Off The Books

Styler

"Just work harder, raise your prices, and post 5 times a day." If this was true, we’d all be millionaires working 4-hour weeks. The reality? You’re drowning in DMs, fixing no-shows, and eating lunch standing up in the back room. Welcome to Off The Books. This is the home of the raw, unfiltered conversations that usually only happen after the shutters go down. Hosted by Ashleigh, our founder, who sits down with the hair, beauty, and wellness pros who are actually doing the work. Together we'll give you honest stories and the strategies to grow New episodes drop on the 1st of every month.

Episodes

  1. Jul 19

    Redefining Aesthetics: Stigma, Women's Health, and the Chair That's Changing Lives | Nicole, Dolce Aesthetics

    Nicole was told she'd never get aesthetics into a hospital building. Her answer? "Give me time." In this episode, I sit down with Nicole, founder of Dolce Aesthetics — nurse, practitioner, and the woman now working full-time from Tyneside Surgical Services, where what she's doing goes way beyond aesthetics. We get into: 💉 From student nurse at 17 to founding Dolce Aesthetics — and why nursing never left the picture ✨ Reclaiming aesthetics — the stigma, the "big lip clinic" phone call, and what good work should actually look like 🪑 The chair doing 11,000 pelvic floor exercises in 28 minutes — and the lives it's quietly changing 👩‍⚕️ Women's (and men's) intimate health — the symptoms nobody talks about, and the treatments that exist right now 🤖 AI facial analysis — is there space for it in aesthetics, or is it Dr. Google for your face? PLUS… we launch a brand new segment: Chair Confessions 🎙️ Your anonymous horror stories from behind the chair, read out loud for the first time — featuring a prosecco-fuelled hen do, hot wax where it should never be, and a lash client with a very bad habit. You'll want to hear Nicole's verdict: block or rebook? Got a confession from behind the chair? 🤫 Submit yours anonymously ⁠HERE⁠ Sign out of the salon and listen in — it's time for Off The Books. 🔗 Useful Links & Resources: Follow Dolce Aesthetics on Instagram: Get in touch with Tyneside Surgical Services: Follow Styler on Instagram: Styler website: https://styler.uk Need help with a booking system? Book a call with me ☎️ https://api.leadconnectorhq.com/widget/bookings/styler-demoj0rpff

  2. Apr 24

    Tackling the TPO Ban: Going HEMA-Free with Melissa Wright, Founder of Allure Beauty.

    In this episode we chat to Melissa Wright — founder of Allure. What started as one nail tech has grown into two salon locations, an accredited nail training academy, and her own HEMA- and TPO-free nail product line. With the recent TPO ban sending the UK nail industry into panic mode, Melissa is a genuine voice of reason: calm, informed, and actually building products that meet the new regulations. We get into the full Allure origin story, plus: The TPO Ban, Unpacked — what the ban actually means for your nail business, and what to do if the products are still sitting on your shelf. Training the Next Generation — running an accredited nail academy, the red flags to watch for when picking your training, and the difference between being a great nail tech and a great educator. Where the Nail Industry Is Heading — how nails have changed since Melissa started out, what's coming next, and what every nail tech should be thinking about now. Plus a round of This or That through the Allure colour range, where we finally find out Melissa's go-to gel polish… I'll give you a clue, it has a shimmer. Nail techs, you're going to love this one. Sign out of the salon and listen in — it's time for Off The Books. — Follow Melissa: @mel.k.wrightShop Allure: @allurebeautysupplies / alluranails.co.uk Book at Allure: @allurebeautysalonsFollow Styler: @styler.ukNeed a booking system? Book a call with us: styler.uk/demo

  3. Feb 1

    Boundaries, Ballgowns, and Business: The Award-Winning Evolution of Hair by LMN

    Welcome to the first-ever episode of Styler's podcast: Off The Books! 🎙️ In this episode, we sit down with the powerhouse behind Hair by LMN, Lyndsey—the newly crowned "Hairdresser of the Year" of the North East Hair & Beauty Awards. Lyndsey takes us behind the scenes of her 20-year career, sharing the raw reality of opening her dream salon in Jesmond just eight weeks after a C-section. We discuss the "unhinged" excuses for client no-shows, the courage it takes to put your own initials on a brand, and how to rediscover your passion when you feel like you’ve fallen out of love with the chair. We dive into: The Winning Moment: What it was like to sweep three awards at NEHBA and how it validated her 20 years of hard work. Design & Identity: Why she ditched the "beige salon trend" for a bold, personal aesthetic. The Power of "No": How Lyndsey uses Styler to reclaim her evenings with her new baby, replacing late-night DMs and no-show anxiety with automated deposits that protect her time and her income. Advice for the Next Gen: Why "cleaning the skirting boards with a toothbrush" is the start to long-term success. The Future of LMN: A sneak peek into the new team and services coming to the salon in 2026. 🔗 Useful Links & Resources: ⁠⁠Follow Hair by LMN on Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Book an Appointment at Hair by LMN⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Nominate for the North East Hair and Beauty Awards 2026⁠⁠ ⁠Follow Styler on Instagram⁠ Need help with a booking system? ⁠Book a call with us ☎️ If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review...it helps us bring more industry leaders to the mic!

About

"Just work harder, raise your prices, and post 5 times a day." If this was true, we’d all be millionaires working 4-hour weeks. The reality? You’re drowning in DMs, fixing no-shows, and eating lunch standing up in the back room. Welcome to Off The Books. This is the home of the raw, unfiltered conversations that usually only happen after the shutters go down. Hosted by Ashleigh, our founder, who sits down with the hair, beauty, and wellness pros who are actually doing the work. Together we'll give you honest stories and the strategies to grow New episodes drop on the 1st of every month.