In this episode of Salon Rising The Podcast, we chat with the incredible Sarah Lancaster—salon owner (Cole & Co Hair), mum of three, and the brains behind The Relief Hairdresser. Sarah’s built something pretty special, growing her business from a home setup to a full salon while creating a much-needed service that helps salons find reliable, temporary stylists when they need them most.

We talk about the juggle (because it’s real), the importance of solid policies, and how she’s handled everything from growing a team to navigating unexpected challenges (floods included!). Sarah’s approach is thoughtful, considered, and quietly determined—proof that you don’t have to be the loudest in the room to make a big impact.

00:00 Episode Summary

01:56 Introducing Our First Guest of the Year

02:33 Sarah Lancaster's Journey

03:40 Building a Team from Home

05:25 Managing the Relief Hairdresser

08:37 Education and Skill Development

11:53 Handling Client and Staff Dynamics

14:34 Operational Insights and Feedback

21:24 Balancing Teamwork and Independence

21:35 Returning to Roots and Business Adaptation

22:36 Flood Crisis and Community Support

23:38 Relocating and Repurposing Spaces

25:20 Juggling Family and Business Responsibilities

27:38 Coping Mechanisms for Busy Minds

32:48 Training and Team Development

37:51 Learning from Mistakes and Implementing Policies

44:41 Future Goals and Aspirations

45:33 Conclusion and Gratitude

You don’t need to do it alone, Salon Owner Babes!

Rising Finances Online helps you understand your finances and grow your salon business. It has 9 detailed modules and 65 in-depth lessons. You also get hours of expert advice. Take control of your finances and plan for success with confidence.

Let’s rise together – sign up today!

https://www.salonrising.com/rising-finances-online


https://www.salonrising.com/

Find out more and watch out for updates on socials @ -

https://www.instagram.com/salonrising_/

Hit subscribe for more real, inspiring convos!

In this episode in the inner sanctum, we chat with Bridget, owner of The Tortoise and the Hare, about the unfiltered reality of running a salon—through the highs, the struggles, and everything in between. From navigating staff changes to expanding her salon while battling severe illness during her pregnancies, Bridget shares her raw and personal journey.

This honest, heart-to-heart conversation dives into how she balanced family life, business growth, and health while staying true to her values. If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build a business you’re proud of, this episode is for you.


00:00 Episode Summary

01:36 Podcast Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

02:31 Bridget's Journey: From Admin Job to Salon Owner

03:30 Building a Community and Managing Relationships

09:13 The Evolution of Salon Services and Client Demands

10:40 Balancing Personal Life and Business Growth

12:35 Expanding the Business: New Salon Ventures

14:33 Staffing Challenges and Finding Stability

21:57 Reflecting on the Journey and Future Plans

29:24 Balancing Salon Management and Personal Life

30:25 Returning to the Salon: Challenges and Adjustments

31:14 Reflecting on 10 Years in Business

33:26 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Client Reactions

35:29 Navigating Staff and Client Relationships

50:40 Financial Wisdom and Business Growth

53:17 The Importance of Community and Support

55:56 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans


You don’t need to do it alone, Salon Owner Babes!

Rising Finances Online helps you understand your finances and grow your salon business. It has 9 detailed modules and 65 in-depth lessons. You also get hours of expert advice. Take control of your finances and plan for success with confidence.

Let’s rise together – sign up today!

https://www.salonrising.com/rising-finances-online


https://www.salonrising.com/

Find out more and watch out for updates on socials @ -

https://www.instagram.com/salonrising_/

Hey lovers, we’re back!

It’s our first pod of the year, and we’re kicking things off with a chat you won’t want to miss. This week in the Inner Sanctum, we’re joined by Sherri from Timely, where she leads ANZ partnerships, working closely with partners in the hair and beauty industry. We’re talking about the real stuff – money, mindset, and why reaching out for support early (whether it’s a coach or better systems) can change everything.

Sherri shares her journey from salon owner to her role at Timely, plus how their booking and sales tools are helping beauty businesses work smarter, not harder!

And because Timely is all about supporting you, they’ve given us an exclusive discount for new Timely customers! Use code SALONRISING to grab 50% off your subscription for 3 months - https://app.gettimely.com/register

Hit play and let’s make this year your best yet!


00:00 Episode Summary

03:34 The Power of Social Media and Networking

04:19 Introducing Sherri from Timely

05:51 The Challenges of Starting a Salon

22:04 The Barbering Industry and Client Retention

30:44 Financial Literacy and Business Management

34:43 Personal Background and Family Influence

39:51 Realizing Childhood Trauma

40:11 Turning Pain into Purpose

40:52 Connecting with Young Hairdressers

41:47 Moving Back to Melbourne

42:59 Embracing Change and Reflection

45:19 Understanding Business and Software

47:18 Financial Realities of Solo Business

51:50 The Importance of Coaching and Support

54:23 Daily Routines and Self-Reflection

01:03:18 Retail and Rebooking Challenges

01:16:19 The Power of Online Bookings

01:19:16 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

You don’t need to do it alone, Solo babes!

Solo Rise Online is where your confidence strengthens, and your business thrives. With 17 powerful modules, 93 lessons, and nearly 7 hours of expert guidance, you'll have everything you need to grow with confidence.

Let’s rise together – sign up today!

https://www.salonrising.com/solo-rise-online


https://www.salonrising.com/

Find out more and watch out for updates on socials @ -

https://www.instagram.com/salonrising_/