Salon Success with Monaco Nail Academy

Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccessIn this episode of the Salon Success Podcast, Penny chats with multi-award-winning nail tech, educator, podcast host and founder of the Melanie Lewendon Academy, Melanie Lewendon. Melanie has been in the nail industry since 2007 and is known for making confusing nail topics feel clear, approachable and actually useful. In this conversation, we tal...

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, polymerisati...

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, a...

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 confidenc...

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 polymeri...

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 befo...

Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccess Does gel actually cause cancer? Let’s talk about UV light, nail lamps, gel curing, and what’s actually worth worrying about. In this episode, we break down the science behind UV vs LED lamps, wavelengths, photoinitiators, and why a product can feel hard before it’s actually cured properly. If you’ve ever felt confused by all the mixed messaging a...

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...

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...

Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccess In this episode, we talk honestly about what it really takes to build a nail business - especially when you don’t have clients yet. From burnout and balancing two businesses, to avatar marketing and the “Queen Bee” strategy for referrals, this conversation breaks down practical ways to attract nail clients without paid ads or gimmicks. We're...

In this episode of the Salon Success Podcast, we dive into real strategies for salon owners who want to work smarter, not harder . Penny shares her secrets to getting fully booked in fewer hours , using free manicures as a marketing tool , and managing admin without overwhelm. You’ll learn how to: Fill your client list without extra hours Use free services strategically to grow your salon Create a...

Nail or beauty school is just the beginning — but what actually happens after you’re qualified? In this episode of the Salon Success Podcast , the team gets real about what it takes to turn a certificate into actual clients. We talk about confidence, momentum, marketing, hustle hours, and why waiting to feel “ready” is one of the biggest reasons techs stay stuck. From mobile work and home salons t...

In this episode, we dive into the real behind-the-scenes of growing a nail business - from dreaming about a commercial space to navigating the fear of hiring staff for the first time. Alisha is excited about expansion, Christel is feeling nervous, and we’re unpacking the emotional, practical, and financial realities that come with wanting “the next step.” Whether you’re home-based, thinking about...

This episode originally aired in August 2024 - and it’s just as relevant heading into 2026, which is why we’re replaying it as an encore over the break. In this conversation, Penny is joined by Mel and Pat to unpack one of the most common (and least questioned) business habits in the nail and beauty industry: traditional loyalty programs. Stamp cards. “Every 10th service free.” Automatic discounts...

It’s an encore episode for one reason: you need this one in your 2025–2026 reset kit. Originally airing July 2024, this episode dives into one of the most game-changing topics for any nail tech or beauty pro: your marketing avatar - aka your dream client. In this episode, Penny sits down with Leonie, Mel, and Pat to unpack: ✨ How to actually define your ideal client (with ChatGPT’s help) ✨ Why “...

This encore episode originally aired in July 2024 and quickly became one of our most replayed chats - so we're bringing it back for the holiday break! In this episode, Penny, Mel, and Pat (plus Luna the dog, plus sick kids, plus general chaos) sit down in their pyjamas to unpack a concept that completely shifts how new and experienced nail techs think about marketing: Low value/high volume vs....

GIVEAWAY ENTRIES CLOSE 31 DEC 2025 Cuticles aren’t “optional” skin - they’re protective tissue. So why does social media keep telling clients to cut them off? In this episode, we chat with Barbara from Cuticle-B-Gone about the medical, legal and practical reasons cuticle cutting isn’t standard practice in NZ , why it’s restricted in parts of the US, and how online trends have pushed clients to exp...

In this week’s episode, Penny sits down with Monaco educator Erin (@littlemoonnails) to dive into her full journey - from busy mum life and working in rest homes, to retraining after an injury, enrolling in Monaco’s online program, overcoming huge anxiety, and eventually becoming a qualified nail tech, contractor, and educator. This conversation is perfect for anyone who’s: ✨ thinking about becom...

This week we’re talking BIOHAZARDS in the salon - what they are, how they spread, and how nail techs can actually protect themselves. The girls break down the real risks behind dust, broken skin, blood exposure, tools, gloves, airborne particles, and everyday habits clients don’t think twice about. Plus: how long pathogens survive on tools, what happens when dust lands on your skin, why glove type...

In this episode of the Salon Success Podcast, @HardLaquerNz, @PatsitiveBeauty and @StraightUpNailsNz dive into the world of Facebook Ads . If you really want to know what they actually do and how to make them work for you , join today's chat and learn how to stop throwing money into the digital void! The girls break down what makes a great ad, how to target the right audience, and how to turn...

In this episode of The Salon Success Podcast, the girls dive back into Theory Talk, this time exploring Anatomy & Disorders. @HardLaquernz, @JungleNailsNz, @AdornNailBotique and @ChristelBlytheNailArtist unpack what’s really going on beneath the nail, from the parts that make up the nail unit to the common conditions every nail tech should know. They share what surprised them most when they we...

In this episode of the Salon Success Podcast, @JungleNailsNZ, @HardLacquerNZ, @AdornNailBoutique, and @StraightUpNailsNZ dive into the power of niche marketing in the nail industry. The girls chat about how honing in on your special talent or service can transform your business, making you the go-to expert for that 'one thing' while also attracting clients who will explore everything else...

In this episode of the Salon Success Podcast, @HardLacquerNZ, @JungleNailsNZ and @MooMooCatNails sit down with @NailsByBrittanyR for a real and raw coaching session! The girls break down where Brittany is currently at in the early stages of her home salon journey and share the most valuable steps she can take right now to grow. From finding her dream client avatar to showing up on social media, th...

In this week’s episode of The Salon Success Podcast @HardLaquerNz, @JungleNailsNz, @MooMooCatNails, @Patsitive.beauty are joined by Trudi as they dive back into their 'Chick Lit & Chill' book club! They pick up where they left off in their ongoing series, share what they’re currently reading and chat about their favourite books (and why they love them). It’s equal parts cozy, fun, and...

In this week's episode @JungleNailsNz, @Patsitive. Beauty, @HardLaquerNz and @MooMooCatNails are back to break down three of the most popular marketing techniques: Urgency, Scarcity, and Exclusivity. The girls dissect what these strategies actually mean and how do they show up in the everyday life of a nail tech. They share real stories, practical examples and their own experiences as they unp...