Salon Rising: The Podcast

Transcript 

If you are a salon owner and you've never almost called it quits What are you doing? Get in contact. Like, tell me your secrets. When you are this far into your journey, there's a level of expectation on yourself that you're like, I should have this down and people are leaving me. And it's a humbling experience.

It's A, making other people feel seen. Vulnerability makes other people feel seen. And B, it's Um, allowing other people to not feel alone. Yeah. And I, I'm a big believer that it's not about changing who you are, but it's, it's about energetically putting on that armor and watching the apprentices that you've brought through and it's like, do you know, do you know how good you've got it?

It doesn't serve you to just continue to blame the staff. I really do think that, um, yeah, I realized that I needed to step into, um, You don't have to be masculine to lead. We put a lot of energy into our brand and making sure that the, the graphics and the layout of their spaces is on point. And sometimes we just lack in confidence to be able to show up, um, as an individual and put that energy into ourselves.

You get to the point where you're just like, I don't want anymore. No more growth. I'm tired. I'm grown. Hey lovers, just a quick one. If you listen to us and you love us, could you please hit that subscribe button? I know it's a pain, but that little button means the world to us and our podcasts and means that we can get more great guests on like we know you guys love listening to.

So do a girl a favor, hit subscribe, and we would be so grateful. So grateful. We just wanted to say a massive thank you to our podcast sponsor, Kevin Murphy, distributed by Ausdair and thank them for being the most amazing brand partner for Salon Rising. This brand is truly incredible and we are so excited to work alongside you.

Welcome back to Salon Rising, the podcast. Hey Sam. Hey dude. I want to say, how are you? But full disclosure, there's a lot going on. I just feel like we were having this discussion. Like, I just feel like this is always the case. Yeah. We're going to look back on the episodes and be like, do you remember what was happening that day?

Full resilience, guys. I'm in full resilience mode. Which is so great because Not for what you're having to be resilient about. But the irony that our special guest today was really like, when we were discussing the things that we would talk about, we were talking about resilience. And I walked in and she was just like, Holy shit, welcome.

It's so nice to meet you. Here is the shit storm. That is my life. Um, yeah, but welcome Sarah. So Sarah is the owner of the Luxe Beauty Co. See, I've said that a lot of times in my head to make sure I nailed it. Uh, which is a, well, you've got the two spaces, so I might let you do a little backstory on developing your brand and your little spaces that you've got.

They're not little, they're quite big, actually. Welcome to the podcast. Welcome to your first ever podcast. I know, I'm popping the cherry today. That's exciting. She's like, I've walked into it, that's normal. I'm Samara, nice to meet you. I've just heard your whole life story. Excellent. Now go. It's funny too, because the other thing we were talking about prior was saying, was about sensitivity and I'm quite energetically sensitive and navigate, navigating that as a leader.

Yeah. And sometimes the challenges that come with that. So. I also find that too, on the other side, like I can. I think, yeah, the interesting thing for me as a leader on the other side of that is It's being supercharged with what's going on and being able to kind of pop back in so that my team doesn't feel it, you know what I mean?

Like on the other side as well, there's stuff happening at all times, but I generally funny enough, take myself out of the salon and like go and like, cause I don't want them to feel any of the things that are going on. You can park it. Yeah. Park it. Yeah. Come back to it. It's a skill. I, and I was just thinking about how much of a blessing that can be at times is to have that space that you can really just channel.

You know, positivity and, and, and sort of refine your focus on what you're there to do. So yeah, a little bit about me. Um, I have three beautiful children. Um, so my mother and I opened, um, the Luxe Beauty Co. in Casuarina to begin with, uh, nearly nine years ago now, 2016, early 2016. So it's been a big journey.

Uh, I feel like I've sort of somewhat grown up in that space now. And it's a bit of a pinch me moment now to sort of sit and reflect a little bit on that time. And that's why I was quite honored to have the opportunity to talk to you guys a little bit about that and just the growth that's been necessary to.

Um, I now have a second space, um, which is dad, both of them are in New South Wales, one's on the tweed coast, as I said, in Cajarina and the other is down in Austinville, which is, um, on the Northern rivers of New South Wales. And yeah, I basically grew up in the beauty, um, industry to a degree. My mom was a salon owner as well.

So it was my, And my, my dad was, um, you know, self employed as well in the surfboard industry. And I guess I saw my parents and, you know, running their own businesses and it never felt like an unnatural thing for me to step into. Um, whilst in, you know, there was a lot of naive, um, looking back on it now, I'm quite glad I was a little bit naive because I probably never would have done it.

I think if anyone actually saw what it looked like to be a business owner, no one, everyone Yeah. Thank you. Um, and exactly right. And then two months in, I fell pregnant with my first, must've been around the two month mark. Um, and yeah, since then had another two more. So I've got the two boys and recently last year had my daughter.

So it's been a big, um, Yeah, big journey getting through seasons of maternity leaves and coming back and maintaining strong staff throughout that and then extending to a second space as well. So I've taken fair bit on for a woman at this point in her life, but I feel really proud of, uh, my ability to do so.

And I guess, yeah, I'm just excited to talk a bit about what sort of it's taken and some of the things that have helped me along the way. Because naturally, I think I'm someone that probably would have, or could have, um, I guess called it quits a few times, but I was like, if you are a salon owner and you've never Almost caught at quits.

What are you doing? Get in contact, like, tell me your secrets. You're a liar, first of all, though, but please tell me what you're doing because I would love to. And if you're one year in business, that's what I was going to say, cause you're like, please get in contact. And I'm like, you're lying. Yeah. Yeah, absolutely.

If you've been in business a week, you're not allowed to call. Like it has to be a substantial time. So with your businesses, let's just look at what, so you're in the beauty space. What sort of services do your salons offer? So the spaces specialize in brows, skin makeup, but pretty well, we are a full beauty service.

