Salon Goals with Lauren Lappin

In this week's episode Lauren shares her personal process for evaluating the previous 12 months (of business and life), and how she uses those insights to set goals and plan next-steps for the year ahead.

This episode will give you the framework you need to be honest and clear-headed about 2025, and how to use that knowledge to go into 2026 with both excitement, and clarity.

Essential Questions for a Big 2026:

1. What went well in 2025? What were the highlights? (04:00).
2. What do you want to do less of in 2026? (06:00).
3. What goals do you want to achieve in 2026? "Goals shape your schedule." (07:45).
4. Rip the band-aid off and make the changes. "You're the architect of your reality." (12:30).

The Salon CEO Day - Waitlist: https://www.laurenlappin.com.au/the-salon-ceoday-waitlist

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Rate and Review the Show in Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-lash-business-lounge/id1609510128

Rate the Show in Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xvJ8MNZM9cbjYBGcMDtb8?si=b23764e4d0ed4b59

Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenlappin_

Allure's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allure_lashbeautybar

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This Episode was Recorded and Produced by Josh Liston at JCAL Media Group - https://www.jcaldigital.org/podcast-editing

In this week's episode your Host Lauren Lappin breaks down the 5 things she got wrong in her Business, and what she'd do differently now.

The 5 Things I Got Wrong in Her Business:

1. Holding onto the wrong people for too long. (Be them Staff, Service Providers, or even Clients, you need to cut ties with these people as quickly as possible before they drag you down professionally, and personally).
2. Stayed on the Tools for too long. And held onto control for too long. ("Freedom and control can't coexist" ~ Unknown). (06:30).
3. "I failed to properly lead my Team, because I wanted so much to be liked" ~ Lauren Lappin. (11:15).
4. Spending way too much money on skills-based trainings. (The ROI on more and more advanced skills-based trainings was negative in retrospect). (15:00).
5. Failing to manage my money properly. (19:00).

11 Weekly Money Habits Every Salon Owner Needs: https://www.laurenlappin.com.au/money-habits

Top 5 Reasons for Firing a Client (Ep. 98): https://the-lash-business-lounge.captivate.fm/episode/ep-98-my-top-5-reasons-for-firing-a-client

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Rate and Review the Show in Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-lash-business-lounge/id1609510128

Rate the Show in Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xvJ8MNZM9cbjYBGcMDtb8?si=b23764e4d0ed4b59

Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenlappin_

Allure's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allure_lashbeautybar

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This Episode was Recorded and Produced by Josh Liston at JCAL Media Group - https://www.jcaldigital.org/podcast-editing

https://www.instagram.com/laurenlappin_

In this week's episode Lauren shares several ways that she's taking care of herself (and by extension her Family and her Team) this December. Lauren asks the question: Are You Planning to Thrive, or Just Survive?

"We (as Business Owners) need to take care of ourselves and enjoy this time of year, too"

~ Lauren Lappin.

1. A focus on health at this time of year is key to making it through the silly season unscathed. (05:30). Massage, Chiropractic (where required), and Scheduled Exercise Sessions are an essential part of Lauren's plan for December.
2. Shopping and Meal Prep. (10:30).
3. Setting and Maintaining Boundaries, in particular around Start & Finish times. (11:55).
4. Scheduled Breaks, and actually taking them. (14:55)
5. Batch Creation of Content and Future Marketing Assets. (15:30)
6. Closing for the Break. (17:00).

Listen to 'Show Me Your Calendar, And I'll Show You Your Life' (Podcast Episode):

https://player.captivate.fm/episode/5e4c513c-b039-416f-a293-4e0ca0856562

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Rate and Review the Show in Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-lash-business-lounge/id1609510128

Rate the Show in Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xvJ8MNZM9cbjYBGcMDtb8?si=b23764e4d0ed4b59

Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenlappin_

Allure's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allure_lashbeautybar

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This Episode was Recorded and Produced by Josh Liston at JCAL Media Group - https://www.jcaldigital.org/podcast-editing

In this week's episode Lauren breaks down the 6 mistakes that could be killing your Salon profit margin.

