The Conscious Salon – Details, episodes & analysis

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The Conscious Salon

Nicola and Tessa

Business

Health & Fitness

Frequency: 1 episode/7d. Total Eps: 161

Welcome to The Conscious Salon.

Join Tessa and Nicola - sisters, best friends and founders of aHead, Melbourne’s First Mindful Salon. In this space, you’ll be empowered, inspired and entertained by the ups and downs of running a conscious, small business.

We chat mindset, culture, business and give you practical steps to make your life more conscious.

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Data updated on 14/07/2026

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https://www.instagram.com/aheadhair_
161 shares
https://www.instagram.com/the_conscious_salon
161 shares
https://www.instagram.com/ameliajanehair
1 share

http://www.snappystreetcreative.com.au/
11 shares
http://www.aheadhair.com.au/
7 shares
https://www.thecoloursociety.online/https
2 shares

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Score global : 58%

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The Queen of Blondes: Amelia Jane's Journey from Home Salon to Empire

Season 1 · Episode 161

Sunday, September 14, 2025 • Duration 49:15

In this riveting conversation, Amelia Jane—known as Australia's Queen of Blondes—reveals the extraordinary journey behind her meteoric rise in the hair industry. What begins as a shocking revelation (she actually abandoned hairdressing for six years and once hated colouring hair) unfolds into a masterclass on resilience, reinvention, and authentic entrepreneurship.

Four years ago, Amelia launched Milly the Space, naming it after her grandmother's nickname for her. With raw honesty, she recounts the heartbreaking warehouse salon chapter, withdrawing $40,000 from superannuation with her partner, creating a beautiful three-level space, only to have it shut down by council due to zoning issues. Rather than accepting defeat, while planning her wedding, she immediately secured a new location in Palm Beach, determined not to let her growing team down.

The conversation takes a powerful turn when Amelia discusses balancing motherhood with her expanding empire. "I was so fearful of people thinking I was a mum who put her business first," she confesses, addressing the internal struggle many entrepreneurial mothers face. Her vulnerability shines through as she describes finding strength in her son Hilton, who makes her "feel like a superhero."

Today, Amelia's influence extends far beyond her salon. Her international blonde masterclasses have revolutionized colour techniques, while her fashion label Molly Vie has redefined how hairdressers present themselves professionally. One client shares how wearing Amelia's designs literally transformed her leadership presence: "You literally become the CEO... we see you in your power."

For anyone facing setbacks or juggling multiple passions, Amelia's story offers profound encouragement. As she prepares for her European tour and new Molly Vie collections, her message resonates clearly: you can overcome any obstacle, pursue multiple dreams simultaneously, and define success entirely on your own terms.

Ready to transform your approach to business, creativity, or personal growth? Dive into Amelia's journey and discover what becomes possible when you refuse to let circumstances define your potential.
—
Follow Amelia on Instagram @ameliajanehair to learn about upcoming masterclasses in Europe, Gold Coast, Sydney and Melbourne, and to explore her fashion line Molly Vie.

To follow our journey:
Instagram @aheadhair_
@the_conscious_salon

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The Conscious Motherhood Experience - Tess' story

Season 1 · Episode 160

Sunday, September 7, 2025 • Duration 21:22

In this final episode of our Motherhood Series on The Conscious Salon Podcast, we close out with a deeply personal conversation as I (Nicola) interview my sister and co-host, Tessa. This time, Tess takes the hot seat as she shares her journey into motherhood, her experience of maternity leave, and the lessons she has learned about balance, presence, and control while running two thriving businesses.

Tess is a business owner, mentor, stepmother, dog-mum, partner, and now mother to her little boy River. She has lived through multiple pathways into motherhood—first as a stepmum to Talia, then helping care for my son Solly when I was in recovery, and now raising her own baby. Each of these roles shaped the mother she is today and gave her unique preparation for the season she’s in now.

We dive into what it meant for Tess to take a truly present maternity leave—something we intentionally worked hard to create, especially after my own experience of blending birth and business during the height of COVID. Tess shares openly about how different it felt to step fully away from the salon, to let the team thrive without her, and to honour her new role as a mum without guilt.