We have most. Most things there, but we definitely specialize in those niche areas. Um, and then my personal brand, um, I used to do a lot of weddings and I have done for over a decade. Um, but over the recent six months, I've actually pivoted and started working with professionals on image consultancy and really helping.

Them, I guess, step into their power and authenticity in their style. Um, and just creating skills for them to be able to show up as confident individuals in their workplaces each and every day. So I'm really excited to be using all of the skills that I've acquired in my journey, um, both as a makeup artist, as a beauty professional, but then also to be able to be of service to other women like myself, who, you know, I guess, do we're in visual industries, aren't we?

And, and we, we put a lot of energy into our brand and making sure that the, the graphics and the layout of their spaces is on point. And sometimes we just lack in confidence to be able to show up, um, as an individual and put that energy into ourselves. So I feel really empowering to work with women who, um, maybe just lack in that.

And that, you know, if I can help in any way, that's sort of what I'm aiming to do. I love that. I think it's so crazy when you can. Um, you know, someone that doesn't know necessarily how to dress or, you know, we look at so many women, my sister being one of them is the most like put together and she just always looks beautiful and I always look at her and I just think, God, you're going to the grocery store and she's still put together, but it just makes you feel such a different sense of confidence.

Like when I get up and I'm dressed, I'm like, I just have this different. Persona about me for the day, whereas when I've got no makeup on my hair's up in a messy bun, I just feel different. So I think if women don't know how to do that, and you can empower them to feel that through what they wear and how they dress and how they present themselves.

It's huge. Yeah. And I, I'm a big believer that it's not about changing who you are, but it's, it's about energetically putting on that armor and it sets you up. And honestly, the difference between the day you stay in your jammies. Yeah. And the day that you make that five minute effort, it can be, thank you.

It can be huge. Oh, for sure. So you're, you're working in your personal brand. So what, what sort of role do you have within your spaces then? Like, so I'm pretty well hands on as far as managing the whole. Brand, uh, so all the staff within my teams, um, we've got salon managers in either space, but, um, I'm managing them to manage and, um, I oversee everything, but then I also, um, somehow carve out time, uh, to, yeah, I guess work on my own little side dishes as well.

Oh, I love that. Yeah. It's always been important to me. I think to have a little, let's get another business and that's like three kids and like, I'm like. Yeah, if I can relate to all of this, yeah, very much. So, yeah, except it was like a reverse with the children. It was like the two boys first and then the boy.

So, um, so this was what I was wondering though. So. Your, all your staff are employed. Yes, correct. So how big is your team all together collectively? Um, so at the moment we have around eight or nine if I'm, yeah. So they're small teams. Yeah. Nice. Yeah. But I know we spoke a little bit about, and as you said, you're quite energetically sensitive.

Yeah. So it's, and we're talking about stepping into our power. It's a conversation that I think is so interesting that, um, And we talk about this a lot with heart led leadership, you don't have to be masculine to lead. And this is what we were talking about. Yeah. So how have you gone in your journey with that sort of finding your leader without becoming losing your authentic voice, losing your authentic self?

Yeah, absolutely. And I think You know, a lot of us go into these service based industries because essentially we love to nurture and, you know, give to others. And, you know, I think there can be a tendency to, um, I guess, get burnt out in the, in the process of that. If we don't learn how to, I guess, step into some level of boundary setting and all the things.

Um, for me, I think, yeah, spot on. I've definitely had to refine my leadership and it's an, it's an ever, it's, it's a forever thing. Um, but over the years, I think one of the things that has, I sort of hit a point A few years in where I realized that I need to start, I need to be better. If I'm going to make this sustainable, I need to be more equipped.

I'm going to make this sustainable. And because things, I think if you're a sensitive person by nature and a caring person by nature can be really hard to, I guess, strip back how much energy you're giving certain problems that are coming up daily, multiple daily sometimes, and all the people that you are.

Um, caring for your team. And so I felt like as a, yeah, like I said, sensitive woman, I have, was finding that the hard things felt harder than they needed to be because I was putting way too much emphasis on giving them that priority. That much power, if that makes sense. So I guess around the midway point through my journey, I really realized that that I needed to do a deep dive into myself, understand myself better.

So I did a lot of personal development and that's, um, really helped me gain some tools in understanding why some things feel bigger to me and some, you know, um, conversations or outcomes to things hurt more than they maybe should. And I think that comes back to the fact that once you have that understanding of yourself, you can really almost step back and, and pause for a minute, reflect on, okay, why am I feeling this big feeling right now?

And sometimes use a little bit of. Do you know what I mean? Like, yeah, absolutely. I think that's the difference between, um, like it's the difference between a heart led lead up because you're going internal rather than going, it's all them. It's all, I'm going to have nothing to do with it. I'm not going to pull anything on it.

I, yeah, I thought so. Um, I'm not going to have anything to do with this. I'm going to put it all on them. It's all their fault. I'm not going to like the difference between, You know, other leaders or other owners, bosses, whatever. And us is the fact that I, I'm the same way. I always go internal first. Like you're reflective, always.

Um, sometimes to my detriment because I'm like, but still, still that really, you know, sensitive affected. Yes. You know, that's what I mean. Sometimes to my detriment because I blame it all on myself. But I think when we can have that perspective, it really does change things. And I think it, it allows us to lead people in such a different light.

Oh, absolutely. Because you would, okay. Let's just backtrack for two seconds. So you've decided to go into business. Yeah. So were you just working for someone else before that? No, well, sorry. I had worked for yes, other employers. And then I moved to a new area. I saw a hole in the market that wasn't at the time being met.

And I just thought they need a space that is going to offer. women results driven treatments, um, and really designed for the busy woman because at the time there were day spas around. But there really wasn't anywhere doing the essentials really well. And also that, like I said, had a focus around creating an express menu so that people, moms, busy women could go in and get what they need, feel amazing, have a touch of luxury and get on with the day.