The 6 Mistakes That Quietly Kill Your Profit Margin:

1. Undercharging for your products and services. (04:45).
2. Discounts, value-adds and loyalty systems that eat into your profit. (08:00).
3. Allowing too much time for your services. Remember, time is money! (13:00).
4. Too many subscriptions, systems and tools. (21:00).
5. Retention of Team Members that aren't performing, and aren't profitable. (25:00).
6. Overdelivering out of fear. (28:00).

https://www.laurenlappin.com.au/service-cost-calculator

11 Weekly Money Habits Every Salon Owner Needs: https://www.laurenlappin.com.au/money-habits

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Rate and Review the Show in Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-lash-business-lounge/id1609510128

Rate the Show in Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xvJ8MNZM9cbjYBGcMDtb8?si=b23764e4d0ed4b59

Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenlappin_

Allure's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allure_lashbeautybar

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This Episode was Recorded and Produced by Josh Liston at JCAL Media Group - https://www.jcaldigital.org/podcast-editing

In this week's episode Lauren discusses the types of things that you should definitely NOT be posting on your Salon Instagram. Irrelevant and/or Inappropriate posts on your Salon socials can impact your professional reputation, and by extension, cost you new and existing Clients.

Educating, Inspiring, Entertaining and Connecting, these are the only types of posts you should be posting on your business socials ~ Lauren Lappin.

Stop Posting This on Your Salon Instagram:

• Stop posting your Salon Policies.

• Stop posting about Price Increases. (06:00).

• Stop putting "No DM's" in your Instagram Bio. (11:45).

• Stop putting "Not Currently Taking New Clients" in your Instagram Bio. (16:30).

• Never post rants about your Clients on your business social accounts. (19:00).

• Never post about an apparent lack of Client Loyalty toward you and/or your business. (24:45).

• Never post about how your Clients and potential Clients should communicate with your business on socials and via DM's. (29:30).

• Never post about Clients running late. (32:20).

• Before you post anything on your Salon socials, start by thinking: What will my Clients or potential Clients get out of this post? What's in it for them? (38:30).

Educating, Inspiring, Entertaining and Connecting.

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Rate and Review the Show in Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-lash-business-lounge/id1609510128

Rate the Show in Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xvJ8MNZM9cbjYBGcMDtb8?si=b23764e4d0ed4b59

Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenlappin_

Allure's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allure_lashbeautybar

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This Episode was Recorded and Produced by Josh Liston at JCAL Media Group - https://www.jcaldigital.org/podcast-editing

In this week's episode Lauren shares the 9 Things That Actually Move the Needle in Growing Your Salon Business.

These key factors range from committing to your Content Marketing, to Team Engagement, to Personal and Professional Development, and everything in-between. As Lauren herself mentions in the episode, "Spend time, energy and focus on these 9 Things and you will see growth in your Business."

Your Business Growth Checklist:

1. Commit to the Content Marketing for Your Business. (04:15).
2. Team Building and Team Management. (07:00).
3. Your New Client Experience. (10:00).
4. Showing Love to Your Existing Clients. (14:00).
5. Rebooking and Retaining Clients. (16:00).
6. Tracking and Understanding Your Finances. (19:45).
7. Auditing Your Time, and the Delegation of Tasks. (22:00).
8. Keep Learning about Business (and yourself as a Leader of People). (24:00).
9. Surround Yourself with the Right People. (27:00).

https://www.laurenlappin.com.au/private-coaching

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Rate and Review the Show in Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-lash-business-lounge/id1609510128

Rate the Show in Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xvJ8MNZM9cbjYBGcMDtb8?si=b23764e4d0ed4b59

Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenlappin_

Allure's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allure_lashbeautybar

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This Episode was Recorded and Produced by Josh Liston at JCAL Media Group - https://www.jcaldigital.org/podcast-editing

In this week's episode Lauren is joined by the amazing Alicia Phoenix (Owner & CEO. of Prolong Lash). Alicia is a fellow AI user and advocate in the beauty business space, and this episode is a deep-dive into both getting started with AI in (and for) your Salon business, and also how you might want to increase your understanding and expand the application of AI going forward.

What Lauren and Alicia Talk About:

• How did Alicia get started with AI? (05:15).

• Using AI for your Salon's content creation. (10:45).

• Refining and renaming your individual AI chats. (18:00).

• How Alicia uses AI day-to-day. (22:00).

• Using AI to save your business money. (26:00).

• ChatGPT: Free vs Premium/Paid (as at November 2025). (31:00).

• A super valuable tip for ChatGPT Users. (33:00).

• How Alicia is using AI in her Mum-life. (36:30).

• How Lauren uses AI to assist with optimising her diet. (38:30).

• Using Voice-to-Text is a game changer. (39:30).

