Advertise on podcast: Beauty Behind The Brand

Send us your feedback about the episode! Have a product idea but no idea how to actually turn it into something you can sell? After receiving a listener question about how I developed Miskoka Beauty products, I wanted to pull back the curtain on what creating a beauty product actually looks like. In this episode, I’m sharing what I’ve learned from years of product development—from finding manufacturers and developing custom formulations to sampling, packaging, Health Canada compliance, pricing, margins, minimum order quantities and all of the unexpected costs that come with bringing a product to market. I also share some of the mistakes I made along the way, why your manufacturing cost is only a fraction of your true product cost, and why I believe you need to think about how you're going to sell the product before you manufacture thousands of units. If you've ever thought, “I have an idea for a product… but where do I even start?”—this episode is for you. Subscribe for New Episodes Every Tuesday! Be sure to check us out on all our socials: Follow on Instagram: @beautybrandpodcast https://www.instagram.com/beautybrandpodcast/ Subscribe on Youtube: @beautybehindthebrandpodcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEl-qd38M4OgL8IghZ8ga9g Website: https://www.miskoka.com/beauty-behind-the-brand Follow our host on Instagram: @nicmanion https://www.instagram.com/nicmanion/

Send us your feedback about the episode! “What do you do for work?” That question used to be easy to answer: I own a spa. Now? The answer is a little more complicated. With James starting daycare and Nicole stepping into a new season of work and motherhood, she's taking you behind the scenes of what she actually does for a living and what running Miskoka Beauty really looks like. In this episode of Beauty Behind the Brand, Nicole goes all the way back to the beginning: identifying gaps in the lash industry while working as an aesthetician, experimenting with products inside her own spa, officially launching Miskoka Beauty in 2019, attending trade shows, navigating some very expensive inventory lessons, and eventually growing the company into a beauty brand sold through retail, wholesale and distribution channels across Canada. She shares the parts of building a physical-product business that you don't always see on Instagram: formulation, testing, manufacturing, inventory, warehousing, shipping, Health Canada compliance, GS1 barcodes, cash flow, minimum order quantities, pre-orders, distributor relationships and knowing when it's time to discontinue products that aren't selling. Nicole also talks about why she chose to formulate products rather than simply putting the Miskoka Beauty name on existing formulas, how the spa became a real-world testing ground for new products, and why she's still reformulating and educating herself instead of settling for something that's simply “good enough.” Plus, she's sharing some of the mistakes she made along the way including ordering WAY too many student kits, navigating a product recall, carrying too many SKUs and learning the hard way that inventory sitting on a shelf is really just cash sitting on a shelf. Today, Nicole's work looks very different from spending every day in a treatment room. It's forecasting inventory, working with manufacturers, developing products, supporting distributors and wholesalers, creating education, troubleshooting, managing launches and figuring out how to make Miskoka Beauty more profitable and scalable. If you're an aesthetician, beauty professional, spa owner or aspiring founder who's ever thought, I would love to create my own product one day, this episode gives you an honest look at what happens behind the brand. Because creating the product is only the beginning. Subscribe for New Episodes Every Tuesday! Be sure to check us out on all our socials: Follow on Instagram: @beautybrandpodcast https://www.instagram.com/beautybrandpodcast/ Subscribe on Youtube: @beautybehindthebrandpodcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEl-qd38M4OgL8IghZ8ga9g Website: https://www.miskoka.com/beauty-behind-the-brand Follow our host on Instagram: @nicmanion https://www.instagram.com/nicmanion/

Send us your feedback about the episode! For a long time, I thought moving to the city might give me more of what I was craving as an entrepreneur, more connections, more opportunities, more networking and a bigger environment to grow in. But every time I drove back to Muskoka, I realized something: the city never really felt like home. In this episode of Beauty Behind the Brand, I’m talking about my experience splitting my life between Muskoka and Toronto, overcoming my fear of driving to the city when Jon and I were long-distance, and eventually realizing that the life I wanted looked very different from the one I thought I was supposed to want. Now, especially in this season of motherhood, family and entrepreneurship, being close to family, having a strong community and living at a slower pace have become more important to me than being in the middle of everything. We’re also talking about choosing where you live based on the life you actually want, not just your career, and why you don’t necessarily need to live in a major city to build something big. A short and sweet episode about success, home, career, family and giving yourself permission to choose the life that feels right for you.  Subscribe for New Episodes Every Tuesday! Be sure to check us out on all our socials: Follow on Instagram: @beautybrandpodcast https://www.instagram.com/beautybrandpodcast/ Subscribe on Youtube: @beautybehindthebrandpodcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEl-qd38M4OgL8IghZ8ga9g Website: https://www.miskoka.com/beauty-behind-the-brand Follow our host on Instagram: @nicmanion https://www.instagram.com/nicmanion/

