Beyond The Salon Chair

In this episode, Natasha has invited Nicole Garbellini, an actress, artistic director of Aurora Theatre in Hong Kong, public speaker, and writer with a passion for coaching. Nicole shares her fascinating journey that took her from her early acting days in Italy to setting up her own successful theatre company in Hong Kong, and eventually moving to the UK and Saudi Arabia.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Marketing is a Fundamental Necessity: Nicole learned that marketing is the foundation for any business, regardless of the industry, and is essential for getting seen and heard.

The Global Expansion of Passion: Nicole's passion for acting and theatre started in Italy, but her desire to grow led her to master English in Australia and then establish her theatre company, Aurora Theatre, in Hong Kong, demonstrating the importance of global ambition.

Soft Skills Enhance Performance and Life: Her new eBook, Connect With Your Character Using Soft Skills, is rooted in the belief that being a better human being first, with empathy and active listening, makes one a better actor and a better professional.

The Importance of a Side Business: Nicole strongly advises people, even those with full-time jobs, to consider starting their own business, no matter how small, to pursue their passion and avoid relying on only one source of income.

Adaptation is Key to Global Success: Nicole's personal journey of moving between Hong Kong, the UK, and Saudi Arabia underscores the necessity of expanding one's professional community to remain visible and accessible in a globally mobile life.

BEST MOMENTS

"Little did I know that there was so much more than me being on stage."

"You need butts in the audience. And how are you going to do that? So you've got to go out and market yourself."

"If you don't do it [marketing], then, you know, people will not hear you, will forget about you, will... see that there are other people there that they're not necessarily better than you, but they're more visible."

"We live in a world where being on only one income is dangerous... What about our passion? What about our dreams? What about what we really want to do?"

"If you want to be a better actor, there is only one way you can do: be a better human being first."

TO CONNECT WITH NICOLE

https://www.auroratheatrehk.com/ 

OUR LINKS

www.exquisitesalon.co

https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/⁠

HOST BIO

Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this reflective episode, Natasha invited Patrina Tan to discuss how she became a two-time Amazon #1 best-selling author, the founding of Planet Wellness during the pandemic, and how their non-invasive health check, Iridology, offers personalised insights into long-term health.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Transition to Wellness: Patrina Tan left a well-paying but time-unbalanced career as a qualified accountant and auditor to follow her passion, co-founding Planet Wellness during the pandemic lockdown.

Iridology as a Core Service: Planet Wellness specialises in Iridology, which is a non-invasive method using a special camera to study the iris of the eye to detect weaknesses in various organs before symptoms appear, offering a better visual experience for the patient compared to a magnifying glass.

The Power of Mentorship and Implementation: Her success as a four-time 'Implementor of the Year' demonstrates the value of actively applying learned business strategies and doing the "homework" provided by mentors.

Authorial Success through Dedication: Patrina Tan became a two-time Amazon Number One best-selling author by completing a book she started years prior and then accepting a challenging eight-week deadline to write a second business book focused on diabetes.

Advocacy for Organic Health in Beauty: The discussion highlights the importance of transitioning the hair and beauty industry towards organic and natural products to minimise exposure to damaging chemicals.

BEST MOMENTS

"The work life was just not balanced in terms of time."

"If I do learn something, I will actually put the practice into it as well. So mainly do the homework."

"The pandemic changed the way that we look after ourselves. It gave us a time... to really think out of the box."

"Disease or illness hasn't happened overnight. It's been built up for weeks, months, or years."

"I think what you're doing is absolutely amazing, because our health is always important."

OUR LINKS

www.exquisitesalon.co

https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/⁠

HOST BIO

Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this reflection episode, Natasha sits down with Nicola, Maria, and Belli, who have collectively spent over 25 years in the beauty industry. They share their journey from opening their first salon at age 20 to establishing their own training academy, Hampson Training, and launching their Japanese Head Spa Co brand globally. The guests discuss the dramatic evolution of the industry, from the simplicity of "bread and butter" treatments like manicures and waxing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

25+ Years of Industry Experience: The guests, Nicola, Maria, and Belly, are seasoned professionals, having been in the beauty industry for over 25 years and opening their first salon when they were just 20 years old.

The Training Academy Was Born from Necessity: They established their training academy, Hampson Training, to solve the problem of staff often leaving once fully trained, noting that they were "paying fortunes".

Industry Standards Must Be Qualified "to the Hilt": The beauty industry has become much more complex, shifting from simple "bread and butter" treatments like waxing to high-end, advanced aesthetics.

