Thinking about hiring your first team member...but feeling the fear? You’re not alone.

In this honest and practical Mini Moment, Samara and Jen break down the real emotions and strategy behind that first hire.

From burnout and back to back days on the floor, to making space for growth, they share the personal and financial checkpoints every salon owner should consider. The girls discuss their own hiring journey. From deciding whether they could afford it, to crafting the right SEEK ad, navigating friend networks, and trusting their gut in interviews.

If you’re exhausted, overbooked, or dreaming of building something bigger, this mini moment gives you the insight (and encouragement) to take your next brave step.

🎧 Listen now to learn:

• How to know when you’re really ready to hire
• What your first staff member should bring to the table
• Smart ways to test fit without committing fast
• How to write job ads that attract the right people
• Why the vibe matters more than the resume

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

00:11 The Journey to Hiring

01:24 Financial Considerations Before Hiring

01:58 First Hire Experience

03:26 Handling Quiet Weeks

08:13 The Hiring Process

10:12 Navigating Confidentiality

13:54 Trial Periods

16:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

✨You weren’t meant to run your salon and lead your team alone.

Rising Finances Online gives salon owners with a team the tools, strategies, and confidence to master their finances and lead with clarity.

✨ Sign up today and start leading with confidence -RFO

💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Mini Moment Sponsors - Timely

We’ve partnered with Timely to bring you something special:

New customers get 50% off their first 3 months.

If you've been thinking about levelling up your salon systems, this is your moment. Timely is designed specifically for salons—helping you manage bookings, clients, staff, and more with ease.

🛍️ Head to Timely and use the code SALONRISING at checkout to claim the offer.

What if your salon could be known for more than just great hair?

In this heart filled episode, we sit down with Nicki from Salon Purpose. A salon owner who built her entire business model around kindness, integrity and impact.

From starting in a 15 square metre backyard salon to leading a 19 staff team and raising over $100,000 through her “With Love” campaign, Nicki shares how purpose has shaped every decision she's made. And why that purpose is her biggest accountability.

She opens up about the fears she had around numbers, how she only works one day a week on the floor, and why your legacy isn’t built in the big moments, but in the small ones. Whether you’re solo or managing a team, this episode will inspire you to lead with your heart, without losing sight of the numbers.

💡 What you'll learn:

• How to lead a values-driven salon without burning out
• What profit-for-purpose actually looks like in action
• Ways to embed generosity into your business from day one
• Smart systems for training and team management
• How to create a connected team culture, even with 19 staff

⏱ Episode Timestamps

00:00 Episode Summary

02:34 Nicki's Journey to Salon Purpose

04:50 Building a Purpose Driven Salon

07:11 From Home Salon to Expanding Business

11:25 Creating a Community Focused Salon

19:51 Managing a Growing Team

29:22 The With Love Campaign and Giving Back

32:57 Overcoming Personal Challenges to Start a Business

33:23 The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers

34:27 Financial Security and Purpose Driven Profit

35:09 Training and Team Management

39:58 Generosity Beyond Finances

49:18 Building a Supportive Work Culture

54:09 Final Thoughts on Generosity and Business

This isn’t just a salon story, it’s a blueprint for building a business that changes lives. Press play now and get inspired to lead with purpose.

💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors - Timely

We’ve partnered with Timely to bring you something special:

New customers get 50% off their first 3 months.

If you've been thinking about levelling up your salon systems, this is your moment. Timely is designed specifically for salons—helping you manage bookings, clients, staff, and more with ease.

🛍️ Head to Timely and use the code SALONRISING at checkout to claim the offer.

💛 Ready to Finally Feel Confident with Your Salon Finances?

We created Rising Finances Online for salon owners just like you:

If you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed by your numbers, this is your moment. Rising Finances Online will guide you step by step to understand your money, pay yourself properly, and plan for the future – without the stress.

✨ It’s designed specifically for salon owners, with easy-to-follow modules that bring clarity, confidence, and real results.

