwardness around retailWhen it’s okay to say no to smaller bookings to protect higher value servicesWhy knowing your hourly number changes everything about how you book clients
This episode is a reminder that more clients isn’t always the answer. Better systems, clearer pricing and smarter booking decisions are.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:17 How to Grow Your Salon Without Working More Hours
00:37 Optimising Appointment Books
01:13 Offering Additional Services
03:03 Pricing Strategies for Salon Services
03:41 Efficient Booking Practices
06:18 Balancing Workload and Client Satisfaction
10:30 Final Thoughts and Tips
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 12 Jan 2026 - 12min - 95 - Motherhood in Business: Still Tired, Still Here – with Sam & Jen
What happens when the babies on hips become teens with attitudes, endless school events and bigger problems…but business still needs you too?
In this raw, funny and very real episode, Sam and Jen return to one of the Inner Sanctum’s most loved topics...Motherhood in Business. And dive into what it really looks like when you’re raising kids while running a salon and carrying the mental load of it all.
From chaotic mornings and four different school drop offs, to the guilt, the overwhelm, the constant tabs open in our heads and the pressure to do it all… this episode is equal parts cathartic, comforting and hilariously relatable.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing the school run with one hand and holding your business together with the other, this one is for you.
What we cover
- The mental load of older kids: bigger ages, bigger stakesWhy business owners need more support than everThe money traps busy mums fall into (and what to look at instead)Systems, hacks and tiny changes that save your sanityHow to find pockets of joy when life feels like “too much”
In short, this episode is a love note to every exhausted salon mum doing her best. A reminder that you’re not alone, you’re not losing it, and you’re allowed to choose joy and support over self sacrifice.
Timestamps
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 08 Dec 2025 - 49min - 94 - Mini Moment #12: Marketing Terms Every Salon Owner Needs to Know – with Brayden from YSS
In this bite-sized chat, Jen is joined by Brayden from Your Salon Support, for a jargon free breakdown of the marketing terms every salon owner thinks they should know… but often doesn’t.
From marketing plans to AIO, social strategies to loyalty systems, Bray strips it all back so you know what matters, what you can ignore, and what actually moves the needle depending on whether you’re a solo operator or running a full team.
If marketing feels overwhelming or you’ve ever wondered “Do I really need all this?”, this is the episode that finally makes it make sense.
What we cover
What a marketing plan actually is (and why it’s the foundation of everything)How a social media plan differs — and why it should never exist in a vacuumWhy EDMs (email direct marketing) are the most underrated sales tool in the industryThe rise of AIO and how ChatGPT is literally recommending salonsThe non-negotiables for solos vs. small salons vs. larger teamsIf you’ve been feeling lost in the marketing maze, this Mini Moment is your permission slip to simplify, streamline and get strategic. Let’s make tech (and marketing) sexy, one clear plan at a time.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Marketing Terminology
00:40 Understanding Marketing Plans
01:30 Crafting Effective Copy
05:02 Social Media Strategies
05:50 Email Direct Marketing (EDM)
08:57 The Importance of a Website
11:31 Artificial Intelligence Optimisation (AIO)
14:57 Tailoring Strategies for Solo Operators and Salons
16:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 01 Dec 2025 - 18min - 93 - 2025 in Review: Chaos, Clarity, and Choosing Joy – with Sam & Jen
What a year!!
In this raw, honest, and surprisingly uplifting episode, Sam and Jen sit down to unpack the real 2025. The chaos, the curveballs, the court battles, the soaring rent, the unexpected grief, the kids’ schedules, the moments of magic, and the beautiful anchor that their salons have become.
From navigating explosive life seasons to rediscovering joy in small team culture, this conversation is a reminder that you can rebuild, recalibrate and keep rising, even when life feels loud.
They talk through what changed, what surprised them, what hurt, and what healed and why joy, rest, and the power of a mighty small team have reshaped the way they’ll run life and business in 2025. If you’ve had a year that stretched you, softened you or forced you to pivot, this episode will feel like a deep breath and a moment of being seen.
What we cover
- The lease shock, the pivot plans and choosing a smaller, stronger teamCourt battles, grief, overwhelm and learning to protect your peaceWhy joy (not hustle) is the new KPI for 2026The value of unplugging, resetting, and building in space before burnout hitsLetting go of control, embracing change and finding your anchor in the chaos
This is a conversation about the year that shaped us and the clarity, courage and joy we’re taking forward.
Timestamps:
00:00 Episode Summary
02:08 Christmas Preparations and Traditions
04:04 Balancing Business and Personal Life
09:10 Lease Challenges and Business Adaptations
16:22 Navigating Legal Battles and Personal Struggles
24:02 Reflecting on a Year in Business
24:39 Embracing the Power of Saying Yes
25:40 The Importance of Taking Time Off
27:17 Overcoming Overwhelm and Finding Balance
28:24 Creating Joyful Memories with Family
29:42 The Need for Personal Space and Self Care
32:22 Pivoting in Life and Business
41:11 Setting Goals and Embracing Uncertainty
46:24 Final Reflections and Looking Ahead
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 24 Nov 2025 - 47min - 92 - Mini Moment #11: What’s Working (and What’s Not) for Salons in 2025 – with Jeanette from Salon First
What’s really working for salons right now...and what isn’t?
In this Mini Moment, Jen sits down with Jeanette from Salon First to unpack findings from her Business Success 2025 Survey, which gathered insights from over 200 salon owners across Australia. The results reveal what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and where salon owners should really be focusing their energy this year.
From retention struggles to menu simplification and the rise of lash, brow and skin services, this chat cuts through the noise to highlight what’s actually moving the needle in 2025.
💡 What we cover:
- The biggest shifts salons are making this yearWhy retention matters more than reachHow to simplify your service menu for profitWhat 200 salons said about memberships and growthWhy listening to clients still trumps every trend
A grounded reminder that success in 2025 isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what works, and doing it well.
Special thanks to Jeanette McConville from Salon First
https://www.salonfirst.com.au/
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
00:52 Discussing the Feedback Survey
03:16 Key Takeaways from the Survey
08:15 Trends and Profitable Services
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 17 Nov 2025 - 12min - 91 - A Story of Strength, Setbacks and Starting Again – with Alex Fuchs
What happens when life forces you to do the hard thing and you come out steadier, wiser, and more at peace with who you are?
In this raw and generous conversation, Alex Fuchs — APAC Colour Master for KEVIN.MURPHY and owner of Fuchs Hair in Sydney, opens up about army bunkers, resilience, court battles, leadership wobbles, and the journey back to a client first salon he truly loves.
We go deep on identity, pressure, growing a career and a family at the same time, and the quiet power of being seen in the chair.
Timestamps
00:00 Episode Summary
01:22 Podcast Introduction and Guest Welcome
02:42 Reconnecting with Alex
03:26 Alex's Career Journey
18:14 The Army Experience
27:56 Life in Australia
38:52 Oversharing and Its Consequences
39:19 Support from the Salon Team
39:34 Court Rulings and Emotional Impact
40:00 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
41:00 Leadership Challenges in the Salon
42:27 Reflections on Salon Management
44:52 Client Connections and Authenticity
46:41 The Importance of Client Experience
01:00:47 Social Media and Young Hairdressers
01:02:35 Adapting and Evolving in the Industry
01:06:29 Final Thoughts and Reflections
If you’ve ever felt like the wheels were coming off behind the scenes, this one will feel like a deep breath and a hand squeeze.
💡 What we cover:
The mirror moment that became Alex’s turning pointResilience lessons from compulsory service to courtroom stressLosing team, finding culture, and leading without people pleasingSmaller team, better profit, and falling back in love with clientsSocials as one pillar and putting client experience back at the centreIf this episode made you feel seen, hit subscribe and share it with a salon friend who needs it today.
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 10 Nov 2025 - 1h 14min - 90 - Mini Moment #10: Scalp Care is the New Skincare – with Monique McMahon
What if the secret to stronger, thicker, and more beautiful hair starts where you least expect it...your scalp?
In this Mini Moment. Samara and Jen are joined again by the amazing Monique McMahon. Owner of Que Colour and MCM Beauty, to talk about the growing movement that’s redefining the beauty industry: scalp care.
