In this episode of The Dressing Gown CEO, I sit down with the stylish and soulful Zebulen Hair; an Aussie-born creative making his mark in the UK hair industry.
From moving to Melbourne with just $250 in his pocket to navigating the emotional and physical toll of Bell’s Palsy, Zeb’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and real talk. With honesty and humour, he shares how hustle culture nearly cost him his health… And how he's learning to build a career with boundaries, not against them.
Together, we talk about:
His fearless leap from Queensland to Melbourne to the UK
The reality of burnout and the wake-up call he didn’t expect
Healing through acupuncture, meditation and self-awareness
Why grounding rituals (like ocean swims) matter just as much as technique
What keeps him creatively inspired behind the chair
This episode is a reminder that success doesn’t always look shiny. Sometimes, it’s about pausing. Re-evaluating. And starting again, with more softness, more clarity, and more heart.
You'll leave this one feeling braver, steadier, and a little more you.
🎧 Tune in for a conversation that’s equal parts funny, moving and deeply real.
In this solo episode of The Dressing Gown CEO, you’re getting me, no guest, no script, just real talk.
I’ve been asked how I manage running a business while navigating perimenopause, so here it is.From planning work around my cycle to the symptoms no one talks about, this episode is for anyone who’s felt off and wondered, “What’s wrong with me?” (Spoiler: nothing is.)
And if you’re a man and you’re thinking this doesn’t affect you so you’re going to ignore it…don’t because if you have a partner, wife, sister, daughter… this episode is for you.
Inside, I share:- Why I stopped pushing through and started working with my cycle- The four phases I now plan my work (and life) around- How I manage symptoms without HRT- And the one mindset shift that changed everything
This season of life isn’t the beginning of the end… It’s a reset. A chance to get clearer, softer, stronger.
And if you ask me? That’s not a weakness, it’s where wisdom lives.
In this episode of The Dressing Gown CEO, I sit down with the incredible Anna Haldane; master colourist, Behind the Chair One Shot finalist, a founder of our official Foil Me community and the newly appointed Educational and Technical Manager for Eco Heads.
Anna shares her journey of building an international profile, pioneering techniques for Asian, coarse, brunette hair, and navigating big personal and professional transitions with honesty, grit, and humour.
We discuss:
The art (and science) of colouring brunette hair
Why water quality may be the hidden villain behind hair struggles
Building authentic community in the hairdressing industry
Juggling motherhood, leadership, and creativity
Doing it scared, and finding courage to just do it anyway
It’s real, it’s raw, and it’s a must-listen for hairdressers, working mums and dads, creatives, and anyone reinventing themselves.
🔗 Connect with Anna Haldane
Instagram: @annahaldanehair
Eco Heads: https://ecoheads.com/
🔗 Connect with Emily Ciardiello (The Dressing Gown CEO)
Instagram: @foilmefoils | @foilme.thedressinggownceo
Website: https://www.foilme.com.au
Podcast: The Dressing Gown CEO on Spotify | Apple Podcasts
In this episode of The Dressing Gown CEO podcast, I sit down with Tom Hendrick, founder of Tom Hendrick Public Speaking, co-director of Talent Academy, and father of two littlies, to explore how to speak with confidence, clarity, and impact.
Tom shares his journey from practising as a top-tier tax lawyer to becoming one of Australia’s most sought-after public speaking coaches. We discuss the strategies he uses to help leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives prepare for high-stakes moments - whether it’s delivering a keynote, handling panel questions, or pitching to win business.
Now, this episode is content heavy, but I have added some fun elements to it that you will have to listen and/or watch to find out!
In this jampacked episode, you’ll learn:
How to structure your message so your audience remembers it
The secrets to staying calm and in control during live Q&A sessions
Why audience-centric communication is the key to connection
How repeat and count will change your life!
I also share my own experience working with Tom to prepare for the Australian Hairdressing Council’s Industry Day, where his coaching helped me deliver a speech that earned enthusiastic applause and glowing feedback and my appearance on the Real Talk panel for the Hair Festival ended in a successful session where the audience walked away having learnt something!
