Hey lovers, we’re back!

It’s our first pod of the year, and we’re kicking things off with a chat you won’t want to miss. This week in the Inner Sanctum, we’re joined by Sherri from Timely, where she leads ANZ partnerships, working closely with partners in the hair and beauty industry. We’re talking about the real stuff – money, mindset, and why reaching out for support early (whether it’s a coach or better systems) can change everything.

Sherri shares her journey from salon owner to her role at Timely, plus how their booking and sales tools are helping beauty businesses work smarter, not harder!

And because Timely is all about supporting you, they’ve given us an exclusive discount for new Timely customers! Use code SALONRISING to grab 50% off your subscription for 3 months - https://app.gettimely.com/register

Hit play and let’s make this year your best yet!

Timestamps:

00:00 Episode Summary

03:34 The Power of Social Media and Networking

04:19 Introducing Sherri from Timely

05:51 The Challenges of Starting a Salon

22:04 The Barbering Industry and Client Retention

30:44 Financial Literacy and Business Management

34:43 Personal Background and Family Influence

39:51 Realizing Childhood Trauma

40:11 Turning Pain into Purpose

40:52 Connecting with Young Hairdressers

41:47 Moving Back to Melbourne

42:59 Embracing Change and Reflection

45:19 Understanding Business and Software

47:18 Financial Realities of Solo Business

51:50 The Importance of Coaching and Support

54:23 Daily Routines and Self-Reflection

01:03:18 Retail and Rebooking Challenges

01:16:19 The Power of Online Bookings

01:19:16 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.salonrising.com

💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports

We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:

➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.

➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.

It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.

Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇

MCM

💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛

➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.

➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.

➡ And until August 1st, when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.

Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇

Timely

Babes! It's our final episode in the inner sanctum for 2024! It's time to reflect on the whirlwind it's been personally and professionally.

This year has seen the Salon Rising Team navigating major life changes. New relationships, blended families, new business ventures and some incredible opportunities. As well as the constant evolution of our business practices.

We talk about overcoming challenges, embracing change, and setting and re-evaluating boundaries. And always coming back to the importance of joy and being present. We highlight our experiences with our Mastermind group and the Salon Rising community. As well as the lessons learned from balancing multiple responsibilities.

The is an episode filled with gratitude and hope. Thank you to our supporters, including Ozdare and Kevin Murphy. We can't wait to be back bigger and better than ever in 2025.

00:00 Introduction

00:49 Reflecting on the Past Year

02:02 Personal Growth and Relationships

04:14 Professional Changes and Challenges

07:13 Balancing Work and Personal Life

12:55 Embracing Change and Flexibility

20:30 Finding Joy in the Everyday

29:52 Late Night Thoughts and Nutrition

30:39 Balancing Family and Self-Care

33:12 Outsourcing and Systemizing Tasks

34:25 Avoiding Burnout: Beliefs and Boundaries

35:20 Financial Discipline and Business Strategies

41:41 Mastermind Group: A Year in Review

46:11 Planning for 2025: Reset and Accountability

56:02 Gratitude and Reflections

Mentioned in this episode:

💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛

➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.

➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.

➡ And until August 1st, when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.

Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇

Timely

https://www.salonrising.com

💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports

We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:

➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.

➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.

It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.

Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇

MCM

We changed things up in the inner sanctum for this episode. It was Samara's turn to interview Jen about her recent experience of buying a salon. Jen shared the challenges and triumphs of her journey, and boy, was it a journey.

From the initial decision to buy a salon to the drawing and planning phase to the various obstacles she faced. Let's say that dealing with solicitors, bankers, etc, is not something she's keen to do again soon.

They discuss the importance of having clear goals, remaining resilient through difficulties, and the value of speaking up and seeking help.

In the end, despite the unexpected difficulties, Jen has found joy and fulfilment in the birth of her new salon, August Hair Co. This chat highlights the importance of clear visions and strategic decisions in business ownership.

