A Family Affair
Welcome to the very first episode of The Imperfect Beauty Podcast—where we celebrate real conversations, unfiltered stories, and the beautiful messiness of being human. For our inaugural episode, the mic is in the hands of team member Damien Douglas, who sits down with our host Michelle Furey, Managing Director and founder of Asetica Clinic and her right-hand woman Liz, Director of Patient Coordination. Think of this one as a warm, honest “open the doors and meet the people” episode.We start with life beyond the clinic: the relentless juggle of work, family, and the many hats Michelle wears. She talks candidly about long days, living between Dublin and Northern Ireland, and the support that keeps her grounded—including partner Garrett and, of course, Liz (who jokes Michelle is her “fifth child”). It’s affectionate chaos, lots of laughter, and a very real look at the humans behind the brand.The conversation then turns to trolling and resilience. Michelle shares the mental and emotional toll of online abuse—especially while recovering from a serious illness—and the complicated, very human moment of considering weight-loss medication after a cruel comment. Liz’s take? Trolls shouldn’t be pitied; they should be held accountable for the harm they cause. Still, when one former troll asked for help after a botched treatment, the team chose compassion over grudges—because that’s who they are.From there, we get practical. Liz and Michelle outline why research matters for any aesthetic procedure: surgery is a tool, not a shortcut. Expect clear talk about psychological readiness, red flags in clinics, and why non-medical influencers should never be giving medical advice. There are sobering stories of unsafe practices and powerful reminders to protect your body, your mind, and your dignity.A core thread in this episode is the clinic’s safe-space ethos. The team supports everyone—including LGBTQ+ clients and survivors of domestic violence—with privacy, empathy, and zero judgment. They share how the name “Imperfect Beauty” was chosen: beauty is individuality, courage, and the way we care for one another, not a trend or filter.You’ll also hear the friendship origin story (a chance meeting abroad amid surgery journeys), a quick-fire game (yes, there’s a “drama queen” question), and a heartfelt follow-up to Michelle & Liz’s appearance on Rich House, Poor House—where they met Amy and her daughter Phoebe. Spoiler: Amy now runs Asetica’s bookings and brings Tom Hardy memes and endless kindness to the team.In this episode:· Work–life juggling & the support it takes· Trolling, mental health, and choosing compassion· Bariatric truths: research, readiness, and daily habits· Aesthetics done right vs. unsafe shortcuts· Building a clinic that’s private, inclusive, and safe for every body· What “Imperfect Beauty” really meansIf this conversation resonates, please follow, rate, and review. It helps more than you know and lets us keep bringing you real stories like this. And remember: imperfect is beautiful.Disclaimer: This episode shares personal experiences and opinions. It is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance specific to you.Visit our website: https://aseticaclinic.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aseticaclinic_/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aseticaclinic_Subscribe and leave a review! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ireland