So I felt like that was at the time a real niche that hadn't really been done. And, um, it, it went really well. It was, it's been a gradual build. Um, but yeah, it's just, it was something that aligned with what I felt I would be looking for. And, um, yeah. So it was your, you were pregnant, you found out you were pregnant with your first child.

Yes. Going, so after opening. Yeah. You've opened a business and then you found out you're pregnant with your first child. So were you like, okay, now I've got to find a team? Yeah. So I already had, I started with team. You started with the team. I started with, uh, two other staff members. And again, probably with that level of naivety of what motherhood looked like, thought that would all carry me through.

I worked really hard that first year building that reputation in the area. And, um, you know, I put a lot of trust in. In, um, the therapists that were there at the time and learn a lot, a lot of hard lessons pretty early on, actually around that. And, you know, it's all been integral. It's all been stuff that was hard, needed to happen a little bit of a brutal wake up to, to me and, and probably just a little bit of a eye opener into the nest.

How necessary it is to have transparency from the get go with your therapist on, on, you know, what you're needing and what's expected of them. And, um, yeah, so definitely have had many, many, uh, lessons as we've gone along. Um, but in that time, like I said, I've also had the ability to reflect and look at my part in that.

And it's, it's, It doesn't serve you to just continue to blame the staff. I really do think that, um, yeah, I realized that I needed to step into, um, leadership in a different way. And I took responsibility for that and I've done that. So, um, whilst it doesn't necessarily mean that everything that comes my way now feels easy.

I have, you know, different pillars of strength that I can draw from if something happens and I'll still feel it, I'll still get emotional, I'll often have a cry, but I know those things that anchor me in my truth and I can continue on and I think that's what's built that resiliency is just, yeah, having that unwavering sense of self and my values and yeah.

What would you say your values are? Well, for me, first and foremost, of course, my family, you know, they're my, they're my, my folks, my, they're my main top value. Um, but I also have, you know, I guess like there's like everyone, we have a tiered sort of priority listing of, of the things that matter. And I also have a really strong sense of, of ethics around like how I like to treat others and things like that, that I draw from, but, you know, The other part as well as my sense of self and my understanding of myself is been just also my vision.

Like, I think I can often find peace if I'm dealt with a situation and I look at my vision for the future. And I know what I need to do to get there. So yeah, that's also been a helpful one. And when you hit like a roadblock, it's like, okay, well, is this something that I need to get over to continue to move towards my vision?

Or is this actually redirecting me? Cause I've stepped away from where I needed to go. Yeah. Yeah, absolutely. Oh, I like that. And does it align with my best self that I'm wanting to be, or does it align with the future that I want the Luxe Beauty Co to have? And I think they're those things, like I said, that I can kind of draw from when I'm in hot.

Times. It was actually funny because only a week or two ago when I got asked to come onto this, which I'm so honored to be here, I then had one of the roughest fortnights, like professionally that I've had probably, I feel like the universe does that to you, I'm sorry, anyone that's coming on here is like shit, I don't know, I'm going to get pushed, I had the biggest imposter syndrome come in and I just thought, I don't know, who am I to come up and talk?

When I am struggling right now, see, but that's so good. That's me all the time. I'm always like, I have had this every program we've launched. Yeah. Every talk I do every time. And everyone's like, you nailed that. And I was like, okay, thank God. Cause I've prayed this. And I was like, who am I to do this? Who am I?

But really it's just sharing. It's a making other people feel seen. Vulnerability makes other people feel seen. And B, it's. Um, allowing other people to not feel alone and to understand these things happen to regardless of who you are. Like for me, I always wanted like, you know, I'm quite open and honest about as much as I possibly can be.

But even with what I've gone through over the last 12 months, I would, I think the showing the face and the vulnerability and that means that other people are going to be like, okay, she hasn't got all her shit together all the time and it is rough and there is stuff happening and there's moving parts and you can't control any of that, but you can control how you respond to all of that.

Exactly. And you can, you can, you know, you can control who you turn up as and how you keep moving through it. And I don't think this, I think the thing is it never stops. You own a business, the stuff is always going to keep coming. And I think that's when it's so easy for us to be like. Can't do it anymore, don't want to do it, burn it down, because we get to those points where it's just like, again, again, again, but I think.

Like I'm like you, regardless of whether you had the business or more would keep ticking over because you can't like first business, first salon, second salon. Now you've got this third thing that's happening and three children. You and I are the type of people that are like, we cannot stop. So like, there's no point of trying to be like, I have to pause this.

Cause I've got to focus on this area because we would just build something else anyway. Yeah. She'd be stitching headbands. Like I was back in the early days when I had to have, I was selling lemons on the side of the road when I was five. That's just, if you're an entrepreneur, you just, that's how you think.

It's not, it's a way of being, and it's also, if I think if you're multi passionate and that's why I like people. Multipassionate is literally how I describe myself now. I love the term multi passionate. We are multi passionate. That's what it is. Did you get that from Marie Forleo? Sure did. I love her. Sure did.

Love that woman. Yeah. Multi passionate. And it's, It's just so true. I feel like there's probably a part of me that maybe is a little bit on the spectrum, but I'm not sure, but I definitely undiagnosed, but 100 percent Jen sends me stuff like, just so you know, like this is something, but I don't send it to be obnoxious.

I send it because I think that yeah, cause Sam is undiagnosed. I am diagnosed. And I think that people get. Um, so I sent you those things just so it's like, Oh, this is just how my brain works. Nobody in their right mind thinks that Jen has got an ounce of obnoxious in her body, just by the way. So no one thinks you're sending that to be ob.

