How will the recent budget changes impact your salon’s finances, and what steps can you take to navigate the challenges ahead?

In this episode of Hair Life, accountant Melanie Beach joins us and breaks down the financial changes hitting small salons, including the rise in national insurance and its effect on SMEs with five or more employees. Melanie offers actionable advice on cash flow management, transparency with staff, and how to create a strategic financial plan to stay ahead. We also explore the importance of consistent reporting, managing costs, and the value of investing in apprentices.

Are we truly living in a way that honours the time we have left?

In this episode of Hair Life, we explore the often-taboo subject of death. Inspired by recent, raw conversations with salon clients and our own experiences, we share the challenging realities of loss. I open up about losing my father nine years ago and the way his passing forever changed my perspective on life and mortality. Cally adds her own reflections on how grief can isolate, with friends and family often unsure how to stay supportive after the initial loss.

We share the powerful notion of intentional living: making each day matter and prioritising our well-being, joy, and relationships. Reflecting on the limited nature of our time, we discuss how self-care, conscious choices, and meaningful connections can transform how we experience the time we have.

After facing a significant health scare, Cally discovered the transformative power of setting boundaries and valuing time with family over material wealth. This personal revelation echoed a broader societal shift we've noticed, especially in a post-COVID world, where people are now more inclined to seek a balanced lifestyle despite financial pressures.

In this episode, we share heartwarming stories and discuss how older generations are adapting. We'll also shine a light on the immense pressures that today's youth face regarding their financial futures. As parents make significant investments in private education and young adults navigate the rising costs of university, debt becomes a heavy burden.

Lastly, we tackle the VAT debate within the salon industry, an ongoing challenge that we believe needs immediate attention. Salon owners are struggling with high VAT rates, and freelancers are opting for independence to escape these financial constraints. We explore potential solutions such as lowering the VAT rate and creating a supportive salon culture to retain staff.

What’s the secret to keeping the spark alive in a long-term relationship? In this episode of Hair Life, we share the tips and tricks we’ve picked up through personal experiences and conversations in our salons.

We discuss the importance of prioritising time together, exploring shared hobbies, and keeping playfulness at the heart of their relationship.

Are you putting off tasks you know you should tackle?

In this episode of Hair Life, we dig into the all-too-common struggle of procrastination and why so many of us in the beauty industry (and beyond) fall into its trap. From delaying admin work to avoiding the final steps of a creative project, we explore the psychological triggers behind procrastination—and how to overcome them.

Cally and I share our own procrastination confessions, from Cally distracting herself with her dog instead of finishing paperwork, to my tendency to stall when projects move from exciting ideas to tedious execution. We talk about the importance of recognising your weaknesses and how outsourcing certain tasks can be a game-changer in staying productive.

We also explore the emotional side of procrastination, including the fear of failure and the self-doubt that many creatives feel. Plus, how accountability—from friends, colleagues, or coaches—can push you to follow through on your goals.

In this episode, we dive into the messy, hilarious, and oh-so-real world of parenting. From chaotic kid moments to navigating the teenage years (when all those parenting books seem to go silent), we share stories that will have you laughing and nodding in agreement.

We also get into the financial reality of kids' ever-changing fashion choices, the struggle to keep up with "perfect parent" standards in the digital age, and the quirky dynamics of family group texts.

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Have you ever felt like your salon is running you, instead of the other way around?

In this episode of Hair Life, we tackle the hot topic of burnout and the economic challenges facing salon owners today. Inspired by the eye-opening Creative Head article, "Is Your Business Keeping You Awake at Night?", we dive into the delicate dance between personal well-being and professional demands.

Cally shares her story of taking on extra work to keep her salon's reputation intact during staff changes, and the toll it’s taking on her mental health. With one stylist traveling and another on maternity leave, she's in overdrive—juggling multiple clienteles and feeling the weight of it all. Is this sustainable, or is it time to rethink her approach?

I bring a broader perspective, discussing how rising costs, interest rates, and VAT are squeezing the industry. I share my fear of losing clients when raising prices and how I’ve found a way to encourage open dialogue and understanding with my customers.

Together, we explore how salon owners can navigate these financial pressures without losing our sanity—or loyal clients.

Is social media running your life, or are you in control?

In this episode, we take a hard look at the grip that social media has on us—and how we can break free. From endless scrolling to social comparisons, we explore how social media seeps into our daily routines, impacts our attention spans, and shapes our relationships—especially with our kids.

We ask the question, what’s the cost of constant connectivity? We get real about the anxietysocial media creates and the boundaries we need to set, both for ourselves and for the next generation.