The Conscious Salon

Welcome to a transformative episode of the Conscious Salon podcast, where we explore the powerful theme of financial independence and empowerment for women. In a world where societal norms often dictate financial roles, we challenge these conventions and encourage women to embrace their financial ambitions unapologetically. Join us as we share personal stories, practical tips, and insights to help...

In this episode of the Conscious Salon podcast, we dive into the challenges and growth opportunities for salon owners and leaders. We things off with some light-hearted banter about mum life and the chaotic attempts at recording the podcast. We reflect on past episodes and discuss the importance of embracing all versions of ourselves. The highlight of the episode is our 'Leadership Archetype...

In this episode of The Conscious Salon Podcast , we dive into a conversation that every salon owner and team leader needs to hear - how to spot red flags in your team and what to do when they come up. If you've ever felt confused or blindsided by a team member’s behaviour, you're not alone. We’ve been there too. After years in leadership, managing a range of personalities and navigating...

In this very special episode, we recorded live from our annual Ahead Retreat – a two-day immersive mindset experience where we take our team out of the salon and into a dedicated space for growth, connection, and transformation. Every year, we press pause on the day-to-day and create space for our team to connect, reflect, and elevate. This retreat is not a reward – it’s a crucial part of our cult...

In this episode of The Conscious Salon , we’re pulling back the curtain on a topic that continues to come up in our community and coaching sessions -  hiring . More specifically, we’re diving into the mindset shifts salon owners need to embrace to attract the right people , hire with confidence and lead without losing themselves in the process. Hiring is often seen as a practical process - put up...

In this episode of The Conscious Salon , we’re diving deep into the idea of personal responsibility and exploring how often we carry things that aren’t actually ours to hold. Off the back of a wholesome weekend sleepover with our team (and their husbands), we reflect on a beautiful, chaotic night full of board games, too many wines and a spontaneous osteo appointment on the treatment table. But be...

Welcome back to The Conscious Salon Podcast. In this episode, Tess and I (Nicola) are joined by our incredible team member, Tae, as we reflect on one of the most transformative weekends we've had - our latest private client retreat: REVIVE . As part of our highest level of mentorship, we take our private clients on retreat twice a year. This one was unlike anything we’ve done before. This was...

In today’s episode, we sat down with the incredible Kate Slater, a CFO and accountant who’s not only brilliant with numbers, but also so down-to-earth and passionate about empowering business owners — especially in the salon space. We chatted all things money, mindset, tax planning, and why understanding your numbers is the ultimate form of self-respect as a business owner. If you've ever fel...

In this episode of The Conscious Salon , we go deep into the real emotional landscape that comes with running a salon – specifically, the guilt that creeps in when you're trying to lead, grow and support your team, all while maintaining your own wellbeing. We talk about our personal experiences with guilt – from feeling bad for taking time off, to micromanaging because we don't want to &...

This episode is one that’s truly close to our hearts. We sat down with someone who is not only our biggest supporter, but the heartbeat of our family - our beautiful mum. We wanted to have an honest, vulnerable chat about how self-development doesn’t just impact you , but how it creates a ripple effect on the people around you. Mum shared what it’s been like watching us grow into this business, st...

In this candid episode, salon owners and leadership mentors Tess and Nicola open up about the challenges and responsibilities that come with leading a conscious team - especially during emotionally charged times. Over the past few weeks, their team has been navigating a range of difficult personal experiences, from grief to overwhelm, and this episode is a reflection of how they’ve chosen to show...

Welcome back to another episode of The Conscious Salon Podcast. In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of escapism in entrepreneurship, exploring how it manifests and tips for overcoming it. From avoiding responsibilities to engaging in high-risk behaviours, we discuss how escapism affects business owners and practical steps to create a life you don't need to escape from. Tune in for in...

In this episode of the Conscious Salon Podcast, hosts Nicola and Tess introduce the 'Ah Well' theory, a mindset that has transformed their approach to stress and anxiety. Joined by guest Rache Mahon, they discuss how this philosophy, born from the need to relinquish control and stop sweating the small stuff, has impacted their professional and personal lives. They explore the origins of...

