What a year!!

In this raw, honest, and surprisingly uplifting episode, Sam and Jen sit down to unpack the real 2025. The chaos, the curveballs, the court battles, the soaring rent, the unexpected grief, the kids’ schedules, the moments of magic, and the beautiful anchor that their salons have become.

From navigating explosive life seasons to rediscovering joy in small team culture, this conversation is a reminder that you can rebuild, recalibrate and keep rising, even when life feels loud.

They talk through what changed, what surprised them, what hurt, and what healed and why joy, rest, and the power of a mighty small team have reshaped the way they’ll run life and business in 2025. If you’ve had a year that stretched you, softened you or forced you to pivot, this episode will feel like a deep breath and a moment of being seen.

What we cover

• The lease shock, the pivot plans and choosing a smaller, stronger team
• Court battles, grief, overwhelm and learning to protect your peace
• Why joy (not hustle) is the new KPI for 2026
• The value of unplugging, resetting, and building in space before burnout hits
• Letting go of control, embracing change and finding your anchor in the chaos

This is a conversation about the year that shaped us and the clarity, courage and joy we’re taking forward.

Timestamps:

00:00 Episode Summary

02:08 Christmas Preparations and Traditions

04:04 Balancing Business and Personal Life

09:10 Lease Challenges and Business Adaptations

16:22 Navigating Legal Battles and Personal Struggles

24:02 Reflecting on a Year in Business

24:39 Embracing the Power of Saying Yes

25:40 The Importance of Taking Time Off

27:17 Overcoming Overwhelm and Finding Balance

28:24 Creating Joyful Memories with Family

29:42 The Need for Personal Space and Self Care

32:22 Pivoting in Life and Business

41:11 Setting Goals and Embracing Uncertainty

46:24 Final Reflections and Looking Ahead

Mentioned in this episode:

💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors - Timely

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