This week we talk to Nina Gajic, the entrepreneur behind Skin Virtue, a brand that specialises in products specifically for people with sensitive skin. As someone who suffered from sensitive skin problems herself and is passionate about health and skincare, developing these products is close to Nina’s heart and has seen her take the time to back to university to study cosmetic chemistry and learn more about the science of creating and perfecting these products.
ISB: What led you to discover the science behind Skin Virtue?
NG: It was simple as I had no other choice! I needed to discover and create something to fix my problematic skin. A lot of blood, sweat and tears led me to discover the science behind Skin Virtue. Initially, it was a very personal quest to find a cure for my own skin problems which initially included breakouts, and later severely sensitive, allergic and reactive skin. I wanted to help others who were going through the same thing. Sensitive skin can be debilitating if not looked after properly.
ISB: Why is it important for you to get the formula right for the product?
NG: I believe Skin Virtue products must not merely work; they must always exceed expectations. I want people with sensitive skin to enjoy products that go beyond just calming their skin. This is why our products help fortify sensitive skin and make it more resilient by repairing the skin barrier, as well as calming it. We are also tackling ageing skin concerns magnificently and I’m really proud of those products, which are suitable for all skin types.
ISB: How important was it for you to return to university and become a cosmetic chemist during your business journey?
NG: My background was in marketing, so I wanted to have a better understanding of how products were formulated so I could be part of the development process with our team of dermatologists. I had read everything I could find about dermatology, which helped me make knowledgeable observations and understand what I wanted to achieve. Learning how to formulate cosmetics was a natural progression from that point. I loved being part of the process of creating the products from the very start.
ISB: How is Skin Virtue helping spread the word on the need for women to focus on health and skin care?
NG: I’m often invited to speak to groups of women, and I really enjoy doing podcasts. I tell my story as often as I can so people know they can fix problematic skin and not be miserable as I was for many years! I also make sure on our website we answer a lot of questions people have about skin care, like why they need to fix a damaged skin barrier or the best nightly skin care routine. I think when we are busy looking after our children, working and socialising we often don’t prioritise our health and skincare, and I want to change that.
ISB: What is your vision for Skin Virtue in the next couple of years?
NG: My vision for Skin Virtue is for us to become a market leader in the sensitive, allergic, and reactive skin category both locally and internationally. I always aim high! I have received so much great feedback about the products from people with all types of skin, so I really believe we can achieve that. It is all about getting the word out there because I know the products work.
ISB: What advice can you give to other budding entrepreneurs with a business idea?
NG: You need to start with something you are both passionate and knowledgeable about. Then you should research the market and find that sweet spot, the category where your product can really make a difference. Understand your products inside out, plus, most importantly, understand the needs of your target market. Make sure you get your finances in place, that’s a roller coaster ride from the start! Then create something special and over-deliver on expectations.