Beauty Behind The Brand

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/

Send us your feedback about the episode! Beauty Behind the Brand is a podcast for beauty professionals who want to grow a business that supports their life — not consumes it. Hosted by Nicole Manion, this show explores the behind-the-scenes of spa ownership, entrepreneurship, motherhood, leadership, and personal growth in the beauty industry. Through real stories, mindset shifts, and business strategy, Nicole helps you build confidence, clarity, and sustainability in both business and life. 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! Today on Beauty Behind the Brand, Nicole dives into one of the most overlooked parts of running a spa or salon — your numbers. 💰 You might be fully booked, but are you actually profitable? Nicole shares how to break down your service costs, product margins, and hidden expenses so you can see where your business is truly thriving (and where it’s quietly losing money). From understanding your cost per service to setting healthy markups on retail, this episode will give you the tools to make informed decisions, increase your profit, and stop working harder for less. 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! Today, Nicole dives into a must-listen topic for every spa & salon owner: cancellation policies. As we head into the busy season, it’s more important than ever to stand your ground and stick to your policies — it can save you money, time, and a serious headache down the road. Nicole shares: This episode is all about protecting your time, your team, and your bottom line. Let’s dive in and set your business up for a smooth, profitable season! 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! Running a salon business can feel like a constant juggling act — and when the pressure builds, it’s easy to feel stuck. In this episode of Beauty Behind the Brand, Nicole Manion shares practical, real-world tips to help you push past the frustration and tackle the overwhelm head-on. Whether you're struggling with time management, team challenges, or just feeling burnt out, Nicole offers simple strategies to help you regain control and keep moving forward. It’s time to stop spinning your wheels and start building the business you’ve been dreaming of. 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! This episode of Beauty Behind the Brand, Nicole Manion pulls back the curtain on one of the most powerful — yet often overlooked — tools in your salon business: gift cards. Nicole shares her favorite marketing tips and creative tactics to make gift cards work for you — not just during the holidays, but all year long. You'll learn: 💳 Smart strategies for offering gift card discounts and value-adds 📈 How to track and pay yourself back using savings accounts 🗣️ A step-by-step guide to using vouchers for organic word-of-mouth growth Whether you're new to gift card marketing or looking to level up your current system, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can implement right 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, Nicole shares the behind-the-scenes story of how investing in a warehouse changed the game for Miskoka Beauty. From streamlined order fulfilment to more efficient inventory management, she dives into the real, tangible ways this move has improved operations. You’ll also hear her honest take on what it really means to spend money wisely in your business — and why some expenses are actually long-term investments. If you're scaling your brand or considering a big move, 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! After three months off the mic, host Nicole Manion returns for an intimate solo episode of Beauty Behind the Brand—this time with a whole new perspective. Nicole opens up about one of the biggest transitions of her life: becoming a mom. In this raw and vulnerable conversation, she shares what it’s been like stepping into motherhood while navigating the familiar uncertainty of entrepreneurship. From spending her 20s building a brand and often feeling like she never quite fit in, to now finding a deeper sense of belonging through motherhood, Nicole reflects on the personal evolution that comes with both business and life. She talks about the beauty and chaos of preparing for something you can’t fully prepare for, the power of support systems, and why asking for help is not a weakness—but a strength. Whether you’re a business owner, a new mom, or simply in a season of transition, this episode will remind you that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and that you’re not alone in the journey. Welcome back—let’s dive into this next chapter, together. 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 empowering episode, Nicole Manion shares the mindset shifts and daily habits that help you truly embody your role as a spa CEO—from the inside out. It’s not just about running the business; it’s about showing up as the face of it. Nicole dives into the importance of elevating your personal presence—whether it’s spending a few extra minutes on your hair and makeup, curating a professional and confidence-boosting wardrobe, or upgrading to flattering, functional scrubs. These intentional choices don’t just affect how you feel—they shape how others see you. ✨ When you walk into a room prepared and polished, people take notice. ✨ When you carry CEO energy, clients trust you, your team respects you, and opportunities come knocking. ✨ It’s not about vanity—it’s about visibility, confidence, and leadership. Nicole also talks about the power of getting out into your local community, attending events, and radiating confidence wherever you go. Because when you put that energy into the world, it reflects right back to you. This episode is your reminder that how you show up matters—and that looking and feeling the part isn’t extra work, it’s a business strategy. 📲 Hit play and step into your next level. 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 Manion dives into a game-changing tool that’s transforming the way beauty businesses operate—Mangomint. And no, this isn’t a sponsored episode—we just believe in giving you the best tools to grow, scale, and stand out in today’s competitive beauty market. Tired of the manual guesswork that slows you down? Struggling to streamline your booking, manage your team, or elevate your client experience? Mangomint is here to take your business from chaos to clarity. 💡 What is Mangomint? Mangomint is a powerful, intuitive booking software designed specifically for salons and spas. It’s built to simplify your daily operations while enhancing both client satisfaction and your bottom line. With features like Express Booking™, two-way texting, staff scheduling, seamless payments, and insightful reporting, Mangomint helps you save time, reduce errors, and focus on what you do best—serving your clients. ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: If you’re serious about leveling up your beauty business in 2025, this episode is a must-listen. Nicole breaks down why Mangomint is more than just a software—it’s a smarter way to run your salon or spa. 