Salon Goals

Hosted by Lauren Lappin

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201

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Salon Goals is where we talk about what actually goes into running a profitable, sustainable beauty business — the kind that doesn’t rely on you being everywhere, and doing everything, all the time. I’m Lauren Lappin, a 7-figure salon owner and business coach. I’ve spent the last 12 years building and running a staff-led beauty business, and coaching other salon owners through the same challenges. This podcast is where I share the conversations I wish more people were having earlier. You’ll hear honest, practical episodes on leadership, money, systems, team management, pricing, growth, and the decisions that matter once your business moves beyond survival mode. No trends, no aesthetics, no surface-level advice — just real insight based on what actually works in the day-to-day of running a salon. Some episodes are solo. Some are conversations with industry experts. All of them are designed to help you think more clearly, lead more confidently, and build a business that supports your life, not consumes it. If you want to run your beauty business properly — with structure, intention, and long-term sustainability — you’re in the right place. New episodes are released every Tuesday.

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60 recent

August 10, 202655 min

Ep. 201: Denise Duffield-Thomas on Money Blocks, Salon Pricing, Community, and Navigating Business with ADHD

Salon Goals Academy - doors are OPEN, 30 founding member spots only: https://www.laurenlappin.com.au/salon-goals-academyIn this week's episode Lauren is joined by Mentor, Author and Founder of the Money Bootcamp, Denise Duffield-Thomas. In this wide ranging conversation Lauren and Denise dive deep into money, Salon pricing, confidence, community in business, ADHD and more.How's your Money Mindset in your Business? Turning money blocks into financial empowerment [02:04].Stop searching for a critic-proof price [05:33].Price for the clients and experience you want [17:53].Build a community that supports your business [28:15].Adapt your business through economic cycles [32:14].Design an ADHD-friendly way to work [39:30].Eliminate, automate, batch, and delegate [42:16].Give yourself permission to thrive [53:47].Follow Denise on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/denisedt/Listen to Chill & Prosper: https://open.spotify.com/show/5RtAeja3hIHF5QI0CZBVHt?si=a2731e2e95094a85....Rate and Review the Show in Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-lash-business-lounge/id1609510128Rate the Show in Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xvJ8MNZM9cbjYBGcMDtb8?si=b23764e4d0ed4b59Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenlappin_Allure's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allure_lashbeautybar....This Episode was Recorded and Produced by Josh Liston at JCAL Media Group - https://www.jcaldigital.org/podcast-editing

August 3, 202632 min

Ep. 200: Behind the scenes of the Salon Goals podcast: 200 episodes

Salon Goals Academy - doors are OPEN, 30 founding member spots only: https://www.laurenlappin.com.au/salon-goals-academy200 episodes. Nearly 150k downloads. And a whole lot of stories I've never told you!In this episode I'm taking you behind the scenes of the podcast, from guesting on a local show in 2021 to building the Salon Goals podcast you're listening to today. The scripted, breathless early episodes. The burnout that made me stop recording (and seriously consider quitting coaching altogether). What this show actually costs to make, whether it's been worth it, and everything that's coming next.Episode 200 kickoff, and how a guest spot on a local podcast started it all [00:00].Launching the Lash Business Lounge, the free Facebook group that named the show [04:41].Finding my podcast voice, over-scripting, and the editor who made me sound good [05:43].ADHD, last-minute talking points in the car, and how I come up with content ideas now [09:45].Burnout, taking a break in 2023, and the listener messages that brought me back [13:35].Consistency, schedule shifts, and why we moved back to Tuesday releases [18:00].Is podcasting worth it? What every episode costs me, and what it's returned [21:07].Listener moments, being recognised by voice in a bathroom queue, and my thank you to you [24:46].Your invite to the episode 200 celebration in Albury on Friday 7 August [26:00].What's next: the new studio, video episodes on YouTube, and more guests [27:42].Inside the Salon Goals Academy, my monthly membership for beauty business owners [31:15]..... Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenlappin_ The Salon Goals Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/salongoals_podcast Questions? Email me: hello@laurenlappin.com.au

July 27, 202634 min

Ep 199: How to Reduce Your Salon Client Hours Without Losing Revenue

Salon Goals Academy - doors are OPEN, 30 founding member spots only: https://www.laurenlappin.com.au/salon-goals-academyReducing your client hours. The goal so many beauty business owners are chasing, and the one that feels impossible when everything in the business relies on you.I went from 45+ hours of clients a week down to six hours a fortnight. In this episode I'm walking you through exactly how I did it, the two light bulb moments that forced me to change, the first half day I ever cut, the decision that became the biggest catalyst of all, and the warning I give every coaching client about stepping back too fast.Almost 200 episodes, and why long-form content suits my brain [00:00].The early hustle, working from home 4pm till 10pm [00:53].Rapid growth, booked out six weeks in advance, and hiring fast [03:25].The first light bulb moment when my best staff member left [08:50].Writing procedures, and the control freak beliefs that kept me stuck [11:06].Building a team of eight, starting Runway Lash Co. and hitting burnout [12:19].Cutting the first half day, promoting my team, and handling client pushback [15:28].Dropping Saturdays, and how COVID reshaped my week [21:22].From one day a week down to six hours a fortnight [24:03].Why I don't cover sick shifts, and turning off my own online bookings [25:50].Why stepping back too can be a risk [29:59].Inside the Salon Goals Academy, only 8 founding member spots left [32:36].....Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenlappin_The Salon Goals Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/salongoals_podcastQuestions? Email me: hello@laurenlappin.com.au

