Introducing MECCA Talks, an access all areas pass to the beauty, business, and lifestyle experts we call our community. Made by Australia’s biggest beauty retailer—and hosted by MECCA’s chief marketing officer, Kate Blythe—this podcast goes beyond what you see in our 100+ stores, on social media, and on The MECCA Memo to swing open the doors to the global beauty industry, and to our network of friends, founders, and collaborators. Expect conversations with brand founders, industry experts, and our own in-house specialists; deep dives into the history of iconic beauty formulations; and advice for life from our most trusted friends. Hit play!
In today’s episode, Kate is joined by ILIA founder and beauty pioneer, Sasha Plavsic.
Sasha was in her early 30’s when she launched ILIA from her grandmothers’ garage over 14 years ago. While working full-time as a branding executive, she took a closer look at the ingredient lists of her favourite beauty products and realised a gap for high-performance formulas with plant-derived ingredients.
Since launching in 2011, ILIA has established itself as a beauty pioneer, known for their skincare-powered formulas and viral hits such as the Super Serum Skin Tint and Face Base Milk. Now, Sasha joins us in the MECCA Talks studio to talk about why she’s so focused on formulation and shares more about the innovation behind some of the brand's most beloved products.
Host: Kate Blythe
Producers: Kerri Gordon & Ruby Devlin
Editor: Warwick Hughes
Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).
MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.
British born makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench has spent more than a decade bringing her avant-garde looks to life on some of the most recognisable faces. From Kate Moss to Rihanna, Zendaya to Cher.
Her distinctive style and non-conformist approach to beauty has also made her one of the most sought-after artists for fashion shows and editorial campaigns. Her collaborations with Byredo, Burberry, Vogue, Nike and Gucci featuring on magazines, runways and billboards all over the world.
Isamaya’s extensive beauty experience, background in sculptural art and unique point of view are distilled into every product of her eponymous brand, ISAMAYA, which she launched in 2022.
Their range of skin-loving formulas fuse artistry with science-backed innovation to create unique makeup-skincare hybrids: a colour correcting tint that targets dullness and discolouration; a bold, shimmery gloss that deeply nourishes lips; a multi-use sculpting stick packed full of barrier-boosting ceramides.
Now, Isamaya's brand is launching at MECCA and she joins Kate in the studio to talk more about her career so far and her innovative approach to skin-enhancing, hybrid makeup.
Jerrod Blandino Built a Beauty Icon. Now, He’s Doing It Again.
Wednesday, April 2, 2025 • Duration 42:09
In today’s episode Kate is joined by Polite Society founder, Jerrod Blandino.
If the name sounds familiar, you’d be right – before founding Polite Society with his husband Jeremy Johnson, the two were best known for creating Too Faced in the late ’90s and building it into the beauty juggernaut it is today.
Less than two years ago, the duo launched Polite Society, a brand focused on high-pigment, skincare-forward makeup that proves good skin and glam makeup can go hand-in hand. Polite Society has already had plenty of viral hits – including Polite Pops: a powder blush in stick form, B.I.G. Mouth Lip Plumping Oil Gloss: a hybrid lip product for the ultimate plump and More Than A Pretty Face: a medium coverage foundation that looks and feels weightless on the skin, known for its egg-shaped packaging.
Today, Jerrod joins us from his L.A. home to tell us more about how he got his start in the beauty industry, what it’s like to ‘begin again’, and even shares a little bit about his friendship with Madonna.
Why Katie Jane Hughes Is Everyone’s Favourite Makeup Artist
Wednesday, March 26, 2025 • Duration 41:01
In today’s episode Kate is joined in the studio by one of the industry's most beloved makeup artists, Katie Jane Hughes.
10 years ago the UK-born artist started an Instagram account to showcase her work as a nail technician. After pivoting from manicures to makeup, Katie began to build a following of loyal beauty enthusiasts, thanks to her approachable tutorials and dedication to educating her audience.
Katie’s playful approach to artistry sees her seamlessly blending bold colours with a glowing complexion, allowing real skin texture to shine through. This earned her the attention of some of the world’s biggest brands, publications and celebrity clientele.
Now, Katie joins us in the MECCA Talks studio to talk about her career so far, the importance of authenticity online and why we should all prime our brushes.
Uni’s Alexandra Keating On Why The Best Body Care Is… Blue!
Wednesday, March 19, 2025 • Duration 25:32
In today’s episode Kate is joined in the studio by tech-entrepreneur turned beauty founder, Uni’s Alexandra Keating.
After starting not one, but two successful tech startups, Sydney born and LA-based Alexandra Keating (or as she prefers, AK) took a trip to the Great Barrier Reef with her husband Rupert.
Realising how much the reef had changed since her last visit, AK was struck by the idea of a body care brand that both aligned to Australian attitudes around active lifestyles and also harnessed the power of natural ingredients, without negative environmental impact.