Fresh from her US masterclass tour and the global launch of the Christophe Robin Fortifying Range, Monique shares what’s driving the shift from styling to scalp science and how salon owners can lead the conversation.
💡 In this episode, you’ll hear:
Why scalp health is the new frontier in haircareThe truth about stress, slick backs, and hair lossWhat makes the Christophe Robin Fortifying Range so powerfulHow to guide clients through their own hair health journeySimple tools and habits for stronger, healthier hairThis isn’t just about great hair, it’s about transforming the way we care for it, from root to tip.
Featured Product: Christophe Robin Fortifying Range
The Christophe Robin Fortifying Range strengthens and revitalises weakened hair, helping reduce hair fall caused by breakage by up to five times after just one use. Infused with amaranth peptides, it leaves hair visibly stronger, fuller, and more resilient.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement
01:00 Monique's US Masterclass Tour
01:54 Hair Loss and Scalp Health Discussion
03:02 Christophe Robin Fortifying Range
10:40 Tips for Discussing Hair Loss with Clients
14:20 Wrapping Up
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 03 Nov 2025 - 15min - 89 - Make Tech Sexy: Loyalty, Memberships & Real Marketing for Salons - with Brayden from YSS
What happens when a tech minded gamer swaps code for colour and decides to make salon tech & marketing sexy?
In this episode in the Inner Sanctum, we sit down with Brayden, founder of Your Salon Support and host of the podcast talk show, Can We Go Live, to unpack how salon owners can make tech and marketing feel sexy, simple, and smart again.
Brayden shares his journey from the video game industry to the hair and beauty world, building systems that help salon owners move beyond the “post and hope” marketing mindset. We dive into the thinking behind his YSS Loyalty platform and how it’s reshaping the way salons connect with their clients, building real loyalty without relying on discounts.
You’ll also hear how to turn memberships into recurring revenue, why your email list might be your most underused asset, and how small tech shifts can make a big impact on client retention, consistency, and growth.
What We Cover
The 4 pillars of salon marketing Loyalty that lives on your client’s phone (and why it works)How to make memberships make sense for hairFilling last minute gaps without cheapening your brandThe one marketing tool you need to turn on todayThis isn’t just a conversation about marketing systems, it’s a wake up call that the future of your salon is already in your hands.
Timestamps
00:00 Episode Summary
02:42 Journey from Video Games to Salon Support
04:30 Building a Business in Salon Support
07:42 Marketing Strategies and Diversification
15:44 Loyalty and Membership Programs
25:00 Understanding Your Audience
25:15 Effective Use of Availability
25:59 Rebooking Strategies
26:37 Innovative Commission Tracking
27:44 Building Loyalty Without Cheapening
28:31 Integrating with Modern Software
31:39 Making Tech Sexy in the Salon Industry
35:09 Remote Team Dynamics
41:39 Expanding Globally
45:17 The Importance of Email Marketing
46:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
🎁 Special Gift from Brayden:
Brayden is offering Salon Rising: The Podcast listeners a 3 month free YSS Loyalty subscription.Designed to help you elevate client connection and loyalty in your salon.
To unlock, use the referral code SALON RISING via yssloyalty.com/contact
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 27 Oct 2025 - 48min - 88 - Mini Moment #9: Inside the Culture Reset Masterclass — Boundaries, Team Energy & Real Leadership
Culture is the heartbeat of your salon, but it needs constant attention to stay strong.
In this episode, Samara and Jen give a behind the scenes look at the Culture Reset Masterclass, where they’ll unpack what it really takes to build a team culture that’s calm, connected, and accountable.
They share personal lessons from years of leadership, the moments that worked, the ones that didn’t, and the game changing mindset shifts that transformed how they lead their teams.
💡 In this episode, you’ll hear:
What the Culture Reset Masterclass will cover (and why it’s so needed right now)The one culture mistake most salon owners makeHow to rebuild trust and motivation in your teamReal talk on boundaries, burnout, and brave conversationsWhy this reset could change your 2026If you’ve been feeling off balance with your team, unsure how to reconnect, or just need a fresh start for the year ahead, this masterclass is your moment.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:24 Diving into Culture
00:59 Masterclass Insights and Reflections
05:00 Team Dynamics and Values
07:30 Practical Tips for Team Meetings
08:20 Upcoming Culture Masterclass Details
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 It’s Time to Reset, Realign, and Feel Good in Business Again
On October 29th, join Samara LIVE inside The Culture Reset Masterclass.
If your salon or solo business has been feeling a little off, this 90 minute session is your space to pause, reflect, and realign.
You’ll reconnect with your purpose, clarify your values, and set boundaries that protect your energy, so you can step into the new year feeling grounded, clear, and inspired.
Alongside the session, you’ll also receive your own Culture Reset Plan a practical guide you can use with your team or by yourself to turn reflection into action and keep your culture strong all year round.
✨ 90-Minute Live Masterclass
✨ Includes your own Culture Reset Plan
✨ For salon owners and solo operators
✨ Recording included
💸 Save 5% with code POD5 at checkoutClick below to Join Now 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 20 Oct 2025 - 10min - 87 - Revisiting Episode 1: Who We Were & Who We Are Now
What happens when you press play on your very first podcast episode two years later?
In this special episode, Samara and Jen go back to where it all began. Episode 1 of Salon Rising: The Podcast. What started as two best friends sharing insights about business, life, and salon ownership has since grown into a platform of connection, community, and real conversations.
Listening back, some things made us cringe, but what stood out most was how much has changed, in business, in life, and in who we are today.
We revisit the lessons, the laughs, and the raw truths of that first conversation, and share how our purpose has evolved, what’s stayed the same, and why this podcast still lights us up.
💡 In this episode, you’ll hear:
The biggest shifts in our lives and businesses since Episode 1How our philosophies on business and life have evolvedThe power of speaking from scars, not woundsWhy community, connection, and storytelling are still at the heart of Salon RisingWhat we’ve learned about impact, growth, and building a life (not just a business)This isn’t just a reintroduction, it’s proof that growth is constant, change is inevitable, and your story will always keep unfolding.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction: The Purpose of Salon Rising
01:46 Reflecting on the First Episode
02:01 Reintroducing Ourselves
02:16 Jen's Journey and Identity
04:16 Sam's Journey and Identity
06:40 The Evolution of Our Podcast
10:05 Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges
13:15 The Impact of Sharing Stories
20:28 The Purpose Behind the Podcast
21:24 Reflecting on Personal Growth
22:03 Unexpected Podcast Journey
23:25 Transformative Conversations
24:52 Purpose and Impact
26:47 Creating a Supportive Community
30:28 Balancing Business and Life
33:30 Gratitude and Perspective
38:32 Invitation to Share Stories
39:17 Conclusion and Gratitude
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 13 Oct 2025 - 45min - 86 - Mini Moment #8: Choosing the Right Colour Brand with Monique McMahon
Choosing a colour brand isn’t just about tubes of tint, it’s one of the biggest financial and cultural decisions you’ll make as a salon owner. In this mini moment, Jen sits down with the incredible Monique McMahon, salon owner and Wella Colour Ambassador, to unpack how to make the right choice for your business and your team.
Monique shares why opportunities should be at the top of your list, how to negotiate with brands, and what she looks for to ensure her team thrives in and out of the salon.
💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why your colour brand choice is about more than costThe opportunities top brands can offer your team (education, Fashion Week, editorial, social media)The two non negotiable questions to ask when choosing a brandHow to align your salon values with the right partnerWhy “don’t ask, don’t get” is the motto for negotiating with colour companiesIf you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the sea of colour brands, this chat will give you clarity, confidence, and the courage to ask for what you and your team really need.
Timestamps
00:00 Introducing Monique McMahon
00:33 Choosing the Right Colour Brand
01:45 Opportunities with Colour Brands
03:09 The Importance of Asking for Opportunities
07:45 Monique's Role and Experience
09:40 Tips for Salon Owners
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 06 Oct 2025 - 13min - 85 - What 27 Years in Beauty Taught Jeanette About Success and Authenticity
What does true success in the beauty industry look like? And how do you stay authentic while building it?
In this inspiring episode, Jen sits down with Jeanette, General Manager of Beauty Wholesaler, Salon First, who has spent 27 years growing, adapting, and thriving alongside the ever changing beauty industry.