You say that because you're my best friend. There's lots of people that think I'm obnoxious. It's okay. All those people should burn in out . But I love the, like I, I think it's also just amazing to hear that, because even for me, a lot of people say, oh, you, you ooze confidence. Right? And it's interesting because I have not.

Been cut from that cloth. I have really, really worked on that confidence. But they say, I read something the other day that said like confidence isn't something that we have. It's something that you build. It's something that you keep striving towards. Like it's not something like no one just is born.

You're just not born with confidence. No, I was the girl that, that hid between mom's legs, you know, like, and you know, she wouldn't, she put me into dance and drama to help with that. And I think. I've just developed a very, um, I'm able to push through levels of discomfort that I feel in my body. I have high functioning anxiety, so I feel a lot and I burn a lot.

A lot. Yeah. All the time. So even though I can process, we were separated at birth. Yeah. . Yeah. So high functionally, basically the same person. Nobody would necessarily know it, know it. And it's interesting, we went and did the most incredible program on Friday with Sair. Oh yeah. And um. It was interesting in that, because when I showed up You know, I was full confidence armor on, like ready to go, ready, like was in doing what I loved.

And I was so confident and I was just chatting, but then I said to them, you guys all saw me last night and I walked in the restaurant with my head down and sat at the back and was quiet and I was like, Because that wasn't my space to command. And I was like, so you would think that I was this majorly outspoken person, but I was like, the importance of me letting you know that I'm not like that is because we get to choose like what environments we can show up to in and be that confidence in.

And I was like, you would all say right now that I am one of the most confident people in the room. Last night you would have always said I was the least, so it was just like, you know, we pre I present how I need to present. And, you know, it was a whole teaching moment. It was really interesting. And one of the girls said that, um, at the end, it was like, so it was such a nice piece.

And she was just like, I understand now that like, you can be confident. You can decide. Like I want it. You inspire me to want it. I, I hate the word perform, but it is almost perform, right? Like you just like, this is the hat that I'm going to put on right now. This is how I'm going to do it. Yeah. Yes. Do you want it?

I have to go back and preserve again. So like sometimes I can, I can do these things and I can put, um, a lot of energy out there or socially even, you know, I can go to those events, but then I have to hibernate for a bit. Just. Oh yeah, that's that introverted extrovert part. She's definitely a 2 4 in human design.

Oh, for sure. Have you done your human design? I'm a manifesting generator. And what's, do you know what your profile is? Yeah, I should be a 2 4. I reckon you would be. Cause we, we are both the same. So we go, we have to perform and we have to stand up on stages and talk in front of people. And then we like go into a little bit of a 2 4.

So it's like, it literally is the extroverted introvert. Yeah. And sometimes I like, Sarah, what have you set yourself up for? Like, I've, I've got so many, I guess, um, responsibilities to be, um, you know, this, like I said, this presence. And, um, sometimes that can be challenging when it's not always like this.

But I think that's where that we were discussing earlier, just ahead of filming, you know, finding your authentic leadership style that, you know, and embracing your femininity. And that has been really important because I do feel like if I sit in the masculine too long. And I'm being staunch, I can really drain, I can really drain quickly.

And I, I know that I've got to wear that hat sometimes to get shit done, but I also have to have a space to flow back into, and I think that's why I've probably always had my little side dish because it is entirely mine to. Flow in that space and, you know, sometimes leadership, you know, you need to have that masculinity that comes up to be able to hold those, hold that container and then, yeah, I think too, you learn, do we, this is what I really want to unpack though.

Cause this is a conversation I'm having so much. I feel like it's coming from every direction at the moment. Do we have to be masculine? To lead, do we have to step into that? I think so. I interesting enough. It depends on like, I can look at that from all aspects. Right, right. I, in my life really, as I think the reason I'm so different in the last 12 months, six months, especially is because for the first time in a really long time, you feel like you don't have to be masculine in your home life.

I'm not masculine in my home life. I'm not masculine in Salon Rising. Yeah. Um, and. I go between masculine and feminine and I'm, I am very feminine in Lazarella and I lead feminine. I don't lead masculine, but I do go into my have to get it shit done mode, which can feel a little masculine. Yeah. Like when I'm like, okay, I need to make decisions that I need to move.

But I don't also like the fact that that has to be a masculine trait. Like I'm feminine, like I'm still feminine in how I do that. I'm still feminine in how I interview. I'm still feminine in how I hire. But, and I don't understand why we have to be masculine to get this shit done. Like, I don't know how, why we have to, but, I definitely for the first time, like last night, for example, I was like lying on the lounge, and yesterday I said to Lee in the morning, I have energy.

I have zero motivation. So we were taking all the kids to the beach and we had six kids with us yesterday. And I was like, so just so you know, I've got energy to do stuff. So right now I'm cleaning the whole kitchen, but I've got zero motivation. So if it was up to me right now to take the kids to the beach, it wasn't going to happen because I have no need to want to do all the things.

It's like, I'm on it. So like he packed the car, he got everything we needed. Everything was done by him. And I just cleaned the kitchen and when we went, it was great. But I got home. Hmm. Cause we've had such a big weekend. I've got home and I'm like, I'm at 20%. And he's like, crap that I know I need to be at 80.

And I was like, not necessarily, but like, let's handle this together. And again, you still stay in your masculine and feminine, but I was like, we're ordering dinner. The kids are getting two minute noodles, like, I think that's giving yourself a bit of grace. Hey, but it's like, why do I have to be in the masculine or the feminine for that?

I can make decisions in my feminine as much as I can. You know what I mean? Do you find, is your team all women? Yeah. And obviously Samara, your team's all women. So do we need to lead women? Like women, does that make sense? Yeah, I, I feel what you're saying. I think one of the things that I've tried to embrace is that sometimes we need some masculine structures to be able to relax into our feminine.

