The HONA Podcast - With Mike & Charl

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Welcome to The HONA Podcast—the ultimate mix of education and entertainment for nail techs and salon owners! Hosted by Mike & Charlotte, the husband and wife team with real-world experience. We’re here to inspire, educate, and improve the modern-day nail tech. From expert tips and behind-the-scenes stories to community spotlights and business growth advice, we’ve got everything you need to level up your career. Tune in weekly for a fun, bubbly, and insightful journey into the nail tech world!

  1. 11/07/2025

    Gel Systems and the White Labelling Debate: A Nail Tech's Guide

    Unpacking the Truth About White Labelling in the Nail Industry | HONA Podcast In this episode of the HONA Podcast, Mike and Charl dive into the controversial topic of white labelling in the nail industry. They discuss the importance of understanding the science behind nail products, why HONA has never participated in white labelling, and the impact of these practices on nail tech safety and education. Mike shares insights on the challenges and benefits of creating custom formulations, the regulatory landscape, and how HONA is pioneering hypoallergenic and forward-thinking formulas. Tune in to learn more about the differences between white labelling and developing unique products, and how these choices shape the nail industry's future. 00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter 00:54 Today's Topic: White Labelling 01:47 Understanding White Labelling in the Nail Industry 03:29 HONA's Stance on White Labeling 05:23 Challenges and Innovations in Product Development 07:14 The Importance of Chemistry Knowledge 22:28 Cost vs. Value in Product Development 24:44 Building a Legacy and Final Thoughts

    30 min

  2. 10/31/2025

    HONA Halloween Special: Epic Fails, Horror Stories, and Staff Secrets!

    Welcome to the HONA Podcast with Mike and Charl! In this Halloween special episode, join Charl (Morgan) for a fun-filled discussion about HONA's biggest fails and spooky mishaps. Discover the most hilarious and shocking production errors, hear staff insights, and revel in some nail-biting client horror stories. From mislabeled products to embarrassing moments, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the chaos and fun at HONA HQ. Perfect for nail techs and HONA community members looking to celebrate Halloween with a twist. Don't miss our special offer and exclusive details on upcoming products! 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:10 Meet the Hosts and Their Costumes 02:14 Halloween Episode Overview 02:43 Hona Hall of Fame or Shame 03:40 Funny Product Errors 16:54 Community Questions and Spoilers 18:15 Kiss, Kiss, and Coffin Game 21:05 Praising TrueSculpt 21:53 Spilling the Builder Gel: HONA HQ Ghost 23:07 Halloween Dress-Up and Team Dynamics 24:25 Horror Movie Cast: HONA Team Edition 27:51 Client Horror Stories: Nail Salon Nightmares 37:45 Special Offers and Sign-Off

    41 min

  3. 10/24/2025

    The Rise of E-files and does this mean the fall of manual tools?

    In this episode of the HONA Podcast, Mike and Charlotte discuss their experiences and insights on the evolving use of e-files in the nail industry. They delve into how e-files have gained popularity, comparing their benefits and drawbacks to traditional manual tools. Charlotte shares her journey from skepticism to becoming an e-file educator, emphasising the importance of proper training and education. The duo tackles common concerns, including the stigma surrounding e-files and their association with non-standard salons. They also explore the nuanced advantages of combining e-files with manual tools for more efficient and precise manicures. The episode concludes with future predictions for the nail industry, highlighting the ongoing importance of innovation and education for nail techs.

    28 min

  4. 10/17/2025

    Autumn & winter trends for nail technicians

    In this episode of the HONA Podcast, hosts Mike and Charlotte aim to deliver a lighter, fun episode focusing on autumn and winter trends for nail technicians and the HONA community. They discuss the Mob Wife gel polish collection and its unexpected success, attributable to its unique palette and modern aesthetic. Charlotte shares her predictions for the upcoming season, highlighting trends such as tortie shell designs, polka dots, cat eye effects, and full coverage chrome. The duo also emphasises the importance of stocking up on essential products like glitters and cuticle oils ahead of the festive season while offering expert insights on maximising profit during the colder months. They round off the episode by encouraging listeners to share their own trend predictions for autumn and winter.