From the days of “Back Scratches” in 1989 to leading one of Australia’s most trusted distributors today, Jeanette shares the lessons that only time, resilience, and authenticity can teach.
💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why authenticity is the foundation of long-term successHow the beauty industry has evolved over nearly three decadesLessons in leadership, team culture, and staying adaptableThe real numbers every salon owner needs to know (and why numbers don’t lie)Why niching down and knowing your value will always win
This conversation is packed with wisdom, perspective, and practical advice for salon owners who want to grow not just a business, but a career built on authenticity.
Special thanks to Jeanette McConville from Salon First
https://www.salonfirst.com.au/
Timestamps
00:00 Episode Summary
01:03 Welcome to the Inner Sanctum
05:17 Trends in the Beauty Industry
06:01 The Rise of Lash and Brow Services
06:28 Skin Care Innovations
14:52 Navigating Business Challenges
24:05 Digital Transformation in Beauty
26:59 Industry Experience and Consistency
27:42 Digital Growth and Social Proof
29:05 Partnerships and Collaborations
32:11 Niche Markets and Community Building
35:11 Balancing Work and Personal Life
37:36 The Importance of Numbers
41:22 Choosing the Right Partnerships
46:04 Trade Shows and Industry Events
53:03 Final Thoughts and Takeaways
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 29 Sep 2025 - 56min - 84 - Mini Moment #7 – Designing a Business That Fits Your Life
What if you built your salon around the life you actually want? Not what others expect.
In this Mini Moment, Samara, Jen, and Taryn from Brow Substance dive into the powerful (and often overlooked) question: What do you really want your business and life to look like?
From the pressure to “progress” into salon ownership, to the reality of balancing family, staff, and clients, this episode explores why success doesn’t always mean bigger. Sometimes the most powerful move is choosing a path that aligns with your values, your energy, and the season of life you’re in.
💡 In this episode, you’ll hear:
How to map out what you want your life (and mornings, weekends, and energy) to look likeWhy salon ownership isn’t the only definition of growth or successThe trade offs of scaling vs. staying lean, and how to know which is right for youTwo different but equally purposeful paths from Taryn and JenWhy purpose driven decisions build stronger businesses and happier livesThis is your reminder to pause, reflect, and choose a business model that fuels your life, not drains it.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction
01:18 Personal Experiences and Reflections
03:09 Balancing Business and Personal Life
03:58 Deciding on Business Expansion
07:03 Supporting Young People in the Industry
14:20 Final Thoughts and Advice
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 22 Sep 2025 - 18min - 83 - Creating Safe Salons: The Culture Shift That Fuels Profit
What actually makes teams high performing (and salons sustainable)?
Leadership & culture coach Emma Campbell joins Samara to unpack why a sense of safety and purpose at work is the secret to performance, profit, and long term team loyalty.
Together, they explore how salon owners can step out of the bottleneck, empower their teams, and create a culture where people feel supported to bring their best selves to work. Expect honest conversation, practical strategies, and some “aha” moments about what really drives engagement.
💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why team culture rooted in safety creates performance and profitHow to share financials without overwhelming your teamWhat to let go of (and delegate) so you’re not running on fumesWhat psychological safety is and why it’s the secret to high performing teamsHow to balance purpose and profit without guiltPractical tools for checking in on your culture and your own energyThis isn’t about buzzwords or business fads. It’s about building a salon culture where people feel safe, inspired, and motivated and where you as the owner don’t burn out in the process.
Also mentioned in the episode:
Take Emma's Phycological Safety quiz - HEREHERE is Emma's podcast episode on Phycological SafetyTimestamps
00:00 Episode Summary
01:49 Meet Emma Campbell: Leadership and Culture Guru
04:22 Emma's Journey: From Small Town to Corporate Life
08:00 Discovering Purpose-Driven Business
09:24 The Importance of Purpose in Business
17:24 Balancing Business and Personal Life
23:25 Dealing with Pre-Teen Anxiety
25:18 Navigating Big Emotions
27:37 Seeking Support and Therapy
36:18 The Importance of Psychological Safety
40:36 Final Thoughts and Resources
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 15 Sep 2025 - 42min - 82 - Mini Moment #6 – How to Step Away from Your Salon Without Losing Momentum
What happens when you need to step away from your salon, for a holiday, maternity leave, or even an unexpected 10 months...and you still want the business to thrive?
In this Mini Moment, Samara sits down with Brodie from Smooth Hair to unpack how she set her salon up to run without her. From building trust in a manager, to breaking down the numbers, to avoiding money sitting idle in stock, Brodie shares the real steps that kept her salon financially sound and her team motivated while she was away.
💡 How to Handle It Without Losing Momentum:
Why financial transparency (done right) empowers your teamThe simple way to break targets into achievable numbersHow to set your manager up for success and why bonuses matterSmart ordering strategies that protect cash flowThe balance between culture, accountability, and freedomWhether you’re planning leave, dreaming of an extended holiday, or just want your salon to be less dependent on you, this conversation shows it is possible.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Salon Rising Podcast
00:18 Setting Up Your Salon for Success
00:51 The Importance of Trusting Your Manager
02:04 Financial Transparency with Your Team
04:11 Breaking Down Financial Goals
05:40 Efficient Ordering and Inventory Management
08:00 Empowering Your Team and Manager
09:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 08 Sep 2025 - 10min - 81 - From Yellow Pages to Social Media: Taryn on Profit, Pricing & Reinvention
What does success look like when you’ve been in beauty for 22+ years...and still love it?
In this episode, Samara and Jen sit down with Taryn from Brow Substance to unpack reinvention, pricing with confidence, and building a business that serves your life (not the other way around).
From Yellow Pages days to TikTok, from home studio to shared clinic space, Taryn shares the mindset and money shifts that kept her passionate and profitable. Expect straight talk on bottom dollar vs profit, charging without guilt, posting availabilities (yes, you should), and designing a business around motherhood, sport schedules, and real life.
You’ll learn:
How to price without guilt (and why “bottom dollar” is not the goal)The reinvention mindset: niching, un-niching, and staying relevantPosting availabilities without looking “quiet” (and why it works)Spreadsheets, tax, and paying yourself first (hello, bonuses)Superannuation for women in business and why future you needs itChoosing growth or simplicity: ego vs the life you actually wantThis one’s practical, honest, and wildly freeing.
Timestamps
00:00 Episode Summary
03:11 Guest Introduction: Taryn from Brow Substance
04:03 Taryn's Journey in the Beauty Industry
04:59 Adapting to Industry Changes
05:50 Social Media Evolution
10:35 Financial Realities and Business Strategies
13:21 Personal Growth and Business Insights
15:49 The Importance of Continuous Learning
33:27 Setting Financial Goals and Bonuses
35:29 Weekly Planning and Assessments
36:01 Content Creation and Marketing Strategies
36:38 Importance of Goals and Motivation
41:17 Debate on Posting Availabilities
47:28 Balancing Business and Personal Life
48:48 Evaluating Business Decisions
01:04:15 Financial Planning and Superannuation
01:06:24 Conclusion and Reflections
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 01 Sep 2025 - 1h 08min - 80 - Mini Moment #5 - Sick Leave & Salon Culture
Sick leave is never easy to manage. But how you handle it says more about your salon culture than you might think.
In this Mini Moment, Samara and Jen unpack how to handle sick leave without burning out your team. From setting boundaries with staff, to managing client expectations, to recognising when sick leave is really a sign of deeper cultural issues, they share lessons every salon owner can use.
💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to handle sick leave without burning out your teamWhy sick leave can reflect the health of your cultureThe boundaries that make sick days easier to manageWhy supporting staff well encourages loyalty How to manage client reschedules with care and clarityThis isn’t just about staff being “off”, it’s about creating a salon culture where your team feels supported, your clients feel respected, and your business stays steady no matter what.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
01:01 Discussing Sick Leave
01:06 Personal Experiences with Sick Leave
02:57 Impact of Sick Leave on Business
04:51 Handling Sick Leave Effectively
08:46 Final Thoughts on Sick Leave
12:20 Conclusion and Farewell
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 25 Aug 2025 - 13min - 79 - How her Salon Thrived in the Hardest Year of Her Life - Brodie's Story
What happens when life throws you the unimaginable and you’re still responsible for a business and a team?
