The game changer

Former Chemist Trevor Steyn is the Founder of Sapienic and Esse Skincare, which are sold exclusively to doctors and skincare therapists in 42 countries.

GQ: Tell us about your career before the beauty industry.

Trevor Steyn: I grew up in a small beach town on the wrong side of Durban. My father was an electrician, and my mother taught at a local primary school. I was interested in surfing and avoiding authority. I did okay at school but found my mojo at university, studying chemistry. Applying the scientific method has served me well in science and business, and I'm grateful to have had an inspiring mentor in Professor Siegfried Drewes.

I got into the beauty industry mainly by coincidence. I was working in drug discovery and saw an opportunity to offer effective products in the skincare market where the bar was low.

GQ: How did Esse Skincare and Sapienic come about?