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If you’ve ever felt the growing tension between nurses and skin therapists, or wondered how the new TGA rules are reshaping Australia’s aesthetic landscape, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

I’m sitting down with Katy Hirst, a registered nurse with 18 years of experience (nine of those in cosmetic nursing) and the founder of The Aesthetic Lounge in Cairns. From working in fast-paced chain clinics to building her own boutique business in regional Queensland, Katy shares what it’s really like to carve your own path in an evolving and often divided industry.

In our chat, we dive into:
💉 The impact of the latest TGA regulations - and what they mean for all of us in the aesthetics space
🤝 Why collaboration between skin therapists and nurses matters now more than ever
🌏 The challenges and rewards of running a clinic outside the major cities
📈 How compliance, ethics, and education can elevate your business in a crowded market
💬 Katy’s work as an Allergan clinical trainer, and how she’s helping shape the next generation of injectors

This episode isn’t just about rules and regulations - it’s about connection, integrity, and the power of working together to lift the entire beauty industry.

If you’re passionate about aesthetics, ethics, and the future of beauty, this conversation will inspire you to think bigger, collaborate deeper, and lead with confidence and care.

Connect with Katy

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/theaestheticlounge_qld/ 

Resources mentioned in this episode:
→ Profitable Pricing Calculator: https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/profitable-pricing-calculator
→ Breakeven Cost Calculator: https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/breakeven-cost-calculator
→ ATO Industry Benchmarks: https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/income-deductions-and-concessions/small-business-benchmarks/in-detail/beauty-services

Connect with me and join the Beauty Industry Leaders movement:
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedycoach/
→ https://www.instagram.com/beautyindustryleaders/
→ https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/

If you have any questions about the episode, have a burning question you would like me to answer on the show, or want to join our movement of ambitious beauty leaders, connect with me and the rest of our incredible community on Instagram:
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedycoach/
→ https://www.instagram.com/beautyindustryleaders/

Send us Fan Mail

If you’ve ever wondered what really moves the needle in business - beyond the latest marketing hack or viral trend - this episode is for you.

I’m diving into the one strategy that’s made me more sales than any other tactic I’ve ever tried: storytelling.

In this episode, I’m breaking down how sharing your story (and your clients’ stories) builds connection, trust, and loyalty - the kind that turns followers into real, paying clients.

I also catch you up on some of my recent adventures - from attending the Beauty Expo and exploring Vietnam, to launching new merch, growing my pet bull’s social media following (yes, really!), and hitting some exciting business milestones like securing a new podcast studio and nominating Wild West Bowling for an award.

But the heart of this episode is all about The Five S Framework - my go-to structure for storytelling that sells:

✨ Start: Set the scene and hook your audience
✨ Struggle: Share the challenge that makes your story relatable
✨ Switch: Reveal the moment that changed everything
✨ Solution: Show what worked - and why
✨ Significance: Leave your audience with meaning and a memorable takeaway

If you’re ready to make deeper connections, build trust, and sell in a way that actually feels good, this episode will show you exactly how to do it - one story at a time.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
→ Profitable Pricing Calculator: https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/profitable-pricing-calculator
→ Breakeven Cost Calculator: https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/breakeven-cost-calculator
→ ATO Industry Benchmarks: https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/income-deductions-and-concessions/small-business-benchmarks/in-detail/beauty-services

Connect with me and join the Beauty Industry Leaders movement:
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedycoach/
→ https://www.instagram.com/beautyindustryleaders/
→ https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/

If you have any questions about the episode, have a burning question you would like me to answer on the show, or want to join our movement of ambitious beauty leaders, connect with me and the rest of our incredible community on Instagram:
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedycoach/
→ https://www.instagram.com/beautyindustryleaders/

Send us Fan Mail

At just 17, Gloria Hung started doing lashes out of her bedroom. Fast forward a few short years, and she’s the founder of Glow Artistry - a thriving Sydney-based salon, product line, and training academy generating over $400K before her 21st birthday.

