The Conscious Salon

Nicola and Tessa
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to The Conscious Salon. Here for the real talk salon owners actually need.  The Conscious Salon Podcast is where salon owners get clear guidance without the fluff. Hosted by Nic & Tess, we break down leadership, team culture, money, client journey, systems and numbers into simple moves you can use this week. Expect straight talk, real stories, lots of laughs and practical frameworks that help you lead well, grow profit, and have a life outside the salon. You will hear from salon owners, industry leaders and working mums who have done the hard yards. We cover mindset that holds under pressure, meetings that improve your team culture, and the habits that build a self led team. Follow the show and start with leadership posture, client journey design, and money mindset.  Listen in, implement, and stay conscious.

  1. 5h ago

    The removal of surcharges - WTAF do we do?

    What if the card surcharge changes everyone’s talking about… don’t actually need to be the business disaster you’ve been expecting? From 1 October 2026, card surcharges are being switched off across Australia, and if you’re a salon owner, you’ve probably already seen the panic posts. But instead of adding to the noise, Nic and Tess take a breath, look at the facts, and break down what this change really means for your salon. From EFTPOS fees and merchant rates to the temptation of going cash-only, this episode is about turning a noisy policy change into a practical plan that protects your profit without compromising your client experience.In this episode, you’ll hear about: 💳 What the card surcharge ban actually means for salon owners 💰 Why the “billions of dollars” headlines don’t tell the whole story 📱 Why going cash-only or bank-transfer-only may create more problems 🤝 How to negotiate your merchant fees and shop around for better rates 📊 How a small pricing adjustment can help absorb the difference 🧠 How to avoid the cortisol spiral every time something changes in your business 🔄 The quarterly habit that could help you save money across all your recurring expenses Because not every business change needs to become a crisis. Sometimes, you just need the facts, the numbers, and a practical plan. Thank you to our podcast sponsor CPR. https://www.cprhair.com https://www.instagram.com/cprhairpro/ Website:https://theconscioussalon.com.au 📲 Follow us on Instagram:@the_conscious_salon 📧 Join our email community:https://mailchi.mp/theconscioussalon/subscribe-form

  2. Sep 27

    Stop mothering your team

    Caring deeply about your team is one thing. But are you accidentally becoming their parent instead of their leader? In this episode, Nic and Tess unpack one of the biggest leadership traps salon owners fall into: rescuing, mothering, and micromanaging their teams. While it often comes from a place of care, these habits can unintentionally create dependence, limit your team's growth, and keep you stuck working in your salon instead of leading it. If you've ever found yourself solving every problem, answering every question, or feeling like your business can't function without you, this episode will help you shift from rescuing your team to empowering them. ✨ In this episode, you'll learn: 🚩 The signs you're parenting your team instead of leading them💡 Why rescuing your team can actually hold them back🧠 How to coach your team to think for themselves instead of relying on you🗣️ Simple questions that build confidence, ownership, and critical thinking✋ Why healthy boundaries create stronger, more self-led team members🚀 How letting go of control helps you build a salon that doesn't rely on you🌱 Why allowing mistakes is one of the fastest ways to grow confident leadersIf your goal is to step off the salon floor, build a self-led team, and become a more conscious leader, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. ________________________________________________ Thank you to our podcast sponsor CPR. https://www.cprhair.com https://www.instagram.com/cprhairpro/    To follow our journey: Instagram @aheadhair_ @the_conscious_salon

