From Skin Deep to Soul Deep: How One Australian Built a Skincare Empire With Science, Heart & Serious Grit

At Parenthood360, we love celebrating trailblazers – and Maria Enna-Cocciolone is one of those powerhouse women whose story hits especially close to home for any parent trying to juggle work, family and dreams. With 40 years in the professional skincare industry, and a trilogy of standout brands under her belt – O COSMEDICS, GINGER&ME and INSKIN.CO – Maria has built more than just a business. She’s built a movement built on results, integrity, and real human connection.

We sat down with the skin science queen herself to talk about how it all began, the moments that shaped her, and what she wants every parent/founder to know.

1. Maria, congratulations on this incredible 40-year milestone! Can you take us back to where it all began? What inspired you to step into the professional beauty industry, and what was your vision back then?

Thank you – it’s hard to believe it’s been 40 years! Honestly, I thought I’d end up in law or medicine. Beauty wasn’t even on my radar until I stumbled across a Beauty Therapy stand at a school careers market. As the principal walked me through the curriculum – Skin Science, Psychology, Nutrition, Communication – something just clicked. I was captivated!

That spark turned into a fire, and today, that same passion drives everything I do. My vision was (and still is) to transform lives through skin confidence.

2. O COSMEDICS, GINGER&ME and INSKIN.CO have all become standout names in the industry. What was your first “a-ha” moment that made you realise you were building something truly special?

It was when I realised most brands were including trace amounts of these active ingredients to list them on the label and make marketing claims —but not enough to actually work.

We use every ingredient at its functional dose – the level scientifically proven to deliver results.

3. You’ve witnessed four decades of industry shifts. What’s changed most, and how have you stayed ahead of the curve?

The beauty space has become loud, cluttered, and—let’s be honest—a bit chaotic. With influencers pushing half-truths and viral videos selling skincare like it’s fast fashion, it’s confusing for both consumers and professionals.

I stay in my expert lane. I coined the term cosmedical to represent science-backed skincare that actually does what it says. Every product we release is built on skin science, not trends.

4. INSKIN COSMEDICS is known for being both results-driven and heart-led. How do you strike that balance between clinical innovation and genuine human connection?

People buy from people. And real people want to feel heard and cared for. We’re all about integrity, transparency and connection—whether it’s with our team, our partner clinics, or our customers.

We show real skin, real people, and speak in a warm, authentic tone. Great skin results should come wrapped in a Tiffany bow—and that’s what we aim to deliver.

5. What were some defining moments or challenges that shaped your career?

Starting out, I was distributing overseas brands owned by people who didn’t understand skin. When product issues arose and I was told “this only happens in Australia,” I knew I needed to build something better – something I could own and control.

Creating my own brand meant I could take responsibility for my team, my clinics, and ultimately the results people experienced. It wasn’t always easy – legal threats and dirty tactics came with the territory – but every challenge just made me more determined.

We even had a company rule: we don’t waste time on negativity. Focus is power, and staying true to our goals kept us moving forward.

6. Each of your brands has a strong identity. What inspired O COSMEDICS, GINGER&ME, and INSKIN.CO ?

Each one was created with our evolving customer in mind:

• O COSMEDICS was born to deliver real results with no fluff. Think: time-poor people needing lunchtime treatments that actually work.
• GINGER&ME came next, inspired by the rise of overwhelm. It’s all about self-love, mindfulness, and showing up with your best ‘Tude – attitude, gratitude, beautitude.
• INSKIN.CO
• was launched most recently to offer attainable, high-performance skincare at a $55 price point.

They’re all different, but they share the same foundation: skin science, integrity, and results.

7. For women juggling business, family, and personal growth—your journey is so inspiring. What advice would you give to aspiring founders, especially in beauty or wellness?

If I’d known how hard it would be, I might never have started. The juggle is real. The sacrifices are real. But so is the joy and the magic.

There’s a saying: “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” (Let’s agree no one’s actually eating elephants—but the point holds!) Break big dreams into small, doable actions. Focus on the process. Celebrate the wins.

When kids come into the picture, your village matters more than ever. I was lucky – Italian family, grandparents who were lifesavers. But even without that, you need systems and support.

At INSKIN, one of our values is: “You don’t leave your heart at home when you go to work.” If your child is sick, be there – or make sure someone is there who loves them like you do. Only then can you lead with a clear head and a full heart.

If someone says it’s easy—they’re lying. But with planning, heart, and purpose, you can do it. And you can do it well.

8. You’ve been leading with impact for four decades. How do you stay energised and inspired—personally and professionally?

It comes down to three things: mindset, your people, and sleep.

I’m a glass-half-full kind of person. I find the silver linings, I trust my gut, and I reflect weekly with gratitude—even on the tough days.

I surround myself with good humans. My mum, now almost 85, is still a huge part of my world. My husband and grown-up kids? We work and do life together. It’s everything.

And sleep? That’s sacred. I need 7–8 hours, and I protect it. Every night ends with a hot shower where I mentally wash away the day and take only the good stuff with me to bed.

9. If you had to describe INSKIN COSMEDICS in three words, what would they be? And what’s the one message you hope every customer walks away with?

Visionary. Innovative. Passionate.

Every product has been considered, tested, and loved. It’s beautiful and it works.

10. Looking back, what are you most proud of? And what’s next for you and the brands?

I’m proud of everything—even the messy parts. Because they’ve all led me here.

As for what’s next? That’s the exciting part. The industry evolves fast, and I’m not chasing what’s viral-  I’m waiting for the next scientific breakthrough that lets me build something powerful, purposeful, and skin-changing.

Final Thoughts: What Parenthood360 Parents Can Take From Maria’s Journey

Maria’s story isn’t just about skincare – it’s about self-leadership, staying the course, and rewriting the script for what balance can actually look like. It’s a reminder that building something meaningful – whether it’s a business, a family, or both—is rarely tidy, but it is possible.

For mums (and dads) who are in the thick of it, here’s what stood out to us:

• You don’t have to rush. Maria didn’t start with a fully formed empire. She followed one spark, took one step, and let the journey evolve. You don’t need a perfect plan to start – just a willingness to keep moving forward.

• You can be both a nurturer and a disruptor. From school drop-offs to skin science breakthroughs, Maria proves that fierce innovation and fierce love can coexist. Her values haven’t been watered down by business—they’ve been baked into it.

• Support isn’t optional. Whether it’s grandparents, friends, or hired help, your “village” is what allows you to show up fully—at work and at home. Maria never left for a business trip without knowing her kids were safe, loved, and thriving. That’s the kind of boundaries we love to see.

• Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s strategic. From prioritising sleep to surrounding herself with good energy, Maria reminds us that running on empty isn’t a badge of honour. Rested parents make better decisions (and better skincare, apparently!).

• Success takes time. And tantrums. And tenacity. It’s not all vision boards and viral moments. There were legal battles. There was burnout. There were probably a few teary airport goodbyes. But through it all, Maria kept showing up. Not perfectly – just consistently.

So whether you’re building a business, a blog, a better bedtime routine, or just trying to remember what you walked into the kitchen for – know this:

You’re allowed to dream big. You’re allowed to take it slow. And you’re doing better than you think.

At Parenthood360, we celebrate the juggle, the joy, and the grit behind every parent’s story. Maria just happens to have bottled hers into something that glows.