🛍️ Head to RFO to join today and start transforming your finances.

Mentioned in this episode:

Timely

Ever feel guilty for stepping away from the salon floor to work on your business? You’re not alone.

In this Mini Moment, Jen is joined by Sherri to unpack why taking time off the tools isn’t just okay, it’s essential. They share real talk about charging your worth, tracking every dollar, staying inspired, and avoiding the burnout spiral so many salon owners fall into.

🎧 Listen now to learn:

• Why working smarter beats working harder every time
• The hidden costs draining your profits (and how to fix it)
• The burnout signs you’re ignoring right now
• How to create space for creativity and growth
• Simple systems to make business life feel easier

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:49 Working Smarter, Not Harder

01:59 Tracking Costs and Managing Stock

05:01 Financial Hacks and Spending Wisely

08:11 Social Media and Creative Processes

14:47 Avoiding Burnout and Self-Care Tips

20:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Step away from the chair, breathe, and remember: building your dream business takes more than just doing clients. You’ve got this ❤️

✨You weren’t meant to run your salon and lead your team alone.

Rising Finances Online gives salon owners with a team the tools, strategies, and confidence to master their finances and lead with clarity.

✨ Sign up today and start leading with confidence -RFO

💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Mini Moment Sponsors - Timely

We’ve partnered with Timely to bring you something special:

New customers get 50% off their first 3 months.

If you've been thinking about levelling up your salon systems, this is your moment. Timely is designed specifically for salons—helping you manage bookings, clients, staff, and more with ease.

🛍️ Head to Timely and use the code SALONRISING at checkout to claim the offer.

Ever felt trapped by the very business you built?

In this powerful episode, Ashlin from The Elk Collective shares why she walked away from her 10 staff salon to build a thriving home based business aligned with her life and purpose.

She opens up about the burnout of running a big team, the pressure to look “successful,” and how coming back to her why transformed her work, family life, and finances. If you’ve ever wondered if there’s another way to do business, this conversation will give you courage.

🎧 Listen now to learn:

• Why bigger isn’t always better in business
• How to redefine success on your own terms
• Practical financial tips for salon owners
• The mindset shifts that brought her peace and joy again

👉 Tap play to feel inspired to build a business that works for you.

00:00 Episode Summary

01:41 Welcome to the Inner Sanctum

03:13 Ashlin's Journey: From Home Salon to Elk Collective

05:23 The Challenges of Managing a Growing Team

08:00 Rebranding and Returning Home

11:34 Balancing Business and Family

21:54 Financial Realities and Mental Health

34:00 The Transition to a Home Based Salon

40:30 Creating a Balanced Work Environment

40:50 The Role of Key Team Members

46:50 Delegation and Team Dynamics

49:26 Financial Lessons and Strategies

51:54 Planning for Financial Stability

1:06:32 The Importance of Future Planning

1:08:40 Overcoming Industry Challenges

1:13:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors - Timely

We’ve partnered with Timely to bring you something special:

New customers get 50% off their first 3 months.

If you've been thinking about levelling up your salon systems, this is your moment. Timely is designed specifically for salons—helping you manage bookings, clients, staff, and more with ease.

🛍️ Head to Timely and use the code SALONRISING at checkout to claim the offer.

💛 Ready to Finally Feel Confident with Your Salon Finances?

We created Rising Finances Online for salon owners just like you:

If you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed by your numbers, this is your moment. Rising Finances Online will guide you step by step to understand your money, pay yourself properly, and plan for the future – without the stress.

✨ It’s designed specifically for salon owners, with easy-to-follow modules that bring clarity, confidence, and real results.

🛍️ Head to RFO to join today and start transforming your finances.

Mentioned in this episode:

Timely

Going solo doesn’t mean going it alone.

In this Mini Moment, Jen is joined by Sherri from Timely to unpack what really happens behind the scenes of solo businesses. From the emotional weight of doing it all, to the turning point most business owners hit at 18 months, they explore the silent struggles and simple shifts that can make solo life feel less… solo.