Timestamps:

00:00 Episode Summary

02:50 Jen's Big Announcement

03:24 The Decision to Buy a Salon

04:11 From Renting a Chair to Owning a Salon

09:16 The Search for the Perfect Space

12:18 Manifesting the Ideal Salon

16:02 Navigating Financial and Legal Hurdles

21:42 The Struggles of Small Business Lending

27:36 Seeking Help and Support

28:19 Challenges with Professional Services

31:03 The Importance of Good Leadership

33:52 Rebranding and Naming the Business

37:20 Financial Considerations in Business

43:16 Navigating Emotional Attachments

46:37 Setting Boundaries and Standards

50:15 Excitement and Challenges of New Ownership

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.salonrising.com

💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛

➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.

➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.

➡ And until August 1st, when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.

Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇

Timely

💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports

We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:

➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.

➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.

It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.

Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇

MCM

In this bonus episode, Samara chats with Jess from J & Co Hair in Wollongong. The pair discuss Jess's transformative experience with the Solo Rise Online program. Jess shares her insights on the program. Including the importance of mindset, community support, and practical tools like the budget spreadsheets.

Jess emphasizes how the program helped her overcome imposter syndrome, gain confidence, and make data-driven decisions to elevate her solo business.

The conversation highlights the value of continuous learning, accountability, and the impact of raising industry standards.

This inspirational and informative session is for solo babes wanting to take their business to the next level. If you've been on the fence about Solo Rise Online, this is for you.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:45 Jess's Background and Solo Rise Experience

01:30 Mindset and Community Support

03:08 Financial Insights and Pricing Strategies

05:02 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome

10:44 Continuous Learning and Business Growth

13:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Interested in Solo Rise Online? Click the link below and find out more!

https://www.salonrising.com/solo-rise-online

Mentioned in this episode:

💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛

➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.

➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.

➡ And until August 1st, when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.

Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇

Timely

https://www.salonrising.com

💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports

We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:

➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.

➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.

It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.

Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇

MCM

We are back in the inner sanctum with Justine from Eve the Salon. This was Justine's second episode with Salon Rising; much has changed in her world.

Justine joined us straight off the back of our Mastermind retreat, with the pending arrival of her 2nd child drawing ever closer. We spoke about the immense support she received from the amazing women who joined her in this round of the Mastermind, especially as she went through the rebranding process for her salon.

Bringing her long-held dream of Eve the Salon to life. The discussion is about the importance of the right community. The challenges and empowerment that come with rebranding. As well as the personal growth experienced through collective support. The episode speaks to how vital it is to have a supportive network for both personal and professional success.

And for anyone wanting to find the incredible Margot - https://www.instagram.com/holistic_health_practices/

00:00 Episode Summary

04:01 Introduction to Justine from Eve the Salon

05:07 The Journey of Rebranding: From Heron Harlow to Eve the Salon

11:38 Challenges and Triumphs of Rebranding

21:05 Balancing Motherhood and Business

26:40 Mastermind Retreat Reflections

35:02 The Magic of Mastermind Sessions

35:38 Personal Reflections and Retreat Experiences

36:30 The Healing Power of Margot's Massages

39:08 Group Vulnerability and Hypnotherapy

42:49 The Importance of Community Support

44:10 Navigating Business Challenges Together

50:47 Personal Growth and Team Dynamics

55:47 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

Mentioned in this episode:

💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛

➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.

➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.

➡ And until August 1st, when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.

Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇

Timely

💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports

We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:

➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.

➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.

It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.

Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇

MCM

https://www.salonrising.com

In this bonus episode, Samara chats with Naomi from Blondie the salon. The pair unpack Naomi's journey in the Rising Finances program.

Naomi shares her experiences on how the program has helped her overcome financial challenges in her salon. This has led to significant mindset changes and practical financial management.

They delve into topics such as budget management, understanding pricing, and the importance of retail sales. Key moments include Naomi finding confidence in her business finances. Achieving unexpected revenue targets and getting support from their accountability group.

