iyia liu
KEY NOTE SPEAKER
Serial entrepreneur and digital mentor Iyia Liu will be taking the stage to share her insider strategies for growing a powerful personal brand and loyal audience on social media. With over 200,000 followers and a track record of turning online visibility into multi-million dollar business success, Iyia knows exactly what it takes to stand out in a crowded space.
In this session, she'll break down the content strategies, brand storytelling, and growth hacks that helped her build multiple viral brands — and how you can do it too.
Sean mcdonald
KEY NOTE SPEAKER | JUDGE
All the way from California Please welcome the INCREDIBLE Sean McDonald aka @mr.byebyestretchmarks to The Industry Insiders stage
Sean is a pioneering Paramedical Tattooist, Educator AND founder of Apollo Ink Solutions, known worldwide for his game changing stretch mark and scar rejuvenation techniques
As a combat veteran and father, Sean has channelled his passion into helping others feel confident in their skin working with over 1,500 clients and training more than 300 students globally
Creator of the Apollo Two Step Method and his own medical grade serums under Artemis Supply Co. Sean has taken the paramedical world by storm
At The Industry Insiders Sean will be bringing his raw, real, and revolutionary knowledge to the stage, showing you why he’s become one of the most in-demand names in Stretch Mark and Scar Rejuvenation
We told you this speaker would leave a ‘mark’
Angie simone
KEY NOTE SPEAKER | JUDGE
Angie Simone is an award-winning artist who’s mastery in permanent makeup and achieving super natural results has gained her world wide recognition.
With a background of more than 15 years as a realism artist and over a decade as a permanent makeup artist, Angie brings an elite level of precision and artistry to every aspect of her work.
Her ability to recreate hyperrealistic hair strokes and achieve flawless healed results has solidified her as a trusted name among industry professionals.
Angie is Frequently invited to speak and educate globally, sharing her signature advanced techniques and continually elevating cosmetic tattooing to a true art form.
Richard dahini
KEY NOTE SPEAKER | JUDGE
Rachard Dahini, known as LBK or The Lip Brow King, is the pioneer visionary in men’s permanent makeup (PMU). Since 2018, he has revolutionized the industry with his innovative techniques, such as the renowned “Brows for a King.” His work has not only attracted a high-profile clientele, including celebrities and UAE royalty, but also set new standards in cosmetic tattooing.
LBK’s achievements include creating the world’s first men’s lip blush color guide, demonstrating his leadership in PMU. Despite the challenges of pioneering in this niche, his resilience has paved the way for future artists and enriched his role as a passionate educator.
This year, Rachard will present his latest innovation, “A King’s Kiss,” at Milan’s prestigious Biotek Congress. His packed schedule continues with sold-out events in Saudi Arabia and Dubai, capped by a unique masterclass in London.
The first Australian to address two of the world’s largest PMU conferences, Rachard’s commitment shines through in his teaching and client interaction, each session with him is an experience. Transitioning appearance while celebrating natural beauty, LBK’s blend of skill, compassion, and charisma not only transforms faces but also inspires the next generation of PMU artists.
At the heart of Rachard’s success is his understanding that men want to feel understood in their cosmetic needs. This insight guides his tailored approach, helping clients boost confidence and self-expression. He works to erase the taboo that often occurs when men pursue treatments, with careful, goal-oriented work. His influence has spurred innovation and inspired openness in the field, greatly increasing global recognition of PMU among men.
In the words of Rachard himself, “You are a work of art.”
jade cook
KEY NOTE SPEAKER | JUDGE
Jade Cook is a million-dollar beauty business builder, CEO of @balearicbeauty.intl , and a mentor to beauty professionals worldwide. With a career that spans from being a 7-figure salon owner to launching a global beauty brand, Jade has mastered the art of creating multiple income streams and now she’s sharing her expertise with you.
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At this year’s conference, Jade will be teaching beauty professionals how to stop relying on just one source of income and start making money while they sleep.
