What happens when the worst has already happened?

In this powerful follow-up, Ashe Hornsby returns to the Inner Sanctum to deliver the raw, unfiltered truth about what it really takes to survive the unthinkable—and come back stronger.

From losing her partner, her business, and almost herself, Ashe shares how she navigated grief, burnout, legal battles, and letting go of the fight. We talk rebuilding from a literal fire, running a business in a shed during Covid, opening (and closing) a café, and learning when it’s time to surrender instead of push.

💥 Big lessons?

• The difference between surviving and actually living
• Why boundaries matter more when everything is burning
• How slowing down became Ashe’s greatest power move

Whether you're in the thick of it or climbing your way back, Ashe’s story will remind you that resilience isn’t always loud—it’s choosing to keep going, even when no one sees it.

🎧 Listen now for a brutally honest, heartbreakingly funny, and deeply inspiring look behind the scenes of rebuilding.

💌 Don’t forget to subscribe if this podcast has ever made you laugh, cry, think—or feel a little less alone.

Timestamps

00:00 Episode Summary

02:44 Reintroducing Ashe and Reflecting on Part One

04:03 The Impact of Covid on Business Operations

05:35 Rebuilding Amidst Challenges

06:08 The Importance of Insurance and Financial Preparedness

09:17 Leadership and Team Management During Crises

12:33 The Struggles of Small Business Owners

18:58 The Value of Transparency and Communication

27:44 Appreciating Discounts and Fair Work Regulations

33:47 Struggles During COVID-19

34:41 Mom's Battle with Cancer

38:35 Opening a Restaurant Amidst Chaos

45:51 Lessons from a Failed Venture

57:14 Reflecting on Business and Life

💛 A HUGE Thank You to Our Podcast Sponsors

We’re so grateful to be supported by two icons from the industry: Timely and Kevin Murphy.

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In this highlight, Samara and Jen chat with Sherri, who leads ANZ partnerships for Timely.

They talk about why many solo businesses shut down within 18 months…and how you can stop that from happening to you. They share easy tips to help your business stay strong and explain what it really costs to work for yourself…beyond just time and money.

They also talk about how hard it can be to do everything on your own. If you wait until you’re burnt out, it might be too late. But small changes in the way you plan and run your business can make a big difference over time.

You’ll also hear real talk about what success really looks like, and why it’s okay to build a business that works for you, not just what others expect.

If you own a salon, are working on your own or thinking about it, this episode will help you build a business that lasts. One step at a time.

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:42 The Importance of Software in Business

01:39 Understanding Business Metrics

02:23 Challenges of Solo Business Ownership

06:31 The Role of Business Coaching

09:00 Daily Routines and Personal Reflections

11:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Inspired? Listen to the full episode here:

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-business-lessons-youll-wish-you-learned-with/id1675792257?i=1000682799780

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2kHschWM6C7UZbw4JcfMMg?si=0XmcJOPGSR2t584yMQhE4A

YouTube: https://youtu.be/tAMgHJCsQ_8?feature=shared

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On this episode we dive into the power of connection, community, and finding your people in the hair industry.

Aimee, owner of Bhava Salon and creator of Mane Union, shares her journey of moving interstate, the unexpected loneliness that followed, and how she turned that experience into something bigger. Mane Union was born from a desire to create a space where hairstylists and salon owners could truly connect, collaborate, and feel seen.

If you've ever felt like you're doing it all alone, this episode is a must-listen. Whether you're craving real conversations, industry support, or just a group of like-minded people who get it, this is your sign to find (or create) your own community.

00:00 Episode Summary

04:35.9 Introducing Amy from Mane Union

06:03.9 Amy's Journey: Moving and Starting Fresh

08:16.9 Challenges and Triumphs in Salon Management

08:39.9 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business

17:21.9 Transitioning Ownership and New Beginnings

25:33.9 The Emotional Toll of Staff Turnover

35:14.6 Navigating Personal Relationships in the Salon Industry

36:10.6 Handling Client Communication During Transitions

39:56.6 Challenges of Freelancers and Business Models

42:25.6 The Birth of Mane Union

43:06.6 Creating Safe Spaces for Connection

46:23.6 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

52:29.6 The Importance of Small, Intimate Gatherings

56:38.6 Vision and Future of Mane Union

58:44.6 The Role of Social Media in Building Connections

01:04:27.6 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

A huge thank you to Timely for making this episode possible. We’ve teamed up with them to bring you something special — new customers get 50% off their first three months.

If you’ve been thinking about levelling up your booking system, now’s the perfect time. Timely is built for salons like yours.

Use the code SALONRISING at checkout to claim the offer 👉 Timely

Mentioned in this episode:

Timely