In this raw and deeply moving episode, Samara sits down with Brodie, owner of Smooth Hair in Alstonville, who opens up about the most challenging year of her life.
What began as a five week family holiday turned into a nine month stay in Perth after her 2 year old daughter was diagnosed with leukemia. From that moment, Brodie was thrust into balancing motherhood, cancer, and running a salon from 4,000km away.
She shares how she kept her business not just afloat, but thriving. The loyalty and dedication of her team, and the perspective shifts that have transformed how she leads.
💡 In this episode, you’ll hear:
How Brodie's salon stayed afloat while she was away for nearly a yearThe raw reality of parenting a child through chemotherapyLessons in leadership, loyalty, and letting goThe importance of building a business with deep roots and real relationshipsThis is more than a business conversation, it’s a powerful story of resilience, perspective, and the strength it takes to lead in your hardest season.
Timestamps
00:00 Episode Summary
01:27 Meet Brody from Smooth Hair
02:20 The Journey to Smooth Hair
07:12 Building a Supportive Salon Family
12:52 The Decision to Move to Perth
15:10 Maxie's Health Crisis
19:50 Facing Leukemia: A Mother's Perspective
24:05 Navigating Business and Personal Challenges
28:10 The Struggles of Parenting a Sick Child
29:01 Finding Community in Unexpected Places
30:31 Returning Home and Resuming Normalcy
33:00 Balancing Work and Personal Life
37:28 A Surprise Engagement
38:44 Expecting a New Baby
42:16 Managing a Business Through Personal Challenges
48:17 The Importance of Support and Resilience
52:20 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 18 Aug 2025 - 55min - 78 - Mini Moment #4 — Scaling With Purpose: How Delegation Changed Nicki’s Salon
In this powerful Mini Moment, Nicki from Salon Purpose returns to talk about the early lessons that helped her grow from a solo operator into the leader of a 19 staff salon.
If you're still doing everything yourself, from stock to scheduling to xero, this one’s for you. Nicki shares how she finally got out of her own way, why hiring a bookkeeper was her first move, and how letting go of perfection created space for business growth and personal freedom.
💡 What You’ll Learn
How to delegate with intention The power of hiring before you're readySystems that support freedom, not just structureWhy you must know how to do the task before offloading itHow letting go of control opens the door to real growthYou’ll hear honest insights about control, burnout, systems, and self worth. It’s the kind of advice you wish you had when you started, and might still need to hear today.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to the Inner Sanctum
00:22 Starting Out: Nicki's Journey
03:00The Importance of Delegation
05:00 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
06:50 Practical Tips for Salon Management
11:05 Empowering Your Team
12:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 11 Aug 2025 - 13min - 77 - Monique McMahon on Efficiency, Profitability and Salon Leadership That Lasts
This week in the Inner Sanctum, we welcome back the incredible Monique McMahon, owner of Que Colour and global ambassador for Christophe Robin.
In this heartfelt and honest episode, Monique shares how small shifts in efficiency have transformed her business. Why profitability doesn’t always mean having more staff. And the personal changes that are fuelling her success.
From cutting out coffee and alcohol to scaling her team with intention, Monique reveals the behind the scenes strategies that are keeping her salon thriving. All while preparing for a major US tour.
Expect candid conversations about rebooking rates, cutting costs without cutting corners, the role of presence in leadership, and why Google Reviews are more powerful than you think.
💡 What you’ll learn:
How fewer staff can sometimes mean higher profitsSmart ways to boost salon efficiency without sacrificing client careWhy presence matters as much as skill in building client loyaltyThe truth about social media (and why you don’t have to do it)How small personal changes can ripple into massive business successTimestamps
00:00 Episode Summary
02:31 Team Dynamics and Business Challenges
04:33 Efficiency and Business Operations
22:07 Client Experience and Rebooking Strategies
23:01 The Importance of Presence and Confidence
34:22 Training Framework and Social Media
35:48 Balancing Social Media and Business
40:30 Google Reviews and Client Engagement
44:00 Team Meetings and Delegation
51:10 Lifestyle Changes and Business Efficiency
51:58 Innovative Hair Products
59:38 Future Plans and Ambitions
1:04:45 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
✨ Whether you’re a salon owner, solo operator, or stylist ready to level up, this conversation with Monique will leave you inspired and ready to take action.
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💡 Get 20% off your Q Wrap order with code SR20 today - Q Wrap
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 04 Aug 2025 - 1h 06min - 76 - Mini Moment #3 - Making the First Hire: What Every Salon Owner Needs to Know
Thinking about hiring your first team member...but feeling the fear? You’re not alone.
In this honest and practical Mini Moment, Samara and Jen break down the real emotions and strategy behind that first hire.
From burnout and back to back days on the floor, to making space for growth, they share the personal and financial checkpoints every salon owner should consider. The girls discuss their own hiring journey. From deciding whether they could afford it, to crafting the right SEEK ad, navigating friend networks, and trusting their gut in interviews.
If you’re exhausted, overbooked, or dreaming of building something bigger, this mini moment gives you the insight (and encouragement) to take your next brave step.
🎧 Listen now to learn:
How to know when you’re really ready to hireWhat your first staff member should bring to the tableSmart ways to test fit without committing fastHow to write job ads that attract the right peopleWhy the vibe matters more than the resumeTimestamps
00:00 Introduction
00:11 The Journey to Hiring
01:24 Financial Considerations Before Hiring
01:58 First Hire Experience
03:26 Handling Quiet Weeks
08:13 The Hiring Process
10:12 Navigating Confidentiality
13:54 Trial Periods
16:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Mini Moment Sponsors - Timely
We’ve partnered with Timely to bring you something special:
New customers get 50% off their first 3 months.
If you've been thinking about levelling up your salon systems, this is your moment. Timely is designed specifically for salons—helping you manage bookings, clients, staff, and more with ease.
🛍️ Head to Timely and use the code SALONRISING at checkout to claim the offer.
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 28 Jul 2025 - 18min - 75 - Building a Salon That Changes Lives (Not Just Hair): Nicki’s Purpose Led Salon Journey
What if your salon could be known for more than just great hair?
In this heart filled episode, we sit down with Nicki from Salon Purpose. A salon owner who built her entire business model around kindness, integrity and impact.
From starting in a 15 square metre backyard salon to leading a 19 staff team and raising over $100,000 through her “With Love” campaign, Nicki shares how purpose has shaped every decision she's made. And why that purpose is her biggest accountability.
She opens up about the fears she had around numbers, how she only works one day a week on the floor, and why your legacy isn’t built in the big moments, but in the small ones. Whether you’re solo or managing a team, this episode will inspire you to lead with your heart, without losing sight of the numbers.
💡 What you'll learn:
How to lead a values-driven salon without burning outWhat profit-for-purpose actually looks like in actionWays to embed generosity into your business from day oneSmart systems for training and team managementHow to create a connected team culture, even with 19 staff⏱ Episode Timestamps
00:00 Episode Summary
02:34 Nicki's Journey to Salon Purpose
04:50 Building a Purpose Driven Salon
07:11 From Home Salon to Expanding Business
11:25 Creating a Community Focused Salon
19:51 Managing a Growing Team
29:22 The With Love Campaign and Giving Back
32:57 Overcoming Personal Challenges to Start a Business
33:23 The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers
34:27 Financial Security and Purpose Driven Profit
35:09 Training and Team Management
40:18 Generosity Beyond Finances
49:38 Building a Supportive Work Culture
54:29 Final Thoughts on Generosity and Business
This isn’t just a salon story, it’s a blueprint for building a business that changes lives. Press play now and get inspired to lead with purpose.
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 21 Jul 2025 - 1h 03min - 74 - Mini Moment #2: Why Working ON Your Business Matters More Than You Think
Ever feel guilty for stepping away from the salon floor to work on your business? You’re not alone.
In this Mini Moment, Jen is joined by Sherri to unpack why taking time off the tools isn’t just okay, it’s essential. They share real talk about charging your worth, tracking every dollar, staying inspired, and avoiding the burnout spiral so many salon owners fall into.