Her session will cover:
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Understanding finances & creating predictable income
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Overcoming self-doubt & imposter syndrome
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The career evolution, why burnout happens & how to prevent it
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The power of environment & mindset in business success
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How to create passive income in the beauty industry
Having trained with the Kardashians brow artist Kelley Baker and been featured in Forbes, Daily Mail, and top beauty publications, Jade brings a wealth of knowledge to help beauty professionals scale beyond the treatment room.
Hayden
Ayrton
KEY NOTE SPEAKER | JUDGE
He’s built one of the most respected SMP brands in New Zealand, earned international acclaim and now Hayden Ayrton @feathertouch_smp is taking the mic at The Industry Insiders and trust us, this is a session you’ll want front row for
Hayden Ayrton is the founder of Feather Touch SMP New Zealand’s leading scalp micropigmentation and laser removal clinic + Training Academy @feathertouch_professional
Known for delivering some of the most natural, confidence restoring results in the industry, Hayden is setting a new standard for SMP and earning serious international recognition along the way
Over the past few years, he’s collected:
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Rising Star Award
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Best Male Scalp (Under 2 Years)
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3rd Place in SMP Scar Work at the Australian Beauty and Cosmetic Tattoo Awards
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International Rising Star at the 2023 Team Micro Awards in the UK
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International Rising Star at the 2024 Team Micro Awards in New York
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Finalist for Best Natural Hairline at the 2024 Team Micro Awards
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Hayden’s session is for every artist ready to diversify, grow their income and offer results that truly change lives. His approach is real, honest, and grounded in hard-earned experience building an award winning brand in one of the newest markets in the world.
Anna ocko
KEY NOTE SPEAKER | JUDGE
Anna is a world class permanent makeup artist and educator with over 10 years of global experience in cosmetic tattooing, laser and non-laser removal, and advanced PMU training
Russian-born and now based in Australia, she brings a powerful combo of technical precision and artistic finesse to everything she does
As for me, this one’s deeply personal. I (Victoria Wynn) wouldn’t be where I am today without Anna. I’d trained twice before meeting her, but it wasn’t until her mentorship that everything truly clicked. She taught me how to tattoo properly! With intention, care, and confidence, she continues to guide and inspire me every step of the way
At The Industry Insiders, Anna will be sharing her expertise on tattooing mature skin. A topic almost no one speaks about, yet most of us work with every single week. This is one of the most under-taught and challenging areas in cosmetic tattooing, and Anna’s knowledge is game changing
SHERRI
PONISi
(TIMELY)
KEY NOTE SPEAKER
We’ve saved someone truly epic to wrap up our lineup and if you’re a salon owner, this one’s going to hit different.
Please welcome Sherri Ponisi @sherri_timely to The Industry Insiders stage this October.
After 13 years behind the chair, Sherri now works with one of the most well known salon software systems in the industry. Yep, we’re talking about @timely.
And if you’re already using it like so many of you are, this is your chance to finally unlock its full potential.
This isn’t just a talk, it’s a full blown interactive workshop.
Bring your laptop.
Scan our unique Industry Insiders QR code on the day to log in to the Timely Workshop with Sherri.
Learn how to streamline your schedule, boost rebookings, and level up your business in real time.
Don’t stress if you’re not using Timely already! You’ll be given our QR code so you can follow along and see exactly why this platform is changing the way salon owners run their businesses.
This session is going to open your eyes to powerful tools and next level marketing strategies already sitting inside your software.
No extra costs, no fluff, just features that will save you time, grow your bookings and give you more freedom.
MANISHA RAMAN
KEY NOTE SPEAKER | JUDGE
Meet Manisha – After a decade in the fast-paced beauty industry—managing salons and leading teams—Manisha knows firsthand the challenges business owners face in that space.
With a passion for making a difference, she bought her first home at 21 and quickly discovered how to use property investment as a tool to build long-term financial security. That experience sparked a new direction. While still maintaining her hand in beauty, Manisha studied to become a qualified financial adviser. Today her goal is to simplify the financial side of life for others in the industry she knows so well.
Today, she helps clients secure property, protect themselves and their businesses from the unexpected, and plan confidently for retirement—whether through KiwiSaver strategies or broader investment guidance. Manisha is all about sharing what she’s learned on her own journey and supporting others to create a more secure financial future for themselves.
