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

What if your salon could be known for more than just great hair?

In this heart filled episode, we sit down with Nicki from Salon Purpose. A salon owner who built her entire business model around kindness, integrity and impact.

From starting in a 15 square metre backyard salon to leading a 19 staff team and raising over $100,000 through her “With Love” campaign, Nicki shares how purpose has shaped every decision she's made. And why that purpose is her biggest accountability.

She opens up about the fears she had around numbers, how she only works one day a week on the floor, and why your legacy isn’t built in the big moments, but in the small ones. Whether you’re solo or managing a team, this episode will inspire you to lead with your heart, without losing sight of the numbers.

💡 What you'll learn:

• How to lead a values-driven salon without burning out
• What profit-for-purpose actually looks like in action
• Ways to embed generosity into your business from day one
• Smart systems for training and team management
• How to create a connected team culture, even with 19 staff

⏱ Episode Timestamps

00:00 Episode Summary

02:34 Nicki's Journey to Salon Purpose

04:50 Building a Purpose Driven Salon

07:11 From Home Salon to Expanding Business

11:25 Creating a Community Focused Salon

19:51 Managing a Growing Team

29:22 The With Love Campaign and Giving Back

32:57 Overcoming Personal Challenges to Start a Business

33:23 The Importance of Knowing Your Numbers

34:27 Financial Security and Purpose Driven Profit

35:09 Training and Team Management

39:58 Generosity Beyond Finances

49:18 Building a Supportive Work Culture

54:09 Final Thoughts on Generosity and Business

This isn’t just a salon story, it’s a blueprint for building a business that changes lives. Press play now and get inspired to lead with purpose.

💛 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 available.

Click below to Join Now 👇

LIVE Programs

Timely

Ever feel guilty for stepping away from the salon floor to work on your business? You’re not alone.

In this Mini Moment, Jen is joined by Sherri to unpack why taking time off the tools isn’t just okay, it’s essential. They share real talk about charging your worth, tracking every dollar, staying inspired, and avoiding the burnout spiral so many salon owners fall into.

🎧 Listen now to learn:

• Why working smarter beats working harder every time
• The hidden costs draining your profits (and how to fix it)
• The burnout signs you’re ignoring right now
• How to create space for creativity and growth
• Simple systems to make business life feel easier

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:49 Working Smarter, Not Harder

01:59 Tracking Costs and Managing Stock

05:01 Financial Hacks and Spending Wisely

08:11 Social Media and Creative Processes

14:47 Avoiding Burnout and Self-Care Tips

20:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Step away from the chair, breathe, and remember: building your dream business takes more than just doing clients. You’ve got this ❤️

💛 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

Ever felt trapped by the very business you built?

In this powerful episode, Ashlin from The Elk Collective shares why she walked away from her 10 staff salon to build a thriving home based business aligned with her life and purpose.

She opens up about the burnout of running a big team, the pressure to look “successful,” and how coming back to her why transformed her work, family life, and finances. If you’ve ever wondered if there’s another way to do business, this conversation will give you courage.

🎧 Listen now to learn:

• Why bigger isn’t always better in business
• How to redefine success on your own terms
• Practical financial tips for salon owners
• The mindset shifts that brought her peace and joy again

👉 Tap play to feel inspired to build a business that works for you.

00:00 Episode Summary

01:41 Welcome to the Inner Sanctum

03:13 Ashlin's Journey: From Home Salon to Elk Collective

05:23 The Challenges of Managing a Growing Team

08:00 Rebranding and Returning Home

11:34 Balancing Business and Family

21:54 Financial Realities and Mental Health

34:00 The Transition to a Home Based Salon

40:30 Creating a Balanced Work Environment

40:50 The Role of Key Team Members

46:50 Delegation and Team Dynamics

49:26 Financial Lessons and Strategies

51:54 Planning for Financial Stability

1:06:32 The Importance of Future Planning

1:08:40 Overcoming Industry Challenges

1:13:24 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

💛 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:

Timely

💛 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

Going solo doesn’t mean going it alone.

In this Mini Moment, Jen is joined by Sherri from Timely to unpack what really happens behind the scenes of solo businesses. From the emotional weight of doing it all, to the turning point most business owners hit at 18 months, they explore the silent struggles and simple shifts that can make solo life feel less… solo.

💬 Inside:

• Why “solo” doesn’t mean unsupported (and what to call it instead)
• The cheer squad exercise that changes everything
• What no one tells you about client data, systems & automation
• Learning fatigue, mindset overload & how to take your power back

Whether you're just starting out or deep in the juggle, this episode will remind you that support is a strategy—and success doesn't have to be lonely.

🎧 Press play for the pep talk every solo business owner needs.

00:00 Introduction to Mini Moments

00:46 The Sole Trader Journey

01:39 Building a Support System

06:52 Financial Realities and Growth

10:26 Learning and Overwhelm

12:58 Importance of Systems and Automation

16:13 Client Data and Communication

17:21 Conclusion and Takeaways

💛 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

Ever felt knocked flat by burnout, public criticism, or self doubt?

In this raw and honest chat, Kelly Christie, aka The Skin Queen and also owner of The Facial Bar on the Gold Coast, joins Samara and Jen to share the unfiltered truth behind building two successful businesses. From the realities of online hate to the behind the scenes lessons of leadership, resilience, and growth. This episode is packed with wisdom for every beauty business owner.

💬 Inside:

• The hardest lessons of leadership, staff culture, and finding her style
• How public criticism almost broke her (and what helped her rebuild)
• Balancing multiple businesses while protecting her mental health
• The mindset shifts that helped her step into her power
• What she’s doing differently now to create thriving teams and success

If you’ve ever wondered how to stay strong and grow through the toughest seasons of business—this one will light you up.

🎧 Hit play to feel seen, supported, and inspired to rise through it all.

00:00 Episode Disclaimer

02:44 Navigating Client Cancellations

04:52 Guest Introduction: Kelly, the Skin Queen

05:59 Kelly's Journey to Becoming Skin Queen

08:38 Challenges of Running a Salon

12:38 The Importance of Leadership in Business

15:29 Maintaining Team Morale and Culture

24:21 The Emotional Impact of Leadership

36:11 Rebuilding and Finding Flow

40:16 Facing Industry Backlash

41:14 Dealing with Online Criticism

43:29 Mental Health Struggles

44:59 Finding Strength and Purpose

47:02 Rebuilding and Moving Forward

54:14 Business Growth and Future Plans

1:08:58 Final Thoughts and Reflections

💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors - Timely

✨ Timely – Your dream booking system

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

Timely