Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccess

How much does it really cost to start a nail business?

In this episode of the Salon Success Podcast, Penny and Hannah chat with Ariana from Bare Beauty NZ about the real cost of opening a salon, rebuilding a nail business, and learning how to grow slowly, smartly and sustainably.

Ariana shares her journey from makeup artistry to nails, opening her own space, stepping away, starting again, collecting stock over time, finding the right salon room, and investing around $16k into her current setup without dropping it all at once.

We talk about nail tech startup costs, pricing your services properly, why $70 is not $70 profit, choosing the right location, building your clientele, understanding your target audience, finding “your people”, and why every other nail tech is not your competition.

This episode is packed with honest nail business advice for new nail techs, beauty business owners, home salon owners, and anyone trying to work out how to open a salon without burning out, undercharging, or trying to be everything to everyone.

Follow Ariana at @barebeauty_nz and follow Monaco Nail Academy for more nail tech education, salon business advice and real conversations about the beauty industry.

***********************************************

Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?!

Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences.

This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work.

************************************************

Just finding Monaco?!

Here's what we do -

Online & In-Person Nail Tech Courses

NZ-Wide (International Online Students Welcome!)

Afterpay + Custom Payment Plans Available

Started in 2011 and 100% NZ-owned and operatedStudy Individual Topics -

The Theory of Nails

Manicures & Pedicures

Using the IBX System

Builder in a Bottle

Dipping Systems

Acrylic, Hard Gel or PolyGel

Pre-Formed Soft Gel Extensions

E-File

The Art of Nails

Salon Success (Business, Marketing & Social Media)Or Combo & Save - Foundation Certificate in Nail Technology - all 12 topics

Natural Nail Specialist - Theory, Mani/Pedi, BIAB & Art

Introduction to Nail Technology - self-study, online-only optionFree Resources -

5-Day Nail Tech Launchpad - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/launchpad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

5-Day Marketing Workshop - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/magnet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Caption Writing Kit - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/download-the-caption-kit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recession-Proof Your Salon - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/recession⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Course Finder Quiz - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/course-finder⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Weekly Newsletter - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/@MonacoNailAcademy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Podcast - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccess

What happens when your nail salon plans change overnight?

In this episode of the Salon Success Podcast, Penny catches up with Caley from Caley Rose Nails after a huge change in her nail tech journey.

Since her first episode, Caley has moved out of a rent-a-table salon setup and rebuilt her business from home, turning a stressful setback into a fresh plan for growth.

We talk about what it really takes to build a successful home nail salon, including setting up online booking, getting found on Google, creating a simple website, improving your Instagram, posting more of yourself, taking better nail photos, setting clear hustle hours, and doing the work that actually brings in clients.

This episode is full of honest nail tech business coaching, practical salon marketing advice, and real talk about the emotional side of starting over. If you are a nail technician trying to get more clients, become fully booked, grow your home salon, or take your beauty business more seriously, this one is for you.

Follow Caley at @caleyrosenails and follow Monaco Nail Academy for more nail tech education, salon business support and behind-the-scenes real talk.

***********************************************

Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?!

Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences.

This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work.

************************************************

Just finding Monaco?!

Here's what we do -

Online & In-Person Nail Tech Courses

NZ-Wide (International Online Students Welcome!)

Afterpay + Custom Payment Plans Available

Started in 2011 and 100% NZ-owned and operatedStudy Individual Topics -

The Theory of Nails

Manicures & Pedicures

Using the IBX System

Builder in a Bottle

Dipping Systems

Acrylic, Hard Gel or PolyGel

Pre-Formed Soft Gel Extensions

E-File

The Art of Nails

Salon Success (Business, Marketing & Social Media)Or Combo & Save - Foundation Certificate in Nail Technology - all 12 topics

Natural Nail Specialist - Theory, Mani/Pedi, BIAB & Art

Introduction to Nail Technology - self-study, online-only optionFree Resources -

5-Day Nail Tech Launchpad - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/launchpad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

5-Day Marketing Workshop - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/magnet⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Caption Writing Kit - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/download-the-caption-kit⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recession-Proof Your Salon - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/recession⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Course Finder Quiz - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/course-finder⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Weekly Newsletter - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/@MonacoNailAcademy⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Podcast - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠

Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccessIn this episode of the Salon Success Podcast, Penny chats with multi-award-winning nail tech, educator, podcast host and founder of the Melanie Lewendon Academy, Melanie Lewendon.

Melanie has been in the nail industry since 2007 and is known for making confusing nail topics feel clear, approachable and actually useful.

