How can skincare retail feel authentic, not pushy? In this episode of Conversations in Aesthetics, Advanced Facialist and Nutritional Therapist Andy Millward, shaped by his own acne journey, and Victoria Millerchip, Business Development Manager at Aesthetic Source, join me to explore.

Andy shares his detective-like approach to uncover lifestyle triggers, while Victoria exposes how single-brand reliance limits results. Discover practical tips: pair products with treatments, shift from selling to solving, and use open-ended questions for tailored care. Our conversation reimagines skincare with heart, empowering you to blend budgets, trust, and transformative outcomes for clients and clinics with genuine care and impact.

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This episode was bought to you by AestheticSource, researched, planned, and created by Elly Makinson and produced by Urban Podcasts.

Elly and Lorna sit down with Ben Pask from Rare: Monitor, whose platform tracks over 100,000 healthcare providers. Their latest report reveals a sharp 5% drop in botulinum providers—largely unregulated ones—driven by stricter regulations. Ben’s data exposes a market pivoting toward professionalism, yet contending with consumer scepticism and concerns over unnatural outcomes.

Together, we dive into why 87% of providers cluster in affluent urban centres, why patients are spending more but visiting less, and the growing demand for holistic treatments like skin boosters and longevity therapies.

Find out more about Rare: Monitor.

Throughout April and May 2025, Rare: are publishing a series of reports on the UK injectable market across Dermal Fillers, Polynucleotides, Botulinum Toxin and Skin Boosters. All of which can be downloaded at rare.consulting. Rare Monitor tracks the activities of over 100,000 UK health beauty and wellness providers. Pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers can improve their private market conversion rates at raremonitor.com.

Learn more about AestheticSource at: aestheticsource.com.

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This episode was bought to you by AestheticSource, researched, planned, and created by Elly Makinson and produced by Urban Podcasts.

Choosing the right laser device for your clinic can feel like navigating a minefield. In this episode, we're joined by Sarah Bow—laser expert, educator, and UK consultant for Asclepion—to help cut through the confusion and marketing noise.

With over a decade of hands-on experience, Sarah breaks down the science behind photoablative, photothermal, and photoacoustic technologies, and explains why the best device isn’t always the most hyped—it’s the one that aligns with your clinic’s patient base and treatment goals.

We dive into the industry’s pivot towards skin health and regeneration, discuss the pros and cons of CO2 vs Erbium YAG, and challenge the idea that more features always mean better outcomes. Sarah shares valuable insights on how to make smarter investment decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and maximise your ROI from day one.

This episode is packed with practical advice for any practitioner looking to grow their device offering with confidence. I also reflect on my own treatment experience with Sarah - expect honest, occasionally contraversial opinions and no fluff.

Host: Elly Makinson
Guest: Sarah Bow / McNulty

This episode was bought to you by AestheticSource, researched, planned, and created by Elly Makinson and produced by Urban Podcasts.

What does it take to build a successful and fulfilling business in the competitive aesthetics industry? In this episode of Conversations and Aesthetics, I sit down with Fiona Macaskill, a seasoned business coach specialising in the aesthetics sector, to explore her journey from television to upholstery and eventually to coaching in the beauty industry. Fiona’s unique path illustrates the power of adaptability and the importance of strategic insight for entrepreneurs looking to thrive in this fast-paced field.

We explore Fiona’s experiences, discussing her transition from the upholstery industry to working with Skin Viva and how those early encounters shaped her coaching approach. Fiona shares valuable advice on overcoming feelings of stagnation and fear, emphasising the importance of identifying your core purpose—your ‘why’—and creating structured plans for consistent growth. We also explore the significance of marketing, a crucial skill often overlooked in aesthetics, and how practitioners can better communicate their unique selling points to attract clients and drive business growth.

Through inspiring success stories, we see how tailored coaching can lead to remarkable transformations. Fiona also looks ahead to the evolving trends in the aesthetics industry, such as the shift towards natural, rejuvenate treatments, and how professionals can adapt to meet these changing consumer demands.

Conversations in Aesthetics is produced by Urban Podcasts.

How do you navigate the often-overwhelming landscape of aesthetic education and choose the right path for your career? In this episode of Conversations and Aesthetics, Lorna sitsdown with Dr. Tristan Mehta, founder and CEO of Harley Academy, to discuss the crucial role education plays in shaping the future of aesthetic medicine.

Tristan shares his journey of founding one of the UK’s leading aesthetic training institutions, highlighting the challenges and successes along the way. He provides insights into what makes effective training, emphasising the importance of high-quality education, practical experience, and adherence to industry standards. Our conversation delves into the significant legislative developments, including the 2012 Health Education England Report, which reshaped the field, pushing for higher qualifications and better patient safety.

We also explore the ethical considerations around who should be performing aesthetic procedures and the ongoing debate for stronger regulation. Dr. Mehta stresses the need for hands-on training and guidance from reputable institutions, offering advice for anyone considering a career in aesthetics, from understanding the qualifications to embracing continuous learning in an ever-evolving industry.

Conversations in Aesthetics is produced by Urban Podcasts.

What drives a top surgeon to trade the high-paced American medical world for a fresh start in the UK? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ash Soni, a dual-trained aesthetic doctor and plastic surgeon, who takes us behind the scenes of his incredible journey from Imperial College London to elite US institutions like Cornell and Johns Hopkins.

Dr. Soni shares his insights on the intense US training culture, burnout, and the pivotal moment that led him back to the UK. He opens up about building his own aesthetic practice from the ground up during the pandemic, redefining personal branding, and the surprising challenges of starting fresh.

From pitching his vision like a 'Dragon’s Den' contender to handling every bit of his own social media, Dr. Soni’s story is one of resilience, authenticity, and a passion for patient care.

Conversations in Aesthetics is produced by Urban Podcasts.

Can personal hardships shape the future of aesthetic medicine? Dr. Gabriella Burley, an NHS doctor and co-founder of the Doctor Clinic, turned her challenges into a thriving, patient-centric aesthetic practice.

From overcoming a burns accident to creating a holistic clinic that addresses aesthetic concerns and medical conditions like PCOS, Gabriella shares how her experiences fuel her passion for transforming lives. Gabriella shares how her vision came to life with the support of an ideal investor who managed the business side, allowing her to focus on delivering exceptional patient care.

Striking a balance between professional success and family life can often feel impossible. Yet, Gabriella exemplifies how dedication and mindful practices can harmonise these worlds, sharing her strategies for managing the demands of clinic ownership, a building project, and family commitments.

Conversations in Aesthetics is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.

Have you ever wondered about the unseen power of ultrasound in aesthetic medicine? In this episode, we are guided by the expertise of our guest, Dr. MJ Rowland-Warman.

As the co-founder of Smileworks Liverpool and holder of two master's degrees, Dr. MJ has a wealth of knowledge to share from her extensive experience in non-surgical aesthetics. We touch on everything from the revolutionary impact of ultrasound on her practice to the practical implications of vascular mapping and guided procedures and even debunk common misconceptions surrounding this technology.

We also highlight the importance of patient education and self-awareness among practitioners regarding their skill level with ultrasound. Dr. MJ offers insights into the best practices for achieving optimal results and the indications and contraindications of ultrasound, revealing the potential pitfalls of investing in ultrasound technology and how practitioners can still benefit from ultrasound without owning a machine.

Conversations in Aesthetics is produced and managed by Urban Podcasts.