July 22, 202625 min

Ep. 198: My exact salon service price rise checklist (steal it)

Salon Goals Academy - doors are OPEN, 30 founding member spots only: https://www.laurenlappin.com.au/salon-goals-academyPutting your prices up. The task beauty business owners procrastinate on more than any other, and the one that costs you the most while you wait for the "right time".I've been raising my prices twice a year, every year, for a long time. And this year I was almost two weeks late doing it. In this episode I'm sharing why that didn't matter, and then walking you through my exact checklist, step by step, so your next price rise takes an afternoon instead of six months of overthinking.Why price rises get procrastinated, and why this one was two weeks late [00:00].You can raise your prices any time, you're the one who makes the decisions [02:22].The profit calculator spreadsheet that checks every service [04:12].The padding time mistake that quietly kills your profit [06:30].Checking competitor pricing, and who's actually comparable [09:15].Updating your booking system and website [12:07].The Timely trick that fixes hundreds of existing bookings in one go [15:39].The team script for pushback, plus a golden nugget from Angela Kennedy [17:46].No announcement, no apology, no email [20:39].Inside the Salon Goals Academy, founding member doors now open [22:28].Final encouragement and reviews [24:28].....Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenlappin_The Salon Goals Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/salongoals_podcastQuestions? Email me: hello@laurenlappin.com.au

July 13, 202616 min

Ep. 197: How My Salon Made $20k More This June Than Last, With The Same Size Team

Salon Goals Academy - get on the waitlist: https://www.laurenlappin.com.au/sg-academy-waitlistIn this week's episode Lauren shares how her salon made $20,000 more in June 2026 than it did in June 2025 with a team the exact same size, after a year that started with two newbies, and a brand new manager. She unpacks the hiring, onboarding and training decisions that made the difference, and why a quiet month with a green team is not the disaster it feels like at the time.Business has seasons and this one is a rough trot [00:00].The June target she stopped checking, and hit anyway [01:06].The team turnover that reset the whole salon [03:17].The systems that held while both she and her manager were overseas [06:54].Why personality and culture fit beat skills and experience every time [08:28].Using white space to train instead of panicking about it [10:03].What to hold onto when you're in the hard part [11:33].Come to the 200th episode party on Friday 7 August 2026 [12:50].The Salon Goals Academy, waitlist gets first access [14:16].....Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenlappin_The Salon Goals Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/salongoals_podcast

July 11, 202642 min

Ep 196: 12 Lessons from 12 Years of Business

Salon Goals Academy - get on the waitlist: https://www.laurenlappin.com.au/sg-academy-waitlistTwelve years ago, I opened the doors to Allure Lash and Beauty Bar. To celebrate the milestone, I'm sharing the 12 biggest lessons 12 years of business ownership has taught me. Some came the easy way. Most of them I learned the hard way, and I'm hoping I can save you from a few of them.This one is raw and honest, from being taken to small claims court over a $250 refund in my first year, to the ego trap of needing to be the "best" one in the salon, to the truth about making money versus actually keeping it.In this episode:[00:00] Happy 12th birthday, Allure[01:03] Lesson 1: you don't need to do it all yourself[02:23] The cleaner example and working out your hourly rate[05:30] Lesson 2: being the best in your salon is keeping you stuck[08:35] Lesson 3: everyone is replaceable[10:51] Lesson 4: hire for personality and work ethic, not skills[13:00] Lesson 5: your team only rises to the standard you set[14:47] Lesson 6: know your numbers[16:33] Lesson 7: making money and keeping money are different skills[18:56] Lesson 8: good communication skills are everything[22:46] Lesson 9: the customer is not always right[25:37] The time I got taken to small claims court over $250[27:57] Lesson 10: stop buying more beauty education[30:52] Lesson 11: niche down to scale up[34:48] Lesson 12: business is lonely, find your people[37:26] Salon Goals Academy is openSalon Goals Academy is here. It's an ongoing monthly membership with all my Salon Goals course content, live coaching with me twice a month, and fresh AI education every single month to help you claw back hours of your week. Jump on the waitlist at https://www.laurenlappin.com.au/sg-academy-waitlist, or DM me the word academy on Instagram and I'll send you the link.Rate and Review the Show in Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-lash-business-lounge/id1609510128Rate the Show in Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xvJ8MNZM9cbjYBGcMDtb8?si=b23764e4d0ed4b59Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenlappin_The Salon Goals Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/salongoals_podcast