🎧 Listen now to learn:
Why working smarter beats working harder every timeThe hidden costs draining your profits (and how to fix it)The burnout signs you’re ignoring right nowHow to create space for creativity and growthSimple systems to make business life feel easierTimestamps
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
00:49 Working Smarter, Not Harder
01:59 Tracking Costs and Managing Stock
05:01 Financial Hacks and Spending Wisely
08:11 Social Media and Creative Processes
14:47 Avoiding Burnout and Self-Care Tips
20:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Step away from the chair, breathe, and remember: building your dream business takes more than just doing clients. You’ve got this ❤️
💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Mini Moment Sponsors - Timely
We’ve partnered with Timely to bring you something special:
New customers get 50% off their first 3 months.
If you've been thinking about levelling up your salon systems, this is your moment. Timely is designed specifically for salons—helping you manage bookings, clients, staff, and more with ease.
🛍️ Head to Timely and use the code SALONRISING at checkout to claim the offer.
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 14 Jul 2025 - 22min - 73 - How One Salon Owner Walked Away From “Success” to Find Real Happiness – Ashlin's Powerful Story
Ever felt trapped by the very business you built?
In this powerful episode, Ashlin from The Elk Collective shares why she walked away from her 10 staff salon to build a thriving home based business aligned with her life and purpose.
She opens up about the burnout of running a big team, the pressure to look “successful,” and how coming back to her why transformed her work, family life, and finances. If you’ve ever wondered if there’s another way to do business, this conversation will give you courage.
🎧 Listen now to learn:
Why bigger isn’t always better in businessHow to redefine success on your own termsPractical financial tips for salon ownersThe mindset shifts that brought her peace and joy again👉 Tap play to feel inspired to build a business that works for you.
00:00 Episode Summary
01:41 Welcome to the Inner Sanctum
03:13 Ashlin's Journey: From Home Salon to Elk Collective
05:23 The Challenges of Managing a Growing Team
08:00 Rebranding and Returning Home
11:34 Balancing Business and Family
21:54 Financial Realities and Mental Health
34:20 The Transition to a Home Based Salon
40:50 Creating a Balanced Work Environment
41:10 The Role of Key Team Members
47:10 Delegation and Team Dynamics
49:46 Financial Lessons and Strategies
52:14 Planning for Financial Stability
1:06:52 The Importance of Future Planning
1:08:59 Overcoming Industry Challenges
1:13:44 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 07 Jul 2025 - 1h 14min - 72 - Mini Moment #1: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone - The Truth About Going Solo in Business
Going solo doesn’t mean going it alone.
In this Mini Moment, Jen is joined by Sherri from Timely to unpack what really happens behind the scenes of solo businesses. From the emotional weight of doing it all, to the turning point most business owners hit at 18 months, they explore the silent struggles and simple shifts that can make solo life feel less… solo.
💬 Inside:
Why “solo” doesn’t mean unsupported (and what to call it instead)The cheer squad exercise that changes everythingWhat no one tells you about client data, systems & automationLearning fatigue, mindset overload & how to take your power backWhether you're just starting out or deep in the juggle, this episode will remind you that support is a strategy—and success doesn't have to be lonely.
🎧 Press play for the pep talk every solo business owner needs.
00:00 Introduction to Mini Moments
00:46 The Sole Trader Journey
01:39 Building a Support System
06:52 Financial Realities and Growth
10:26 Learning and Overwhelm
12:58 Importance of Systems and Automation
16:13 Client Data and Communication
17:21 Conclusion and Takeaways
💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Mini Moment Sponsors - Timely
We’ve partnered with Timely to bring you something special:
New customers get 50% off their first 3 months.
If you've been thinking about levelling up your salon systems, this is your moment. Timely is designed specifically for salons—helping you manage bookings, clients, staff, and more with ease.
🛍️ Head to Timely and use the code SALONRISING at checkout to claim the offer.
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 30 Jun 2025 - 22min - 71 - The Burnout, the Backlash, and the Breakthrough: The Skin Queen's Untold Story
Ever felt knocked flat by burnout, public criticism, or self doubt?
In this raw and honest chat, Kelly Christie, aka The Skin Queen and also owner of The Facial Bar on the Gold Coast, joins Samara and Jen to share the unfiltered truth behind building two successful businesses. From the realities of online hate to the behind the scenes lessons of leadership, resilience, and growth. This episode is packed with wisdom for every beauty business owner.
💬 Inside:
The hardest lessons of leadership, staff culture, and finding her styleHow public criticism almost broke her (and what helped her rebuild)Balancing multiple businesses while protecting her mental healthThe mindset shifts that helped her step into her powerWhat she’s doing differently now to create thriving teams and successIf you’ve ever wondered how to stay strong and grow through the toughest seasons of business—this one will light you up.
🎧 Hit play to feel seen, supported, and inspired to rise through it all.
00:00 Episode Disclaimer
02:44 Navigating Client Cancellations
04:52 Guest Introduction: Kelly, the Skin Queen
05:59 Kelly's Journey to Becoming Skin Queen
08:38 Challenges of Running a Salon
12:38 The Importance of Leadership in Business
15:29 Maintaining Team Morale and Culture
24:21 The Emotional Impact of Leadership
36:31 Rebuilding and Finding Flow
40:36 Facing Industry Backlash
41:34 Dealing with Online Criticism
43:49 Mental Health Struggles
45:19 Finding Strength and Purpose
47:22 Rebuilding and Moving Forward
54:34 Business Growth and Future Plans
1:09:18 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 23 Jun 2025 - 1h 12min - 70 - Real Talk on Mum Guilt, Money Mistakes & Making It Work - with Samara and Jen
Ever juggled clients, kids, and business—and felt like you were barely holding it together?
In this honest and heart filled episode, Samara and Jen dive deep into the real talk so many women in business crave. From the early solo days to salon ownership, they unpack the guilt, the financial faceplants, and the little wins that make it all worth it.
💬 Inside:
The truth about mum guilt (and why it never fully goes away)What they wish they’d done differently with moneyWhy burnout nearly broke them—and how they came back strongerThe mindset shifts that helped them grow as leaders and womenIf you've ever thought “is it just me?”—this one’s for you.🎧 Hit play to feel seen, heard, and supported. You’re not alone.
What we cover:
00:00 Introduction and Authenticity
00:09 Burnout and Purpose
00:44 Reflecting on Life Choices
00:59 Podcast Promotion
01:38 Casual Catch-Up
02:13 Business Insights and Advice
16:22 Motherhood and Business
21:37 Balancing Family and Outsourcing
22:25 Dealing with Mom Guilt
25:06 Setting Boundaries for Work-Life Balance
26:24 Leadership and Team Management
33:00 Financial Lessons and Wins
36:18 Reflecting on Personal and Professional Growth
40:03 Biggest Cheerleaders and Final Thoughts
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 09 Jun 2025 - 42min - 69 - Co-Owning a Salon: How Tiff & Phoebe Built Blond Therapy Together
What’s it really like to run a salon with your best friend?
In this episode, we sit down with Tiff & Phoebe—co-owners of Blond Therapy. A values led salon in a small Queensland town, to unpack the real behind the scenes of co-owning a salon.
From splitting roles without resentment, to managing finances and raising families on different timelines (four kids vs. no kids), they share the honest highs and hard-earned lessons of building a brand together. Without burning out or blowing up their friendship.
💬 We talk about:
Why aligned values matter more than business plansHow they divide responsibilities (without the drama)What they won’t compromise on as they grow Blond TherapyNavigating different life stages and expectations as partnersWhether you’re dreaming of opening a salon with your bestie, or already deep in the trenches, this episode is full of insights, connection, and real talk on salon partnerships that work.
🎧 Listen now to hear the truth behind Blond Therapy’s success.
💌 Subscribe if this podcast has ever made you feel seen, supported, or slightly less alone.
00:00 Episode Summary
02:16 Introducing the Tiff & Phoebe
03:39 The Journey to Co-Ownership
09:22 Creating a Unique Salon Experience
24:42 Balancing Personal and Professional Lives
32:45 Navigating Financial and Operational Challenges
38:28 Rising Overheads and Business Longevity
39:04 The Taxation Challenge
39:29 Finding the Right Accountant
40:02 The Reality of Running a Salon
40:48 Hiring Staff: Challenges and Successes
42:27 Training and Integrating New Staff
45:41 Building a Supportive Work Environment
51:04 Choosing the Right Product Partner
1:03:49 The Importance of Community and Support
1:09:33 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 26 May 2025 - 1h 10min - 68 - The Breath Behind the Burnout: Healing Your Nervous System with Sherri from Connected Being Co
What if the anxiety you feel isn’t just in your mind, but stored in your body?
