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 welcoming her third child. She also gave insight into the emotional journey following her mother's terminal illness and passing. Lauren discussed the challenges of managing a business, motherhood, and grief simultaneously. She emphasised the importance of seeking professional help, understanding diverse grieving processes, and the strength found in friendships and mentorship.

The episode highlights the power of communal support, personal resilience, and the necessity of normalising mental health discussions, underscoring that grief, though profound and multifaceted, can lead to growth and renewed strength.

We are so proud of Lauren for the incredible woman she is and continues to become and for having the courage to share her story.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Timestamps

00:00 Episode Summary

02:12 Episode Disclaimer

02:58 Mastermind Retreat Recap

04:30 Introducing Lauren and Her Journey

06:57 The Tragic News of Sam's Accident

14:51 Coping with the Loss of a Team Member

21:44 The Importance of Mental Health Support

30:33 Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges

35:40 Reflecting on Grief and Anger

37:51 Caring for Mum: The Oncology Appointments

38:40 Facing Terminal Illness: Mum's Diagnosis

39:11 The Anger and Grief of Losing Loved Ones

40:13 Finding Strength in Family and Joy

41:32 The Role of Support in Grieving

42:52 The Deep Bond with Mum

44:46 The Final Days: Mum's Last Moments

47:30 Balancing Life and Loss

55:09 The Bali Trip and Mum's Passing

01:07:20 Reflecting on Grief and Moving Forward

https://www.salonrising.com/

Find out more and watch out for updates on socials @ -

https://www.instagram.com/salonrising_/

We also have a very special offer for all Salon Rising listeners! If you'd love to join the Kevin Murphy family for the first time, or if you are a Kevin Murphy OG, click the link below and jump on these amazing offers.

https://ozdare.com/salonrising

And a huge thank you to our podcast sponsors:

https://ozdare.com/

https://kevinmurphy.com.au/au/en/km/

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 assistant, or social media manager. They also talk about the importance of understanding the roles you delegate, making sure you know how things work before outsourcing tasks like bookkeeping.

The conversation emphasizes that success doesn’t always mean scaling up with a large team—it’s about finding the balance that works for your goals. Samara and Jen provide valuable advice on managing growth and deciding if scaling or growing is right for your business.

Inspired? Listen to the full episode here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ep-14-scaling-vs-growing-your-business-whats-your-game-plan/id1675792257?i=1000626650151

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6NOHRQrDHpr1LriG3M2w6b?si=sgKlAp__RYSA_4pbjkGpMA

YouTube: https://youtu.be/uEYYSB0W5bk?feature=shared

To find out more about Salon Rising:

https://www.salonrising.com/

https://www.instagram.com/salonrising_/

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 businesses.

Casey talks about delegation's importance, team dynamics, and flexible management style. The episode also delves into the logistics and challenges of hiring, training staff, and running a unique salon that incorporates art.

Additionally, Casey shares her personal journey undergoing IVF treatments while maintaining open communication with her team. We wrap things up with insights into managing stress, embracing change, and the importance of community over competition.


00:00 Episode Summary

02:45 Introducing Casey

04:08 COVID-19 and Border Shutdowns

07:36 Collaborating with Other Salons

09:30 Transitioning from Stylist to Owner

11:45 Staff Dynamics and Business Model

19:53 Balancing Work and Personal Life

27:55 Returning from Holiday: Addressing Team Issues

28:28 The Importance of a Manager in a Salon

29:01 Handling Customer Complaints and Reviews

30:16 Delegating Tasks to the Team

34:16 Financial Structures and Employment Models

36:27 Advice for New Salon Owners

38:59 The Rollercoaster of Business Ownership

45:59 Starting a Podcast: Real Talk with Paige and Casey

49:22 The Journey of IVF and Business Balance

56:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

https://www.salonrising.com/

Find out more and watch out for updates on socials @ -

https://www.instagram.com/salonrising_/

We also have a very special offer for all Salon Rising listeners! If you'd love to join the Kevin Murphy family for the first time, or if you are a Kevin Murphy OG, click the link below and jump on these amazing offers.

https://ozdare.com/salonrising

And a huge thank you to our podcast sponsors:

https://ozdare.com/

https://kevinmurphy.com.au/au/en/km/

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 your GST from your BAS or PAYG, this is the episode for you. We talk about sole traders transitioning to company status and the importance of financial discipline. And, of course, why is having a great relationship with your accountant so important?

00:00 Episode Summary

02:56 Introducing Our Special Guest: Paris from Group 1 Accounting

03:22 The Journey with Paris: Transforming Business Finances

04:13 Navigating Financial Challenges and Trusting the Process

05:48 The Importance of a Good Relationship with Your Accountant

08:53 Personal Stories and Emotional Support

15:29 Protecting Your Business and Personal Finances

20:14 Simplifying Tax Concepts for Business Owners

29:56 Understanding Superannuation

30:34 Breaking Down BAS Payments

32:49 Navigating PAYG Instalments

34:49 The Importance of Accurate Financial Planning

40:13 Director's Loans Explained

43:34 Transitioning from Sole Trader to Company

48:45 Effective Budgeting and Cash Flow Management

58:11 Final Thoughts and Advice

https://www.salonrising.com/

Find out more and watch out for updates on socials @ -

https://www.instagram.com/salonrising_/

We also have a very special offer for all Salon Rising listeners! If you'd love to join the Kevin Murphy family for the first time, or if you are a Kevin Murphy OG, click the link below and jump on these amazing offers.

https://ozdare.com/salonrising

And a huge thank you to our podcast sponsors:

https://ozdare.com/

https://kevinmurphy.com.au/au/en/km/

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 aversion, the impacts of COVID-19. As well as recovering from neck surgery!

