Jennifer Rock, founder of The Skin Nerd, has always had a passion for skincare.
She sat down with Bobby Kerr on the Life and Leadership podcast to discuss her journey.
“I had my first facial when I was 13,” she recalled.
Her interest in skincare came from an early age, with fond memories when her mother and aunt drove across the border to Boots in the UK, returning with carloads of "lotions and potions."
“I can't remember not loving skincare,” she said.
Rock began her career as a beauty therapist, working in a holistic day spa and completing every training programme available.
“There was definitely an underdog mentality because I was working with such experienced therapists,” she admitted.
She later moved to London, working alongside a dermatologist, a plastic surgeon, and a nutritionist, where she realised that skincare was about far more than aromatherapy.
After five years in London, Rock returned to Ireland and launched The Skin Nerd in 2017.
A key factor in her success was her social media presence.
View this post on Instagram
"The Skin Nerd came from that social media presence I had, and I started my online skincare business. Over 70 thousand clients have come through our virtual doors for consultations,” she explained.
She described the approach that set her brand apart:
“You come for your thirty-minute consultation, purchase your product, and then you can touch base with us on the update. We do hundreds of consultations every month."
On misinformation in the skincare industry, Rock added:
“I believe that skincare is a long-term game - there are a lot of people with insecurities looking for quick fixes, believing these false promises of elixirs of youth, and it's just not based in science or credibility."
Rock emphasised that her focus was on client trust over trends.
“We don’t follow trends, when we bring out a product, it takes years. For clients, it’s beneficial. Our clients want phenomenal ingredients and a good price.”
The brand manufactured in the US, France, and Ireland, with oversight from an independent cosmetic chemist.
Reflecting on mentorship, Rock recalled Jo Malone’s guidance.
“She offered me a year’s one-to-one mentorship, she was incredible. Honest, frank, and very kind to me.”
With a strong social media presence, a loyal client base, and a science-backed approach, Jennifer Rock continued to grow The Skin Nerd while staying true to her mission of endorsing education and science to back skincare.
Written by Annemarie Roberts
