Salon Success with Monaco Nail Academy

Monaco Nail Academy

Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?! Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences. This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and real-ly freaking hard work. Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccess

  1. 2d ago

    Why Nails Lift, Gel Shrinks and Heat Spikes Happen

    Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccessGel nails lifting, shrinking, chipping or causing heat spikes? In this episode of the Salon Success Podcast, Penny and the Theory Dream Team break down real-life nail chemistry in a way that actually makes sense for nail techs. We chat about free edge lifting, primer, bonding gel, builder gel, BIAB, acrylic, gel polish, lamps, curing, polymerisation, monomers, shrinkage, shock curing and exothermic reactions, plus how all of this applies to real clients in the salon. Perfect for beginner nail techs, beauty students, home salon owners and qualified nail technicians who want to understand why products behave the way they do and how to troubleshoot common nail problems with more confidence. If you’ve ever wondered why gel does not “dry”, why your client’s nails keep lifting, why heat spikes happen, or why your lamp choice matters, this episode is for you. *********************************************** Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?! Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences. This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work. ************************************************ Just finding Monaco?! Here's what we do - Online & In-Person Nail Tech Courses NZ-Wide (International Online Students Welcome!) Afterpay + Custom Payment Plans Available Started in 2011 and 100% NZ-owned and operatedStudy Individual Topics - The Theory of Nails Manicures & Pedicures Using the IBX System Builder in a Bottle Dipping Systems Acrylic, Hard Gel or PolyGel Pre-Formed Soft Gel Extensions E-File The Art of Nails Salon Success (Business, Marketing & Social Media)Or Combo & Save - Foundation Certificate in Nail Technology - all 12 topics Natural Nail Specialist - Theory, Mani/Pedi, BIAB & Art Introduction to Nail Technology - self-study, online-only optionFree Resources - 5-Day Nail Tech Launchpad - ⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/launchpad⁠⁠⁠ 5-Day Marketing Workshop - ⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/magnet⁠⁠⁠ Caption Writing Kit - ⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/download-the-caption-kit⁠⁠⁠ Recession-Proof Your Salon - ⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/recession⁠⁠⁠ Course Finder Quiz - ⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/course-finder⁠⁠⁠ Weekly Newsletter - ⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/subscribe⁠⁠⁠ YouTube - ⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/@MonacoNailAcademy⁠⁠⁠ Podcast - ⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/podcast⁠⁠

    1h 6m
  2. Jun 3

    How to Build Your Client Base as a New Nail Tech

    Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccess Nail school was just the beginning… so what happens when you’re qualified, talented, award-winning, and still trying to fill your appointment book? In this episode of the Salon Success Podcast, Penny sits down with Caley for a real-life business coaching session about getting more nail clients, improving your Instagram, creating better content, and making your salon space feel irresistible before someone even books. Caley trained with Monaco Nail Academy, went from being named “one to watch” at Summit to winning Grand Champion, and is now building her nail business from the ground up. We talk through exactly what she can do next, from updating her pinned posts and taking better nail photos, to finding local businesses, building relationships, using portfolio sets strategically, and making the most of quiet time in the salon. We cover: • What to post when you don’t have many clients yet• Why your pinned posts matter so much• How to make your salon Instagram attract the right people• What “evergreen content” actually means• How to use local businesses to find dream clients• Why free sets can be a smart marketing move• How to build confidence with filming and posting• What to do when imposter syndrome shows up• How to turn quiet salon time into business-building time If you’re a new nail tech, a student, or a salon owner trying to get more clients without feeling sleazy or salesy, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can use straight away. *********************************************** Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?! Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences. This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work. ************************************************ Just finding Monaco?! Here's what we do - Online & In-Person Nail Tech Courses NZ-Wide (International Online Students Welcome!) Afterpay + Custom Payment Plans Available Started in 2011 and 100% NZ-owned and operatedStudy Individual Topics - The Theory of Nails Manicures & Pedicures Using the IBX System Builder in a Bottle Dipping Systems Acrylic, Hard Gel or PolyGel Pre-Formed Soft Gel Extensions E-File The Art of Nails Salon Success (Business, Marketing & Social Media)Or Combo & Save - Foundation Certificate in Nail Technology - all 12 topics Natural Nail Specialist - Theory, Mani/Pedi, BIAB & Art Introduction to Nail Technology - self-study, online-only optionFree Resources - 5-Day Nail Tech Launchpad - ⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/launchpad⁠⁠ 5-Day Marketing Workshop - ⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/magnet⁠⁠ Caption Writing Kit - ⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/download-the-caption-kit⁠⁠ Recession-Proof Your Salon - ⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/recession⁠⁠ Course Finder Quiz - ⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/course-finder⁠⁠ Weekly Newsletter - ⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/subscribe⁠⁠ YouTube - ⁠⁠www.youtube.com/@MonacoNailAcademy⁠⁠ Podcast - ⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/podcast⁠