💬 Inside:

• Why “solo” doesn’t mean unsupported (and what to call it instead)
• The cheer squad exercise that changes everything
• What no one tells you about client data, systems & automation
• Learning fatigue, mindset overload & how to take your power back

Whether you're just starting out or deep in the juggle, this episode will remind you that support is a strategy—and success doesn't have to be lonely.

🎧 Press play for the pep talk every solo business owner needs.

00:00 Introduction to Mini Moments

00:46 The Sole Trader Journey

01:39 Building a Support System

06:52 Financial Realities and Growth

10:26 Learning and Overwhelm

12:58 Importance of Systems and Automation

16:13 Client Data and Communication

17:21 Conclusion and Takeaways

You don’t need to do it alone, Solo babes!

Solo Rise Online is where your confidence strengthens, and your business thrives. With 17 powerful modules, 93 lessons, and nearly 7 hours of expert guidance, you'll have everything you need to grow with confidence.

https://podcast.salonrising.com/solo-rise

💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Mini Moment Sponsors - Timely

We’ve partnered with Timely to bring you something special:

New customers get 50% off their first 3 months.

If you've been thinking about levelling up your salon systems, this is your moment. Timely is designed specifically for salons—helping you manage bookings, clients, staff, and more with ease.

🛍️ Head to Timely and use the code SALONRISING at checkout to claim the offer.

Ever felt knocked flat by burnout, public criticism, or self doubt?

In this raw and honest chat, Kelly Christie, aka The Skin Queen and also owner of The Facial Bar on the Gold Coast, joins Samara and Jen to share the unfiltered truth behind building two successful businesses. From the realities of online hate to the behind the scenes lessons of leadership, resilience, and growth. This episode is packed with wisdom for every beauty business owner.

💬 Inside:

• The hardest lessons of leadership, staff culture, and finding her style
• How public criticism almost broke her (and what helped her rebuild)
• Balancing multiple businesses while protecting her mental health
• The mindset shifts that helped her step into her power
• What she’s doing differently now to create thriving teams and success

If you’ve ever wondered how to stay strong and grow through the toughest seasons of business—this one will light you up.

🎧 Hit play to feel seen, supported, and inspired to rise through it all.

00:00 Episode Disclaimer

02:44 Navigating Client Cancellations

04:52 Guest Introduction: Kelly, the Skin Queen

05:59 Kelly's Journey to Becoming Skin Queen

08:38 Challenges of Running a Salon

12:38 The Importance of Leadership in Business

15:29 Maintaining Team Morale and Culture

24:21 The Emotional Impact of Leadership

36:11 Rebuilding and Finding Flow

40:16 Facing Industry Backlash

41:14 Dealing with Online Criticism

43:29 Mental Health Struggles

44:59 Finding Strength and Purpose

47:02 Rebuilding and Moving Forward

54:14 Business Growth and Future Plans

1:08:58 Final Thoughts and Reflections

💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors - Timely

✨ Timely – Your dream booking system

We’ve partnered with Timely to bring you something special:

New customers get 50% off their first 3 months.

If you've been thinking about levelling up your salon systems, this is your moment. Timely is designed specifically for salons—helping you manage bookings, clients, staff, and more with ease.

🛍️ Head to Timely and use the code SALONRISING at checkout to claim the offer.

Mentioned in this episode:

Timely

Ever juggled clients, kids, and business—and felt like you were barely holding it together?

In this honest and heart filled episode, Samara and Jen dive deep into the real talk so many women in business crave. From the early solo days to salon ownership, they unpack the guilt, the financial faceplants, and the little wins that make it all worth it.

💬 Inside:

• The truth about mum guilt (and why it never fully goes away)
• What they wish they’d done differently with money
• Why burnout nearly broke them—and how they came back stronger
• The mindset shifts that helped them grow as leaders and women
• If you've ever thought “is it just me?”—this one’s for you.