Beyond his professional expertise, Tom offers a grounded, real-world perspective shaped not only by his career but also by his life as a father - bringing empathy, patience, and a human touch to every coaching session.
Whether you’re preparing for your first panel discussion, a major conference presentation, or just want to speak with more confidence at work, this episode is packed with actionable tips you can start using right away. Oh, and Tom is a really funny guy, so be prepared to laugh a bit too!
It’s been six months since Emily and Ili (aka the husband-wife duo behind Foil Me) sat down to record a podcast together; and let’s just say, a lot has happened.
In this episode of The Dressing Gown CEO, we pull back the curtain on the messy, beautiful, often stressful reality of running a business, raising a family, and staying married after 23 years, while still choosing each other every day.
We talk about what’s shifted in business, what we've learned from hard conversations, navigating big changes like selling a house, hiring new team members, and the emotional toll of carrying stress between work and home.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s really like to live and work with your partner; or if you just need a reminder that you’re not alone in the mess; this one’s for you.
In this heartfelt and insightful episode, I sit down with Fiona Beamish — interim CEO of the Australian Hairdressing Council (AHC) — to unpack what it really means to lead in today’s hair industry.
With a career spanning apprentice to salon owner, educator to CEO, Fiona brings a grounded, future-focused perspective on the challenges and opportunities salon owners face right now. Together, we discuss the evolving definition of success, the importance of community, mindset, and the bold reforms underway at the AHC — including the long-awaited updates to the national training package.
But this isn’t just a business chat.
Fiona and I also explore parenting teenagers in a social-media-saturated world, how to support Generation Alpha as they become employees, and the personal practices that keep them grounded amidst it all.
If you're a salon owner, a creative, or a parent trying to do life and leadership more consciously — this one’s for you.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Fiona’s journey from apprentice to interim CEO of the AHC
What’s changing in the hairdressing training packages — and why it matters
How to lead with purpose, not just pressure
The power of surrounding yourself with the right people
Why salons must adapt to generational shifts (hello, Gen Alpha!)
Honest conversations about parenting, mindset, and self-worth
What success really means — beyond the flash cars and holidays
Events Mentioned:
Friday 27th of June: AHC Industry Day – Training reform and collaborative panels
Saturday 28th of June: AHC Leadership Summit – Generational shifts, AI in salons, and future forecasting followed by the famous Schmoozefest – The industry’s favourite networking event.
To book tickets, visit here: https://theahc.org.au/industry-day-2025/
Connect:
Learn more about the AHC: https://www.theahc.org.au
Follow Fiona Beamish on Instagram: @fionabeamishceoahc
Follow Emily: @foilme.thedressinggownceo
In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Blythe Langford – salon owner, freedom coach, breathwork facilitator, and financial sovereignty mentor – to dive into what truly creates success in both business and life.
Blythe shares her journey from buying a salon in six-figure debt to turning it into a thriving, purpose-led space. She opens up about overcoming cancer, finding alignment through naturopathy and breathwork, and evolving her leadership style to empower her team rather than control them.
We talk about:
Her powerful Salon Scale Method and why consultations are the key to profit
How to create personalised incentives your team will actually care about
Leading with both heart and authority
Why healing yourself transforms your business
And how your salon can become a sacred space for everyone
If you're a salon owner or entrepreneur who’s ready for more purpose, more profit, and more peace – this one’s for you.
In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Trang Nova—a TEDx speaker, coach, and expert in communication who once described herself as shy, introverted, and full of self-doubt.
She shares the surprising moment (yes, involving a snail!) that sparked her quarter-life crisis and set her on the path to becoming the powerful, magnetic woman she is today.
We chat about:
Why finding your voice starts with shifting your mindset
How to speak with confidence - even if you’re not “a speaker”
Small talk tips that actually feel human (and not awkward!)
Embodying your inner lion in business and networking
Why you should follow your purpose
And how to handle the critics - especially when they’re close to you
If you’ve ever felt like you’re playing small, hiding your brilliance, or second-guessing your path, this one’s for you. Trang’s story and strategies will move you, inspire you, and give you the tools to speak-and live-with more power and presence.
🔗 You can connect with Trang at trangnova.com , on Instagram @trang_nova and LinkedIn Trang Nova
Is it likes, followers and filters - or something deeper, more lasting, and actually impactful?