In this episode, we go deep with Sherri from Connected Being Co as she shares how nervous system healing and breathwork can help you regulate your stress. Process trauma, and show up in your life with more calm, clarity, and connection.
We talk about everything from breathwork myths and burnout recovery to ex-prisoner rehabilitation and parenting in the age of emotional awareness. Whether you’re a business owner, a parent, or just someone who finds themselves overwhelmed and exhausted, this one’s for you.
💥 Big lessons?
Why your anxiety might actually be fear in disguiseHow breathwork creates “safe stress” that makes you more resilientThe real link between childhood trauma and autoimmune diseaseHow checking in with your breath can change your day (and your life)This episode isn’t just about wellness, it’s a wake up call. You’ll walk away with practical ways to tap into your breath, rewire your stress response, and start healing what’s beneath the surface.
🎧 Listen now for a warm, wise, and wildly honest conversation about nervous system health, self awareness, and taking responsibility for how you move through the world.
💌 Don’t forget to subscribe if this podcast has helped you feel seen, soothed, or a little more whole.
00:00 Episode Summary
03:22 Understanding the Nervous System
03:58 Impact of Childhood Trauma
05:44 Breathwork as a Healing Tool
06:50 Daily Breathwork Practices
10:05 Safe Stress and Nervous System Regulation
13:46 Breathwork Techniques and Applications
20:30 Breathwork for Sleep and Relaxation
32:42 Working with Ex-Prisoners
36:10 Building Trust Through Breath Work
37:05 Meditation and Future Self Visualization
37:46 Challenges After Prison
38:16 Dedication and Support Among Men
40:33 The Role of Women in Men's Healing
53:12 Understanding and Managing Anxiety
59:43 The Science and Practice of Breath Work
1:06:50 Final Thoughts on Breath Work and Healing
Mentioned in this episode:
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
Mon, 12 May 2025 - 1h 09min - 67 - How to Lead with Power, Purpose and Integrity – with the Magnetic Tiana Baxter
What does it really mean to command a room, without being the loudest in it?
In this magnetic episode, we sit down with Tiana Baxter, a powerhouse in business and personal transformation, to explore the kind of leadership that begins behind the scenes.
From corporate boardrooms to building multiple million dollar businesses, Tiana opens up about reinventing herself, integrating faith, and learning how to lead from deep integrity, even when the spotlight fades.
We talk body language, energy, influence, and the truth about what makes someone truly magnetic. And we go into marriage shifts, motherhood, losing and finding your voice again, and why silence can sometimes be your most powerful strategy.
💥 Big lessons?
• Influence starts with how you lead yourself
• Why your identity must match your next level
• How to spot when you’re burnt out, or just overwhelmed
• What quiet power really looks like in relationships and business
Whether you're in hustle mode or quietly rebuilding, Tiana’s story will shift how you think about leadership, self worth, and what it takes to rise with purpose.
🎧 Listen now for a grounding, insight packed, and fiercely honest episode that will change how you show up.
💌 Don’t forget to subscribe if this podcast has ever made you laugh, cry, think, or helped you feel more powerful in your own skin.
00:00 Episode Summary
01:41 Introduction to the Podcast
02:52 Meet Tiana Baxter
04:23 Tiana's Journey and Insights
05:35 The Evolution of Leadership
08:05 Navigating Business Growth and Challenges
13:31 The Role of Integrity in Leadership
14:42 Balancing Personal and Professional Growth
29:32 Expanding Capacity and Self Care
32:19 The Hustle and Overwhelm
33:16 Balancing Passion and Burnout
36:41 Rebranding and Finding Purpose
40:59 Navigating Personal and Professional Growth
47:38 Leadership and Self-Responsibility
53:24 Faith and Personal Evolution
1:02:23 Foundations of Personal Development
1:02:42 Principles of Marriage
1:03:17 The Role of Women in Relationships
1:07:35 Influence and Support Networks
1:10:05 Leadership and Integrity
1:15:09 Letting Go and Finding Peace
1:23:01 Identity and Vision
1:25:37 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 28 Apr 2025 - 1h 30min - 66 - Ashe Hornsby Returns: The Brutal Truth About Burnout, Boundaries, and Bouncing Back
What happens when the worst has already happened?
In this powerful follow-up, Ashe Hornsby returns to the Inner Sanctum to deliver the raw, unfiltered truth about what it really takes to survive the unthinkable—and come back stronger.
From losing her partner, her business, and almost herself, Ashe shares how she navigated grief, burnout, legal battles, and letting go of the fight. We talk rebuilding from a literal fire, running a business in a shed during Covid, opening (and closing) a café, and learning when it’s time to surrender instead of push.
💥 Big lessons?
The difference between surviving and actually livingWhy boundaries matter more when everything is burningHow slowing down became Ashe’s greatest power moveWhether you're in the thick of it or climbing your way back, Ashe’s story will remind you that resilience isn’t always loud—it’s choosing to keep going, even when no one sees it.
🎧 Listen now for a brutally honest, heartbreakingly funny, and deeply inspiring look behind the scenes of rebuilding.
💌 Don’t forget to subscribe if this podcast has ever made you laugh, cry, think—or feel a little less alone.
Timestamps
00:00 Episode Summary
02:44 Reintroducing Ashe and Reflecting on Part One
04:03 The Impact of Covid on Business Operations
05:35 Rebuilding Amidst Challenges
06:08 The Importance of Insurance and Financial Preparedness
09:17 Leadership and Team Management During Crises
12:33 The Struggles of Small Business Owners
18:58 The Value of Transparency and Communication
27:44 Appreciating Discounts and Fair Work Regulations
33:47 Struggles During COVID-19
34:41 Mom's Battle with Cancer
38:35 Opening a Restaurant Amidst Chaos
46:11 Lessons from a Failed Venture
57:34 Reflecting on Business and Life
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 14 Apr 2025 - 1h 05min - 65 - Highlight 9: Why Most Solo Businesses Fail Within 18 Months — And How to Build One That Lasts
In this highlight, Samara and Jen chat with Sherri, who leads ANZ partnerships for Timely.
They talk about why many solo businesses shut down within 18 months…and how you can stop that from happening to you. They share easy tips to help your business stay strong and explain what it really costs to work for yourself…beyond just time and money.
They also talk about how hard it can be to do everything on your own. If you wait until you’re burnt out, it might be too late. But small changes in the way you plan and run your business can make a big difference over time.
You’ll also hear real talk about what success really looks like, and why it’s okay to build a business that works for you, not just what others expect.
If you own a salon, are working on your own or thinking about it, this episode will help you build a business that lasts. One step at a time.
00:00 Introduction and Background
00:42 The Importance of Software in Business
01:39 Understanding Business Metrics
02:23 Challenges of Solo Business Ownership
06:31 The Role of Business Coaching
09:00 Daily Routines and Personal Reflections
11:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Inspired? Listen to the full episode here:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2kHschWM6C7UZbw4JcfMMg?si=0XmcJOPGSR2t584yMQhE4A
YouTube: https://youtu.be/tAMgHJCsQ_8?feature=shared
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 07 Apr 2025 - 14min - 64 - Lonely but Not Alone: Creating a Safe Space for Salon Owners & Stylists
On this episode we dive into the power of connection, community, and finding your people in the hair industry.
Aimee, owner of Bhava Salon and creator of Mane Union, shares her journey of moving interstate, the unexpected loneliness that followed, and how she turned that experience into something bigger. Mane Union was born from a desire to create a space where hairstylists and salon owners could truly connect, collaborate, and feel seen.
If you've ever felt like you're doing it all alone, this episode is a must-listen. Whether you're craving real conversations, industry support, or just a group of like-minded people who get it, this is your sign to find (or create) your own community.
