Entrepreneur of the Year
Janna’s claim to skin innovation success
This independent businesswoman, mother, and licensed esthetician started her business from her one-bedroom Houston apartment in 2003. Her range of innovative, professional-grade skincare products are now taking the world by storm.
We talk to Image Skincare CEO and Founder, Janna Ronert on her success, innovation and her plans for 2018.
From humble beginnings
From a small-town country girl from Nebraska, to the founder and CEO of one of the biggest skincare brands in the world, Janna Ronert is one remarkable woman.
Established only 15 years ago, today Image Skincare is one of the most highly-regarded professional skincare brands in the industry, sold in over 60 countries and with 20,000 salon professionals reaping the rewards that its innovative and superior quality products bring.
Whether it is managing her family dynamics at home with her twins, or leading the charge at the head of a global business, Janna’s incredibly modest work ethic stems from her natural determination and tenacity, pushing through obstacles throughout her career to get Image where she knew it could go.
As one of the most successful female CEO’s in the industry, Janna’s fearless dedication in seeking innovation where others wouldn’t dream about, has led her to be honoured with Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2012, and recognised among the top 200 CEO’s in the USA.
The team that keeps on growing
Despite Image Skincare’s growth, Janna’s strategy remains as simple as it did when she had a single employee and no customers, working out of her apartment.
“There are two things that are responsible for our success as a brand: Our passion for developing innovative products, and our amazing team of more than 200 employees that are inspired to be the very best in the industry,” Janna explains when talking about her constant focus on her team at Image.
Janna and her business partner slash husband, plastic surgeon Dr. Marc Ronert, stand their business on the belief that employees should be treated like family, and their loyalty rewarded at every turn.
“Never underestimate the meaning of a team, those who strive to get to the finish line with you. I endeavor to remain grounded and focused on my employees, and my customers, keeping them highly engaged with the brand and empowered to meet their life goals.
We know that if our employees aren’t invested in the brand, our customers won’t be either. Even our warehouse staff undergo training on our products and are given free skincare regimen starter kits and skincare education,” says Janna.
When you stop innovating in the industry, your brand will die
Janna and Marc frequently travel the globe in search of the latest breakthroughs in technologies and ingredients, recently travelling to Korea to investigate the latest trends in K-beauty. “As relentless innovation is the backbone of our brand, we continue to evolve our formulations to keep up with an ever-growing industry that will discard you at the drop of a hat if you stand still,” says Janna.
“We’re constantly working on evolving the brand with new innovations but we also continue to go back and reformulate best-sellers in the range.”
Core to her business strategy is driving customers to skincare professionals to purchase, though Janna admits that the advent of digital continues to present a challenge to the industry.
“Even in the face of the digital revolution, as a former esthetician myself, I believe that a website will never replace a good facial. The biggest challenge for the coming years is meeting the needs of customers who want to buy authentic products online, while continuing to educate them about the importance and value of professionals in the skincare industry.
Every leader of our industry will need to find the right balance between digital and offering a personal, face to face diagnosis and treatment plan.”
What is in store for 2018
Today, Janna juggles her roles as a CEO, public service advocate, wife and mother, and international health and wellness speaker. She continues to inspire women around the world with her passion, dynamism and leadership.
With a growing list of celebrity fans including Cameron Diaz and Miley Cyrus, Image was listed on Inc. 500’s ‘Fastest Growing Private Companies in America’ in 2017, along with other corporate giants like Microsoft and Chobani.
“At Image Skincare, we are always shattering our own ceilings. In 2018, we’re focusing on researching the next professional skincare secrets to help you Age Later. Our 2018 NEW products are light years ahead of the curve and transformational to the professional treatments and services you experience every day.” says Janna.
About Image
With 12 collections spanning professional and retail products, customised to your skin type and needs, Image Skincare is powered by safe, proven ingredients, smart botanicals and next generation innovations. Featuring over 460 active peptides, lightening agents, AHA/BHA’s, retinols and potent vitamins, this cutting-edge, clinically proven line provides your clients with the tools to Age Later.