So it's sort of like, you might need to do some pre work like getting up some freight, getting some framework, getting some, you know, protocols, systems, procedures in place, a hundred percent. When you have that, and that's a rock solid, like. It creates safety. Right. So, and that's what the masculine does. I think when we go into a mess, I did that last week as well.

Like I was like, Oh, this feels off. So straight into my created structure, had a meeting, checked it in with my team. Everyone knows what they to do. And then I could settle again. Yeah. Yeah. So I think what happens though, and I think energetically what I've found is if I'm having to lean too much on those, like that side, that masculine side, and I'm having to really enforce.

Way too much of that energy. That's when I do feel like I get depleted because it's not, it's not my, like, it's not my natural state. Of course. Um, I do definitely think though, like as we look at it, I do think that sometimes we. put, and it's been such a, it's been such a buzz kind of concept at right at the moment, masculine and the feminine, blah, blah, blah.

Sometimes I think we label it too much and then we make ourselves wrong for being the opposite. I'm too masculine. I need to be in my feminine. I'm too feminine. I need to be in my masculine. I'm like, just fucking be you mate. Like flowing out of how, like, why does making decisions have to be a masculine thing though?

It's the flow, right? Being able to flow. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. However you want to label it. Yeah. I think the structure is necessary so that you can then flow within that space. And that's what I've found is it's about that balance. Yeah. Agreed. Yeah. I love, do you want to talk into the last couple of weeks? So I guess like without diving into the specifics and it's more just, I think.

When you are this far into your journey, there's a level of expectation on yourself that you lack. I got, I should have this down and people are leaving me and it's a humbling experience to lose stuff that you've poured a lot of energy into when. Yeah. You're just like, well, I know I'm, I'm doing a pretty damn good job here of providing a beautiful space of providing amazing opportunities for growth, paying well.

But yet, you know, it's, it's a tough pill. I think also like, you know, we all go through this, right? Anyone that has stuff. And I think that's where it's finding the other balance of while you and I have done so much self work, we've got to find the other balance of being like. It can't just be all about us either.

Like we, you have to go, you know, and I have to get my checks. I have to ring Jen and be like, have I done something wrong? Should I have done something different? Like, because I need the reassurance that no, you're doing the right thing, babe. But also people just ready to go on their own journey as well.

And as fucking hard as that is, we always know that behind that is the next level of growth. But you get to a point when you've been in business, I've been in business 16 years, you get to the point where you're just like, I don't want any more, no more growth, I'm tired, I've grown, I've evolved enough, let me be, this flower is in bloom, there's no more petals to open, do not let me grow anymore.

Yeah, but I think that, yeah, I think we can go to the other side of that and really get really blaming on ourselves too, because the other thing is, is as we start to step back and find different pathways in where we're going, other people are going to want to do the same, you know, and it's really tough because yeah, it is really hard.

And especially in our industry, it's not just like somebody, you know, you work in, you know, I don't know what it ever, it is like you work some, like you work in like you're an administrator and you go to work in another office. It's like with that, so many people leave us and then we've got to watch that.

And it's like hideous. And it's like, how do we take it? And how do we be okay with it? And how do we move forward? And how do we not let it have this effect that we're not enough and doing enough and being enough? It's always comes down to where you don't feel like enough. Yeah. You know, and yeah. Um, I read a book lately and like I've been reading a book and it says like everything comes down to not feeling enough, you know, everything, every single fear that we generally have comes down to like not feeling enough.

And it was like this eye opener because I was like, that probably makes sense. You know, like, and what do they suggest we do about not fucking know I'm still reading. I'm still reading. I'm in the beginning stages of this book. I'll let you know in the next podcast. Okay. Well, like when I think back to my.

Beginning and my big why I remember it really being about, I think there was a sense of wanting to create a community that I belonged to and a place that I could work where I'd be with like minded women, we'd uplift each other, and there'd be just this, this family at home at work. And whilst that, that can happen.

And it, you know, it does happen. It's I also acknowledged there was probably an unhealthy attachment to what I was expecting from team at times. And I've really done a lot of work on like that being enough and, and also just realizing that, you know, I belong to myself and not, I don't have to. Yeah, I think it's just.

It's probably healthy at times to acknowledge your part and expectation in, in, in, in team and making sure that that stays like. Cause I think we put the, like I think we put the, um, idea that culture has to mean that everyone's cool by hiring and everyone's obsessed with each other. And while that is true, you're still running a business.

Yeah. You know, while that is true. They're still their own people and they're still going to have to make their choices too. And then you start blaming it on your culture. Jen's watched this go round and round for years. Um, and then you're like, it's not for them sometimes too, then having to go, Oh, hang on, I'm actually 50 percent of this team in here.

So I must be 50 percent of the culture. They go, Oh, it's the, you know what I mean? Like, and. I think that's the part that comes with maturity and, you know, it's again, it's something for me that I've really, I guess, thought about recently with what I'm wanting to align myself with in the next recruits and, um, Who I'm looking to call in to my business at the moment.

And I think that there is some self awareness that comes with maturity. And so a part of me sometimes likes to really pour a lot of energy into young talent, because maybe there's a bit of a fixer in me and also like someone that wants to, yeah, I do see potential so much potential in people and I want to see them to that.

And that's a beautiful thing, but then I'm not always, you know, Finding the loyalties there. Yeah. So it's like, it's like an interesting piece that I've been reflecting on. I think the other thing too is, is giving yourself, um, when someone comes on board, it's like, what do I want their loyalty to be for how long?

And, and that's a blessing to that point. Whereas. What we attach it to is I'll be with us forever and everything will be Mickey and then, yeah. So then I think if you can get to a point where you're like, I'm actually good with that. Anywhere from that, cool. Like, because at the end of the day, people are going to all want to go on their own journeys, whatever that looks like, moving on, going to different salons, you know, opening, whatever it is.

