Behind the Scenes at HONA: Real Talk from a Female Founder
Running a nail business isn’t always glamorous. It’s late nights, big feelings, bigger decisions and a whole lot of coffee. (Charl LOVES coffee)
In this episode of The HONA Podcast, Morgan and Charlotte chat honestly about what it’s really like building a brand like HONA from scratch, from home, and from the heart.
This one’s for anyone who’s ever wondered what it takes to run a nail brand, balance having a baby, and still show up for a community of thousands.
From Nail Tech to Nail Boss
Charlotte kicks off with a reminder: she didn’t start HONA with a boardroom and investors. She started as a nail tech one who saw how hard it was to find safe, high-quality products, and decided to do something about it.
Her story isn’t straight forward or sugar-coated. It’s full of lessons, mistakes, and bold moves that led to what HONA is today a brand built on trust, education, and community.
Taking the Lead (and Owning It)
Leading HONA wasn’t the plan and Charl admits she’s usually the one behind the scenes. But in this episode, she’s speaking openly about what leadership looks like when you’re not trying to be corporate just real.
Her take? You don’t need to have it all figured out to lead. You just need to care deeply, listen well, and be brave enough to try. Check out our previous episode about imposter syndrome for a deeper look on being real
Why Community Will Always Come First
One of the biggest takeaways from this episode? Community is everything.
Charlotte talks about meeting nail techs across the world, including one in Australia where she connected with HONA educator Olivia Anise a reminder that this brand reaches far beyond orders and packaging. It’s not just about products. It’s about people.
Business, Family & the Balancing Act
Running a business with your husband while raising a little girl (shoutout to Billie!) isn’t exactly relaxing. Worklife balance is key here! Charl gets honest about what it’s really like working with Mike, trying to make time for family, and how HONA events now include nap times, snacks, and iPads.
There’s even a story about how they delayed moving house because the business needed more attention. Real-life choices that so many in our community will understand.
Growing Pains and Proud Moments
Of course, there’ve been hard bits. Shipping delays. Supplier issues. Days where the inbox just won’t stop.
But there’s been growth too watching the team flourish, seeing techs thrive with HONA products, and knowing that every challenge has shaped the brand into what it is now.
Innovation as a Mindset
Charl talks openly about how HONA never wants to sit still. Whether it’s working on new hypoallergenic formulas or investing in Welsh manufacturing, it’s about moving forward always. Check out the HONA news section for more.
That’s what keeps things exciting, and what keeps HONA ahead: the willingness to try, test, and push boundaries, even when it’s risky.
What’s Next?
Without giving too much away, Charl drops some hints…
- A new HONA HQ?
- Game-changing product launches?
- A team that’s only getting stronger?
Let’s just say 2025 is looking big.
Final Words for Aspiring Nail Techs
If you’re reading this as a nail tech dreaming of building something more Charlotte gets it. Her advice?
→ Make a plan.
→ Be prepared to mess it up.
→ Learn. Adjust. Keep going.
→ And most importantly, build something you’re proud of.
The HONA way has always been about more than nails.
It’s about creating a business that feels good on the inside and out a place where community, care, and quality come first.
So if you’re building something from scratch too keep going. You’re not on your own.
For more podcasts check out our library here - https://www.homeofnailart.com/blogs/the-hona-podcast