Delusional

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If AI still feels overwhelming, confusing, or “not for you,” this episode is going to completely shift the way you think about technology, creativity, and the future of your beauty business.

Today, I’m sitting down with the brilliant Em Gee - a former teacher turned tech-savvy marketing mentor who has built six businesses in seven years, mentored over a thousand women, and written two best-selling books. Em is known for her no-fluff education style, bold strategy, and her unique ability to make AI simple, human, and genuinely useful for small business owners.

In this episode, we dive into:
✨ The real impact AI is having on the beauty industry - and what it means for your future
✨ Practical ways beauty business owners can use AI today to save time, streamline workflows, and strengthen marketing
✨ How Em blends tech with authenticity - and why human connection still matters more than ever
✨ The systems and tools Em recommends for content creation, productivity, and smarter decision-making
✨ What curiosity, community-building, and adaptability can do for your long-term success

Em Gee's energy is infectious. Her clarity, creativity, and commitment to empowering women in business shines through in every insight she shares. This episode will leave you inspired, prepared, and excited for what’s possible when you learn to work with AI instead of fearing it.

Connect with Em Gee

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

Teck Stack: https://tinyurl.com/emgee-techstack 

If you have any questions about the episode, have a burning question you would like me to answer on the show, connect with me and the rest of our incredible community on Instagram:

→ https://www.instagram.com/delusionalwithsammykennedy/
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedyofficial 

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If you’ve ever braced yourself for the dreaded “slow season” in Jan/Feb, this episode is going to completely shift the way you think about bookings, client behaviour, and your business strategy.

Today, I’m sitting down with the incredible Bec Barwick - a true veteran of the beauty industry with over 30 years of hands-on experience. Bec has done it all: skin therapist, multi-salon owner, leader of high-performing teams, and now a key educator and industry expert at ZO Skin Health. She even flew from Brisbane to Perth for this conversation - and trust me, every minute is packed with gold.

In this episode, we dive into:
✨ Why the “slow season” is mostly a myth - and what’s actually causing the Jan/Feb booking crash
✨ Bec’s five-step consultation method that keeps clients loyal, understood, and coming back consistently
✨ How to read your clients’ lifestyle, habits, and expectations to create personalised experiences that convert
✨ The biggest retention mistakes salon owners don’t realise they’re making
✨ What 30+ years in the industry has taught Bec about leadership, team culture, and staying profitable in a changing market

Bec’s passion is contagious. Her commitment to elevating the industry, supporting business owners, and sharing real, actionable wisdom shines through in every story and strategy she offers.

Connect with Bec

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

If you have any questions about the episode, have a burning question you would like me to answer on the show, connect with me and the rest of our incredible community on Instagram:

→ https://www.instagram.com/delusionalwithsammykennedy/
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedyofficial 

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If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s smarter to hire a team or rent out rooms in your salon, this episode is going to give you so much clarity and confidence.

Today, I’m sitting down with Clarissa Saco - a cosmetic tattoo artist, mentor, investor, and salon owner who’s built an incredible career in the beauty industry. Clarissa bought her first salon at just 22 years old, and her journey since then has been filled with lessons about growth, resilience, and redefining success on her own terms.

In this episode, we dive into:
✨ How Clarissa went from young salon owner to confident landlord and mentor
✨ The pivotal moment that pushed her to rebuild her life after leaving an abusive relationship
✨ What she’s learned about financial independence, leadership, and creating freedom in business
✨ The real pros and cons of hiring staff vs. renting out rooms - and how to know which model fits you best

Clarissa’s story is such a powerful reminder that with the right skills, mindset, and support, you can create a business (and life) that truly lights you up.

If you’re a salon owner, beauty professional, or just someone dreaming of more independence, I know this episode will leave you inspired to take bold action - on your own terms.

Connect with Clarissa

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/clarissa.visage/ 

Join the Solo Salon Sucess Circle: https://clarissavisage.mysamcart.com/the-solo-salon-success-circle

If you have any questions about the episode, have a burning question you would like me to answer on the show, connect with me and the rest of our incredible community on Instagram:

→ https://www.instagram.com/delusionalwithsammykennedy/
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedyofficial 

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If you’ve ever felt like your brain just works differently - and that running a business sometimes feels like juggling chaos with creativity - this episode is for you.

Today I’m pulling back the curtain on what it’s really like to run a business with ADHD - the challenges, the hidden strengths, and the systems that have completely changed the game for me.

I’m sharing:
✨ My ADHD diagnosis journey and what finally made the puzzle pieces click
✨ How ADHD shows up in my daily work habits — from hyperfocus to burnout
✨ The practical tools and routines that keep me grounded (even when my brain wants to do everything at once)
✨ How I’ve learned to manage my energy, stay organized, and build a business that supports my brain - not fights against it

Plus, I give you a little behind-the-scenes peek into designing my new podcast studio, how I’m using Pinterest and AI tools like ChatGPT and Sora to bring my vision board to life, and the creative process that keeps me inspired.

From brain dumps and time blocking to theme days, sprint-style work, co-working, and celebrating small wins - these are the systems that save me (and might just save you too).

If you’re a creative entrepreneur with ADHD - or simply someone who wants to build a business that fits you - this episode will leave you feeling seen, supported, and ready to work with your brain, not against it.

Book in a free 30 minute strategy session: https://beautyindustryleaders.com.au/complimentary-30-minute-strategy-session 

If you have any questions about the episode, have a burning question you would like me to answer on the show, connect with me and the rest of our incredible community on Instagram:

→ https://www.instagram.com/delusionalwithsammykennedy/
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedyofficial 

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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/ 

If you have any questions about the episode, have a burning question you would like me to answer on the show, connect with me and the rest of our incredible community on Instagram:

→ https://www.instagram.com/delusionalwithsammykennedy/
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedyofficial 

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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.

If you have any questions about the episode, have a burning question you would like me to answer on the show, connect with me and the rest of our incredible community on Instagram:

→ https://www.instagram.com/delusionalwithsammykennedy/
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedyofficial 

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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/

If you have any questions about the episode, have a burning question you would like me to answer on the show, connect with me and the rest of our incredible community on Instagram:

→ https://www.instagram.com/delusionalwithsammykennedy/
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedyofficial 

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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/

If you have any questions about the episode, have a burning question you would like me to answer on the show, connect with me and the rest of our incredible community on Instagram:

→ https://www.instagram.com/delusionalwithsammykennedy/
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedyofficial 

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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 

If you have any questions about the episode, have a burning question you would like me to answer on the show, connect with me and the rest of our incredible community on Instagram:

→ https://www.instagram.com/delusionalwithsammykennedy/
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedyofficial 

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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 

If you have any questions about the episode, have a burning question you would like me to answer on the show, connect with me and the rest of our incredible community on Instagram:

→ https://www.instagram.com/delusionalwithsammykennedy/
→ https://www.instagram.com/sammykennedyofficial