00:00 Episode Summary
04:35.9 Introducing Amy from Mane Union
06:03.9 Amy's Journey: Moving and Starting Fresh
08:16.9 Challenges and Triumphs in Salon Management
08:39.9 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business
17:21.9 Transitioning Ownership and New Beginnings
25:33.9 The Emotional Toll of Staff Turnover
35:14.6 Navigating Personal Relationships in the Salon Industry
36:10.6 Handling Client Communication During Transitions
39:56.6 Challenges of Freelancers and Business Models
42:25.6 The Birth of Mane Union
43:06.6 Creating Safe Spaces for Connection
46:23.6 Balancing Personal and Professional Life
52:29.6 The Importance of Small, Intimate Gatherings
56:38.6 Vision and Future of Mane Union
58:44.6 The Role of Social Media in Building Connections
01:04:27.6 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks
Mentioned in this episode:
💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports
We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:
➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.
➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.
It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.
Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇
💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛
➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.
➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.
➡ And when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.
Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇
Mon, 31 Mar 2025 - 30min - 63 - Balancing Business and Pregnancy with Ash from Social Coach Ash
Trigger warning: This episode discusses pregnancy loss. This week, Samara was flying solo in the Inner Sanctum (thanks to Jen getting stuck with a client—#SalonLife) for a deeply personal and powerful chat with Ash Bailey, also known as @socialcoachash. Together, they dive into the raw reality of navigating pregnancy, running a business, and processing loss. Ash opens up about her journey through a second pregnancy, the emotional weight of miscarriage, and the challenges of balancing it all w...
Mon, 17 Mar 2025 - 1h 16min - 62 - Turning Tragedy into Tenacity: Ashe Hornsby’s Story of Resilience in Business
In this episode, we chat with the incredible Ashe Hornsby. She has faced unimaginable loss and emerged stronger. After losing her husband, the face of their successful stonemasonry business, Ashe had to deal with her own grief and support her young family. At the same time, she managed the challenges of a male-dominated industry. Ash talks about resilience and why having the right safeguards, like insurance, matters. She explains how seeking inspiration outside your field can change the game....
Mon, 03 Mar 2025 - 1h 07min - 61 - Ditch the Vision Board: A Fresh Take on Goal-Setting
In this episode in the inner sanctum, we’re keeping it real about the New Year—no fluffy resolutions, just practical ways to set goals and actually follow through. We dive into navigating multiple roles, business shifts, and making lifestyle changes that feel good (hello, dopamine hacks!). Plus, we’re shaking up traditional goal-setting by swapping vision boards for something way more fun—Bingo cards. From managing energy post-holiday chaos to setting goals that actually stick, th...
Mon, 17 Feb 2025 - 56min - 60 - How one hairdresser turned a salon struggle into a thriving business
In this episode of Salon Rising The Podcast, we chat with the incredible Sarah Lancaster—salon owner (Cole and Co Hair), mum of three, and the brains behind The Relief Hairdresser. Sarah’s built something pretty special, growing her business from a home setup to a full salon while creating a much-needed service that helps salons find reliable, temporary stylists when they need them most. We talk about the juggle (because it’s real), the importance of solid policies, and how she’s handled ev...
Mon, 03 Feb 2025 - 48min - 59 - From Burnout to Balance: How Bridget Found Success While Juggling Life and Business
In this episode in the inner sanctum, we chat with Bridget, owner of The Tortoise and the Hare, about the unfiltered reality of running a salon—through the highs, the struggles, and everything in between. From navigating staff changes to expanding her salon while battling severe illness during her pregnancies, Bridget shares her raw and personal journey. This honest, heart-to-heart conversation dives into how she balanced family life, business growth, and health while staying true to her valu...
Mon, 20 Jan 2025 - 59min - 58 - The business lessons you'll wish you learned - with Sherri from Timely
Hey lovers, we’re back! It’s our first pod of the year, and we’re kicking things off with a chat you won’t want to miss. This week in the Inner Sanctum, we’re joined by Sherri from Timely, where she leads ANZ partnerships, working closely with partners in the hair and beauty industry. We’re talking about the real stuff – money, mindset, and why reaching out for support early (whether it’s a coach or better systems) can change everything. Sherri shares her journey from salon owner to her role ...
Mon, 06 Jan 2025 - 1h 21min - 57 - Peace Out 2024 - Samara and Jen Reflect on the Year
Babes! It's our final episode in the inner sanctum for 2024! It's time to reflect on the whirlwind it's been personally and professionally. This year has seen the Salon Rising Team navigating major life changes. New relationships, blended families, new business ventures and some incredible opportunities. As well as the constant evolution of our business practices. We talk about overcoming challenges, embracing change, and setting and re-evaluating boundaries. And always coming b...
Mon, 09 Dec 2024 - 58min - 56 - Jen's Rollercoaster Journey of Buying a Salon
We changed things up in the inner sanctum for this episode. It was Samara's turn to interview Jen about her recent experience of buying a salon. Jen shared the challenges and triumphs of her journey, and boy, was it a journey. From the initial decision to buy a salon to the drawing and planning phase to the various obstacles she faced. Let's say that dealing with solicitors, bankers, etc, is not something she's keen to do again soon. They discuss the importance of having clear goals, rema...
Mon, 25 Nov 2024 - 52min - 55 - Embracing the Solo Rise: Jess's Journey through Solo Rise Online
In this bonus episode, Samara chats with Jess from J and Co Hair in Wollongong. The pair discuss Jess's transformative experience with the Solo Rise Online program. Jess shares her insights on the program. Including the importance of mindset, community support, and practical tools like the budget spreadsheets. Jess emphasizes how the program helped her overcome imposter syndrome, gain confidence, and make data-driven decisions to elevate her solo business. The conversation highlights ...
Tue, 19 Nov 2024 - 16min - 54 - What's a Mastermind and why do I need one?? - Justine's Journey with Eve the Salon and Mastermind Support
We are back in the inner sanctum with Justine from Eve the Salon. This was Justine's second episode with Salon Rising; much has changed in her world. Justine joined us straight off the back of our Mastermind retreat, with the pending arrival of her 2nd child drawing ever closer. We spoke about the immense support she received from the amazing women who joined her in this round of the Mastermind, especially as she went through the rebranding process for her salon. Bringing her long-held dr...
Mon, 11 Nov 2024 - 1h 05min - 53 - From Survival to Financial Mastery - Naomi's journey with Rising Finances
In this bonus episode, Samara chats with Naomi from Blondie the salon. The pair unpack Naomi's journey in the Rising Finances program. Naomi shares her experiences on how the program has helped her overcome financial challenges in her salon. This has led to significant mindset changes and practical financial management. They delve into topics such as budget management, understanding pricing, and the importance of retail sales. Key moments include Naomi finding confidence in her business f...
Mon, 04 Nov 2024 - 26min - 52 - Navigating Grief and Resilience - with Lauren from The Young Blonde Salon
In this profound episode, we delve into the complex nature of grief with our special guest Lauren from the Young Blonde Salon in Sydney. This was the second time Lauren had joined us in the inner sanctum. Her raw insight into the journey she's been on is a testament to the incredible woman that she is. We spoke with Lauren about the sudden and unexpected loss of a beloved team member and dear friend. Looking at how she navigated grief with her team and clients amid being in the early st...
Mon, 28 Oct 2024 - 1h 12min - 51 - Highlight 8: What to outsource if you want to grow?
In this highlight, Samara and Jen explore the important distinction between scaling and growing a salon business. They share insights from an inspiring business leader who explains how scaling involves expanding your team and stepping away from the floor, while growing focuses on increasing efficiency by adding support without necessarily increasing the size of the team. They discuss practical tips for salon owners, such as hiring the right staff to support growth, like a receptionist, salo...
Mon, 21 Oct 2024 - 11min - 50 - Journey from Stylist to Salon Owner, with a side of IVF with Casey from Maverick Hair and Art
We're back in the Inner Sanctum with Casey, the owner of Maverick Hair and Art on the Gold Coast. Casey shares her journey of taking over the business she had worked in and changing from stylist to owner. In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges for the new business owner. Maverick is located on the Queensland and New South Wales border which meant many of Casey's staff and clients were stuck on either side. We discussed her collaboration with a salon across the border to sust...
Mon, 14 Oct 2024 - 56min - 49 - Breast Pumps & Taxes...Find an Accountant that just gets you
In this episode of the Inner Sanctum, we talked about the T word! That's right, lovers. It was Tax and Relationships with your accountant and chat with Paris from Group One Accounting. You will often hear the team singing the praises of Paris. Not only is she an exceptional human, she's also an incredible Accountant! This chat covered Paris's journey into accounting. Some background into Samara and Paris' journey together. Then, we went deep into tax and all its variations. If you don't know ...