In this episode, Nicola and Tessa discuss the revolutionary changes at their salon, The Conscious Salon, which includes transitioning to a 4-day work week. The hosts share their journey from working Saturdays to eliminating them entirely to provide better work-life balance for their team. They discuss the initial resistance from team members, navigating client reactions, and the positive outcomes...

Welcome back to the Conscious Salon Podcast! Today we have a very special guest, Louisa Shaw, founder of Luca Hare and The Colour Society. Louisa joins us for a spontaneous and enlightening conversation about the importance of client consultations in the hairdressing industry. Starting her business in 2013 from her garage, Louisa has grown Luca Hare into a successful salon in regional Wangaratta b...

In this episode of The Conscious Salon Podcast, we welcome Tess back after her six-week maternity leave. Tess candidly shares her experiences of becoming a mother, from the nerve-wracking moments of early labor to the euphoric birth of her son River.  She discusses the challenges and revelations she faced while balancing motherhood with running multiple businesses.  Join us as we delve into the em...

Join us in this episode of the Conscious Salon Podcast where we dive deep into handling client feedback and maintaining team alignment. Co-host Tae steps in for Tess, who is on maternity leave, to discuss a recent client experience that didn't go as planned.  We explore the importance of listening, addressing egos, and using feedback as a growth opportunity. Learn practical tips for managing...

Welcome to another solo episode of The Conscious Salon podcast. While Tess is on maternity leave, enjoying her time with her new son River, I wanted to share some valuable insights into one of our most essential practices at our brick-and-mortar salon – the client journey. In this episode, I'll provide you with our complete client journey blueprint, delving into everything from initial client...

Welcome back to The Conscious Salon podcast!  In this special episode, I chat with my amazing boyfriend, Pete Young, about our journey together over the past 17 years. Pete shares insights into his unique jobs, including working at a fruit shop and running a cactus farm. We delve into the challenges we've faced, especially in balancing our relationship with my demanding role as a salon owner....

In this episode of the Conscious Salon podcast, Nicola welcomes back guest Rache Mahon. Rache reflects on her promise to keep things together during this recording, especially after a previous experience that went awry. The conversation dives into Rache's year-long journey of transitioning off the tools at Pearl and Sage in Bendigo, focusing on nurturing and growing her team. Rache also talks...

Welcome back to the Conscious Salon Podcast! Join us as we sit down with our special guest, Tae, who shares her incredible journey of personal and professional growth through mentorship.  From her initial overwhelming experience at a personal development conference to becoming a key part of our team, Tae reveals how various mentorships have impacted her role and mindset. Listen in to hear about th...

In this special episode of The Conscious Salon Podcast, we're recording live from the salon and I have the pleasure of introducing our newest team member, Jess.  Join us as Jess shares her incredible journey over the past few years: from being a successful hairdresser and running her own studio, to opening a group training gym with her husband just before COVID-19 struck, and then transitioni...

Welcome to the Conscious Salon podcast! Today, I'm flying solo to share a deeply personal and transformative story about our journey into mentorship, self-development, and self-discovery. Tess and I founded Melbourne's first mindful salon 12 years ago with no experience, no money, and no clients. Despite numerous challenges and skepticism from others, we built a successful business throu...

Welcome to the Conscious Salon podcast! In this episode, Nicola and Tessa explore their past struggles with high cortisol levels and share practical tips for maintaining balance and reducing stress. As salon owners, they discuss the addiction to cortisol often found in entrepreneurs and offer three actionable steps to ensure a healthier lifestyle. Join us for an insightful conversation on achievin...

In this deeply emotional episode of The Conscious Salon podcast, we dive into our personal experiences with loss and grief, sharing stories of loved ones who have passed away and the impact of those events on our lives. Tess discusses the emotional challenges of losing her best friend Allie, while Nicky opens up about her experience with pregnancy loss. We reflect on how these traumatic moments ha...