What happens when the babies on hips become teens with attitudes, endless school events and bigger problems…but business still needs you too?

In this raw, funny and very real episode, Sam and Jen return to one of the Inner Sanctum’s most loved topics...Motherhood in Business. And dive into what it really looks like when you’re raising kids while running a salon and carrying the mental load of it all.

From chaotic mornings and four different school drop offs, to the guilt, the overwhelm, the constant tabs open in our heads and the pressure to do it all… this episode is equal parts cathartic, comforting and hilariously relatable.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing the school run with one hand and holding your business together with the other, this one is for you.

What we cover

• The mental load of older kids: bigger ages, bigger stakes
• Why business owners need more support than ever
• The money traps busy mums fall into (and what to look at instead)
• Systems, hacks and tiny changes that save your sanity
• How to find pockets of joy when life feels like “too much”

In short, this episode is a love note to every exhausted salon mum doing her best. A reminder that you’re not alone, you’re not losing it, and you’re allowed to choose joy and support over self sacrifice.

Timestamps

Mentioned in this episode:

💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors - Timely

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

➡ Enjoy a 14 day free trial to see how Timely can transform your salon.

➡ 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 or click the link below to to claim the offer. 👇

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 bite-sized chat, Jen is joined by Brayden from Your Salon Support, for a jargon free breakdown of the marketing terms every salon owner thinks they should know… but often doesn’t.

From marketing plans to AIO, social strategies to loyalty systems, Bray strips it all back so you know what matters, what you can ignore, and what actually moves the needle depending on whether you’re a solo operator or running a full team.

If marketing feels overwhelming or you’ve ever wondered “Do I really need all this?”, this is the episode that finally makes it make sense.

What we cover

• What a marketing plan actually is (and why it’s the foundation of everything)
• How a social media plan differs — and why it should never exist in a vacuum
• Why EDMs (email direct marketing) are the most underrated sales tool in the industry
• The rise of AIO and how ChatGPT is literally recommending salons
• The non-negotiables for solos vs. small salons vs. larger teams

If you’ve been feeling lost in the marketing maze, this Mini Moment is your permission slip to simplify, streamline and get strategic. Let’s make tech (and marketing) sexy, one clear plan at a time.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Marketing Terminology

00:40 Understanding Marketing Plans

01:30 Crafting Effective Copy

05:02 Social Media Strategies

05:50 Email Direct Marketing (EDM)

08:57 The Importance of a Website

11:31 Artificial Intelligence Optimisation (AIO)

14:57 Tailoring Strategies for Solo Operators and Salons

16:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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 HUGE Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors - Timely

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

➡ Enjoy a 14 day free trial to see how Timely can transform your salon.

➡ 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 or click the link below to to claim the offer. 👇

Timely

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

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

➡ Enjoy a 14 day free trial to see how Timely can transform your salon.

➡ 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 or click the link below to to claim the offer. 👇

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

What’s really working for salons right now...and what isn’t?

In this Mini Moment, Jen sits down with Jeanette from Salon First to unpack findings from her Business Success 2025 Survey, which gathered insights from over 200 salon owners across Australia. The results reveal what’s changing, what’s staying the same, and where salon owners should really be focusing their energy this year.

From retention struggles to menu simplification and the rise of lash, brow and skin services, this chat cuts through the noise to highlight what’s actually moving the needle in 2025.

💡 What we cover:

• The biggest shifts salons are making this year
• Why retention matters more than reach
• How to simplify your service menu for profit
• What 200 salons said about memberships and growth
• Why listening to clients still trumps every trend

A grounded reminder that success in 2025 isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what works, and doing it well.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

00:52 Discussing the Feedback Survey

03:16 Key Takeaways from the Survey

08:15 Trends and Profitable Services

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 HUGE Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors - Timely

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

➡ Enjoy a 14 day free trial to see how Timely can transform your salon.

➡ 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 or click the link below to to claim the offer. 👇

Timely

What happens when life forces you to do the hard thing and you come out steadier, wiser, and more at peace with who you are?

In this raw and generous conversation, Alex Fuchs — APAC Colour Master for KEVIN.MURPHY and owner of Fuchs Hair in Sydney, opens up about army bunkers, resilience, court battles, leadership wobbles, and the journey back to a client first salon he truly loves.

We go deep on identity, pressure, growing a career and a family at the same time, and the quiet power of being seen in the chair.

Timestamps

00:00 Episode Summary

01:22 Podcast Introduction and Guest Welcome

02:42 Reconnecting with Alex

03:26 Alex's Career Journey

18:14 The Army Experience

27:56 Life in Australia

38:52 Oversharing and Its Consequences

39:19 Support from the Salon Team

39:34 Court Rulings and Emotional Impact

40:00 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

41:00 Leadership Challenges in the Salon

42:27 Reflections on Salon Management

44:52 Client Connections and Authenticity

46:41 The Importance of Client Experience

01:00:47 Social Media and Young Hairdressers

01:02:35 Adapting and Evolving in the Industry

01:06:29 Final Thoughts and Reflections

If you’ve ever felt like the wheels were coming off behind the scenes, this one will feel like a deep breath and a hand squeeze.

💡 What we cover:

• The mirror moment that became Alex’s turning point
• Resilience lessons from compulsory service to courtroom stress
• Losing team, finding culture, and leading without people pleasing
• Smaller team, better profit, and falling back in love with clients
• Socials as one pillar and putting client experience back at the centre

If this episode made you feel seen, hit subscribe and share it with a salon friend who needs it today.

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 HUGE Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors - Timely

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

➡ Enjoy a 14 day free trial to see how Timely can transform your salon.

