The Conscious Salon

Hosted by Nicola and Tessa

Business Entrepreneurship Health Fitness

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Episodes

200

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-AU

About the show

Welcome to The Conscious Salon. Here for the real talk salon owners actually need. The Conscious Salon Podcast is where salon owners get clear guidance without the fluff. Hosted by Nic & Tess, we break down leadership, team culture, money, client journey, systems and numbers into simple moves you can use this week. Expect straight talk, real stories, lots of laughs and practical frameworks that help you lead well, grow profit, and have a life outside the salon. You will hear from salon owners, industry leaders and working mums who have done the hard yards. We cover mindset that holds under pressure, meetings that improve your team culture, and the habits that build a self led team. Follow the show and start with leadership posture, client journey design, and money mindset. Listen in, implement, and stay conscious.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 14, 2026Episode 20049 min

The Reinvention Story Every Business Owner Needs to Hear | Natalie Chadwick

Natalie Chadwick's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and learning to trust yourself through every chapter of life.In this episode, Natalie shares her journey from starting hairdressing at 16, to salon ownership, building a music career, navigating single motherhood, and overcoming significant financial challenges before stepping into her role as Global Creative Director at CPR Hair.This conversation goes beyond career milestones. It's an honest look at what it takes to rebuild when life doesn't go to plan, how to keep moving forward through uncertainty, and why backing yourself can change everything.We also discuss an exciting new chapter for CPR Hair, including what's ahead for the brand and the opportunities emerging within the hair industry.If you've ever questioned your next move, faced setbacks, or found yourself starting over, this episode is for you.Inside this episode:✨ Starting a career in hairdressing at just 16 years old🏢 The realities of salon ownership and the lessons learned along the way💸 What nobody teaches you about money, business, and financial pressure👩‍👧 Navigating single motherhood while pursuing ambitious goals🎤 Building a music career and balancing creativity with responsibility🔄 Rebuilding after setbacks and creating stability from the ground up🔥 Learning to trust yourself when the future feels uncertain🚪 Recognising opportunities and stepping into leadership🤝 The impact of mentorship, support, and being seen by the right people🌿 Creating a career and life that feels aligned with who you truly areThis is a powerful conversation about resilience, growth, and finding the courage to begin again.If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs this reminder: your next chapter can be your best one yet.Follow Natalie on Instagram: @natalie_cprhairJoin Us Live This SeptemberIf you're a salon owner ready to step away from the day-to-day and work on your business instead of constantly working in it, we'd love to see you at Off the Floor.Hosted by The Conscious Salon and Salon Society, Off the Floor is an intimate two-day event designed to help you build stronger leadership, gain financial clarity, improve your marketing, and create the systems that give you more freedom as a business owner.📍 QT Gold Coast📅 7–8 September 2026🎟️ Only 36 tickets availableSecure your ticket and learn more: https://the-conscious-salon.circle.so/off-the-floor To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salon

June 7, 2026Episode 19921 min

How to Remove Overwhelm - TRY THIS!

Your brain doesn’t need another colour-coded to-do list. It needs a circuit breaker. We start with some very real-life Easter chaos (including questionable chocolate choices and parenting economics), then we get straight into what we’re seeing across salons right now: overcomplication, overwhelm, and decision paralysis that keeps good salon owners stuck in ideation instead of execution. We share the framework we keep coming back to when everything feels like it’s piling up: AWS. It stands for what I Actually need to do, what can Wait, and where can I Simplify. We talk through how this three-question reset helps when you’re juggling clients, leadership, content, home life, and the mental load that comes with running a business. It’s not about doing more, it’s about choosing better, faster, and with less drama. We also go a layer deeper into the uncomfortable truth: the doom spiral can be tempting. Cortisol can be addictive, and sometimes we unconsciously chase the reward of being seen as the one who has it hard. We unpack how to catch that pattern and use a simple boundary statement, “I’m not available to spiral”, then bring it back to practical action you can take today with pen and paper. If this helped, subscribe, share it with a salon owner who needs a reset, and leave a review so more people can find the AWS method.To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salon

May 31, 2026Episode 19842 min

How to Build a Salon that Runs Without You - with Loz Main

A salon can look “successful” and still be one bad day away from falling over. That’s why this chat with Loz Main, founder of Melbourne salon The Rumours Are True, hit us so hard. Loz started hairdressing young, bought her first salon at 21, and quickly learned the brutal lesson of being sold “booked out” books that didn’t exist. The hustle was real, but so was the identity wobble that comes from trying to act like a polished business owner before you’ve even finished growing up.We talk about what changes when you stop performing and start leading as yourself. Loz shares how culture, hiring, and client experience shift when you build a salon around who you actually are, not who you think you should be. And yes, we get into the wild fun too, including her legendary Christmas-week “12 days” energy boost and why a topless waiter can be a surprisingly practical staffing solution.Then the conversation turns deeper: a frightening accident at home that exposed how much the business relied on her, plus the systems she built to stop that happening again. We unpack her headset communication setup, code words, and how process can create calm without killing creativity. We also move through COVID lockdown pivots, lease stress, fertility struggles, grief, and the moment she finally held Freddie after months of fear and disbelief.If you’re a salon owner, hairdresser, or emerging leader looking for real-world salon management lessons, team culture ideas, and systems that actually work, this one is for you. Subscribe, share it with a friend in the industry, and leave a review telling us what you’re changing in your salon next.To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salon

