Shows
The Conscious SalonThe REVIVE RetreatWelcome 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 wasn't about business strategy, team management or systems. This retreat was focused entirely on the human behind the business. It was about pausing, breathing, and reviving.In...2025-06-0841 minThe Conscious SalonOur team are strugglingIn 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 up as leaders without losing themselves in the process.If you’re a business owner or team leader who deeply cares about creating a safe space while also maintaining your own emotional boun...2025-05-1131 minThe Conscious SalonThe Ah Well TheoryIn 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 the theory, its practical applications, and its alignment with Mel Robbins' 'Let Them' theory. Listen in as they share their journey towards adopting a more relaxed and solution-oriented outlook.To follow our journey:...2025-04-2729 minThe Conscious SalonWe ditched SaturdaysIn 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 they've achieved. The episode also underscores their commitment to empowerment, connection, and freedom, highlighting the benefits and challenges of this significant change in their business model. Tune in to hear how this bold move impacted their team, clients, and overall...2025-04-2037 minThe Conscious SalonWhy bigger isn't always betterIn 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 about the launch of season two of her podcast, The One Left Behind, which chronicles her adoption story and search for her biological family. Highlighting the massive transition from being heavily involved in the business to a...2025-03-0930 minThe Conscious SalonYou are choosing a high cortisol lifeWelcome 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 achieving work-life harmony.To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salonThis podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative2025-02-0931 minThe Conscious SalonYou have leaky boundariesIn this episode of The Conscious Salon podcast, hosts Nicola and Tessa embark on a discussion about the importance of setting boundaries, particularly in the context of managing a salon. They discuss their own experiences with having leaky boundaries, the evolution of their management style, and how they’ve achieved a balance that benefits both their professional and personal lives. The episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for salon owners and anyone struggling to establish healthy boundaries in a work environment.To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salonThis po...2025-01-2635 minThe Conscious SalonYou need a word for the yearIn this episode of The Conscious Salon Podcast, hosts Nicola and Tessa discuss setting their words for 2025. They explore the significance of these words and how they plan to implement them in their lives. They also express gratitude for the journey of self-discovery and shared experiences. The episode concludes by encouraging listeners to find their own words for the year.To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salonThis podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative2025-01-1940 minThe Conscious SalonThe Intention Setting EpisodeIn this episode of The Conscious Salon podcast, Nicola and Tess guide listeners through part two of their reflection and intention-setting series for 2025. They invite listeners to find a comfortable space and engage deeply with ten prompts aimed at enhancing their salon's values, client experience, leadership, teamwork, efficiency, and overall achievement by the end of 2025. The episode concludes by encouraging listeners to choose a word to embody their aspirations for the year and share their goals for added accountability. Follow their journey on Instagram for more insights and updates.To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_...2025-01-0513 minThe Conscious SalonThe Reflection EpisodeIn this episode of The Conscious Salon podcast, Nicola and Tessa guide salon and clinic owners through a reflective journey of the year 2024. They then introduce a series of ten reflective prompts aimed at evaluating accomplishments, growth, challenges, leadership, and gratitude throughout the year. Listeners are encouraged to find a comfortable space, gather their journals, and participate in this introspective exercise. The episode is sponsored by Revlon Professional Australia.To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salonThis podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative2024-12-2912 minThe Conscious SalonOur lessons from 2024In this episode of The Conscious Salon podcast, Nicola and Tessa delve deep into their reflections and biggest lessons of the year, including the importance of alignment, understanding ego, effective communication, and the transformative power of curiosity over reactivity. Personal anecdotes and professional insights highlight the significance of these lessons in both business and personal developmentTo follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salonThis podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative2024-12-2233 