Inspired by the Australian coast, these ocean-powered formulas contain a unique marine complex designed to deeply hydrate without ever feeling too heavy.
Now, AK joins us in the MECCA Talks studio to discuss Uni’s unique approach to formulation, packaging and her ultimate body care routine.
Rae Morris Teaches Us How To Actually Apply Eyeliner
Wednesday, March 5, 2025 • Duration 36:59
In today’s episode Kate is joined by one of Australia’s most acclaimed makeup artists and founder of her eponymous brand, Rae Morris.
Rae’s work with international brands, countless celebrities and major magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar and I.D. has earned her the title of Australian Makeup Artist of the Year – four times.
With a passion for true artistry, right down to the way her tools are created, she travelled the world to design and develop an innovative magnetic brush collection. The award-winning range is handcrafted in Japan and pays homage to the craft of calligraphy.
Now, she joins us in the MECCA Talks studio to share her insider beauty tips, the brush everyone needs, and the non-negotiable products that belong in every beauty bag.
Flamingo Estate’s Richard Christiansen On Living a Fuller Life
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 • Duration 31:12
In today’s episode, Kate is joined in the MECCA Talks studio by Flamingo Estate founder Richard Christiansen.
You may remember their first conversation in 2022, where they spoke about Richard’s journey from growing up in rural NSW to a career in fashion, publishing and advertising in New York – and finally to the COVID-induced ‘pivot’ that led him to turn his L.A. home – Flamingo Estate – into the iconic lifestyle brand it is today.
Now, three years later, Richard is back to discuss his new book titled, Flamingo Estate: The Guide to Becoming Alive, featuring stories from the estate and interviews with the people Richard admires most, including Martha Stewart, Jane Goodall and MECCA founder Jo Horgan.
Summer Fridays' Marianna Hewitt On Co-Creating The Internet's Favourite Beauty
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 • Duration 38:00
In today’s episode Kate is joined in the studio by Summer Fridays co-founder Marianna Hewitt.
After growing a loyal audience as a beauty blogger, Marianna (alongside co-founder and fellow content creator Lauren Ireland) noticed a gap in the skincare space for a range of efficacious products that combine aesthetically pleasing packaging and consciously curated ingredient lists.
Together, under the name Summer Fridays, the pair launched the Jet Lag Mask which became an instant hit thanks to its multipurpose, nourishing formula and iconic blue packaging.
In the seven years since, the LA-based brand has released countless other viral hits, including the mega-popular Lip Butter Balms, aiming to create beauty bag essentials that look cute and work effortlessly.
Marianna joins us to share the inspirations behind the now-iconic Jet Lag Mask, her personal beauty routine and the story of how she met MECCA Founder Jo Horgan.
How Fig.1’s Approach To Retinol Changed The (Skin) Game
Wednesday, December 18, 2024 • Duration 36:56
In today’s episode Kate is joined by US board-certified dermatologist and Fig.1 co-founder, Dr Courtney Rubin.
In 2021, drawing on her degrees from Yale, Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, as well her experience treating patients in her clinic, Dr Rubin co-founded skincare brand Fig.1 alongside entrepreneurial powerhouse Kimmy Scotti.
With a focus on efficacy, accessibility and reusability, Fig.1’s high-performance, science-backed products – like their easy-to-use retinol system, rich Ceramide Moisturizer and Micellar Oil Cleanser – became must-haves.
Now, she’s here to talk about her journey from dermatologist to brand founder, and to share her top skincare tips.
Amy Liu Talks Tower 28, The Fastest-Growing Beauty Brand For Sensitive Skin
Wednesday, December 4, 2024 • Duration 46:41
In today’s episode Kate is joined in the studio by Tower 28 founder Amy Liu.
Having experienced chronic eczema for most of her adult life, the former beauty executive struggled to find makeup that didn’t worsen her skin sensitivities, often feeling confined to boring, uninspiring products.
Leaning on her wealth of knowledge after 15-plus years of experience in the beauty industry - and her love of LA beach culture - Amy set out to create the brand she wished she always had; a colourful range of makeup with gentle, non-irritating formulas, that felt accessible and inspiring.
Launching in 2019, Tower 28 shook up the beauty world and became one of the fastest growing brands in the US, loved for their viral SOS Daily Rescue Facial Spray and effortless makeup essentials like the ShineOn Lip Jelly.
Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).
MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.
Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).
MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.
Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).
MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.
Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).
MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.
Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).
MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.
Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).
MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.
Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).
MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.
Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).
MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.
Loved the latest episode of MECCA Talks? Don’t forget to follow, rate and review (and give us a shoutout in the group chat!).
MECCA Talks wishes to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we recorded this episode at our studio in Naarm: the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin nation. We pay respect to Elders – past and present. We recognise their ongoing connection to this beautiful country, with knowledge and stories that have been handed down since time immemorial.
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