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

What happens when you press play on your very first podcast episode two years later?

In this special episode, Samara and Jen go back to where it all began. Episode 1 of Salon Rising: The Podcast. What started as two best friends sharing insights about business, life, and salon ownership has since grown into a platform of connection, community, and real conversations.

Listening back, some things made us cringe, but what stood out most was how much has changed, in business, in life, and in who we are today.

We revisit the lessons, the laughs, and the raw truths of that first conversation, and share how our purpose has evolved, what’s stayed the same, and why this podcast still lights us up.

💡 In this episode, you’ll hear:

• The biggest shifts in our lives and businesses since Episode 1
• How our philosophies on business and life have evolved
• The power of speaking from scars, not wounds
• Why community, connection, and storytelling are still at the heart of Salon Rising
• What we’ve learned about impact, growth, and building a life (not just a business)

This isn’t just a reintroduction, it’s proof that growth is constant, change is inevitable, and your story will always keep unfolding.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction: The Purpose of Salon Rising

01:46 Reflecting on the First Episode

02:01 Reintroducing Ourselves

02:16 Jen's Journey and Identity

04:16 Sam's Journey and Identity

06:40 The Evolution of Our Podcast

10:05 Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges

13:15 The Impact of Sharing Stories

20:28 The Purpose Behind the Podcast

21:24 Reflecting on Personal Growth

22:03 Unexpected Podcast Journey

23:25 Transformative Conversations

24:52 Purpose and Impact

26:47 Creating a Supportive Community

30:28 Balancing Business and Life

33:30 Gratitude and Perspective

38:32 Invitation to Share Stories

39:17 Conclusion and Gratitude

Mentioned in this episode:

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

💛 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

Choosing a colour brand isn’t just about tubes of tint, it’s one of the biggest financial and cultural decisions you’ll make as a salon owner. In this mini moment, Jen sits down with the incredible Monique McMahon, salon owner and Wella Colour Ambassador, to unpack how to make the right choice for your business and your team.

Monique shares why opportunities should be at the top of your list, how to negotiate with brands, and what she looks for to ensure her team thrives in and out of the salon.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why your colour brand choice is about more than cost
• The opportunities top brands can offer your team (education, Fashion Week, editorial, social media)
• The two non negotiable questions to ask when choosing a brand
• How to align your salon values with the right partner
• Why “don’t ask, don’t get” is the motto for negotiating with colour companies

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the sea of colour brands, this chat will give you clarity, confidence, and the courage to ask for what you and your team really need.

Timestamps

00:00 Introducing Monique McMahon

00:33 Choosing the Right Colour Brand

01:45 Opportunities with Colour Brands

03:09 The Importance of Asking for Opportunities

07:45 Monique's Role and Experience

09:40 Tips for Salon Owners

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 does true success in the beauty industry look like? And how do you stay authentic while building it?

In this inspiring episode, Jen sits down with Jeanette, General Manager of Beauty Wholesaler, Salon First, who has spent 27 years growing, adapting, and thriving alongside the ever changing beauty industry.

From the days of “Back Scratches” in 1989 to leading one of Australia’s most trusted distributors today, Jeanette shares the lessons that only time, resilience, and authenticity can teach.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why authenticity is the foundation of long-term success
• How the beauty industry has evolved over nearly three decades
• Lessons in leadership, team culture, and staying adaptable
• The real numbers every salon owner needs to know (and why numbers don’t lie)
• Why niching down and knowing your value will always win

This conversation is packed with wisdom, perspective, and practical advice for salon owners who want to grow not just a business, but a career built on authenticity.

Timestamps

00:00 Episode Summary

01:03 Welcome to the Inner Sanctum

05:17 Trends in the Beauty Industry

06:01 The Rise of Lash and Brow Services

06:28 Skin Care Innovations

14:52 Navigating Business Challenges

24:05 Digital Transformation in Beauty

26:59 Industry Experience and Consistency

27:42 Digital Growth and Social Proof

29:05 Partnerships and Collaborations

32:11 Niche Markets and Community Building

35:11 Balancing Work and Personal Life

37:36 The Importance of Numbers

41:22 Choosing the Right Partnerships

46:04 Trade Shows and Industry Events

53:03 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Mentioned in this episode:

Timely

💛 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