Salon Rising
Salon Rising is a podcast hosted by Samara Scott-Hunter and Jen Veivers, focused on the realities of running a hair and beauty business. The hosts share personal experiences and honest conversations about balancing work, motherhood, and entrepreneurship. Each episode offers practical insight and relatable stories for women in the industry, covering both challenges and successes. The tone is supportive and informal, likened to chatting with close friends.
Episodes
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
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
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 hav
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
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 t
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 i
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
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
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, shar
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 h
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
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
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
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 ma
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 e
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.Th
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 y
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. J
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 m
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 day
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 he
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 Briscoe from 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
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 f
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
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 busi
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, Abbe from 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 FI
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
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 grow
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 t
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
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, t
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 a
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 opera
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
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
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 ide
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 F
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 indust
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 ga
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
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 t
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 dist
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 w
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
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 s
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 t
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 us
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 le
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
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 a
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 hi
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 e
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 work
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.
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 unsuppor
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
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 neve
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 hig
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 reh
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 h
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
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
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 t
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
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
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—Bin
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 & 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
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 div
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 o
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 challeng
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 so
Embracing the Solo Rise: Jess's Journey through Solo Rise Online
In this bonus episode, Samara chats with Jess from J & 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,
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, es
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
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 frie
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 tip
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 s
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 an
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. Sh
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 shari
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