In this episode of The Dressing Gown CEO, I’m joined by two powerhouses:
Sharon Blain – educator, salon legend and long-time leader in the craft of hairdressing
Renee Andrews – salon strategist and social media educator helping salon owners market with purpose
This conversation was sparked by my article in Hair Biz magazine:
“Has the Big Influencer Model Run Its Course in Hairdressing?” - which lit up our community with 160+ comments, 800+ likes and 167 shares.
Together, we unpack:
We also talk honestly about brand responsibility, burnout, staying relevant, and what it actually means to build something that lasts, not just looks good online.
If you’re a salon owner, creative, educator, or brand navigating today’s noisy online space, this episode is for you.
Tune in, take notes, and most of all...start trusting your version of success again.
Connect with Today’s Guests:
Sharon Blain: @sharonblaineducation + @hearthemovement
Renee Andrews: @salonsociety.aus
If this conversation resonated, don’t forget to:
Keep up to date with all things The Dressing Gown CEO: @foilme.thedressinggownceo
Some of you are new to my account and Foil Me and I have had requests for me to share our story - Primarily, WHY and HOW we started Foil Me and the innovations we have introduced along the way. So, here it is...
In late 2013, life was busy with two little boys—Orlando, just 13 months, and our eldest, 4 years old - Raffaele. One day, after Ili picked up Orlando from the hairdresser’s so I could enjoy some “me time,” he asked, “What was that stuff in your hair?” I smiled and replied, “Foil.”
That simple moment sparked an idea. Since Ili and I were already supplying food foil to the hospitality industry, we wondered: Why not create something better for hairdressers? I reached out to my best friend Amy, a hairdresser, and other stylists to understand what they loved and hated about their foils.
With their feedback, we developed The Original—pre-cut, embossed foils designed to make colouring faster and easier.
In those early days, I’d visit salons weekly, handing out samples and returning to hear what stylists thought.
Every conversation shaped the product, and as Foil Me grew locally, tragedy struck in 2014 and I threw myself into Foil Me even more, turning to Instagram to connect with hairdressers online instead of in person so I could visit my Dad more as he became sicker.
By building genuine relationships and listening to feedback, we improved everything—from the embossing to sizes and colours—ensuring our foils reflected the artistry of hairdressing.
In this powerful episode, we sit down with Evan Stowers— Foil Me's USA ambassador of 7 years, salon owner of two salons, father of five, husband and former musician—who gets real about the challenges of balancing business, family, and personal growth. Fromhiring 27 stylists to navigating the weight of leadership, Evan opens up about the struggles of showing up for his team, his family, and, most importantly, himself.
We explore thepressure of success, the vulnerability of creativity, and how the hair industry is mirroring shifts in the music world. Evan shares his journey throughburnout,self-doubt, and what it truly means to be present—both in business and at home. And just when you think you know where the conversation is going,he reveals something deeply personal that changes everything.
This episode is raw, emotional, and full of well earnt wisdom. You don’t want to miss it.
In this lively and unpolished (please note that one of the hosts, not naming names, said that both hosts were fully in view so the filming of half of our heads was not deliberate, however it does add to the theme of the show!) first episode of the year, Emily and Ili Ciardiello, co-hosts of The Dressing Gown CEO, share their experiences into the concept of manifestation and shifting your mindset to create real change.
They discuss the importance of reframing your thoughts and language to focus on the present rather than constantly 'wanting' something. With relatable anecdotes, a bit of humor, and their signature casual vibe—complete with cats, dogs, and the realities of kitchen bench podcasting—this episode is as real as it gets.
Tune in for an inspiring yet approachable take on making resolutions stick, setting intentions, and stepping into the person you want to become. You won’t want to miss their tried-and-true tips for creating a mindset that works for you this year.
Welcome back to The Dressing Gown CEO!
With the holiday season just around the corner, many of us are feeling the pressure—especially those in demanding industries like hairdressing. That’s why I’m so excited to have Emma Ward joining me in this episode. Emma is a wellness advocate, certified counsellor, coach and owner of a business, Positive Outlooks, that helps others live with clarity and confidence.