But alongside the joy of presence, she also reveals the challenges: the sudden loss of identity, the isolation of being at home with a newborn, and the shift from being constantly validated by clients and team members to caring for a little human who cannot yet communicate back. This honesty is powerful, because it highlights a struggle many business-owning mums experience but rarely speak about.

We hope this final instalment of the Motherhood Series leaves you feeling empowered, less alone, and reminded that motherhood doesn’t have to mean the end of your ambitions - it can actually expand what’s possible.

To follow our journey:
Instagram @aheadhair_
@the_conscious_salon

Becoming a Mum during a pandemic - Nic's story

Season 1 · Episode 159

Sunday, August 31, 2025 • Duration 26:35

In this episode of The Conscious Salon Podcast, we continue our Motherhood Series with a very special conversation that turns the microphone onto one of our own. I sit down with my sister and co-host, Nicola Pollock, to unpack her deeply personal journey into motherhood while simultaneously running a salon during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nicola shares what it was like to give birth in 2020, a time of strict lockdowns, curfews, and immense uncertainty. From the surreal experience of walking up three flights of stairs in labour because lifts were closed, to having her partner escorted home by police after visiting her and their newborn, this story paints a vivid picture of what it meant to bring life into the world in extraordinary times.

But beyond the birth itself, we dive into the complexities of identity, responsibility, and leadership. Nicola speaks candidly about the tension between caring for her newborn son and carrying the weight of her business. She opens up about logging into her laptop just hours after giving birth, driven by a sense of responsibility to her team and clients. This raw honesty highlights how people-pleasing tendencies and leadership pressure can collide in ways that are both unsustainable and transformative.

Key Takeaways

One of the most powerful parts of Nicola’s story is her reflection on boundaries. She acknowledges the version of herself who prioritised everyone else’s needs above her own and her baby’s. Today, she approaches leadership and motherhood differently, with compassion for her past choices but clarity about what she would do differently now. This offers a powerful reminder that we can process difficult experiences, learn from them, and support others with the wisdom gained.

We also discuss the importance of community in raising children and running a business. Nicola shares how she and her partner consciously chose to embrace support networks, recognising that in Western culture we often try to parent in isolation when in reality raising children has always been a collective effort. This philosophy now guides the way she mentors other salon owners, encouraging them to release the pressure of “doing it all” and to invite in help - whether that’s family, friends, or chosen community.

Business Dot Motherhood with Tegan Mac

Season 1 · Episode 158

Sunday, August 24, 2025 • Duration 49:12

In this episode of the Conscious Salon Podcast, we welcome Tegan Mac, a leader in the beauty industry, to discuss her journey through balancing a thriving business and motherhood.

Tegan shares her personal experiences of pregnancy loss, the transition into motherhood, and how it has shaped her leadership style.

The episode also explores the importance of authenticity in the beauty profession and provides a heartfelt glimpse into the emotional and practical challenges of merging business responsibilities with family life.

To follow our journey:
Instagram @aheadhair_
@the_conscious_salon

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Big BODA Moves with Martha Kourt

Season 1 · Episode 157

Sunday, August 17, 2025 • Duration 49:32

In this episode of The Conscious Salon, we had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the powerhouse that is Martha Kourt - business owner, educator, and the creative force behind BODA. From the moment we began chatting, it was clear this was going to be a conversation that went far beyond surface-level business talk. We explored the mindset, strategy, and heart it takes to build a brand that not only succeeds but also truly reflects who you are.

Martha shared openly about her journey in the beauty industry, from the early days of stepping into business ownership to making bold moves that have shaped her into the leader she is today. She spoke about the importance of being intentional with every decision, trusting your vision even when it feels risky, and creating a business model that supports the life you actually want to live.

One of the biggest themes we unpacked was the power of leaning into your own leadership style, rather than trying to mould yourself into what you think a “successful” business owner should look like. Martha’s approach is a beautiful blend of strong systems, authentic client experiences, and a deep connection to her values - and it’s this combination that’s allowed her to grow a business she loves while still protecting her time and energy.

