Big Teams, Bigger Lessons – with Chantelle from Telleish

In this episode of Salon Rising: The Podcast, Sam and Jen sit down with the amazing Chantelle from Telleish for an honest, expansive conversation about what it truly takes to build and lead a large salon business, without losing yourself along the way. From humble beginnings and major personal sacrifice to creating one of Melbourne’s most iconic salons, Chantelle shares the reality behind the growth most people only see from the outside.Together, they unpack the identity shift from hairdresser to leader, the emotional weight of managing big teams, pricing with confidence, paying stylists well, and why heart led business can be both your superpower and your biggest challenge. Chantelle also opens up about motherhood, stepping back from the floor, navigating staff turnover, and building systems that allow a salon to scale sustainably while still feeling human.This episode is a grounded, real look at leadership, money, team culture, and long term thinking, especially for salon owners questioning what “success” actually looks like in this season of their life.What we coverThe identity shift from stylist to leader (and why it can feel like grief)Building and sustaining a large team without burning outPricing, profitability, and the roadmap to higher stylist earningsWhy not everyone will like you — and why that’s part of leadershipCreating a “salon for life” model that supports clients through every seasonThis episode is proof that there’s no single “right” way to build a salon. But there is a way to build one that feels rich in life, aligned with your values, and sustainable for the long haul.Timestamps00:00 Episode Summary01:59 Guest Introduction05:41 The Story Behind Telleish09:56 Expanding and Innovating the Salon22:44 Leadership and Team Management30:00 Navigating Challenges and Personal Growth41:30 Building Trust in the Workplace41:46 The Importance of Team Loyalty43:04 Challenges in the Hair Industry44:00 Raising Prices to Elevate the Industry44:48 Investing in Employee Growth49:45 Balancing Business and Personal Life55:06 Navigating Financial Challenges58:26 Adapting to Industry Changes1:12:22 The Value of Team Diversity1:17:22 Concluding Thoughts and Future PlansMentioned in this episode:https://www.salonrising.com💖 Celebrating Our Podcast Partner – Christophe Robin, proudly distributed by McM ImportsWe’ve partnered with Christophe Robin and MCM Imports to bring you something beautiful:➡ Experience the Christophe Robin Discovery Box — curated by pro ambassador Monique McMahon.➡ Inside, you’ll find her handpicked favourites — the hero products she swears by in the salon.It’s your invitation to explore the range and discover why Christophe Robin has become a quiet obsession among stylists who know their craft.Click the link below to request your FREE Christophe Robin Discovery Box, exclusively through McM Imports. 👇MCM💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors - TimelyWe’ve partnered with Timely to bring you something special:➡ Enjoy a 14 day free trial to see how Timely can transform your salon.➡ New customers get 50% off their first 3 months.If you've been thinking about levelling up your salon systems, this is your moment. Timely is designed specifically for salons. Helping you manage bookings, clients, staff, and more with ease.Use the code SALONRISING at checkout or click the link below to to claim the offer. 👇Timely