Today I sit down with Gloria to uncover how she built her empire from scratch, the power of finding your niche, and the lessons learned from growing fast in a competitive industry.

Gloria shares the real story behind her journey - from undercharging and burnout to building confidence as a leader and educator. She opens up about the mindset shifts that helped her turn challenges into growth, and why specializing in anime lashes became the secret weapon that set her brand apart.

Inside this episode:
✨ How Gloria went from home-based hustle to running a six-figure salon and academy in under three years
✨ Why niching down (instead of doing it all) helped her stand out in a saturated market
✨ The biggest mistakes she made early on - and how she fixed them
✨ Gloria’s honest take on pricing, leadership, and self-belief in business
✨ Why quick, two-day lash courses are doing more harm than good — and what quality education really looks like
✨ How to turn passion, consistency, and courage into a thriving brand that lasts

Whether you’re a lash artist, salon owner, or aspiring beauty entrepreneur, this episode is packed with inspiration and grounded advice on what it really takes to build a standout beauty business from the ground up.

Connect with Gloria

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gloartistry.au/

Resources mentioned in this episode:
→ Profitable Pricing Calculator: https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/profitable-pricing-calculator
→ Breakeven Cost Calculator: https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/breakeven-cost-calculator
→ ATO Industry Benchmarks: https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/income-deductions-and-concessions/small-business-benchmarks/in-detail/beauty-services

Connect with me and join the Beauty Industry Leaders movement:
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedycoach/
→ https://www.instagram.com/beautyindustryleaders/
→ https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/

If you have any questions about the episode, have a burning question you would like me to answer on the show, or want to join our movement of ambitious beauty leaders, connect with me and the rest of our incredible community on Instagram:
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedycoach/
→ https://www.instagram.com/beautyindustryleaders/

Send us Fan Mail

From high-powered lawyer to subconscious mind mentor, Jess Martin knows what it’s like to tick all the boxes on paper - and still feel stuck.

In this episode, I have a sit down with Jess to explore why success often feels like an uphill battle, even for ambitious, hard-working women. Jess shares how reprogramming the subconscious mind can dissolve self-sabotage patterns, unlock confidence, and create success without burnout.

Together, we unpack how beliefs formed in childhood and reinforced over time can quietly drive our decisions, energy, and self-worth - and how awareness is the first step to changing it all.

Inside this episode:
✨ Why mindset work isn’t “fluff,” but the foundation of sustainable success
✨ How subconscious programming can hold you back (even when you’re doing everything right)
✨ Jess’s practical tools for creating spaciousness and emotional regulation in busy schedules
✨ Understanding visibility wounds and how they affect your brand, leadership, and self-expression
✨ The power of identity work, mental rehearsals, and affirmations in re-aligning with your goals
✨ How balancing your feminine and masculine energies leads to flow, clarity, and ease

Whether you’re leading a team, building a brand, or simply striving to show up as your best self, this conversation is a masterclass in mindset, energy, and embodiment.

Connect with Jess

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/jessmartin__/

Sleep meditation:  https://www.jessmartin.com.au/products/p/sleep-meditation-to-attract-wealth-and-success 

 Abundant and Aligned Podcast: https://abundantandaligned.buzzsprout.com/

Resources mentioned in this episode:
→ Profitable Pricing Calculator: https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/profitable-pricing-calculator
→ Breakeven Cost Calculator: https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/breakeven-cost-calculator
→ ATO Industry Benchmarks: https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/income-deductions-and-concessions/small-business-benchmarks/in-detail/beauty-services

Connect with me and join the Beauty Industry Leaders movement:
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedycoach/
→ https://www.instagram.com/beautyindustryleaders/
→ https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/

If you have any questions about the episode, have a burning question you would like me to answer on the show, or want to join our movement of ambitious beauty leaders, connect with me and the rest of our incredible community on Instagram:
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedycoach/
→ https://www.instagram.com/beautyindustryleaders/

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From working behind the chair to building and selling a multimillion-dollar franchise clinic, Shamara Jarrett’s journey is a testament to resilience, reinvention, and the power of learning from every challenge.

I've sat down with Shamara to unpack her 16+ years in the beauty industry - from salons, spas, and body sugaring, to business development, franchising, and now, tech entrepreneurship.

Shamara opens up about the highs and lows of her career, including the tough lessons that came with bankruptcy, betrayal, and rebuilding. Today, she’s channelling that experience into ServiceCue, a startup designed to make running beauty businesses simpler and smarter. She also shares the mission behind her own podcast, Just a Beauty Therapist, created to educate and empower professionals in the industry.

Inside this episode:
✨ The untold lessons from navigating the franchise model - and what every owner should know
✨ How setbacks like bankruptcy shaped Shamara’s approach to leadership and innovation
✨ The journey from running a clinic to launching a beauty tech startup
✨ Why adaptability and continuous learning are non-negotiables in today’s beauty industry
✨ The story behind Just a Beauty Therapist and Shamara’s vision for education in the field

Whether you’re scaling your business, pivoting into new opportunities, or looking for encouragement through tough times, Shamara’s story is a reminder that adversity can be the catalyst for your biggest breakthroughs.

Connect with Shamara

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justabeautytherapist_podcast/

Website: https://servicecue.com.au/

ServiceCue Insta:  https://www.instagram.com/servicecueapp 

Resources mentioned in this episode:
→ Profitable Pricing Calculator: https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/profitable-pricing-calculator
→ Breakeven Cost Calculator: https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/breakeven-cost-calculator
→ ATO Industry Benchmarks: https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/income-deductions-and-concessions/small-business-benchmarks/in-detail/beauty-services

Connect with me and join the Beauty Industry Leaders movement:
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedycoach/
→ https://www.instagram.com/beautyindustryleaders/
→ https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/

If you have any questions about the episode, have a burning question you would like me to answer on the show, or want to join our movement of ambitious beauty leaders, connect with me and the rest of our incredible community on Instagram:
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedycoach/
→ https://www.instagram.com/beautyindustryleaders/

Send us Fan Mail

From launching a clinic in her own home to developing innovative products during lockdown, Halima’s journey proves that passion, perseverance, and authenticity can rewrite the rules of the beauty industry.

In this episode, I sit down with Halima, founder of Derma Clear Clinic, to explore how she turned challenges into opportunities and built a loyal following by staying true to her values. With over 22 years of experience as a skin therapist and e-commerce entrepreneur, Halima opens up about navigating stigma, embracing soulful skincare, and finding strength through difficult seasons of her life.

Inside this episode:
✨ The real misconceptions about home-based clinics - and how Halima overcame them
✨ How postnatal depression and the COVID-19 lockdown shaped her vision and business approach
✨ The inspiration behind her signature skincare products and holistic treatments
✨ Why authenticity on social media became her biggest growth tool
✨ The power of client care, support networks, and continuous learning in a competitive industry

Whether you’re building your beauty business from the ground up or looking for inspiration to evolve, Halima’s story is a reminder that success doesn’t always follow the traditional path – sometimes it starts right at home.

Connect with Halima

Instagram:  www.instagram.com/halimadccdc/

Dermaclear:  www.instagram.com/dermaclearclinic/

Dermalcode:  www.instagram.com/dermalcode 

Resources mentioned in this episode:
→ Profitable Pricing Calculator: https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/profitable-pricing-calculator
→ Breakeven Cost Calculator: https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/breakeven-cost-calculator
→ ATO Industry Benchmarks: https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/income-deductions-and-concessions/small-business-benchmarks/in-detail/beauty-services

Connect with me and join the Beauty Industry Leaders movement:
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedycoach/
→ https://www.instagram.com/beautyindustryleaders/
→ https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/

If you have any questions about the episode, have a burning question you would like me to answer on the show, or want to join our movement of ambitious beauty leaders, connect with me and the rest of our incredible community on Instagram:
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedycoach/
→ https://www.instagram.com/beautyindustryleaders/

Send us Fan Mail

If running your beauty business feels like you’re juggling every little detail yourself, this episode is your guide to stepping back, scaling up, and leading with confidence.

