Pretty Hard

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 57: Comfort. Poppy Lissiman's Relationship to Beauty.

    Poppy Lissiman has spent nearly two decades building one of Australia's most recognisable independent fashion brands, doing it entirely on her own terms.  Known for creating accessories with personality and cultivating a fiercely loyal global following, I had been wanting to catch up with Poppy for years since we first met, and am grateful that she made the time to share her relationship to beauty with me.  Poppy and I talk about so many things - her relationship to hair, cosmetic tweaks, fashion, and eyewear, as well as more broadly - inspiration origins, and comparing life in Perth, Australia, to Tokyo Japan.  We unpack the realities of building a creative business built on integrity and originality, in an industry obsessed with trends, and what the future looks like for herself and her business.  I learnt so much about Poppy in this conversation and am excited for you to get to know the woman behind the brand too.  Find Poppy on Instagram at @popsqueek and @poppylissiman

  2. Sep 13

    Episode 56: Thoughtful. Rosie Popa's Relationship to Beauty.

    After a 15-year rowing career, Rosie Popa retired as an Olympic Champion and Olympic Record Holder following the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. She quickly transitioned into the corporate world, where deeper questions about her identity, ambition, the hidden costs of success, and purpose reared their head.  These questions now shape Rosie’s writing, speaking, and work with individuals and organisations. Her passion is helping individuals and teams perform at their best while staying connected to what truly matters. This is no easy feat.  Rosie and I met at yoga through a mutual connection that guessed we might have something to talk about together. They were right, and I’m glad we pursued the friendship that I now hold very close today.  In this discussion we talk about what happens when your self-worth becomes entangled with achievement, navigating life after elite sport, and redefining success on your own terms. It's a conversation about ambition, resilience, accepting change and discovering the beauty of who you really are.  Find Rosie on IG @iloveitwhenyoucallmebig_popa And substack at @rosiepopa

  3. Aug 2

    Episode 55: Good. Lucianne Tonti's Relationship to Beauty.

    Fashion journalist and author Lucianne Tonti has spent years examining the stories our clothes tell about us—and the systems that shape the industry from which we buy from every day. Having recently published her latest book, The Good Witch, I was curious to understand how her career led her here, and if the idea of witchcraft or magic has influenced Lucianne’s relationship to beauty and identity. I also wanted to question the idea of whether getting dressed, or wearing makeup, is ever really just about getting dressed or wearing makeup, or if Lucianne believed there was something more personal or deeper. We explore how the history of the witch-hunts intersects with culture, politics, the environment, and the loss of feminine power. And why buying less, choosing better, and reconnecting with nature, creative acts and craftsmanship, might be one of the most radical things that we as women we can do for ourselves and each other.   Find Lucianne @luciannetonti

  4. Jul 21

    Episode 54: Mindful. Mukti's Relationship to Beauty.

    Mukti is a pioneer of Australia’s natural beauty movement and founder of Mukti Organics, blending science and sustainability to redefine conscious skincare. She’s also the author of Truth in Beauty, a book I continually return to when navigating ingredients and formulations in this noisy, complex industry. Mukti has been in business for 25 years, more than most founders can lay claim to, which is why I have so much respect and had so many questions for someone who started before Instagram was a thing, and before being a founder was something to aspire to. She is a wealth of knowledge and incredible humble human who I hope to meet in person soon. I hope you enjoy this conversation. Find Mukti on Instagram at @bymukti @muktiorganics

  5. Jun 22

    Episode 53: Committed. Felicity Evans' Relationship to Beauty.

    Felicity Evans is the founder of Imbibe Beauty, the ingestible and topical skincare brand. She is known for her holistic approach to beauty that bridges nutrition, skin health, and modern ritual. As a mum of three daughters, Felicity is ever conscious of her role in modelling a positive and sustainable approach to beauty, while sharing her love of all things timeless, beautiful, and chic. This conversation took place between Melbourne and Paris, where we speak about the pressures of ‘looking like a beauty founder’, our respective brand’s origin stories, and what we hope comes next for our industry.   Find Felicity at @imbibeliving @thefelicityevans

  6. May 27

    Episode 52: Surrendered. Alison Rice’s Relationship to Beauty.