    1h 8m
  3. May 20

    Inside the NZ Nail Tech Summit 2026!

    Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccess What actually happens at the NZ Nail Tech Summit? This week on the Salon Success Podcast, Penny is joined by Hannah, Michal, Danni and Chante to debrief the 2026 NZ Nail Tech Summit, one week after the event. We’re talking first-time nerves, returning attendee expectations, guest presenters, open book competitions, sticker tables, salon confidence, nail tech friendships, behind-the-scenes chaos and the kind of industry community that makes you want to keep going. If you’re a beginner nail tech, home salon owner, beauty student or someone who has ever wondered if you’d actually fit in at an industry event, this episode is for you. We cover: • What Summit feels like as a first-time attendee • Why meeting other nail techs in real life matters • How supportive industry events can build confidence • Guest demos, nail art, speed training and competitions • The difference between learning the rules and learning how to break them • Why the NZ Nail Tech Summit is not just for Monaco students • What made attendees want to come back for 2027 Come for the Summit recap. Stay for the friendships, chaos, nail tech fangirling and room 406 lore. Register for the NZ Nail Tech Summit: www.nailtechsummit.co.nz *********************************************** Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?! Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences. This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work. ************************************************ Just finding Monaco?! Here's what we do - Online & In-Person Nail Tech Courses NZ-Wide (International Online Students Welcome!) Afterpay + Custom Payment Plans Available Started in 2011 and 100% NZ-owned and operatedStudy Individual Topics - The Theory of Nails Manicures & Pedicures Using the IBX System Builder in a Bottle Dipping Systems Acrylic, Hard Gel or PolyGel Pre-Formed Soft Gel Extensions E-File The Art of Nails Salon Success (Business, Marketing & Social Media)Or Combo & Save - Foundation Certificate in Nail Technology - all 12 topics Natural Nail Specialist - Theory, Mani/Pedi, BIAB & Art Introduction to Nail Technology - self-study, online-only optionFree Resources - 5-Day Nail Tech Launchpad - ⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/launchpad⁠ 5-Day Marketing Workshop - ⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/magnet⁠ Caption Writing Kit - ⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/download-the-caption-kit⁠ Recession-Proof Your Salon - ⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/recession⁠ Course Finder Quiz - ⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/course-finder⁠ Weekly Newsletter - ⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/subscribe⁠ YouTube - ⁠www.youtube.com/@MonacoNailAcademy⁠ Podcast - ⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/podcast