The "Train Your Competition" Philosophy: Their unique philosophy promotes "training your competition," as they genuinely believe there is enough business for everyone and that raising the overall quality of the industry is essential to prevent customers from having poor experiences that might give the sector a "bad name."

Essential Safety is a Core Curriculum: Hampson Training includes vital, often-overlooked content in their online theory, with the very first section dedicated to critical safety and professional topics, starting with First Aid in a Salon.

BEST MOMENTS

"We decided to have a base where we could actually sort of get everyone to come to us instead."

"We were paying fortunes to get these staff members trained up... and then, you know, people would just up and leave as soon as they're trained."

"You need to be at the forefront, you need to be qualified to the hilt... because the clients want more."

"Invest in your education for sure, invest in it because it will catapult you into the industry, but it will also gain you that following because you'll be knowledgeable. Knowledge is key here."

"We genuinely believe that you will not get that education anywhere else in any other training... first and foremost, any theory that they do is like the first section is first aid in a salon."

TO CONNECT WITH YOUR GUESTS

https://hampsontraining.co.uk/ 

https://www.instagram.com/hampson_training/ 

OUR LINKS

www.exquisitesalon.co

https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/

HOST BIO

Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this reflection episode, Natasha welcomes industry expert Natasha Johnson, who brings over two decades of experience in the hair and beauty sector. They discuss Natasha's journey from a young salon junior in Holland Park to her current role as a business consultant, emphasizing the importance of blending education with commercial success in the industry. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Education and Commercial Balance: The importance of blending education with commercial aspects in the hair and beauty industry is emphasized.

Industry Challenges: The hair and beauty industry has become more challenging post-pandemic, with rising costs and the need for effective management.

Human Connection: Despite advancements in technology and AI, the industry remains fundamentally about human interaction. Personal connections and the human touch are essential for client satisfaction and service quality.

Evolving Trends: The podcast highlights the growth of the nail industry, noting a shift towards independent nail technicians and the rise of intricate nail art, reflecting changing consumer preferences.

Future Aspirations: There are exciting developments on the horizon for professionals in the industry, with a focus on continuous improvement and adaptation to new trends and technologies. 

BEST MOMENTS 

"I often think in our industry, we're very creative and we forget the business side of stuff. And I don't think it should just be a labor of love. We're here to make money too."

"I believe if you want to do something, if you put yourself to it, you 100% can do it. Everything is capable. But just don't join the industry if you imagine it's going to be a walk in the park."

"I think knowledge is power, regardless, no matter what industry we're in. Our brain is like a muscle; we want to keep using it, we want to keep feeding it, we want to keep encouraging it to grow."

"You really need the qualification to do the job properly. So you're so right there."

"I think it's really important we don't lose that human touch. I want people to feel the difference in working with me and working with us."

OUR LINKS

www.exquisitesalon.co

https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/

HOST BIO

Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this reflection episode, Natasha welcomes Anna Pluck, a psychotherapist specializing in anxiety, burnout, and resilience. Anna shares her unique journey from being a successful massage therapist and business owner to becoming a qualified psychotherapist. Anna discusses her personal struggles with anxiety and how they shaped her understanding of mental health, particularly in the caring professions. Anna also introduces her innovative "mental health MOT" sessions, designed to provide practical coping strategies for individuals facing specific challenges. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Transition from HR to Massage Therapy: The guest transitioned from a corporate HR job to becoming a massage therapist after being made redundant.

Experience with Anxiety and Burnout: The guest has personal experience with anxiety and burnout, which has shaped her understanding of mental health.

Importance of Supportive Environments: The guest emphasizes the significance of having a supportive network of friends and family, which can act as a protective factor for mental health.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): The guest explains CBT as a method that explores the interaction between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It helps individuals identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical strategies to manage anxiety.

Growing Demand for Mental Health Services: There is an increasing demand for mental health support, particularly in private practice, due to decreased availability in the NHS. 

BEST MOMENTS

"I think everything happens for a reason. And I think maybe we need to try different hats on to see which hat fits."

"Whether you're drowning in an inch of water or a foot of water, you're still drowning."

"I often explain anxiety to clients as being a bit like, you know, the game like whack-a-mole."

"There's a lot more people now who are struggling with their mental health who need counselling."

"I just don't want to work for anyone ever again." 

