In this powerful Mini Moment, Nicki from Salon Purpose returns to talk about the early lessons that helped her grow from a solo operator into the leader of a 19 staff salon.

If you're still doing everything yourself, from stock to scheduling to xero, this one’s for you. Nicki shares how she finally got out of her own way, why hiring a bookkeeper was her first move, and how letting go of perfection created space for business growth and personal freedom.

💡 What You’ll Learn

• How to delegate with intention
• The power of hiring before you're ready
• Systems that support freedom, not just structure
• Why you must know how to do the task before offloading it
• How letting go of control opens the door to real growth

You’ll hear honest insights about control, burnout, systems, and self worth. It’s the kind of advice you wish you had when you started, and might still need to hear today.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Inner Sanctum

00:22 Starting Out: Nicki's Journey

03:00The Importance of Delegation

05:00 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

06:50 Practical Tips for Salon Management

11:05 Empowering Your Team

12:00 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mentioned in this episode:

💛 Ready to Join Samara LIVE and Transform Your Business?

This August, join Samara LIVE inside Solo Rise Online and Rising Finances Online.

If you’ve been craving more connection, more accountability, and real time coaching with Samara, this is your chance. You’ll tackle the challenges holding you back so you can step into clarity, confidence, and a business that truly supports your life.

➡ Starts August 27th.
➡ Limited spaces.
➡ Weekly and monthly payment plans available.

Click below to Join Now 👇

LIVE Programs

💛 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.

Use the code SALONRISING at checkout to claim the offer. Click the link below to join 👇

Timely

This week in the Inner Sanctum, we welcome back the incredible Monique McMahon, owner of Que Colour and global ambassador for Christophe Robin.

In this heartfelt and honest episode, Monique shares how small shifts in efficiency have transformed her business. Why profitability doesn’t always mean having more staff. And the personal changes that are fuelling her success.

From cutting out coffee and alcohol to scaling her team with intention, Monique reveals the behind the scenes strategies that are keeping her salon thriving. All while preparing for a major US tour.

Expect candid conversations about rebooking rates, cutting costs without cutting corners, the role of presence in leadership, and why Google Reviews are more powerful than you think.

💡 What you’ll learn:

• How fewer staff can sometimes mean higher profits
• Smart ways to boost salon efficiency without sacrificing client care
• Why presence matters as much as skill in building client loyalty
• The truth about social media (and why you don’t have to do it)
• How small personal changes can ripple into massive business success

Timestamps

00:00 Episode Summary

02:31 Team Dynamics and Business Challenges

04:33 Efficiency and Business Operations

22:07 Client Experience and Rebooking Strategies

23:01 The Importance of Presence and Confidence

34:02 Training Framework and Social Media

35:28 Balancing Social Media and Business

40:10 Google Reviews and Client Engagement

43:40 Team Meetings and Delegation

49:50 Lifestyle Changes and Business Efficiency

51:38 Innovative Hair Products

59:18 Future Plans and Ambitions

1:04:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

✨ Whether you’re a salon owner, solo operator, or stylist ready to level up, this conversation with Monique will leave you inspired and ready to take action.

Level up your balayage with Q Wrap

Discover how Q Wrap from MCM Beauty is transforming colour services with precision, speed and flawless results. Created with colour expert Monique McMahon, Q Wrap is the professional film every stylist needs.

💡 Get 20% off your Q Wrap order with code SR20 today - Q Wrap

💛 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

💛 Ready to Join Samara LIVE and Transform Your Business?

This August, join Samara LIVE inside Solo Rise Online and Rising Finances Online.

If you’ve been craving more connection, more accountability, and real time coaching with Samara, this is your chance. You’ll tackle the challenges holding you back so you can step into clarity, confidence, and a business that truly supports your life.

➡ Starts August 27th.
➡ Limited spaces.
➡ Weekly and monthly payment plans

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

💛 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.

Mentioned in this episode:

💛 Ready to Join Samara LIVE and Transform Your Business?

This August, join Samara LIVE inside Solo Rise Online and Rising Finances Online.

If you’ve been craving more connection, more accountability, and real time coaching with Samara, this is your chance. You’ll tackle the challenges holding you back so you can step into clarity, confidence, and a business that truly supports your life.

➡ Starts August 27th.
➡ Limited spaces.
➡ Weekly and monthly payment plans available.

Click below to Join Now 👇

LIVE Programs