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

In this milestone 50th episode, Nicole and Alicia delve into the profound concept of self-image and its subtle yet profound impact on our beliefs, decisions, and daily actions. Nicole breaks down the difference between self-image and self-esteem, explaining how our perception of ourselves influences how we show up in the world—both personally and professionally.

Together, they explore the connection between thoughts, feelings, and actions, highlighting how emotions often lead the way. Nicole shares simple but effective tools to shift mindset, including the power of smiling, practicing gratitude, and building habits that increase self-awareness. The conversation also explores the impact of social media on self-image and how to consciously break negative patterns.

This episode is a grounding reminder that self-image isn't fixed—it's something we can actively reshape with intention, awareness, and compassion.

Find us on Instagram @hello.positiveimage @nicole.manzer @aliciacreate
Email us any ideas, suggestions, or comments at hello.positiveimage@gmail.com
Work with Nicole – manzermethodcoaching@gmail.com
Work with Alicia – alicia.lumsden.to@gmail.com

In this episode, Nicole and Alicia dive into year-end reflection and intentional goal setting for salon owners and creatives. They talk about why looking back is just as important as planning ahead—helping you gain clarity on what worked, what didn't, and where you want to grow next.

They explore the power of writing down goals, setting both realistic and audacious intentions, and connecting deeply to the why behind each goal to stay motivated. Nicole shares her approach to starting the planning process earlier in the year, while Alicia discusses the value of implementing changes in December or January. Together, they reframe challenges as opportunities and encourage setting goals that feel slightly uncomfortable—because that's where real growth happens.

If you're ready to close out the year with intention and step into the next one with clarity and confidence, this episode is for you.

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

Taxes don't have to be scary—but they do have to be understood. In this episode, Nicole and Alicia break down the essentials of salon taxes in a practical, easy-to-follow way. They cover what HST is and how it works, payroll taxes and remittances, and the basics of business and corporate taxes. You'll learn what each tax is for, how often it needs to be paid, and what money is actually yours versus what belongs to the government.

Important disclaimer: Nicole and Alicia are not accountants or lawyers. This episode is for educational purposes only and is meant to help you understand how the system works—not to provide legal or tax advice. Always consult a qualified accountant or tax professional for guidance specific to your business.

This episode is all about clarity—helping salon owners feel confident, organized, and prepared so there are no surprises at tax time. Whether you're newly self-employed or running an established salon, this is a must-listen for understanding your responsibilities and building a financially healthy business.

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

In this episode, Nicole and Alicia dive into the beautiful (and sometimes tricky) world of client gifting—who to gift, what to give, when to give, and how to make it meaningful without breaking the bank.

They explore ways to show appreciation through small branded items, low-cost gestures, personalized messages, and value-added services like scalp treatments or product perks. Whether you're using loyalty tracking software, celebrating milestones, or surprising VIP clients, this episode will help you create gifting strategies that strengthen relationships and reflect your salon's unique brand.

You'll also hear real examples of simple appreciation moments—like personalized thank-you notes and birthday gestures—that go a long way in building loyal, happy clients who love supporting your business.

If you've ever wondered how to elevate your client experience through thoughtful gifting, this episode offers easy, budget-friendly ideas you can start using today.

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

In this episode, Nicole and Alicia dive deep into one of the most important (and sometimes challenging) parts of salon ownership — hiring the right people. They discuss how knowing your brand values is the foundation for attracting the kind of team that truly fits your culture and helps your business grow.

You'll learn what questions to ask in interviews, what to include in your job posting to filter for the right applicants, and how to design a hiring process that aligns with your salon's goals. Plus, they explore a surprisingly refreshing topic — how to support team members who dream of opening their own salon — and why mentorship over fear is the future of leadership.

If you're ready to grow your team with purpose, this episode is packed with insight, strategy, and real-talk from behind the chair and behind the business.

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