• "I don't want to read stuff that a robot wrote." (43:30).

• Is using AI cheating? (47:30).

• Where should someone new to AI, get started? (53:00).

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Prolong Lash (Australia):

1. https://prolonglash.com.au/
2. https://www.instagram.com/prolonglash.au/

Prolong Lash (USA):

1. https://prolonglash.com/
2. https://www.instagram.com/prolonglash.usa/

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Rate and Review the Show in Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-lash-business-lounge/id1609510128

Rate the Show in Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xvJ8MNZM9cbjYBGcMDtb8?si=b23764e4d0ed4b59

Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenlappin_

Allure's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allure_lashbeautybar

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This Episode was Recorded and Produced by Josh Liston at JCAL Media Group - https://www.jcaldigital.org/podcast-editing

In this week's Listener Q&A episode (part 2 of 2) Lauren goes deep into the truths and complexities around Moving into a Bigger Salon Space, Dealing with Staff Laziness, and the role(s) of a Salon Manager.

If you have any burning questions for your Salon Business, and you want to hear Lauren's take on them in a future episode of the Podcast, Follow Lauren on Instagram here @laurenlappin_.

Listener Questions:

1. When is the right time to move into a bigger Salon space?
2. How do I deal with Staff Laziness, in a positive and profitable way? (13:00).
3. "Salon Managers and their role." (26:00).

https://www.laurenlappin.com.au/salon-boss

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Rate and Review the Show in Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-lash-business-lounge/id1609510128

Rate and Comment in Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xvJ8MNZM9cbjYBGcMDtb8?si=b23764e4d0ed4b59

Allure's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allure_lashbeautybar

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This Episode was Recorded and Produced by Josh Liston at JCAL Media Group.

In this week's Listener Q&A episode (part 1 of 2) Lauren tackles three very different but equally important Salon business questions around Client Expectations, Stock Control, and Owners not paying themselves.

If you have any burning questions for your Salon Business, and you want to hear Lauren's take on them in a future episode of the Podcast, Follow Lauren on Instagram here @laurenlappin_.

Listener Questions:

1. How do we best engage with Clients that only want to see the Owner or a particular Team member in the Salon? (What to do if Clients arrive at your Salon expecting to see you (as the Owner), and are caught off-guard by having to see a different member of your Team instead).
2. I'm struggling to budget for stock in my Salon, what do I do? (How to optimise your Stock Control Process, to eliminate stock shortages of Professional stock, over and under orders of Retail stock, and budget blow-outs that can lead to cash flow issues). (09:30).
3. I'm not paying myself due to high business overheads, how do I get things back on-track in my business and start paying myself? (22:00).

https://www.laurenlappin.com.au/salon-boss

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Rate and Review the Show in Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-lash-business-lounge/id1609510128

Rate and Comment in Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xvJ8MNZM9cbjYBGcMDtb8?si=b23764e4d0ed4b59

Allure's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allure_lashbeautybar

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This Episode was Recorded and Produced by Josh Liston at JCAL Media Group.

In this week's episode Lauren discusses What Actually Matters on Your Salon Socials. Lauren also shares her opinion on the value of Social Media Marketing Groups and Content Idea Clubs online, and if a virality-first orientation is helpful for marketing bricks-and-mortar businesses.

What Matters More Than Follower Counts, Views, and Going Viral:

• Don't forget, we have bricks-and-mortar serviced-based businesses. Create content for your ideal local Clients, and your ideal potential Clients. (05:45).

• Your main goal on Socials should be to get more paying Clients physically through the door. (07:30).

• Don't get caught-up obsessing over what other Creators (and Salons) are doing on Instagram, TikTok, etc. (10:00).

• ICA (Ideal Client Avatar). (10:55).

• Did your Social Content fill the white spaces in your calendar? If not, why? Was your Content in perfect alignment with what your ICA wants and needs? (15:00).

• First, ask yourself, what problems are my Clients and Potential Clients having? And how can we help those Clients solve those problems? Once you have the answers those questions, then start building your Social Content. (19:00).

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Rate and Review the Show in Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-lash-business-lounge/id1609510128

Rate the Show in Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0xvJ8MNZM9cbjYBGcMDtb8?si=b23764e4d0ed4b59

Lauren on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenlappin_

Allure's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allure_lashbeautybar

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This Episode was Recorded and Produced by Josh Liston at JCAL Media Group - https://www.jcaldigital.org/podcast-editing