JESS
BRIGGINSHAW
PANELIST | JUDGE
Jessika Brigginshaw is an multi award-winning trailblazer with over 10 years of cosmetic tattooing, signature sculpting and advanced skin treatments. Known for her natural brows, bold pink lips, and sharp eyeliner, Jessika doesn’t follow trends, she is happy to pave a way of her own, dedicated to what's right for the clients with her Boutique clinic based in Paddington QLD.
Jessika saw a gap in Pmu and brow industry - this lead to creating Brow Squad Training Academy, 7 years ago was the first to launch 5-day hands-on brow training, dedicated solely to mastering the art of brows. Jessika’s goal - To raise the bar and elevate the standards of PMU across Australia—she’s your biggest hype girl, always rallying to push our industry forward!
karin horen
PANELIST
Karin Horen is a Mindset and Growth Coach dedicated to helping individuals move from overwhelm to clarity, confidence, and self-leadership—both personally and professionally. With a diverse background in sales, recruitment, and media, Karin brings extensive experience in business development and personal growth to her coaching practice.
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"She believed she could, so she did " Is her mantra.
A motivational speaker, published author "I am more than just my tits" , and podcast host, Karin shares her powerful journey of overcoming adversity to inspire others. As a two-time breast cancer survivor, she is deeply passionate about emotional well-being and supporting people through life’s toughest challenges.
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Karin is the co-founder of Paddle for Hope, Paddle On—a rehabilitation program for those affected by cancer and One Of Us, a mastectomy-friendly swimwear range. She holds a BA in Communication and Political Science and has completed training in Healthy Thinking Coaching, a Diploma in Psychology and Counselling, and the Unbreakable Business System.
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Her coaching integrates techniques such as healthy thinking, mindset transformation, and strategic habit change. Through her workshops, courses, and one-on-one coaching, she empowers clients to break through self-doubt and create lasting change.
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A proud solo mum of three teenagers, Karin is passionate about resilience, personal growth, and self-discovery—and continues to make a difference through her work, advocacy, and authentic leadership.
aLEISHA
Gannon
PANELIST | JUDGE
With over 18 years in the tattoo industry, Aleisha Michael is a leading artist and educator known for her fine line work and life-changing paramedical tattooing. She specialises in 3D Areola Tattoos and scar camouflage, helping survivors reclaim their confidence after trauma.
As the founder of Pink Lotus Australia, Aleisha also launched the nation’s first charity dedicated to subsidising paramedical tattoo treatments—ensuring access to healing, trauma-informed care for those who need it most.
Through her work and training programs, Aleisha is raising the standard for tattooing across Australia with compassion, precision, and purpose.
“Tattooing has always been my art, but paramedical tattooing became my purpose.”
HANNA PRIOR
PANELIST
In 2016, Lush Smiles was founded by Hanna, an entrepreneur inspired by her own experiences with dental aesthetics and self-confidence. Recognizing a need for specialized teeth whitening services, she set out to deliver exceptional results in a relaxed, affordable environment.
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What began as a home-based venture quickly gained traction, eventually leading Hanna to open New Zealand’s first dedicated teeth whitening lounge in Mount Maunganui in 2021. Her unwavering commitment to quality and accessibility fueled the brand’s growth nationwide. Today, Lush Smiles offers mobile in-home treatments, salon services, and home teeth whitening products, having brightened over 15,000 smiles across more than 50 locations throughout New Zealand.
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Building on the success of Lush Smiles, Hanna launched Luxe Sculpt in late 2020—New Zealand’s first dedicated body sculpting clinic. Specializing in fat freezing, skin tightening, muscle sculpting, and lymphatic health, Luxe Sculpt was created to fill a gap in the market for advanced, non-invasive body treatments. Within its first four years, the clinic has treated thousands of clients and earned a reputation for innovation and results.
Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, Hanna has also balanced the responsibilities of being a single mother, serving as a source of inspiration through her dedication, passion, and pioneering spirit in the beauty industry.
GEORGIE WESTLEY
PANELIST | JUDGE
With over 25 years of experience, Georgie Westley is a powerhouse in the beauty industry. As a multi-award-winning cosmetic tattooist, accredited trainer, and entrepreneur, she has dedicated her career to mastering her craft and sharing her knowledge with the next generation of artists. Her expertise spans cosmetic tattooing, tattoo removal, education, and more.
Georgie is also the co-founder of the Australian Permanent Makeup Artists Conference (APMAC) and co-owner of Australian Colour Technologies - distribution company bringing the world's best products to our shores. Her commitment to innovation, education, and industry excellence has earned her accolades including the Tattooist of the Year title and the outstanding Industry Contributor Award from ABACTA.
We're incredibly excited to welcome Georgie to The Industry Insiders as part of our judging team. You'll also see her on the couch for a relaxed and inspiring chat with your hosts, Cherie and Vic
NAT BOS
PANELIST | JUDGE
Entrepreneur, brow artist, and beauty brand creator, Nat Bos is the force behind Mount Brows and Max and Louie – a fast-growing cosmetics range loved for its clean, simple, and vegan-friendly formulas.
Nat’s journey from salon owner to product boss has been built on authenticity, innovation, and a mission to make beauty feel effortless and inclusive for all.
At The Industry Insiders, Nat will join our panel to share her insights on building a brand that reflects your values, scaling from services to product-based business, and how to grow your empire while staying true to your passion.
In this session, she’ll break down the content strategies, brand storytelling, and growth hacks that helped her build multiple viral brands — and how you can do it too.
Judy
Nguyen
PANELIST | JUDGE
Judy Nguyen is the powerhouse behind Fabulash Brows and the founder of the BLUSH Conference. Judy is renowned for her expertise in cosmetic tattooing and brow artistry, having built a thriving brand grounded in quality, innovation, and community.
A passionate educator and industry leader, Judy is dedicated to lifting others up and creating spaces for artists to grow, connect, and shine. Her impact goes beyond beauty—she’s a mentor, motivator, and driving force for positive change.
We’re honoured to welcome Judy to The Industry Insiders as both a panelist and a member of our judging team. Her insight, experience, and inspiring energy will be an incredible addition to the event!
Ellie dosser
PANELIST & JUDGE
Elle is an award-winning cosmetic tattoo artist, educator, and the founder of Arch Affinity, a luxury training academy based in Melbourne. Originally from rural Victoria, she moved to Melbourne at just 17 to pursue a career in beauty—and never looked back.
With over a decade of experience in the PMU industry, Elle has trained hundreds of students across Australia and is known for her precision work, high standards, and down-to-earth teaching style.
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Elle has travelled across the globe to learn from some of the world’s top PMU artists—bringing back the latest techniques, trends, and advanced knowledge to share with her students in Australia. Her commitment to continuous learning ensures her training is always evolving and industry-leading.
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After years of working with clients full-time, Elle transitioned into education to create a more sustainable path and reignite her passion for the industry. Through hands-on training and online programs, she now helps artists elevate their skills and build long-lasting, fulfilling careers.
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Whether she’s behind the needle or mentoring students, Elle is committed to raising the standard of PMU and empowering others to grow with confidence.
POLLY GILLESPIE
THE INDUSTRY INSIDERS MC
Polly Gillespie is a beloved New Zealand broadcaster, author, podcaster, writer, and public speaker, known for her sharp wit and fearless storytelling. With decades of experience in radio, she has been a familiar voice in Kiwi homes, entertaining and engaging audiences. Beyond the airwaves, Polly has made her mark as an author, columnist, and accidental influencer, sharing her life experiences with humour and authenticity. More recently, she has expanded her expertise as a qualified counsellor and therapist, bringing a new dimension to her passion for helping others.
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We’ll also have the opportunity to hear more from Polly as she joins Cherie and Vic on the couch for an open conversation about her journey as a woman in business and media. She’ll share her experiences, challenges, and insights, including the importance of mental health and well-being in high-pressure industries. It’s sure to be a conversation filled with wisdom, humor, and valuable takeaways.
We are beyond thrilled to have Polly apart of our event.
