The ABIC Podcast

Why do so many talented people in beauty and aesthetics still end up on the wrong path? In this episode, Megan Rees unpacks the hidden career mistakes that quietly hold students and practitionersback, from choosing the wrong qualification too early to misunderstanding where beauty, dermal, and nursing truly diverge. This is a conversation about career clarity, credibility, long-term opportunity, a...

Today’s episode is a rare opportunity to step inside the mind of someone who has shaped the Australian beauty and aesthetics landscape more than most people realise. For over four decades, Maria Cocciolone , Founder and CEO of INSKIN Cosmedics , has been a driving force behind some of the most respected brands, philosophies, and education frameworks in modern skin health. But this conversation isn...

In this episode, we’re joined by Marketta Gray, Education Manager at Holmesglen Institute , one of Australia’s most respected education providers, for an important discussion on the evolving identity of beauty therapy as a skilled, clinical and highly human profession. Coming into the department from outside the traditional beauty pathway, Marketta offers a fresh perspective on how the beauty indu...

Today we’re joined by Nancy Abdou , Founder and Director of The Australian Dermal & Laser Institute , one of Australia’s most respected dermal educators and an authority in evidence-based treatment planning. With a unique blend of clinical experience, advanced skin expertise, and years spent training therapists across the country, Nancy understands the real-world challenges practitioners face...

In this episode of the ABIC Podcast, we’re joined by Joanie Gonella , Certified Professional Electrologist, educator, and co-founder of the Electrology Education Coalition , to explore the role education plays in shaping competent, ethical and confident electrology practitioners. With over two decades of clinical and teaching experience, Joanie shares why strong foundational training is critical,...

Today, we’re diving into a topic that affects every clinic, salon, and skincare professional: skin misinformation — and how education can rebuild trust between the public and our industry. Joining us are two passionate educators who are helping Australians cut through the noise with clear, science-based skin guidance: Tracey Mead, Founder of Skin & Health Solutions Education , and Bianca Rober...

What if the future of skin rejuvenation isn’t more heat, more trauma, or more downtime, but a return to nature’s own regenerative blueprint? In this groundbreaking episode of the ABIC podcast, host Stefanie Milla is joined by Kamil Szymanski, a globally respected educator and Aesthetic Practitioner from Ireland to explore Spongilla spicules—a bio-intelligent skin remodelling treatment that’s chang...

We’re told to focus on client experience, but the world’s top brands are focusing on client psychology. In this elevated and thought provoking episode, our host ABIC CEO, Stef Milla sits down with Emma Winen and Chloe Wilson from Shortcuts Australia to explore a radical shift: what if your software isn’t just a tool, it’s part of your brand? In an era where luxury is redefined by ease, intelligenc...

Welcome to the ABIC Podcast, where we bring you the conversations that shape the future of our industry. Today’s episode is all about voice, your voice and the authentic human voice and why it’s the most powerful tool you have in an era where artificial intelligence is everywhere. Here’s the truth: AI can write faster, but it can’t write you. It can’t capture the quirks, the soul, the lived perspe...

In today’s episode, we’re lifting the lid on one of the most misunderstood and underrepresented modalities in our industry, electrolysis. While laser and IPL dominate headlines and clinic menus, electrolysis remains the  only  truly permanent hair removal method. So why has it been left behind? We're joined by Kelly Dermody from Dermaskin Training , a passionate educator, practitioner and comp...

Today we’re exploring one of the most overlooked yet powerful forces behind facial ageing - the silent architects that shape how we look as the years go by: our bones, fat pads and hormones. Joining us is Dr. David Kosenko , Head of Medical and Clinical Training for Dermocosmètica and President of the Cosmetic Physicians College of Australasia. Together, we’ll unpack how menopause accelerates chan...

What if the secret to success isn’t just hard work—but rewiring your brain to think differently? Today, we dive deep into the science of resilience, high performance, and self-belief with Nicola Le Lievre—an award-winning clinic owner, PR powerhouse, and co-author of Back Yourself.” We’re about to break down the neuroscience of self-doubt, how to train your mind for success, and the psychological...