May 24, 2026Episode 19723 min

This is why your team isn't performing

If you’ve ever promoted your best stylist into a team leader role and then wondered why nothing really changed, we get it. Leadership in a salon doesn’t fail because people don’t care. It fails when we give someone a title but no structure, no decision rights, and no time to lead. So they hesitate, they double-check everything, and you end up carrying the load anyway.We sit down with Tae and Nikki to talk about what actually works: getting painfully clear on responsibilities, building trust, and making “time off the floor” non-negotiable so a salon manager can think, plan, coach, and problem-solve. We also unpack the real-world shift that happens when a leader has permission to make calls, move clients when needed, and speak up early when they’re overwhelmed, instead of pushing through until everything cracks.One of the biggest takeaways is the safe feedback loop. We share how direct, respectful feedback (including a retreat exercise that puts truth on the table fast) helps owners and leaders make better decisions together, even when they don’t fully agree. If you’re a salon owner, clinic owner, team leader, or manager trying to build a calm, accountable, high-performing team, this one will hit home.Subscribe for more practical salon leadership conversations, share this with an owner who’s struggling to delegate, and leave a review to help the podcast reach more leaders. What’s the one responsibility you need to define clearly this week?To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salon

May 17, 2026Episode 19624 min

Your team IS NOT a 'Family'

The fastest way to lose trust with a great team? A “quick” message on their day off.In this episode, we have a real conversation about after-hours texting, busy work group chats, and the small leadership habits that can quietly turn your team’s downtime into stress. It’s something many salon owners don’t think twice about, but the impact is bigger than it seems.We start with the human side. Life happens, things come up, and sometimes it feels easier to just send the message. But if we want to lead high-performing teams, we cannot rely on constant access to our staff. What feels quick and harmless on your end can land very differently for the person receiving it, especially for newer team members or anyone already feeling pressure.We talk through what’s really happening behind the scenes when those messages come through. Tone gets lost, anxiety can build, and your team can walk into their next shift already feeling on edge.From there, we move into practical leadership shifts that make a real difference. We share how we keep communication within paid hours, how we use meetings more intentionally, and why separating work and personal channels matters more than ever.We also walk through simple tools that have helped us, like keeping a running list of notes instead of messaging in the moment, scheduling messages to send during salon hours, and setting boundaries with notifications so they are actually upheld.If you’re a salon owner, manager, or team leader who wants stronger communication, better culture, and a team that feels respected and supported, this episode will give you clear, practical steps to start with.If you enjoyed this conversation, follow the show, share it with a fellow salon owner, and leave a review. We would love to hear the boundary you are committing to this week!To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salon

May 10, 2026Episode 19523 min

How we run our salon in our busiest season

February tried to take us out. Not in a dramatic way. In the quiet, sneaky way that happens when every weekend is booked, you’re living out of a suitcase, and you still need to show up for your team, your clients, and your family with a clear head.Now that we’ve had a moment to zoom out, we’re reflecting on that season and what it taught us about leadership, pace, and staying grounded when everything feels full.In this episode, we share a behind the scenes update from the Conscious Salon world while Tae’s away. From retreats we’ve locked in, to a live event idea we may have announced before securing a venue, to navigating the momentum of saying yes to opportunities that genuinely align with our values.We also reflect on Salon Forum. The unexpected power of meeting inspiring people in real life. And a standout leadership moment where we watched someone handle disruption with total composure and what that taught us.Then we take you to Tasmania. Hobart, Spring Bay Mill glamping, outdoor showers in wild weather, long lunches, near missed flights, and that very real feeling of being both grateful and completely exhausted.If you are in the salon industry, running a small business, or moving through a busy season right now, this will feel very familiar. We talk about how to grow without losing yourself in the pace.Most importantly, we break down the two simple anchors that helped us stay regulated through it all: • A calendar that plans your whole life, not just work • A daily mindful moment to reset before the day beginsIf things have felt fast lately, this episode is your reminder to slow down, reset, and lead with more intention.👉 Follow the show, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find tools that actually help.To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salon

