The Conscious Salon

Hosted by Nicola and Tessa

Business Entrepreneurship Health Fitness

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Episodes

210

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

September 6, 2026Episode 21245 min

My Adult ADHD Diagnosis as a Salon Owner with Jess Lewis

You can look like you've got everything together on the outside while your brain is running at full volume on the inside. In this episode, Nic and Tess sit down with salon owner and educator Jess Lewis for a raw, funny, and deeply relatable conversation about being diagnosed with ADHD as an adult—and why so many women spend years believing what they're experiencing is simply anxiety, overwhelm, or the pressure of having too much on their plate. Jess opens up about what finally prompted her to seek answers, what sensory overload feels like in real time, and how intrusive thoughts and mental spirals can affect relationships, parenting, confidence, and the way you show up as a business owner. The conversation also explores the reality of running a fully booked salon in a challenging economy while raising three children and carrying the constant responsibility that comes with business ownership and motherhood. Jess shares how hormones, exhaustion, and never-ending demands can impact your capacity—and why understanding what's happening in your brain can be such a powerful first step. They also get practical about what has helped Jess, from ADHD medication and creating boundaries to recognising masking, protecting her energy, and finding healthier ways to quieten the noise. Most importantly, this is a conversation about normalising the messy middle and creating space for women to talk honestly about what they're experiencing without shame. In this episode, you'll learn: 🧠 What led Jess to seek an ADHD diagnosis as an adult 💭 Why ADHD symptoms in women can sometimes be mistaken for anxiety or overwhelm 🔊 What sensory overload, intrusive thoughts, and mental spirals can actually feel like 👩‍👧‍👦 How ADHD, motherhood, hormones, and exhaustion can affect your capacity 💼 The reality of managing a busy salon while trying to be present at home 💊 What Jess has found helpful in quietening the noise and managing her ADHD 🚧 Why boundaries are essential for protecting your energy and capacity 🤍 How masking can affect the way neurodivergent women show up at work and in relationships 🌱 Why normalising the messy middle can help women feel less alone Whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD, are beginning to question your own experiences, or simply feel like your brain never stops running, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone—and that understanding yourself can change everything. To follow our journey: Instagram @aheadhair_ @the_conscious_salon

August 30, 2026Episode 21123 min

How our Salon Manager Feels about Us Selling the Salon

Selling a salon might look clean and straightforward on paper—but living through it is anything but. In this episode, Nic and Tess are joined by Team Leader Tae for an honest conversation about what it's really like to navigate a salon sale from inside the team. With the business changing hands and the new owner coming from within the existing team, Tae shares the mix of sadness, excitement, overwhelm, and fresh energy that comes with what feels like the end of an era . They explore what happens to team culture when the ground starts shifting, how leaders can create stability during uncertain times, and the difficult question of when to tell your team about a potential sale. From communication and trust to managing expectations when timelines change, this conversation gets real about the human side of business transitions. The conversation also goes beyond the sale itself and into capacity, time management, and leadership focus . After an intense 24 hours of filming a leadership course, planning future podcast episodes, running a private client session, and still showing up to record, Nic and Tess unpack the belief that "I don't have enough time", and how distractions can quietly take us away from the work that actually moves our business forward. Because getting off the salon floor to think, plan, and lead isn't a luxury. It's part of building a healthy, sustainable business. In this episode, you'll learn: 💭 What it really feels like for a team leader when their salon is being sold ❤️ How to navigate sadness, excitement, uncertainty, and change within a team 🗣️ When to tell your team about a potential sale—and when to wait 🤝 How trust and communication can protect your team culture during major transitions 🧠 Why distractions can quietly steal your leadership capacity ⏰ How to rethink the belief that you simply don't have enough time 🚪 Why getting off the salon floor creates space for better leadership and decision-making 🌱 How stepping aside can be a powerful act of conscious leadership when it's time for a new chapter Whether you're a salon owner considering a sale, a team leader navigating change, or a business owner thinking about succession planning, this episode offers an honest look at the emotional and practical realities of handing over a business you've built. Sometimes leadership means holding the team steady through change. And sometimes, it means having the courage to step out of the room and make space for what's next. To follow our journey: Instagram @aheadhair_ @the_conscious_salon

August 23, 2026Episode 21043 min

How to sell retail with Sonia Tomas the Salon Doctor

Does recommending retail products make you feel pushy or "salesy"? You're not alone. But what if you've been looking at it the wrong way? In this episode, Nic and Tess sit down with Sonia Tomas, also known as The Salon Doctor, to unpack one of the biggest mindset shifts every salon owner and stylist needs to make: selling isn't about making more money, it's about serving your clients well. Drawing on more than 37 years in the hair industry and helping salons generate over $8 million in retail sales, Sonia shares why so many teams struggle to recommend products, the limiting beliefs holding them back, and how a simple shift in perspective can transform both the client experience and your salon's profitability. If you've ever felt uncomfortable recommending retail, this episode will completely change the way you think about sales. In this episode, you'll learn: 💡 Why selling is really about serving your clients—not pushing products 🧠 The mindset blocks stopping salon teams from confidently recommending retail 💬 How asking better questions leads to better client outcomes 🎯 Why consultations should focus on solving problems, not making sales 💰 How creating value naturally increases retail sales and client trust 🤝 Why your clients actually want your professional advice 🚀 Practical ways to increase retail sales without feeling pushy or uncomfortable Whether you're a salon owner wanting to grow your business or a stylist looking to build more confidence with client recommendations, this episode is packed with practical advice you can implement immediately. To follow Sonia's journey: https://www.instagram.com/thesalondr/ To follow our journey: Instagram @aheadhair_ @the_conscious_salon

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