Advertise on podcast: Salon Success with Monaco Nail Academy

Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccessIn this episode of the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy, we are joined by Ashleigh from @cuti.nz, a fast growing cuticle oil brand making serious waves in the nail industry. We dive into what it actually takes to build a beauty brand from scratch. No fancy office, no huge budget, just smart decisions, consistency, and showing up before you feel ready. How Cuti was created and what happened behind the scenesWhy asking for help can fast track your growthThe truth about social media and scrolling with purposeHow to stand out in a crowded beauty industryWhat people do not see behind a successful launchWhy small businesses do not need to start bigReal talk on confidence, comparison, and taking action *********************************************** Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?! Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences. This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work. ************************************************ Monaco Nail Academy is a school for Nail Technicians in New Zealand. We offer remote/online training, and sell wholesale salon products to beauty professionals. Share with us! Tag @monaconailacademy or #LearnAtMonaco 

Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccess Does gel actually cause cancer? Let’s talk about UV light, nail lamps, gel curing, and what’s actually worth worrying about. In this episode, we break down the science behind UV vs LED lamps, wavelengths, photoinitiators, and why a product can feel hard before it’s actually cured properly. If you’ve ever felt confused by all the mixed messaging around nail lamp safety, this one’s for you. *********************************************** Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?! Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences. This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work. ************************************************ Monaco Nail Academy is a school for Nail Technicians in New Zealand. We offer remote/online training, and sell wholesale salon products to beauty professionals. Share with us! Tag @monaconailacademy or #LearnAtMonaco 

Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccess What if the biggest thing holding you back in nails is not skill, but waiting until you feel ready? In this episode of the Salon Success Podcast, Penny, Christel, Michal, and special guest Jerilee Fair talk about nail competitions, confidence, industry growth, pricing, community, and why so many nail techs need to stop shrinking and start backing themselves. This is a conversation about doing things messy, entering before you feel fully prepared, learning through experience, and creating more opportunities in the New Zealand nail industry. They also dive into how Jerilee went from practicing on tips at home to competing internationally, judging, and leading the NZ Nail Comps, plus what newer nail techs can take from that journey. *********************************************** Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?! Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences. This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work. ************************************************ Monaco Nail Academy is a school for Nail Technicians in New Zealand. We offer remote/online training, and sell wholesale salon products to beauty professionals. Share with us! Tag @monaconailacademy or #LearnAtMonaco 

Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccess Nail technicians work with chemicals every day - but how dangerous are nail salon products really? In this episode of the Salon Success Podcast, we break down the truth about nail salon chemicals, exposure risks, and salon safety. We talk about how nail techs can be exposed to vapours, dust, and product contact in the salon, and the simple habits that can dramatically reduce those risks. This episode covers the science behind nail products, common safety myths in the beauty industry, and practical advice for working safely as a nail technician or beauty professional. If you're a new nail tech, student nail technician, or experienced salon professional, this conversation will help you better understand chemical exposure, ventilation, product handling, and safe salon practices. *********************************************** Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?! Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences. This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work. ************************************************ Monaco Nail Academy is a school for Nail Technicians in New Zealand. We offer remote/online training, and sell wholesale salon products to beauty professionals. Share with us! Tag @monaconailacademy or #LearnAtMonaco 

Send us a voicemail! www.speakpipe.com/salonsuccess In this episode, we talk honestly about what it really takes to build a nail business - especially when you don’t have clients yet. From burnout and balancing two businesses, to avatar marketing and the “Queen Bee” strategy for referrals, this conversation breaks down practical ways to attract nail clients without paid ads or gimmicks. We're chatting about - • Finding clients in your local community• How to define your dream nail client• Why targeting “everyone” doesn’t work• Using free appointments strategically• The reality of social exhaustion as a nail tech• Building a salon business that fits your life If you’re a nail tech, beauty pro, or salon owner trying to grow your business in 2026, this episode will help you get clear, focused, and bold about your next steps. Clients don’t just appear. Go get them! *********************************************** Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?! Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences. This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work. ************************************************ Monaco Nail Academy is a school for Nail Technicians in New Zealand. We offer remote/online training, and sell wholesale salon products to beauty professionals. Share with us! Tag @monaconailacademy or #LearnAtMonaco 

In this episode of the Salon Success Podcast, we dive into real strategies for salon owners who want to work smarter, not harder. Penny shares her secrets to getting fully booked in fewer hours, using free manicures as a marketing tool, and managing admin without overwhelm. You’ll learn how to: Fill your client list without extra hours Use free services strategically to grow your salon Create a work-life balance that actually works Master your finances and save hundreds each year Stop doomscrolling and stay productive Whether you’re a nail tech, salon owner, or beauty entrepreneur, these practical tips will help you grow your business, gain freedom, and feel in control. Follow Penny and the team at Monaco Nail Academy on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for more nail tech tips, marketing strategies, and behind-the-scenes salon insights. Key Topics: salon marketing, client growth, admin tips, work-life balance, free manicure marketing, financial hacks, productivity for salon owners, nail business growth. *********************************************** Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?! Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences. This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work. ************************************************ Monaco Nail Academy is a school for Nail Technicians in New Zealand. We offer remote/online training, and sell wholesale salon products to beauty professionals. Share with us! Tag @monaconailacademy or #LearnAtMonaco 

Nail or beauty school is just the beginning — but what actually happens after you’re qualified? In this episode of the Salon Success Podcast, the team gets real about what it takes to turn a certificate into actual clients. We talk about confidence, momentum, marketing, hustle hours, and why waiting to feel “ready” is one of the biggest reasons techs stay stuck. From mobile work and home salons to opening commercial spaces, this episode is full of honest stories, hard truths, and reassurance that you don’t need to be perfect — you just need to start. *********************************************** Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?! Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences. This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work. ************************************************ Monaco Nail Academy is a school for Nail Technicians in New Zealand. We offer remote/online training, and sell wholesale salon products to beauty professionals. Share with us! Tag @monaconailacademy or #LearnAtMonaco 

In this episode, we dive into the real behind-the-scenes of growing a nail business - from dreaming about a commercial space to navigating the fear of hiring staff for the first time. Alisha is excited about expansion, Christel is feeling nervous, and we’re unpacking the emotional, practical, and financial realities that come with wanting “the next step.” Whether you’re home-based, thinking about moving into a studio, or wondering when you’ll feel “ready,” this conversation will give you clarity, reassurance, and a whole lot of honesty. 🎙️ Topics we cover:• When to move from home-based to commercial• How to know if you’re ready to hire staff• Balancing big dreams with real-life fear• Imposter syndrome while growing your business• What expansion actually looks like behind the scenes Perfect if you’re a nail tech wanting to grow, expand, or just feel less alone. *********************************************** Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?! Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences. This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work. ************************************************ Monaco Nail Academy is a school for Nail Technicians in New Zealand. We offer remote/online training, and sell wholesale salon products to beauty professionals. Share with us! Tag @monaconailacademy or #LearnAtMonaco 

This episode originally aired in August 2024 - and it’s just as relevant heading into 2026, which is why we’re replaying it as an encore over the break. In this conversation, Penny is joined by Mel and Pat to unpack one of the most common (and least questioned) business habits in the nail and beauty industry: traditional loyalty programs. Stamp cards. “Every 10th service free.” Automatic discounts no one really thinks through. We break down what these systems actually cost you, why clients rarely value them the way business owners hope, and how “loyalty” is often misunderstood altogether. You’ll hear: • The real maths behind free services and stamp cards • Why most clients aren’t staying for the reward anyway • How loyalty programs can quietly cheapen a premium brand • Why coffee cards work - and beauty services don’t • The difference between perceived value and actual cost • Creative alternatives that reward clients without discounting your work • Ideas like gifting, gamification, lucky dips, collaborations, and themed rewards • How to design loyalty around your avatar, not industry habits This isn’t a “don’t ever do loyalty” episode - it’s a think before you copy what everyone else is doing episode. If you’re planning your pricing, client experience, or retention strategy for 2026, this one is worth revisiting.This episode originally aired in August 2024 - and it’s just as relevant heading into 2026, which is why we’re replaying it as an encore over the break.

It’s an encore episode for one reason: you need this one in your 2025–2026 reset kit. Originally airing July 2024, this episode dives into one of the most game-changing topics for any nail tech or beauty pro: your marketing avatar - aka your dream client. In this episode, Penny sits down with Leonie, Mel, and Pat to unpack: ✨ How to actually define your ideal client (with ChatGPT’s help) ✨ Why “everyone” is not a target market ✨ The difference between roof-specks and spaghetti-launching ✨ How to find your avatar in the wild ✨ What they want, what they care about, and where they spend time ✨ How to shape your services around what real humans value ✨ Whether you should host your own mini focus group (spoiler: yes) ✨ Why your community is your best marketing tool This one is full of real examples, real student stories, and the kind of slightly-chaotic Monaco energy you keep telling us is your favourite. Encore because it still hits!

This encore episode originally aired in July 2024 and quickly became one of our most replayed chats - so we're bringing it back for the holiday break! In this episode, Penny, Mel, and Pat (plus Luna the dog, plus sick kids, plus general chaos) sit down in their pyjamas to unpack a concept that completely shifts how new and experienced nail techs think about marketing: Low value/high volume vs. high value/low volume. In plain English?Why some marketing tasks chew up HOURS for almost no return……while others take almost no time and bring in dream clients who stick around. We talk:✨ Why flyer drops, random business cards, and “like/share” giveaways rarely work✨ Simple tweaks that turn average marketing into actually valuable marketing✨ How to collaborate with local businesses without giving away your services forever✨ What school newsletters, influencers, crystal shops, and sports clubs all have in common✨ How to make your marketing passive, targeted, and way less exhausting It’s relaxed, it’s real, it’s slightly unhinged in places — and it’s one of the most practical, perspective-shifting episodes we’ve ever recorded. Perfect if you’re planning your client strategy for 2026 and want more results, less effort, and a whole lot more clarity.

GIVEAWAY ENTRIES CLOSE 31 DEC 2025 Cuticles aren’t “optional” skin - they’re protective tissue.So why does social media keep telling clients to cut them off? In this episode, we chat with Barbara from Cuticle-B-Gone about the medical, legal and practical reasons cuticle cutting isn’t standard practice in NZ, why it’s restricted in parts of the US, and how online trends have pushed clients to expect unsafe prep. We cover:• the actual purpose of cuticles• why Russian manicures don’t align with NZ insurance standards• infection risks & immunity issues you don’t see on TikTok• how to talk to clients who expect “clean lines” at any cost• the origin story of Cuticle-B-Gone and why it was invented 👉 Perfect for nail techs, students, and anyone trying to navigate the gap between social media and safe practice. *********************************************** Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?! Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences. This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work. ************************************************ Monaco Nail Academy is a school for Nail Technicians in New Zealand. We offer remote/online training, and sell wholesale salon products to beauty professionals. Share with us! Tag @monaconailacademy or #LearnAtMonaco 

In this week’s episode, Penny sits down with Monaco educator Erin (@littlemoonnails) to dive into her full journey - from busy mum life and working in rest homes, to retraining after an injury, enrolling in Monaco’s online program, overcoming huge anxiety, and eventually becoming a qualified nail tech, contractor, and educator. This conversation is perfect for anyone who’s:✨ thinking about becoming a nail tech✨ choosing between in-person vs online training✨ scared of their first Zoom lesson✨ worried about finding models✨ juggling family, work, or confidence issues✨ wanting to know what the nail industry actually looks like behind the scenes Erin shares her fears, wins, setbacks, surprises, funny moments, and the massive growth she never expected - plus what she wishes she could tell her “old Erin” self before she enrolled. If you’ve ever thought “Can I actually do this?” - this episode is your sign. Follow the podcast for weekly episodes on nails, business, marketing, confidence, and real salon life. Find us online:Penny — @hardlacquernzErin — @littlemoonnailsCourses & enrolment — monaco.ac.nz *********************************************** Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?! Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences. This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work. ************************************************ Monaco Nail Academy is a school for Nail Technicians in New Zealand. We offer remote/online training, and sell wholesale salon products to beauty professionals. Share with us! Tag @monaconailacademy or #LearnAtMonaco 

This week we’re talking BIOHAZARDS in the salon - what they are, how they spread, and how nail techs can actually protect themselves. The girls break down the real risks behind dust, broken skin, blood exposure, tools, gloves, airborne particles, and everyday habits clients don’t think twice about.Plus: how long pathogens survive on tools, what happens when dust lands on your skin, why glove types matter, and what to do if blood gets on you mid-service. With real stories from the salon (and from Michal’s lab experience!), this episode covers:• How biohazards really enter your body• Sanitising vs disinfecting vs sterilising• Avoiding cross-contamination• Managing cuts + micro-cuts safely• Bloodborne pathogens nail techs should know• Masks, gloves, PPE + modern salon safety• The truth about dust extractors and airflow• What to do when an accident happens A must-listen for every nail tech who wants to keep themselves and their clients safe — without fear, overwhelm, or confusion. Follow for more weekly episodes from the Monaco Nail Academy team! 💅✨ *********************************************** Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?! Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences. This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work. ************************************************ Monaco Nail Academy is a school for Nail Technicians in New Zealand. We offer remote/online training, and sell wholesale salon products to beauty professionals. Share with us! Tag @monaconailacademy or #LearnAtMonaco 

In this episode of the Salon Success Podcast, @HardLaquerNz, @PatsitiveBeauty and @StraightUpNailsNz dive into the world of Facebook Ads. If you really want to know what they actually do and how to make them work for you, join today's chat and learn how to stop throwing money into the digital void! The girls break down what makes a great ad, how to target the right audience, and how to turn small budgets into big results. Whether you’re brand-new to advertising or just trying to get more eyes on your work, this chat is full of relatable examples and simple strategies you can use to get seen, booked, and grow online today! *********************************************** Nail or Beauty School was just the beginning, right? What on earth do you do now?! Welcome to the Salon Success Podcast with Monaco Nail Academy. Our topics stretch beyond nails and into all things salon related - business, marketing and social media - and at very least hits you with real, honest stories about our experiences. This isn't school; this is real life, real business, and really freaking hard work. ************************************************ Monaco Nail Academy is a school for Nail Technicians in New Zealand. We offer remote/online training, and sell wholesale salon products to beauty professionals. Share with us! Tag @monaconailacademy or #LearnAtMonaco