In Part 5 of our CEO Series, I’m joined once again by Elli from the Beauty Business Society to unpack why micromanagement is holding your growth hostage - and how building smart systems is the key to sustainable success. You’ll hear real client stories from TLB Laser Skin Lashes Clinic and Glow Artistry, who transformed their businesses by streamlining processes and empowering their teams.

Inside this episode:
✨ Why micromanagement keeps even the best CEOs stuck in survival mode
✨ The essential systems that free up your time and fuel scalability
✨ How to emotionally (and practically) let go of control without sacrificing quality
✨ The game-changing role virtual assistants can play in your beauty business
✨ What you can expect at the upcoming Beauty Industry Leaders Retreat - and why it’s designed to help you scale with ease

This conversation is your roadmap to trading overwhelm for organization and building a beauty business that grows without burning you out.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
→ Profitable Pricing Calculator: https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/profitable-pricing-calculator
→ Breakeven Cost Calculator: https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/breakeven-cost-calculator
→ ATO Industry Benchmarks: https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/income-deductions-and-concessions/small-business-benchmarks/in-detail/beauty-services

Connect with me and join the Beauty Industry Leaders movement:
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedycoach/
→ https://www.instagram.com/beautyindustryleaders/
→ https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/

If you have any questions about the episode, have a burning question you would like me to answer on the show, or want to join our movement of ambitious beauty leaders, connect with me and the rest of our incredible community on Instagram:
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedycoach/
→ https://www.instagram.com/beautyindustryleaders/

Send us Fan Mail

From teenage YouTuber to award-nominated salon owner, Jacob Stella’s story proves that the beauty industry rewards courage, creativity, and consistency.

In this episode, I sit down with Jacob to unpack how he went from filming makeup tutorials at 15 to running a thriving brow, lash, and makeup studio that’s a finalist for Salon of the Year 2024. Jacob shares the pivots, lessons, and behind-the-scenes realities that shaped his career - and the unexpected glow-up that no one saw coming.

Inside this episode:
 ✨ How Jacob transitioned from YouTube videos to building an in-demand personal brand
 ✨ The leap from MAC counter to salon ownership - and the lessons learned along the way
 ✨ Why introverts can thrive in an extroverted industry (and how Jacob makes it work)
✨ His approach to leading a team, investing in training, and creating a standout salon culture
✨ The role of mindfulness and intuition in navigating business pressures
✨ Rapid-fire insights: Jacob’s favorite products, biggest misconceptions in beauty, and his top career lessons

Whether you’re just starting out or scaling to the next level, Jacob’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and staying true to yourself in an ever-evolving industry.

Connect with Jacob

https://www.instagram.com/andthatsjacob/ 

https://www.instagram.com/bocajbeauty/ 

Resources mentioned in this episode:
→ Profitable Pricing Calculator: https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/profitable-pricing-calculator
→ Breakeven Cost Calculator: https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/breakeven-cost-calculator
→ ATO Industry Benchmarks: https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/income-deductions-and-concessions/small-business-benchmarks/in-detail/beauty-services

Connect with me and join the Beauty Industry Leaders movement:
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedycoach/
→ https://www.instagram.com/beautyindustryleaders/
→ https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/

If you have any questions about the episode, have a burning question you would like me to answer on the show, or want to join our movement of ambitious beauty leaders, connect with me and the rest of our incredible community on Instagram:
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedycoach/
→ https://www.instagram.com/beautyindustryleaders/

Send us Fan Mail

If managing money in your beauty business feels more like guesswork than strategy, this episode is your roadmap to turning financial clarity into sustainable growth.