She's taken it all in her stride and is thriving. We highlight the importance of appropriate pricing, retail strategies, mentorship. As well as the role of social media in client attraction. You're going to love this episode.

00:00 Episode Summary
02:19 Introducing Jess from Honey and Muse
04:45 Jess's Journey: From Salon Purchase to Rebranding
11:21 Navigating COVID-19 Challenges and Downsizing
17:20 The Impact of Rebranding and Relocation
30:29 Adjusting Pricing and Services Post-COVID
39:24 Navigating Pricing and Client Expectations
40:34 Understanding Financial Goals and Pricing Strategies
42:52 The Importance of Retail in Salon Business
45:00 Building Client Trust and Loyalty
54:01 Social Media Strategies for Salon Owners
58:00 Overcoming Business Challenges and Personal Growth
01:09:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


https://www.salonrising.com/

Find out more and watch out for updates on socials @ -

https://www.instagram.com/salonrising_/

We also have a very special offer for all Salon Rising listeners! If you'd love to join the Kevin Murphy family for the first time, or if you are a Kevin Murphy OG, click the link below and jump on these amazing offers.

https://ozdare.com/salonrising

And a huge thank you to our podcast sponsors:

https://ozdare.com/

https://kevinmurphy.com.au/au/en/km/

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 team.

Samara and Jen talk about how a positive workplace can boost morale, making staff feel valued and more loyal. This support helps employees perform better and stay longer at their jobs. They also stress the importance of moving away from old-school management practices that were often harsh and uncaring. Instead, they suggest building a team-oriented culture, where everyone feels like they matter, from apprentices to senior staff.

Samara and Jen also dive into how to manage apprentices by encouraging support rather than competition. They explain why treating all staff with respect and care creates a healthier, more productive salon environment.

Whether you’re a salon owner or manager, these tips will help you create a workplace where your staff can thrive, feel appreciated, and stay loyal.

00:00 Introduction to Staff Dynamics
00:52 The Culture of Sick Days
03:49 Changing Perspectives on Employee Well-being
06:19 Supporting Staff Through Personal Challenges
08:21 The Evolution of Apprenticeships
10:33 Fostering a Positive Team Culture

Inspired? Listen to the full episode here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/how-the-industry-has-changed/id1675792257?i=1000607029059

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/75kVPXCaGaaMXbAubP2P7o?si=aa45cKdsS3qFTglkKudHtA

YouTube: https://youtu.be/R1Qc7Rkr008?feature=shared

To find out more about Salon Rising:

https://www.salonrising.com/

https://www.instagram.com/salonrising_/

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 personal development and building a supportive team.

This is truly an episode for EVERYONE. We know you'll love Sarah as much as we do. Enjoy!


00:00 Introduction and Struggles of Salon Ownership

00:24 The Importance of Vulnerability and Leadership

01:27 Podcast Promotion and Sponsor Acknowledgment

02:16 Meet Sarah: Owner of Luxe Beauty Co.

03:36 Balancing Business and Personal Life

07:36 Empowering Women Through Image Consultancy

11:22 Navigating Leadership and Personal Development

26:43 The Masculine and Feminine Dynamics in Leadership

32:59 Balancing Expectations and Self-Work

33:14 Facing Humbling Experiences

34:14 The Importance of Reassurance

34:30 Growth and Leadership Challenges

35:36 Navigating Team Dynamics

39:25 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome

39:55 Reflecting on Leadership and Loyalty

42:09 The Joy of Continued Connections

43:36 Inspiring the Next Generation

50:54 The Journey of Business Expansion

55:28 Legacy and Family Business

59:29 Investing in Yourself

01:01:12 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude


https://www.salonrising.com/

Find out more and watch out for updates on socials @ -

https://www.instagram.com/salonrising_/

We also have a very special offer for all Salon Rising listeners! If you'd love to join the Kevin Murphy family for the first time, or if you are a Kevin Murphy OG, click the link below and jump on these amazing offers.

https://ozdare.com/salonrising

And a huge thank you to our podcast sponsors:

https://ozdare.com/

https://kevinmurphy.com.au/au/en/km/

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 with emotions like jealousy and comparison. Creating a positive space online is key for personal growth.

Listen in to learn how to connect better with your followers. And to make your social media more engaging and authentic.

00:00 Finding Your Niche in Content Creation

00:05 The Pitfalls of Relying on Clients for Content

00:20 The Importance of Authenticity Over Aesthetics

01:13 Balancing Content Types for Engagement

03:09 Staying Motivated and Inspired in Social Media

03:24 The Role of Social Media in Business Success

04:10 Creating Content Efficiently

05:16 Overcoming the Fear of Showing Up Online

06:34 Managing Social Media Triggers and Comparisons

08:45 Dealing with Staff Changes and Social Media

09:57 Navigating Social Media Connections

Inspired? Listen to the full episode here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/social-rising-with-ashleigh-bailey/id1675792257?i=1000634594362

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/17AwXDm4c0rkLZn6ZBN79H?si=uhrPlPn8QMSUJX2_FPXCbg

To find out more about Salon Rising:

https://www.salonrising.com/

https://www.instagram.com/salonrising_/