The HONA Podcast - With Mike & Charl

Episode 10 - The Cuticle Oil One

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

Episode 9 - The Education One

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

Episode 8 - The Product Development One

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

Valentine's Special - Boost Your Nail Business This Valentine's Day

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!

Episode 7 - The Pricing One

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

Episode 6 - The Growing One

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

Episode 5 - The HEMA One

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.

Episode 4 - The Events One

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.

Episode 3 - The Booking System One

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. 

Episode 2 - The Work Life Balance One

Balancing Act: Work-Life Harmony for Nail Techs
In 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 Podcast
00:39 Casual Vibes and Crocs
02:31 Community Shoutout: Celebrating Abigail
05:16 Work-Life Balance: The Struggle is Real
12:37 The Importance of Boundaries
16:40 Content Creation and Scheduling Tips
23:17 The Power of Subscriptions
25:04 Swapping Gel Polish and Business Tips
25:39 Recap of Top Five Tips
26:27 Content Creation and Scheduling
27:53 Habit Stacking for Success
30:55 Community Q&A: Craziest Nail Art Requests
38:38 Behind the Scenes at Hona
39:03 Upcoming Hard Gel Trial
43:06 Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode