THIS MONTH I MET WITH JENNIFER ROCK, AWARD WINNING THERAPIST & TRAINER. READ HER STORY AND HOW SHE HAS DEVELOPED HER CAREER IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY.
Jennifer, what is your typical day like? I work as Brand Ambassador for IMAGE skincare for Renaissance products, an umbrella distributor company for YonKa and IMAGE skincare Ireland & Scotland. A classic day could include: Growth Target meetings, liaising with reps, meeting account holders, restructuring training modules, meeting PR to discuss social media and media strategies, designing Roadshows for stockists to spread brand awareness, designing Invites for Launches, compiling Promotions, sell sheets, adapting T+C’s, discussing topics with USA team members, assisting account holders, writing both trade and consumer press articles…and that is just a Monday!
I am also launching a project named the RAI – Renaissance Aesthetic Institute, the introduction of a new concept within the Irish Industry. The RAI is an independent skin orientated Institute, which offers professional seminars for any qualified therapist or medical practitioner to attend. We have secured names at the forefront of their field to impart their knowledge and I personally cannot wait for it to debut!
It has been a mammoth project to oversee however I really believe there is a need for it in our industry and hope the numbers on the courses reflect that.
Guest speakers shall include: Doctors, Skin Experts, Nutritionists, Social media Gurus to name but a few.
I also lecture in micro needling- my absolute love! The results are undeniable and therapists need to be trained to an impeccable standard in order to conduct the treatment safely, efficiently and to guarantee optimum results for the end user.
What qualifications do you hold? I am a beauty therapist by profession with a keen tendency to push myself outside of my comfort zone. I am truly passionate about this industry and all aspects of skin, however my personal obsession is to educate the end user in an unbiased manner.
In a market saturated with large house beauty companies my objective is to inform people about skin health, encourage folk to question what they are using; is it just pretty packaging with a scent? Have you seen changes within your skin? Measurable and long lasting differences? Do you think of your skin is an organ? Do you respect your skin? Do you receive treatments? If no, why not? Are there active ingredients in the listings? Are you seeking professional assistance or self diagnosing from an elaborate ad campaign or favourite blogger endorsement?
As a result of this mission, I tend to attend nutritional courses, microneedling, laser, peels, ipl, vitamin skincare, advanced skincare seminars, media, marketing, social media, business development, powerpoint courses both home and abroad. I love to learn!
What was your career path? My first ever role was as a spa therapist, I was subsequently approached by a training school salon where I was exposed to my love for knowledge and skin simultaneously. I then progressed to a city centre chain of salons where I worked as an internal trainer. Next I worked in a Laser clinic, where I truly fell in love with results and the science aspect. I then worked as a Trainer for 4.5 years with a skin and nutritional cosmeceutical company where I commuted to London regularly and was trained to the highest standard, truly I have the IIAA to credit for my knowledge and passion for advanced skincare. Now I am fortunate to be in a role I had only dreamt possible and is not deemed the ‘norm’ when you say ‘I am a beauty therapist’ , that’s the joy with this career, one basic qualification opens up so many pathways you can then pursue, it is virtually impossible to remain stagnant, unless you chose to do so!
What’s the best part about your job? The versatility, the chance to constantly advance my skillset, push my boundaries, challenge myself, learn from others, travel the world : Paris, America, Scotland, London, Spain within the last 12 months alone.
What’s the most challenging part of your job? Time management is a huge factor for me- I like to take time to do a job well – to my detriment. I am also not accustomed to sitting at a desk for long periods so have had to adapt to a sedentary workstyle! Typing, spreadhseets, PowerPoints certainly not at the forefront of my mind when in College in SCD. I struggle with deadlines and prioritising which task needs the attention first.
I also believe dreams, visions and ideas are essential, however putting them into practise is truly when the work begins: less talk more action is my philosophy!
What advice would you give someone who has similar aspirations? Be a Dreamer and Do-er. I was fortunate that the role I am in was designed for me, Renaissance invited me to sculpt and pitch the role to suit their needs alongside my aspirations. Know your strengths and weaknesses; don’t be afraid to say NO. Resect yourself while valuing yourself and others. Set career goals, know your end goal- particularly the short term, make it happen! Assist others in your path, take criticism well, want to learn, wish to adapt and enjoy as much of the journey as you feasibly can. And know that this industry is one of the largest worldwide, be proud to be part of such an innovative revolutionising sector.
Where would you like to be in 5 years’ time? To be honest this role I am in now is pretty much my ideal role, perhaps I would thrive on more media based work, there are a lot of beauty folk out there that promote just the OTC products ( chemist and department store brands) I would love to promote results driven prescriptive products for those that wish for a little more action on their skin! Apart from that I genuinely am in a stage in my career I had always dreamt about.
Where can we follow you? Please find me as Jennifer Rock : The Skin Nerd on Facebook for education, prizes and tips and tricks.
Website : http://www.renaissance-skincare.com/ for all things IMAGE related