🎧 Hit play to feel seen, heard, and supported. You’re not alone.

What we cover:

00:00 Introduction and Authenticity

00:09 Burnout and Purpose

00:44 Reflecting on Life Choices

00:59 Podcast Promotion

01:38 Casual Catch-Up

02:13 Business Insights and Advice

16:22 Motherhood and Business

21:17 Balancing Family and Outsourcing

22:05 Dealing with Mom Guilt

24:46 Setting Boundaries for Work-Life Balance

26:04 Leadership and Team Management

32:40 Financial Lessons and Wins

35:38 Reflecting on Personal and Professional Growth

39:43 Biggest Cheerleaders and Final Thoughts

💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors - Timely

✨ Timely – Your dream booking system

We’ve partnered with Timely to bring you something special:

New customers get 50% off their first 3 months.

If you've been thinking about levelling up your salon systems, this is your moment. Timely is designed specifically for salons—helping you manage bookings, clients, staff, and more with ease.

🛍️ Head to Timely and use the code SALONRISING at checkout to claim the offer.

Mentioned in this episode:

Timely

What’s it really like to run a salon with your best friend?

In this episode, we sit down with Tiff & Phoebe—co-owners of Blond Therapy. A values led salon in a small Queensland town, to unpack the real behind the scenes of co-owning a salon.

From splitting roles without resentment, to managing finances and raising families on different timelines (four kids vs. no kids), they share the honest highs and hard-earned lessons of building a brand together. Without burning out or blowing up their friendship.

💬 We talk about:

• Why aligned values matter more than business plans
• How they divide responsibilities (without the drama)
• What they won’t compromise on as they grow Blond Therapy
• Navigating different life stages and expectations as partners

Whether you’re dreaming of opening a salon with your bestie, or already deep in the trenches, this episode is full of insights, connection, and real talk on salon partnerships that work.

🎧 Listen now to hear the truth behind Blond Therapy’s success.

💌 Subscribe if this podcast has ever made you feel seen, supported, or slightly less alone.

00:00 Episode Summary

02:16 Introducing the Tiff & Phoebe

03:39 The Journey to Co-Ownership

09:22 Creating a Unique Salon Experience

24:42 Balancing Personal and Professional Lives

32:25 Navigating Financial and Operational Challenges

38:08 Rising Overheads and Business Longevity

38:44 The Taxation Challenge

39:09 Finding the Right Accountant

39:42 The Reality of Running a Salon

40:28 Hiring Staff: Challenges and Successes

42:07 Training and Integrating New Staff

45:21 Building a Supportive Work Environment

50:44 Choosing the Right Product Partner

1:03:29 The Importance of Community and Support

1:09:13 Final Thoughts and Reflections

💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors - Timely

✨ Timely – Your dream booking system

We’ve partnered with Timely to bring you something special:

New customers get 50% off their first 3 months.

If you've been thinking about levelling up your salon systems, this is your moment. Timely is designed specifically for salons—helping you manage bookings, clients, staff, and more with ease.

🛍️ Head to Timely and use the code SALONRISING at checkout to claim the offer.

Mentioned in this episode:

Timely

What if the anxiety you feel isn’t just in your mind, but stored in your body?

In this episode, we go deep with Sherri from Connected Being Co as she shares how nervous system healing and breathwork can help you regulate your stress. Process trauma, and show up in your life with more calm, clarity, and connection.

We talk about everything from breathwork myths and burnout recovery to ex-prisoner rehabilitation and parenting in the age of emotional awareness. Whether you’re a business owner, a parent, or just someone who finds themselves overwhelmed and exhausted, this one’s for you.

💥 Big lessons?

• Why your anxiety might actually be fear in disguise
• How breathwork creates “safe stress” that makes you more resilient
• The real link between childhood trauma and autoimmune disease
• How checking in with your breath can change your day (and your life)

This episode isn’t just about wellness, it’s a wake up call. You’ll walk away with practical ways to tap into your breath, rewire your stress response, and start healing what’s beneath the surface.

