Episodes

  • In this episode of The HONA Podcast, hosts Morgan and Charlotte dive into the behind-the-scenes chaos and excitement at HONA, covering topics such as product launches, events, and the dynamics of their team. They give a community shout-out to Georgina, who is on maternity leave, and share how her absence is felt. The episode explores the intricacies of preparing for trade shows and events, the community's influence on HONA's operations, and the importance of team camaraderie. They also discuss various roles within the company and what makes the HONA team unique and special. The podcast concludes with a hilarious story from an NNN trade show event that encapsulates the fun and chaotic spirit of HONA.

  • In this episode of the HONA Podcast, Morgan and Charl delve into the journey of running the nail business, HONA. The discussion covers a range of topics including the challenges and rewards of managing a flourishing enterprise, balancing work and family life, and spotlighting a community member, Olivia Anise. They also reveal behind-the-scenes insights into their product development processes, upcoming releases, and the evolution of HON from a small start-up to a prominent player in the nail industry. Providing advice for aspiring nail techs and business owners, Morgan and Charl emphasise the importance of continuous learning, resilience, and community support.

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  • Embracing Silent Nail Appointments

    Welcome to a quick episode of the HONA Podcast with Mike and Charl! Today, we're diving into the concept of silent nail appointments, a trend that's growing in popularity. Whether it's for clients who are neurodiverse or simply want a moment to relax and unwind, silent appointments can offer a spa-like feeling right at the nail salon. We explore why nail techs should consider offering them and give tips for those who might find the concept challenging. Plus, we share some interesting community stories and behind-the-scenes insights from our latest lab visit. Tune in to learn more about this innovative service approach!

  • In this episode of the HONA Podcast, hosts Mike and Charl discuss the personal and professional struggles related to imposter syndrome, especially in the context of being a nail technician or business owner.

    Charl elaborates on how this issue is relevant to their daily lives and the broader community, discussing ways to manage and suppress these feelings. They share personal stories and strategies, such as avoiding comparisons with others on social media and recognising one’s worth. They provide five actionable tips to counteract imposter syndrome, including tracking wins and taking moments for self-reflection. They also spotlight a listener’s story about how HONA positively impacted her life. Toward the end, the hosts delve into the 'Wildest Moments' question, sharing anecdotes and engaging with listener submissions.

  • How to Boost Bookings & Revenue for Mother’s Day – HONA Podcast Special

    Mother’s Day is more than just a date on the calendar, it’s a golden opportunity for nail techs and salon owners to increase revenue and connect with clients in a meaningful way.

    In this special episode, Mike is joined by Morgan to share practical, easy-to-action tips that can help you maximise your business around Mother's Day. Whether you’re a seasoned salon owner or just starting out, this episode is packed with ideas to elevate your services and make the most of the season.

    In this episode, we cover (and more):💡 Creative Mother-Daughter package ideas💅 How to use nail art menus to increase efficiency🎁 Gift card strategies that boost sales📲 Social media tips that actually work (hello, TikTok!)🌸 Collaborating with local businesses for more exposure💬 Sharing personal stories that build client connection

    If you’re ready to make Mother's Day your most profitable yet, hit play and take notes.

    Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes designed to help nail techs thrive.

    #HONA #NailTechTips #MothersDayMarketing #SalonGrowth #NailBusiness #HONAeducation

  • Exploring Nail Tech Education: In-Person vs. Online Learning In this episode of the HONA Podcast, hosts Mike and Charl dive into the topic of education, with a focus on online training for nail technicians. They discuss their experiences and share insights into Hona's educational offerings, including their complete courses, gel manicure courses, builder courses, Swift Tips, and TrueSculpt courses. Additionally, they highlight the importance of accredited courses for insurance purposes. This episode features a community shout-out, mentions the benefits of online education for various individuals, and includes behind-the-scenes insights into Hona's team celebrations.00:00 Welcome to the HONA Podcast 00:42 Today's Topic: Education 01:26 Community Shout Out of the Week 02:24 Sophie's Inspiring Story 05:23 Introduction to HONA Courses 06:09 Complete Course Overview 07:17 Gel Manicure Course 09:32 The Importance of Accreditation 11:52 Builder Courses and Techniques 16:16 Online vs. In-Person Training 23:25 Ensuring Quality in Online Courses 24:11 Breaking the Stigma of Online Training 24:44 Continued Support for Students 25:18 Engaging the Community 27:15 Question of the Week: Self-Taught Nail Techs 37:27 Behind the Scenes at Hona 41:36 Wrapping Up and Future Plans

