Taneesa Williamson For 40 years, the skincare industry has been graced by a visionary whose passion and dedication has transformed the way we think about skin health. The journey of INSKIN COSMEDICS and O COSMEDICS is not just a tale of entrepreneurial success but also one of innovation, resilience, and a dedication to excellence. We caught up with Founder Maria Enna-Cocciolone to her journey thus far below.
What inspired you to start your skincare journey, and how has your vision evolved over the past 40 years?
I wouldn’t say beauty was always the dream – it wasn’t even on my radar until I stumbled upon it at a Year 12 Careers Market. But the moment I discovered beauty therapy; it was love at first sight. As a teenager I had acne and understood the “skin deep” problems associated with problematic skin. In a way, I was my own first patient. That experience, paired with my formal studies, ignited a passion for skincare and delivering long-term skin health solutions.
I began my career working in spas and clinics, which gave me a strong foundation. But it was my roles in National Sales and Education that truly inspired me to think bigger and pursue leadership in the industry.
The vision for INSKIN COSMEDICS was born from a desire to create the ideal balance between work, life, and culture – something I felt was lacking in some of the companies I had worked with. I wanted to build an environment that aligned with my values.
When I created my first brand, it was about introducing a revolutionary approach to skincare with cosmedical-strength solutions for the professional aesthetics industry. My goal was to empower skin professionals, giving them a competitive edge over online stores and big retailers like Mecca and Sephora.
What have been the biggest changes you’ve seen in the skincare industry, and how have they shaped your approach?
The skincare industry has become incredibly competitive, and whilst we are a professional brand we compete with all market segments. Standing out in the crowd is definitely challenging and so is sharing our point of difference – cosmedical care aligned to skin science.
It’s almost impossible for consumers to sift through social media and influencer content to understand skin science and given our brands are backed and endorsed by skin experts the challenge has certainly been to resonate with the skin savvy.
O COSMEDICS is celebrating 15 years this year. How has the brand adapted to stay ahead?
O COSMEDICS was built on a foundation of innovation and forward-thinking principles, launching well ahead of its time. These core values have enabled the brand to not only thrive but also continue leading the professional aesthetics segment 15 years later. By staying attuned to consumer demands and consistently delivering results-driven solutions, O COSMEDICS remains highly sought after – not just by skin professionals but also by major retailers like Mecca and Adore Beauty, who recognise the growing consumer desire for products that truly deliver on their promises.
What lessons have you learned from four decades in the industry that you wish you’d known when you started?
Life doesn’t come with a roadmap, and some of the hardest lessons I’ve faced have turned out to be my greatest blessings. While I’ve loved the multifaceted nature of this industry and the roles I’ve played, it’s the challenges and tough decisions that have truly shaped who I am today.
Working for others was an invaluable launch pad for creating INSKIN COSMEDICS and my three brands. Ironically, the most valuable lessons I learned came from seeing what not to do.
Those experiences inspired me to build something different – something better.
Working for myself has allowed me to create a culture for the people and understanding “the bigger the dream, the more important the team! Hence ensuring we get recruitment right is critical. It’s fair to say we don’t always get it right first go, but we very quickly identify when the culture doesn’t align. It’s easy to tick off job specifications and qualifications but truly understanding if the person can add value to the culture and the team is another thing all together.
The other critical learning is giving what you know and love your best and employing in areas that are not your forte or passion. Every area needs an expert!
Looking to the future, where do you see the skincare industry heading, and how will your brands continue to innovate?
The skincare industry is evolving to offer something for everyone – regardless of age, background, skin concerns, or budget. There will be options for the environmentally conscious, those who prioritise natural ingredients, and those seeking high-performance, results-driven solutions. The future lies in personalised skincare, with products tailored to individual skin goals and designed to complement advanced in-clinic treatments for unparalleled results.
Our brands will continue to stand out by competing confidently with both local and international players. We’ll remain committed to delivering evidence-based formulas, beautifully designed packaging, and meaningful touchpoints that resonate with consumers. Whether it’s through our unique energy, authenticity, or the values we embody, we aim to create lasting connections with customers and keep pushing boundaries to lead the industry forward.
For more information visit, inskincosmedics.com.au.
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