Back in 2003, Image Skincare founder Janna Ronert set out on a mission to create skincare products powered by smart botanicals and proven ingredients, all from the confines of her tiny apartment. An esthetician battling rosacea, Ronert made it her goal to create products that were simple and effective, something she felt she had yet to find in the skincare market. Today, Ronert helms one of the biggest brands in the skincare industry. Get to know more about her in this American Spa Spa Talk interview.
American Spa: How many years have you been involved in the spa and skincare industry?
Janna Ronert: 22 years
AS: What was the path that led you into the industry?
JR: Facing my own skin issue, rosacea.
AS: What are the most challenging and rewarding parts of being in the wellness industry?
AS: What is your proudest accomplishment?
JR: Starting a company from ground zero, and now being in 60 countries, 20,000 customers, and a team of nearly 200 employees based in Florida.
AS: What has surprised you most about working in the skincare industry?
JR: The speed at which skincare innovation travels.
AS: Where do you think the industry is heading?
JR: Total wellness, living longer, and starting to take care of yourself at a younger age is growing, and will continue to grow, within the global spa world. Total wellness in airports, hotels, workout facilities, and even the office will soon be the norm.
AS: What’s your favorite skincare ingredient?
JR: Hands down, encapsulated retinol.
AS: If you could work in any other profession in the world, what would you be?
JR: A movie producer.
AS: What are two things we don’t know about you?
JR: I was the big winner on Wheel of Fortune in college, and I grew up on a farm and milked cows every morning before school.
AS: What is the strangest client request you’ve fielded?
JR: None! When it comes to clients beauty requests, there is no request that is strange.
AS: What new spa treatment would you like to try?
JR: I heard about a 2.5 hour massage in the Maldives that puts you in a deeply meditative state that I would absolutely love to try.
AS: What’s your go-to spa treatment?
JR: A good old fashioned 80-minute massage, with stretching.
AS: How do you like to spend your time away from work?
JR: Traveling with my husband, and our eight-year-old twins around the world. Traveling allows you to experience compassion and an understanding of the world in which we live.
AS: What are your three greatest priorities in life?
JR: Family, faith, and friends.
AS: What’s the best advice you’ve received?
JR: From my dad telling me an old polish saying, “the lazy are never lucky!”
AS: How would you sum up your personal philosophy?
JR: When life is going great; it’s easy to be happy. When life throws you curve balls and knocks you down, this is when your true character comes to life. Don’t ever quit because it is too hard.
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