But I think at the same time, We forget as owners that they have done us such a service while they've been with us as well. And really being able to, but it's, it's still a hard pill to swallow. Like it is when you are focused on, and that's where the imposter syndrome can come in. Right. Cause you're like, am I good enough leader?

They're leaving me. And it's like, Hold on, like, let's take a moment to have a bit of a check. Well, yeah, we, we often have that conversation where it was like, Oh, should I have done something? So that person didn't leave. I mean, it's like, well, sure. If you don't want anything to ever change and grow, you could do that.

And I think if it's there, it's, it's always going to be like, if they've got the desire, like, you know, To, to do their own thing. It's really just like you said, matter of time. And, and I always encourage people. I mean, who would like, I'm all about chasing your dreams. Um, but yeah, it's just been, um, something that I've been sort of reflecting.

The stepping stone of people chasing their dreams can be real tough sometimes. And just being okay with, you know, Not necessarily being loved, but being respected and being, you know, like understanding that we can have that. As you said that I was like, no, I need to be loved. That's what went through my head.

You're like, it's okay with not being loved. I was like, not for me. I need to be like, I love you. I love you. And if they don't say it back, I'm like, no, like, love you. I'm like, thank you. Bye. Like I, it's hard as a leader, heart led leader. Like I lead with my heart. Like, and I do generally. Love the shit out of all of them.

And also everyone that's ever worked for me. Um, and obviously it changes when they leave and stuff. I still love them. Everyone that's left with me, I still love deeply. I had a deep connection with them, but it does change because you're not with them every day and you're not fostering them within your team.

But it's funny. Cause you said, you know, I've had this deep need to like grow people and stuff like that. So, and one of my main. Um, purposes is to, you know, build humans and be able to grow them and, you know, both in like professional and personal. So of course they're going to. Eventually move on to parenting, right?

Like literally the purpose of the job of being a parent is to no longer be needed. Yeah. Like that is, if you don't succeed at that, you haven't done the job properly. And I think that's the same, like when we go into this, with this idea of like growth and legacy and creating this future, that future means that those people are going to leave.

Because that's the growth part. I don't like it. I have hard time with it, but I had my, uh, I had a coach say that everyone's leaving, it's just when, and I'm like, that was a big piece for me to like, think about, it brought me a little bit of peace though, too, because I think there is a level of self worth that we attach to people staying in our nest.

Cause we're the mums, like we want. Our baby chicks to stay in the nest where we can keep them safe. Cause we know the big bad world's not like. It's not easy. I love it when my past girls ring me and they're like, I need some help. I'm like, mom is here. What do you need? Like, I love it. I, it gives me such a sense of joy.

Like one of my girls, specifically, if she listens to the podcast, she'll know who it is. She's like, I need some mama advice. And I was like, okay, let's go. Like, and it just makes me feel so nice that I'm still that point of call for her in that situation. You know, like, and I think when she started doing that after she left, Like it actually just made me feel like I was like that relationship for me still feels so purposeful and I still feel so loved in it because she still needs me.

And I love that she does. Yeah. Yeah, no, I resonate with that. And I think I've got really good contact with a lot of my ex Lux, um, therapists and, you know, to be able to like see them on their journey, but also maintain that friendship. It's been really, it's been really beautiful. And it's also really nice.

Even hearing some of them come back to me maybe a year or two later and go, Oh, I always think back to the days of. At the Lux Beauty Co and you know, just talking about how maybe they didn't necessarily always, especially if it was their first job, you don't always know it at the time, but once you start to gain experience and reference points, you kind of, you can reflect and you can go, what a, what a great time that was and what a great experience and what a great place, like, and that feels good.

Yeah. Agreed. This is so, it's so true. I, I had this conversation with my teenagers in the weekend because, They're all looking to get jobs, right? And the two boys are, like, nearly 16 and they're saying, Oh, well, can't you get us, um, jobs with some of your friends? And I was like, no. Like, well, why it's like, because my friends are great bosses and I want you to go and experience something crack crappy, even if it's just for a little bit so that when you step into that, you know how good it is.

So I just like, just, just a little, just go and get a little bit of rubbish experience, just a little bit of abuse. And then we'll know, and then we'll just pull you out and stick you up with the good ones and you'll be great. And you'll appreciate it because it is that whole, I often think that, especially.

Yeah. Watching the apprentices that you've brought through, and it's like, do you know? Do you know how good you've got it? Do you know that it's not like this everywhere and it's that whole, yeah. So I think if you are aiming to provide that for the people that you're training and nurturing, I think it's pretty special.

Yeah. And I think having those, I know personally, a few tougher experiences in the workforce really were like the catalyst for me. Yeah. You know, I wanted to be the boss that. You know, they could talk to, or that, that was that created that space that felt like a positive and uplifting environment. And, um, I think at times that could be why it hurts a little bit more.

Yes. Cause you've put, like you said, those heart centered. Yeah. So you know, cause you've seen, you've seen the way that things can be. And when you've experienced a toxic environment, you put so much heart into providing something that's not that. The thing in the other side too, is you go, I just need a little rest for a little while.

Can everything just stay, can you give me three months of just nothing? Please just give me a little, everyone commit to three months, not telling me shit. Everything is fine. Everything is dandy. Everything's moving forward. No one's talking. Yeah. Just give me three months, like, or month, I'll have a week, like, no one be sick.

Everyone be there like, no, like everyone just be like, every client be happy. Like, let's just, just give me a reprieve because when you used to have dealing with it for 16 years, you're just like, I just, I just, and then everything else is like, I think that's the thing too, is being a business owner doesn't mean life doesn't stops at being a business owner.

You've got. Everything else, personal life. And then you're trying to, you know, hold everybody and hold yourself and raise children. And it's a lot. Why do we do it? And it's not till like one of my girlfriends sent me a beautiful text yesterday. And she just reminded me of exactly that. And I think sometimes when you're in it, you forget how many things you're doing and you're doing really well.

