I think that what I do is very interesting. However, I've never thought that I was particularly interesting. So, when I was asked to write about something other than a technical subject, I was a little taken aback. Life and business do not suddenly erupt into a pinnacle of recognition and success. Life unfolds slowly with all the subtle intricacies, heartbreak, struggles and elation. So, when I am asked "how did you get where you are?” the answer is not simple.

One thing I will tell you is that I am absolutely passionate about what I do, and it all started about 35 years ago. I've always referred to myself as a "Product Researcher.” Back in the beginning my expertise was targeted toward deciphering cosmetic skin care ingredients. When you look at that long and often intimidating product labeling, how do you know if a product or ingredient can actually produce a measurable and objective change? Is there any scientific or medical validation? So, at first, I lectured to physicians, medical professionals, skin care professionals and consumers about ingredients. I was also interviewed on talk radio and television. People love to hear about products and what actually works.

As time went on I developed associations with physicians and researchers and began to focus more on the research and development side of skin care.

Around 1989, I financed and co-marketed the M.D. Formulations and M.D. Forte product lines. The products originated from a little pharmaceutical firm, Herald Pharmacol, located in Richmond, Virginia. Herald Pharmacol was modestly involved in manufacturing a glycolic acid-based product that virtually no one knew about. At that time glycolic acid skin care products were not commercially available to the general public. Very few physicians and no one in the professional skin care market had even heard of glycolic acid.

When I secured the distribution rights, I believe Herald Pharmacol assumed that I would market product through the traditional retail channels such as department store cosmetic counters, etc. However, I envisioned an entirely unexplored and what could be considered highly controversial marketplace, the physician dispensing market. Physicians were not selling skin care products in their practices. While this is commonplace today, at the time it was viewed as tawdry and cheap, and at best, unethical. I had a vision so intense, and with such clarity, that I felt compelled to follow my instincts.

Looking at today's market, it may not be readily apparent that there were seemingly insurmountable obstacles. First, the majority of physicians were incensed and insulted at the very suggestion that they would sell skin care from their practices. Many of my colleagues, including Herald Pharmacol, thought I was certain to fail and that along the way I would also irreparably damage their reputation. There was no encouraging or positive feedback. I learned a critical lesson. Never let anyone determine your limitations. Don't give up on your aspirations and goals by making them contingent on receiving validation from someone else. Trust your instincts. Many of the world's greatest achievements started with the admonition that "it can't be done.”

I also believe that many of us are hesitant to take the initial risk unless someone else has succeeded. Don't be afraid to be the first. I have never wanted to be the second in the marketplace and have my progress compared to someone else. If you are first, you set the standard for everyone who follows.

So the rest, as they say, is history. M.D. Formulations and M.D. Forte grew and prospered and were eventually purchased by Allergan. The physician skin care market was firmly entrenched, spawning medi-spas and laser centers and became the fastest and most profitable segment in the skin care arena.

In 1994, I founded Jan Marini Skin Research, Inc., which enabled me to further realize and refine my vision. Jan Marini Skin Research is really the vehicle that allows me to research, develop and market new and evolving technologies. I have had the privilege of bringing to market topical agents that are a worldwide first. I hold numerous patents and I am intensely dedicated to uncovering and identifying technologies that can truly impact the medical community and professional skin care market. I have been honored to speak at medical venues around the world and I continue to be immensely grateful and humbled by the support of the marketplace I serve.

Reflecting back on the last 14 years, I can recall devastating challenges along with exhilarating successes. As my husband likes to say, "nothing worthwhile is ever easy.” There have been all the typical growing pains – employee issues, strategic decisions, betrayals and triumphs – along with the ever present struggles to create a balance between personal time and the all-consuming passion I have for the business. I have dealt with lawsuits (not for product issues thank goodness!) and FDA issues. I have had formulas stolen along with customer lists and I, along with the talented and dedicated people I work with, have all survived and prospered.

I believe that I am truly in the greatest and most rewarding business in the world.

I believe that you must partner with your marketplace to fulfill a need, provide value and make it possible for others to succeed.

I believe that you must share your knowledge and freely give of your time and expertise so that others can realize their goals and ambitions in order to "live their passion.”

I believe that every day is filled with possibilities and opportunities.

And most of all, I believe that no one can do it for you, but you don't have to do it alone.