Salon Rising

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 coverThe mental load of older kids: bigger ages, bigger stakesWhy business owners need more support than everThe money traps busy mums fall into (and what to look at instead)Systems, hacks and tiny changes that save your sanityHow 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.TimestampsMentioned in this episode:💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors - TimelyWe’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 ImportsWe’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 coverWhat 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 vacuumWhy EDMs (email direct marketing) are the most underrated sales tool in the industryThe rise of AIO and how ChatGPT is literally recommending salonsThe non-negotiables for solos vs. small salons vs. larger teamsIf 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.Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Marketing Terminology00:40 Understanding Marketing Plans01:30 Crafting Effective Copy05:02 Social Media Strategies05:50 Email Direct Marketing (EDM)08:57 The Importance of a Website11:31 Artificial Intelligence Optimisation (AIO)14:57 Tailoring Strategies for Solo Operators and Salons16:09 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsMentioned in this episode:💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM ImportsWe’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 - TimelyWe’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 coverThe lease shock, the pivot plans and choosing a smaller, stronger teamCourt battles, grief, overwhelm and learning to protect your peaceWhy joy (not hustle) is the new KPI for 2026The value of unplugging, resetting, and building in space before burnout hitsLetting go of control, embracing change and finding your anchor in the chaosThis is a conversation about the year that shaped us and the clarity, courage and joy we’re taking forward.Timestamps:00:00 Episode Summary02:08 Christmas Preparations and Traditions04:04 Balancing Business and Personal Life09:10 Lease Challenges and Business Adaptations16:22 Navigating Legal Battles and Personal Struggles24:02 Reflecting on a Year in Business24:39 Embracing the Power of Saying Yes25:40 The Importance of Taking Time Off27:17 Overcoming Overwhelm and Finding Balance28:24 Creating Joyful Memories with Family29:42 The Need for Personal Space and Self Care32:22 Pivoting in Life and Business41:11 Setting Goals and Embracing Uncertainty46:24 Final Reflections and Looking AheadMentioned in this episode:💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors - TimelyWe’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 ImportsWe’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 yearWhy retention matters more than reachHow to simplify your service menu for profitWhat 200 salons said about memberships and growthWhy listening to clients still trumps every trendA grounded reminder that success in 2025 isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what works, and doing it well.Timestamps00:00 Introduction00:52 Discussing the Feedback Survey03:16 Key Takeaways from the Survey08:15 Trends and Profitable ServicesMentioned in this episode:💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM ImportsWe’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 - TimelyWe’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. Timestamps00:00 Episode Summary01:22 Podcast Introduction and Guest Welcome02:42 Reconnecting with Alex03:26 Alex's Career Journey18:14 The Army Experience27:56 Life in Australia38:52 Oversharing and Its Consequences39:19 Support from the Salon Team39:34 Court Rulings and Emotional Impact40:00 Balancing Personal and Professional Life41:00 Leadership Challenges in the Salon42:27 Reflections on Salon Management44:52 Client Connections and Authenticity46:41 The Importance of Client Experience01:00:47 Social Media and Young Hairdressers01:02:35 Adapting and Evolving in the Industry01:06:29 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsIf 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 pointResilience lessons from compulsory service to courtroom stressLosing team, finding culture, and leading without people pleasingSmaller team, better profit, and falling back in love with clientsSocials as one pillar and putting client experience back at the centreIf 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 ImportsWe’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 - TimelyWe’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