A New Voice – We meet ABIC CEO & Director Stefanie Milla

Approximately 80% of the professional beauty industry are not covered or supported by an industry body. The other half are scattered across industry and non-industry specific associations.

Recognising a lack of unison leaves the industry exposed in the face of challenges with little to no voice when presenting to government, hence the Aesthetic and Beauty Industry Council (ABIC) was formed.

With immense experience as a formulator and CEO of Dermalist Skincare, Stefanie Milla CEO and Director of ABIC provides a wealth of knowledge in training, management, auditing and standards, business and team, development and cosmetic chemistry within the laser, dermal and non-surgical segments.

We sit down with Stefanie to learn more about the ways in which ABIC are helping move our industry forward representing the Australian Beauty and Aesthetics Industry, as a voice to government, to advocate for benchmark standards and self-regulation, as well as support the advancement of our industry at every level.

What inspired you to first join the industry?

When I was in my early twenties, I had surgery and was very self-conscious about the scars, so I started to research ways to minimise them and came across Low Level Laser Therapy, I was instantly hooked. The power that therapists hold in their hands to restore people’s confidence and sense of well-being is immeasurable, and beyond rewarding.

What do you love most about our industry?

It’s exciting, there is so much choice, innovation and education available, and if you have an interest in beauty and science, you can satisfy both. The people in our industry are remarkable, they are among the most passionate I have ever met. I feel inspired by them daily.

Do you have a favourite treatment?

Ha! …the problem is that I have to choose one, when there are so many! I will tell you the very first treatment that I will have as soon as my Nurses have a free slot available is injectable skin boosters. We use Redensity 1 (non cross linked HA) and the V2 Gun, so you get the benefit of CIT at the same time. This treatment is excellent for strengthening, thickening and plumping the dermis, while deeply hydrating the skin from within. I call it my injectable skincare! (Sorry Dermalist, I love you, but I do occasionally lust a skin booster!) I combine this with LLLT - I teach my staff and students to prep for active or inflammation inducing treatments with LLLT, as this helps to stimulate mitochondrial activity and awaken vital cells and protective systems within the skin. Used post treatment it will regulate inflammatory processes so that the occurrence of PIHP / PIE is mediated and the correct type of collagen is produced. I believe this treatment is a non-negotiable for any clinic using heatbased modalities.

Are there any personal notable spa or treatment experiences that have really stood out to you and shaped how you treat clients today?

About 20 years ago, I started seeing an osteopath that would treat me using a holistic approach. She taught me that the mind and body are inextricably connected, and part of her practice was to treat the gut and mind. That started my journey of research into the gutskin axis, and the mind-skin axis. Of course, the links are very well known now, however it was quite novel back then, and shaped the way I educated my staff and students, and in turn the way we treated our clients. Everything was done from a holistic perspective and this continues to be the way we practice and teach today, with a focus on reducing chronic uncontrolled inflammation, as it is the common causative factor in all skin concerns.

What drew you to ABIC and what do you love most about it?

It’s been a dream of mine for many years to be involved with a peak body association for our industry. However, I believed that it needed to accurately represent the industry in its entirety in order to have a strong voice that resonated in government, and to be able to exact real change. Through ABIC I have been able to realise that dream, and with other industry leaders we have begun the work of unifying the industry and representing all four sectors (beauty services, beauty therapy, dermal and medical aesthetic) correctly and authentically. What drew me to ABIC and gave me faith that this would be a truly remarkable, unique and successful endeavour was the people involved - the Council and the Foundation Members. All leaders in the industry, and all putting aside competition and self-interest to donate their time for the benefit of their field, and the people within it. That’s something very rare, and extremely special. A project like this comes along once in a lifetime, and I feel so privileged to be a small part of what I know will be an industry changing body.

Tell us more about some of the projects ABIC has worked on since launching?

ABIC launched at the most challenging time imaginable - right at the heart of the Covid pandemic. Prior to our launch, during the beginning stages of Covid, our industry was misunderstood and forgotten. We were the first to close and last to open. We were considered extremely high risk, and non-essential. It took much education, persuasion and tenacity to make government listen and take note of our infection control qualifications and standards, and the fact that we are an industry that is essential to the well-being of millions of Australians. Our industry is also a major employer of women, all of which were deeply affected personally, professionally and financially by the disproportionate and excessively extended closure of our industry. Righting this wrong was a high priority, and we are pleased to say that we were beyond successful in this regard, because the beauty industry was among the first to re-open from the last lockdowns, even before non-essential retail. I think every member of our Council; our Facilitators and Foundation Members will agree that the most rewarding project by far was our “Support The Beauty Industry” fundraiser. We partnered with Beaute Industrie to raise $55,000 for Industry professionals affected by Covid that had lost so much and were unable to afford essentials or groceries. So much work went into that project, and so much good came out of it.

What does ABIC stand for and what need does it aim to address for our industry?

ABIC stands for the unity, progression and respect of our industry. The problems in our industry stem from a longstanding lack of unified representation, we can see this because we are misunderstood and undervalued, not just in government, but by other industries, and the public. Our lack of representation has manifested in regulatory inconsistencies throughout the country, and the ability for non-qualified people to purchase and use aesthetic medical devices. Our industry is among those experiencing the most predominant skills shortage, this is due to the lack of coordinated industry oversight and effort to increase staff retention rates and longevity, whilst actively recruiting for new entrants into our field. We are all but missing from the migration list, which means that there is a shortage of skilled overseas talent entering into Australia. We have much to do, we have just begun.

What upcoming projects does ABIC have on the go and what does ABIC hope to achieve in 2022?

According to our latest survey, the overwhelming majority of industry professionals and members would like us to focus on selfregulation, addressing the skills shortage and industry accreditation programs, those will be our main focus for 2022, mixed in with some fun, interesting and educational initiatives along the way! We have some excitement in store for everyone next year! We are already growing rapidly since our launch just a few short months ago, and our promise of providing our industry with a vast professional community, and of being the largest and strongest voice in the beauty and aesthetic industry will pick up pace in the new year, with some surprises in store, so stay tuned!

If you could have one wish for our industry for the New Year what would it be?

My wish is that everyone who has suffered these past two years throughout Covid, that has been affected emotionally and financially, recover and bounce back stronger than ever. That we have, not just the most profitable year, but the most rewarding year, and that we never forget the lessons that we learnt throughout this time. The most important thing we can do as an industry is support each other and stand together, stronger and united.

For more information on ABIC visit www.theabic.org.au