In this episode of The Conscious Salon, we go deep into the real emotional landscape that comes with running a salon – specifically, the guilt that creeps in when you're trying to lead, grow and support your team, all while maintaining your own wellbeing.

We talk about our personal experiences with guilt – from feeling bad for taking time off, to micromanaging because we don't want to "burden" others, to the subtle pressure to be liked by everyone. We get honest about the thoughts we've had and the growth it’s taken to shift into more conscious leadership.

We also share three tangible mindset shifts you can start practising today to help manage guilt more effectively – whether you’re a salon owner or a team member.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Why guilt is such a common thread in salon leadership
• The link between guilt and people pleasing
• The stories we tell ourselves around delegation and support
• How guilt shows up in micromanagement
• The power of letting others help you (and how that helps them too)
• Three actionable tools to shift your guilt mindset today
• How to reframe moments of guilt as growth opportunities

Your 3 Conscious Guilt Tools:

1. Say less – resist the urge to overexplain when you feel guilty
2. Ask yourself: would I expect someone else to feel guilty in this same situation?
3. Look for the opportunity – what could someone else gain from this space you're creating?

Join the Conscious Conversation:
Got a story about guilt in your business journey? DM us on Instagram – we love hearing your stories and supporting you through them.

To follow our journey:
Instagram @aheadhair_
@the_conscious_salon

This podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative

This episode is one that’s truly close to our hearts. We sat down with someone who is not only our biggest supporter, but the heartbeat of our family - our beautiful mum.

We wanted to have an honest, vulnerable chat about how self-development doesn’t just impact you, but how it creates a ripple effect on the people around you. Mum shared what it’s been like watching us grow into this business, step outside our comfort zones (ice baths included 🥶), and how that’s inspired her to step into her own growth in quieter, meaningful ways.

We talk about the legacy of our incredible grandfather and how proud he’d be of the business we’ve built as sisters. There’s also a beautiful moment where Mum shares a message for all of the salon owners and women in our industry—those who are doing it all, often without enough support. It’s a reminder to ask, to trust, and to receive help when it's offered.

Of course, we finish - as always - with gratitude (and a few laughs along the way, including mum’s “pint of wine” 🍷 moment).

This one’s full of love, honesty, and a deep appreciation for the people who make what we do possible.

We hope it makes you smile, reflect, and maybe even feel a little more supported in whatever season you’re in.

To follow our journey:
Instagram @aheadhair_
@the_conscious_salon

This podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative

In this candid episode, salon owners and leadership mentors Tess and Nicola open up about the challenges and responsibilities that come with leading a conscious team - especially during emotionally charged times. Over the past few weeks, their team has been navigating a range of difficult personal experiences, from grief to overwhelm, and this episode is a reflection of how they’ve chosen to show up as leaders without losing themselves in the process.

If you’re a business owner or team leader who deeply cares about creating a safe space while also maintaining your own emotional boundaries, this conversation is for you.

Tess and Nicola share real insights into:

• How to support team members when they bring emotional baggage into the workplace
• Why the old idea of “leave your stuff at the door” is outdated and unrealistic
• What it means to hold space consciously - with both compassion and personal boundaries
• The exact steps Nicola takes when a team member arrives visibly distressed
• How to avoid absorbing your team’s energy while still being a supportive leader

This episode also includes three practical, tangible tips that you can apply right away in your salon, business, or leadership role to protect your energy and support your people more effectively.

What You’ll Learn

• Why silence, presence and confidentiality are foundational to trust
• How to respond with empathy without trying to "fix" someone’s situation
• The importance of private debriefing versus collective problem-solving
• What it means to be a conscious leader in 2025
• How to cultivate safe spaces where people feel seen and supported — not judged

Whether you're managing a salon, leading a creative business, or running a team in any industry, this episode is a must-listen if you're navigating the complexities of human leadership.

To follow our journey:
Instagram @aheadhair_
@the_conscious_salon

This podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative