Part 3
In the previous two issues of
Scratch
, we explored the benefits of high-quality mentorship for business owners, and shared the diverse offerings of 19 industry coaches. Now,
Scratch
presents its final article of the series, featuring the expert insight and career journeys of five nail and beauty business mentors.
NERGISH WADIA-AUSTIN
Chief executive of PHAB Service Stars & internationally recognised trainer specialising in salon, spa and clinic performance www.hairandbeautyexpert.com / www.phabservicestars.com
/nergishwadiaaustin
@nergishwadiaaustin
The importance of mentorship
“A mentor gives beauty pros something they can’t get from YouTube or guesswork: clarity. They help them see what’s holding them back and the changes that will make the biggest impact on their businesses. Mentoring is about creating confidence, structure and results.”
Mentoring journey
“I kept seeing brilliant salons losing money, simply because their business foundations were inefficient. I naturally became the person people called to ‘fix things’, and over time, I turned this into my career. I love transforming a business and the people inside it.”
Business offerings
“I’m very hands-on, especially with my On-Site Observation & Correction Days, where I visit businesses to identify missed sales opportunities, fix broken processes and create clear action plans. It’s a bit like Gordon Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares but for salons, spas and clinics – and with less swearing! I then train a business’ team so my improvements stick. My focuses are on real talk and results.”
Target audience
“My mentoring is suited to beauty business owners and managers who know things should be better, but can’t figure out what to change. It is also beneficial for teams who have talent, but lack the systems to maximise their earning potential.”
Cost
“This depends on the size of the business and what needs amending, but once I have carried out a free consultation, I offer a fair and accurate price.”
What makes a good business mentor?
“Industry knowledge, honesty and the ability to simplify complicated problems. A good mentor should care enough to tell you the truth, and be skilled enough to give you practical solutions that work.”
JESSICA CRANE
Wealth strategist & founder of SheEO Collective™ www.jessicacrane.co.ukwww.she-eocollective.com
/specialistinsalonsuccess
@jessicacranesiss & @she_eo_collective
The importance of mentorship
“One of the biggest advantages is gaining access to someone who has navigated the path you’re on. A mentor offers you clarity on your next steps and confidence in your direction. They help you avoid the mistakes they made and fast-track the wins they’ve proven.”
Mentoring journey
“I worked in salons from the age of 12, have been a salon manager, assessor and internal verifier, and educated for brands. From 2014, I supported beauty businesses via a face-to-face consulting model, before moving online and creating a global audience in 2016. I love helping business owners progress and reach their goals.”
Business offerings
“The SheEO Collective™ blends business strategy with personal development. I combine real-world experience with strategic frameworks, so beauty pros can gain structure, accountability and direction.
“I’ve spent years building, testing and refining business frameworks.
These are proven systems that simplify operations, pricing, planning, leadership and growth. But the part that my mentees often say is ‘transformational’ is my mindset and identity work. When a pro starts thinking and operating like a ‘SheEO’, everything shifts: boundaries improve, pricing reflects value, teams respond better and decisions become clearer.
“My programmes include:
• Tailored business strategy.
• Mindset and identity coaching.
• Operational and financial systems.
• Leadership development.
• Live support and accountability.
• A community of ambitious women who support one another.”
Target audience “My mentoring suits female entrepreneurs who know they’re capable of more, but feel stuck, under-supported or unclear on how to reach the next level. I work with a wide range of businesses and industries, and the ones who thrive in the SheEO Collective™ share qualities: they’re ambitious, ready for change, seek strategy and want a business that supports their life – not consumes it.
“One of my clients once told me, ‘I’ve run my business for 15 years, but this is the first time I’ve felt like a CEO’. That’s who my mentoring is for: the entrepreneurs ready to step into the version of themselves they’ve always known was there.”
Cost
“I offer different levels of support, depending on where a pro is in their business journey. Investment varies, but every programme includes the frameworks, resources and support needed to create real, measurable results. These include self-study online courses, tools and resources; group programmes for business owners seeking structure and community, and high-touch masterminds for those wanting deeper strategic partnership.”
What makes a good business mentor?
“Someone who understands both the heart and hard numbers of your business, as well as the gap you need to fill to reach your goals. They should know the realities of client experience, pricing, creativity and team culture, but also understand strategy, scalability, systems and leadership.
“More than anything, a good mentor listens. They should be able to see your potential before you can, speak to your strengths and challenge you with belief. The best mentors don’t force you into a mould: they help you discover who you’re meant to be and support you while you build a business that matches that identity.”
‘‘The best mentors don’t force you into a mould: they help you discover who you’re meant to be and support you while you build a business that matches that identity. ‘‘
LAYLA TOURH
Founder of Beauty Boss™
www.beautybusinessacademy.co.uk
/beautybosshq
@iamlaylatourh
@beautyboss.businessacademy
The importance of mentorship
“A mentor has done what you’re trying to do. Whether that’s launching something, hiring a team, raising prices or dealing with complaints, they have the systems and processes to help you do the same. I see working with a mentor as a fast track to success, because you can avoid expensive mistakes.” that my clients can act on straight away.”
Target audience
“My mentoring is particularly valuable for educators at any level. I have a special connection to them, as
I started my education journey over two decades ago. I help educators integrate mentoring into their training academies, so they can scale and grow their businesses.”
Mentoring journey
“During lockdown, I delivered a free, two-week programme called Lockdown With Layla, where I explored pricing for profit, boundaries with clients, working on money mindset and more. After the world started to open up, my community asked if I would continue the support – so I launched mentoring services.”
Business offerings
“I have a no fluff approach – my clients will tell you that I’m direct and practical in the best possible way! This is probably because I remove the emotion from business decisions, so I like to help my mentees do the same. I also don’t just throw ideas around: I break them down. We always start by looking at the numbers, then work from there. I’ve been in the beauty business for over 25 years, so I give tangible, tested advice
Cost
“Mentoring is not a ‘nice-to have’ – it’s a business investment that gets you further, faster. You’re paying for speed, clarity and support. My fees start at £9,000 for six months of personalised mentoring and career coaching. I also offer programmes including Together We Teach, The Online Course Academy and Coach The Coach, which range from £1,000 to £3,000. My mastermind, Next Level, is a six-month container costing £9,000.”
What makes a good business mentor?
“A good mentor has lived experience: they’ve built, scaled, struggled and adapted. They’re honest about the highs and lows, and won’t sugar-coat the realities of what it takes to achieve your desired outcome. They also empower you to think differently and make bold business decisions.”
MADDI COOK
Founder of Boss Your Salon www.maddicook.com
/maddicookcoaching
@maddicookcoaching
The importance of mentorship
“Most beauty pros are brilliant at their craft but have little business training. Many left school at 16, went to college, then began running a business with minimal knowledge about pricing, marketing or how to make profit. A good mentor fills that gap. They show you the business side of your role: how to price without guilt, attract clients who value your work and build a sustainable business. The real advantage is that they’ve made mistakes so you don’t have to, helping you avoid expensive errors and burnout.”
Mentoring journey
“I didn’t plan to become a mentor. I spent 12 years as a hair stylist and was fully booked but struggling financially. I was working so many hours, which was taking a toll on me physically. I remember thinking, ‘how long can I keep this up?’. I had a leaflet drop on my salon doormat for a fully funded two-day business course. I went along and was shocked by how little I had been taught about business.
“After this, I dove head first into learning everything I could about business growth and strategy. I sorted my pricing, fixed my marketing and built an online business that made money when I wasn’t working. So, when I had back surgery, I could weather 12 weeks of recovery time and my income didn’t stop.
“Once I’d made these changes, other beauty pros started asking how I did it – so I taught them. It turned out that I’m better at teaching business than I was at doing hair.”
Business offerings
“I’m not a motivational speaker; I’m a working-class Northern lass with lived experience. I share real strategy and support for pros who are already grafting, but want better results.
“I offer three main things, depending on where someone’s at in their business journey:
• Boss Your Profits: A pricing calculator and course trusted by over 6,300 beauty pros. This is for anyone who’s undercharging, feeling guilty about rates or can’t figure out why they’re booked and busy, but under a lot of financial stress.