We also dove into the realities of running a team in the beauty space. Martha spoke candidly about how she sets expectations, supports her staff to grow, and holds the line when it comes to boundaries. Her perspective was a reminder that leadership isn’t about people-pleasing - it’s about creating a clear vision and guiding your team towards it with both strength and compassion.

The deeper takeaways from our chat with Martha

This conversation was a powerful reminder that big moves in business require both courage and clarity. It’s easy to get caught up in what everyone else in the industry is doing, but Martha’s story proves that staying anchored in your own lane will always get you further. We spoke about how crucial it is to understand the numbers in your business, set non-negotiables for your time, and say no to opportunities that don’t align - even if they look impressive on paper.

We were also reminded that you can’t grow a business you love if you’re running on empty. Martha’s approach to self-leadership - making time for her own development, wellbeing and creativity - was a lesson in sustainability. It’s not about burning yourself out to get results; it’s about building in a way that allows you to keep showing up for the long term.

Three's a Crowd with Tamara Reid

Season 1 · Episode 156

Sunday, August 10, 2025 • Duration 47:14

In this episode of The Conscious Salon, we’re thrilled to be joined by someone who has been walking beside us in business and friendship for many years - Tamara Reid. You might know her from her incredible work as the Head of Partnerships at Timely, her deep involvement in the professional hair and beauty industry, or from her own thriving business journey.

This conversation is a raw and real look into what it actually means to navigate leadership, friendship and ambition as women - especially when you’re balancing it all in a trio. We spoke candidly about the power dynamics that come into play in both business and personal relationships, what can happen when a third energy shifts the flow, and how to honour your own role without feeling diminished by others around you.

We didn’t shy away from the big questions. What happens when you outgrow a partnership? How do you stay in your own lane when comparison creeps in? And what does it truly take to nurture friendships when business gets big, busy and bold?

What we unpacked with Tamara

This chat took us deep into the real challenges and beautiful breakthroughs of working alongside other women. Tamara was so open in sharing how she’s experienced different dynamics in partnerships and collaborations, and what she's learned about maintaining her own identity throughout it all.

We explored how common it is for women to compare themselves to others, especially in three-person relationships, and how that can quickly lead to self-doubt or even withdrawal. At the same time, we spoke about the growth that comes from recognising your triggers and leaning into vulnerability - rather than pulling away or shutting down.

What really struck us was Tamara’s wisdom around energetic capacity. She reminded us how important it is to check in with ourselves about how full our own cups are, and not take responsibility for the emotional states of others when we’re already stretched thin.

Why this conversation matters

As women in leadership, we often take on more than our fair share - whether that’s in emotional labour, people-pleasing, or dimming our light to make others comfortable. This episode is a reminder that it’s okay to take up space, to honour our boundaries, and to do the work required to grow through discomfort.

MAMAhood with Sheridan-Rose Shaw

Season 1 · Episode 155

Sunday, August 3, 2025 • Duration 50:35

In this incredibly heartfelt episode of The Conscious Salon, we’re joined by someone who inspires us endlessly - Sheridan-Rose Shaw. Sheridan is the founder of Mama West, a creative leader, mentor, entrepreneur and now, a beautiful new mum. We’ve wanted to have this conversation with her for so long, and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

We speak honestly about what it’s really like to navigate the early days of motherhood while running a business and leading a team. Sheridan shares so openly about her personal experiences - her healing birth journey, the early postpartum chapter, and how her identity has evolved through this huge life transformation. She gives us an intimate look into how she’s learning to lead with softness, presence and trust.

Throughout the episode, we explore the deeper shifts that happen when we become mothers, particularly how that impacts the way we show up in leadership and in life. Sheridan reflects on what it means to honour our own capacity, release the pressure to be all things to all people, and embrace the very real duality of being both a mama and a CEO.

We also unpack the way hustle culture has shaped our expectations as business owners and how she’s consciously redefining what success looks like now. This is a raw, moving, and grounded conversation about identity, womanhood, surrender, and the sacredness of slowing down.

What we loved most about this conversation

What we took away from this chat is that we don’t need to ‘bounce back’ - we get to evolve. There’s no single right way to do motherhood or business. We’re allowed to change. We’re allowed to ask for help. And we’re allowed to prioritise our peace.

