Real Talk on Mum Guilt, Money Mistakes & Making It Work: Burnout, Boundaries & Brave Growth in Beauty Biz Life
Running a beauty business while raising a family isn’t for the faint-hearted. It’s emotional. It’s messy. And it’s also magic. In this real, unfiltered episode of Salon Rising: The Podcast, Samara and Jen sit down for a raw Q&A where nothing’s off the table—from burnout and mum guilt to solo biz life, money mistakes, and the moments that made it all worth it.
This one’s for the salon owner who’s worn the same top three days in a row. For the solo stylist who hasn’t had a sick day in years. For the working mum who’s building an empire with a toddler on her hip. We see you—and this episode will make you feel seen too.
Burnout Is Real—But So Is Getting Back Up
If you've ever hit the wall emotionally, physically or financially, you're not alone. Samara and Jen open up about their own moments of burnout—including a case of shingles that stopped one of them in her tracks. They talk about the danger of pushing too far, the pressure to keep performing, and how remembering your purpose can bring you back to centre.
“Burnout is a thing... and it’s a hard one because you almost have to rally to that point to move to the next level.”
It’s a reminder that business isn't just strategy—it's stamina, self-care, and soul.
The Truth About Mum Guilt & Business Boundaries
Mornings filled with yelling. Late nights filled with spreadsheets. And somewhere in between, making it to the school drop-off. This episode doesn’t shy away from how tough it is to be a mum and a business owner. Samara and Jen get honest about:
Why mum guilt hits hardest when you’re over capacity
The subtle shame of feeling like you’re not enough—at work or at home
How setting strong boundaries helps everyone in the long run
“If you're not taking care of yourself, the mum guilt gets loud.”
Whether it’s carving out no-work weekends or asking for help (hello, mother-in-laws and miracle nannies), the message is clear: you don’t have to do it all. But you do need to do what matters most.
Money Mistakes We Don’t Regret (But Learned From)
From overspending on the wrong tech to pretending the tax man didn’t exist, Samara and Jen share their early financial flops. The most common thread? Not knowing their numbers early enough.
They also share how learning to budget, restructure, and price with intention helped them turn things around—and how their financial wins now feel extra sweet.
“Just do the finance program. It pays you back so quickly.”
Whether you're renovating a salon in cash or buying your kid their first car, those money wins matter. And they’re possible when you stop avoiding your numbers.
Solo Biz vs Salon Team Life: What’s Right for You?
Is solo life really more flexible? Is having a team actually easier? Samara and Jen weigh the real pros and cons of both sides:
Solo Life Perks
Total creative control
Flexible structure
Building things your way from day one
Team Life Wins
Shared energy and ideas
Deep culture-building
Leadership that changes lives
No matter which path you’re on, their advice rings true: check in with what season you’re in and build in a way that supports it.
✨ If you're a solo operator navigating the early days of business, Solo Rise Online is designed to guide you with structure, support, and simple tools that make running your business less overwhelming.
✨ And if you're a salon owner with a team who’s ready to take control of your finances and lead with clarity, Rising Finances Online is your go-to program to get organised, confident, and profitable.
Client Love Starts with Connection
The episode also explores how to attract (and keep) clients in an industry that’s anything but saturated. Spoiler: it’s not about price wars or Instagram likes. It’s about connection.
Samara shares a beautiful story about remembering a client’s daughter’s condition years later—and how that kind of care creates lifelong loyalty.
“I just want people to come to my business that love to spend time with us.”
Authenticity always wins. People return to salons where they feel seen, safe, and celebrated.
What You’ll Learn from This Episode
How burnout creeps in—and how to recover from it
What mum guilt teaches us about boundaries
Common financial mistakes and how to course-correct
The real difference between solo and team-based salon life
Tips for creating genuine, lasting client relationships
Why your “why” is more powerful than any marketing trend
Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Better Than You Think
This episode is a mirror for so many women in business who are doing the absolute best they can. It’s a reminder that success doesn’t always feel shiny—it often feels like barely holding it together. But in the mess, there’s magic. There’s meaning. And there’s growth.
As Sam beautifully said, “I had a big moment in these people’s lives… and that felt really special.” That’s the kind of impact that matters.
💬 Listen Now & Let It Land
🎧 Real Talk on Mum Guilt, Money Mistakes & Making It Work is live now on Salon Rising: The Podcast.
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Let this episode be your reminder: you’re not alone. And every brave step you’re taking? It’s working.
