PEOPLE AND COMMUNITY
On crafting a life around community with
Niamh Mooney1.You have created Software, a personalised skincare prescription service. What led you to its creation?
The decision to create Software and the skincare essentials collection stemmed from my own personal journey and passion for skincare. I struggled with acne as a teenager and was struck by the transformative power of prescription skincare.
I noticed a gap in the market for skincare products that not only deliver visible results but also prioritise the health and well-being of the skin. I wanted to create a brand that combines science-backed formulations with a holistic approach to skincare. That's when the idea of Software was born.
The skincare essentials collection was developed to provide a curated range of products that are fundamental for any skincare routine. I wanted to create a collection that simplifies skincare, focusing on high-quality essentials that are effective yet gentle on the skin.
Through extensive research, collaborations with dermatologists, and rigorous testing, we ensured that every product in the collection is formulated with premium ingredients that address specific skin concerns. It was important to me to create a line that caters to a diverse range of skin types and concerns, empowering individuals to feel confident and comfortable in their own skin.
2. Software pioneers a new approach in the way health care is sought and administered. This requires people to rethink the way they are accessing and offering health care and change can often be met with some resistance. What challenges have you personally and professionally encountered in developing skin software and what impacts have you observed the creation of Software to have through its novel approach to inclusive wellbeing? Do you have feeling or thought towards how the landscape in which healthcare services are offered and accessed in the future may change based on your experiences with skin Software?
Software is certainly quite novel in the way it administers healthcare: from the doctors consult, through to the dispensing of the medication, it’s entirely online. We launched during Covid so we certainly benefited from the cultural shift - the normalisation of talking to a GP via zoom, rather than face-to-face.
It was really challenging at first - the Australian legislation had to quickly adjust to recognise virtual consultations, both via phone and online.
I think the biggest shift I’ve seen is the reduced barrier to accessing healthcare - you don’t have to go through the rigmarole of finding a GP, booking an appointment, attending the clinic and dealing with the waiting room. Of course this option still exists, but you can also connect online if that’s what you want.
I have no doubt healthcare will continue to change in the future, at a minimum, it will adjust to meet industry changes. For example, there is a GP shortage in Australia, and bulk billing has reduced significantly, so we’ve seen pharmacies step in to take on some of the load. On another note, we have seen a rise in medicinal cannabis and GPs upskilling to prescribe it. Both of these examples have resulted in changes in the way to engage with, and consume, healthcare.
3. Skincare sits at the interface between the health and wellbeing and beauty industries. With some accessing your services for health purposes and some for beauty purposes. How do you integrate these differences and what do you see to be the relationship between health and beauty- is this something you consider, question or engage with? Is it a question that feels relevant or arises within your brand or for yourself?
I used to get this question a lot: is Software a beauty brand or a medical brand?? Given the role that the doctor plays in prescribing skincare, Software is definitely a medical brand. Software’s prescription line isn’t readily available over-the-counter at retailers because you need a consultation with a doctor to access the powerful and effective ingredients.
That said, Software treats both cosmetic and chronic conditions: we treat acne, signs of aging, pigmentation and more. This is the really interesting thing about the dermatology space - it is both cosmetic and condition specific.
4. How do you negate the multifactorial nature of running a business, and how did you go about growing it? Have you employed professionals to help, or have you been self taught or used a combination of the two. What resources did you have and utilize to help you create and develop it?
I’m surrounded by a strong team. In the early stages you will do a lot yourself - like a swiss army knife - but to grow the business you must hire people who are better than you at specific roles. One of the most rewarding experiences is hiring quality talent who takes what you’ve done and rebuilds it to be 10x better.
5. You transitioned from previously being a lawyer into running Software - how was this transition for you?
Incredibly difficult. There are definitely transferable skills from lawyering into business but there’s a lot to ‘unlearn’ too - as a lawyer you are taught to identify risk but when running a business you have to focus on growth.
6 .What does daily life/ your daily routine look like for you?
My days are far more balanced now - for the first 2 years of Software I worked crazy hours and didn’t look after myself properly - my cortisol levels were permanently elevated and my health was in a bad way.
But now, most days are started with exercise (the gym or a run), this ensures that I start my day with the right mind set. I try to cluster my meetings and set aside blocks for deeper, uninterrupted work.
I love cooking and it plays a key role in winding down my day. I live in Redfern, Sydney, near a local farmers market called Carriageworks. We visit every Saturday to do our weekly shop for the week.
7. What are your interests, passions, where do you find inspiration?
I’ve always been a keen cyclist and runner but recently I’ve taken up weight lifting and am actually really enjoying it. I love feeling strong and the need to focus deeply on technique and specific movement.
I find inspiration from my community. I’m very lucky to be surrounded by a wonderful group of innovative and interesting people. Action breeds innovation - as you move through life you bump into problems - I love brainstorming ideas to solve those problems.
8. Do you have any guiding principles or philosophies that you use to support you personally or professionally in your decision making and actions?
First principles thinking helps me to prioritize in life.
What is the highest impact task that I need to get done today? This helps me to be intentional about the decisions that I make and drives focus.
Also, what is our objective? What is the problem we are trying to solve? Once you get clear on this, all of the noise falls away.
11. Where do you find comfort and joy?
My friends play a crucial role in bringing joy to my life. I’m an extrovert who loves being around interesting and stimulating people. I’ve crafted my life so I live near a close network of friends because I recognise that these people are the source of my happiness.
My partner brings me a huge amount of comfort - there is nothing better than a hug at the end of the day.
12. Three best books/ most turned to books on your bookshelf? Any on your reading list?
I’m particularly interested in how we value businesses at the moment and am reading the Little Black Book of Valuation by Aswath Damodaran. Dry, I know.
I’ve become very interested in long term health over the past year so am reading Outlive by Peter Attia. It’s all about preventative healthcare: identify a long list of movements you want to be doing at the age of 80 and work backwards from there. In your 30s and 40s you should be training to ensure you’re physically and mentally able to be doing those activities at 80.
13. What does wellbeing mean to you?
Mental and physical strength. Mental fortitude to make quality decisions, consistently, and physical health to ensure I feel good, day-to-day.
Find Niamh on social media here: @niamhlette
Find Software here: https://www.skin.software
10/08/2023