minThe Conscious SalonHave respect for your cancellation policyIn this episode of The Conscious Salon podcast, hosts Nicola and Tessa discuss the importance of enforcing cancellation policies in the salon business. They reflect on the balance needed between holding firm to policies and showing compassion for clients facing extreme circumstances. The hosts share personal experiences and practical tips on how to address last-minute cancellations and no-shows while maintaining professional standards.To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salonThis podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative2024-12-0832 minThe Conscious SalonQuestions to ask in an interviewIn this episode of The Conscious Salon podcast, hosts Tessa and Nicola discuss the importance of managing expectations for both job seekers and employers. They delve into an in-depth guide on conducting interviews at The Conscious Salon, including their structured approach to phone interviews, in-person interviews, and skills tests. The hosts share valuable tips for making candidates feel at ease, understanding their motivations, and articulating business values. They also emphasize the importance of patience and a careful vetting process to find the right team members.To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salon2024-12-0135 minThe Conscious SalonImproving your salon team cultureIn this episode of the Conscious Salon Podcast, hosts Nicola and Tessa dive deep into essential tips on improving salon culture and teamwork. Through empowering leadership, collaboration, maintaining consistency, engaging in activities outside the salon, and personal understanding, the hosts offer five key strategies to foster a supportive and cohesive salon environment.To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salonThis podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative2024-11-2428 minThe Conscious SalonWe *almost* won a Business AwardIn this episode of The Conscious Salon podcast, Nicola and Tessa discuss their experiences at the local Business Awards, where they humorously recount their anticipation and eventual disappointment at not winning the Innovation Award. The episode covers their views on the importance of community recognition and maintaining focus on personal business goals despite external validation. To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salonThis podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative2024-10-0631 minThe Conscious SalonIf you struggle to take time off in business...In this episode of the Conscious Salon Podcast, hosts Nicola and Tessa, focus on the importance of taking holidays for business owners, real talk about work-life balance, and ensuring effective delegation. Tessa provides valuable tips on how to truly switch off during a holiday and the hosts reflect on their growth, role in their businesses, and maintaining peace of mind while away from work. To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salonThis podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative2024-09-2939 minThe Conscious SalonOur definition of success might surprise youIn this episode of 'The Conscious Salon Podcast,' hosts Nicola and Tessa delve into the definitions of success, emphasising personal values, financial freedom, and overcoming societal expectations, particularly for women. Tessa and Nicola encourage listeners to reflect on what success means to them, urging them to live authentically and without fear of judgment. This episode is a blend of profound insights and empowerment for personal growth.To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salonThis podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative2024-09-2239 minThe Conscious SalonIs comparison thieving your joy?In this episode of The Conscious Salon Podcast, hosts Nicola and Tessa delve into the challenge of comparison in business, particularly when a new competitor salon opens nearby. They share personal anecdotes, discuss strategies for focusing on one's own strengths, and emphasise the importance of developing self-trust. With insightful tips on business pricing and staying true to one's values, this episode offers a mix of humour and practical advice. Join Nicola and Tessa as they explore how to navigate comparison, enhance business practices, and cultivate a supportive industry environment.To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_...2024-09-1536 minThe Conscious SalonRevlon Professional took us to CairnsIn this episode of The Conscious Salon podcast, Nicola and Tess record from Cairns while attending the Revlon Professional Client Conference. Highlights include discussing fashion designer Alexandra Smart's keynote on balancing creativity and logistics in business, and an inspiring talk by Olympic gold medalist Steven Bradbury about perseverance. The hosts also dive into the exciting product announcements from Revlon and their participation in a salon owners' panel. To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salonThis podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative2024-09-0837 minThe Conscious SalonThe Conscious BabyIn