Time. Purpose. Performance . In an industry that never stops moving, how do we slow down enough to lead with clarity, work with intention, and build success that actually feels sustainable? In this episode of the ABIC Podcast, we’re exploring how aesthetic professionals can reclaim their time, redefine what success really means, and lead from a place of purpose—not pressure. We’ll unpack evidence-...

In a results-driven industry, what happens when we pause and ask: why are we really doing this? In this episode of the ABIC podcast, Stefanie Milla is joined by Renée Altakrity distributor and educator behind SQT Spongilla Therapy, to explore how a purpose-led approach can create powerful transformation, not only for clients, but for teams, businesses, and brands. Together they unpack how intentio...

Can makeup actually support skin health ? Many professionals still view skincare and makeup as separate — but when it comes to skin health, especially in a clinical setting, the right mineral makeup can be a powerful extension of the skincare journey, enhancing post-treatment results, protecting compromised skin, and building client trust. In this episode of the ABIC Podcast, we explore the often-...

Launching and growing a successful aesthetic business requires smart decision-making, strategic investments, and a deep understanding of what clients truly want. In this episode, we sit down with Emily Turner from Soul Skin, who has achieved remarkable success with her new business. She shares the key decisions that shaped her treatment menu, how she selected the right technologies for maximum imp...

Welcome to “We Tell Your Story”— a podcast episode dedicated to the power of storytelling as a tool to build trust, shape perception, and create emotional connection in the professional beauty and aesthetics space. Today’s guest,  Stephanie McLean , the Editor of Spa + Clinic magazine, is not just a journalist—she is a curator of transformation. Through every article, feature, and interview, Steph...

What does it take to build a skincare brand that delivers real results, remains accessible, and never compromises on quality? In this episode, we’re joined by Maria Enna-Cocciolone , founder of INSKIN COSMEDICS to explore how the concept of masstige — prestige for the masses — is transforming the professional skincare landscape. Maria opens up about: What masstige really means and why it’s gaining...

Today's guest is Annette Rubin, a powerhouse in the beauty industry and the CEO of HydroPeptide . With an impressive career spanning executive roles at Estée Lauder Companies, Advanced Bio-Technologies, and Belli Skincare, Annette has a deep passion for transforming brands through science-backed innovation. Her expertise lies in bridging meaningful medical and scientific research with cutting-...

What if the power of touch could transform lives, not just soothe muscles, but offer healing and hope to those facing cancer? On today’s episode of the ABIC podcast, we explore the profound impact of oncology massage with two trail blazers in the field. Tania Shaw, Managing Director of Oncology Massage Training Limited , began her career in retail before answering a deeper calling, developing reha...

Today’s guests are  Dr Simon Jackson, from Davines  and  Hayley May from BLC Cosmetics Dr. Simon Jackson, a highly respected natural product scientist and pharmacognosist known for his pioneering contributions to natural compound research. Dr. Jackson specializes in identifying and developing bioactive compounds from plants, marine life, and other natural sources for therapeutic applications. His...

Today’s guest is  Dr Tiina Meder  from  MEDER BEAUTY SCIENCE Dr. Meder's passion for science and medicine has shaped a remarkable career that began in cardiology and transitioned to dermatology, where her fascination with the complexities of human skin found its home. In 2009, she founded  Meder Beauty Science , driven by a desire to challenge conventional skincare. Today, her innovative brand spa...

Today's guest is  Michael Pugliese  from  Circadia Australia . An informed educator, writer, and asset to the skincare industry, Michael Pugliese became the third-generation CEO of Circadia by Dr. Pugliese in 2006. His dedication and leadership to the brand has grown to achieve international recognition and distribution worldwide. This global expansion has created a skincare regime for every s...

Today’s guest are  Darryl Reed  and  Charlotte Meli  from  Tissue Repair. Darryl brings a wealth of experience from roles across research, government, and the private sector, including multinational corporations and startups. After completing a melanoma research fellowship in Switzerland, he returned to Australia to work with the Therapeutic Goods Administration before taking on senior positions w...

Today’s guest is  Heather Vounnou  from  The Global Beauty Group Global Education Innovator at The Global Beauty Group, Heather is an esteemed leader in the beauty education sector. With a degree from the University of Johannesburg’s Faculty of Health Sciences, Heather's career has spanned globally, including roles at the International Dermal Institute and Ella Baché, where she revamped national t...