Getting Sticky with Jordan Harper
Jordan Harper has four kids under the age of seven.
Our hearts started thumping just typing that sentence; anyone who’s survived a teething baby or a deeply opinionated toddler knows how relentless this season can be. But for Jordan Harper, the most disorienting shift wasn’t going from one, to two, to three, to four—it was going from zero to one. We asked the Barefaced founder to reflect on her background as a nurse practitioner, the realities of aging, and how becoming a mother reshaped her perception of simplicity.
Having four little ones has taught me how to manage my time around what truly matters. Kids have this way of making you even more productive… you learn to maximize every small window of time you get. I’ve become a master at time-blocking: grouping similar tasks and giving them my full focus. I also try to get help in areas where I’m replaceable so that I can be fully present in the moments where only mom will do.
Something unexpected that has come up from building Barefaced and having four young kids is that a lot of people ask me questions around the idea of what it’s like to do it all. I think it’s so normal to look at people around us and feel like they’re doing more or that we could never do what they’re doing. But, I truly believe that if we reframe that perspective and think, if someone else can do something, so can I. A lot of that initial feeling is overwhelm or the comparison trap, and I encourage people to rather use that to fuel creativity and utilize their skills to solve a problem for people. It’s so powerful what that mindset can do for not only your personal life, but how that also opens up the door to touch thousands of people’s lives. That’s been the most impactful thing that has come from Barefaced. It’s not just the skin transformations; it’s truly the stories of confidence and allowing women to show up fully in their own lives. We all have the power to make that impact.
The jump from zero to one was by far our hardest transition. After that, each new baby just folded naturally into our family rhythm. I love that each of my kids is their own person with unique personalities and needs. I make it a point to spend one-on-one time with each of them, even if it’s just fifteen minutes a day. I’m also very intentional with my words; I want a close relationship with my kids, so I tailor how I communicate based on what makes each of them feel seen and supported.
When I first started struggling with my skin, I went to a provider who I felt dismissed my concerns and I left feeling frustrated and unseen. Then I found a Nurse Practitioner who changed everything. She listened, cared, and helped me heal my skin. That experience completely altered the trajectory of my life and inspired me to become a Nurse Practitioner myself. I know firsthand the confidence and peace that come with healthy skin, and that’s the gift I want to give others. That’s why I’m on a mission to simplify skincare through effective, results-driven products that truly work.
Motherhood changes all of your priorities, including how you view beauty. Aging is a gift! I don’t feel pressure to look younger than I am, but I do want to look and feel my best. For me, that just means staying consistent with my skincare routine (and yes, I do love a good in-office treatment).
When I was treating patients in-office, I started to notice a pattern: everyone was saying the same thing, they were willing to invest in their skin but had no idea where to start. The skincare industry can feel overwhelming, and I realized people were missing that daily routine foundation. It’s kind of like going to the dentist twice a year but never brushing your teeth in between… it just doesn’t make sense! My patients really gave me the idea for Barefaced. I didn’t set out to start a brand; I just wanted to create a few “less but better” products that actually delivered results. Before I knew it, we couldn’t keep them in stock.
Absolutely. I don’t want to do the most of anything, I’d rather do fewer things that truly matter. I’ve learned that the quality of time with my kids means so much more than the quantity. When I’m with them, I want to be fully present.
For me, self-care is anything that fuels my mind and spirit. I love reading things that challenge me to grow or teach me something new. Lately I’ve been into biographies. I just finished one on Steve Jobs and it was incredibly inspiring.
You don’t have to give up your results driven skincare routine during any season! I recommend sticking with the foundational products every skin type needs: an exfoliant, vitamin C, a retinoid alternative (while pregnant), and SPF. At Barefaced, we call these the Core Four. We also offer a retinoid alternative option (Overachiever) so you can keep your skin barrier strong and healthy throughout pregnancy and postpartum.