In this conversation, we talk about why great nail education matters, why nail techs and educators should never stop learning, and how the industry can grow when we stop gatekeeping and start sharing knowledge.

We also chat about brand-neutral education, the responsibility educators have to their students, the difference between being a great nail tech and a great teacher, ongoing professional development, nail competitions, and why raising the standard helps everyone.

Whether you’re a new nail tech, an experienced salon owner, a nail educator, or someone who wants to keep growing in the beauty industry, this episode is a beautiful reminder that learning never stops, confidence is built over time, and there is room for all of us to keep getting better.

Follow Melanie - www.instagram.com/melanielewendon_nailartistInstagram: @melanielewendonnailartist

Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2dgvpkcXYPY6GESbykr5hk?si=5b66044932984afb

***********************************************

Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?!

Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences.

This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work.

************************************************

Just finding Monaco?!

Here's what we do -

Online & In-Person Nail Tech Courses

NZ-Wide (International Online Students Welcome!)

Afterpay + Custom Payment Plans Available

Started in 2011 and 100% NZ-owned and operatedStudy Individual Topics -

The Theory of Nails

Manicures & Pedicures

Using the IBX System

Builder in a Bottle

Dipping Systems

Acrylic, Hard Gel or PolyGel

Pre-Formed Soft Gel Extensions

E-File

The Art of Nails

Salon Success (Business, Marketing & Social Media)Or Combo & Save - Foundation Certificate in Nail Technology - all 12 topics

Natural Nail Specialist - Theory, Mani/Pedi, BIAB & Art

Introduction to Nail Technology - self-study, online-only optionFree Resources -

5-Day Nail Tech Launchpad - ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/launchpad⁠⁠⁠⁠

5-Day Marketing Workshop - ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/magnet⁠⁠⁠⁠

Caption Writing Kit - ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/download-the-caption-kit⁠⁠⁠⁠

Recession-Proof Your Salon - ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/recession⁠⁠⁠⁠

Course Finder Quiz - ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/course-finder⁠⁠⁠⁠

Weekly Newsletter - ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠

YouTube - ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/@MonacoNailAcademy⁠⁠⁠⁠

Podcast - ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/podcast⁠⁠⁠

Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccessGel nails lifting, shrinking, chipping or causing heat spikes? In this episode of the Salon Success Podcast, Penny and the Theory Dream Team break down real-life nail chemistry in a way that actually makes sense for nail techs.

We chat about free edge lifting, primer, bonding gel, builder gel, BIAB, acrylic, gel polish, lamps, curing, polymerisation, monomers, shrinkage, shock curing and exothermic reactions, plus how all of this applies to real clients in the salon.

Perfect for beginner nail techs, beauty students, home salon owners and qualified nail technicians who want to understand why products behave the way they do and how to troubleshoot common nail problems with more confidence.

If you’ve ever wondered why gel does not “dry”, why your client’s nails keep lifting, why heat spikes happen, or why your lamp choice matters, this episode is for you.

***********************************************

Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?!

Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences.

This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work.

************************************************

Just finding Monaco?!

Here's what we do -

Online & In-Person Nail Tech Courses

NZ-Wide (International Online Students Welcome!)

Afterpay + Custom Payment Plans Available

Started in 2011 and 100% NZ-owned and operatedStudy Individual Topics -

The Theory of Nails

Manicures & Pedicures

Using the IBX System

Builder in a Bottle

Dipping Systems

Acrylic, Hard Gel or PolyGel

Pre-Formed Soft Gel Extensions

E-File

The Art of Nails

Salon Success (Business, Marketing & Social Media)Or Combo & Save - Foundation Certificate in Nail Technology - all 12 topics

Natural Nail Specialist - Theory, Mani/Pedi, BIAB & Art

Introduction to Nail Technology - self-study, online-only optionFree Resources -

5-Day Nail Tech Launchpad - ⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/launchpad⁠⁠⁠

5-Day Marketing Workshop - ⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/magnet⁠⁠⁠

Caption Writing Kit - ⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/download-the-caption-kit⁠⁠⁠

Recession-Proof Your Salon - ⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/recession⁠⁠⁠

Course Finder Quiz - ⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/course-finder⁠⁠⁠

Weekly Newsletter - ⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/subscribe⁠⁠⁠

YouTube - ⁠⁠⁠www.youtube.com/@MonacoNailAcademy⁠⁠⁠

Podcast - ⁠⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/podcast⁠⁠

Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccess

Nail school was just the beginning… so what happens when you’re qualified, talented, award-winning, and still trying to fill your appointment book?

In this episode of the Salon Success Podcast, Penny sits down with Caley for a real-life business coaching session about getting more nail clients, improving your Instagram, creating better content, and making your salon space feel irresistible before someone even books.

Caley trained with Monaco Nail Academy, went from being named “one to watch” at Summit to winning Grand Champion, and is now building her nail business from the ground up. We talk through exactly what she can do next, from updating her pinned posts and taking better nail photos, to finding local businesses, building relationships, using portfolio sets strategically, and making the most of quiet time in the salon.

We cover:

• What to post when you don’t have many clients yet
• Why your pinned posts matter so much
• How to make your salon Instagram attract the right people
• What “evergreen content” actually means
• How to use local businesses to find dream clients• Why free sets can be a smart marketing move• How to build confidence with filming and posting• What to do when imposter syndrome shows up• How to turn quiet salon time into business-building time

If you’re a new nail tech, a student, or a salon owner trying to get more clients without feeling sleazy or salesy, this episode is packed with practical ideas you can use straight away.

***********************************************

Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?!

Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences.

This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work.

************************************************

Just finding Monaco?!

Here's what we do -

Online & In-Person Nail Tech Courses

NZ-Wide (International Online Students Welcome!)

Afterpay + Custom Payment Plans Available

Started in 2011 and 100% NZ-owned and operatedStudy Individual Topics -

The Theory of Nails

Manicures & Pedicures

Using the IBX System

Builder in a Bottle

Dipping Systems

Acrylic, Hard Gel or PolyGel

Pre-Formed Soft Gel Extensions

E-File

The Art of Nails

Salon Success (Business, Marketing & Social Media)Or Combo & Save - Foundation Certificate in Nail Technology - all 12 topics

Natural Nail Specialist - Theory, Mani/Pedi, BIAB & Art

Introduction to Nail Technology - self-study, online-only optionFree Resources -

5-Day Nail Tech Launchpad - ⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/launchpad⁠⁠

5-Day Marketing Workshop - ⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/magnet⁠⁠

Caption Writing Kit - ⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/download-the-caption-kit⁠⁠

Recession-Proof Your Salon - ⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/recession⁠⁠

Course Finder Quiz - ⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/course-finder⁠⁠

Weekly Newsletter - ⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/subscribe⁠⁠

YouTube - ⁠⁠www.youtube.com/@MonacoNailAcademy⁠⁠

Podcast - ⁠⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/podcast⁠

Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccess

What actually happens at the NZ Nail Tech Summit?

This week on the Salon Success Podcast, Penny is joined by Hannah, Michal, Danni and Chante to debrief the 2026 NZ Nail Tech Summit, one week after the event.

We’re talking first-time nerves, returning attendee expectations, guest presenters, open book competitions, sticker tables, salon confidence, nail tech friendships, behind-the-scenes chaos and the kind of industry community that makes you want to keep going.

If you’re a beginner nail tech, home salon owner, beauty student or someone who has ever wondered if you’d actually fit in at an industry event, this episode is for you.

We cover:

• What Summit feels like as a first-time attendee
• Why meeting other nail techs in real life matters
• How supportive industry events can build confidence
• Guest demos, nail art, speed training and competitions
• The difference between learning the rules and learning how to break them
• Why the NZ Nail Tech Summit is not just for Monaco students
• What made attendees want to come back for 2027

Come for the Summit recap. Stay for the friendships, chaos, nail tech fangirling and room 406 lore.

Register for the NZ Nail Tech Summit:
www.nailtechsummit.co.nz

***********************************************

Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?!

Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences.

This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work.

************************************************

Just finding Monaco?!

Here's what we do -

Online & In-Person Nail Tech Courses

NZ-Wide (International Online Students Welcome!)

Afterpay + Custom Payment Plans Available

Started in 2011 and 100% NZ-owned and operatedStudy Individual Topics -

The Theory of Nails

Manicures & Pedicures

Using the IBX System

Builder in a Bottle

Dipping Systems

Acrylic, Hard Gel or PolyGel

Pre-Formed Soft Gel Extensions

E-File

The Art of Nails

Salon Success (Business, Marketing & Social Media)Or Combo & Save - Foundation Certificate in Nail Technology - all 12 topics

Natural Nail Specialist - Theory, Mani/Pedi, BIAB & Art

Introduction to Nail Technology - self-study, online-only optionFree Resources -

5-Day Nail Tech Launchpad - ⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/launchpad⁠

5-Day Marketing Workshop - ⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/magnet⁠

Caption Writing Kit - ⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/download-the-caption-kit⁠

Recession-Proof Your Salon - ⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/recession⁠

Course Finder Quiz - ⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/course-finder⁠

Weekly Newsletter - ⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/subscribe⁠

YouTube - ⁠www.youtube.com/@MonacoNailAcademy⁠

Podcast - ⁠www.monaco.ac.nz/podcast

Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccessNail chemistry does not have to be confusing.