In this short 30 minute episode, Emma shares life changing practical, compassionate strategies to help you minimise stress, protect your energy, and navigate the CRAY CRAY season (and beyond) with more ease.
We dive into topics like shifting away from perfectionism, embracing meaningful self-care, and the power of setting boundaries—even when it feels hard. Emma’s insights are invaluable for anyone feeling the weight of December’s expectations, and she reminds us that a little planning and a lot of self-compassion can go a long way.
Plus, there’s a special giveaway in this episode—but you’ll need to listen to find out how to enter!
Don’t miss this chance to recharge your mindset and set yourself up for a calmer, more intentional Christmas. Tune in now and connect with me on Instagram at @thedressinggownceo for more tips and updates.
If you or someone you know is struggling and needs someone to talk to, Lifeline, as mentioned in this episode, specialises in crisis support 24 hours for those in need. Here are the details:
Life Line
Call: 131114
Text: 0477131114
www.lifeline.org.au
Welcome back to Dressing Gown CEO for part two of our raw and heartfelt conversation with business coach and mentor Caitlyn Muir (check out part one here if you missed it).
In this section of episode 5, Caitlyn opens up about some of the most profound challenges she’s faced, diving into experiences that are less about “overcoming” and more about learning to live with life’s deepest scars.
We start by exploring Caitlyn's personal journey through grief—losing loved ones to cancer, sudden death, and even - **trigger warning - suicide. As she puts it, “I was raised to believe that suicide was selfish,” a perspective she’s had to reconcile as she moves through the stages of grief, finding value in keeping people close who are “happy to sit in the moment with you, even when it’s ugly.”
From the unexpected love and lessons of losing a pet to her own IVF journey—a grueling process involving over 180 injections and costing more than $170,000 so far—Caitlyn doesn’t hold back on the emotional and physical tolls of pursuing motherhood. Living with PCOS, she’s endured the removal of dozens of ovarian cysts, some as large as grapefruits. “Period pain is not normal,” she reminds us, urging women to be unrelenting in their healthcare journeys.
We also touch on heavier societal issues, from female justice and the tragic state of domestic violence protections to the responsibility of helping others—especially women—through her work and this very podcast. For Caitlyn, “too many people are surface level, and we need more than that.” This episode is a powerful reminder of what it means to sit in someone else’s pain, to hold space for their struggles, and to find strength in vulnerability.
Join us as we conclude this moving conversation with a reflection on why Dressing Gown CEO was born—to create a platform that helps others connect and find support through the shared struggles of life and business. As a former teacher and the founder of Foil Me (a multimillion dollar company), I’m passionate about lifting up entrepreneurs, women, and anyone on a journey of growth and resilience. Connect with me on Instagram at @thedressinggownceo for more insights, and you can find Caitlyn @iconiccoachingau and her website iconiccoaching.com.au
Welcome to Dressing Gown CEO, where we dive into the stories of entrepreneurs, leaders, and creative minds who redefine success in the face of life’s twists and turns.
In this episode, we're joined by Caitlyn Muir, an inspiring business coach and mentor (Iconic Coaching) whose journey took an unexpected path after a life changing incident.
Caitlyn shares how that experience led her to reevaluate her role as a business owner, forcing her to confront the gaps in her leadership and ultimately refine her approach to running a truly self-sufficient business.
From spending months in the hospital to navigating the challenge of building resilience, Caitlyn opens up about the tenacity it took to rebuild her career—and herself. She reflects on the lessons she learned about trusting her team, managing with intention, and the importance of building a business that thrives independently of its owner.
In part one, we also get to know Caitlyn beyond her business success. She shares her playful side, revealing the sport she'd dive into if given the chance, the things that bring her joy, and her refreshingly real take on fashion as a reflection of mood.
We touch on everything from the stereotypes of CrossFit and breakdancing to the realities of ADHD, perimenopause, and the wild insights on social media’s impact on teens today.
Join us as we laugh, learn, and delve deep into Caitlyn’s world, and get ready for an inspiring conversation about resilience, business, and the beauty of embracing life’s unpredictability.