  • The Essential Guide to Cuticle Oils with Mike and Charl - In this episode of the HONA podcast, hosts Mike and Charl dive into the topic of cuticle oils. They provide an in-depth look at the various ingredients featured in their premium cuticle oils such as jojoba oil, argan oil, vitamin E, and hyaluronic acid, and explain their benefits for nail and skin health. The hosts also share personal anecdotes, highlight the importance of quality products, and emphasise the differences between low-cost and high-performance oils. Additionally, they announce the upcoming launch of HONA's new manicure and pedicure tools. The episode reinforces the importance of client care and continuous improvement in the nail industry. 00:00 Welcome Back to the HONA Podcast 01:07 Shoutout to Nails by Lou 05:04 The Importance of Cuticle Oils 12:11 Ingredients in Our Cuticle Oil 24:21 Stacking Premium Ingredients for Healthy Nails 24:48 The Importance of Complementary Ingredients 26:00 Choosing the Right Cuticle Oils 27:30 Fragrance Options in Cuticle Oils 30:25 Creating Limited Edition Scents 31:07 Fun with Custom Fragrances 35:00 Question of the Week:Longest Manicure 37:33 Improving Speed and Client Experience 43:37 Exciting New Product Announcement 46:00 Conclusion and Thanks

  • The Crucial Role of Education in the Nail Industry - In this episode of the HONA Podcast, join Mike and Charl as they delve into the significant role of education in the nail industry. They express gratitude to their listeners and discuss the evolution of educational standards in the UK over the past decade. They highlight the unique selling points (USPs) of HONA, especially their commitment to providing accessible, barrier-free education for nail techs. We also explores the value of different types of training—online versus in-person, conversion courses, and the pitfalls of cheap, unaccredited online courses. 00:00 Welcome to the HONA Podcast 00:39 Today's Topic: Education 01:03 Shout Out of the Week: Chloe Stocker 02:02 The Importance of Continuous Education 07:59 The Value of Conversion Courses 13:47 Online vs. In-Person Training 18:48 The Reality of Online Nail Tech Courses 21:49 The Importance of Continuous Education 22:56 Insurance and Accreditation: What You Need to Know 24:06 Engage with the Community and Free Resources 25:02 Question of the Week: New Year's Resolutions 30:57 Behind the Scenes: Planning for 2025 32:26 Conclusion and Where to Find Us

  • The Journey of Product Development at HONA: From Idea to Launch In this episode of the HONA podcast, Mike and Charl dive deep into the intricate process of product development. They discuss how a product moves from an initial idea or community request to its final launch, using their own brand's experience with developing hard gel products as a case study.

    The duo elaborates on the importance of not compromising on quality, safety, and performance, and explains how using an agile approach helps HONA achieve this.

    They also touch on the legal and compliance aspects involved, the challenges of quick trend adaptation, and the extensive testing and trial phases with various nail techs. The podcast ends with some light-hearted client anecdotes and the latest behind-the-scenes look at HONA's exciting new product launches.

    00:00 Welcome to the HONA Podcast

    00:22 Today's Topic: Product Development

    01:23 Shout Out of the Week

    02:29 Challenges in Product Development

    04:24 The Testing Phase

    06:57 From Testing to Trial

    11:27 Community Trials and Feedback

    15:02 Compliance and Packaging

    17:12 Custom Containers for TrueSculpt

    17:25 Label Compliance and Requirements

    18:18 Additional Products and Packaging

    19:40 Challenges of Following Trends

    20:36 From Brainstorm to Product Launch

    21:39 Marketing and Outreach Efforts

    24:39 Client Interactions: The Fun Side

    28:22 Behind the Scenes: Hard Gel Launch

    29:24 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

  • Boost Your Nail Salon Business This Valentine's Day! | HONA Podcast Join Mike and special guest Morgan McLaughinsfield on the HONA podcast as they dive into strategies for marketing your nail salon business during Valentine's Day. They discuss the importance of capitalizing on seasonal occasions and provide actionable tips on generating extra revenue, increasing client engagement, and boosting your social media reach. From creating a Valentine's Day nail art menu to leveraging TikTok Shop and running captivating giveaways, this episode is packed with valuable insights for nail techs. Don't miss out on these expert tips to make the most of the season of love!

  • Mastering Nail Tech Pricing: Setting the Right Prices for Your Services

    In this episode of the HONA podcast, hosts Mike and Charl dive into the complexities of pricing your nail services. They discuss structuring a price list, considering treatment costs, implementing deposits, and handling cancellations and no-shows. Highlighting the stigma around nail tech pricing, they advocate for educating both nail techs and clients on the value of skilled nail services.

    They also tackle common misconceptions, provide tips for calculating expenses, and reflect on the importance of regular price increases. If you're a nail tech looking to refine your pricing strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights and expert advice.