➡ 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 or click the link below to to claim the offer. 👇

Timely

What if the secret to stronger, thicker, and more beautiful hair starts where you least expect it...your scalp?

In this Mini Moment. Samara and Jen are joined again by the amazing Monique McMahon. Owner of Que Colour and MCM Beauty, to talk about the growing movement that’s redefining the beauty industry: scalp care.

Fresh from her US masterclass tour and the global launch of the Christophe Robin Fortifying Range, Monique shares what’s driving the shift from styling to scalp science and how salon owners can lead the conversation.

💡 In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why scalp health is the new frontier in haircare
• The truth about stress, slick backs, and hair loss
• What makes the Christophe Robin Fortifying Range so powerful
• How to guide clients through their own hair health journey
• Simple tools and habits for stronger, healthier hair

This isn’t just about great hair, it’s about transforming the way we care for it, from root to tip.

The Christophe Robin Fortifying Range strengthens and revitalises weakened hair, helping reduce hair fall caused by breakage by up to five times after just one use. Infused with amaranth peptides, it leaves hair visibly stronger, fuller, and more resilient.

👉 Explore the range here

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

01:00 Monique's US Masterclass Tour

01:54 Hair Loss and Scalp Health Discussion

03:02 Christophe Robin Fortifying Range

10:40 Tips for Discussing Hair Loss with Clients

14:20 Wrapping Up

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 HUGE Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors - Timely

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

➡ Enjoy a 14 day free trial to see how Timely can transform your salon.

➡ 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 or click the link below to to claim the offer. 👇

Timely

What happens when a tech minded gamer swaps code for colour and decides to make salon tech & marketing sexy?

In this episode in the Inner Sanctum, we sit down with Brayden, founder of Your Salon Support and host of the podcast talk show, Can We Go Live, to unpack how salon owners can make tech and marketing feel sexy, simple, and smart again.

Brayden shares his journey from the video game industry to the hair and beauty world, building systems that help salon owners move beyond the “post and hope” marketing mindset. We dive into the thinking behind his YSS Loyalty platform and how it’s reshaping the way salons connect with their clients, building real loyalty without relying on discounts.

You’ll also hear how to turn memberships into recurring revenue, why your email list might be your most underused asset, and how small tech shifts can make a big impact on client retention, consistency, and growth.

What We Cover

• The 4 pillars of salon marketing
• Loyalty that lives on your client’s phone (and why it works)
• How to make memberships make sense for hair
• Filling last minute gaps without cheapening your brand
• The one marketing tool you need to turn on today

This isn’t just a conversation about marketing systems, it’s a wake up call that the future of your salon is already in your hands.

Timestamps

00:00 Episode Summary

02:42 Journey from Video Games to Salon Support

04:30 Building a Business in Salon Support

07:42 Marketing Strategies and Diversification

15:44 Loyalty and Membership Programs

25:00 Understanding Your Audience

25:15 Effective Use of Availability

25:59 Rebooking Strategies

26:37 Innovative Commission Tracking

27:44 Building Loyalty Without Cheapening

28:31 Integrating with Modern Software

31:39 Making Tech Sexy in the Salon Industry

35:09 Remote Team Dynamics

41:39 Expanding Globally

45:17 The Importance of Email Marketing

46:47 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🎁 Special Gift from Brayden:

Brayden is offering Salon Rising: The Podcast listeners a 3 month free YSS Loyalty subscription. Designed to help you elevate client connection and loyalty in your salon.

To unlock, use the referral code SALON RISING via yssloyalty.com/contact

Mentioned in this episode:

💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors - Timely

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

➡ Enjoy a 14 day free trial to see how Timely can transform your salon.

➡ 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 or click the link below to to claim the offer. 👇

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,...

Culture is the heartbeat of your salon, but it needs constant attention to stay strong.

In this episode, Samara and Jen give a behind the scenes look at the Culture Reset Masterclass, where they’ll unpack what it really takes to build a team culture that’s calm, connected, and accountable.

They share personal lessons from years of leadership, the moments that worked, the ones that didn’t, and the game changing mindset shifts that transformed how they lead their teams.

💡 In this episode, you’ll hear:

• What the Culture Reset Masterclass will cover (and why it’s so needed right now)
• The one culture mistake most salon owners make
• How to rebuild trust and motivation in your team
• Real talk on boundaries, burnout, and brave conversations
• Why this reset could change your 2026

If you’ve been feeling off balance with your team, unsure how to reconnect, or just need a fresh start for the year ahead, this masterclass is your moment.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:24 Diving into Culture

00:59 Masterclass Insights and Reflections

05:00 Team Dynamics and Values

07:30 Practical Tips for Team Meetings

08:20 Upcoming Culture Masterclass Details

Mentioned in this episode:

💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors - Timely

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

➡ Enjoy a 14 day free trial to see how Timely can transform your salon.

➡ 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 or click the link below to to claim the offer. 👇

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

💛 It’s Time to Reset, Realign, and Feel Good in Business Again

On October 29th, join Samara LIVE inside The Culture Reset Masterclass.

If your salon or solo business has been feeling a little off, this 90 minute session is your space to pause, reflect, and realign.

You’ll reconnect with your purpose, clarify your values, and set boundaries that protect your energy, so you can step into the new year feeling grounded, clear, and inspired.

Alongside the session, you’ll also receive your own Culture Reset Plan a practical guide you can use with your team or by yourself to turn reflection into action and keep your culture strong all year round.

✨ 90-Minute Live Masterclass
✨ Includes your own Culture Reset Plan
✨ For salon owners and solo operators
✨ Recording included
💸 Save 5% with code POD5 at checkout

Click below to Join Now 👇

Culture Masterclass