I prioritised my salon over my baby

In this episode of The Conscious Salon Podcast, we continue our Motherhood Series with a very special conversation that turns the microphone onto one of our own. I sit down with my sister and co-host, Nicola Pollock, to unpack her deeply personal journey into motherhood while simultaneously running a salon during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.Nicola shares what it was like to give birth in 2020, a time of strict lockdowns, curfews, and immense uncertainty. From the surreal experience of walking up three flights of stairs in labour because lifts were closed, to having her partner escorted home by police after visiting her and their newborn, this story paints a vivid picture of what it meant to bring life into the world in extraordinary times.But beyond the birth itself, we dive into the complexities of identity, responsibility, and leadership. Nicola speaks candidly about the tension between caring for her newborn son and carrying the weight of her business. She opens up about logging into her laptop just hours after giving birth, driven by a sense of responsibility to her team and clients. This raw honesty highlights how people-pleasing tendencies and leadership pressure can collide in ways that are both unsustainable and transformative.Key TakeawaysOne of the most powerful parts of Nicola’s story is her reflection on boundaries. She acknowledges the version of herself who prioritised everyone else’s needs above her own and her baby’s. Today, she approaches leadership and motherhood differently, with compassion for her past choices but clarity about what she would do differently now. This offers a powerful reminder that we can process difficult experiences, learn from them, and support others with the wisdom gained.We also discuss the importance of community in raising children and running a business. Nicola shares how she and her partner consciously chose to embrace support networks, recognising that in Western culture we often try to parent in isolation when in reality raising children has always been a collective effort. This philosophy now guides the way she mentors other salon owners, encouraging them to release the pressure of “doing it all” and to invite in help - whether that’s family, friends, or chosen community.This conversation is not just about motherhood - it’s about leadership, resilience, and the power of choosing differently. Nicola’s experience shows how we can grieve past decisions while still appreciating the lessons they bring. It’s a story of strength, adaptability, and redefining what it means to thrive as both a business owner and a parent.We hope this episode reminds you that you’re not alone in navigating the juggle of motherhood and entrepreneurship, and that it’s possible to create a life where business and family not only coexist but thrive together.To follow our journey:Instagram @aheadhair_@the_conscious_salon