With national lockdowns beginning in March 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic, many have shifted to finding alternative methods to stay creative and to reach new audiences, all while in the comfort of their own homes.
Meet Jane Park Kang, TikTok star with over 2.3M followers, former newscaster, and loving wife and mother to her husband and two kids.
We got a chance to sit down and discuss her self-care, goals and aspirations with her growth on social media, all while balancing a household during unprecedented times.
Jane has been a Skinesque customer for almost 2 years. Her interview is below.
Of course, we have to start with this question! What is your favorite Skinesque product and why?
The first Skinesque product I tried and fell in love with was the 3 Step Charcoal mask, which I can't wait to be relaunched soon! I love the weight of the sheet mask and how hydrating it is. My skin immediately feels refreshed and replenished afterwards. It was a pre-pandemic travel staple of mine. I also love the Enzyme Cleansing Powder because it's such a gentle way to clean my face in the morning. I find the whole process of adding water and working it into a lather very meditative. But honestly, I'm a fan of every Skinesque product, and I love giving it to friends and family.
Without expecting it, you’ve gandered over two million fans and followers TikTok. What was the most difficult thing you had to deal with when it came to having 2.2. million eyes on you?
I never imagined that anyone other than my friends and family would find my content interesting or even entertaining! The biggest challenge now is managing the pressure I put on myself to constantly churn out content. I'm a lot more cautious about what I post, and I go through a mental checklist, asking myself, "Is this relatable or funny? Is it true to who I am? What negative response or opinions might people have, and will I be OK with that?" When I'm inspired by real-life conversations with my kids or everyday parenting woes, I want to make sure that I honor those moments, not poke fun at my family.
Do you have any specific goals on where you’d like to take your channel or what type of content you’d like to create/continue creating?
I have loved connecting with other moms over the last several months, and I want to continue creating content that resonates with that audience. TikTok has been a great outlet for me to process some of the daily struggles of raising kids, especially as a Korean American woman. I think as long as it remains a fun outlet, I'll continue to do it in my own time. I'm not sure yet how I want to leverage this hobby into something more.
2020 caused major shifts in our lives, and sometimes we can’t tell the difference between the days. What are some things that have kept you grounded? Anything in your self-care routine that you feel is an absolute must?
I'm very protective of my mid-morning "alone" time. Once I get my 6-year-old set up for his remote school day, I give my 4-year-old her iPad and then I reheat my coffee (LOL), read news, do my Bible devotional and maybe brainstorm content ideas. I need this uninterrupted time to replenish my mind and be present with the kids for the rest of the day. When I'm anxious or stressed out, talking to my husband always grounds me, because he doesn't see everything through my "worst-case scenario" lens. I also have enjoyed Zoom calls with my two best friends, because we haven't been able to see each other in person during the pandemic.
What book/podcast do you absolutely think the whole world needs to read/hear?
Every woman needs to listen to Lola's Ink by Jenna Hanchard. Each episode explores stories of Black girl liberation and provides fresh insight on how to be a better anti-racist ally. I'm also somewhat of an Enneagram junkie after learning about it a few years ago. I'm a 6, and that self knowledge has helped me navigate pandemic life in a healthier way. In my free time I listen to Typology with Ian Morgan Cron or The Enneagram Journey hosted by Suzanne Stabile.
Many of your followers ask you to “drop the skincare routine” because of your glowing skin. What is the most important piece of skincare advice you’ve received or want to share?
As a college student I worked at a dermatologist's office, and I learned that wearing SPF is a non-negotiable. It's the best thing you can do to protect your skin. In the morning I'll cleanse, tone (many times with the Wake Up and Make Up sheet mask), and then wear sunscreen under a tinted moisturizer. By the way, I love that face masks give us an extra layer of sun protection right now!
You bring joy to people all over the world one TikTok video at a time. What are some things that bring you joy?
The smallest things bring me joy these days: fresh bed sheets, new growth on my houseplants, lazy Saturday mornings with my family, and decluttering areas around the house. The other day I spent an hour collecting all the leaves in the front yard. It was a great workout and I got some alone time. Best of all, it was so rewarding to see the yard waste bin full and the driveway clear afterwards. I'm learning to redefine joy in so many ways.
Shop Jane's Skinesque Favorites: Enzyme Cleansing Powder, and Wake Up & Makeup Prep Sheet Masks.