    00:00 Introduction to the HONA Podcast

    00:27 Today's Topic: Pricing in the Nail Industry

    01:35 Shout Out of the Week

    02:45 Challenges in Nail Pricing

    08:18 Structuring Your Price List

    10:21 Factoring in Costs and Setting Prices

    14:18 Adjusting Prices and Client Communication

    17:39 Competitive Pricing and Client Perception

    20:17 Valuing Your Worth: Aim for a Ferrari Client

    20:47 Factoring in Marketing and Admin Tasks

    21:52 Cancellation Fees and Deposits

    23:39 Handling No-Shows and Enforcing Policies

    26:50 Unpopular Opinions in the Nail Tech World

    34:50 Behind the Scenes with Hona

    36:33 Looking Ahead: Trends and Future Topics

  • From Solo Nail Tech to Thriving Salon Owner: Pros, Cons, and Tips for Success

    Join Mike and Charl on the HONA podcast as they discuss the transition from solo nail technician to salon owner. They delve into the challenges and rewards of expanding a nail business, covering key topics like financial planning, creating the right company culture, managing responsibilities, and hiring the right staff. This episode is a must-listen for nail techs looking to understand what success looks like for them as they consider growing their business. Don't miss insights on handling overhead costs, building a brand, and maintaining work-life balance while scaling up. Plus, enjoy the 'Shoutout of the Week' and 'Question of the Week' segments!

    00:00 Introduction and Today's Topic

    01:06 Shout Out of the Week

    02:44 Pros of Owning a Salon

    13:12 Cons of Owning a Salon

    26:30 Financial Considerations for Setting Up a Salon

    27:43 Building a Strong Brand and Supportive Culture

    28:08 Hiring the Right Staff 29:54 Delegating Roles and Responsibilities

    32:37 Mentorship and Staff Development

    35:21 Question of the Week

    44:46 Behind the Scenes with Hona

    46:40 Next Episode Preview and Closing Remarks

  • Understanding HEMA: Pros, Cons, and HONA's Stance | The HONA Podcast with Mike and Charl

    In this informative episode of the HONA Podcast, hosts Mike and Charl dive into the topic of HEMA, or 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate, a common adhesive monomer in the nail industry. They explain what HEMA is, its pros and cons, why it's widely used, and why HONA chooses not to include it in their products.

    They also discuss the potential risks and controversies surrounding HEMA, including allergies and overexposure, and they share insights on safer alternatives.

    Additionally, the episode features shoutouts, client anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes updates from HONA. Perfect for nail techs wanting to understand the intricacies of HEMA and make informed decisions for their business.

  • The HONA Podcast Episode 4: The Importance of Industry Events and Digital Community Support
    In this episode of the HONA Podcast, hosts Michael Chao, Charl, and Mike discuss the benefits of attending industry events for nail technicians, whether organized by brands or community members. They delve into how participating in these events can help nail techs step out of their comfort zones, learn new skills, and create valuable connections. The episode also features a heartfelt shoutout to community member Martha Mumby, emphasizing the importance of digital community support. Additionally, the hosts provide details on HONA's upcoming After Christmas Party in Bristol, highlighting the exciting entertainment lined up for the event.

  • In this episode, we delve deep into the world of online booking systems specifically tailored for nail techs. We discuss why you should consider implementing one, address common apprehensions and fears, and share personal experiences to help you decide whether or not it's the right move for your business. Plus, we give a shoutout to the community and highlight an adorable gesture that made our week! Get tips on enhancing your work-life balance, protecting your revenue, and maximising client satisfaction.

  • Balancing Act: Work-Life Harmony for Nail TechsIn Episode Two of the HONA podcast, hosts Mike and Charlotte discuss the challenges and importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, especially for nail technicians. They share personal anecdotes and practical tips for setting boundaries, using booking systems, and effective content scheduling. The episode also features a community shout-out to Abigail's new salon, humorous nail art requests from listeners, and an exciting behind-the-scenes reveal about HONA's upcoming hard gel product trials. 00:00 Welcome Back to the HONA Podcast00:39 Casual Vibes and Crocs02:31 Community Shoutout: Celebrating Abigail05:16 Work-Life Balance: The Struggle is Real12:37 The Importance of Boundaries16:40 Content Creation and Scheduling Tips23:17 The Power of Subscriptions25:04 Swapping Gel Polish and Business Tips25:39 Recap of Top Five Tips26:27 Content Creation and Scheduling27:53 Habit Stacking for Success30:55 Community Q&A: Craziest Nail Art Requests38:38 Behind the Scenes at Hona39:03 Upcoming Hard Gel Trial43:06 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

  • Episode Title: Episode 1 - The HONA Podcast Intro

    Hosts: Mike & Charl, Founders of HONA

    Episode Number: 1

    Release Date: 22/11/24In this first episode of The HONA Podcast, Mike and Charl introduce the podcast, discussing its origins and purpose. They recount how their brand, HONA (Home of Nail Art), emerged during the COVID-19 lockdown. Both share personal stories, including dealing with redundancy and becoming parents, and emphasise the importance of being visible to their community. They also talk about the upcoming segments of the podcast, including 'Spotlight of the Week' and 'Community Q&A.' The episode touches upon their journey in the nail industry, their transition to running HONA full-time, and their commitment to producing hypoallergenic products. They conclude with a teaser about their upcoming 'After Christmas Christmas Party' for nail techs.