What happens when working behind the chair isn't forever?

In this episode, Nicole and Alicia explore a topic that isn't talked about enough in the beauty industry: what do you do if you can't — or don't want to — keep doing hair full-time?

From allergies, injuries, burnout, arthritis, and emotional capacity… to simply evolving as a human and wanting something new — they unpack the real reasons stylists step away from the chair. Then they dive into the options: sales rep, educator, platform artist, product development, head office roles, passive income, creative side businesses, and more.

They also get honest about:

• The identity shift of not being "just a hairdresser"

• Transitioning clients with integrity

• Team dynamics when stepping off (or back onto) the floor

• Selling, mentoring, or restructuring your salon

• Why honesty with yourself — and your clients — matters most

This is a thoughtful, validating episode for anyone who's ever wondered, "Who am I if I'm not doing hair?"

Because careers evolve. Bodies change. Life shifts. And there is more than one way to stay connected to the industry you love.

Find us on Instagram
@hello.positiveimage @nicole.manzer @aliciacreate

Email us any ideas, suggestions, or comments
hello.positiveimage@gmail.com

Work with Nicole
manzermethodcoaching@gmail.com

Work with Alicia
alicia.lumsden.to@gmail.com

This is the episode most salon owners don't talk about. Nicole and Alicia get honest about the unexpected realities of running a salon—the things you never see on social media. From extreme weather days and broken appliances to health emergencies and last-minute chaos, they share the behind-the-scenes moments that test you as an owner.

They also touch on the real-life challenges that come with owning a business in the beauty industry and why adaptability, preparedness, and honesty are essential to staying afloat. If you've ever thought, "Why didn't anyone tell me this part?"—you're not alone. This episode is validating, eye-opening, and a reminder that running a salon means handling far more than just hair.

Find us on Instagram
@hello.positiveimage @nicole.manzer @aliciacreate

Email us any ideas, suggestions, or comments
hello.positiveimage@gmail.com

Work with Nicole
manzermethodcoaching@gmail.com

Work with Alicia
alicia.lumsden.to@gmail.com

Hair school is just the beginning. In this episode, Nicole and Alicia dive into the importance of post-licence education and why continuous learning is essential for long-term success in the hair industry. They share personal experiences with advanced training, travelling for education, and learning from diverse perspectives—highlighting how building on strong foundational skills leads to confidence, consistency, and creativity behind the chair.

The conversation also explores education through a neurodivergent lens, discussing motivation, follow-through, and how social media has expanded access to learning in powerful ways. Nicole and Alicia touch on salon education policies, including when salons should cover education costs, how to support staff development, and why setting high standards benefits both teams and clients.

Whether you're a newer stylist building your foundation or a seasoned professional planning your next chapter, this episode is a reminder that growth doesn't stop with a licence—it evolves with intention.

Find us on Instagram
@hello.positiveimage @nicole.manzer @aliciacreate

Email us any ideas, suggestions, or comments
hello.positiveimage@gmail.com

Work with Nicole
manzermethodcoaching@gmail.com

Work with Alicia
alicia.lumsden.to@gmail.com