this episode of The Conscious Salon podcast, hosts Nicola and Tess delve into Tess' personal experience of pregnancy while managing their dual businesses. Tess candidly shares the emotional roller coaster of conceiving after months of trying, balancing the demands of business, and the decision to not breastfeed. She expresses gratitude for the support from her partner Mick and loved ones. The discussion also includes practical tips on managing expectations, slowing down, and trusting one's instincts. To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salonThis podcast has been produced and edited b...2024-09-0151 minThe Conscious SalonWhat triggers you?In this episode of The Conscious Salon podcast, Nicola and Tess discuss their personal triggers and how they manage them. They explore the importance of self-awareness and personal development in acknowledging and overcoming these triggers. Through personal anecdotes and examples from their professional lives, they provide insights on how to approach triggers both within oneself and in interacting with others. The episode also touches on their experiences in the beauty industry and the significance of supportive communities. Listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own triggers and embrace personal growth.To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_2024-08-2539 minThe Conscious Salon"Turning down the inner critic."On this week's episode, prepare to explore the caverns of personal development and the art of leadership. From the surprising revelations of my first bra fitting to the pivotal shift from being the "cool boss" to a leader who owns their mistakes, we traverse the landscape of self-care and the metamorphosis that comes with it. We get deep into the psyche, discussing how self-talk shapes our personal and professional lives, and cap things off with a candid look at the importance of vocalizing our struggles—reminding everyone that sometimes, just letting off steam is the best...2024-01-2144 minThe Conscious Salon"We are not doing the same shit we did in 2023."This week at the Conscious Salon, we're thrilled to share the buzz from our Conscious Salon masterclass and the upcoming Conscious Business Retreat that's shaping up to be a transformative haven for beauty industry enthusiasts. Plus, don't miss your chance to chime in on the Hot Girl Hotline—we're all ears for your thoughts on beauty, hair, and the conscious lifestyle.As we wrap up another episode brimming with personal anecdotes and industry wisdom, we're sending out a virtual hug to you, our fantastic listeners. The community we've built together is the heartbeat of this podcast, and yo...2024-01-1436 minThe Conscious Salon"Did the water at your basin just go cold?"Salon life isn't just about the glam; it's a roller coaster of hot water crises right before the holidays, team reshuffles, and the thrill of sharing a client's financial success. This episode peels back the curtain on the importance of alignment within a team, the resilience needed to keep a business afloat, and the power of a good debrief. Whether it's overcoming icy showers or celebrating the wins that we've carved out, we're all about keeping it real with stories that resonate, advice that inspires, and a touch of gratitude that ties it all together.Wrapping up...2024-01-0745 minThe Conscious SalonThe Intention Setting EpisodeAre you ready to start 2024 with a fresh perspective and a solid plan? Welcome fellow explorers, as we journey together through the realms of personal growth, financial awareness, and the delicate balance of work and family life. We kick-start our conversation by setting our intentions for 2024, focusing on the balance between work, family, and self, and embarking on the path of creating a serene mind amidst the chaos of life.In this riveting exchange of thoughts, we delve into the role of money in our lives. Can mindfulness with money transform our relationships? Absolutely! We'll discuss the...2023-12-3145 minThe Conscious SalonThe Reflection EpisodeImagine closing your eyes, letting go of the past, and setting your intentions for a fresh, exciting year ahead. That's exactly what we've been doing at the Conscious Salon, and we're inviting you to join us. As we bid adieu to another eventful year, we take you on a reflective journey, pouring our hearts and thoughts into our journals, reminiscing the good and the not-so-good moments, and mapping out our grand plans for the future. We even give you a little glimpse into how this podcast has shaped our lives, both professionally and personally.Our story doesn't...2023-12-2450 minThe Conscious Salon"This is how we stay calm at Christmas."Ready to conquer the holiday rush with grace and efficiency? Join us as we navigate the wild world of salon management during the busiest season of the year. Reflecting on our hectic week, we dive into the nitty-gritty of salon chaos and share the hurdles we've faced, from schedule blunders to new client jitters. We assure you, it's not all hair-pulling and tinsel tangle, as we share our stress management strategies and dish out advice for fellow salon professionals.Ever