In this episode of Cutting Through the Noise, Hayley Mears sits down with Natalie Chadwick, Creative Director of CPR Hair, for a conversation about intuition, creativity, and the mindset required to build something meaningful in the hair industry.

Nat reflects on the role intuition has played throughout her career, describing it as both a superpower and a challenge. Her ability to read people and environments quickly has helped shape creative direction and leadership decisions, but it also means absorbing the anxieties and energy around her — something she’s learned to manage over time.

Hayley highlights Nat’s agility when it comes to branding and execution, noting how her ability to move quickly from idea to action has been a key factor in the growth of the CPR brand. This same creative instinct continues to shape the vision behind Salon Forum 2026, where the theme centres on choosing courage over comfort. Rather than predictable conference environments, the goal is to place the community in spaces that challenge perspectives and create memorable, transformative experiences.

Nat also shares her concept of “purple patches” — bursts of creative magic that tend to arrive at the least convenient times. Whether during holidays or late-night moments of inspiration, these periods of clarity often spark some of her most impactful ideas.

The conversation also traces Nat’s personal journey into the industry. From being a single mum with no savings and a background in music to becoming the Creative Director of CPR, she reflects on the power of taking consistent steps forward, even when the bigger picture feels uncertain.

Throughout the episode, Nat emphasises the importance of a collaborative ecosystem within the industry. Rejecting the idea of competition between brands and artists, she believes progress happens when people share knowledge, support each other’s work, and contribute to a stronger collective community.

This is an inspiring conversation about trusting instinct, embracing creativity, and building a career through courage, curiosity, and connection.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why intuition can be both a strength and a challenge in leadership
• The agility required to build and scale a brand
• The vision behind Salon Forum 2026: choosing courage over comfort
• Creative “purple patches” and where ideas really come from
• Nat’s journey from musician and single mum to Creative Director
• The importance of collaboration over competition in the industry

Related Links:

@natalie_cprhair

@cprhair

@cprhairpro

www.holisticsalons.com/jointhemovement

In this episode of Cutting Through the Noise, Hayley Mears sits down with salon owner and entrepreneur Sheridan Rose Shaw for a deeply honest conversation about growth, motherhood, and redefining leadership during major life transitions.

Sheridan shares what the past year has looked like as her business continues to expand while welcoming her second daughter, Queenie. While the growth has been exciting, she opens up about the reality behind the scenes — navigating postpartum anxiety, battling mastitis, and learning to slow down after years of being driven by ambition and momentum.

The conversation explores how these experiences reshaped Sheridan’s approach to leadership and business. Rather than working constantly in the salon, she began shifting her focus to working on the business — bringing on a manager, Tom, and implementing backend systems like Trello to support daily operations and allow the team to thrive without her being across every detail.

Sheridan also speaks about the importance of daily rituals that support her wellbeing and mindset. Breathwork, meditation, and intentional moments of stillness have become non-negotiable anchors that help her stay present both as a mother and as a leader.

A self-described “fast manifester,” Sheridan reflects on the power of clarity and commitment when pursuing goals. Once she sets her mind on a vision, she pours her energy into making it happen — a mindset that has shaped both her career and her personal growth.

The episode also highlights the importance of mentorship and collaboration within the industry, including Sheridan’s long-standing connection with award-winning hairdresser Chris Benson, whose guidance and support have played a role in her development.

This is a thoughtful and vulnerable conversation about ambition, resilience, and learning how to evolve as both a business owner and a parent.

In this episode, we cover:

• Growing a salon business while welcoming a second child
• Postpartum anxiety, mastitis, and the realities of new motherhood
• Transitioning from working in the business to working on it
• Building systems and hiring leadership support
• The role of daily rituals in maintaining mental wellbeing
• Manifestation, mindset, and turning vision into action
• The value of mentorship and industry collaboration

🔗 Useful Links:

https://www.instagram.com/sheridanroseshaw_mamawest/

https://www.instagram.com/mamawest_/

Learn a thing or two from MAMAWEST!

In this episode of Cutting Through the Noise, Hayley Mears is joined by Soul Hair co-owners Andrea MacKellar and Ash Lennan for an honest conversation about career growth, partnership, motherhood, and building a values-led salon in regional New South Wales.

Andrea shares her journey from starting hairdressing at 15 to relocating from Sydney to Gunnedah for a slower pace of life — a move that unexpectedly led to opening and scaling a thriving salon. What began as a small, personal space evolved into a fully structured business, shaped by strong leadership, clear goals, and a commitment to team culture over rent-a-chair models.

Ash reflects on her unconventional career path, returning to hairdressing as a young mother and using her ambition to set an example for her daughter. Her progression from team member to salon manager — and ultimately buying into the business — highlights the power of mentorship, belief, and shared vision.

Together, Andrea and Ash unpack the realities of juggling motherhood and business ownership, sharing practical strategies like “healthy compartmentalisation” and “brain allocation” to stay present both at work and at home. They also discuss the importance of supportive partners, emotional resilience, and creating a workplace that genuinely accommodates working parents.

The episode dives into Soul Hair’s strong team-first culture, including their success with mature-age apprentices who bring drive, discipline, and lived experience. They also share their innovative commission model, where upsell treatments contribute to a team education fund — helping finance external training such as Salon Forum, where Andrea will appear on the Mom Panel.

This is a heartfelt and practical conversation about leadership, loyalty, learning, and redefining success — especially for women balancing family, ambition, and business.

In this episode, we cover:

• Building and scaling a salon in regional NSW
• From team member to co-owner: Ash’s partnership journey
• Motherhood, mindset, and managing mental load
• “Healthy compartmentalisation” and brain allocation strategies
• Creating a supportive, family-first team culture
• Employing and empowering mature-age apprentices
• Team-based commission and education incentives
• Preparing for Salon Forum and the Mom Panel

Useful Links:

https://www.instagram.com/soulhairstudiogunnedah

https://www.instagram.com/andrea_soulhairstudio

https://www.instagram.com/ash_soulhairstudio