Meet Jane Wurwand, Founder and Owner, Dermalogica and The International Dermal Institute.
How many years have you been involved in the spa industry?
I have been involved with the spa industry for over 30 years – my entire career.
What was the path that led you into the spa industry?
My path into the spa industry, specifically professional skin care, began when I was a Saturday Girl (as we are called in the UK) – I was 13. I began by sweeping up hair in the local salon. I soon realized that I loved interacting with women as clients and customers, in a very direct, hands-on way. I loved it instantly. I started as an apprentice Skin Therapist, then a Senior Therapist, an Instructor and then Owner.
What is your favorite place in the whole world?
Anywhere with my family and great friends around a big table eating, drinking and laughing. If I could choose a venue it would be in Florence, Italy.
If you could have any profession in the world, other than what you do now, what would you be?
I would either be an Interior Designer and Decorator or an antiques appraiser with a specialty in Georgian jewelry. Perhaps I still will!
What is your go-to spa treatment?
A 90-minute deep tissue massage in a steam room. Hands down (excuse the pun).
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest personal accomplishment is being a mother to the two marvelous daughters, Molly and Lucy, whose lives I am honored to share with their father and my brilliant husband and business partner, Raymond Wurwand. They are both great girls who are growing into great women! And they will forever remain as our two best products we ever produced. One of my proudest professional accomplishments was being invited to speak at the United Nations and deliver a keynote addressing Women's Economic Empowerment. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon thanked me and I was SO proud to represent and speak about our industry.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would live more in the absolute present moment. I'm always looking ahead, thinking about new ideas, visioneering what 'could be'. I think it robs me of fully appreciating the here and now. I'm working on it though!
Care to share any details on family life; i.e. spouse, partner, children, pets?
My husband, Raymond, is a "springbok" – a South African, from Cape Town – by birth and upbringing. I am from the UK. Our girls were born in Los Angeles, but we consider the whole world our home.
Two things about yourself we don’t know
What you probably don't know about me is that I'm a direct descendant of Sir Francis Drake, the first Englishman (with crew!) to circumnavigate the globe in 1577. My middle name is Drake – maybe that's where I get my sense of adventure!
What is your motto or concept that you live by?
"Fate Loves the Fearless". In other words, destiny seems to reward people who just do it without cowering, whinging and whining.
What is your most treasured possession?
My Fathers British Army regimental pin which he inscribed and gave to my Mother their first Christmas together in 1944. They met in India and were engaged in 4 hours and married in 10 days. She was widowed at age 38 and raised four girls on her own.