    Alison Rice is a journalist, podcast host and founder of Offline, a platform exploring conscious careers, purpose and what it really means to succeed. I had been wanting to chat with Alison for years and we finally made it happen. We chat about the internal conflicts of working in our respective industries, and how to navigate a business and life that may not want to be online but in some ways needs to. Alison and I have a very similar spiritual practice and this convo gets pretty deep exploring what it is we all might be covering up with beauty and or other forms of self expression in the digital age. Thankfully she offers practical tips for regulating your consumption and in turn, nervous system.  Find Alison @alisonlarsenrice and @getoffline.co

  7. May 25

    Episode 51: Pain. Alicia Millan’s Relationship to Beauty.

    Alicia Millan is the founder of Melbourne jewellery brand, Aletheia and Phos, who just announced that after 13 years in business, she is closing their doors, and preparing for her new chapter in life, whatever that will be. Currently situated in Thailand, we discuss the simplification of Lissy’s life that has taken place in the last couple of years, and what’s left are you break down the layers and strip so much of your former identity away.  Having known Alicia for almost two decades, it was hard not to lead this conversation in a specific direction, having shared with Lissy so many of life’s up and downs, from business to romantic success and failures, to family dynamics and our personal reflections and interrogations.  With a greek model mother and Italian body building father, Lissy shared the pressures of growing up looking different from her classmates, and how it impacted her later in life, and finally, to accepting herself for everything that she fully is. I hope you enjoy the conversation.

  8. May 18

    Episode 50: Layered. Hilary Holmes' Relationship to Beauty.

    Hilary Holmes is a makeup artist and the founder of Holme Beauty, known for challenging traditional beauty standards and redefining makeup as a tool for education, confidence, and self-acceptance rather than correction. Hilary and I have found a friendship in recent years discussing all things from our own personal beauty journeys, the highs and lows of being a founder, navigating the commercial and often ugly side of business, alongside our own personal lives and somewhat spiritual journeys. I am always confident and grateful that Hilary will challenge me on my beliefs, process, and actions and trust that she feels the same.  Find Hilary @hilaryholmesmakeup and @holmebeauty

  9. Mar 23

    Episode 49: Intuitive. Laura Roscioli's Relationship to Beauty.

    Laura Roscioli is a Melbourne-based writer, sex columnist, and cultural commentator whose work unpacking love, desire, identity and modern relationships has resonated with audiences around the world. From her early days writing about sex at VICE to bylines in Cosmopolitan, Harper’s Bazaar, Fashion Journal, POPSUGAR and more, Laura brings honesty, nuance and curiosity to every conversation. She’s the author of the growing Substack The Things We Don’t Say, and in our chat we explore the messy, joyful and complicated ways we live and love, every day, and how our relationship to sexuality impacts our relationship to our identity and beauty. I hope you enjoy this conversation.  Find Laura at https://www.instagram.com/lauraroscioli & https://www.instagram.com/changedmylifepod/

  10. 12/30/2025

    Episode 48: How to simplify your relationship to beauty. Reflections from Laura Roscioli, Erin Deering, Lesley Hunter and Kayla Moon.

    A different kind of podcast episode as we head into a new year.  Particularly transitioning from this year of the snake to the next year of the horse, something at Fluff we are resonating with, many of us can feel like we're shedding, questioning, reflecting.  In light of such, we decided to ask four friends of Fluff: Laura Roscioli, Erin Deering, Lesley Hunter and Kayla Moon a simple question: What are 3 decisions that have dramatically developed and/or simplified your relationship to beauty? For me personally - this has included: -Doing something in the morning for me before anyone else: how I look is how I feel.  -Using fewer, better products -If I’m tempted via online shopping, adding it to cart, and then I leaving it for a few days to see if I really need it. -Talking to more people about the beauty that comes with aging, not the decline.  We hope this episode inspires you to reflect on your own relationship to beauty and any changes you'd like to see, or intentions you'd like to set for the new year.  About our guests: Laura Roscioli is a Melbourne-based writer, sex columnist, and cultural commentator whose work unpacking love, desire, identity and modern relationships has resonated with audiences around the world. @lauraroscioli  Erin Deering is Co-founder of Triangl and now her namesake fashion label, Deering. Her honesty and authenticity as a mother, businesswoman, and human engaged in the ever-evolving complex beauty narratives online is deeply refreshing. @erinkdeering  Lesley Hunter is a 65-year old model, yogie, and compassionate, curious human being who never ceases to make us smile and laugh, while encouraging us to embrace every age and stage of life. @lesley__hunter  Kayla Moon is the founder of the Collingwood based florist, Xflos. She’s also the cofounder of Stay Soft Studio, hosting monthly night markets, and creative co-working & events. She is deeply committed to showing up authentically and exploring her true self. @whoskaylamoon