Send us your feedback about the episode! Have you ever felt caught somewhere between the person you used to be and the person you're becoming? You're not unhappy. You don't necessarily want your old life back. But something feels unsettled. You're craving growth, change and a new version of yourself and at the same time, parts of your old identity are surprisingly hard to let go of. In this episode of Beauty Behind the Brand, Nicole gets personal about the identity shifts that have come with motherhood, selling the business she built for over a decade, stepping into a different season of entrepreneurship and figuring out what she actually wants her life to look like next. She talks about why missing your old life doesn't necessarily mean you want it back, how certain clothes, routines, careers and relationships can become attached to versions of ourselves, and why becoming the “next version” of you shouldn't mean copying whatever social media says your glow-up is supposed to look like. Nicole also opens up about a previous season of entrepreneurship when, despite appearing successful from the outside, anxiety was impacting everyday parts of her life and some of the habits that helped her reconnect with herself, including movement, visualization, slowing down and creating space to think. From motherhood and business to friendships, routines, hobbies, confidence and redefining success, this episode is about learning to honour who you've been without feeling obligated to stay there. You don't need to completely reinvent yourself overnight. Maybe you're not stuck. Maybe you're simply in the space between who you were and who you're becoming. And maybe the goal isn't to get the old you back at all. Maybe it's giving yourself enough space to meet the new version of you. Subscribe for New Episodes Every Tuesday! Be sure to check us out on all our socials: Follow on Instagram: @beautybrandpodcast https://www.instagram.com/beautybrandpodcast/ Subscribe on Youtube: @beautybehindthebrandpodcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEl-qd38M4OgL8IghZ8ga9g Website: https://www.miskoka.com/beauty-behind-the-brand Follow our host on Instagram: @nicmanion https://www.instagram.com/nicmanion/

Send us your feedback about the episode! What does maternity leave actually look like when you're self-employed? In this episode of Beauty Behind the Brand, Nicole opens up about preparing for motherhood while running multiple businesses—and why her version of maternity leave looked very different from the traditional year away from work. Years before having James, Nicole knew that if she wanted the freedom to step away from the treatment room and eventually become a mom, she needed to build a business that didn't depend entirely on her being physically present. She shares how she transitioned clients to other technicians, built a team she trusted, automated systems, delegated responsibilities, prepared distributors and clients ahead of time, and created other streams of revenue that could continue even when she wasn't actively working. Nicole also talks candidly about something you can't completely prepare for: how becoming a mother changes what you actually want. From thinking she'd immediately use daycare or a nanny to realizing she wanted much more time at home with James, this episode explores the reality of balancing ambition, motherhood, mom guilt, childcare and entrepreneurship. Nicole shares practical ideas for anyone preparing for maternity leave while self-employed, including: Getting yourself out of the day-to-day operations of your businessBuilding a team before you actually need oneCreating systems and automationsPreparing clients, employees and business partners in advanceBuilding online or retail income that doesn't require your physical presenceSaving ahead and understanding your monthly expensesFinding ways to reduce overhead while you're awayPlanning for childcare earlyEasing back into work instead of expecting everything to immediately return to normalGiving yourself permission to change your plans once your baby arrivesMost importantly, this episode is a reminder that you can prepare as much as possible—but you won't fully know what motherhood will look or feel like until you're living it. Build the systems. Save the money. Prepare the business. And then give yourself the freedom to figure out the rest as you go. Subscribe for New Episodes Every Tuesday! Be sure to check us out on all our socials: Follow on Instagram: @beautybrandpodcast https://www.instagram.com/beautybrandpodcast/ Subscribe on Youtube: @beautybehindthebrandpodcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEl-qd38M4OgL8IghZ8ga9g Website: https://www.miskoka.com/beauty-behind-the-brand Follow our host on Instagram: @nicmanion https://www.instagram.com/nicmanion/

Send us your feedback about the episode! Feeling overwhelmed? House a mess? Laundry piling up? Feeling like there are never enough hours in the day? Before convincing yourself you need more time… check your screen time. In this solo episode of Beauty Behind the Brand, Nicole shares what she's noticed since becoming much more intentional about putting her phone down—and how something as simple as one uninterrupted hour can completely change the way a day feels. After coming home from a busy week away to an upside-down house, no groceries, piles of laundry and a never-ending to-do list, Nicole put her phone away and went into reset mode. An hour later, everything felt different. We're talking about the difference between creating vs. consuming, why not all screen time is equal, using your phone as a tool for business without letting it use you, and the small changes Nicole has been making to feel more productive, present and grounded. From charging your phone away from your bed and setting screen-time limits to taking phone-free walks, creating uninterrupted work blocks and simply being more present with the people in front of you, this episode is filled with realistic ways to become more mindful of your phone—without deleting social media or disappearing from the internet. Nicole also shares how she's using AI and ChatGPT to spend more of her screen time creating, planning and growing her business rather than mindlessly consuming. Whether you're a mom, entrepreneur, business owner or simply someone wondering where all your time keeps going, consider this your challenge: Put your phone down for one uninterrupted hour and see what happens. Your phone isn't the enemy. Social media isn't the enemy. It's about deciding where your attention goes. Your attention is valuable. Your time is valuable. Your real life deserves both. Subscribe for New Episodes Every Tuesday! Be sure to check us out on all our socials: Follow on Instagram: @beautybrandpodcast https://www.instagram.com/beautybrandpodcast/ Subscribe on Youtube: @beautybehindthebrandpodcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEl-qd38M4OgL8IghZ8ga9g Website: https://www.miskoka.com/beauty-behind-the-brand Follow our host on Instagram: @nicmanion https://www.instagram.com/nicmanion/

Send us your feedback about the episode! When was the last time you stopped to appreciate how far you've actually come? In this episode of Beauty Behind the Brand, Nicole shares a candid conversation about reflecting on your journey, celebrating the milestones you often forget, and giving yourself permission to stop chasing the next thing for just a moment. From rediscovering old notebooks filled with dreams that eventually became reality, to selling her spa after 10.5 years, building Miskoka Beauty, becoming a wife and mother, and navigating entrepreneurship in a completely new season of life this episode is a reminder that the version of you today is living a life your younger self once only imagined. Nicole also dives into: Why looking back can be one of the most motivating things you do.How journaling, writing ideas down, and manifesting your goals helped shape her journey.The reality of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship.The "Broken Glass Effect" and how tackling the small things can create momentum in every area of your life.Learning to stop reacting to every notification and making space to think, reflect, and create.Building confidence online, overcoming the fear of being judged, and showing up for your business anyway.Simple mindset shifts to help you feel more productive, less overwhelmed, and more present.Whether you're building a business, raising a family, feeling stuck, or simply needing a reminder that you're doing better than you think, you'll leave this episode feeling encouraged to trust your path, embrace the season you're in, and keep moving forward. Sometimes the biggest motivation isn't looking ahead, t's realizing just how far you've already come. Subscribe for New Episodes Every Tuesday! Be sure to check us out on all our socials: Follow on Instagram: @beautybrandpodcast https://www.instagram.com/beautybrandpodcast/ Subscribe on Youtube: @beautybehindthebrandpodcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEl-qd38M4OgL8IghZ8ga9g Website: https://www.miskoka.com/beauty-behind-the-brand Follow our host on Instagram: @nicmanion https://www.instagram.com/nicmanion/

Send us your feedback about the episode! After years of chasing the next goal, building businesses, leading a team, and constantly planning five and ten years ahead, I found myself asking a simple question… What if success isn't about doing more? In this episode, I'm sharing the mindset shift that's been changing everything for me after selling my spa, becoming a mom, and going all in on building a business that supports the life I actually want. We chat about: Why I'm letting go of five and ten-year plansThe surprising freedom that came after selling my businessHow motherhood completely changed the way I workCreating measurable daily goals instead of overwhelming future onesSimplifying life, business, and even my thoughtsMy honest relationship with screen time and social mediaHow AI has helped me work smarter as an entrepreneur with dyslexiaBuilding a business that gives you freedom not just more workWhy slowing down has actually helped me accomplish moreIf you've been feeling overwhelmed, stuck in hustle mode, or questioning what success really looks like, I hope this conversation reminds you that life doesn't have to be as complicated as we make it. Sometimes the next chapter isn't about working harder. It's about creating a life you don't need a vacation from. Subscribe for New Episodes Every Tuesday! Be sure to check us out on all our socials: Follow on Instagram: @beautybrandpodcast https://www.instagram.com/beautybrandpodcast/ Subscribe on Youtube: @beautybehindthebrandpodcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEl-qd38M4OgL8IghZ8ga9g Website: https://www.miskoka.com/beauty-behind-the-brand Follow our host on Instagram: @nicmanion https://www.instagram.com/nicmanion/