May 3, 2026Episode 19430 min

The One Leadership Shift that will calm your salon - featuring Julia Lambert

Chaos can look like confidence. But to your team, it often feels like stress.In this episode, we sit down with fan favourite Julia Lambert to unpack a deceptively simple leadership shift that changes everything.What starts as a story about riding a bike quickly turns into a powerful conversation about calm leadership, psychological safety, and why teams perform better when they can trust how you respond, what you prioritise, and whether you follow through.We explore how unpredictability shows up in everyday leadership. Think vague “quick chats” that instantly create anxiety, shifting priorities that kill momentum, and inconsistent reactions that leave your team second guessing everything. In a salon environment where days are full and pressure is constant, these small habits have a big ripple effect.Julia shares a practical and grounded approach to leading with more clarity and consistency. From giving your team permission to say no in a way that still supports the business, to a simple framework for handling mistakes without blame or shame.We also break down our favourite “how to work with me” blueprint. Clear expectations, simple boundaries, and communication preferences that make teamwork smoother and decisions faster.✨ In this episode, you will learn: • Why predictability builds trust and psychological safety • How unpredictable leadership creates stress and confusion • Simple ways to communicate more clearly with your team • How to manage up and prioritise without overwhelm • A better way to handle mistakes without damaging culture • How to create a “how to work with me” guide for your teamIf you want a calmer salon, a stronger team, and more consistent leadership, this episode is your reset.👉 Follow the show, share this with a leader who needs it, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salon

April 30, 2026Episode 19018 min

How to Hold Space Without Lowering Standards In Your Team

Ever found yourself in a one-on-one where a team member gets emotional… and you’re not sure whether to comfort them or hold the standard?In this episode, we unpack one of the most important leadership skills for salon owners: knowing when to hold space and when to hold accountability, without slipping into people pleasing or becoming overly harsh.This is a practical, real-world conversation designed to help you lead with clarity, confidence, and consistency in those moments that actually shape your team culture.We share: The difference between holding space and holding accountability in leadership How to support emotions without lowering standards Why rescuing or avoiding hard conversations creates bigger issues over time A simple framework for handling tough conversations with clarity How to regulate the room before trying to solve the problem The importance of naming expectations and identifying performance gaps Why SMART goals still matter in salon leadership How to set clear next steps with timelines and measurable outcomes The follow-up system that turns conversations into real behaviour change Scripts you can use immediately in one-on-ones and performance conversations How to handle repeated patterns without frustration or avoidance The balance between listening deeply and leading decisively Great leadership is not about choosing between empathy and standards. It is about learning how to hold both at the same time.If this episode helped you, follow the show for more salon leadership and team management conversations, share it with a salon owner who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find the podcast.Which phrase are you going to use first?To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salon

April 26, 2026Episode 19316 min

Why you don’t trust yourself as a salon owner (and what it’s costing you)

Your gut is speaking. The real question is… are you listening?A lot of salon owners struggle with self trust, and it shows up in ways that quietly impact everything. Decisions get delayed. Standards become inconsistent. Team issues are ignored until they turn into bigger culture problems.In this episode, we unpack what a lack of self trust actually looks like in real salon leadership. From overthinking decisions, to constantly asking for validation, to allowing behavior you already know is not aligned. These patterns are more common than you think, and they come at a cost.We also explore the people pleasing trap and the “I can change them” mindset. This is not just personal. It directly affects how you manage your team. If you have ever avoided difficult conversations, waited for the “right time” to address issues, or tried to be liked instead of respected, this conversation will hit home.You will also learn how to start rebuilding trust in yourself. We talk about how intuition shows up physically, why noticing it matters, and how to create more calm and clarity in your decision making. Plus, why having the right support system can help you lead in a more grounded and consistent way.In this episode, you will learn: • How low self trust affects your leadership and team culture • Why indecision and overthinking hold your salon back • The danger of people pleasing as a leader • How to recognize and trust your intuition • Practical ways to make more confident decisions • The role of support in becoming a stronger leaderIf you want to become a more confident salon owner and build a stronger, more aligned team, this episode is for you.Follow the show so you never miss an episode, and share this with a salon owner who needs it.To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salon

April 19, 2026Episode 19214 min

Salon Owners: You've gotta stop worrying what your team think of you

What if the only thing keeping your salon small is the story you tell yourself about what your team might think?In this episode, we talk honestly about the quiet fear that stops many salon owners from stepping off the floor. The worry about being seen as lazy, distant, or only focused on money can keep owners stuck behind the chair long after the business needs them elsewhere.We share how one simple day off the floor became the most focused strategic day of the week and eventually led to a full transition into visionary leadership. This conversation explores the shift from technician to business architect and why creating space to think, plan and lead is essential for long term growth.In this episode we share:The mindset shift from working in the salon to leading the businessWhy many owners feel guilt about stepping off the floorHow one weekly day off became a strategic leadership rhythmThe difference between technician work and visionary workHow empowering therapists and stylists improves team performanceThe numbers that actually show salon growth including rebook rate, NPS, retail conversion and wage to turnover ratioHow to communicate leadership changes without over explainingWhen to step in for difficult conversations and when to step backNavigating team perceptions around success, flexibility and leadership freedomWhy building a vision creates better pay, development and opportunity for your teamLeading a growing salon requires courage to step into the role of architect, not just technician. When the vision is clear and the culture is strong, growth becomes something the whole team benefits from.Follow the show for more conversations about salon leadership, culture and business growth, and share this episode with a salon owner who might need the reminder that working on the business is real leadership.To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salon