had a last-minute cancellation throw a wrench in your neatly planned schedule? We've been there too. But...2023-12-1738 minThe Conscious Salon"I never thought we would tell this story."Welcome to a special edition of Conscious Salon podcast, beaming straight from the Gold Coast! Join us as we share the space with our dear friend, Rache Mahon, and her vivacious daughter, Allegra, for some raw, unfiltered conversations about the trials and tribulations of our business journey. Ever pondered what could possibly be so outrageous that it prompts a professional to sever ties with a client? We have, and we're holding nothing back while discussing it. As we peel back the layers of our adventures in the hairdressing industry, get ready for some jaw-dropping tales of banning c...2023-12-1051 minThe Conscious Salon"I'm no longer a hairdresser, I'm a mentor."Ever wondered how to handle team members leaving for higher-paying jobs? We've got you covered as we dive into this sensitive issue, sharing our strategies and insights from the trenches of running a successful salon. As business owners and life partners, we've faced our share of physical and emotional challenges. Hear Tess reveal the realities of stepping back from daily tasks to focus on leadership and mentorship roles. We share how giving ourselves permission to surrender the small tasks can be the best decision to propel the business forward. Plus, we open up about our team dynamics, t...2023-12-0346 minThe Conscious Salon"Revlon Professional took us to Thailand"What happens when a color specialist turns to sales and marketing? That's exactly what Carla did and she'll be sharing the nitty-gritty of her career transition. It's not just about the change in job titles - it's about integrating practical skills with a new role and the challenges that come along with it. Discover how she uses her hands-on experience to effectively relay the value of products to clients and how she manages her time in a fast-paced role. All while keeping an unwavering focus on meeting client expectations.Ever wondered how to pick the right brand...2023-11-2642 minThe Conscious Salon"There are 4 phrases that will heal the world."In this episode, we unravel the secrets of client retention in the beauty industry. We talk about crafting a clear plan for clients' hair, skin, and brows, and how to communicate expectations effectively. It's about that commitment to clients, tracking rebooking and retention rates, and yes, we also touch on the impact an attractive team leader can have on retaining clients. Finally, we get personal. As busy as we are, relationships with family and friends can take a hit. So, we share our journey of self-reflection, self-care, and the importance of expressing our needs to our partners. W...2023-11-1947 minThe Conscious Salon"I'm being tested for ADHD."Ever wondered why despite all your efforts, something always seems to be amiss? A sense of being present yet detached? Nikki's seven-day challenge may hold the answers. Join us as we probe Nikki's journey on three distinct fronts - money, relationships, and health - and how the concept of 'diamond presence' transformed her approach to life. She brings an honest reflection of her experiences, sharing how eliminating podcasts and social media for a week invited more presence in her life, making her more tuned in to her needs and less susceptible to distractions.As we delve further...2023-11-1236 minThe Conscious Salon"If you don't make these changes, what's the alternative?"Running a business in the beauty and hair industry is no walk in the park. It's a delicate balancing act - keeping up with cost increases, renegotiating costs, trimming expenses, and revisiting business finances and pricing strategies regularly. We share our firsthand experiences and insights into such matters. We also delve into a candid discussion about the necessary discomfort of making business changes, including adjusting costs and deciding to no longer offer certain services. Yes, even if it means criticism or pushback.Finally, we take you through the journey of our own little venture into the hair...2023-11-0532 minThe Conscious Salon"Our team meetings along cost us over $16k per year."In this episode of "The Conscious Salon," the hosts, Nic and Tess, dive into their new course on meetings and answer some questions from their audience. The course is aimed at helping salon owners improve their team meetings and, ultimately, their businesses. They highlight the course's content, its benefits, and its affordability, emphasizing their commitment to providing valuable resources for salon owners.The episode addresses common questions about team engagement, the course's relevance for those already conducting meetings, sharing real team meetings, and concerns about the perceived lack of productivity from meetings. Throughout the discussion, N...2023-10-2941 minThe Conscious Salon"Our team meetings alone cost us over $16k per year."In this episode Nic and Tess, dive into their new course on meetings and answer some questions from their audience. Aimed at helping salon owners improve their team meetings and, ultimately, their