• The Magnetic Marketing Method: A five-week, ADHD-friendly content system for professionals who want to attract rockstar clients without burning out on social media.
• Course Creator Club: A 90-day intensive for pros who want to build scalable income beyond one-to-one work, such as those who want to create, pre-sell and launch an online course while still working with clients.”
Target audience
“My mentoring suits three types of people:
• The under-charger: They’re fully booked but struggling financially. This type of pro is scared to raise their prices, and attracting clients who don’t value them. They need Boss Your Profits.
• The burnt-out marketer: They’re posting constantly but getting nothing in return. Social media is exhausting them and they’re attracting the wrong clients. They need The Magnetic Marketing Method.
• The ready-for-options pro: They love their clients, but want income that doesn’t rely on their body holding up or their diary staying full. This pro is ready to explore education or coaching. They need the Course Creator Club.”
Cost
“Boss Your Profits is £97 for an annual subscription, or £247 for lifetime access to the calculator, course, community and a monthly Profit Power Hour group call. The Magnetic Marketing Method costs £555, and the Course Creator Club is £1,997 for the 90-day intensive, 12 weeks of curriculum, fortnightly group coaching calls and six months of support. This includes lifetime access to all curriculum, replays and resources.”
What makes a good business mentor?
“Industry experience. A good mentor must understand the specific challenges of this industry: the physical toll, pricing guilt, emotional discount trap and feeling that you can’t charge what you deserve because you’re ‘just’ a beauty pro.
“They also need integrity and must be honest about what’s possible – even when it’s not what you want to hear, because that’s what helps you move forward. Not everything works for everyone, and not every strategy fits every person.”
‘‘A good mentor must understand the specific challenges of this industry: the physical toll, pricing guilt, emotional discount trap and feeling that you can’t charge what you deserve because you’re ‘just’ a beauty pro. ‘‘
‘‘A mentor offers you clarity on your next steps and confidence in your direction. ‘‘
TINA JANE
Salon owner, educator & Halo VIP www.tinajanenails.com
/TinaJaneNails
@tinajane_nails
The importance of mentorship
“Having someone to guide you, support you and hold you accountable can move your career forward quickly. A mentor gives you clarity, confidence and direction when you feel unsure or stuck, and truly understands what you are dealing with because they have experienced it too.”
Mentoring journey
“I pursued mentoring because I experienced first-hand how valuable having a mentor can be. It changed my mindset and helped me grow, both personally and professionally. I realised that I enjoy helping people, giving honest advice and offering constructive feedback that makes a difference. I also see people’s strengths and untapped potential, and love helping them embrace their talents and believe in themselves.”
Business offerings
“My mentoring style is very personal and supportive. Each session is customised to the individual and their situation; I do not believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. I focus on what that person needs at that time, meeting them where they are and helping them move forward with clear and practical guidance.”
Target audience
“My offerings are suited to beginners and professionals who feel stuck or financially stressed. I work with people who want to become fully booked, earn more money and feel more confident in their businesses, especially in the early stages when structure and a clear plan are needed.”
Use code SCRATCHBIZ for £10 off the Business Boost Call at payhip.com/TinaJane
Cost
“I offer a 30-minute Business Boost Call for £75. This is designed to bring instant clarity and direction. I focus on where you are right now, what is holding you back and the steps that will move your business forward. Following this, regular mentoring calls can be arranged and are customised to suit your needs, providing continued support and accountability.
“I also launched e-book, Ready To Go Solo, last year, to boost the confidence of self-employed beauty professionals. It costs £9.99 and features a 30 Day Content Planner to help you show up online and attract your ideal clients.”
Save 50% on the book and planner by using code SCRATCH at payhip.com/TinaJane
What makes a good business mentor?
“A supportive listener who gives clear, actionable and achievable guidance. They truly understand what their clients are experiencing, and recognise their potentials. They help build confidence, increase income and open up career opportunities that clients may have never thought possible.”