Entrepreneur

sahba567Barbering, Beauty & Dermal Therapy, Cosmetic Tattooing, Hairdressing, Makeup Artistry, Nail Technology, Careers

The hair and beauty industry is a perfect environment to nurture entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs are individuals who identify an opportunity or solve a problem by creating a new business. Here we share the story of a wonderful Adelaide entrepreneur in the hairdressing industry, Emily Ciardiello.

Read her story below and also check out The Dressing Gown CEO, a podcast she shares with her husband and fellow Co-Founder of Foil Me, Ili Ciardiello.

As entrepreneurs, Emily and Ili have started and sold 2 other businesses and now own Foil Me, a multimillion dollar company in the hair industry that transformed the way hairdressers used and thought about foil. They use this podcast to discuss goals, strategies, kids, life, and everything in between.

EMILY CIARDIELLO

Entrepreneur,
Co-Founder and Creative Director of Foil Me

foilme.com.au

WATCH INTERVIEW
LISTEN TO PODCAST

INDUSTRY ICON

Adelaide entrepreneur Emily Ciardiello, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Foil Me
Emily Ciardiello is the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Foil Me, an internationally recognised brand that has transformed the way foils are designed, marketed, and used in the hairdressing industry. Emily holds a Bachelor of Arts (English and History) and a Diploma of Education from the University of South Australia. Before launching Foil Me, she worked as a teacher, honing her skills in leadership, communication, and community building. Today, she combines her educational background and entrepreneurial experience to champion innovation and elevate the profile of hairdressers worldwide.

My Story:
In 2014, Foil Me was born from a simple but powerful idea: to take something that already existed and reimagine it for an entirely new purpose. My husband and I were already supplying pre-cut foil sheets for food packaging when, during a salon visit, the thought struck - why couldn’t foils be designed specifically for hairdressers? Much like the humble tissue box was transformed into an everyday essential, we saw the potential for foil to become not just a tool, but an indispensable part of a hairdresser’s artistry.

From those first prototypes in our loungeroom to today, our journey has been about more than creating foils - it has been about elevating an industry. We worked closely with hairdressers, asking them what their “dream foil” would look like, and we listened. Together, we created products with unique embossing for grip, a special recipe for the alloy, sizes based on feedback, and packaging that looked as good on the hairdresser’s trolly as it worked in the hand.

What started as a niche idea quickly grew into a global movement. Foil Me is now used and loved by hairdressers across the world, revolutionising the way foils are seen, marketed, and used. We paved the way for stylists to see that innovation doesn’t have to come from outside the industry - they, too, can create products that make a real difference.

Our story is proof that when you combine curiosity with collaboration, you can transform the ordinary into something extraordinary.

LEARN FROM EMILY IN HER INTERVIEW WITH SAHBA
LEARN FROM EMILY AND HER HUSBAND ILI IN THEIR PODCAST

Details

What Does an Aesthetician Do?

Aestheticians, also known as Dermal therapists, focus on improving and maintaining the condition of the skin through a range of non-medical treatments. Their expertise extends beyond beauty treatments to include personalised skincare consultations and advanced procedures that support long-term skin health.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Conduct skin analysis to determine clients' specific concerns and recommend suitable treatments.
  • Perform facials, chemical peels, and exfoliation treatments to improve skin texture and tone.
  • Administer non-invasive procedures such as LED light therapy, microcurrent treatments, and dermaplaning.
  • Provide guidance on home skincare routines, recommending professional-grade products tailored to individual skin types.
  • Perform hair removal techniques such as waxeing, threading, and laser treatments (depending on qualifications and licensing).
  • Assist with acne management, anti-aging treatments, and hyperpigmentation solutions.
    Stay updated on the latest skincare trends, technologies, and industry regulations.

Work Environments:

Aestheticians can work in a variety of settings, including:

Day Spas & Salons:
Offering relaxation-focused facials and skin treatments.

Medical Clinics:
Assisting with pre- and post-treatment skincare for medical-grade procedures.

Luxury Resorts & Wellness Centres:
Providing high-end skincare experiences for guests.

Retail & Product Consultation:
Advising customers in beauty stores or working for skincare brands as specialists.

Self-Employment & Private Practice:
Running an independent skincare business or mobile aesthetic services.

Skills & Qualifications

Skills & Qualifications Required:

  • Completion of a Diploma of Beauty Therapy & Bachelor of Dermal Science (may vary by region).
  • Strong knowledge of skincare products, ingredients, and treatment protocols.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills to build client trust and retention.
  • Attention to detail and a passion for helping clients achieve their skincare goals.
  • Business and marketing knowledge for those looking to open their own practice.

Career Growth & Opportunities

Aestheticians can advance their careers by specialising in areas such as:

Paramedical Aesthetics:
Working alongside medical professionals in advanced skin treatments.

Laser & Dermal Therapy:
Gaining additional certifications to perform laser skin rejuvenation and corrective treatments.

Skincare Education & Training:
Teaching and mentoring future aestheticians.

Brand Representation & Product Development:
Working with major skincare brands in research, marketing, or sales.

You never know where a career in hair and beauty can lead! Maybe you will be a future entrepreneur, the sky is the limit in these creative industries!

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