Sheridan reminded us how important it is to carve out space to be truly present - not only with our children, but with ourselves. She’s an example of conscious leadership in action, and her story is one that will speak to any woman who’s ever wondered how she can hold both her ambition and her intuition at the same time.

A few takeaways we’re still sitting with

There is power in softness.
Boundaries are not walls - they’re reminders of what matters most.

This will change your team's productivity

Season 1 · Episode 154

Monday, July 28, 2025 • Duration 33:24

In this episode of The Conscious Salon, we’re diving deep into one of the most important - and often overlooked - areas of salon success: team productivity during downtime. We’ve all been there - appointments shift, cancellations pop up, and before you know it, there’s an unexpected gap in the day. Instead of letting those moments drag you into a low-energy spiral, we’re here to flip the narrative and show you how to transform downtime into opportunity.

We share what we’ve learned from years in the industry (and from a few of our own doom spirals), and how we now lead our team at Ahead with a completely different mindset - one rooted in intention, empowerment and ownership.

This is the episode every salon or clinic owner needs to hear.

In this episode, we unpack:

Why downtime is one of the most under-utilised opportunities in the salon industry
The damaging mindset of seeing cancellations as lost time
How to shift your team from frustration to focus
Our go-to productivity strategy (P.U.D.O.T.)
Simple ways to keep team morale high even on quiet days
Why mindset and language matter in how we show up during gaps
How to motivate a creative team through collaboration, education and energy

Action Steps You Can Take Today:

1. Create a P.U.D.O.T. List
Start by building a Productive Use of Downtime (P.U.D.O.T.) list. This can include tasks like:

Role playing client consults or salon tours
Learning a new technical skill from a team member
Watching educational content with intention
Updating systems or scripts
Offering to support another team member

2. Reframe the Moment
When a cancellation happens, pause and ask:

What impact can I make in the next 20 minutes?
What opportunity is this giving me to grow or support my team?

3. Role Play Regularly Yes, they feel awkward at first - but role plays are one of the fastest and most effective ways to improve communication, confidence and client experience.

Being money driven

Season 1 · Episode 153

Sunday, July 20, 2025 • Duration 34:14

Welcome to a transformative episode of the Conscious Salon podcast, where we explore the powerful theme of financial independence and empowerment for women. In a world where societal norms often dictate financial roles, we challenge these conventions and encourage women to embrace their financial ambitions unapologetically.

Join us as we share personal stories, practical tips, and insights to help you navigate your journey to financial freedom. Whether you're a business owner or an employee, this episode is packed with valuable advice to empower you to take control of your financial destiny.

Tune in now and take the first step towards a financially empowered future!

To follow our journey:
Instagram @aheadhair_
@the_conscious_salon

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QUIZ: Understand your Leadership Archetype

Season 1 · Episode 152

Sunday, July 13, 2025 • Duration 33:36

In this episode of the Conscious Salon podcast, we dive into the challenges and growth opportunities for salon owners and leaders. We things off with some light-hearted banter about mum life and the chaotic attempts at recording the podcast. We reflect on past episodes and discuss the importance of embracing all versions of ourselves.

The highlight of the episode is our 'Leadership Archetype Quiz.' We guide you through a series of questions designed to help you identify whether you're a reactive, avoidant, or passive leader. Along the way, we share personal stories from our own leadership journeys - both the good and the not-so-good - and offer practical advice on how to improve.

You'll hear about real-life salon scenarios, like how to handle a team member's mistake, respond to negative reviews, and deal with staff calling in sick last minute. We even touch on the trials of enforcing salon policies and handling client disrespect towards team members.

After taking the quiz, we break down the results for each leadership archetype and provide actionable tips to help you become a more conscious leader. Whether you're a reactive leader who needs to learn to pause before reacting, an avoidant leader who needs to lean into discomfort, or a passive leader who needs to take ownership and communicate directly, we've got you covered.

We encourage you to DM us on Instagram to share your quiz results and commitment to change!

To follow our journey:
Instagram @aheadhair_
@the_conscious_salon

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The Conscious Salon – Details, episodes & analysis

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The Conscious Salon – Details, episodes & analysis

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