    1h 31m
  4. May 6

    Why Gel Gets Hot: Nail Chemistry Every Nail Tech Should Understand

    Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccessNail chemistry does not have to be confusing. In this episode, we break down what nail products are actually made of and how they work in a way that connects to real salon life. We are also joined by newer students asking questions as they learn, which makes this a practical, relatable conversation rather than a lecture.From monomers and polymerisation to heat spikes and product performance, this is the kind of theory that helps you understand what you are doing, not just memorise it. We cover:• What acrylic really means and why most nail systems are built from the same base• How gel cures and why heat spikes happen• The role of UV lamps and why curing matters• Why pigment changes how products behave• How to think about different brands and product choices *********************************************** Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?! Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences. This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work. ************************************************ Just finding Monaco?! Here's what we do - Online & In-Person Nail Tech Courses NZ-Wide (International Online Students Welcome!) Afterpay + Custom Payment Plans Available Started in 2011 and 100% NZ-owned and operatedStudy Individual Topics - The Theory of Nails Manicures & Pedicures Using the IBX System Builder in a Bottle Dipping Systems Acrylic, Hard Gel or PolyGel Pre-Formed Soft Gel Extensions E-File The Art of Nails Salon Success (Business, Marketing & Social Media)Or Combo & Save - Foundation Certificate in Nail Technology - all 12 topics Natural Nail Specialist - Theory, Mani/Pedi, BIAB & Art Introduction to Nail Technology - self-study, online-only optionFree Resources - 5-Day Nail Tech Launchpad - www.monaco.ac.nz/launchpad 5-Day Marketing Workshop - www.monaco.ac.nz/magnet Caption Writing Kit - www.monaco.ac.nz/download-the-caption-kit Recession-Proof Your Salon - www.monaco.ac.nz/recession Course Finder Quiz - www.monaco.ac.nz/course-finder Weekly Newsletter - www.monaco.ac.nz/subscribe YouTube - www.youtube.com/@MonacoNailAcademy Podcast - www.monaco.ac.nz/podcast

    1h 25m
  5. Apr 22

    Social Media, Self-Belief and Starting Before You’re Ready - How Cuti Built a Buzzworthy Brand From Scratch

    Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccessIn this episode of the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy, we are joined by Ashleigh from @cuti.nz, a fast growing cuticle oil brand making serious waves in the nail industry. We dive into what it actually takes to build a beauty brand from scratch. No fancy office, no huge budget, just smart decisions, consistency, and showing up before you feel ready. How Cuti was created and what happened behind the scenesWhy asking for help can fast track your growthThe truth about social media and scrolling with purposeHow to stand out in a crowded beauty industryWhat people do not see behind a successful launchWhy small businesses do not need to start bigReal talk on confidence, comparison, and taking action *********************************************** Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?! Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences. This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work. ************************************************ Monaco Nail Academy is a school for Nail Technicians in New Zealand. We offer remote/online training, and sell wholesale salon products to beauty professionals. Share with us! Tag @monaconailacademy or #LearnAtMonaco

    1h 19m
  6. Mar 25

    From Newbie Tech to Industry Leader: Jerilee Fair on Comps, Community, and Creating Opportunity

    Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccess What if the biggest thing holding you back in nails is not skill, but waiting until you feel ready? In this episode of the Salon Success Podcast, Penny, Christel, Michal, and special guest Jerilee Fair talk about nail competitions, confidence, industry growth, pricing, community, and why so many nail techs need to stop shrinking and start backing themselves. This is a conversation about doing things messy, entering before you feel fully prepared, learning through experience, and creating more opportunities in the New Zealand nail industry. They also dive into how Jerilee went from practicing on tips at home to competing internationally, judging, and leading the NZ Nail Comps, plus what newer nail techs can take from that journey. *********************************************** Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?! Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences. This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work. ************************************************ Monaco Nail Academy is a school for Nail Technicians in New Zealand. We offer remote/online training, and sell wholesale salon products to beauty professionals. Share with us! Tag @monaconailacademy or #LearnAtMonaco

    1h 31m
  7. Mar 11

    Are Salon Chemicals Actually Dangerous?

    Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccess Nail technicians work with chemicals every day - but how dangerous are nail salon products really? In this episode of the Salon Success Podcast, we break down the truth about nail salon chemicals, exposure risks, and salon safety. We talk about how nail techs can be exposed to vapours, dust, and product contact in the salon, and the simple habits that can dramatically reduce those risks. This episode covers the science behind nail products, common safety myths in the beauty industry, and practical advice for working safely as a nail technician or beauty professional. If you're a new nail tech, student nail technician, or experienced salon professional, this conversation will help you better understand chemical exposure, ventilation, product handling, and safe salon practices. *********************************************** Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?! Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences. This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work. ************************************************ Monaco Nail Academy is a school for Nail Technicians in New Zealand. We offer remote/online training, and sell wholesale salon products to beauty professionals. Share with us! Tag @monaconailacademy or #LearnAtMonaco

    1h 26m

About

Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?! Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences. This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and real-ly freaking hard work. Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccess