Going solo doesn’t mean going it alone. In this Mini Moment, Jen is joined by Sherri from Timely to unpack what really happens behind the scenes of solo businesses. From the emotional weight of doing it all, to the turning point most business owners hit at 18 months, they explore the silent struggles and simple shifts that can make solo life feel less… solo. 💬 Inside: Why “solo” doesn’t mean unsupported (and what to call it instead) The cheer squad exercise that changes everything What no one t...
Jun 30, 2025•21 min
Ever felt knocked flat by burnout, public criticism, or self doubt? In this raw and honest chat, Kelly Christie, aka The Skin Queen and also owner of The Facial Bar on the Gold Coast, joins Samara and Jen to share the unfiltered truth behind building two successful businesses. From the realities of online hate to the behind the scenes lessons of leadership, resilience, and growth. This episode is packed with wisdom for every beauty business owner. 💬 Inside: The hardest lessons of leadership, st...
Jun 22, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 60
Ever juggled clients, kids, and business—and felt like you were barely holding it together? In this honest and heart filled episode, Samara and Jen dive deep into the real talk so many women in business crave. From the early solo days to salon ownership, they unpack the guilt, the financial faceplants, and the little wins that make it all worth it. 💬 Inside: The truth about mum guilt (and why it never fully goes away) What they wish they’d done differently with money Why burnout nearly broke th...
Jun 08, 2025•41 min•Ep. 59
What’s it really like to run a salon with your best friend? In this episode, we sit down with Tiff & Phoebe—co-owners of Blond Therapy. A values led salon in a small Queensland town, to unpack the real behind the scenes of co-owning a salon. From splitting roles without resentment, to managing finances and raising families on different timelines (four kids vs. no kids), they share the honest highs and hard-earned lessons of building a brand together. Without burning out or blowing up their f...
May 26, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 58
What if the anxiety you feel isn’t just in your mind, but stored in your body? In this episode, we go deep with Sherri from Connected Being Co as she shares how nervous system healing and breathwork can help you regulate your stress. Process trauma, and show up in your life with more calm, clarity, and connection. We talk about everything from breathwork myths and burnout recovery to ex-prisoner rehabilitation and parenting in the age of emotional awareness. Whether you’re a business owner, a pa...
May 11, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 57
What does it really mean to command a room, without being the loudest in it? In this magnetic episode, we sit down with Tiana Baxter , a powerhouse in business and personal transformation, to explore the kind of leadership that begins behind the scenes. From corporate boardrooms to building multiple million dollar businesses, Tiana opens up about reinventing herself, integrating faith, and learning how to lead from deep integrity, even when the spotlight fades. We talk body language, energy, inf...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 56
What happens when the worst has already happened? In this powerful follow-up, Ashe Hornsby returns to the Inner Sanctum to deliver the raw, unfiltered truth about what it really takes to survive the unthinkable—and come back stronger. From losing her partner, her business, and almost herself, Ashe shares how she navigated grief, burnout, legal battles, and letting go of the fight. We talk rebuilding from a literal fire, running a business in a shed during Covid, opening (and closing) a café, and...
Apr 14, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 55
In this highlight, Samara and Jen chat with Sherri , who leads ANZ partnerships for Timely. They talk about why many solo businesses shut down within 18 months…and how you can stop that from happening to you. They share easy tips to help your business stay strong and explain what it really costs to work for yourself…beyond just time and money. They also talk about how hard it can be to do everything on your own. If you wait until you’re burnt out, it might be too late. But small changes in the w...
Apr 07, 2025•12 min
On this episode we dive into the power of connection, community, and finding your people in the hair industry. Aimee, owner of Bhava Salon and creator of Mane Union , shares her journey of moving interstate, the unexpected loneliness that followed, and how she turned that experience into something bigger. Mane Union was born from a desire to create a space where hairstylists and salon owners could truly connect, collaborate, and feel seen. If you've ever felt like you're doing it all alone, this...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 54
Trigger warning: This episode discusses pregnancy loss. This week, Samara was flying solo in the Inner Sanctum (thanks to Jen getting stuck with a client—#SalonLife) for a deeply personal and powerful chat with Ash Bailey, also known as @socialcoachash . Together, they dive into the raw reality of navigating pregnancy, running a business, and processing loss. Ash opens up about her journey through a second pregnancy, the emotional weight of miscarriage, and the challenges of balancing it all whi...
Mar 17, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 53
In this episode, we chat with the incredible Ashe Hornsby . She has faced unimaginable loss and emerged stronger. After losing her husband, the face of their successful stonemasonry business, Ashe had to deal with her own grief and support her young family. At the same time, she managed the challenges of a male-dominated industry. Ash talks about resilience and why having the right safeguards, like insurance, matters. She explains how seeking inspiration outside your field can change the game. S...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 52
In this episode in the inner sanctum, we’re keeping it real about the New Year—no fluffy resolutions, just practical ways to set goals and actually follow through. We dive into navigating multiple roles, business shifts, and making lifestyle changes that feel good (hello, dopamine hacks!). Plus, we’re shaking up traditional goal-setting by swapping vision boards for something way more fun—Bingo cards. From managing energy post-holiday chaos to setting goals that actually stick, this conversation...
Feb 17, 2025•56 min•Ep. 51
In this episode of Salon Rising The Podcast , we chat with the incredible Sarah Lancaster—salon owner ( Cole & Co Hair ), mum of three, and the brains behind The Relief Hairdresser . Sarah’s built something pretty special, growing her business from a home setup to a full salon while creating a much-needed service that helps salons find reliable, temporary stylists when they need them most. We talk about the juggle (because it’s real), the importance of solid policies, and how she’s handled e...
Feb 03, 2025•48 min•Ep. 50
In this episode in the inner sanctum , we chat with Bridget, owner of The Tortoise and the Hare , about the unfiltered reality of running a salon—through the highs, the struggles, and everything in between. From navigating staff changes to expanding her salon while battling severe illness during her pregnancies, Bridget shares her raw and personal journey. This honest, heart-to-heart conversation dives into how she balanced family life, business growth, and health while staying true to her value...
Jan 20, 2025•59 min•Ep. 49
Hey lovers, we’re back! It’s our first pod of the year, and we’re kicking things off with a chat you won’t want to miss. This week in the Inner Sanctum, we’re joined by Sherri from Timely , where she leads ANZ partnerships, working closely with partners in the hair and beauty industry. We’re talking about the real stuff – money, mindset, and why reaching out for support early (whether it’s a coach or better systems) can change everything. Sherri shares her journey from salon owner to her role at...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 48
Babes! It's our final episode in the inner sanctum for 2024! It's time to reflect on the whirlwind it's been personally and professionally. This year has seen the Salon Rising Team navigating major life changes. New relationships, blended families, new business ventures and some incredible opportunities. As well as the constant evolution of our business practices. We talk about overcoming challenges, embracing change, and setting and re-evaluating boundaries. And always coming back to the import...
Dec 09, 2024•59 min•Ep. 47
We changed things up in the inner sanctum for this episode. It was Samara's turn to interview Jen about her recent experience of buying a salon. Jen shared the challenges and triumphs of her journey, and boy, was it a journey. From the initial decision to buy a salon to the drawing and planning phase to the various obstacles she faced. Let's say that dealing with solicitors, bankers, etc, is not something she's keen to do again soon. They discuss the importance of having clear goals, remaining r...
Nov 25, 2024•53 min•Ep. 46
In this bonus episode, Samara chats with Jess from J & Co Hair in Wollongong. The pair discuss Jess's transformative experience with the Solo Rise Online program. Jess shares her insights on the program. Including the importance of mindset, community support, and practical tools like the budget spreadsheets. Jess emphasizes how the program helped her overcome imposter syndrome, gain confidence, and make data-driven decisions to elevate her solo business. The conversation highlights the value...
Nov 19, 2024•16 min
We are back in the inner sanctum with Justine from Eve the Salon . This was Justine's second episode with Salon Rising; much has changed in her world. Justine joined us straight off the back of our Mastermind retreat, with the pending arrival of her 2nd child drawing ever closer. We spoke about the immense support she received from the amazing women who joined her in this round of the Mastermind, especially as she went through the rebranding process for her salon. Bringing her long-held dream of...
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 45
In this bonus episode, Samara chats with Naomi from Blondie the salon . The pair unpack Naomi's journey in the Rising Finances program. Naomi shares her experiences on how the program has helped her overcome financial challenges in her salon. This has led to significant mindset changes and practical financial management. They delve into topics such as budget management, understanding pricing, and the importance of retail sales. Key moments include Naomi finding confidence in her business finance...
Nov 04, 2024•26 min
In this profound episode, we delve into the complex nature of grief with our special guest Lauren from the Young Blonde Salon in Sydney. This was the second time Lauren had joined us in the inner sanctum. Her raw insight into the journey she's been on is a testament to the incredible woman that she is. We spoke with Lauren about the sudden and unexpected loss of a beloved team member and dear friend. Looking at how she navigated grief with her team and clients amid being in the early stages of w...
Oct 28, 2024•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 44
In this highlight, Samara and Jen explore the important distinction between scaling and growing a salon business. They share insights from an inspiring business leader who explains how scaling involves expanding your team and stepping away from the floor, while growing focuses on increasing efficiency by adding support without necessarily increasing the size of the team. They discuss practical tips for salon owners, such as hiring the right staff to support growth, like a receptionist, salon ass...
Oct 21, 2024•10 min
We're back in the Inner Sanctum with Casey, the owner of Maverick Hair and Art on the Gold Coast. Casey shares her journey of taking over the business she had worked in and changing from stylist to owner. In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges for the new business owner. Maverick is located on the Queensland and New South Wales border which meant many of Casey's staff and clients were stuck on either side. We discussed her collaboration with a salon across the border to sustain their ...
Oct 14, 2024•57 min•Ep. 43
In this episode of the Inner Sanctum, we talked about the T word! That's right, lovers. It was Tax and Relationships with your accountant and chat with Paris from Group One Accounting. You will often hear the team singing the praises of Paris. Not only is she an exceptional human, she's also an incredible Accountant! This chat covered Paris's journey into accounting. Some background into Samara and Paris' journey together. Then, we went deep into tax and all its variations. If you don't know you...
Sep 30, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 42
In this episode of Inner Sanctum we're joined by the beautiful Jess, the creator of Honey and Muse in Sydney. Jess, took us through her journey in the industry and her decision to go from Salon to Solo. From taking over an established salon at age 21 to rebranding it into Honey and Muse. Jess has been bold and strategic with the changes she's made and her passion and love for her craft is clear. She's faced significant obstacles head on. Including a major price adjustment, overcoming retail aver...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 41
In this highlight, Samara and Jen talk about how managing salon staff has changed over time. They explore how old, toxic work environments, where staff felt bad for taking sick days, are being replaced with more supportive and understanding workplaces. The hosts share their own stories about how they create a salon culture where employees feel safe taking time off when needed and comfortable sharing personal struggles. They explain why it’s so important to show care and understanding for your te...
Sep 09, 2024•14 min
For this episode in the inner sanctum we're joined by Sarah , the owner of The Luxe Beauty Co . Sarah was raw and real on the challenges and growth that come with owning a beauty salon. She shared her personal journey, including managing two salon locations. And spoke into balancing family life, and navigating leadership as a woman. We delve into topics like resilience, the importance of vulnerability. As well as investing in yourself, and being authentic in leadership. And the importance of per...
Sep 02, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 40
In this highlight, Samara and Jen talk with guest Ashleigh Bailey. They discuss how salon owners can use social media in better ways. Posting only client photos or random content isn’t effective anymore. They suggest sharing posts with behind-the-scenes moments, product features, and the salon space. They share personal stories. Give tips on staying motivated and avoiding social media burnout. Emphasising it’s important to keep posting regularly but with purpose. They also talk about dealing wit...
Aug 26, 2024•12 min
This was a travelling episode of the inner sanctum, recorded on a trip to Sydney. We got to catch up with industry legend, Monique McMahon ! Monique is the owner of Que Colour and MCM Beauty , and in this episode we got deep! Monique shared her journey from working in a high-end salon to founding her own salon. All while balancing motherhood. She openly spoke into the challenges and successes of running and expanding a salon. As well as her passion for education and her innovative colour techniq...
Aug 19, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 39
In this highlight, Samara & Jen are joined by Barefaced and Naked's , Shay & Helina ! They discuss the surprising advantages of downsizing a salon business. They explore the emotional and practical aspects of transitioning from a large salon space to renting a room. Highlighting how this change has led to greater financial freedom. Reduced stress, and a renewed passion for their work. The episode delves into the challenges of overcoming ego and societal expectations. Emphasising that suc...
Aug 13, 2024•11 min
