The Conscious Salon

Hosted by Nicola and Tessa

Business Entrepreneurship Health Fitness

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Episodes

208

Latest episode

Aug 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

August 16, 2026Episode 20945 min

Meet the New Owner of Our Salon with Jess Attard

What happens when a team member who wants more progression ends up holding the keys to the salon? In this episode, Nic and Tess sit down with Jess Attard, the new owner of Ahead , to share the real story behind their salon sale. What may look simple from the outside was actually a journey filled with leadership, trust, timing, courage, and a whole lot of patience. Jess shares her winding path from hairdressing to running a home studio, managing a gym, stepping into the corporate world, and eventually finding her way back to the industry she loved. She opens up about the personal challenges that shaped her, the pressure she puts on herself, and the mindset shift required to move from being a team member to becoming the person responsible for leading a growing business. Then they go behind the scenes of the salon purchase itself, from the initial conversations and negotiations to lawyers, accountants, lease transfers, landlord approvals, and the long periods of waiting when nothing seemed to be moving. Throughout the conversation, Nic, Tess, and Jess share what helped them protect their relationship through the transition and why a successful succession is about so much more than signing paperwork. It's about trust, communication, and creating an opportunity where both the outgoing and incoming owner can step into their next chapter with confidence. In this episode, you'll learn: 💇‍♀️ How Jess went from team member to becoming the owner of a thriving salon 🌱 Why creating opportunities for team progression can completely change someone's career 🧠 The mindset shift required to step from employee into leadership and ownership ❤️ How personal challenges can shape the way you lead and build your business 🤝 Why trust and strong relationships are essential when selling a business to someone you know 📋 What the salon purchase process actually looks like behind the scenes ⏳ The reality of navigating lawyers, accountants, leases, landlords, and unexpected delays 🚀 Jess's vision for creating more opportunities for her team and building deeper community connection Whether you're a hairdresser dreaming of salon ownership, a salon owner thinking about succession, or a team member ready for your next level of growth, Jess's story offers an honest look at what it really takes to make that transition. Sometimes the biggest opportunities begin with simply having the courage to say, "What if I could?" To follow our journey: Instagram @aheadhair_ @the_conscious_salon

August 9, 2026Episode 20820 min

We Sold Our Salon: Why We Walked Away After 13 Years

What happens when the business you've poured your heart into no longer feels like the room you're meant to be in? In this honest and emotional episode, Nic and Tess open up about the decision to sell their salon and the leadership lessons they've learned throughout the process. Together, they discuss the emotions of letting go, navigating change as a team, communicating openly during uncertain seasons, and why creating a self-led business sometimes means stepping aside so someone else can take it even further. Whether you're considering selling your business, stepping into a new season, or simply wondering if you've outgrown the role you're in, this conversation is a powerful reminder that leadership isn't about holding on. It's about knowing when to let go. In this episode, you'll learn: 🌱 How to recognise when you've outgrown the business you built 💭 Why letting go can be one of the greatest acts of leadership 🤝 The importance of honest communication during seasons of change ❤️ How to support your team through uncertainty and transition 🚀 Why building a self-led business creates opportunities for everyone to grow 💡 The mindset shift that helped Nic and Tess confidently sell their salon 🌟 How stepping out of one room creates space for someone else—and yourself—to thrive If you're navigating change, wrestling with a big decision, or wondering what the next chapter looks like, this episode will encourage you to trust your instincts, embrace growth, and lead with courage. To follow our journey: Instagram @aheadhair_ @the_conscious_salon

August 2, 2026Episode 20723 min

Founders on the Couch: Our team leader put us in the hot seat

What happens when your own team puts you in the hot seat? In this special episode, the tables are turned as Team Leader Tae takes over the podcast, asking Nic and Tess the questions they weren't expecting. What starts as a fun role reversal quickly becomes one of the most honest and vulnerable conversations they've ever shared. Together, they reflect on the moments that shaped who they are as leaders, from childhood experiences and personal challenges to grief, motherhood, business ownership, and the lessons that continue to influence how they lead today. This isn't a conversation about having all the answers. It's about becoming more self-aware, leading with intention, and recognising that great leadership begins with understanding yourself. In this episode, you'll learn: 🎙️ What happened when Nic and Tess swapped seats and became the ones answering the questions 🌱 How childhood experiences continue to shape leadership, relationships, and decision-making 🧠 Why nervous system regulation is one of the most underrated leadership skills ❤️ The lessons grief, motherhood, and challenging seasons taught them about resilience 💬 How "proving energy" can quietly impact the way you lead your team and your life ⏳ Why you don't need to have everything figured out by a certain age 🌟 The leadership moments they're most proud of, and why they have nothing to do with business success Whether you're leading a salon, growing a business, or simply navigating a season of personal growth, this episode is a reminder that conscious leadership starts from within. To follow our journey: Instagram @aheadhair_ @the_conscious_salon