📲 Tune in now to discover how to make your business easier, faster, and better—with Mangomint. 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, we're sitting down with Mckenna Smalley—owner of Howdy Studio and a creative force in the marketing world—to unpack what it really means to see a return on investment when hiring a marketing specialist. From making social media actually fun again to strategically attracting your dream clients, Mckenna shares her fresh take on how salons and spas can grow online while staying true to their brand. She dives into how smart, intentional marketing not only gets new clients through the door, but also educates and re-engages your existing ones—turning casual followers into loyal customers. We also talk time management, the power of delegation, and why hiring an expert isn’t a luxury—it’s a smart business move. If you're a beauty business owner juggling everything and wondering how to maximize your time, impact, and income, this is the conversation 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, host Nicole Manion sits down with her longtime friend and inspiring entrepreneur Robyn Hobbs to talk all things business. Robyn shares the journey of transforming her spa from an employee-based model to a thriving room-rental business, all while moving into a bright new space in her hometown of Espanola, Ontario — just north of Sudbury. With her calendar booked out months in advance, Robyn has built more than just a successful spa — she’s created a vibrant boss babe community. In under a year, she’s scaled her business while helping others find their passion and purpose in the spa industry. Robyn also dives into her new mentorship program, designed to support anyone looking to pivot their career or gain hands-on experience in the beauty and wellness space. Whether you're dreaming of starting your own business or growing your existing one, this conversation is packed with real-world insight, motivation, and heart. Tune in for a story of growth, grit, and glowing success. Robyns handles: Instagram @blissfulaestheticsspa Facebook Blissful Aesthetics TikTok @blissfulaestheticsspa 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 refreshingly real episode of Beauty Behind the Brand, Nicole cuts through the chaos of overthinking and constantly chasing the "next big thing" in the spa industry. Owning a spa doesn’t have to be complicated—and Nicole’s here to prove that keeping it stupid simple might be your smartest business move yet. She dives into how clarity and confidence—both in your brand and your team—can be the true game-changers. From questioning whether your marketing actually speaks to your dream clients, to realizing you might not be as central to the business as you think (yup, we said it!), Nicole challenges you to stop copying the spa down the street or curating a carbon-copy Instagram feed. Instead, it’s time to stand firm in who you are, what your business truly stands for, and how simplicity and authenticity can attract loyal clients who align with your vision. This one’s for the spa owners ready to quiet the noise, own their lane, and grow with intention. 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, your host Nicole gets real about growing your spa business—not by moving to a bigger location, but by reimagining the space you already have. She shares her personal journey of transforming two underused storage rooms into fully functional treatment areas, downsizing her waiting and retail space to create three new revenue-generating service areas, and how these small but strategic changes led to big growth. Nicole also dives into how she used ChatGPT to help visualize and design her new layout—cutting out costly designer fees while still making high-impact decisions. This episode is packed with insights on looking beyond the treatment room and seeing the untapped potential right under your roof. From renting out your space during off-hours to hosting events or bringing in other beauty/wellness professionals, Nicole shares how your spa can work for you, even when you’re not there. If you're ready to think bigger without moving out, this episode is your blueprint to turning square footage into profit. 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, host Nicole Manion dives deep into the exciting world of career evolution within the beauty industry. Whether you're a beauty professional looking to pivot, grow, or transition into a new phase of your career, Nicole explores the endless opportunities available. From starting a beauty supply store and mentoring others to exploring franchise options or diversifying your services, Nicole shares valuable insights on how to take your current job or business to the next level. She discusses how lifestyle changes, such as starting a family or planning for retirement, can open doors to new paths within the beauty world. Tune in for expert advice on how to align your career with your personal goals, and learn how to navigate the shifts that come with a fulfilling, long-lasting career in the beauty industry. Join Nicole for this empowering episode and discover how you can transform your career, embrace change, and build a business that fits your lifestyle and passions. 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, host Nicole Manion shares how she’s revolutionized her spa and beauty line business by integrating ChatGPT into her daily operations. From automating customer service and booking appointments to offering personalized product recommendations, Nicole dives deep into the practical ways she uses this AI tool to enhance customer experience, save time, and scale her business. Whether you're a small spa owner or part of a growing beauty brand, Nicole’s insights will help you understand the power of AI in streamlining processes, building client relationships, and staying ahead of the competition. Tune in to learn how ChatGPT can be a game-changer for your beauty 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! Join Nicole Manion, host of Beauty Behind The Brand, as she takes a deep dive into the financial landscape of the first quarter of 2025. In this episode, Nicole unpacks the importance of reviewing your business finances early in the year and how to build a solid financial foundation for long-term success. With her expert insights, she’ll help you navigate the numbers that matter most to your beauty business, offering tips on budgeting, managing expenses, and maximizing profitability. Whether you're running a spa or selling beauty products, Nicole shares actionable strategies that will motivate you to achieve financial health, sustainability, and growth. Get ready to gain the clarity and confidence you need to make smart financial decisions, set realistic goals, and create an outstanding beauty business that thrives well beyond the first quarter. Tune in for your dose of inspiration and financial empowerment to ensure your business is positioned for success in 2025 and beyond! 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/