Big BODA Moves with Martha Kourt

In this episode of The Conscious Salon, we had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the powerhouse that is Martha Kourt - business owner, educator, and the creative force behind BODA. From the moment we began chatting, it was clear this was going to be a conversation that went far beyond surface-level business talk. We explored the mindset, strategy, and heart it takes to build a brand that not only succeeds but also truly reflects who you are.

Martha shared openly about her journey in the beauty industry, from the early days of stepping into business ownership to making bold moves that have shaped her into the leader she is today. She spoke about the importance of being intentional with every decision, trusting your vision even when it feels risky, and creating a business model that supports the life you actually want to live.

One of the biggest themes we unpacked was the power of leaning into your own leadership style, rather than trying to mould yourself into what you think a “successful” business owner should look like. Martha’s approach is a beautiful blend of strong systems, authentic client experiences, and a deep connection to her values - and it’s this combination that’s allowed her to grow a business she loves while still protecting her time and energy.

We also dove into the realities of running a team in the beauty space. Martha spoke candidly about how she sets expectations, supports her staff to grow, and holds the line when it comes to boundaries. Her perspective was a reminder that leadership isn’t about people-pleasing - it’s about creating a clear vision and guiding your team towards it with both strength and compassion.

The deeper takeaways from our chat with Martha

This conversation was a powerful reminder that big moves in business require both courage and clarity. It’s easy to get caught up in what everyone else in the industry is doing, but Martha’s story proves that staying anchored in your own lane will always get you further. We spoke about how crucial it is to understand the numbers in your business, set non-negotiables for your time, and say no to opportunities that don’t align - even if they look impressive on paper.

We were also reminded that you can’t grow a business you love if you’re running on empty. Martha’s approach to self-leadership - making time for her own development, wellbeing and creativity - was a lesson in sustainability. It’s not about burning yourself out to get results; it’s about building in a way that allows you to keep showing up for the long term.

How you can put this into action

If you’ve been feeling the pull to make a bold move in your business - whether that’s expanding, rebranding, restructuring your team, or simply reclaiming more time for yourself - this episode will give you the permission slip you’ve been waiting for. We encourage you to take some time after listening to reflect on where your business is currently in alignment with your values, and where it’s not.

Ask yourself:

• If I were starting from scratch today, what would I do differently?
• Where am I saying “yes” out of obligation rather than genuine excitement?
• What boundaries do I need to set to protect my energy and creativity?

From there, choose one small but significant action you can take this week to move closer to the business you actually want. It might be a conversation with a team member, restructuring your schedule, or finally making that investment you’ve been putting off.

Why you’ll love this episode

Spending this time with Mar

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This podcast has been produced and edited by Snappystreet Creative