OUR LINKS

⁠www.exquisitesalon.co⁠

https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/

HOST BIO

Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media.⁠ https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/⁠

In this episode, Natasha sits down with award-winning marketer, speaker, and mindset coach Hayley Meeks. Hayley shares her fascinating journey from a job at the Inland Revenue that she hated to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She talks about the importance of finding your passion, the transition from working for others to running her own agency, and the mindset that drove her to overcome challenges and build a thriving business.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Finding Your Passion: It's crucial to find a career you genuinely enjoy, as you spend a significant portion of your life working. Hayley's journey highlights the importance of trying different things to discover what you're truly passionate about.

The Power of a Strong Mindset: Your mindset can be a powerful tool for overcoming challenges. Hayley's experiences with her grandfather's influence and her personal health struggles demonstrate how a strong mindset can help you push through fear and adversity.

Marketing Essentials: Effective marketing doesn't have to be complicated. The three fundamental principles are: know your customer, know your message, and know where your customers hang out. Without these, your marketing efforts will fall flat.

Leverage Existing Relationships: It's often easier and more profitable to market to your existing customer base than to find new customers. 

Embrace Technology: Tools like AI and user-friendly software have levelled the playing field, allowing individuals and small businesses to do more for themselves. 

BEST MOMENTS

If this is the world of work, then this isn't for me."

"When you target everyone, you target no one."

"My job is to make every woman that comes into the shop leave feeling like they're worth a million dollars."

"AI won't replace humans, but humans who can use AI will replace those who can't."

"Don't underestimate the power of referral and word of mouth."

TO CONNECT WITH HAYLEY

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hayley-meakes-grigor-4ba7375/ 

OUR LINKS

www.exquisitesalon.co

https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/⁠

HOST BIO

Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Natasha welcomes Holly Schrader, a dental hygienist and the founder of The Tooth Fairy Corporation. Holly, originally from Canada but now residing in Switzerland, shares the fascinating story of how her business began as a fun side project in 1999, placing Swarovski crystals on teeth, and evolved into a global phenomenon. Holly discusses the growth of her company from selling products at open-air concerts and discos to a full-fledged international enterprise.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

BEST MOMENTS

"We were a hit right from the beginning. We had over two-hour lineups for crystals."

"The Americans think it's a really new product... so it's a little funny to admit that."

"A dentist is not a trend setter. Salons are a trend setter."

"It's all about the profit, it's all about the money, but these are also fun products. So they're fun products for the salon and the client feels good leaving the salon."

"You don't fix something that isn't broken. So why would I change my recipe? Why would I change my training? Why would I change anything? It just works."

OUR LINKS

www.exquisitesalon.co

⁠https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/

HOST BIO

Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Natasha welcomes Anna Pluck, a psychotherapist specializing in anxiety, burnout, and resilience. Anna shares her unique journey from being a successful massage therapist and business owner to becoming a qualified psychotherapist. Anna discusses her personal struggles with anxiety and how they shaped her understanding of mental health, particularly in the caring professions. Anna also introduces her innovative "mental health MOT" sessions, designed to provide practical coping strategies for individuals facing specific challenges. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Transition from HR to Massage Therapy: The guest transitioned from a corporate HR job to becoming a massage therapist after being made redundant.

Experience with Anxiety and Burnout: The guest has personal experience with anxiety and burnout, which has shaped her understanding of mental health.

Importance of Supportive Environments: The guest emphasizes the significance of having a supportive network of friends and family, which can act as a protective factor for mental health.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): The guest explains CBT as a method that explores the interaction between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It helps individuals identify unhelpful thinking patterns and develop practical strategies to manage anxiety.

Growing Demand for Mental Health Services: There is an increasing demand for mental health support, particularly in private practice, due to decreased availability in the NHS. 

BEST MOMENTS

"I think everything happens for a reason. And I think maybe we need to try different hats on to see which hat fits."

"Whether you're drowning in an inch of water or a foot of water, you're still drowning."

"I often explain anxiety to clients as being a bit like, you know, the game like whack-a-mole."

"There's a lot more people now who are struggling with their mental health who need counselling."

"I just don't want to work for anyone ever again." 

OUR LINKS

www.exquisitesalon.co

https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/

HOST BIO

Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode of Beyond the Salon Chair, Natasha welcomes Camilla Davis, a passionate advocate for holistic skincare and natural beauty. Camilla shares her journey into the beauty industry, which began in her home country of Poland and evolved through personal experiences, including a transformative health crisis. Camilla emphasises the importance of inner beauty and self-care, encouraging young people to embrace their natural selves rather than succumbing to societal pressures for perfection.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Holistic Approach to Beauty: Emphasising the importance of holistic skincare and natural beauty, it's crucial to focus on inner well-being and self-care rather than solely relying on cosmetic procedures.

Caution Against Quick Fixes: The beauty industry often promotes quick fixes and superficial treatments, which can lead to dissatisfaction and health issues.

Education and Trust in the Beauty Industry: Beauty therapists need to be well-trained and qualified. Clients should seek trusted professionals who prioritise safety and effective treatments over quick, profit-driven services.

Natural Products Over Chemicals: There is a strong advocacy for using natural products and avoiding harmful chemicals in skincare. This includes being cautious with items like perfumes and sunscreens that may disrupt hormonal balance.

Empowerment of Young Women: Young women are encouraged to embrace their natural beauty and self-worth, focusing on self-care and inner beauty rather than succumbing to societal pressures for perfection and cosmetic enhancements.

BEST MOMENTS 

"The beauty is from inside out. We have to look after it from inside out. I'm not telling that we have to ignore it from outside, but the inner beauty should start from inside."

"I think the beauty industry is pushing a lot of products, a lot of toxins, a lot of machines, which are useless. It's like a scam for people to drag them for more and more money."

"It just sends the wrong message to the very young people... It makes me think of the industry. It is a million dollar industry and it is a money making machine."

"You are beautiful as you are... Preserve your beauty for up to 30 and then you start a little bit of treatment only to support your beauty, not to enhance too much."

"I think this is the most amazing, stress relieving, beautiful treatment that I would love to do and help people to relax, rejuvenated and switch off mind totally."

OUR LINKS

⁠www.exquisitesalon.co⁠

⁠https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/⁠

HOST BIO

Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. ⁠https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

What happens when life takes you on a completely unexpected journey—and those twists shape the dreams you were always meant to follow?

In this episode of Beyond the Salon Chair, Natasha sits down with Kirsty Louise Fensome, a former Virgin Atlantic cabin crew member turned creative entrepreneur, whose story is nothing short of inspiring. From her early dreams of acting and writing, to her life-changing experiences working in aviation during 9/11, Kirsty’s journey is filled with resilience, ambition, and a spark of creativity that never went away.

She opens up about the visionary business ideas she had long before platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn existed, her passion for writing, and the courage it takes to turn self-doubt into action. With her upcoming memoir New Found Land on the horizon, Kirsty’s story is a reminder that it’s never too late to chase your ambitions and share your ideas with the world.

If you’ve ever felt held back by fear or wondered if your ideas are worth pursuing—this episode will give you the encouragement you’ve been waiting for.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Turning Ideas into Reality – Kirsty has a gift for spotting creative business opportunities—long before things like Facebook or LinkedIn even existed. Her story is a reminder that ideas are powerful, but they only matter if you act on them.

Life, Writing & Resilience – Her upcoming memoir New Found Land takes us inside her time as Virgin Airways cabin crew during 9/11 and how those experiences shaped her path as a writer.

Breaking the Cycle of Self-Sabotage – Like so many of us, Kirsty admits she’s held herself back at times. This conversation is about recognising that tendency, holding yourself accountable, and finally stepping into your potential.

Don’t Let Ideas Slip Away – Too many brilliant thoughts never leave the notebook. Kirsty challenges us to stop sitting on ideas and start bringing them to life.

A Message of Encouragement – At its heart, this episode is about believing your story, your talents, and your ideas matter. You never know who you might inspire when you share them.

BEST MOMENTS

"I just had like this kind of feeling that I was just going to have this incredible amazing life and I was going to do so much."

"I was actually on holiday with my parents in Prague and over dinner one evening, my mum just said to me, you know, you've always loved writing, why don't you write about your experience?"

"I definitely think you should get your creative genius out there in a book and let yourself be known so that if anything does pop up, it's always known that, well, [you] had the idea first."

"One of the richest places on earth is the cemetery, just meaning that so many people go without getting their ideas out there."

OUR LINKS

www.exquisitesalon.co

https://www.instagram.com/exquisite1hbs/

HOST BIO

Natasha is a seasoned hairdresser with over 14 years of experience in the beauty industry, renowned for her passion, skill, and dedication to her craft. Specializing in creating personalized, stunning styles, she has worked with clients of all hair types, consistently earning a reputation for boosting confidence and empowering individuals through their hair transformations. Natasha’s approach combines creativity with precision, ensuring each client feels valued and understood. Natasha looks to share insights from the world of hairstyling, creativity, and inspiration, alongside real conversations and meaningful discussions

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/