    36 min

  5. 10/03/2025

    Breaking Down 'Hypoallergenic': HONA's Commitment to Safer Nails

    In this episode of the HONA Podcast, hosts Mike and Charl (who is nearing her due) talk about the term 'hypoallergenic,' why HONA uses it, and its significance in the nail industry. Charlotte details the origins and importance of creating a hypoallergenic gel system and addresses the controversy surrounding the term. The conversation also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on the surge of nail allergies, the specific ingredients HONA avoids, and the broader industry's response to allergy issues. They emphasise the need for transparency, education, and raising standards to ensure safer products for both nail technicians and clients.

    27 min

  6. 09/19/2025

    HONA Gel Polish Collections That Were Cancelled

    HONA Behind The Scenes: Cancelled Gel Polish Collections In this chaotic yet fun episode of the HONA Podcast, hosts Mike and Charlotte dive into the world of failed and cancelled gel polish collections that never made it to market. From the 'Dripping in Finesse' collection that ended up looking like an Indian takeaway menu to the culturally sensitive 'Day of the Dead' collection that was pulled last minute, they discuss the trials and tribulations behind each concept. They also touch on the creative process, brainstorms, and the importance of navigating cultural sensitivities in product development. If you're a nail tech or a member of the HONA community, this episode offers a fascinating look at the business side of product creation and the inevitable mistakes along the way. For a more visual experience, head over to YouTube to catch all the hilarious missteps and behind-the-scenes visuals. 00:00 Welcome to the HONA Podcast 00:19 Today's Chaotic Start 01:41 Failed Projects: An Entertaining Concept 03:33 Dripping in Finesse Collection 07:41 Oriental Infusions: A Beautiful Misstep 11:45 Day of the Dead: A Sensitive Topic 19:08 Hona's Epic Mixtape Collection 24:46 Welsh Inspired Collection 25:02 The Cwtch Collection 27:49 Stained Glass Collection 30:53 Club Tropicana 33:25 Love Your Journey 36:41 Dreamscape Collection 40:26 Trial and Error in Product Development 43:22 Upcoming Collection Teaser

    45 min

  7. 09/12/2025

    Who is Responsible for Product Safety: Nail Techs or Brands? | The HONA Podcast

    In this episode, we delve into an important discussion within the nail industry: the responsibility of product safety. Should it fall on the brands that produce the products, or the nail techs who use them? We explore a recent Instagram post by Samantha Cox and dive into various opinions on the topic, examining both sides of the argument. Join us for this open and passionate conversation about transparency, education, and responsibilities in the nail industry. Don't forget to like and subscribe!

    33 min

  8. 08/29/2025

    How to choose a Nail Brand

    In the first episode of season two of the HONA Podcast, Mike and Charl discuss essential factors to consider when choosing a gel brand for nail technicians.  They cover topics such as pricing, brand transparency, the importance of education, and the aesthetic appeal of products. They also emphasise the significance of understanding the chemistry of products, evaluating trial kits, and ensuring the brand's ethics align with personal and professional values.  Additionally, they highlight the need for a prescriptive approach to cater to diverse client needs. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide for both new nail techs and those looking to rebrand.

    36 min
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About

Welcome to The HONA Podcast—the ultimate mix of education and entertainment for nail techs and salon owners! Hosted by Mike & Charlotte, the husband and wife team with real-world experience. We’re here to inspire, educate, and improve the modern-day nail tech. From expert tips and behind-the-scenes stories to community spotlights and business growth advice, we’ve got everything you need to level up your career. Tune in weekly for a fun, bubbly, and insightful journey into the nail tech world!

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