July 6, 202620 min

Ep 195: 5 Hard Truths About Business Growth You Probably Need To Hear

Salon Goals Academy - get on the waitlist: https://www.laurenlappin.com.au/sg-academy-waitlistBusiness is easy, right? Start it, show up a bit, and the six figures roll in. That's the story social media loves to sell. It's also complete rubbish.In this episode I'm handing over five hard truths about running a beauty business. The uncomfortable stuff that changes everything the moment you actually accept it and get on with it.I get into:Why you'll stay exactly where you are if you refuse to take risks, and how hiring, outsourcing, and investing in yourself all countThe myth of overnight success, and why the daily reps are what build something lastingThe one move to make the second you're booked out a month in advance (hint: put your prices up)Why consistency will always beat the big flashy movesThe truth most people don't want to hear, that your lack of clients or low profit is your own doingIf any of this stings a little, sit with why - that's usually where the growth is hiding!Struggling with any of it and want some direction? You can apply to work with me at www.laurenlappin.com.au, or come say hi on Instagram @laurenlappin_.Follow the podcast @salongoals_podcast so you never miss an episode.

June 29, 202630 min

Ep. 194: Discounting New Team Members and Tiered Pricing: What Actually Works

Salon Goals Academy - get on the waitlist: https://www.laurenlappin.com.au/sg-academy-waitlistIn this week's episode Lauren deconstructs the concepts of discounting and tiered-pricing in the beauty industry, why Salon Owners do it, and what you can do instead in your salon to maximise both growth and the quality of the work.What Actually Works? The concept of tiered pricing [01:17].Why tiered pricing may not work [03:42].The impact of being the highest-priced artist [04:31].Not using tiered pricing [10:42].Reducing client load [26:03].The Salon Goals Academy [28:51].....Rate and Review the Show in Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-lash-business-lounge/id1609510128Rate the Show in Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xvJ8MNZM9cbjYBGcMDtb8?si=b23764e4d0ed4b59Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenlappin_The Salon Goals Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/salongoals_podcast....This Episode was Edited and Produced by Josh Liston at JCAL Media Group - https://www.jcaldigital.org/podcast-editing

June 23, 202642 min

Ep. 193: 3 Reasons Your Calendar is Gappy (And What to Fix First)

Get the AI Visibility Tool Kit - https://www.laurenlappin.com.au/visibility-kitIn this week's episode Lauren shares the three reasons why your calendar is gappy, and what to fix first. Maintaining a steady flow of new customers is one of the keys to a thriving service-based business, and this episode will help you get your web presence, your booking and sales processes, and your referral systems humming along and bringing in new Clients to your salon. If your calendar is gappy and you want fix that, start here: Fix your digital storefront [01:17].Close the gap between interest and booking [19:02].Empower your Clients to market your business for you [27:14].Your Hourly Rate for Content Creation (Ep. 179): https://open.spotify.com/episode/1dLbPqA7dQCoQqigGobyo0?si=a80173534fda4d39AI Trust Signals (Ep. 186): https://open.spotify.com/episode/0iobt4m6zsn09ojZdEAiGW?si=1678d665669d4788....Rate and Review the Show in Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-lash-business-lounge/id1609510128Rate the Show in Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xvJ8MNZM9cbjYBGcMDtb8?si=b23764e4d0ed4b59Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenlappin_Allure's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allure_lashbeautybar....This Episode was Recorded and Produced by Josh Liston at JCAL Media Group - https://www.jcaldigital.org/podcast-editing

June 15, 202623 min

Ep. 192: Is Owning a Salon Worth It? The Honest Answers Nobody Gives You

Salon Goals Academy - get on the waitlist: https://www.laurenlappin.com.au/sg-academy-waitlistIn this week's episode Lauren answers one of the most important (and difficult) questions in the beauty industry, "is owning a salon really worth it?"• Being objective about salon ownership vs working from home [05:30].• The physical toll of working in the Beauty Industry [09:00].• Regardless of how you choose to organise and run your business, it's going to be hard and will come with risk [13:30].• What is your business worth if you decide to stop running it? [16:00].• The Salon Goals Academy [20:00].....Rate and Review the Show in Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-lash-business-lounge/id1609510128Rate the Show in Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xvJ8MNZM9cbjYBGcMDtb8?si=b23764e4d0ed4b59Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenlappin_Allure's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allure_lashbeautybar....This Episode was Recorded and Produced by Josh Liston at JCAL Media Group - https://www.jcaldigital.org/podcast-editing

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Salon Goals

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Listen to episodes

Ep. 201: Denise Duffield-Thomas on Money Blocks, Salon Pricing, Community, and Navigating Business with ADHD

Ep. 200: Behind the scenes of the Salon Goals podcast: 200 episodes

Ep 199: How to Reduce Your Salon Client Hours Without Losing Revenue

Ep. 198: My exact salon service price rise checklist (steal it)

Ep. 197: How My Salon Made $20k More This June Than Last, With The Same Size Team

Ep 196: 12 Lessons from 12 Years of Business

Ep 195: 5 Hard Truths About Business Growth You Probably Need To Hear

Ep. 194: Discounting New Team Members and Tiered Pricing: What Actually Works

Ep. 193: 3 Reasons Your Calendar is Gappy (And What to Fix First)

Ep. 192: Is Owning a Salon Worth It? The Honest Answers Nobody Gives You

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