6 minute read
A Fusion of Medicine and Skincare
Meet Kara Johns, a dedicated General Practitioner, and the creative force behind SBK Skincare. Her journey in healthcare, inspired by her own skincare challenges, led to the birth of a brand that blends medical expertise with a love for skincare. Kara’s story represents resilience and entrepreneurial spirit, making a lasting impact on holistic wellness and self-care.
Editor Louise May chats with Kara Johns about her journey to date and her new Skincare brand
Can you share with us how your journey in the industry began?
As a child, I struggled with eczema, and later, as a young adult, I faced various skin issues like dermatitis, acne, and rosacea. I noticed that certain products exacerbated these conditions, prompting me to pay closer attention to the products I used.
My fascination with skincare peaked during medical school in my late 20s, as I started seriously considering my skin’s health. During a rotation with a passionate GP specialising in skincare, I delved deeper into learning about different brands, their products, and individual ingredients.
What motivated you to start SBK, and what’s the inspiration behind the brand?
Several factors. Firstly, my medical career wasn’t unfolding as expected due to personal choices like becoming a parent and dealing with health challenges. Secondly, my passion for skincare had become consuming—I was constantly researching, watching videos, and trying skincare from around the world.
Thirdly, my health challenges impacted my income, prompting me to explore ways to support myself and my family if I had to step back from being a medical doctor. One night, while struggling with skeletal joint pain, the idea of creating my own skincare brand struck me with excitement and joy, pushing me to pursue this new venture.
How did becoming a parent change your perspective on life and your career goals?
Becoming a parent was an intense experience. It was something I had longed for, but the journey to pregnancy was challenging. The pregnancy itself was difficult, impacting my career and confidence. After my son was born, the initial weeks were humbling, and I grappled with the drastic shift in my life’s dynamics.
I struggled with the societal perception of motherhood conflicting with my professional identity. Eventually, finding a balance by gradually returning to work made me a happier parent.
It clarified what truly mattered to me—being an active parent while still pursuing my personal goals, which had gained new significance now that I had a little one to look up to.
How has your recent diagnosis with spondyloarthritis affected your daily life and career aspirations?
After the challenging first year of motherhood, I thought life would gradually ease up. However, spondyloarthritis started affecting me when my son was about one year old. The gradual onset and subsequent diagnosis were tough to grapple with. Initially hopeful that medications would control the disease, I faced the reality of their side effects slowing me down. I had to change my mindset and accept that this was my new reality, finding a way to work with it instead of seeing it as a hindrance.
My daily life now revolves around managing the disease, acknowledging that my productivity is not what it used to be. I had to accept that my medical career has fundamentally changed and that I need to run my own race, as traditional medical paths are no longer practical for me.
Interestingly, my brand wouldn’t exist if I hadn’t developed spondyloarthritis. This disease redirected my career path away from the constant pressure of traditional medicine. It made me realise that there could be a new path for me beyond my medical career.
Translating my love for skincare into a hopeful venture became inspiring and empowering. It felt like a beautiful integration of my career, education, and skills. Creating SBK brought purpose to my prior scientific and medical background, making those years of education valuable in a new way.
How does SBK differ from other skincare brands?
Authenticity is a core value of SBK. I want the brand to be recognised as genuine and honest. Our branding is deliberately abstract, allowing customers to interpret it for themselves. The choice of colours and design aims to offer a sense of fun and self-care without conforming to conventional beauty standards.
SBK is a bridge between simple pharmacy skincare products and exciting, skincareobsessed options. It incorporates ingredients that may benefit sensitive skin, especially plant-based ones, with a goal to create products that sensitive skin sufferers can comfortably try.
My medical and scientific background helps me ensure that marketing claims align with the actual function of the formulations, avoiding known skin irritants and focusing on soothing, anti-inflammatory, and healing ingredients.
Do you have any upcoming products or projects that you’re particularly excited about?
I’m enthusiastic about expanding the product range. We have already developed some products like a body cleansing oil suitable for sensitive skin and ideal for babies. Other products, such as a scalp serum for itchy scalps, are currently in development.
Additionally, I’m eager to see SBK venture into the salon space—both in terms of products used during treatments and through wholesale partnerships. This was not an initial goal, but the interest from salons has led me to consider this avenue, aligning with SBK’s commitment to offering high quality, Australian-made, cruelty-free, and sensitive skin-friendly options to a broader audience.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your journey as the creator of a skincare range?
The most rewarding aspect has been witnessing people’s positive reactions after trying the products for the first time. It’s akin to a musician sharing a song they’ve meticulously crafted. The time and effort spent developing these products, and then seeing them appreciated, is truly exhilarating and fulfilling.
What future goals do you have?
I envision my brand growing, increasing brand awareness and market share while remaining true to the initial goals. Steady growth is essential to maintain our commitment to quality and affordability. I aspire to see the brand become a recognised and trusted name in the skincare industry, offering a range of products that cater to diverse needs and contribute positively to people’s skin health and self-care routines.