In this episode, we break down what nail products are actually made of and how they work in a way that connects to real salon life. We are also joined by newer students asking questions as they learn, which makes this a practical, relatable conversation rather than a lecture.From monomers and polymerisation to heat spikes and product performance, this is the kind of theory that helps you understand what you are doing, not just memorise it.

We cover:
• What acrylic really means and why most nail systems are built from the same base
• How gel cures and why heat spikes happen
• The role of UV lamps and why curing matters
• Why pigment changes how products behave
• How to think about different brands and product choices

***********************************************

Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?!

Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences.

This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work.

************************************************

Just finding Monaco?!

Here's what we do -

Online & In-Person Nail Tech Courses

NZ-Wide (International Online Students Welcome!)

Afterpay + Custom Payment Plans Available

Started in 2011 and 100% NZ-owned and operatedStudy Individual Topics -

The Theory of Nails

Manicures & Pedicures

Using the IBX System

Builder in a Bottle

Dipping Systems

Acrylic, Hard Gel or PolyGel

Pre-Formed Soft Gel Extensions

E-File

The Art of Nails

Salon Success (Business, Marketing & Social Media)Or Combo & Save - Foundation Certificate in Nail Technology - all 12 topics

Natural Nail Specialist - Theory, Mani/Pedi, BIAB & Art

Introduction to Nail Technology - self-study, online-only optionFree Resources -

5-Day Nail Tech Launchpad - www.monaco.ac.nz/launchpad

5-Day Marketing Workshop - www.monaco.ac.nz/magnet

Caption Writing Kit - www.monaco.ac.nz/download-the-caption-kit

Recession-Proof Your Salon - www.monaco.ac.nz/recession

Course Finder Quiz - www.monaco.ac.nz/course-finder

Weekly Newsletter - www.monaco.ac.nz/subscribe

YouTube - www.youtube.com/@MonacoNailAcademy

Podcast - www.monaco.ac.nz/podcast

Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccessIn this episode of the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy, we are joined by Ashleigh from @cuti.nz, a fast growing cuticle oil brand making serious waves in the nail industry.

We dive into what it actually takes to build a beauty brand from scratch. No fancy office, no huge budget, just smart decisions, consistency, and showing up before you feel ready.

• How Cuti was created and what happened behind the scenes
• Why asking for help can fast track your growth
• The truth about social media and scrolling with purpose
• How to stand out in a crowded beauty industry
• What people do not see behind a successful launch
• Why small businesses do not need to start big
• Real talk on confidence, comparison, and taking action

***********************************************

Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?!

Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences.

This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work.

************************************************

Monaco Nail Academy is a school for Nail Technicians in New Zealand.

We offer remote/online training, and sell wholesale salon products to beauty professionals.

Share with us! Tag @monaconailacademy or #LearnAtMonaco 

Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccess

Does gel actually cause cancer?

Let’s talk about UV light, nail lamps, gel curing, and what’s actually worth worrying about.

In this episode, we break down the science behind UV vs LED lamps, wavelengths, photoinitiators, and why a product can feel hard before it’s actually cured properly.

If you’ve ever felt confused by all the mixed messaging around nail lamp safety, this one’s for you.

***********************************************

Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?!

Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences.

This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work.

************************************************

Monaco Nail Academy is a school for Nail Technicians in New Zealand.

We offer remote/online training, and sell wholesale salon products to beauty professionals.

Share with us! Tag @monaconailacademy or #LearnAtMonaco 

Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccess

What if the biggest thing holding you back in nails is not skill, but waiting until you feel ready?

In this episode of the Salon Success Podcast, Penny, Christel, Michal, and special guest Jerilee Fair talk about nail competitions, confidence, industry growth, pricing, community, and why so many nail techs need to stop shrinking and start backing themselves.

This is a conversation about doing things messy, entering before you feel fully prepared, learning through experience, and creating more opportunities in the New Zealand nail industry.

They also dive into how Jerilee went from practicing on tips at home to competing internationally, judging, and leading the NZ Nail Comps, plus what newer nail techs can take from that journey.

***********************************************

Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?!

Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences.

This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work.

************************************************

Monaco Nail Academy is a school for Nail Technicians in New Zealand.

We offer remote/online training, and sell wholesale salon products to beauty professionals.

Share with us! Tag @monaconailacademy or #LearnAtMonaco