    Stop mothering your team

  3. Sep 20

    This is what unalignment is costing your team

    How much is an unaligned team member really costing your business? The answer might surprise you. In this episode, Nic, Tess, and Tae dive into the powerful connection between team alignment and business performance. Using real client data and real coaching experiences, they unpack how one unaligned team member can impact your culture, client experience, and financial results—and what happens when your entire team is working towards the same vision. They also share practical leadership strategies for identifying misalignment, having courageous conversations, and creating a team that's genuinely invested in your business goals. If you've ever found yourself saying, "They're great, but..." this episode is one you won't want to miss. In this episode, you'll learn: 📊 Why your numbers often reveal leadership challenges before people do 🎯 What true team alignment actually looks like beyond shared values 💬 How to identify when a team member is no longer aligned with your vision 🤝 Simple conversations that create clarity instead of conflict 🚀 Why courageous leadership creates opportunities for both your team and your business 📈 How one aligned team can dramatically improve performance and profitability 🌱 Practical ways to build a numbers-focused culture without overwhelming your team When your team understands the vision, believes in the process, and works towards the same goals, incredible results become possible. This episode will help you create a culture where accountability, ownership, and performance naturally thrive. ________________________________________________ Thank you to our podcast sponsor CPR. https://www.cprhair.com https://www.instagram.com/cprhairpro/    To follow our journey: Instagram @aheadhair_ @the_conscious_salon

    This is what unalignment is costing your team

  4. Sep 13

    The power of growing at your own pace as a Salon Owner | with Emily Mander

    What happens when you've built a successful career, opened your dream salon, and then suddenly find yourself questioning who you are? In this deeply honest conversation, Nic and Tess sit down with salon owner, educator, and lived-in colour specialist Emily Mander to talk about the realities of rebuilding your life, business, and identity after becoming a mother. Emily opens up about moving from the UK to Australia at 34 weeks pregnant, leaving behind the salon she'd built from the ground up, navigating motherhood without a support network, and the emotional challenge of balancing ambition with family life. This episode is a powerful reminder that success doesn't always look the way we imagined—and that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is embrace the season we're in. In this episode, you'll learn: 🌊 How Emily built a thriving salon and personal brand across two countries 🤍 The identity shift that comes with motherhood and business ownership 🌱 Why it's okay to feel lost while rebuilding your life and career 💬 The importance of talking openly about the realities of motherhood 💪 How to embrace hard seasons without falling into victim mentality ✨ Why creating a business that can thrive without you creates true freedom ❤️ The power of leading with purpose, wellbeing, and genuine connection 🚀 How giving yourself permission to grow at your own pace changes everything Whether you're a salon owner, entrepreneur, parent, or simply navigating a season of change, this conversation will remind you that growth isn't always linear—and that you don't have to have it all figured out. To follow Emily's journey:  https://www.instagram.com/emilymanderhair/ ________________________________________________ Thank you to our podcast sponsor CPR. https://www.cprhair.com https://www.instagram.com/cprhairpro/    To follow our journey: Instagram @aheadhair_ @the_conscious_salon

    The power of growing at your own pace as a Salon Owner | with Emily Mander

  5. Sep 6

    My Adult ADHD Diagnosis as a Salon Owner with Jess Lewis

    You can look like you've got everything together on the outside while your brain is running at full volume on the inside. In this episode, Nic and Tess sit down with salon owner and educator Jess Lewis for a raw, funny, and deeply relatable conversation about being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult—and why so many women spend years believing what they're experiencing is simply anxiety, overwhelm, or the pressure of having too much on their plate. Jess opens up about what finally prompted her to seek answers, what sensory overload feels like in real time, and how intrusive thoughts and mental spirals can affect relationships, parenting, confidence, and the way you show up as a business owner. The conversation also explores the reality of running a fully booked salon in a challenging economy while raising three children and carrying the constant responsibility that comes with business ownership and motherhood. Jess shares how hormones, exhaustion, and never-ending demands can impact your capacity—and why understanding what's happening in your brain can be such a powerful first step. They also get practical about what has helped Jess, from ADHD medication and creating boundaries to recognising masking, protecting her energy, and finding healthier ways to quieten the noise. Most importantly, this is a conversation about normalising the messy middle and creating space for women to talk honestly about what they're experiencing without shame. In this episode, you'll learn: 🧠 What led Jess to seek an ADHD diagnosis as an adult 💭 Why ADHD symptoms in women can sometimes be mistaken for anxiety or overwhelm 🔊 What sensory overload, intrusive thoughts, and mental spirals can actually feel like 👩‍👧‍👦 How ADHD, motherhood, hormones, and exhaustion can affect your capacity 💼 The reality of managing a busy salon while trying to be present at home 💊 What Jess has found helpful in quietening the noise and managing her ADHD 🚧 Why boundaries are essential for protecting your energy and capacity 🤍 How masking can affect the way neurodivergent women show up at work and in relationships 🌱 Why normalising the messy middle can help women feel less alone Whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD, are beginning to question your own experiences, or simply feel like your brain never stops running, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone—and that understanding yourself can change everything. ________________________________________________ Thank you to our podcast sponsor CPR. https://www.cprhair.com https://www.instagram.com/cprhairpro/    To follow our journey: Instagram @aheadhair_ @the_conscious_salon

