How to Thrive Through Business Challenges and Stay True to Your Purpose
Running a beauty business is not always sunshine and perfect brows. It can test your resilience, stretch your limits, and teach you lessons you never expected. In this powerful and personal episode of Salon Rising: The Podcast, Samara and Jen welcome Kelly, owner of The Facial Bar on the Gold Coast and the well known Skin Queen on Instagram.
Kelly shares her journey of opening her second business, navigating online bullying, managing team dynamics, and most importantly, learning how to lead herself through it all. If you’ve ever faced business burnout, struggled with leadership, or questioned your own path, this conversation will speak straight to your heart.
Whether you’re a salon owner with a team or a solo operator in the beauty industry, this episode is packed with insights to help you thrive when business feels tough.
When Business Becomes Your Whole Identity
Like so many beauty business owners, Kelly admits that at one point, her business was her whole identity. It’s easy to fall into that trap — especially when you pour your heart and soul into building something.
But as Kelly learned, when challenges arise (like online bullying, financial pressures, or team issues), it can shake you to your core if your entire worth is tied up in your business success.
Her biggest breakthrough? Rediscovering who she is outside of her business — as a wife, a friend, and a person with interests and passions beyond work.
The Hard Truths of Leadership
Leading a team brings some of the hardest (and most rewarding) lessons in business. From hiring, training, and setting boundaries to dealing with staff dynamics — it’s a constant evolution.
Key leadership lessons Kelly shares:
You don’t have to be friends with your team
Being present on the floor builds respect
Processes matter, but so does your energy as a leader
Your mood and mindset directly impact team culture
Leading by example trumps telling people what to do
Why Looking After Yourself is Essential
As salon owners, it’s easy to put yourself last — especially when you’re juggling staff, clients, marketing, family, and more. But when your cup is empty, it’s almost impossible to lead effectively or grow your business.
Kelly opens up about hitting burnout, the power of small daily habits (like getting back to the gym, eating well, and journaling), and how those “tiny promises” you keep to yourself rebuild trust in yourself as a leader.
Her reminder: YOU are the emotional energy of your business. If you’re off, the entire team and business can feel it.
Facing Online Hate and Finding Your Strength
One of the rawest parts of this episode is Kelly’s experience of navigating online bullying and passive aggressive behaviour from other industry professionals.
She bravely shares how deep the impact was on her mental health, how she leaned on her support system, and how she chose not to retaliate — instead taking back her power by setting boundaries and protecting her energy.
If you’ve ever been triggered or upset by negativity online, this conversation will help you feel less alone. And more empowered to protect your mental wellbeing.
Building a Business That’s Bigger Than You
Now, two years in, Kelly is focused on creating a salon that nurtures and develops her team — not just her ego. She’s passionate about giving younger therapists a better experience in the industry and setting them up for future success, whether they stay or move on.
Her focus has shifted from proving herself to living her purpose — building a thriving, values-led business that has impact beyond the treatments they offer.
💡 What you’ll learn in this episode:
Why tying your identity to your business can lead to burnout
The leadership lessons every salon owner needs to hear
How to handle online negativity with grace and boundaries
The importance of self-care and small daily habits
How your energy impacts your team culture and client experience
Why your purpose should be bigger than your profit
Reflect and Rise
This episode is a beautiful reminder that none of us truly “have it all together” in business. We’re all learning, evolving, and doing the best we can with the tools we have.
If you’re going through a tough season in your salon or beauty business, remember, you’re not alone. Lean into community, look after yourself, and know that these hard lessons are shaping you into a stronger, wiser leader.
✨ Want more real, raw conversations like this?
🎧 Listen to the full episode on the Salon Rising: The Podcast for even more wisdom from Kelly’s journey.
📲 Follow us on Instagram @salonrising_ for inspiring stories and actionable tips for your beauty business.