businesses. They highlight the course's content, its benefits, and its affordability, emphasizing their commitment to providing valuable resources for salon owners.The episode addresses common questions about team engagement, the course's relevance for those already conducting meetings, sharing real team meetings, and concerns about the perceived lack of productivity from meetings. Throughout the discussion, Nic and Tess stress the importance of effective meetings f...2023-10-2941 minThe Conscious Salon"We spent $5,000 in 40 minutes."Get ready for a unique take on Christmas parties as we share our past experiences. From an unforgettable event crafted with a $10,000 budget to a helicopter ride transporting our team to a private house in Victoria, we leave no stone unturned! Recollections of our past Christmas parties, complete with escape rooms, extravagant dinners, and the infamous "Nudey Runs", serve as an important reminder of why experiences trump gifts every single time. Dying to know how to throw an unforgettable holiday party of your own? Don’t fret; we’ve got you covered with some out-of-the-box ideas.Lastly, we p...2023-10-2243 minThe Conscious Salon"There's a single phrase that changed my leadership."VWe've got a new episode of Conscious Salon that's sure to revitalize your leadership skills and take your team’s communication to the next level.Struggling to get your team on board with new changes? We share our tried-and-true strategies for team buy-in that have been instrumental in driving our business forward. We decode the art of clear communication that paves the way for understanding the rationale behind changes, and the end goals. Moreover, you'll get a peek into how we've cultivated a safe space for our team to voice their concerns and uncertainties openly. Lea...2023-10-1545 minThe Conscious Salon"Talking to everyone is talking to no one."Want to unlock the secrets to attracting your ideal clients and running a successful salon? Get ready for a deep dive into our real-life stories and experiences in the salon business, from navigating bookings and marketing strategies, to the importance of creating a space aligned with your clientele. We're pulling back the curtain on our eight-year journey to understanding our ideal client - an enlightening process filled with trial, error, and invaluable learning. We'll share how our clientele has evolved over the years and how clarity on who we want to serve has transformed our business. You'll g...2023-10-0836 minThe Conscious Salon"75% of problems in salons can be solved with this."What happens when you combine the zest of salon life with the insights of transitioning careers and building supportive networks? You get a power-packed episode of the Conscious Salon podcast! Join us as our special guest Megan, a seasoned veteran of our salon, brings her unique perspective on the significance of meetings, their priority and how to establish a consistent rhythm. Not to mention, she also shares her stress-busting secrets of starting the day with a morning pump-up.So tune in and get ready for an enlightening conversation that might just change your outlook on effective meetings...2023-10-0150 minThe Conscious Salon"That was what was stuck inside your body"Have you ever wondered why despite all the love and care we show, relationships can still be challenging? Or why it’s so hard to be vulnerable, especially in leadership roles? Get ready to have your perspectives challenged and your beliefs tested as we sit down with Aesha, founder of ReKonect and co-founder of the B.Human Movement. Aesha, who's a mother herself, opens up about her refreshing take on motherhood, how it's shaped her risk tolerance, and nurtured her curiosity towards life. You'll get an insightful look into her work as a facilitator and the loving communities she fo...2023-09-241h 05The Conscious Salon"Our biggest mistake was booking this client in."Having a salon isn't just about great haircuts and colour; it's about creating a serene, mindful space for our clients. Unfortunately, not everyone fits into that philosophy. We've had our fair share of unaligned clients, and in this episode, we share some hard-earned wisdom on how to handle such situations. Ever wondered if it's okay to turn away clients who don't align with your business ethics? We have some thoughts - and stories - on that.Finally, we discuss the delicate dance of managing client expectations, especially when their vision is a tad beyond your skill set...2023-09-1736 minThe Conscious Salon"I trust myself to make a return on investment."Join us as we talk about the importance of investing in yourself and your business. You'll hear us open up about our own experiences and the leaps of faith we've taken, the fear we've faced, and the life-changing revelations we've discovered along the way. Trust us, it's a journey worth making. We promise you'll walk away with a renewed sense of courage and conviction.Finally, we'll cruise into the final leg of our ride as we talk about Nic's recent certification as a human regulator. If you've ever wondered what it takes to become one, or what...2023-09-1038 min