  11. 10/14/2025

    Episode 47: Tough to Comfortable. Ross Howse's Relationship to Beauty.

    Ross Howse is a Melbourne-based creator best known for Bangin’ Sangas, where he critiques and celebrates sandwich culture in Australia. Howse has publicly shared his journey through mental health, addiction, and self-discovery, using his platform to explore life, food, purpose, and identity. We discuss all of the above, including a refreshing perspective of his participation in beauty culture. Find Ross on Instagram at @banginsangas

  12. 10/01/2025

    Episode 46: Layered. Joy Ben Hur's Relationship to Beauty.

    Joy Ben Hur is a digital creator and storyteller whose voice bridges YouTube, film, and podcasting. She launched her Youtube channel Joyish at 14 years old, as a space to share fashion, lifestyle, art and personal reflection. As a filmmaker, Joy writes and directs, turning intimate themes of belonging and change into cinematic form, most recently for Fluff in her short film titled, Beauty is Nurture. Through her Humble Ego Podcast, Joy holds space for creatives to unpack imperfection, vulnerability, and the inner dialogue between humility and ambition. We talk about how Joy became aware of the concept of beauty from a young age, how the act of journalling since she was 9 has helped her navigate a sense of identity and belonging, and what it's meant and looks like today having had a presence on Youtube for almost a decade. Find Joy on Instagram at @joyishhhh

  13. 09/29/2025

    Episode 45: Constantly in Flux. Chantel Horvat's Relationship to Beauty

    Chantel Horvat is an Australian basketballer who studied at UCLA over a five-year collegiate career before launching her professional journey across the U.S., Europe, and home in Australia.  She’s represented the Opals at the Asia Cup and has played for top clubs in Poland, Turkey, Spain, the WNBL’s Canberra Capitals and Melbourne Tigers, and recently, Townsville Fire. When she's not on the court you can find her as an anything-goes creative sharing whatever her travelling hands can produce. We chat about life on and off the court and what role beauty plays in sport. For Chantel, it's about placing less emphasis on beauty being skin deep, and instead what her body can do for her.  Find Chantel on Instagram at @chantel_horvat

  14. 09/29/2025

    Episode 44: Difficult & Incredible. Kayla Moon's Relationship to Beauty.

    Kayla Moon is a multifaceted creative across Xxflos and Stay Soft Studio in Melbourne, where she has built a reputation as a local business owner and floral artist blending nature and structural modernity. Her story has been shaped by reinvention, resilience, and the challenges of carving space in industries that demand both vulnerability and vision. We chat about growing up with strong, wild feminine archetypes as role models, the idea of appreciating beauty outside of oneself, alongside the pressures of society and traditional, western beauty standards, and we question where does vanity help us and where does it hinder us?  Please note: This conversation discusses topics including body dysmorphia, disordered eating, and self harm, should you wish to skip this episode. Find Kayla on Instagram at @whoskaylamoon

  15. 08/07/2025

    Episode 43: Jessica Defino, Erika Geraerts, and Maeva Heim. An honest discussion.

    The beauty industry is brutal, for consumers, brands, and founders alike. While glossy on the surface, behind the scenes is a world of numbers, stakeholders, and systems that are rarely discussed. Purpose vs Profit. Expression vs Exploitation. Generosity vs Gatekeeping.  In this intimate, live podcast recording from April 2025 in NYC, founder of Fluff, Erika Geraerts speaks openly with beauty journalist and writer Jessica Defino and Bread Beauty founder Maeva Heim.  Find Jessica on Substack at The Review of Beauty And Maeva on IG at @bread @maeva_helene And Erika on IG at @erikageraerts and Substack at Pretty Hard.