Send us your feedback about the episode! After 10.5 incredible years of owning Muskoka Aesthetics, I officially closed one of the biggest chapters of my life. In this episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of why I made the decision to sell the business I built from the ground up. I share the emotions that came with letting go, the identity shift that followed, and how becoming a mom completely changed the way I define success. This wasn't a story of burnout or failure, it was about recognizing that life has seasons, trusting my intuition, and making room for the next chapter. From the months of negotiations and uncertainty to handing over the keys for the very last time, I'm sharing the parts of the journey that social media never showed. Whether you're an entrepreneur, navigating a major life transition, or simply wondering what comes next after achieving a long-time dream, I hope this conversation reminds you that sometimes the bravest decision isn't holding on, it's knowing when it's time to let go. Thank you for being part of this journey. I'm so excited to share what comes next. Subscribe for New Episodes Every Tuesday! Be sure to check us out on all our socials: Follow on Instagram: @beautybrandpodcast https://www.instagram.com/beautybrandpodcast/ Subscribe on Youtube: @beautybehindthebrandpodcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEl-qd38M4OgL8IghZ8ga9g Website: https://www.miskoka.com/beauty-behind-the-brand Follow our host on Instagram: @nicmanion https://www.instagram.com/nicmanion/

Send us your feedback about the episode! Lately it feels like everyone is entering a new era… and honestly, I don’t think it’s a coincidence. In this episode of Beauty Behind the Brand, Nicole dives into the energy shifts happening lately — from career pivots and identity changes to intentional living, intuition, alignment, and learning how to trust uncomfortable seasons of growth. We chat about: ✨ evolving beyond hustle culture ✨ becoming more intentional with your life & energy ✨ entrepreneurship, burnout & pivoting ✨ trusting your intuition ✨ releasing what no longer aligns ✨ stepping into new opportunities, even when they feel scary Nicole also opens up about personal changes happening behind the scenes, navigating major life transitions, and the mindset shifts that come with growth in both business and life. If you’ve been feeling emotional, reflective, inspired, uncomfortable, or like something big is shifting lately… this episode is for you. Maybe it’s the spring energy. Maybe it’s the moon. Maybe we’re all entering a new chapter. Subscribe for New Episodes Every Tuesday! Be sure to check us out on all our socials: Follow on Instagram: @beautybrandpodcast https://www.instagram.com/beautybrandpodcast/ Subscribe on Youtube: @beautybehindthebrandpodcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEl-qd38M4OgL8IghZ8ga9g Website: https://www.miskoka.com/beauty-behind-the-brand Follow our host on Instagram: @nicmanion https://www.instagram.com/nicmanion/

Send us your feedback about the episode! Okay… I think I accidentally unlocked the future of shopping and getting dressed as a busy mom and business owner. In this episode, I’m sharing something that completely changed the way I shop, get dressed, and think about my wardrobe… I used AI (yes, ChatGPT) as my personal stylist. As a busy mom and business owner, getting dressed had started to feel overwhelming. I had a closet full of clothes but still felt like I had nothing to wear. So instead of continuing to shop randomly, I tried something different. I started snapping photos of pieces while I was shopping and uploading them into ChatGPT in real time. From there, it helped me figure out my body type, what silhouettes actually flatter me, what colours work best for my skin tone, and how to build a cohesive capsule wardrobe instead of buying random items. It helped me:  create full outfits from pieces I already own  identify gaps in my wardrobe  avoid impulse purchases  define my personal style  and actually make getting dressed FUN again This episode isn’t just about clothes — it’s about simplifying your life, reducing decision fatigue, and feeling like yourself again after a season of change. If you’ve ever stood in your closet feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from your style… this one is for you. Subscribe for New Episodes Every Tuesday! Be sure to check us out on all our socials: Follow on Instagram: @beautybrandpodcast https://www.instagram.com/beautybrandpodcast/ Subscribe on Youtube: @beautybehindthebrandpodcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEl-qd38M4OgL8IghZ8ga9g Website: https://www.miskoka.com/beauty-behind-the-brand Follow our host on Instagram: @nicmanion https://www.instagram.com/nicmanion/

