Five Big Questions: Jordan Samuel Pacitti
Plus the best skincare tips, products, and practices.
Welcome to this week’s edition of Five Big Questions, the short interview series where awesome people share a bit about who they are and what moves them.
We’re mixing it up this week, with a special themed issue featuring one of my favorite experts. I’m excited to dive in…
Today’s guest is Jordan Samuel Pacitti, founder and CEO of Jordan Samuel Skin. Before I met Jordan the person, I fell in love with his eponymous products, which I’ve written about a bunch over the years. I am happy to report that the human behind them is just as wonderful.
One of the things I most admire about Jordan is his “less, but better” approach (most days, he uses just two products!), along with his focus on education to find a routine that works for you. I’m also in awe of his career trajectory — he’s a retired professional ballet dancer and licensed esthetician.
Without further ado, here’s Jordan, in his own words.
What’s one thing you struggle with that people might be surprised to hear?
I’m not sure anyone would be surprised by this, but as much as I talk about finding a good work/life balance and really separating the two, I’m often fully consumed by work. This is compounded by the fact that my husband, Ben, is the CMO. We’re a small team, but fifty percent of the team lives together and that makes it hard to put bookends on the day. Every day, we take a morning walk at 6:30. We love our walks, but inevitably, we’ll talk about work. In bed at night, I’ll glance at an email, or he’ll glance at an email, and that’s all it takes to bring our minds back to work. I’m always thinking about a new creation, updates to existing products, ways to grow.
What’s one thing you’re proud of?
I’m proud of the moments when I’m able to successfully pivot and course-correct when faced with the inevitable daily speed bumps that come with having your own business. There’s always a surprise, whether it’s supply chain issues or cashflow or product development hiccups or packaging frustrations or warehouse issues. It’s funny how things often look different from the outside. Even knowing the reality of running a business, I’ll still look at other brands through rose-colored lenses. Then I talk to them and discover we’re stressed about the same things. But I love that there’s never a boring day.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Jo Malone, the perfumer and creator of Jo Loves, once said in an interview, “Never quit on a bad day,” and that stuck with me. This can translate to so many areas of life beyond work. Our feelings about things will change and evolve over time. We can always start anew each day.
What’s the most beautiful thing you’ve ever read?
It’s actually something I just read: Congratulations, By the Way: Some Thoughts on Kindness, by George Saunders, based on a commencement address. It’s roughly a ten-minute read that I’d recommend to everyone.
What is one consumable thing you recommend?
I recently started using Waking Up, a science-based meditation app, and am really enjoying it. It’s especially great if you’re new to meditation, like I am. They offer a seven-day free trial so you can see if it’s a good fit.
Second, this SNL skit made me laugh so hard. It’s an easy thing to watch when you need a pick-me-up.
When it comes to skincare, Jordan is a fount of knowledge, not to mention a walking advertisement: the man glows. So, I thought it would be fun to share some of his tips and takeaways (and get a peek at his everyday routine).