Mon, 30 Sep 2024 - 59min - 48 - From Salon to Solo - Jess's journey to passion and peace
In this episode of Inner Sanctum we're joined by the beautiful Jess, the creator of Honey and Muse in Sydney. Jess, took us through her journey in the industry and her decision to go from Salon to Solo. From taking over an established salon at age 21 to rebranding it into Honey and Muse. Jess has been bold and strategic with the changes she's made and her passion and love for her craft is clear. She's faced significant obstacles head on. Including a major price adjustment, overcoming retail...
Mon, 16 Sep 2024 - 1h 13min - 47 - Highlight 7: How to Build Loyalty in Your Salon Team: Simple Tips Every Salon Owner Needs
In this highlight, Samara and Jen talk about how managing salon staff has changed over time. They explore how old, toxic work environments, where staff felt bad for taking sick days, are being replaced with more supportive and understanding workplaces. The hosts share their own stories about how they create a salon culture where employees feel safe taking time off when needed and comfortable sharing personal struggles. They explain why it’s so important to show care and understanding for your...
Mon, 09 Sep 2024 - 14min - 46 - Resilience, Growth, and Authentic Leadership with Sarah Barr - Owner of The Luxe Beauty Co.
For this episode in the inner sanctum we're joined by Sarah, the owner of The Luxe Beauty Co. Sarah was raw and real on the challenges and growth that come with owning a beauty salon. She shared her personal journey, including managing two salon locations. And spoke into balancing family life, and navigating leadership as a woman. We delve into topics like resilience, the importance of vulnerability. As well as investing in yourself, and being authentic in leadership. And the importance of pe...
Mon, 02 Sep 2024 - 1h 01min - 45 - Highlight 6: Why Your Curated Social Feed is Hurting Your Business...and How to Fix It
In this highlight, Samara and Jen talk with guest Ashleigh Bailey. They discuss how salon owners can use social media in better ways. Posting only client photos or random content isn’t effective anymore. They suggest sharing posts with behind-the-scenes moments, product features, and the salon space. They share personal stories. Give tips on staying motivated and avoiding social media burnout. Emphasising it’s important to keep posting regularly but with purpose. They also talk about de...
Mon, 26 Aug 2024 - 12min - 44 - Blending Passion with Purpose - The Monique McMahon Story
This was a travelling episode of the inner sanctum, recorded on a trip to Sydney. We got to catch up with industry legend, Monique McMahon! Monique is the owner of Que Colour and MCM Beauty, and in this episode we got deep! Monique shared her journey from working in a high-end salon to founding her own salon. All while balancing motherhood. She openly spoke into the challenges and successes of running and expanding a salon. As well as her passion for education and her innovative colour ...
Mon, 19 Aug 2024 - 1h 18min - 43 - Highlight 5: Why Downsizing Your Salon Could Be the Best Decision You Ever Make
In this highlight, Samara & Jen are joined by Barefaced and Naked's, Shay & Helina! They discuss the surprising advantages of downsizing a salon business. They explore the emotional and practical aspects of transitioning from a large salon space to renting a room. Highlighting how this change has led to greater financial freedom. Reduced stress, and a renewed passion for their work. The episode delves into the challenges of overcoming ego and societal expectations. Emphasising t...
Tue, 13 Aug 2024 - 12min - 42 - Maximize the Hidden Potential of your Salon Software - with Alyssa, GM of Kitomba
In this episode of Salon Rising The Podcast we did a deep dive into Tech!! Well we went into what utilising software can do for your business. We were lucky to have Alyssa, General Manager of Kitomba Software join us in the inner sanctum. She shared her journey from marketing to management, and the role of data in business growth. This wasn't all just talking about how important software is for your business. Which it is, mind you! But we also looked at overcoming fears of numbers and effic...
Mon, 05 Aug 2024 - 1h 01min - 41 - Highlight 4: How to Thrive as a Sole Trader and Achieve Work - Life Harmony
This highlight was for all the Sole Trader babes in the hair and beauty industry. Samara and Jen caught up with past client Amy to chat about her Solo journey and how she's moved the needle. Amy was looking for help balancing her professional and personal life. She knew she wanted to start a family and wasn't sure how to make that work in her business. Amy's work with Salon Rising helped her find a sustainable path forward. So she didn't need to feel torn between her career ambitions and pers...
Mon, 29 Jul 2024 - 16min - 40 - I'm just a shampoo salesman with Peter McDonald, CEO of Kevin Murphy
In this episode of the Inner Sanctum, join us in Budapest as we celebrated 20 years of Kevin Murphy! We were lucky to be joined by special guest Peter McDonald, CEO and co-founder of the Kevin Murphy brand. Peter shares his journey from a shampoo salesman to the CEO of Kevin Murphy. Peter has such a passion for the industry which is still very evident. We talk thoughtful communication and the importance of relationships within the industry. The evolving nature of the salon business. An...
Mon, 22 Jul 2024 - 1h 01min - 39 - Mindset Over Money: Sharelle’s Path to Financial Freedom
She's back in the Inner Sanctum lovers!! Salon Rising The Podcast had its first return guest. We were so excited to welcome back Sharelle to recap her journey with her business. We're so lucky that Sharelle has been so open about her tax debt and her business journey. We recapped Sharelle's story and see how far she's come. And babes, it's huge!! But also, we know when Sharelle comes to visit we are all going to get raw and real. So of course we delve into the importance of mindset, vulnerabi...
Mon, 08 Jul 2024 - 1h 07min - 38 - Highlight 3: Why Clients Really Leave Your Salon (And How to Win Them Back)
In this highlight, Samara and Jen discuss the challenges and emotional aspects of managing client relationships in the beauty industry. They explore the anxiety and disappointment that come when clients leave, often without saying why. They also emphasise the importance of maintaining open communication. Addressing issues directly, and not taking client departures personally. The conversation touches on the need for self-reflection and growth. While also recognising the importance of be...
Tue, 02 Jul 2024 - 13min - 37 - Sskin, Sisterhood, Success - Amy and Emilee Hembrow's winning formula
In this episode of Salon Rising, Samara and Jen welcome special guests Amy and Emilee Hembrow. The sister duo are co-founders of sskin luxury skin clinics on the Gold Coast, and they're savvy! Amy and Emilee share their captivating journey into the beauty industry. From identifying a gap in the market to creating a unique luxury beauty experience. Using their strong business knowledge to balance the fact that they were new to the industry. They advocate finding mentors and not being afraid to...
Mon, 24 Jun 2024 - 53min - 36 - Kevin Murphy: Not just the name on your shampoo bottle
In this special interview in the inner sanctum, join Samara and Jen as they delve deep into the life and career of industry legend, Kevin Murphy. The mastermind behind the iconic haircare brand. The trio discuss Kevin's remarkable journey from an apprentice in Brisbane and Melbourne in the late 1970s to the industry icon of today. Kevin shares personal anecdotes from his early career. The challenges he faced in crafting a unique product lines and transformative moments that de...
Tue, 04 Jun 2024 - 1h 08min - 35 - Highlight 2: I put on a brave face but I was drowning. Tax trouble in business and how to turn it around
In this highlight, Samara, Jen, and Sharelle get raw and real about business struggles. They start by discussing the immense pressure and battling internal chaos. Feeling like you're drowning all while trying to maintain a successful business facade. "I remember just thinking, just put on a brave face. You look like you've got this big business, but really, I was fucking drowning," shares one of them. It highlights the common but often hidden reality of many entrepreneurs. They emphasis...
Mon, 03 Jun 2024 - 13min - 34 - Face the fire and kick the knickers off your foot! Embracing Vulnerability and Finding Your 'Why'
Back in the inner sanctum, we dive into vulnerability and imposter syndrome. We all know that little devil that sits on your shoulder. And how much it can affect our personal and professional lives. Let's look at the impact your internal dialogue is having on you. We also talk on the importance of understanding your 'why'. Because without it, how are you even getting out of bed in the morning!! Knowing your Why gives you a driving force for your life. It's ever changing, so it's super importa...
Mon, 27 May 2024 - 54min
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