    My Adult ADHD Diagnosis as a Salon Owner with Jess Lewis

  6. Aug 30

    How our Salon Manager Feels about Us Selling the Salon

    Selling a salon might look clean and straightforward on paper—but living through it is anything but. In this episode, Nic and Tess are joined by Team Leader Tae for an honest conversation about what it's really like to navigate a salon sale from inside the team. With the business changing hands and the new owner coming from within the existing team, Tae shares the mix of sadness, excitement, overwhelm, and fresh energy that comes with what feels like the end of an era. They explore what happens to team culture when the ground starts shifting, how leaders can create stability during uncertain times, and the difficult question of when to tell your team about a potential sale. From communication and trust to managing expectations when timelines change, this conversation gets real about the human side of business transitions. The conversation also goes beyond the sale itself and into capacity, time management, and leadership focus. After an intense 24 hours of filming a leadership course, planning future podcast episodes, running a private client session, and still showing up to record, Nic and Tess unpack the belief that "I don't have enough time", and how distractions can quietly take us away from the work that actually moves our business forward. Because getting off the salon floor to think, plan, and lead isn't a luxury. It's part of building a healthy, sustainable business. In this episode, you'll learn: 💭 What it really feels like for a team leader when their salon is being sold ❤️ How to navigate sadness, excitement, uncertainty, and change within a team 🗣️ When to tell your team about a potential sale—and when to wait 🤝 How trust and communication can protect your team culture during major transitions 🧠 Why distractions can quietly steal your leadership capacity ⏰ How to rethink the belief that you simply don't have enough time 🚪 Why getting off the salon floor creates space for better leadership and decision-making 🌱 How stepping aside can be a powerful act of conscious leadership when it's time for a new chapter Whether you're a salon owner considering a sale, a team leader navigating change, or a business owner thinking about succession planning, this episode offers an honest look at the emotional and practical realities of handing over a business you've built. Sometimes leadership means holding the team steady through change. And sometimes, it means having the courage to step out of the room and make space for what's next. ________________________________________________ Thank you to our podcast sponsor CPR. https://www.cprhair.com https://www.instagram.com/cprhairpro/    To follow our journey: Instagram @aheadhair_ @the_conscious_salon

