The Conscious Salon

How to rebrand and reinvent your salon with Lauryn Mathrick

The Conscious Salon

Show Notes

A tired but functioning salon is easy to tolerate. The real challenge is admitting it is not the business you truly want and having the courage to rebuild it into the space you imagine. In this episode, we sit down with our friend and client, Lauryn Mathrick, to explore how she transformed an inherited and successful salon into Self The Salon, a place designed for deep client connection and a work environment where mums can thrive. Lauryn shares the twenty four hour crossroads that changed the direction of her life. Sign a home contract or buy the salon. That single decision opened the door to years of growth, trial and error, and ultimately clarity about the kind of business she wanted to lead. She speaks openly about hiding her old space online, the moment she chose action instead of perfection, and the design elements that elevated her client experience. From the calming basin lounge to intentional tea rituals to a softer pace that lets clients actually breathe, every choice supported the vision she held. This was far more than a renovation. It was a complete leadership reset. Boundaries became clearer, conversations happened sooner, and alignment became more important than tenure. Once the space matched the mission, the culture no longer relied on goodwill. It ran on intention and shared values. We also honour the legacy of Den, whose influence is still woven into the heart of the new space. Lauryn proves that reinvention can hold both evolution and love at the same time. For salon owners sitting in the messy middle, her approach offers a simple and brave blueprint. Set a loving deadline, move quickly on the ideas that feel true, and let your values guide the difficult decisions. If you are craving a salon that feels like a retreat and a team culture that supports the people who deliver it, this conversation will offer clarity, courage, and the first steps toward your next chapter. Follow the show, share it with a salon owner who needs a nudge, and leave a review so more salon owners can find these conversations. To follow our journey: Instagram @aheadhair_ @the_conscious_salon

More from The Conscious Salon

Oct 18, 2026

What if the thoughts you've been quietly carrying as a salon owner… are the exact same thoughts everyone else is having too? In this episode, Nic, Tess, and Tae dive into a series of anonymous "Salon Owner Confessions" —real thoughts, fears, and struggles shared by salon owners who simply wanted to know, "Am I the only one who feels this way?"

Oct 11, 2026

Have you ever wondered why loyal clients suddenly stop booking? The truth is, clients rarely leave without a reason, and most of the time, it's not because of price.In this episode, Nic, Tess, and Team Leader Tae unpack the five biggest reasons clients leave a salon and, more importantly, what you can do to keep them coming back. From consultations and client experience to rebooking, home care, and managing expectations, they share the practical systems that have helped them achieve exceptional client retention. If you're tired of seeing gaps in your appointment book or wondering why clients aren't returning, this episode is packed with actionable strategies you can implement straight away.

Oct 4, 2026

What if the card surcharge changes everyone’s talking about… don’t actually need to be the business disaster you’ve been expecting? From 1 October 2026, card surcharges are being switched off across Australia, and if you’re a salon owner, you’ve probably already seen the panic posts. But instead of adding to the noise, Nic and Tess take a breath, look at the facts, and break down what this change really means for your salon. From EFTPOS fees and merchant rates to the temptation of going cash-only, this episode is about turning a noisy policy change into a practical plan that protects your profit without compromising your client experience.In this episode, you’ll hear about: 💳 What the card surcharge ban actually means for salon owners 💰 Why the “billions of dollars” headlines don’t tell the whole story 📱 Why going cash-only or bank-transfer-only may create more problems 🤝 How to negotiate your merchant fees and shop around for better rates 📊 How a small pricing adjustment can help absorb the difference 🧠 How to avoid the cortisol spiral every time something changes in your business 🔄 The quarterly habit that could help you save money across all your recurring expenses Because not every business change needs to become a crisis. Sometimes, you just need the facts, the numbers, and a practical plan.

Sep 27, 2026

Caring deeply about your team is one thing. But are you accidentally becoming their parent instead of their leader? In this episode, Nic and Tess unpack one of the biggest leadership traps salon owners fall into: rescuing, mothering, and micromanaging their teams. While it often comes from a place of care, these habits can unintentionally create dependence, limit your team's growth, and keep you stuck working in your salon instead of leading it. If you've ever found yourself solving every problem, answering every question, or feeling like your business can't function without you, this episode will help you shift from rescuing your team to empowering them. ✨ In this episode, you'll learn: 🚩 The signs you're parenting your team instead of leading them 💡 Why rescuing your team can actually hold them back 🧠 How to coach your team to think for themselves instead of relying on you 🗣️ Simple questions that build confidence, ownership, and critical thinking ✋ Why healthy boundaries create stronger, more self-led team members 🚀 How letting go of control helps you build a salon that doesn't rely on you 🌱 Why allowing mistakes is one of the fastest ways to grow confident leaders If your goal is to step off the salon floor, build a self-led team, and become a more conscious leader, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. ________________________________________________ Thank you to our podcast sponsor CPR. https://www.cprhair.com https://www.instagram.com/cprhairpro/

Sep 20, 2026

How much is an unaligned team member really costing your business?

See all episodes →