And remember, this is just part one of our chat with Caitlyn. Be sure to join us for part two, where we dive deeper into topics like female contraception, PCOS, the importance of listening to your own body, and trigger alert—a candid discussion on mental health and suicide. You won’t want to miss it.
Welcome to episode 4 of The Dressing Gown CEO podcast, co-hosted by myself, Emily (CEO of Foil Me), and hubby and co-founder, Ili Ciardiello (The Other CEO of Foil Me). In this podcast episode, we chat about everything from employee management and culture at Foil Me to the joys (and challenges) of working with our kids. We keep it real—whether that means recording in the kitchen with cupboards open or leaving breakfast dishes on the counter. It's raw, it's relatable, and it's us. One of the main things we dive into is how we manage hiring and firing in a small business (and everything in between), sharing stories of where we have made mistakes and what we have learnt from them. We also discuss pay reviews and provide our opinion on when they should be awarded. Then we get deep about what happens when things aren't going well with an employee and what the steps are based on lessons we've learned (the hard way). But it’s not all about business with adults! We’re also parents, and that comes with its own set of challenges, especially when the kids get involved in the business. We joke about firing our kids, locking them up and what to do when they actually do work for you. So if you want an entrepreneurial podcast that is fun, filled with lighthearted moments, informative and inspiring (because we show that it’s possible to blend business with family life, even if it gets messy), then this is the podcast for you! It's real, raw, and full of the ups and downs of running a business and raising a family. We may not have perfect lighting or a polished aesthetic, but we’re here to share what we’ve learned—failures and all—and have a few laughs along the way. The Dressing Gown CEO is all about being true to who we are, and we hope you'll enjoy the ride!
Also watch on You Tube: https://youtu.be/CG-y_zkA7Wc
And Rumble:
Come along with us, Emily Ciardiello (The Dressing Gown CEO and Co-founder of Foil Me) and Michael Kelly (Hair artist extraordinaire and salon owner of the eclectic Salon Her) where we discuss topics from the Olympics to life hacks.
In this episode, I ask Michael 10 unconventional questions that take us down more rabbit holes than Alice in Wonderland and provide entertainment in more ways than one! These include:
So, enjoy this impromptu interview turned podcast, (and I must apologise about the sound as we thought the microphones were on) and don’t forget to leave a review and any comments to help get this podcast out to more listeners.
If you’d like to watch (so you can see the dressing gowns that I and Michael Kelly are wearing as well as other quirky things we show, then please visit:
YouTube:
https://youtu.be/4UytbOdRHrw
Rumble:
https://rumble.com/v5cwfp9-episode-3-10-unconventional-questions-with-michael-kelly.html
🇨🇳In this episode and in their usual husband and wife (and not so much work colleagues) banter, Emily and Ili (CEO and CFO of Foil Me), discuss their recent visit to China to solidify their relationship with Foil Me’s foil manufacturer and they answer 3 questions from a follower on Emily’s Instagram:
📱https://www.instagram.com/thedressinggownceo?igsh=MXAxY3oyM3gyMzI5Zw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
How do I find the right supplier for my products?
What are the legalities surrounding using an overseas supplier?
What should I expect in start up investment costs?
👌🏻So join them for their second podcast where this time the format is more a discussion about the questions, rather than a meeting agenda, and enjoy listening in on the conversation between husband and wife CFO and CEO.
🎥If you’d like to see them in video format, please visit Rumble:
https://rumble.com/user/Thedressinggownceo
And YouTube:
https://youtu.be/2Eb4mFuuqBc
This is our first episode so naturally we do a bit of an introduction as to who we are, how we started Foil Me (a hairdressing supplies company), our multimillion dollar business, and the format of our show. Then we address a follower’s (from Emily Ciardiello’s Instagram, @thedressinggownceo) question, which is: ‘How do you deal with copy cats?’
So join us, husband and wife and CEO and CFO of Foil Me for our very first episode where you can listen if you want, but don’t share our secrets!
Watch this episode on Rumble here:
https://rumble.com/v57noyt-episode-1-introduction-and-copy-cats.html
And on YouTube here:
https://youtu.be/Gf07iOmqrE4?si=PaTq8NG5qUy8N12M