    How our Salon Manager Feels about Us Selling the Salon

  7. Aug 23

    How to sell retail with Sonia Tomas the Salon Doctor

    Does recommending retail products make you feel pushy or "salesy"? You're not alone. But what if you've been looking at it the wrong way? In this episode, Nic and Tess sit down with Sonia Tomas, also known as The Salon Doctor, to unpack one of the biggest mindset shifts every salon owner and stylist needs to make: selling isn't about making more money, it's about serving your clients well. Drawing on more than 37 years in the hair industry and helping salons generate over $8 million in retail sales, Sonia shares why so many teams struggle to recommend products, the limiting beliefs holding them back, and how a simple shift in perspective can transform both the client experience and your salon's profitability. If you've ever felt uncomfortable recommending retail, this episode will completely change the way you think about sales. In this episode, you'll learn: 💡 Why selling is really about serving your clients—not pushing products 🧠 The mindset blocks stopping salon teams from confidently recommending retail 💬 How asking better questions leads to better client outcomes 🎯 Why consultations should focus on solving problems, not making sales 💰 How creating value naturally increases retail sales and client trust 🤝 Why your clients actually want your professional advice 🚀 Practical ways to increase retail sales without feeling pushy or uncomfortable Whether you're a salon owner wanting to grow your business or a stylist looking to build more confidence with client recommendations, this episode is packed with practical advice you can implement immediately. To follow Sonia's journey:  https://www.instagram.com/thesalondr/ ________________________________________________ Thank you to our podcast sponsor CPR. https://www.cprhair.com https://www.instagram.com/cprhairpro/    To follow our journey: Instagram @aheadhair_ @the_conscious_salon

    How to sell retail with Sonia Tomas the Salon Doctor

  8. Aug 16

    Meet the New Owner of Our Salon with Jess Attard

    What happens when a team member who wants more progression ends up holding the keys to the salon? In this episode, Nic and Tess sit down with Jess Attard, the new owner of Ahead, to share the real story behind their salon sale. What may look simple from the outside was actually a journey filled with leadership, trust, timing, courage, and a whole lot of patience. Jess shares her winding path from hairdressing to running a home studio, managing a gym, stepping into the corporate world, and eventually finding her way back to the industry she loved. She opens up about the personal challenges that shaped her, the pressure she puts on herself, and the mindset shift required to move from being a team member to becoming the person responsible for leading a growing business. Then they go behind the scenes of the salon purchase itself, from the initial conversations and negotiations to lawyers, accountants, lease transfers, landlord approvals, and the long periods of waiting when nothing seemed to be moving. Throughout the conversation, Nic, Tess, and Jess share what helped them protect their relationship through the transition and why a successful succession is about so much more than signing paperwork. It's about trust, communication, and creating an opportunity where both the outgoing and incoming owner can step into their next chapter with confidence. In this episode, you'll learn: 💇‍♀️ How Jess went from team member to becoming the owner of a thriving salon 🌱 Why creating opportunities for team progression can completely change someone's career 🧠 The mindset shift required to step from employee into leadership and ownership ❤️ How personal challenges can shape the way you lead and build your business 🤝 Why trust and strong relationships are essential when selling a business to someone you know 📋 What the salon purchase process actually looks like behind the scenes ⏳ The reality of navigating lawyers, accountants, leases, landlords, and unexpected delays 🚀 Jess's vision for creating more opportunities for her team and building deeper community connection Whether you're a hairdresser dreaming of salon ownership, a salon owner thinking about succession, or a team member ready for your next level of growth, Jess's story offers an honest look at what it really takes to make that transition. Sometimes the biggest opportunities begin with simply having the courage to say, "What if I could?" ________________________________________________ Thank you to our podcast sponsor CPR. https://www.cprhair.com https://www.instagram.com/cprhairpro/    To follow our journey: Instagram @aheadhair_ @the_conscious_salon

    Meet the New Owner of Our Salon with Jess Attard
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About

Welcome to The Conscious Salon. Here for the real talk salon owners actually need.  The Conscious Salon Podcast is where salon owners get clear guidance without the fluff. Hosted by Nic & Tess, we break down leadership, team culture, money, client journey, systems and numbers into simple moves you can use this week. Expect straight talk, real stories, lots of laughs and practical frameworks that help you lead well, grow profit, and have a life outside the salon. You will hear from salon owners, industry leaders and working mums who have done the hard yards. We cover mindset that holds under pressure, meetings that improve your team culture, and the habits that build a self led team. Follow the show and start with leadership posture, client journey design, and money mindset.  Listen in, implement, and stay conscious.

Information

  • Creator
    Nicola and Tessa
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    215
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Nicola and Tessa
  • Show Website
    The Conscious Salon

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