July 26, 2026Episode 20648 min

The leadership lessons that built multiple award-winning salons | Maria Unali

What does it really take to build a salon that thrives without relying on you every single day? In this episode, Nic and Tess sit down with award-winning salon owner Maria Unali to explore the leadership journey behind building multiple successful salons, creating an incredible team culture, and learning how to step back without sacrificing growth. Maria shares the lessons she's learned over decades in the industry, from taking over her father's salon, navigating motherhood while growing a business, embracing conscious leadership, and using AI to streamline operations and create more freedom. This is an honest conversation about leadership, resilience, personal growth, and building a business that supports the life you want to live. In this episode, you'll learn: 💼 How Maria built multiple award-winning salons and a thriving salon culture 🌱 Why conscious leadership transformed the way she leads her team 🤝 The importance of hiring for values and building long-term team alignment 👩‍👧 How motherhood changed her approach to leadership and business 💬 Why the conversations you avoid today become the problems you face tomorrow 🚀 How to create a salon that can grow without relying on you every day 🤖 How AI is helping salon owners save time, create systems, and lead more effectively Whether you're growing your first salon or leading a large team, Maria's story is packed with practical leadership lessons and mindset shifts that will leave you thinking differently about what it means to build a successful business. To follow Maria's journey: https://www.instagram.com/maria_unali/ To follow our journey: Instagram @aheadhair_ @the_conscious_salon

July 19, 2026Episode 20517 min

How to build a SALES focused team

Building a sales-focused team isn't about teaching better sales scripts—it's about building confidence. In this episode, Nic and Tess unpack one of the biggest reasons salon teams struggle to sell, recommend premium services, or confidently charge their prices. The answer isn't a lack of skill. It's often a team's relationship with money, self-worth, and the beliefs they've developed over time. They explore how money mindset influences sales conversations, why people-pleasing can lead to undercharging, and how salon owners can coach their teams through these challenges with curiosity instead of judgment. If you want a team that confidently recommends what's best for clients, charges appropriately, and contributes to a thriving salon business, this episode is for you. In this episode, you'll learn: 💰 Why money mindset has a direct impact on your team's sales performance 🧠 How limiting beliefs stop stylists from confidently recommending premium services ❤️ The connection between people-pleasing and undercharging clients 🔍 How to uncover the real reason your team avoids selling or upgrading treatments 🗣️ Coaching strategies that build confidence instead of creating shame 🚀 Practical steps to help your team confidently charge their worth and create a stronger sales culture To follow our journey: Instagram @aheadhair_ @the_conscious_salon

July 12, 2026Episode 20421 min

If you can't leave your salon for a month... This episode is for YOU

Are you so busy working in your business that you've stopped working ON it? In this episode, Nic, Tess and Tae unpack one of the biggest reasons salon owners stay stuck, and it's not a lack of technical skill. If you're constantly behind the chair, putting out fires, struggling to find time for leadership, planning or growing your business, this conversation is your wake-up call. We dive into: ✨ Why taking time off the salon floor is one of the best investments you can make 📈 The difference between being a great hairdresser and becoming a great business owner 💰 Why leadership, marketing and numbers matter more than another colouring or cutting course 🤝 How investing in yourself creates a stronger team culture and a more profitable business 🚀 The mindset shifts that helped us build a business that doesn't rely on the owner being behind the chair every day Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck on the hamster wheel, or wondering why your salon isn't growing despite working harder than ever, this episode will challenge the way you think about business ownership. If you're ready to stop surviving and start leading, this conversation is for you. Ready to take the next step? 🔥 Limited seats remaining for Off the Floor! 🔥 Join us for our intimate two-day retreat designed for salon owners who are ready to step out of the day-to-day, strengthen their leadership, master their numbers, and build a salon that thrives without relying on them every minute of the day. 📍 QT Gold Coast 📅 7–8 September 2026 🎟️ Strictly limited to 36 salon owners With only a handful of spots left, now is the time to invest in yourself and your business. Secure your ticket now: https://the-conscious-salon.circle.so/off-the-floor To follow our journey: Instagram @aheadhair_ @the_conscious_salon

July 5, 202620 min

We've had 532 hours of team sick leave in 12 weeks. The crisis that revealed our Salon Culture.

