The ABIC Podcast

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 industry is perceived — and why that perception often fails to reflect the depth of skill required in modern practice.
Together, we explore why beauty is often labelled a “soft trade,” the technical and clinical capabilities expected of today’s practitioners, the connection between beauty therapy and allied health principles, and the vital role emotional intelligence plays in client care, confidence and wellbeing.
The conversation also examines resilience in practitioners, ethical responsibility in shaping beauty standards, the importance of normalising diverse skin conditions, and how education must continue to evolve to better bridge the gap between training and real-world industry expectations.
This is a thoughtful conversation about professional identity, respect, responsibility, and the future of beauty education 🎧

This episode is brought to you by Holmesglen Institute.

The ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘follow’ on Spotify, and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us @aestheticbeautycouncil

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 when combining multiple modalities.
She works closely with clinics to strengthen consultation skills, refine clinical judgement, and build structured treatment pathways that prioritise safety, barrier integrity, and long-term results.
At the ABIC Electrology Symposium, Nancy will be unpacking one of the most complex—but essential—skills in modern practice: safe sequencing. Today, she’s here to give us a deeper look at the frameworks, pitfalls, and mindset shifts that help transform reactive troubleshooting into confident, proactive planning.
This episode is brought to you by The Australian Dermal & Laser Institute

The ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘follow’ on Spotify, and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us @aestheticbeautycouncil

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, how gaps in early education can surface later in practice, and why ongoing learning — including the willingness to unlearn outdated methods — is essential as technology and client expectations evolve.
This conversation examines education not as a one-time qualification, but as a long-term commitment that directly impacts treatment outcomes, professional judgement and career sustainability.

This episode is brought to you by Electrology Education Coalition

The ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘follow’ on Spotify, and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us @aestheticbeautycouncil

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 Robertson, Dermal Therapist and Clinical Educator.
Together, they’ve made it their mission to make skin knowledge accessible not only to professionals, but also to everyday Australians — parents, teens, and anyone feeling overwhelmed by mixed messages online.
If you’re a clinic owner, dermal therapist, beauty therapist, or skincare professional — this is your reminder that education is one of the most powerful tools you have.
To learn more, visit skinandhealtheducation.com.au or connect with Tracey and Bianca.
This episode is brought to you by the Aesthetic & Beauty Industry Council (ABIC)

The ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘follow’ on Spotify, and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us @aestheticbeautycouncil

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 changing how we think about treating the skin.

Together, they unpack the science behind this ancient aquatic ingredient and its advanced clinical application in modern aesthetics. But this conversation goes far beyond one treatment. We explore the overuse of ablative and heat-based technologies, particularly for ageing, menopausal and barrier-compromised skin. We explore the biological impact of aggressive treatments, the hormonal realities of mature skin, and the need to expand our treatment toolbox with innovations that work with the skin, not against it.

Discover how SQT’s natural spicules stimulate advanced dermal rejuvenation without heat, excessive trauma or downtime, and how this shift signals a broader industry movement toward holistic, sustainable skin health.
If you’re a clinic, salon, or spa owner ready to innovate your treatment menu, elevate your results, and meet the evolving needs of today’s skin-savvy clients, this episode will reshape your perspective, and your protocols.

This episode is brought to you by SQT Bio-Microneedling Australia

The ABIC Podcast is an independent podcast that operates with the support of our listeners (that’s you!) So if you would like to support the show, we would very much appreciate that. Hit ‘subscribe’ on Apple Podcasts or ‘follow’ on Spotify, and leave a review if you’re feeling especially generous and please follow us @aestheticbeautycouncil