Oh man. Every time one of my girlfriends do it and I get it all the time, or my family sister does it all the time, or my partner's like, so like, he's always in awe. And when you get it, you're just like, Thank you. I needed that. Like a drink in the desert. Yeah. Yeah. And it's like, you see me, you really see me.

Yeah. Yeah. The being seen as much as you validate your own self, you're just like, oh, yeah. Uh, you know, my best friend's like, you are the hardest working woman I know. And no one could handle what you're going through at the moment. I'm like, because when you're in it, you're just in it. Like you just like, does not everyone else go through this?

It's weird. Does not everyone else feel this? This is odd. Does no one else dealing with all of these things at the same time? Because your ADHD brain is like, nah, this is just how it works. And like I said, that high functioning anxiety. So a bit of a worrier, I think about things a lot and make sure I want to make sure people are happy a lot.

It's then add perfectionism, which a lot of people, creatives have as well. It's, it's, it's a, it's a big, it's a big journey. Um, working through it, but each day, definitely I feel I'm more, like I said, resilient. I won't say that it doesn't affect me, but it still does, but it's, it's It always will. And I'm not going to let myself become like this robot that I think it's important to maintain that sense of self.

And, and I've started to be a little bit more open about the struggles with team a little more where it's appropriate, because I do think that at times, I suppose, as successful women, we do inspire them, but. Are we doing them a favor by not letting them know the hard things as well? Agreed. You know, because we, I, I essentially, the end of the day, it's important.

They know what they're striving for. Right. And I like to showcase it's possible and it's beautiful to be able to, um, yeah, find that I have inspired so many, um, Women in my time, but, um, also just like letting them in on that side of the insides. I think it feels important to, it's so important. I feel the same way with children.

Yeah. It's like people saying that, you know, Oh no, birth is really easy. You know, where it's like, I just feel like it's really important for me to share that. Getting that baby out is not necessarily going to be easy. And then when they're out it's not easy either. So. There's always people that are like, You made this look so easy.

You're like, It was a shitshow. I'm sorry. I'm sorry I did that. Like, the awareness on the fact that everything it can, And this is what this podcast is about right? I think too like even that, We've spoken about this, It's, you know, even having to a point, like I'm not saying open everything up to everybody, but even that transparency in financials and numbers and having people, I think it's really easy for staff to be like.

Oh, well, why do we need to do this? It's like, do you understand? Well, that's right. How much it costs to open the doors for this job? When they're doing our end of day, I mean, they're like, Oh, good day. You know, but how much of that do we post a tax? How much GST then? It's our outgoings. It's our rent. It's a, it's like, have they done exactly?

Have they done the sums? Potentially not, but yeah, I feel like that. That's that transparency, uh, is important as well in leadership. Agreed. So you, what sort of roles are you look, so do you think you'll pivot in what you're searching for in terms of staff? Like I think it's more just that I mean, I need, it's more just knowing what you know to be true.

And just stay, instead of just going, well, it's a great resume, she's on paper. This is really probably interviewing so that I'm getting a better sense of the individual and the person. How long do you trial for? Well, probational period is six months. Do you trials? Oh yeah. We usually have a trial. For how long?

I think it's usually only a day. Yeah. Okay. No, day is still good. I do like, I like a day or two, sometimes three now because I want my team to get an idea on who they are. And I think that sometimes it's not until like day two or three that you're like, Some things can come to know if this is right. Yeah.

Yeah. Yeah. And see how they mesh with everybody. So when did you decide that you were going to expand and get a second space? Like what was the driving force? So this was, and I think it, it's nice to preface that because it's, Probably it was a lot more of an organic step for me because this was the business.

This second business was the business that was already in my family. I bought this, I bought this off my mom so that she could retire. So I had a relationship with the staff. I knew like I had worked there myself back in the day for years and years. And it was a way in a way it was taking on an established business.

Yeah. I rebranded. We've brought whole new life and, and it's gone into a new era and that's a beautiful thing. But I think a lot of people do start from scratch and I could see that would be incredibly hard. I have only just finished paying off the purchase of it a year later, but it came with a certainty.

You know, it came with a, I knew that it had flow. I knew that it was paying its way. It was a, it was a sure thing. Um, and I think that's definitely important when people, she had a baby and opened a second business in the second, you know, in the same year. Um, so I guess that's really, so many people that we know that opens two salons, the 12 months down the track, second salon goes, they're like.

Bringing in two is hard. It's hard. It's hard. Especially if you don't one, have, you know, that certainty of the flow of clientele and it's going to cover itself. You know, I had that. I knew that. I knew the team there. Building from the ground up. Yeah. So did you used to work with your mum? Yeah. Did you train with your mum?

To a degree? Yeah. Yeah, I did. I mean, I, I. It sort of went, I think what happens sometimes when your mom is a professional in beauty or whatever they do is you'd like, I am not going to be, I was like dead against being a beauty therapist. Cause my mom was, yeah, I was not going to do it. I pursued, um, other things and I always had a background and a very natural.

Ability with beauty because of it grew up in the salon, but I was dead against it until I kind of, yeah, moved out of home. Um, I was going to get into a creative industry of some sorts, ended up pursuing makeup, did that first, but then found that there was a part of me that still wanted to like, was longing for more.

And I wanted to learn more. I wanted to grow. And I think that nurturing side of me did come through a little bit like in the early twenties. And then I started to go, you know what? Maybe it wouldn't be such a. A bad idea for me too. Cause you don't get that opportunity to nurture when you're doing the makeup.

It's like, yeah, not the same exchange. You're, you're definitely like uplifting, but it's not that same like nurturing. Yeah. Yeah. It's, it's different. And I think I also knew that there was a little spark in me that wanted to have a business one day and it made sense. And, um, yeah, so from there I sort of pursued both.

