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.
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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.
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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 — @hardlacquernz
Erin — @littlemoonnails
Courses & enrolment — monaco.ac.nz
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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.
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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! 💅✨
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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, the girls dive back into Theory Talk, this time exploring Anatomy & Disorders. @HardLaquernz, @JungleNailsNz, @AdornNailBotique and @ChristelBlytheNailArtist unpack what’s really going on beneath the nail, from the parts that make up the nail unit to the common conditions every nail tech should know. They share what surprised them most when they were first learning, how understanding anatomy changes your work behind the table, and how to handle those “uh oh” client moments when something doesn’t look quite right.Whether you’re studying for your Theory of Nails module or just love a good mix of laughs and learning, this episode keeps it real, educational, and so relatable.
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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.
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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, @JungleNailsNZ, @HardLacquerNZ, @AdornNailBoutique, and @StraightUpNailsNZ dive into the power of niche marketing in the nail industry. The girls chat about how honing in on your special talent or service can transform your business, making you the go-to expert for that 'one thing' while also attracting clients who will explore everything else you offer. Positioning yourself as a specialist and highlighting your strengths without boxing yourself in is such a powerful strategy, join us this ep to learn how to use your niche as the hook that brings people through the door and be the thing that actually grows your entire business!***********************************************
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.
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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, @HardLacquerNZ, @JungleNailsNZ and @MooMooCatNails sit down with @NailsByBrittanyR for a real and raw coaching session!
The girls break down where Brittany is currently at in the early stages of her home salon journey and share the most valuable steps she can take right now to grow.
From finding her dream client avatar to showing up on social media, they guide her through the challenges of visibility, confidence, and building momentum on a shared platform.
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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.
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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 of The Salon Success Podcast @HardLaquerNz, @JungleNailsNz, @MooMooCatNails, @Patsitive.beauty are joined by Trudi as they dive back into their 'Chick Lit & Chill' book club!
They pick up where they left off in their ongoing series, share what they’re currently reading and chat about their favourite books (and why they love them). It’s equal parts cozy, fun, and inspiring – perfect listening while you paint, prep, or relax.***********************************************
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.
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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 @JungleNailsNz, @Patsitive.Beauty, @HardLaquerNz and @MooMooCatNails are back to break down three of the most popular marketing techniques: Urgency, Scarcity, and Exclusivity.
The girls dissect what these strategies actually mean and how do they show up in the everyday life of a nail tech. They share real stories, practical examples and their own experiences as they unpack how each concept works, where they overlap, and how you can spot (or use) them in your business.
Tune in to learn how these strategies influence client decisions and how to tell them apart so you can decide which best fit your style.
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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.
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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
Ever wondered what it’s really like to enter a professional nail competition? The girls pull back the curtain on the NZ Nail Competitions - joined by both competitors and a judge! In this episode, @Crafting_a_healthy_Mel, @HardLaquerNz, @MooMooCatNails and @CaleyRoseNails talk first-hand about what goes on behind the scenes from prepping under pressure to walking into the comp hall. They break down what judges are actually looking for, common mistakes, and top tips for anyone thinking about entering. Whether you're curious, preparing to compete, or just love a bit of nail world tea, this ep is packed with juicy insights and honest reflections!
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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.
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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
Welcome to the first episode in our new Theory of Nails miniseries! This week @Crafting_a_healthy_mel and @HardLaquerNZ are back with @CaleyRoseNails and @MooMooCatNails as they dive into Sanitization and Disinfection!In this episode of our new mini-series, we’re diving headfirst into sanitization and disinfection - what those terms really mean (by law and in real life), and how they play out day-to-day in a busy salon.It’s not just about wiping things down to look good, it’s about protecting yourself, your clients, and your reputation.
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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.
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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, @Patsitive.Beauty, @JungleNailsNZ and @HardLacquerNZ are joined by Summit attendees @MooMooCatNails and @CaleyRoseNails to chat all things Monaco Summit!We dive into what really happens during this week-long nail tech event - the laughter, the learning, the breakthroughs, and the bonds formed along the way. Hear from both students and mentors about the challenges, the growth, and why Summit is one of the most powerful experiences a nail tech can have.
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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.
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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, @Patsitive.Beauty, @JungleNailsNZ and @HardLacquerNZ are back with @ChristelBlytheNailArtist to play “Smash or Pass” with salon tools and equipment! The girls spill the tea on the stuff they swear by and the things they wish they never bought!They're spilling the tea on what’s actually worth your money when setting up your nail business and what you can skip without the FOMO. From budget buys to long-term investments, this episode is packed with practical advice, funny throwbacks, and real talk about the early days of our nail tech journeys.
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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.
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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, @Patsitive.Beauty, @JungleNailsNZ and @HardLacquerNZ are back with @Christelblythenailartist to dive into the power of client consultations and why they’re way more than just small talk!We’re breaking down how to run effective consultations that set clear expectations, avoid miscommunications, and lay the foundation for long-term client relationships. From red flags to golden questions, we’re sharing everything we’ve learned to help you consult like a pro
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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, @Patsitive.Beauty, @JungleNailsNZ, @HardLacquerNZ and special guest @Christelblythenailartist dive into something a little different - BOOKS!They’re sharing their juiciest reads, the books that made them think, laugh, cry, and everything in between. More than just recommendations, this episode is all about the joy of reading and building a community around the love of books and girl talk!Got a fav read? Share it with the crew and join the salon book club conversation!
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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.
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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, @Patsitive.Beauty, @JungleNailsNZ, and @HardLacquerNZ open up about burnout — what it really feels like, what causes it, and how they’ve learned to manage it over time.
From physical exhaustion to emotional overwhelm, they unpack the signs that often go unnoticed until it’s too late. They also share the daily habits, boundaries, and mindset shifts that have helped them protect their energy and bounce back when burnout hits.
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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.
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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, @Patsitive.Beauty, @crafting_a_healthy_mel and @HardLacquerNZ dive into the world of offline marketing. Are business cards still a thing? Can flyers, posters, and local networking actually help you grow your salon in the age of Instagram and TikTok?
We chat about what traditional marketing strategies still work, how they influence client behaviour today, and how to use them alongside digital tools to build a brand that stands out.
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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.
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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, @Patsitive.Beauty, @crafting_a_healthy_mel and @HardLacquerNZ dive into the concept of an abundance mindset—what it means to each of us, how to cultivate it, and why it matters in both business and lie.
We chat about the sneaky ways a scarcity mindset can creep in, how to shift your thinking when times feel tough, and the daily habits that help us stay grounded, grateful, and open to opportunity.
Whether you're struggling with comparison, confidence, or consistency, this is your reminder that there's more than enough to go around—and that includes success.
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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