  16. 04/25/2025

    Episode 42: Fraught. Eryca Judi Green's Relationship to Beauty.

    Eryca Judi Green is a photographer, co-owner at Opmanis & Green, and director of Smith St Bazaar.  We have known each other for around a decade, having first met at her furniture store and very quickly becoming close friends.  I am inspired by Eryca’s personal style, strong sense of self, and appreciation of all things beautiful - and her application of such in her daily life.  Like me, Eryca believes that everything can tell a story, from the clothes you wear to the furniture in your house and the objects that surround them.  We chat about her eczema experience from 17-40 years old, her recent cancer journey, and how her photography practice is a deep exploration of beauty in its most vulnerable moments.  Find Eryca at @erycagreen on Instagram.

  17. 04/21/2025

    Episode 41: Alice Edgeley's Relationship to Beauty.

    Alice Edgeley is a fashion & costume designer, stylist, and a self proclaimed fashion history/ beauty nerd. If you live in Collingwood or Fitzroy, you will definitely know her work. Alice is all about questioning established notions of ‘good taste’ and challenging conventional aesthetics - and this has meant an exploration of bold glamour and following her instincts rather than the dictates of current fashion trends. We spoke about the positive influence of Alice’s mother over her life, her daily makeup ritual, and her intuitive approach to fashion and self-exploration.  Find Alice at @ms_edgeley on Instagram.

  18. 04/16/2025

    Episode 40: Roses. Carol Green's Relationship to Beauty.

    Carol Green is a dancer, model, and teacher, who at 67, is still dancing en pointe - having been a professional ballerina with the Australian Ballet School and having danced since the age of 5. We chat about many things including the most poetic definition of beauty, how her style has changed (and been reclaimed) over time, why she believes dance is an art form for people of all ages, and the legacy she wants to leave in terms of beauty, style, and identity. She refuses to become invisible and I left our chat feeling inspired in more ways than one.   Find Carol at @carol_green_dancer_model on Instagram

  19. 12/12/2024

    Episode 39: Dynamic. Diana Mishka's Relationship to Beauty.

    Diana Mishka is a NY based model, marketing manager, and friend of Fluff. We recently collaborated on a PH colour-changing Lip Oil, after getting to know Diana and her love of makeup. We thought, why pick another colour when we can work with the people that love and inspire our brand each day? What do they want to see? In this episode we caught up across different timezones, to discuss Diana's experience growing up in Russia, being bullied at school for not fitting in to the ideal beauty aesthetic, moving to Los Angeles at the age of 18, and changing locations to New York - and the differences between the two cities. We talk about beauty as a feeling seperate to external aesthetics, how this comes as a result of focusing on oneself and three important things: community, career, and hobbies. This conversation is for anyone who has felt lost at times, struggled to fit in to those around them, or is wondering where to start in reconnecting with themselves, or connecting to new people in a new environment.  Find Diana at @mishka_dii

  20. 09/11/2024

    Episode 38: Layered. Stacey Burt's Relationship to Beauty.

    Stacey Burt is the founder of Little Company, a holistic skin studio that offers a focused approach to the body’s largest organ, that being the skin. We love Little Company's approach to facials - it is truly a meditative ritual that we believe everyone should experience if they can, and their approach to simple, supportive routines just makes sense. Stacey is also working on a Training School for beauty therapists - a term that's polarising for Stacey and of which we go into detail. She's also a mother of 3, she's been with her partner for over 17 years, and she's about to turn 40. This was a beautiful, honest chat about the layers surrounding beauty and its connection to identity.  Follow @_littlecompany

  21. 08/27/2024

    Fluff x Shopify Masters. A (re)introduction to the brand, with founder Erika Geraerts.