And, um, Yeah, now I like to think that I've created an environment where I can, again, dabble with both my, um, my beauty, my makeup, and also my cosmetic tattooing, which I've done for, as well, since opening. So, for nearly eight years as well. Yeah. See, does that, I just think of that, because I know for you, you're always like, I really hope that the girls, one of them might go in, you know, And own a salon one day.

I don't know. You don't feel like that anymore? Would I recommend? I don't know. I don't know what I hope. I just want them to do whatever they love. I know. I just hope they do whatever they love. Full stop. I'm not like, no, not necessarily. Okay. No, I just want them to do whatever they love and I want to support them in that.

I'd love them to like work here when they're like 13, 14, 15, you know, and, yeah, you know, help us out. And I want to. Really be able to inspire the work ethic in my children of like, this is how hard you work and fuck you work hard in a hair salon. So I think the salon is great for that aspect. Do they need to own a salon?

I don't know. Did I, I didn't, it's not in my blood. So that's true. You know, it wasn't like I became a hairdresser because it's in my family, which is so many people. It was not in mine. It was just, What I was meant to do. So no, not necessarily. I think there's something really special on the fact that you allowed your mom to retire like that.

So, well, she also had this legacy that I felt in that town. Um, you know, she'd built a business, which is one of the most longstanding businesses on the Northern rivers because it's 38, over 38 years Wow. To me, like. What did it used to be called? Uh, Rejuvenation. And I've continued it as Rejuvenation by the Lux Beauty Co.

So it's, I wanted to keep, you know, she's so special to me and she's my best friend. And, um, I've got to get emotional talking about that. Um, it's felt really nice to be able to continue that in her, yeah, legacy. Oh, I love that. Alabama, are you listening? I'm also the only daughter and I've got four brothers.

So, you know, mom and I, like there's, it's been, um, a beautiful friendship that's come about since becoming an adult. And it's just been really nice to be able to take care of her. Yeah. In this stage of her life as well. I always think about that, having that opportunity to take care of the people who took care of you, you know, like, I just think there's something really special about that.

Yeah. Hashtag dad lives with me. And she was my inspiration as well. You know, like she showed me to be, to believe that anything, I wanted to do was possible. I, one thing that I, you know, it's funny cause my parents were very, um, very easygoing people. Um, but like you said, they had that work ethic, really hard workers.

Um, and they have accomplished, you know, amazing things from humble beginnings. And I think that is something that, yeah, I've really has shaped me and, um, definitely gave me the courage. Yeah. Cause I don't think I necessarily started out with the confidence, but I had the courage. And I think that's a different thing that people don't realize.

Um, and I think it's the generator in the manifesting generator. Sometimes people have the ideas, but they have a struggle. Like I'm like, I'll, I'll jump before I know I can swim. Like I can, I'm good like that. I'll take a risk because I can, um, I have that certainty in myself that I can do hard things. I really like that.

I've got to get me some certainty in myself because I'm going to spend a, I can spend a long time deciding whether to jump though. She should do that. We need people like you as well. She's the one that's standing on the ledge. I just like, I'm very discerning. You're very grounded as well. And you know, you'd be the person that we can lean on for like.

Proper thought out plans. I'm like, I'll figure it out.

So we'd like balance each other. Cause I'm like, Jen, should I do this? She's like, um, I'm like, I already did it. She's like, and you're like, should I do this? I'm like, just make a decision. That's teamwork, right? Yeah. Yeah, maybe we should be hiring on human design and we say that all the time. I, yeah, I do think there's something in it.

I definitely think that there, you can tell if there's too many of one thing within an environment. Yeah. I need a balance. Yeah. For sure. In my family. Also for client preference. Like I find that. Yeah. Excuse me, um, you're lucky to book an appointment. Excellent. What is your human design? You can choose what design you'd like today.

Would you like to be told by a projector what to do? Would you like a well thought out plan from a manifesto? Um, we are running out of time. I feel like we could have gone a long way on this one, but I would just love some closing ideas that you would offer. To someone who is perhaps within the industry that you think would help a business owner.

Like what are your go to, you said, I've gone through lots of growth. What are your go to tips to bring yourself back to yourself? Well, I think it's just understanding that you are, you are who you are and that doesn't need to change, but we can also. We can build those muscles that we talked about and you can get better and you can get more resilient and you can get stronger in your sense of self, but you do need to invest.

And I think coaches are so necessary, have been so necessary to me. I mean, I think I might've started out initially with a psychologist. Then I worked with a personal development coach. And then when I felt like I had that sense of certainty building within me and understood myself a bit better and. The things that, you know, we're going to come easy to me, things that maybe we're going to be harder to me and why I then started working with business coaches and I think it's really like investing in yourself and knowing you are so worthy, um, because I think when we're in business, sometimes we're, we're, we're, we're investing in others all the time.

We forget, like we are the one thing in this business that is. Forever and indisposable and other people can come and go, but if we're solid in ourselves and who we are as a brand and what we offer and knowing what you bring to the world is so important to always like having that. Sense of. Certainty. I love that.

I love that. That is great. Sage advice. Invest in yourself. Yes. Yeah. If nothing else, guys, invest in yourself and your personal appearance matters as well. And if you need help with that, everybody in the room can help you. Just didn't get my pistol out then. So yeah, we're so grateful that you took the time out of your day with your little people and your businesses and everything you've got going on to come and hang out with us and share some of your insight.

Because I do feel like this has been a really insightful chat for so many. The people that listen, and I think that people are going to get a lot out of it. So thank you so much, Sarah. It was so lovely to meet you. It's been lovely to connect. Oh, I know, it's like we are the same person, we need to go for a margarita.

We do, we're actually local. Where are you? Oh, you're, oh my God, we're going. Bye. And everybody's leaving for a margarita. Yeah. Thanks so much guys. Bye guys. See you.