🎧 Listen now for a warm, wise, and wildly honest conversation about nervous system health, self awareness, and taking responsibility for how you move through the world.

💌 Don’t forget to subscribe if this podcast has helped you feel seen, soothed, or a little more whole.

00:00 Episode Summary

03:22 Understanding the Nervous System

03:58 Impact of Childhood Trauma

05:44 Breathwork as a Healing Tool

06:50 Daily Breathwork Practices

10:05 Safe Stress and Nervous System Regulation

13:46 Breathwork Techniques and Applications

20:30 Breathwork for Sleep and Relaxation

32:42 Working with Ex-Prisoners

36:10 Building Trust Through Breath Work

37:05 Meditation and Future Self Visualization

37:46 Challenges After Prison

38:16 Dedication and Support Among Men

40:33 The Role of Women in Men's Healing

52:52 Understanding and Managing Anxiety

59:23 The Science and Practice of Breath Work

1:06:30 Final Thoughts on Breath Work and Healing

💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors - Timely

✨ Timely – Your dream booking system

We’ve partnered with Timely to bring you something special:

New customers get 50% off their first 3 months.

If you've been thinking about levelling up your salon systems, this is your moment. Timely is designed specifically for salons—helping you manage bookings, clients, staff, and more with ease.

🛍️ Head to Timely and use the code SALONRISING at checkout to claim the offer.

Mentioned in this episode:

Timely

What does it really mean to command a room, without being the loudest in it?

In this magnetic episode, we sit down with Tiana Baxter, a powerhouse in business and personal transformation, to explore the kind of leadership that begins behind the scenes.

From corporate boardrooms to building multiple million dollar businesses, Tiana opens up about reinventing herself, integrating faith, and learning how to lead from deep integrity, even when the spotlight fades.

We talk body language, energy, influence, and the truth about what makes someone truly magnetic. And we go into marriage shifts, motherhood, losing and finding your voice again, and why silence can sometimes be your most powerful strategy.

💥 Big lessons?

• Influence starts with how you lead yourself

• Why your identity must match your next level

• How to spot when you’re burnt out, or just overwhelmed

• What quiet power really looks like in relationships and business

Whether you're in hustle mode or quietly rebuilding, Tiana’s story will shift how you think about leadership, self worth, and what it takes to rise with purpose.

🎧 Listen now for a grounding, insight packed, and fiercely honest episode that will change how you show up.

💌 Don’t forget to subscribe if this podcast has ever made you laugh, cry, think, or helped you feel more powerful in your own skin.

00:00 Episode Summary

01:41 Introduction to the Podcast

02:52 Meet Tiana Baxter

04:23 Tiana's Journey and Insights

05:35 The Evolution of Leadership

08:05 Navigating Business Growth and Challenges

13:31 The Role of Integrity in Leadership

14:42 Balancing Personal and Professional Growth

29:32 Expanding Capacity and Self Care

32:19 The Hustle and Overwhelm

33:16 Balancing Passion and Burnout

36:41 Rebranding and Finding Purpose

40:39 Navigating Personal and Professional Growth

47:18 Leadership and Self-Responsibility

53:04 Faith and Personal Evolution

1:02:03 Foundations of Personal Development

1:02:22 Principles of Marriage

1:02:57 The Role of Women in Relationships

1:07:15 Influence and Support Networks

1:09:45 Leadership and Integrity

1:14:49 Letting Go and Finding Peace

1:22:41 Identity and Vision

1:25:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors - Timely

✨ Timely – Your dream booking system

We’ve partnered with Timely to bring you something special:

New customers get 50% off their first 3 months.

If you've been thinking about levelling up your salon systems, this is your moment. Timely is designed specifically for salons—helping you manage bookings, clients, staff, and more with ease.

🛍️ Head to Timely and use the code SALONRISING at checkout to claim the offer.

Mentioned in this episode:

Timely