What happens when two senior team members are suddenly off work, hundreds of hours of leave stack up, clients need to be rescheduled, and then your salon ceiling collapses? That was our reality . In this episode, we're taking you behind the scenes of one of the most challenging seasons we've experienced as salon owners. From unexpected injuries and staffing shortages to a flooded salon and a ceiling literally caving in during a fully booked day, we're sharing what happened in real time—and what it taught us about leadership, resilience, and culture. Because here's the truth: culture isn't built when everything is going well. It's revealed when things aren't . This conversation is an honest look at navigating pressure, supporting a team through uncertainty, and what leadership actually looks like when the plan falls apart. Inside this episode: ✨ The unexpected challenges that tested our business all at once 👥 Managing a salon with key team members suddenly off the floor 📅 Navigating client expectations during staffing shortages 💥 The day our salon ceiling collapsed and flooded the salon 🧠 How stress compounds when your reserves are already low 💪 The leadership decisions that matter most during difficult seasons 🤝 What real salon culture looks like when everyone is under pressure 🌱 How challenges create opportunities for team growth and development ❤️ The power of communication, ownership, and supporting each other through adversity 🔥 Why your hardest seasons often reveal your strongest foundations This episode isn't about having all the answers. It's about showing you the reality behind running a business, leading a team, and navigating the moments that don't make it onto Instagram. If you're currently facing challenges in your salon or business, we hope this conversation reminds you that you're not alone—and that some of the most important growth happens when things don't go to plan. Join Us Live This September If 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 🎟️ Strictly limited to 36 salon owners Learn more and secure your ticket: https://the-conscious-salon.circle.so/off-the-floor To follow our journey: Instagram @aheadhair_ @the_conscious_salon

June 28, 2026Episode 20251 min

From Luxury Business Owner to Rock Bottom: The Untold Story of La La Nails

Some business stories are about growth. This one is about survival, resilience, and finding the courage to begin again. In this episode, we sit down with Samantha Camilleri, nail artist, entrepreneur, and founder of Herr Co., to talk about the reality behind building a successful beauty brand, and what happens when everything you've worked for is suddenly taken away. Starting from home with a small client base and a big vision , Samantha built La La Nail into a sought-after brand known for its luxury experience, strong community, and loyal following. But while the business was thriving on the outside, a series of devastating events would eventually force her to close the doors on the salon she had poured her heart into creating. For the first time, Samantha shares the emotional toll of losing her business, navigating public pressure, rebuilding her identity, and finding the strength to create a new chapter after unimaginable setbacks. This is a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and what it really takes to keep moving forward when life doesn't go to plan. Inside this episode: ✨ Building a beauty brand from the ground up 💅 Creating a loyal client community and luxury salon experience 💰 The business lessons nobody teaches you early on 💔 Losing something you've invested years of your life into 🌪️ Navigating grief, trauma, and the emotional impact of starting over 🔁 Rebuilding your confidence after major setbacks 💪 Backing yourself when nothing feels certain 🌱 Reinvention, growth, and stepping into a new chapter with Herr Co. 🤝 The role of support, mentorship, and community during difficult seasons 💛 Redefining success on your own terms This conversation is honest, vulnerable, and deeply inspiring for anyone who's faced adversity, experienced loss, or found themselves rebuilding from the ground up. If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs the reminder that setbacks don't have to be the end of the story. 📲 Follow Samantha on Instagram: @herr.co_ @samantha.camilleri Join Us Live This September If 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 🎟️ Strictly limited to 36 salon owners Learn more and secure your ticket: https://the-conscious-salon.circle.so/off-the-floor To follow our journey: Instagram @aheadhair_ @the_conscious_salon

June 21, 2026Episode 20123 min

We Almost Walked Away from Our Business (Here’s What Saved It)

Every successful business has challenges behind the scenes. This episode is about one of ours. For the first time, we're sharing how close we came to walking away—not just from our business, but from our partnership as sisters. What looked strong on the outside was carrying pressure, frustration, and patterns we didn't fully understand. It wasn't until we committed to doing the work together that things began to change. In this honest and vulnerable conversation, we unpack the lessons that transformed the way we communicate , navigate conflict , and lead both our business and our relationship . Whether you're working with family, leading a team, managing a partnership, or simply trying to improve an important relationship in your life, this episode will give you practical tools and powerful mindset shifts you can apply immediately. Inside this episode: ✨ The hidden pressure that can build when you work closely with someone you love 💭 Why conflict is rarely about who's right and who's wrong 🔄 How opposite conflict styles can create ongoing tension and misunderstanding 🧠 The mindset shift that changed everything: seeking to understand before being understood ⚡ The "Auto vs Manual" framework and how it transformed our communication 🚩 The warning signs most people ignore until it's too late 🛠️ Why waiting for things to get bad is one of the biggest mistakes you can make 🤝 How we rebuilt trust, respect, and connection when things felt stretched too far 🌿 The role emotional responsibility plays in leadership and relationships ❤️ What to do when the other person isn't meeting you halfway This isn't just a conversation about therapy. It's a conversation about growth, self-awareness, leadership, and the courage to work on the relationships that matter most. If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. Join Us Live This September If 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 🎟️ Strictly limited to 36 salon owners Learn more and secure your ticket: https://the-conscious-salon.circle.so/off-the-floor To follow our journey: Instagram @aheadhair_ @the_conscious_salon

June 14, 2026Episode 20047 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 are This 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_cprhair Join Us Live This September If 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 available Secure your ticket and learn more : https://the-conscious-salon.circle.so/off-the-floor To follow our journey: Instagram @aheadhair_ @the_conscious_salon