In Part 4 of our CEO Series, I’m joined once again by Elli from the Beauty Business Society to tackle the financial foundations every salon owner needs for 2026 and beyond. Together, we get real about why most beauty businesses stumble when it comes to money - and how shifting your mindset (and systems) can transform not just your profits, but your confidence as a CEO.

Inside this episode:
✨ The biggest financial pitfalls salon owners face (and how to avoid them)
✨ Why cash flow, not just revenue, determines your freedom to grow
✨ How Elli said “yes” to opportunities during one of the busiest seasons of her life - and what it taught her about money and momentum
✨ Sammy’s hard-earned lessons from costly financial struggles (and how they reshaped her approach to growth)
✨ Why “cutting costs first” is keeping you stuck - and the profit-first principles that actually move the needle
✨ The power of financial transparency with your team and how it fuels buy-in for growth goals

This conversation is your permission slip to stop guessing with your money and start leading with strategy.

And if you’re ready to put these lessons into action, join us at the Beauty Industry Leaders Retreat, where guest expert Tara Shaw will show you exactly how to implement profitable membership models in your business.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
→ Profitable Pricing Calculator: https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/profitable-pricing-calculator
→ Breakeven Cost Calculator: https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/breakeven-cost-calculator
→ ATO Industry Benchmarks: https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/income-deductions-and-concessions/small-business-benchmarks/in-detail/beauty-services

Connect with me and join the Beauty Industry Leaders movement:
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedycoach/
→ https://www.instagram.com/beautyindustryleaders/
→ https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/

If you have any questions about the episode, have a burning question you would like me to answer on the show, or want to join our movement of ambitious beauty leaders, connect with me and the rest of our incredible community on Instagram:
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedycoach/
→ https://www.instagram.com/beautyindustryleaders/

Send us Fan Mail

If you’ve ever poured money into Facebook or Instagram ads only to see little (or no) return, you’re not alone - and you’re definitely not doomed.

In this episode, I sit down with Stephanie Mitchell, founder of Sunny Store Marketing and The Ad Lab, to uncover why so many beauty business owners struggle with ads - and what to do instead. Stephanie shares her own journey from traditional marketing into the beauty industry, proving you don’t need to be a beauty professional to understand what makes clients click.

Together, we unpack the biggest myths about Facebook ads, the role of a strong strategic offer, and how to overcome the fear of visibility that holds so many beauty pros back. Plus, you’ll hear real success stories from students who’ve turned struggling campaigns into consistent client growth.

Inside this episode:
✨ Why most Facebook ads fail - and the simple shifts that make them work
✨ How to create offers that convert instead of wasting ad spend
✨ The truth about “boosting” posts vs. running real campaigns
✨ Practical steps to test, track, and improve your ad results
✨ How Stephanie helps beauty professionals feel confident showing up online
✨ Inspiring success stories from beauty businesses who got it right

If you’re ready to stop throwing money at ads that don’t deliver - and finally start attracting the right clients on autopilot - this conversation is your roadmap.

Connect with Stephanie

Instagram: www.instagram.com/stephaniemitchellmarketing/

Free class: www.salonadsmadeeasy.com/freeclass

Ad Lab: https://www.joinadlab.com/

Resources mentioned in this episode:
→ Profitable Pricing Calculator: https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/profitable-pricing-calculator
→ Breakeven Cost Calculator: https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/breakeven-cost-calculator
→ ATO Industry Benchmarks: https://www.ato.gov.au/businesses-and-organisations/income-deductions-and-concessions/small-business-benchmarks/in-detail/beauty-services

Connect with me and join the Beauty Industry Leaders movement:
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedycoach/
→ https://www.instagram.com/beautyindustryleaders/
→ https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/

If you have any questions about the episode, have a burning question you would like me to answer on the show, or want to join our movement of ambitious beauty leaders, connect with me and the rest of our incredible community on Instagram:
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedycoach/
→ https://www.instagram.com/beautyindustryleaders/