    An interruption to our usual podcast schedule, to (re)introduce Fluff to new listeners, customers, and followers, on behalf of Shopify Masters and host Shuang Esther Shan. ​​Fluff was created in 2018 as an antidote to the current beauty industry narrative, for anyone who thinks that the world doesn't need more products, just better products, and responsible, transparent messaging. ​​Founded in Melbourne, Australia, we ship our refillable Cloud Compacts around the world, for anyone who wants natural, vegan ingredients and refillable, plastic-free packaging without animal testing.  We operate on a quarterly drop model, meaning that our website is only open for a week, four times a year, to purchase the iconic Cloud Compact - designed to last a lifetime, as a heirloom piece that can be passed on. Existing customers can log in with a password at any time to purchase refills.  This allows us to manage supply and demand, and ultimately, determine the pace at which we do business, and the content we deliver to our audience. We believe it's a better outcome for our customers, our industry, our brand and our team. Fluff was founded by Erika Geraerts who has spent 10 years in the beauty industry, previously co-founding international beauty brand Frank Body, and thinks that makeup is great, but not essential, and that the idea of skincare and makeup as a form of self expression, and taking care of oneself is a beautiful thing that should be celebrated, never exploited. We believe that it's ok to feel more with makeup, so long as you don't feel less without it.  Our products are all about keeping it simple: good for your skin, your thoughts, and the planet. Find Erika on IG @erikageraerts Listen to Shopify Masters here: https://open.spotify.com/show/77uc0yX736H3nBx8r9GdUG

  22. 08/06/2024

    Episode 36: Complex. Lydia O'Donnell's Relationship to Beauty.

    Lydia O'Donnell is a Marathon Athlete, Nike Pacific Run Coach, and the Co-Founder of Femmi, a dedicated running app for women, focused around learning about one's cycle and it's impact on movement and exercise, as well as a weekly run community across Australia and NZ.  We met a few years ago and eventually joined the Femmi run club, which has been a chance to meet new people, get outside, add a few kms to the week and explore community.  In this episode we discuss Lydia's relationship to beauty and how it's connected to her journey and relationship to running - a huge part of her identity and one that provides a vehicle to challenge the health and fitness industry in relation to the personal nature of women's running. Find Lydia at @lydiaodo and @femmi.co Please note this episode contains topics including disordered eating. If you would prefer to skip this episode, we recommend doing so. If you are looking for support or further resources, the Butterfly Foundation is available by phoning 1800 33 4673.

  23. 07/23/2024

    Episode 35: Clean. Sam Guggenheimer's Relationship to Beauty.

    Sam Guggenheimer is the co-host of Just For Girls, a podcast discussing everything that plays out in the day to life of just that, being a girl. We loved talking to Sam because she had a very balanced perspective on the work she's doing in her industry and within the social media space. We get stuck into topics including growing up around a camera, online bullying and trolling, privacy and control, structure vs going with the flow, and being as candid as she can online.  Please note this episode contains topics including disordered eating. If you would prefer to skip this episode, we recommend doing so. If you are looking for support or further resources, the Butterfly Foundation is available by phoning 1800 33 4673. Find Sam at @s4mguggenheimer and @justforgirrls's on IG, and @shortgirltalldreams on TT.

  24. 07/18/2024

    Episode 34: Fun. Lucinda Price's Relationship to Beauty.

    Lucinda Price is a writer, comedian, and performance artist. We've crossed paths over the last ten years, and have wanted to talk to Lucinda in detail for a while. We finally got the opportunity and we loved the amount of crossover we had, being writers and working in advertising and media. We talk a lot about her upcoming book, titled, ALL I EVER WANTED WAS TO BE HOT’ and her journey/relationship to beauty that inspired the content.  Please note this episode contains topics including disordered eating. If you would prefer to skip this episode, we recommend doing so. If you are looking for support or further resources, the Butterfly Foundation is available by phoning 1800 33 4673. Find Lucinda @frooomes https://www.froomesworld.com/

  25. 03/03/2024

    Episode 33: Everything, Everywhere. Lesley Hunter's Relationship to Beauty.

    @lesley__hunter came into Fluff's world for one of our campaign photoshoots and we fell in love with her curiosity, energy, and approach to beauty. In this episode we discuss her experience with beauty over time, through motherhood, work, and yoga, and the journey of connecting and discovering herself.  As a 62-year-old model we get stuck into the idea of 'acting' your age and other labels that are put on women, including terms like pro-age and anti-aging, and what these really mean for women. Finally, we chat about what we want ultimately for the industry. Please note: this conversation includes topics of abuse and rape, should you wish to skip this episode.