This motivational and informative session is for salon owners struggling with financial issues. If you've been on the fence about Rising Finances, this is for you.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:53 Naomi's Journey to Rising Finances

02:46 Mindset and Money Beliefs

06:03 Budgeting and Financial Control

10:07 Team Collaboration and Achievements

13:18 Pricing Strategies and Client Communication

15:44 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

We have an exclusive offer just for our podcast listeners! Ready to follow in Naomi’s footsteps and elevate your salon to its full potential?

Join Rising Finances today and use the code POD300 to save $300 on your enrolment.

But act fast—this special offer is only available until November 19th!

https://www.salonrising.com/rising-finances

Mentioned in this episode:

💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports

We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:

➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.

➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.

It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.

Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇

MCM

💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛

➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.

➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.

➡ And until August 1st, when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.

Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇

Timely

https://www.salonrising.com

In this profound episode, we delve into the complex nature of grief with our special guest Lauren from the Young Blonde Salon in Sydney. This was the second time Lauren had joined us in the inner sanctum. Her raw insight into the journey she's been on is a testament to the incredible woman that she is.

We spoke with Lauren about the sudden and unexpected loss of a beloved team member and dear friend. Looking at how she navigated grief with her team and clients amid being in the early stages of welcoming her third child. She also gave insight into the emotional journey following her mother's terminal illness and passing. Lauren discussed the challenges of managing a business, motherhood, and grief simultaneously. She emphasised the importance of seeking professional help, understanding diverse grieving processes, and the strength found in friendships and mentorship.

The episode highlights the power of communal support, personal resilience, and the necessity of normalising mental health discussions, underscoring that grief, though profound and multifaceted, can lead to growth and renewed strength.

We are so proud of Lauren for the incredible woman she is and continues to become and for having the courage to share her story.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/

https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Timestamps

00:00 Episode Summary

01:42 Episode Disclaimer

02:28 Mastermind Retreat Recap

04:00 Introducing Lauren and Her Journey

06:27 The Tragic News of Sam's Accident

14:21 Coping with the Loss of a Team Member

21:14 The Importance of Mental Health Support

30:03 Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges

35:10 Reflecting on Grief and Anger

37:21 Caring for Mum: The Oncology Appointments

38:10 Facing Terminal Illness: Mum's Diagnosis

38:41 The Anger and Grief of Losing Loved Ones

39:43 Finding Strength in Family and Joy

41:02 The Role of Support in Grieving

42:22 The Deep Bond with Mum

44:16 The Final Days: Mum's Last Moments

47:00 Balancing Life and Loss

54:39 The Bali Trip and Mum's Passing

01:06:50 Reflecting on Grief and Moving Forward

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.salonrising.com

💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports

We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:

➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.

➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.

It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.

Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇

MCM

💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛

➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.

➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.

➡ And until August 1st, when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.

Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇

Timely

In this highlight, Samara and Jen explore the important distinction between scaling and growing a salon business. They share insights from an inspiring business leader who explains how scaling involves expanding your team and stepping away from the floor, while growing focuses on increasing efficiency by adding support without necessarily increasing the size of the team.

They discuss practical tips for salon owners, such as hiring the right staff to support growth, like a receptionist, salon assistant, or social media manager. They also talk about the importance of understanding the roles you delegate, making sure you know how things work before outsourcing tasks like bookkeeping.

The conversation emphasizes that success doesn’t always mean scaling up with a large team—it’s about finding the balance that works for your goals. Samara and Jen provide valuable advice on managing growth and deciding if scaling or growing is right for your business.

Inspired? Listen to the full episode here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ep-14-scaling-vs-growing-your-business-whats-your-game-plan/id1675792257?i=1000626650151

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6NOHRQrDHpr1LriG3M2w6b?si=sgKlAp__RYSA_4pbjkGpMA

YouTube: https://youtu.be/uEYYSB0W5bk?feature=shared

To find out more about Salon Rising:

https://www.salonrising.com/

https://www.instagram.com/salonrising_/

Mentioned in this episode:

💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports

We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:

➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.

➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.

It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.

Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇

MCM

💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛

➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.

➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.

➡ And until August 1st, when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.

Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇

Timely

https://www.salonrising.com

We're back in the Inner Sanctum with Casey, the owner of Maverick Hair and Art on the Gold Coast. Casey shares her journey of taking over the business she had worked in and changing from stylist to owner.

In 2021, the COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges for the new business owner. Maverick is located on the Queensland and New South Wales border which meant many of Casey's staff and clients were stuck on either side. We discussed her collaboration with a salon across the border to sustain their businesses.

Casey talks about delegation's importance, team dynamics, and flexible management style. The episode also delves into the logistics and challenges of hiring, training staff, and running a unique salon that incorporates art.

Additionally, Casey shares her personal journey undergoing IVF treatments while maintaining open communication with her team. We wrap things up with insights into managing stress, embracing change, and the importance of community over competition.

Timestamps:

00:00 Episode Summary

02:45 Introducing Casey

04:08 COVID-19 and Border Shutdowns

07:36 Collaborating with Other Salons

09:30 Transitioning from Stylist to Owner

11:45 Staff Dynamics and Business Model

19:53 Balancing Work and Personal Life

27:55 Returning from Holiday: Addressing Team Issues

28:28 The Importance of a Manager in a Salon

29:01 Handling Customer Complaints and Reviews

30:16 Delegating Tasks to the Team

34:16 Financial Structures and Employment Models

36:27 Advice for New Salon Owners

38:59 The Rollercoaster of Business Ownership

45:59 Starting a Podcast: Real Talk with Paige and Casey

49:22 The Journey of IVF and Business Balance

56:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.salonrising.com

💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛

➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.

➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.

➡ And until August 1st, when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.

Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇

Timely

💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports

We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:

➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.

➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.

It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.

Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇

MCM

In this episode of the Inner Sanctum, we talked about the T word! That's right, lovers. It was Tax and Relationships with your accountant and chat with Paris from Group One Accounting. You will often hear the team singing the praises of Paris. Not only is she an exceptional human, she's also an incredible Accountant! This chat covered Paris's journey into accounting. Some background into Samara and Paris' journey together. Then, we went deep into tax and all its variations. If you don't know your GST from your BAS or PAYG, this is the episode for you. We talk about sole traders transitioning to company status and the importance of financial discipline. And, of course, why is having a great relationship with your accountant so important?

00:00 Episode Summary

02:56 Introducing Our Special Guest: Paris from Group 1 Accounting

03:22 The Journey with Paris: Transforming Business Finances

04:13 Navigating Financial Challenges and Trusting the Process

05:48 The Importance of a Good Relationship with Your Accountant

08:53 Personal Stories and Emotional Support

15:29 Protecting Your Business and Personal Finances

20:14 Simplifying Tax Concepts for Business Owners

29:56 Understanding Superannuation

30:34 Breaking Down BAS Payments

32:49 Navigating PAYG Instalments

34:49 The Importance of Accurate Financial Planning

40:13 Director's Loans Explained

43:34 Transitioning from Sole Trader to Company

48:45 Effective Budgeting and Cash Flow Management

58:11 Final Thoughts and Advice

Mentioned in this episode:

https://www.salonrising.com

💛 A Limited Time Offer From Our Amazing Sponsor, Timely 💛

➡ Timely is the easy to use booking and payments system that puts salon owners in control of the whole client experience from the first booking to final payment.

➡ Salon Rising listeners get a 14 day free trial plus 50% off their first 3 months.

➡ And until August 1st, when you activate with Payments, you'll also get a free Touchscreen terminal, worth $349 + GST.

Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to get started. Once you're set up, your Timely contact will take care of the rest. 👇

Timely

💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM Imports

We’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:

➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.

➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.

It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.

Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇

MCM