Send us your feedback about the episode! In this episode of Beauty Behind the Brand, Nicole reflects on how far she’s come — both personally and professionally — inspired by the “look how far you’ve come” trend circulating on Instagram. After 10 years in business, Nicole shares a behind-the-scenes look at refreshing and evolving her spa without overspending. From updating ceiling tiles and fresh paint to simplifying furniture and bringing back a more intentional, pre-COVID layout, this episode is all about creating impact through smart, strategic changes — not massive renovations. She also dives into how she used feedback from past Google Forms (from both clients and staff) to guide these decisions, ensuring every update aligns with what people truly want and value. This episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t always mean starting over — sometimes it means refining, simplifying, and honoring how far you’ve already come. If you’re a beauty business owner thinking about a refresh, rebrand, or reset, this conversation will leave you inspired to make meaningful changes with confidence — and without breaking the bank. Subscribe for New Episodes Every Tuesday! Be sure to check us out on all our socials: Follow on Instagram: @beautybrandpodcast https://www.instagram.com/beautybrandpodcast/ Subscribe on Youtube: @beautybehindthebrandpodcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEl-qd38M4OgL8IghZ8ga9g Website: https://www.miskoka.com/beauty-behind-the-brand Follow our host on Instagram: @nicmanion https://www.instagram.com/nicmanion/

Send us your feedback about the episode! n this episode of Beauty Behind the Brand, Nicole shares one of the most powerful (and underrated) tools she’s used to grow both her spa and product line — Google Forms. From gathering anonymous client feedback to collecting honest staff insight, Nicole breaks down how simple surveys have helped shape pricing decisions, improve client experience, strengthen team culture, and even guide rebranding decisions. Let’s be honest — asking for feedback takes confidence. It requires being open to productive criticism and separating emotion from data. But when you’re willing to listen, adjust, and evolve, the insight can be transformational. Whether you’re building a beauty business from the ground up, preparing for a rebrand, or simply looking to improve what you already have, this episode will show you how structured feedback can create clarity, confidence, and smarter business decisions. Sometimes the growth you’re looking for is just one question away. Subscribe for New Episodes Every Tuesday! Be sure to check us out on all our socials: Follow on Instagram: @beautybrandpodcast https://www.instagram.com/beautybrandpodcast/ Subscribe on Youtube: @beautybehindthebrandpodcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEl-qd38M4OgL8IghZ8ga9g Website: https://www.miskoka.com/beauty-behind-the-brand Follow our host on Instagram: @nicmanion https://www.instagram.com/nicmanion/

Send us your feedback about the episode! In this episode of Beauty Behind the Brand, Nicole shares the story of how a vision turned into a thriving beauty brand. In 2019, Nicole took her entrepreneurial spirit to new heights with the launch of Miskoka Beauty Inc. — a luxury lash and brow product line rooted in quality, innovation, and results. Built by a beauty professional, for beauty professionals, the brand quickly earned trust within the industry for delivering products that truly perform. Nicole dives into one of her most defining seasons yet: selling over $9,000 in glass collagen masks in less than 12 hours, securing partnerships with some of Canada’s largest beauty distributors, and scaling her product-based business — all during the same summer she welcomed her baby. This episode is an honest look at growth, resilience, and what’s possible when passion meets strategy. Nicole breaks down the mindset, momentum, and behind-the-scenes decisions that allowed her to build a brand that continues to grow — even in one of life’s most transformative seasons. If you’re a beauty entrepreneur balancing big dreams with real life, this episode will leave you inspired, empowered, and reminded that you don’t have to choose between building a family and building a successful business. Subscribe for New Episodes Every Tuesday! Be sure to check us out on all our socials: Follow on Instagram: @beautybrandpodcast https://www.instagram.com/beautybrandpodcast/ Subscribe on Youtube: @beautybehindthebrandpodcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEl-qd38M4OgL8IghZ8ga9g Website: https://www.miskoka.com/beauty-behind-the-brand Follow our host on Instagram: @nicmanion https://www.instagram.com/nicmanion/

Send us your feedback about the episode! You might be fully booked — but are you actually making money? In this episode of Beauty Behind the Brand, Nicole dives into one of the most important (and most avoided) topics in the beauty industry: knowing your numbers. From service pricing and product margins to hidden costs that quietly eat away at profit, this episode is all about moving from busy to profitable. Nicole breaks down how to audit your services, evaluate product profitability, and understand where your money is really going — without overwhelm. With real-life examples from over 10 years of spa ownership, she shares how tracking your numbers gives you clarity, confidence, and control over your business decisions. If you’re ready to stop guessing, start leading like a CEO, and build a beauty business that actually supports your life, this episode is your starting point for 2026. Subscribe for New Episodes Every Tuesday! Be sure to check us out on all our socials: Follow on Instagram: @beautybrandpodcast https://www.instagram.com/beautybrandpodcast/ Subscribe on Youtube: @beautybehindthebrandpodcast https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEl-qd38M4OgL8IghZ8ga9g Website: https://www.miskoka.com/beauty-behind-the-brand Follow our host on Instagram: @nicmanion https://www.instagram.com/nicmanion/